Welcome back to Missouri, my friends! Grab a cup of coffee, a map (or Google), a canoe or floatie, or a chair if you’d rather sit on the bank. There’s a Missouri-shaped piece of me filled with music and memories. In a world of war, tragedies, devastations, and unknowns, will you join me as I marinate on marvelous?
Music motivates, mends, melts, and maintains me. Mountains moved by my Creator (and ones I’ve climbed physically and spiritually) magnify my life’s music. Chords of change. Lines of loss and love. An opera of optimism. Songs of divinity, dirt roads, and divorces. Tunes of time, teaching, travel, and tumors. Melodies of my Master, motherhood, moods, and manners. Hymns of hope, heart, humility, and heaven. My life is my Master’s musical.
Bluegrass, blues,
country, and jazz,
many types of music
give Missouri pizazz!
(Faith and Finley Tour Missouri-K.L. Hale, 2021, Finley River Publishing)
My Childhood River –Finley
Hawkins Ford Bridge was built in 1915 by the Canton Bridge Co. (Canton, Ohio). It has a total length of approximately 160 feet (80 feet-largest length) and a width of 11.8 ft.
Is it any surprise I chose the Finley River first? A “one and only unique” instrument made its debut one summer day years ago on the Finley. Here’s an excerpt from my post, A River and Honey., “Missouri had other old iron bridges. I knew a song about a bridge in London, but it wasn’t MY bridge. The Hawkins Bridge was THE gate to our kinship kingdom. A pavilion of possibilities, pranks, and purpose. Biscuits were fried in cast iron in an open-fired stone oven. The chiggers, ticks, spiders, and all other Ozarks’ crawling critters couldn’t stop us! Nor the blazin’ sun! Us younguns’ were coated, schmoated, lathered, and smeared with sticky white protection! The Wilson clan cluttered and counted the cottonmouth along the Finley River. Circled and seated on sacred stones, we gathered as Uncle Orie strummed his one-and-only homemade pew organ! We giggled and sang along with his one-hit wonder, “Swish Swish, Boing Boing” (It never made Casey Kasem’s Top American 40, but it was my top hit)!
The Finley River flows east to west, most of its 52.8 miles are in Christian County, Missouri. Check out something else great on the Finley! ⬇️
Johnny Morris, conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops moved the Ozark Mill (built in the early 1800’s) to the banks of the Finley. Finley Farms and the Ozark Mill is a must-stop destination if you visit! Coffee, shopping, history, nature, and so much more! (pics by K.L. Hale-2023)
Let’s head to the Southwest Ozark Hills of my late teens to 20’s …to now…
Before sunrise, the trout siren would blare at Roaring River State Park in Cassville, MO. Sleepy eyes and hopeful little fishermen, along with their Dad and I, would crawl out of our outdoor homes (a.k.a. tent or Pop-Up camper) in hopes of snagging our limit of rainbow trout. Around 250,000 fish are hatched and stocked at this most-visited state park in Missouri. Fish guts and giggles made my “no-hit wonder songs” more gleeful!
Country hits by Johnny, George, Garth, Conway, Merle, Dolly, and Reba~classics from James Taylor, Jewel, Anne Murray, Whitney Houston, Queen, and Journey~heartfelt harmonies from The Gaithers, The Gatlin Brothers, The Crabb Family, and The Isaac’s~epic movie soundtracks to sing-alongs with Disney. Another favorite, the Eagles, soared through the airwaves along the river banks of home. From “Peaceful Easy Feeling” to “Peace like a river attendeth my way.” It will always be well in my soul.
Sedentary, like the rocks on the banks of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers (meeting in Eminence, MO) my two young men and I, coated with sunscreen, grubbed around the gravel searching for state-shaped rocks to make a USA map. A two-hour treasure by two rivers, with two tremendous boys.
Two Rivers State Park —two rivers, spring-fed and littered only by timberland trails and beautiful bluffs around bends—was the first national park area to protect a river system. In 1964 Congress authorized the formation of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR). Crystal clear water, beautiful bluffs, and this “third-largest spring-fed river in the United States provide opportunities to experience some of the most beautiful wilderness Missouri has to offer.” (Environment Missouri Research & Policy Center, 2013).
Music and Memories stay afloat in my soul. My faith, just as my favorite MO rivers, never runs dry.
Did you know the Buffalo River was America’s first designated National River (1972)?
Although the Buffalo River is in Arkansas, it’s like “home” to me. Flowing through the Ozark Mountains in the Ozark Plateau, its breathtaking blue is formed from the limestone it cuts through. From Ponco to Kyle’s Landing, Boxley Valley to Lost River…hiking Hemmed-In Hollow to the Goat Trail. If you visit SW MO, you MUST visit Northern Arkansas. Waterfalls, the gorgeous rivers, bluffs, caves, and trails will welcome you with open arms (just like I will if you visit my area!).
Can you hear the melodies in Missouri’s small mountains? Listen to the songs sung by the rivers. Can you hear the tunes of the trees? Missouri’s earthy ensemble edifies our environment!
If you love Missouri’s music, you’re probably a bluegrass fan! The Ozark Hills host amazing jamborees and gleeful gatherings! The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters (founded by Otto Ernest Rayburn (1891-1960) hosts an annual “Cabin Fever” concert; from folklore to folk songs, bluegrass concerts to the most important goal—to preserve the Ozarks, promote conservation and education, and cultivate an interest in the unique Ozarks history of people, places, and events. My recent return to my former little home included a night of bluegrass and laughter!
Enjoy these two videos from that night of knee-slappin’, toe-tappin’, belly-laughin’, tear-formin’ fun!
Living in the Ozark’s is like getting a huge hug from humanity! Giggles and humor soothe the soul!
Have you heard of Branson, Missouri?
Silver Dollar City (1800s theme park), music shows, Table Rock Lake, diverse shows/theaters, go-carts, mini-golf, and fantastic food make the “Live Show Capital of the U.S.” a perfect family-oriented destination for fun! Cruise the 76 Country Blvd “strip” for tons of attractions! Make sure you stop at Andy’s Custard, visit the Titanic Museum, walk the Landing at Taneycomo, and visit the College of the Ozarks! (#3 in colleges of the Midwest).
Do you remember my RV days? If you’re pulling a camper, or desire a night in a treehouse, check out my former “home”, Branson Treehouse Adventures!
Have I convinced you to find your M-O in Missouri? Please holler at me if you ever visit! We can grab a coffee, head to Bass Pro, stop for custard, hike a trail, listen to music, and my favorite…talk about the goodness of friendship and our amazing God.
There’s much more to Missouri~Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, The Laura Ingalls Wilder museum/homestead, the Pony Express museum in St. Joseph, and our Capitol in Jefferson City to the St. Louis Arch.
Kind people and nature
And so much more,
make Missouri special
and fun to explore!
Thank you for your support as Finley and I read with local students and promote kindness, curiosity, and a love for learning! 💚
Have faith. No matter what part of the world you live in,YOU ARE LOVED💚.
Works Cited
Environment Missouri Research and Policy Center. (2013 August). Citizen’s Guide to the Current River. https://environmentamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/citizens_guide_web.pdf.
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Greetings sis, how are you? Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. Always good hearing from you. I am relaxing, drinking a cup of coffee and looking out the window watching the rain from God’s water our community. I will now listen to your videos. Have a great evening.
Oh, Tangie. It’s SO good to see you. Thank you for being here. Sis, I worked for hours on this “brochure-like” piece of My Missouri. In our strange and sensitive times, it seems fitting to stick to the things that matter–God’s creation, people, and the best things right in front of us! I was able to read at school yesterday, too! Thank you for your prayers, love, and support (for me and the entire family). Today in Missouri it’s very chilly. A cup of tea is due before I have my ZOOM with my support group this afternoon. I look forward to our ZOOM sometime too. God bless you! Thank you for being here!! Love, Karla and Finley (P.S. ENJOY your relaxation–you don’t get that often, my friend. You deserve it!). 💛🙏💗✝️
You are welcome. Now that I am retired, I plan to follow in your footsteps to “capture God’s creations and the best things right in front of us!” Thank you for your inspiration, sis.
I’m SO HAPPY for you, sis! YAY! “Welcome to the rest of your life!” I’m so proud of you! Thank YOU for your kind words. It’s my blessing to offer support and encouragement to you. 💗💛💚
Wonderful post 👍🧑🏫
Aww, thank you Satyam! It’s a risk writing about your “home”–who might like it? Who may care? But it feels good to do it and it tickles me you’re here and you enjoyed it! Take care, my friend! 💗
Yes 🙌
🥰
As always, beautifully written! So many little tidbits about our lovely state.😊 And, ohmygoodness, your second video had me laughing out loud. 😂 It makes my heart happy to read what you’ve written.💛 I always look forward to your next post.😊😊😊
Kim, thank you my dear sister. I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it. 💚
You and Randy were on my heart when I added our home. Randy’s amazing treehouse building skills, your years of work, our lives and sisterhood. All the memories and great people!
I want my friends here, that read this, to know of you and how you’ve supported me (and transported me lol).
It’s so fun, even in dreaming of open spaces and places, to love exactly where we’re planted.
I’m so glad the video made you laugh! Laughter is needed~particularly at these strange times, it seems, …I know laughter is helping heal me. It sure helps on the days I feel like crying~the Spirit swoops in just in time.
And silliness can soothe some aches, too!
You’ve been my solid rock sister and support since I began writing. Thank you, dear sister. Much much love. 💚💚💚
Karla, you did a bang-up job promoting Missouri! Your photos are grand, showing a natural beauty that is breathtaking. Clearly you are very proud of your state and all it has to offer. But you left out that the best Missouri has to offer is YOU! You would improve any state you lived in.
Wonderful news that you and Sweet Miss Finley had another reading session with school kids. I bet those kids talk about your visits all the time. There’s no way you and Fin wouldn’t win over any group you are with.
Nice to hear you sound so super positive and elated. Missouri is definitely a perfect subject for you.
Hope you and Fin can enjoy some walks together. Perhaps too early yet for hiking, but walks would be perfect.
Always uplifting to see a post from you my friend. You are definitely a card-carrying optimist! Kudos to you.
Keep your faith close to your heart and your family and friends closer. Love to you and Fin. Big hugs and scratchies for Fin, and big hugs and a relaxing massage for you. Somehow I don’t think you’re interested in scratchies! Unless, of course, you have fleas! 🤣
Ginger🦋💞
Sent from my iPad
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Ginger, I always look forward to reading your thoughts and comments!
You’re TOO kind! It’s so fun to focus on Missouri when I’m able to get out and about. The old saying is true, “You never appreciate home until you leave it.”
I’m dreaming again. Two years ago I made weekend plans to visit parts of Missouri with my little book. Places I haven’t seen; some I haven’t visited in many years. Then, the diagnosis.
So, I’m dreaming “smaller”, yet BIG in some ways. Also, being in a school makes my heart and soul happy.
Oh, Ginger. A cutie with a magnificent personality handed me a note when we had our group pic taken (backstory–Finn had tried to eat the teacher’s almonds). The note read, “Finley loves Faith…and almonds, too!” With a huge giggle, I got the note and we hugged. On the back were two phone numbers for me to call (Mom and Dad so they can buy my book and visit ;-). I treasure the things my boys wrote and made–and still have my favorites. And also, the ones from students in the past. They’re treasures!
I’m so happy you enjoyed reading about all the areas I’m hunkered down in.
I’m an optimist 25 out of 30 days, Ginger ;-). I’m filled to the brim with faith 100%!!!!
I’ll check myself for fleas…ok, I think I’m good, tee hee. If I start itching, it would be BAD (liver joke, lol). Finn could use scratches and hugs–that’s another story I’ll share sometime. She’s a trooper! I’m learning to be one, too!
We love you, Ginger, and appreciate you SO MUCH!!!! Please take care! ❣️💚💛💗🤗🐾
Hi Karla, VERY cool! I was in Branson for a few hours heading through Arkansas back to Oklahoma. We stopped and took in a show at the Charley Pride Theater (only one we could get into on short notice in ’98 – we didn’t have the internet in our pocket then to peruse options and reserve online). It was on that trip that I began listening to country music. I was enthralled with Vince Gill’s “When Love Finds You”. As I listened to my local country station when I got home, I noticed that keyboards were rarely used. I missed that because I don’t “get” strings. I can play a few guitar chords but scales don’t make sense to me. I have missed out on instruments I enjoy including Chapman Stick and Pedal Steel. My favorite for pedal arrangement has got to me Faith Hill’s “You Give Me Love”. I miss the old country-rock style that the early Maranatha groups played in the 70’s (you were too young) – Daniel Amos’ 1st 2 records, Mustard Seed Faith, The Way, The Road Home, Parable, and of course, Love Song. Those were the days of Orange County Revival – bring it again, Lord!! Your “MO’s Music” note cracked me up. We have a store in downtown Fullerton called “Mo’s Music” which I used to frequent in college https://www.mosfullertonmusic.com/. What is a pew organ? I can’t find any info on that instrument. I thought it might be a small portable pump organ but you said he strummed it. As always, your photos are beautiful. And Finley is SO cute and photogenic. I look forward to hearing the Branson Youtube links you included after the group zoom – I must make a sandwich and get ready. Maybe see you in a few minutes, Brent
Brent, it was so good to see you today on ZOOM! My friend, our group, literally, has made my life better. It’s amazing to hear everyone’s stories and know we are not alone. Afterwards, my brain is “mush” (please tell me that happens to you!).
I have an army of friends and family and support; yet, I’m alone with Finley and very few know much about this cancer. I relish in the knowledge and wisdom. I’m excited about new possibilities~we are all zebras! 🦓 and we make a great group of survivors/thrivers. Thank you for being such a support in so many ways.
Although I was young, I know exactly the music you mention. I giggled at “bring it again, Lord!” You’re quite a musician yourself, you know!
I’m a huge Vince Gill fan. I could listen to his voice all the time. We saw him in Springfield a few years ago~Amy is wonderful, too!
Faith~yes! I can “hear” that pedal arrangement of her song! Beautiful!
MO’s music! Hooray! How cool 😎.
About the pew organ ~Uncle Orie made it (and the name) and I’ll have to refer to my family on all the pieces ~and see if I can find a pic from somebody. Oh, the memories!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed this post and pictures. Finn is fun to photograph. She is so quirky like me! Lol. Yesterday she had her picture with many kids. The teacher said her name and she cocks her head to one side and the students laugh! If she knows I’m taking a picture she stands as if she’s glued to the ground~suspiciously looking to the side knowing I’m capturing her! lol she’s a really great dog when she’s with me or at a school. If you visit, the toys must be hidden. She can be a pest with toys!
On a side note, when I watch live shows, (how awesome you saw Charley Pride in ‘98), one of my favorite instruments and sound is the steel guitar (I think it should be played in anything!~watch Paul Franklin with Vince on their rendition of “Together Again”. Another favorite singer is Alison Krauss ~her voice is angelic and amazing.
I wish we could all get together and have big jam sessions.
Thank you for your friendship and support. 🦓🙏🏻🎶💕
makes me want to pack up the 3 of us and get some missouri in our soul. And, yes, find a place to visit a spell.
“Fultz family,…come on down!” And I have just the place you can stay for free! You’d all fit right in here. Of course, I’d love to head your way to the great woods Narnia you have! God bless you, dear friends.
You definitely don’t have fleas Karla, you just bop around so much in all your excitement about life 🤣 And I think you are hired as Missouri’s spokesperson for its wonders and delights my friend. I think you have covered everything here, down to the fishing spots. So that should cover everything beautifully 🤗
Just read your post you linked to about ‘your’ bridge and the days of family gatherings. Brilliant my friend, those places and times are something to always remember. Family times…good times…God’s time.
Great post my friend, I can feel your aliveness in it all…and in Finn’s time too. She was in pride of place showing you the way I bet 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
Hello -and thank you, Mark! I met you at the bridge! How kind!
I hope I’m a good spokesperson! I love sharing about it ~it has some hidden gems. I have found that to be true with every place I love!
The post you read was my first one I wrote (2nd one I published~I think 🤔 lol). I need to revise and edit ~and edit more! Yet, you understood it and the message made it to your heart ❤️. Yay!
No fleas for me OR Finley (after an emergency trip to the vet ~because of me 😭~she has not been happy taking medicine~especially when I “made” her (forced it lol) take the Nexguard for fleas lol ~flea free is the way to be! 🤭🐾
I’m sending the water-proof (quadruple proofed) chocolate via seals just released into the ocean. They are happy they were rescued and I gave them a special task! Look for them in a month! It’s special water-proof chocolate! 🍫 and they are super cute seals 🦭.
We loveeee you! We’re waving out flippers, paws, and hands! 🐾🦭🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️ do you see us? 💕🤭🙏🏻🙏🏻 and always, lifting you in prayers! 🙏🏻
I could relate to it well Karla, those old times rang my bell for those many adventures of our youth. Many the muddy path I walked, slipped in and deliberately slid down. To be honest those times of dirt, nature and adventure were the making of us, especially for our immune systems. These days they wrap them up so much and avoid it all. Seems to be more and more ‘reactions’ to so much now.
Oh no, I hope miss Finley is ok (and you 🤣). Vet visits are like us with the dentist, not our favorite destination at all 😂 And thank you, I will be awaiting ‘sealed’ chocolates by the entrance to the lake, on the rock wall so they won’t miss me.
Much love to you and Finn too, and the lift in prayer gratefully received and returned in kind my friend. Thank you 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
Missouri is a beautiful state! I have visited many of the places you mentioned. Thanks for a great post! Blessings, Karla and Finley! 🙏
A great post about your wonderful home state, Karla. Missouri tourism should give you an honorary salary for the promotion. Makes me want to come visit or relocate.
Aww, thank you, Manette. An honorary promotion and salary ~Wow!💛 that’s sweet. As I’m making bucket lists again, I want to revisit many places here that I haven’t been in a while~or at all! For instance~Mark Twain’s home (Hannibal) and his birthplace was Florida, MO. I love visiting Wilson’s Creek Battlefield (not far from me). The first major battle in the Civil War (west of Mississippi)~first Union General killed there (Nathaniel Lyon). I share with students that we have lots of neat places not far from home! Now if I could load up all of them and take them too! If you visit, you have a place to stay! ☺️❤️ thank you for being here, your prayers, and support! Love, Karla
It definitely makes me feel like I would love to visit.
You would always have a place to stay with me! I’m glad you know more of MO! 💕
Thank you for being here.💛
Karla, Love your message and writing! Sorry for delayed response. Life seems like the fastest merry go round ever! Between school students, programs, family, unexpected needs, etc…Jesus help us all! Thank you for your uplifting grace filled message this morning! Though I don’t text enough, you’re so frequent in my prayer. Especially those prayers of need and care that I have no answer or real understanding. I lay your needs and care at the foot of the cross. It’s all I’ve got. If you could, please, pray for my only daughter (in-law), Nicki, who’s in the hospital. Mar. 27th she had back surgery. Yesterday they think she may have a spinal leak. Yes, Jesus help us all. Love you, Sue
Sweet Sue, you never have to apologize. What a kind and thoughtful message.
I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter (bonus daughter) Nicki. I will pray now, sister.
I appreciate your prayers, love, and support. I love you, Sue.❤️🙏🏻
Thank you, friend. You’re a blessing! : ) Sue
This information about MO is beautiful and heartfelt! MO should be sending all of their tourists through your website! One day, maybe we will be able to get a cup of coffee together if I can find my way to the majestic Ozarks. Feel well, my friend! Blessings always. 💕
Thank you, Rachel! You are so kind and thoughtful! Yes, if you make your way to the Ozarks, I’d love to have a cup of coffee with you! Many blessings to you and your precious family, my friend. God bless you all! 💚💛❣️✝️ thank you for your prayers and support!
Ah… so many wonderful Missouri memories come floating up as I read this post, Karla. Several wild canoe trips down the Current River as well as trips to the original Bass Pro there in Springfield (or “Spring-tucky” as my sophisticated KC friends used to call it.) I am a little more familiar with the mid-Missouri destinations of Rocheport, Columbia, and Booneville, but you are so right when you say there is a special magic to the southwest part of the state. Keep ‘em coming, Karla! I love it!
I always smile reading your comments Russell! I learn so much and appreciate your kindness and support.
“Springtucky”~fun! If you make it to this part of the “tucky” please holler!
I can “see” you in the canoe on the river (thinking of your white rafting trip too!).
So, the areas you’re more familiar with are the areas I have on my bucket list to visit! Rocheport was my destination the month I was diagnosed two years ago. Those towns are so beautiful, quaint, lots of history, and so much more too! I’m hoping to get to those areas in day trips with my little MO book!
I’m so thrilled you love this part of the world. More so, it means so much that you’re a great friend, prayer warrior, and support. What a blessing for me (and Missouri thanks you for calling it home so many years!). Does your son still live in MO? Many blessings to you and yours!
As always I am awed and inspired by the heart, music, history and more you pour into your blog posts. Certainly I can see the time and hours that each one represents. I was also inspired to learn more about the people and found out Walt Disney’s first creative cartoons were in Kansas. He had to go to California to bring his dream to fruition but I think his theme parks include representations of what he admired about Missouri. Thank you for sharing ! , hugs and appreciation – David
David, thank you got your thoughtful and generous response! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it! Your thoughts on Walt Disney made me smile, too!
I pray you and your family are doing well, my friend. It’s always good to “see” you! I appreciate you! Hugs and blessings!
Can’t stop giggling! Hugs to you dear friend for brightening my day!
Yay! Thank YOU for being here! ♥️♥️♥️
Karla, I needed to return to see Part II of “My Missouri.” Your enthusiasm energizes another blessed day here in Ohio. I appreciate the connection of Canton, Ohio with your special bridge. I’ve been to Canton once to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There’s a whole lot of Finley in this post . . . splendid! God’s grace and peace always walk with you.
Thank you so much, Richard! I appreciate you! I wondered if you’d see the Ohio connection! Yay!
Ms. Finley is something else. She’s a blessing from God. Peace and grace to you too, my friend.
I know I’d love Findley
Aww, she’d love you too. 💕🤗