The Small Town Dream.....My dream in BoCo

The Start of my DREAM......

Today I was asked if I have a dream.....I have always had a dream, but ironically my dream is much different than those around. me.

I do not dream of wealth, I would rather be poor and happy.
I do not dream to be pretty, as looks fade.
I do not dream of wisdom, as I love to learn.

My dreams are simple, my dreams are organic, my dreams are unflattering.

My simple dreams are to live as simple and organic as possible.  I dream of providing for my family the old fashion way, I dream of cooking, gardening, fishing, cleaning, and having the simple life.  I dream of my kids understanding the food we eat comes from the ground, not from the store.  I dream of my daughter baking pies, instead of buying oreos.  I dream of my son understanding how to work a field, feed livestock, and catch his dinner the way our ancestors once did.

This dream I have already started working on, I am looking into starting a small orchard.....I want to teach all of my children that it takes work to reap the reward, plus I LOVE fresh fruit.....The Chicken House Orchard????

I would one day own a place that others will visit, others will enjoy, others will find retreat from their crazy life at.   I dream of providing a sanctuary for those who have none, a place that people can come to forget the burdens that surround them, a place that is not known for expense, but known for love.

I would love to own or run a resort in middle of Bollinger County.  While I am years away (and it may never ever happen), I would love to share this beautiful country with the world, make it a place where people come to relax at.......Escape to BoCo?

An Empty Building in Marble Hill, that could be a HOTEL
Providing a place for travelers to stay, and jobs to those in need!

I dream is to one day see my hometown prosper, to succeed, to be a place that not only am I proud to say is where I come from, but thousands are proud to say they have visited.   I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, I need not to travel out of my little area to see many of God's paintings.  I dream that people will come visit our area, bring revenue to our area, and one day our youth will have no need to move or drive far away for a job, they will be able to stay near their families and have all they will need.

My last dream is help start, organize, and promote tourism in Bollinger County, Missouri!  For years I have said there is so much here and no one promotes this place.  I am not sure if when I open my mouth to speak if people are confused, people are taken by surprise, or if they just don't know where to start.  I have had this dream for years, but I have always been sidetracked by other's ideas or thoughts, than my divorce came along, and of course their is alway time, money, and energy to add to the mix.  I know deep down inside my heart tourism is the key to success in BoCo, as their is little left here in our very rural area of the world.  I believe that with the proper organization, the proper promoting, our small rural community could be one the next tourist attractions......How does VisitBoCoMO sound you all?

Daily I am met with negative views, smirks, and contradicting comments about my dreams.....for years I have been defeated by those with power, money, more wisdom than I, and the lack of support by those who I love.

I sigh as I sit here, as this is the first time I have spoke about my dreams on my blog.  I know people will laugh, people will say I will fail, but if I fail at least I have tried.   Now if you are reading this and live in BoCo Missouri (Bollinger County, Missouri) and are looking for something to pray about, dream about, or help with....I am always open to help....

God Bless!

~Becky

Gal Pal Road Trip Summer 2013: Riversong Spa in Jefferson City, MO

Jessie & I at the Missouri Capitol Building

What is a gal pal road trip without a trip to the spa?  In my book that is nearly impossible!  My gal pal Jessie and I have made it an annual tradition to go have a gal pal road trip each summer!  This year we road tripped to Jefferson City, Missouri.  I have so much to share, but today as I glanced down at my still perfectly manicured feet I had to share my experience at Riversong Spa….

I am probably the world worst person about taking care of my feet; I am constantly wearing flip flops, mud boots, and messing around in my garden in sandals….needless to say my feet are GROSS.   Not to mention I was traveling and walking the streets of Jefferson City, to be frank about it I felt bad for the girl giving me a pedicure! 

16 things to do this summer in Southeast Missouri

D-man Bird Watching at the
Cape Girardeau Nature Center 

Welcome to Summer Friends, I know our summer is fully running with softball games, fishing, and summer school.  Yes, I am one of those mean moms that make my kids go to summer school, with good reason of course! 

If you are like me summer means you are trying to entertain a gang on a budget, so I have created a list of a few great places that will keep you and your kiddos intrigued and busy!

Cape Girardeau Nature Center- Rather it is a quick break for the afternoon or check out all the awesome programs they are having the Cape Girardeau Nature Center is often our sanctuary from the heat. We can stop in and check out the animals, entertain ourselves with interactive exhibits, and if I am lucky, my wild ones might actually learn something. The nature center is good for all ages REALLY, even I find myself gazing at the latest artwork displayed.

Cape River Heritage Museum -- Learn the Cape Girardeau River Heritage, the history of what Cape Girardeau use to be, and just check out some awesome artifacts from the Cape Girardeau's past. This museum is good for all curious ages, but it is a museum of history, so your visit is what you make it. My kids loved the Pilot House and Fire Truck, of course who wouldn't be.

Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum -- Discovery stories of the Native Americans, the Mississippi River, the boats, the railroad, and much more. Crisp museum is a great for a short afternoon outing kids are always intrigued by the talking exhibits and you never know they may learn a bit of history.

Discovery Playhouse -- Need I say more than Discovery Playhouse, well of course I do! Discovery Playhouse is full of interactive displays, bright colors, and ways to keep those little imaginations turning. Discovery Playhouse also host weekly programs like music morning, check their website for more information. I am going to throw my Momma opinion here, Discovery Playhouse is PERFECT for my little man that is four, but my little woman who is almost 9 does tend to get bored about thirty minutes after we get there. Now do not get discouraged by that keep in mind that every child is different and if you have never visited your older kids may love it.

LeBounce -- The giant indoor bounce house also now offers Bazooka Ball. Hours of fun, leads to hours of peace and quiet....I speak from experience! Follow their facebook page as they often offer special prices and daily deals!

Southeast Missouri State Aquatics Center -- I know it is summer and we are suppose to be laying beside the pool working on our tan, well let's just face it when it is 106 outside the last thing I want to do is lay on a hot pool deck. Catch your waves inside; they even have an indoor zip line!

This is BoCo in the Spring

Yes this is home, these are the views that I see every day!   Amazing that I am blessed this much in Rural Missouri!

Bluff Dwellers' Cave in Noel, MO

One of Missouri’s “cool” places (literally) is ready to welcome guest for the summer!  Bluff Dwellers' Cavern in Noel, Missouri is not only ready for summer, but they are excited for summer. 

The Bluff Dwellers' Cave dates back to 12,000 BC the time of the Paleo-Indians, in 1925 the cave was rediscovered by Arthur Browning.  The Bluff-Dwellers Cavern has been open for tours since 1927, which is like 86 years…to me that is a big enough historical fact to make me want to go visit the cave! 

Bluff Dwellers' Cavern is fun for all ages, and they claim it is perfect for ages 2-102!  Okay, that is a score considering you can take the toddlers and grandpa!   The cave has knowledgeable staff (obviously bigger history experts than me), interactive tours, a museum with 700 locally found arrowheads and a Mineral and Fossil collection, and a play area for children.  

To fully enjoy the cave, museum, and the day allow around an hour and half for your visit.  However, to make your visit better compliment of Bluff Dwellers Cavern I have two FREE Passes for one of my lucky readers!  Follow instructions below, share with your friends, and take a trip to Noel, Missouri to visit beautiful Bluff Dwellers' Cavern!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other area attractions include:  

Floating on the Elk River – enjoy the beautiful bluffs by raft, kayaks, or canoe!

Shadow Lake - a great place to enjoy the river and have some refreshments, but is also quickly becoming a destination of its own for its unique club atmosphere on the weekends.

Noel, MO -  Also known as Christmas City U.S.A since 1932.  Every year the Noel post office receives tens of thousands Christmas cards, so that folks may receive their Christmas Greeting from “The Christmas City”  Read more about the Christmas Postmark here. 

Have an Adventurous Day!   

~Becky 

More Photos:

Disclosure:  Photos have been provided by Bluff Dwellers' Cavern.  The giveaway is sponsored by Bluff Dwellers' Cavern, a huge thank you to them.  

Sea Life Aquarium Kansas City, MO

As I flipped through pictures tonight D-man yelled “Mom, there is that favorite place we went on bacation!”…love the words that come out of my 5 year old's mouth.  I also often wonder how many favorite places he happens to have, but tonight his favorite place was Sea Life in Kansas City, MO. 

I can always tell how big of an impact a place had on my kids by how long they continue to talk about the place.  It has been 9 months since we visited SeaLife Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo and with just one image, D-man could tell me all the details of our visit.  To word it exact he loved watching the jellyfish, seahorses, touching the slimey things, and the stingrays were cool too….I would say Sea Life also educated my little man.  

With over 5,000 sea creatures and 260,000 gallons of water we had the opportunity to get up close and personal to sharks, hold crabs, touch starfish, make our imaginations explode while watching seahorses, and stand in awe as we watched the beautiful yet poisonous jellyfish. 

Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City is not an all day adventure, the aquarium is perfect for a rainy afternoon adventure, cool when it is too hot to play outside, and a great place to kill a few hours.

The aquarium is located next to LEGOLAND and in the Kansas City Crown Center. 

With smiles and giggles, Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo earns this Traveling Mom’s seal of approval! 

Have an Adventurous Day! 

~Becky

Disclosure:  Our visit to the Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City was sponsored by the Kansas City Tourism office.  A big thank you to them for giving us the opportunity to visit, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own (or my children's)!  

This is BoCo

We are settled in, right back where I started!  I have started a new #hashtag and my theme is This is #BoCo.  

While I was only 25 miles away from home I have realized over the past week how much I have really missed!  My goodness, God is Good and he is so Good!  I look around everywhere and I see all the amazing things he has created that I once took for granted, then never realized I missed it, until I moved home and saw it with new eyes!  

Here are a few of my This is #BoCo shots from my afternoon run today! 

~Becky 

I will be the first to say #BoCo looks good on me!  I feel so FREE!  

The neighbors field....BREATHTAKING!  

45 Reasons to Visit Missouri

The Civil War in Missouri - Discover the history of the Civil War right here in Missouri.  

Get a little creative with love of art!  (photo of Creative Ewe Cape Girardeau, MO) 

Did you know Sikeston, MO is farthest north Cotton is grown?  p.s. Sikeston is home of the "throwed rolls"

Find your moment of "glory" at Elephant Rock State Park

Who Let the Dogs Out? ...Many of Missouri State Parks welcome your pets!  

Discover the life "Underground" in Missouri Caves

Exhausted Kids Welcome - Find the perfect place for a family friendly hike in Missouri State Parks.

BARGAINS Galore on the path of the 100-mile Yard sale   

Cheers to Missouri Wine....who could disagree?  (pic:  Rothbrick Winery in Jackson, MO) 

The Missouri Department of Conservation welcomes TREE PEOPLE. (photo at Cape Girardeau Nature Center) 

Have you seen the view from the top of the Ferris wheel at the Missouri State Fair?  

From Missouri Mines to Swimming Holes....History become recreation at Silver Mines Recreation Area.  

The Great Mule Jump at the East Perry Community Fair 

Finding Life in the Midst of Chaos

Our house is mass chaos as we have begun packing and moving home to my parent’s family farm, there must be boxes stacked everywhere I turn.  In the midst of all this, I keep telling myself I should not feel this overflow of pure JOY that keeps bubbling out of me.  I should be sad, but I am not…..I am truly at PEACE with my decision to move back to my roots. 

Yesterday, D-man and I traveled home for a few hours to finish the “business” part of moving back home.  We took a brief break to drive through the cows with PaPa, I glanced over and saw my son grinning ear-to-ear and pure joy beaming out of his eyes.  I thought to myself this is LIFE!

 

Today we played hooky from packing and decided to attend the Cousin Carl Farm Show in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  PaPa thought the kids might enjoy seeing a few tractors, but I really believe PaPa enjoyed watching the kids see the tractors.  While we climbed around on the tractors, I watched the kids and PaPa interact I realized this is LIFE!    

Over this past week, I have truly realized it is not what we have it is how we use what we have.  I have never cared for fancy things, a glamorous lifestyle, but I do realize I have forgotten how special the little things are.