Tag: trails

My Missouri-Part II

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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)
Finley Farms

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!

Pics by K.L. Hale 2023 Roaring River State Park, Cassville, MO
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!).

Pic by K.L. Hale

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!

Sylamore Special!
Please laugh!

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.

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Earthy Expectations

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“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” —Mark Twain

They say in Missouri if you don’t like the weather, stick around a day, it will change! With snow and frigid temps in the forecast, a good night’s rest and recent health side effects diminishing, I had high expectations for my sunny Sunday.

Realistically, resistance was repealed. Mentally, fear was fended off. Emotionally, enthusiasm elevated. Spiritually, my Savior strengthened and supported me.

The bluff blew his bluff. Stumps couldn’t stump me. Lushness was lost, but the forest was heavenly.

The trail was tackled…just a tad. If tallying, it was only 1.5 miles. It was my trail of tender tears, talks with the trees, whispers by the water, and grounded grace. My soul sang.

My expectations aren’t too high or too low. They are just right.

“My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.”—Psalms 62:5 (ASV)

photos courtesy of K.L. Hale, Spirngfield Conservation Nature Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, Springfield, MO.

“We tend to get what we expect.”

Norman Vincent Peale
My expectations aren't too high 
or too low.
I’ll move forward with faith,
Lo, my strength and health grow. 
K.L. Hale

Have faith💚

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Southwest Synergy

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Dear friends, due to time constraints and preparations for my surgery, I’ve turned off comments. Thank you for your prayers and support. In a world filled with so much devastation and division, my life is small. My worries are small compared to our huge globe. Remember though, that to someone YOU are the world. I hold you all in my heart.

Thank you for your understanding as I begin a hiatus of healing.

Time, change, travel, and cancer…they all seem “petrifying” sometimes; just like the wood, millions of years old. Some moments resemble deprivation of oxygen. Compression or burial in the ashes of burned bridges. With time and miracles, minerals such as love, grace, and faith, can form gems. Years later, what seems like “old wood” will be a treasure. If the light hits right, immeasurable and unique beauty might be seen.

Petrified or glorified? What will life’s pressure reveal in you?

Stunned doesn’t fully describe my shock the day before our departure. My friends, a.k.a. the “Canyon Crew”, surprised me with Flannel with Faith stickers and matching t-shirts. Tears formed and fell. Their kindness overwhelmed me. In many ways, I felt (and still do) like I stood outside of myself, observing a stranger. The open road waited. Zeb, a stuffed zebra provided by the Canyon Crew, was posed for an adventure.

Zeb checking out the sunset at Snow Ball

Early the next morning the zebra-striped cargo carrier was loaded and locked! For the crew working full-time, this was more than a holiday or break. It was a breather from the backbreaking busy. Perhaps a pilgrimage of sorts for me. Along the journey, there were exquisite stops (including family each way). Our “home away from home” sat in the valley of the San Francisco Peaks. We visited many National Parks and/or monuments-Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki, National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Meteor Crater, and the Coconino National Forest (the Canyon Crew can attest I loved my Coconino Mocha in Flagstaff—yummy!). The Lowell Observatory was a gift! Saturn and many constellations were viewed on our last night (P.S.- I’m STILL going through pictures).

My crew “stuck” me around in cool places–K.L. Hale

Plateau of Preparation

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV

At times, my own tectonic plates shifted during the adventure. The unsteady ground tried to rattle my respite. Intense winds whipped. My friends kept me grounded. The cool air, history, landscapes, and experiences were that of dreams. In a tight group of friends who loved me, I felt so alone. Not because of them, they did EVERYTHING to make this trip GRAND. Gazing at the plateaus, kicking the dust of the red dirt trails, I’d ask God for strength. Give me stamina to seize the synergy. Each morning during my quiet time, I’d ask God for relief and understanding. He reminded me that with HIM, I’m not alone. And that without him, my life resembles erosion- decomposition, decay, and disintegration. My body kept up the steps-divine strength in the making. Since my return, my recovery has been riddled with reasonable doubts. Nights of little sleep, backaches, and confusion. If I’m going to fall again, I need to land on faith. NOW is not the time to doubt. NOT NOW.

 “You’re the same, Karla. But what I’m taking you through is what I’ve prepared for you for many, many years. Don’t forget to give me praise even through processing pain.”

“Yes, God, I hear you.”

Grand Canyon-pic courtesy-me

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Holy Chapel of the Cross-pic courtesy-Kim Elrod

My arms typically spend much time wide open (especially if the “kids” or grandkids are near ;-). Lately, they’ve been clutched. One night, my emotions just broke. Surely I could make the Colorado flow even more! Adrenaline had been a better friend than me. It was as if the weight of a huge SW stone from the last 18 months, years and counting, had suddenly smashed me (think of me as the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote hurling a bulky and burdensome boulder). Being the center of attention is very difficult. That’s why this cancer journey has been so difficult for me. It’s a level of vulnerability that is like no other. Particularly if you’re single. It makes me even weirder. A new road is waiting to be traveled. Surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1st. As I prepare to leave next Tuesday, I’m reminded of the bottom of the canyon; for it was there my best growth in life occurred.

Thank you for climbing this mountain with me.

To my family, you mean the world to me and more. You are my reason for staying strong.

To my Canyon Crew: I’m forever grateful for our bucket list trip.

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Friends, do you know how loved you are? When you feel unlovable, untouchable, or downright, hard as stone, remember you are loved. No matter what. I’ll see you on the other side of recovery. I love you.

Have faith 💛

Walnut
Meet Charley and Jessica–Our friends who hiked the North to South Rim! They are an inspiration to me!

Pics are courtesy of various Canyon Crew friends and me. All locations are mentioned in the post. Days could be spent sharing the history and significance of each place; my apologies for not sharing more! Have you visited these before? May God give you peace, healing, and love. Even in the mundane, you can grow like a flower in the desert or a tree in the ashes.

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2023 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

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Dirt, Digestion, and Decisions

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All that mattered was the dirt and a few toys. With happy tears, my mind drifted to two decades ago – little boys, few toys, dirt, gravel, nature, and a camper. Slipping further back, I fell into a trance of simpler times. Grandma’s garden, rivers and floating, dirt on a field, and face-to-face visits. Digging up dirt didn’t apply to judgment, daily scrolling, and comparisons. Staying grounded keeps me growing.

Little toes they only know,
The simple joys as they grow.
Digging dirt and catching bugs,
Growing minds accepting hugs.

Tears of joy run down my face,
Feeling the peace in this space.
Oh, what a beautiful stage and age,
Time moves fast and turns the page.

Hold on to moments in the dirt,
Life’s not easy, you’ll experience hurt.
Grow in kindness and accept the love.
From family, friends, and up above.
K.L. Hale

Instead of digging up dirt on someone or something that doesn’t help us grow, can we remember the simple things that we should know? Kindness, forgiveness, and times to play, instead of comparing, miscommunicating, and pushing others away? The dings, the noise, and all the distractions hijack us from our main attractions.

Do you allow others to fill your plate on things in which you can’t relate? Does forced congestion stop your digestion?

I have always believed that a good laugh was good for both the mental and physical digestion.

Abraham Lincoln

Friends, how’s your digestion? There’s much to digest these days! The things most easy for my system are family celebrations, visits, and special times. Holidays, events, and day-to-day… add doctor’s visits it’s just my way. Each morning I begin my day in quiet time with my Heavenly Father. Without this time my digestion would struggle more. Too much of a worldly diet creates a blockage. And if you suffer in any way, literally or spiritually, you know exactly what I mean.

To my diet, I added laughter and a celebration of another year! My twin and I shared laughs and memories. Yesterday I celebrated differently. It was time to ground myself again. In a world where I’d rather not have attention, be like any leaf on a tree, I escaped to my happy place. A quarter of a mile was mud, fallen limbs, thick brush, and a tight trail. There were obstacles to maneuver. Like a limb on my head, this thought hit me, “The obstacles I’m climbing in my day-to-day have been practiced for years. My walks have shortened, but I’m prepared for this marathon.”

My dear friend Martha shared something that I’ll not forget, “We mourn ourselves because we are also the things we love and the things we do.” She shared many other words of wisdom including, “Pangs of nostalgia, the recognition of permanent changes in our lives as a result of something we could never control or choose, are hard. They are (I think) emblematic of a heartbreak we don’t want to look at because there’s no point and we have to live in our present moment, but they are still here.” I’m still digesting these beautiful words. I have decisions to make.

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Last Wednesday during ZOOM time, with my friends from the LACNETS virtual support group, I sat astonished by this amazing group of humans (just like you, the reader!). Samuel swims in a beautiful lake, Susan tends to her amazing garden, Brent helped a historical magnificent church organ, Margo sculpts the angelic faces of Alzheimer’s patients, Ashley woodturns and helps Veterans, Neil has bonding time with his son and sports, Denny loves photography in nature, Cindy supports and attends semipro women’s soccer games, Cynthia “roars” as she did as a H.S. mascot in ’74, Judy brings FB hope to others, Beth makes quilts for her grandkids, Nora introduced us to her daughter at college, Jan was traveling to see her astronaut brother who has set a record for NASA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_L._Ross#:~:text=Ross,-Article%20Talk&text=Jerry%20Lynn%20Ross%20(born%20January,with%20Franklin%20Chang%2DDiaz)., Dorinda knits for gratitude, Vera uses finger puppets for the grandkids on FB Portal, Richard grows roses and has beautiful African baskets called “wishing baskets” from their visits there, Brenda has a graduate and a future student of the U of A (Roll Tide), Heather makes photo books, Betty has led an active life in Minnesota and her two sons bring much joy (and one living with her now), and Lisa’s dog enjoyed the snow and she stays active leading our weekly group and supporting her husband, with NET cancer. This group inspires me. 💕 lacnets.org

Last week’s blood draw revealed the good news that my blood is headed in the right direction. They’re not perfect, but I celebrate growth! I have decisions to make. I’ve asked several, “What would you do?” It’s quality of life over quantity. Do I continue knowing how much worse it might get? Is 3 out of 4 enough to stabilize and slow down progression without causing another secondary cancer in the blood?

Dirt, digestion, and decisions. I’ll keep myself grounded. I’ll digest the good things and not stuff myself with stigma. The best decision I can make is to take one hour at a time, one day at a time. I decided many years ago to follow WHO holds my tomorrow. What have you decided?

Flannel with Faith

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air