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A couple of weeks ago, a friend took me to show me a local treasure--full of history, nature and a few surprises.

The Lakeside Forest Wilderness is nestled in the heart of Branson with over 140 acres of natural beauty and over five miles of walking trails.

If you haven't seen it yet; put it on your list. You'll be glad you did!

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Every January gives us time to pause, reflect, change, grow and move forward with intention and purpose.

Some folks I know are moving into the new year with heavy hearts due to illness, death, grief or pondering the unknown.

I would like to pay tribute to the losses and honor those lives with renewed strength, passion and hope for a better tomorrow as we honor those lives well-lived.

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If you know me at all, you know I often march to the beat of a different drummer. Sometimes it doesn't look like marching at all, but that's another story.

I like disco dancing, crazy socks, Zane Grey first editions, mud puddles, pretty rocks, hunting arrowheads, finding fossils and hanging out in cemeteries.

I like reading obituaries, doing research and digging through layers of dusty papers, old books and correspondence.

This week's column talks about an upcoming project that will combine a few of those favorite things in the coming months.

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I love everything about Christmas.

They have always been magical to me.

I love thinking about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the wonder of how Santa Claus can possibly make it down all those chimneys in just one night!

The psychology and science behind my sense of place work supports holding onto nostalgia and recalling good memories of times past.

Join me and a couple of friends in a few reflections today as I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(I'll warn you now. I sing again on this one!)

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Earlier this month, a young and energetic man strolled into my classroom at my invitation. He is the new recreation center director---Anthony Finzo.

He has been on the job about six months and is anxious for the new $12 million facility top open up after the first of the year.

He was fun, honest, authentic and thought-provoking. I can't wait for him to come back and visit us soon.

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This week's podcast is a little long.

Bear with me. I created an oral review of a recent article I wrote that was published in the Fall/Winter Edition of Ozarks Watch.

It answers some questions about the Ozarks, its history, why it's so important and how the intricacies of the region are always/always/always calling me home.

I reflect on a century of stories, landmarks and crossroads that have ultimately brought me to where I am today.

Fortunately for me, I bring a few of you with me each week through the stories I shared in a variety of platforms.

This time is no exception---as All Roads Lead Home.

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Here's a little tribute to my Mama--Ina Faye McMorris Estes. She would have turned 100 years old today--November 27th, 2024.

She has been gone a while, but her legacy of love, hope, faith and kindness remains behind today.

I am kicking off my 100 Acts of Kindness Tour today in her memory. Please join me in doing the same over the course of the next few weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Give your people big hugs from me.)

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Pie became a staple of American prosperity in the 1950s after Word War II.

It has a unique and colorful history and has shown up in literature quite often.

One of my favorite songs is "American Pie" by Don McLean. It is long and it is truly a classic.

So, it seemed nothing short of prophetic that I attended a pie class last week in Arkansas. The fun part was eating the pies--or so I thought. The real treat became apparently when I found a new friend and a new project.

We'll see where this journey takes us.