All Roads Lead Home by Kim McCully-Mobley
The Ozarks is a region with a rich history, colorful people and a tenacity in spirit that remains unmatched. This platform will be used to help preserve, promote and protect our stories, our traditions, our passions and the personalities of the people we serve. We all know, at the end of the day, All Roads Lead Home.
Pat Woods: Don't Forget Who You Are
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Aurora Coach Pat Woods and his 1999 State Champs will be honored on October 25th at Kelley Field. They are the 2024 Class for the Aurora Houn' Dawg Hall of Fame.
I was able to spend part of an afternoon with Coach Woods a couple of weeks ago. I remain forever changed at the humility, strength and wisdom of this man--who is truly a local treasure. Please join me in congratulating him on his honor!
The Ozarks...So Rich In Its Heritage...So Colorful In Her People
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As a storyteller, writer and longtime folklorist, I have been blessed to be asked to write and talk about this region called the Ozarks.
New audiences want to hear the stories. Old audiences want to know more.
Others are intrigued, but aren't sure why.
The Ozarks. She is full of joy, gifts, mysteries and nuances that whisper my name in the wind. My soul is so anchored to this region, I couldn't leave it--if I wanted to.
But. I. Don't.
My r...
You Ain't Nothin' But A Houn' Dawg--And That's A Good Thing
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We take some time this week to revisit the legends and stories of our favorite Aurora, Missouri Mascot---that beloved spotted Houn' Dawg. The tale goes back well over 100 years and involves grit, spunk, tenacity and a few come from behind surprises. This unique mascot shows up in songs, poems, tales and headlines. We love him dearly. Here's to the next 100 years of Houn' Dawgs and even more surprises.
Cheers To My Favorite Irishman...I Still Miss You
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Jim Sawyer was a colleague and a friend for years back in my hard-hitting journalism days. I learned a great deal from him. He has been gone 21 years and I always reflect on him when September rolls around. He was strong, kind, brilliant and loved stories. He was a master at telling them. He was a good listener, too. I miss him.
You Can't Pour From An Empty Cup
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It's true. You can' pour from an empty cup. You also can't really love others the way they deserve until you learn to love yourself.
I wish I had learned those things earlier in life. But, at least I finally learned them. After all, I am a late bloomer.
Take a listen to this week's podcast and see if there is something there for you. Join me in my journey towards better self-care.
90 Years Of Sheer Perfection
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We have another Aurora legend celebrating a big birthday on Tuesday, August 20th. He literally inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of students to be successfull--both in and out of the classroom.
Gene Kirkham will be turning 90. They broke the mold for band directors with him, for sure.
This week's podcast is dedicated to him.
If you can spare a few minutes, grab a card and send it to him for our big surprise "Card Shower."
Gene Kirkham
3913 Wakefield Drive
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Here's To Simpler Times & More Adventures
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As the sultry hot days of July 2024 wound to a close, my son took his mother on a perfect adventure. She was able to enjoy some of her favorite things in a short 11-hour time span that she will always remember.
We were able to spend 11 uninterrupted hours together and travel 484 miles across Missouri in the process. I don't know that I've ever been to Macon, but it now holds a special place in my heart.
I sang, I clapped, I cried, I laughed and I celebrated Don Knotts' 100...
Happy 100th Birthday To The One & Only: Poss Jackson
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If you attended Aurora High School during the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s, chances are--you were exposed to the exercise regimen prescribed by Coach Poss Jackson and the Chicken Fat song.
Poss turns 100 years young during August and will get celebrated in style with an open house at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon.
His legacy is one of discipline, humor, hard work and success.
Hats off to this Aurora Houn' Dawg legend.
55 Years Ago This Week--We Landed On The Moon
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1969 was a time for change.
Woodstock made headlines.
People were often protesting the Vietnam War.
A new dynamic duo--Paul Newman and Robert Redford--would soon steal hearts the world over with their performance in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Hairstyles were creative. Music was phenomenal. Tie-dye was in vogue and cars were cool.
Take another trip down memory lane with me as we talk about the 1969 Moon Landing.
A 1917 Baldwin Monarch Piano Comes Home
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Quite often--I hear voices.
I don't always talk about them or tell anyone for fear they will think I'm a little off center. I think these voices are echoes from my past. They are tied to my journey--both the one I've taken and the ones I've yet to take.
But these voices say things like: Just do it...Follow your heart...Your story isn't over it...or even--Tell the story....
One particular night in April. A series of photos on Faceboook had me on point. My gut...
