Plattsburg, Missouri

Trip One 2015 ~ My Midlife Adventure

I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list. ~ Susan Sontag

Destination ~ Spring into Healing Retreat

Their website describes them well, “…offering all the charm and warmth of a true Midwestern small town”. I discovered this city to be a country haven.

Where is Plattsburg, Missouri?

Plattsburg is a city and county seat of Clinton County, Missouri, which is located along the Little Platte River. As of 2010, the city population is 2,319. My road trip took me 4 hours and 263 miles west from my home in Crestwood, Missouri.

Wandering down the rolling hills on the back roads is one of my favorite things to experience as I trek down Route 13, a lone two lane state highway. I found it comforting to stop on the side of the road to hear the cow’s mooing and the distant train whistling in the background. As I slowed down to a stop to take a picture, I was astonished by the cow’s loudly screaming their discontent with me. Were they alerting their owner of a trespasser?

Driving down the highway ignited a hypnotic trance as I roam the back roads, and then quickly noticed a sign I just passed up. As curious as I am, I made a turnaround dash to see what I missed.

Die Brot Pann Bakery on Highway 13 in Richmond, Missouri was a welcoming sight for my sweet tooth. They stock their homemade bakery including bread, cookies and pie in this cute little house alongside a back country road. Their friendly hospitality was enduring. Their chocolate chip cookies were delectable.

Homemade apple pie, seven grain bread, monster and chocolate chip cookies. I ate the scrumptious chocolate cookies and saved the monster cookies for my husband. Surprised myself that I left the pie for later...

Back on the road on my weekend getaway to Plattsburg.

When the road leads you into Plattsburg, it feels like you stepped back in time. I was taken aback by the beautiful houses that nestled in the tree lined streets. It was welcoming!  

I’ve arrived!

Our accommodations for a perfectly restful place for our retreat.

My first welcoming sign of an enlightened stay.

Preparing for my retreat with a journal, a gem and an open heart.

Sarah took good care of us with her delicious vegetarian meals.

A wonderful time by all. Thank you Marilyn.

Clinton County Museum in Plattsburg.                                                                                I was really impressed how this museum gave us a glimpse of yesteryear with such wonderful artifacts and history. 

           

Sharing amazing trails with my dear friend Marilyn

 

 

I met such a nice friend at one of my workshops and she graciously invited me over for a flavorable lunch and a fun visit. Thanks, Phyllis

I left Plattsburg with wonderful memories of an adventure I will never forget and soon will visit again.

My heartfelt gratitude to Marilyn for the heartwarming retreat and for being such a gracious host and dear friend.

 

Finding The Magic On A Trip

The aging process has given me a chance to look at things a little differently. Gathering my things for this trip, I found myself in deep thought what would be the common goal that would bring me awareness on each trip.

It’s all about getting out of my comfort zone. I decided each adventure I would look for something to experience outside my normal regimen. Yesterday it was more about finding what fits me at this age and now I realize I am getting too comfortable in my new founded contentment.

Today I will be checking it off my list by taking this trip without any expectations. Getting off my behind, away from my favorite television and getting in the car going to this retreat. More to be revealed.

While on the road, I question myself, “Did I pack my meditation CD’s?” "Nope, it’s part of my adventure to leave things behind.  I could do without." I noticed preparing for this trip that I spend less time concerned with clothes that make me feel pretty and more about comfort.

Being willing and open is the first step that I can take moving towards learning more about myself, getting outside my comfort zone.

First stop Plattsburg for a retreat.

Taking It On The Road...

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

The day I was born, my destiny has been mapped out from the beginning in a direction I’ve found to be true in my later years. The little voice was always unfolding my true self but it’s taking many years to really listen. There have been many avenues in my life of opportunities to grow and create myself, turning my life into an inspiring and exhilarating adventure.

I have memories of tagging along in the back seat listening to my Mom and Aunt tittle-tattle about the family while road tripping to visit a friend many states away. I discovered at a young age the wonderment of nature as I stood in the middle of the trees with my Dad searching for the perfect delectable mushroom. Traveling and nature are part of my DNA.

When arriving on my calendar today, I notice each month of 2015 filled with exploring new opportunities in a variety of states across the county.  I am excited about taking these favorable moments, wandering through these down the road.

My inspiration is to openly and willingly explore where this adventure takes me, discovering nature and reaching out to listen to people (and myself) along the way.

• Traveling across my home state of Missouri to Kansas City to take part in a healing retreat while sharing a hiking trail with a dear friend. (April)
• In Lincoln, Illinois, I will be at the Christian Women’s Conference at Lincoln Christian University sharing the experience with a delightful and spiritual friend. (April)
• My bosom friend and I are trekking down to Florida visiting our close friend where I’ll be teaching an Indian Head Massage Workshop to a group of massage therapists at Beach Ready, a spa and wellness center in Seaside. (May)
• My daughter and I are going on a camping adventure to beautiful Michigan accompanying her to a friend’s wedding. (June)
• A gathering on July 4^th weekend will be celebrated with a much anticipated family reunion at Starved Rock State Park area in Illinois.
• I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach an Indian Head Massage Workshop at Crystal Mountain Massage Therapy School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During my road trip, I will be checking off my bucket list with a stop to see Bishop Jakes at The Potter House in Dallas, Texas to envelope some inspiration. (August)

Follow me on My Midlife Adventure on a journey discovering a deeper sense of me, sharing my story and what I find on this adventure and more…