This week has been a heavy week in our community.
I needed a little levity today and have decided to further my career options as a country western singer/tambourine player/table dancer upon retirement...which is part of my five-year plan.
We have all kinds of boutique popups these days for special events. We even have food truck popups. So, consider these 72 seconds of wailing sort of a little podcast popup in tribute to my boss's impending retirement.
He picks on me. A lot. My dad picked on me growing up...so did my brother. So, I sort of equate harassment with love. I am going to flat out pretend he really loves me and hope that I can keep my job until I can swing a contract with the music industry for spoofing songs or writing heartfelt parodies.
Don't try this at home. My apologies go out to Hee Haw fans worldwide who enjoyed 26 seasons of real comedy and real music.
This was another tough one. I apologize for the heavy breathing and the emotions.
This version is the best I can do for now. I kept trying to get it just right in one sitting.
This is one of those Paul Harvey "rest of the story" moments that some of you are old enough to understand.
This is a story about friendship.
This is a story about God's gifts.
This is a story about Heaven, art, legacy and ultimately LOVE.
I spent some time reflecting on loss, growth, healing and moving on this past week. February is sometimes hard.
February of 2024 taught me not to get too comfortable as some of those close to me continued to deal with some tough stuff.
I lost a couple of good friends, gained a couple of angels, saw some former students, lost another first cousin and heard some not-so-good news about a couple of other friends, as well.
I texted a good friend. "We're droppin' like flies," I said. He responded. "Because we are old." "Well, you are," I said.
This life. It's wonderful and messy, sweet and humbling, harsh and kind.
I'm not giving up. It's not my nature.
I'm ready to go fishing.
Here is a lesson plan called My Perfect Day.
Ironically--the steps of the process made for a magical day.
In fact, the students managed to write my column/podcast this week all by themselves.
I'm still looking for a few mud puddles, bargains and backroads.
Now that the Super Bowl is over and our Kansas City Chiefs are Back To Back Champions, let's explore some Aurora connections to Chiefs Kingdom. I'd like to pay special tribute to Pat Talburt, one of our local hometown heroes.
I love talking things over with former students and colleagues who hold a variety of positions in the business/professional world.
At least once a week, someone shoots a dilemma my way for me to weigh in on and offer up some sage wisdom or advice.
We talk about dishonesty, mismanagement and even green-eyed envy from time to time. Sometimes I get to talk about leadership and success. I talk about not being afraid to fail. I love talking about forgiveness and grace. I enjoy giving advice on eye contact and body language, too.
Most of the time, I get to chime in on common sense, self-care and moving forward.
Take a listen to this week's podcast. Maybe there is something there you'll like.
It was an honor to join forces once again with the Alumni Center, the Aurora Basketball Program and local fans wanting to welcome the 1993-94 Boys Basketball Team back home to pay homage to their skills, accomplishments and the overall legacy they helped to instill in our community some 30 years ago.
The names of Journagan, Floyd, Thullesen, Turnbull and Calhoun still resonate in the hearts and minds of die-hard fans.
Join me in another trip down memory lane as we honor some well-deserving fellas.
GRO Aurora is in its eighth year of existence as part of an ongoing partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
While we have graduated to a more independent level the past two years, the shared resources and the collective energy continue to bring Aurora to the spotlight for all of the good things going on here in the Summit City of the Ozarks.
Hats off to those who have relentlessly kept it going to make sure we follow our code of conduct and amplify the efforts of those who continue to do things for the right reasons in the right way.
The year of 1965 might seem like a long time ago to some.
To me, it seems just like yesterday. I love reading about the books, the music, the cars and the people who were making the headlines for us back then.
Ironically, a few of them are still around making headlines today. Cindy Munday is still student of the month material for serving her church, school and community. Bob Journagan is just as tough today as he was on the 1965 football squad that were dubbed champions by the Kansas City Star. T.A. Morrison is still a local feisty doctor--even if he is supposedly retired these days.
Close your eyes. Take a listen. See what you think as we travel back in time.
A tragedy struck my community shortly after the new year got underway in January. With the tragic loss of a 16-year-old boy--Evan Boettler--we have all managed to come together to love, serve, grieve and somehow move forward.
Please join me in paying tribute to his legacy.
Chase a few sunsets.
Take a few hikes.
Make a new friend.
Go fishing.
Find an adventure.
Pick up some pine cones.
Hunt for that big buck.
Give yourself some grace.
Love your people.
The boisterous Ethel Merman sang "Everything's Coming Up Roses" in 1959 for the Broadway Musical "Gypsy." It was a memoir of sorts brought to life on the stage. The show sent the message that sheer will and determination can put the rose-filled mindset in place to be successful. The show was based on the life of Gypsy Rose Lee.
20 years later, everything did come up roses for the Aurora High School Marching Band--who performed in the Rose Bowl Parade before millions of viewers to put Aurora on the map once again.
Join me this week in my trip down memory lane for a special New Year's Celebration.
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