Roots to Remind You Where You Are From
It’s time to catch up on some of the book activities and much more since DARING TO DANCE AGAIN was launched at the end of April. Over the coming weeks I’ll share what this new journey in my life is like.
First, thanks to Mosaic Life Care Foundation … the official launch and book signings event at emPowerU was a great evening with family and friends in St. Joseph, Missouri. American Countryside syndicated TV and radio host, Andrew McCrea, conducted and recorded a live interview that will soon be available on my website. More than 150 people were present to join in the celebration.
The next day DJ and I headed across state lines to my hometown of White Cloud, Kansas for a public book signing at the General Store on Main Street. This small historical town (population: 103) has hosted the White Cloud Flea market for more than a half century. This spring’s attendance was down somewhat on what turned out to be a cold day with blustery winds for the bi-annual Flea Market. All in all … it was a fun time.
This festive Flea Market event attracts people from far and wide who hope to find their treasures – antiques, refurbished furniture, hand-painted signs with messages, hand-crafted items including quilts, collectibles, and so much more. And then there’s the great food … especially the home-made pies, kettle corn, and funnel cakes. For me, the treasure was connecting with friends and former classmates. Some I had not seen in more than a couple of decades. What a perfect shopper’s paradise to hunt for a great bargain!
While there I stopped by my old grade school which is now converted into the Ma Hush Kah Museum. It’s a flash from the past with a vast collection of artifacts, relics, and memorabilia of White Cloud and the area’s historic past. One of my old classrooms has been preserved with the old-fashioned school desks with the ink wells, the teacher’s desk, black slate chalk boards, the portrait of our first President George Washington, and the original framed copies of artwork. What great memories I have of those days gone by!
The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open twice a year during the Flea Market. Arrangements can also be made to visit at other times of the year. Contact the Society at facebook.com/mahushkah for more information.
By the way … I looked up the term “Flea Market”. Did you know the name hails from an outdoor bazaar held in Paris, France back in 1860? And yes …. according to Albert LeFarge, the name comes from “those pesky little parasites that infested upholstery furniture brought out for sale”. An interesting, fun fact: Across the United States, over 5000 of these events attract more than one million vendors and one hundred million shoppers each year (hollisflea.com).
To learn more about upcoming White Cloud Kansas Flea Markets, go to facebook.com/whitecloudfleamarket. The next one is scheduled for September 1 - 4.
A Pearl of Wisdom: Roots to Remind You Where You’re From
Returning to my hometown brought back sweet memories of days gone by. In my book, I write about having the courage to set your intentions and begin to rescript your life by imagining what’s possible. Seek the life that is waiting for you. At the same time, don’t lose sight of your roots and where you’re from. Those days and years helped to shape who you are today.
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