Discovering Kansas: Cottonwood Falls

I've mentioned it before, in fact I've mentioned it at great length if you take a look back at my February 3rd post entitled Destination: I'm Running Away

To paraphrase- I revel in the feeling of escape. And that's in whatever kind I can get; that of a physical nature, (i.e literally running away), escaping into a brilliant novel, or escaping into the words of my own creation. At times I would give anything to just-not be here-to not be present. And sometimes I have to fight to keep staying in the moment, to keep still- whether in my body or in my mind.

This past weekend I was given the opportunity to "run away" and, with slight hesitation, I jumped for the opportunity to see different streets, different trees, different pastures. Do you ever notice how days start to blur together after awhile? Sadly, some people will live out their days in such a fog. I, though, have found that this monotonous pattern means I need to break the pattern.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that a journey away could be a mere hour and a half distance.

Cottonwood Falls has a population of 874, and I believe I saw about 5 of those residents. And it was oddly refreshing. This tiny town appeared almost abandoned, save for the few cars we passed on the main streets, and the children playing good naturedly on their front lawns. The lights of the many Southern inspired homes, that lined the few blocks around the main square, were brightly lit yet free of any shadows of a human form.

I, at times, have a very bad opinion of the state of Kansas. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I've lived in the same house for nearly twenty years, fighting ever rumor of a possible move. It's become home, and I've grown accustomed to the monotony of every day life here. Yet catch me on a rough day, and I'll be rip roaring ready to pack up and fly far, far away.

It's a common thing, to take advantage of things we're used to. That's why we may treat our families the worst, complain about our possessions the most, and lose appreciation for the hometown we would relatively never think of leaving. It's these moments of weakness when we must reevaluate what we truly have.

So it's been my mission to "Rediscover" Kansas; to find the beauty I've been convinced it holds. So with this series of articles, I will be taking you all on my journey through the valleys of Kansas.

We left on a rainy Friday afternoon, just inching toward evening time, yet you would swear it was nighttime due to the dark thunderous clouds. Certainly not the best weather for travel; yet our excitement drove us through the bleak surroundings. And bleak, it certainly was not. As we drove I gazed out the window in admiration of my beautiful state. The green pastures gleamed next to the gray sky, creating a storybook feel to an otherwise typical day.

When arriving into Cottonwood Falls this feeling of comfort settled into my bones; this feeling warmed my otherwise chilly skin. I was pleasantly surprised at what I found, and it was like every quaint little town I've read or seen through moving pictures. I was instantly happy, a happy that I don't feel too often, a happy that can sigh in relief. I took a deep breath in of the crisp, rainy air and settled into a feeling that can only be described as alive.

I'm sure many are scoffing at my excitement. This is, after all, a very small town without the amenities of an even slightly bigger location. Essentially I was ecstatic to just see brick roads.

The place we stayed was a little string of cabin-like rooms that sat along the dam. I immediately found myself lounging on a concrete slab near the roar of the rushing water, book in hand- naturally. It was such a simple beauty, a simple sound yet it refreshed my otherwise anxious soul.

After my relaxation I spent most of my time
exploring the town, that is the courthouse square. This square was comprised of antique shops, gift shops, galleries, a bed and breakfast/ steak house, a wine company, and a few other miscellaneous buildings that led up to the historical courthouse.

I lived out a fantasy of mine, that is to ride my bike to an antique shop. Where this item on my bucket list came from, I don't know, most likely a book-anyways it was a magical feeling. 'Cottonwood Falls Collectables' was my wonderland. Ran by the quintessential grandma figure, Sandy Vick has created one of the most delightful stores with 50+ years of collecting. This eclectic little shop is worth a visit.

I could also stand to mention 'Fiber Factory Gift Shop' , ran by Carol Klamm. Here, she makes book marks, shawls, hats, and much more on 19th century looms, that of which are very present around the store. I was ready for a lesson!

And if I would have known that the wine company was not just a wine company, I can assure you I would have been there for every single one of my meals. I cannot express how blown away I was at this diner. And I'm not sure if 'diner' is the correct term, yet that was the feel. 'Keller Feed & Wine Company' has me craving their brunch, just thinking about it. They offer a galore of interesting, yet not threatening, meals. And I have the goal (yet another bucket list item) of working through their menu. If you are able to dine for brunch I highly suggest anything with their gravy, maybe even just a bowl of their gravy. Gravy soup? Stew? I don't know, it's your life...
And since it is your life, you can also enjoy any one of their 'Adult' milkshakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Because this is Cottonwood Falls, and we view Cottonwood Falls much like Vegas- what happens there...well you get it.

I could go on about this place, and maybe I'm giddy merely because I was in need of an escape, yet regardless I plan on returning. And I feel like anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, or a busy life, or a busy mind would enjoy such a place as this.

While returning home I was met with a very sleepy kitty, and the comfort of my own bed. And I felt relief again. I let out a sigh in content that I was home, because although I like escaping I also like returning. Plus I can't go very long without my partner in crime- Scout. She was also eager for my return, meaning the promise of a new toy or more food. We've reached a consensus in our companionship- bribing for eternal love seems very reasonable.

So, as I sit and reminisce, I am reminded of how easy it is to refresh my system. I no longer need to go so long, suffering in the claustrophobia of my mind. Kansas is a place for adventures, I only need to find them.

Scout says I can't leave her again, though. I think I agree.

Happy Reading.

Happy Discovering.

Define: 'Gezelligheid'

“She wasn’t doing a thing that I could see, except standing there, leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.”

-J.D Salinger The Catcher in the Rye

I don’t remember meeting Maddison; she was just constantly there melting into the background. And I admire people that melt, their presence soft and unassuming. These are the people I like to watch. Their actions and speech are modest, yet if you look closely you will see this otherworldliness about them. It surrounds them like a cloak of protection, and it’s beautifully made.

Maddison and I are childhood friends, yet until recently, we never really knew each other. I understand now that her walls were built just as high and thick as mine. I knew only what she wanted me to know, and she knew only what I showed her. Yet it didn’t take long for the walls we had built to come down, at least around each other.

And I was greeted with this protagonist, who is strong and worthy and cunning against any and every foe. I found myself writing her into every story-

 “No one ever knew what she was thinking, it could be the secret of the universe or her shopping list. Did she need eggs or world domination? Milk or anarchy? Yet perhaps this all added to her charm, and her mystery. And everyone loves a good mystery, especially one that’s living and breathing. Sometimes though, she wound herself into a riddle. Sometimes the mystery fed on her own mind, and it scared her. That is, until the first time she picked up a pen. She saw everything-every scar, every tear, every smile- when the weight of her pen was gliding across the pages of her leather bound notebook. And it was like finding that key, opening that tomb, drinking from that spring- she was no longer an enigma. Yet no one deserved this knowledge, it was too precious and far too exquisite. So she kept them guessing, and wrote out another list.”

I’m very choosy as to who I allow drain me of energy. Being at times cripplingly introverted, this is my protection and I revel in some sort of control. It’s hard to explain, yet I will try. I’ve been around people that drain me to the point of exhaustion, and leave me starving for a recharge. These people, without any fault of their own, can be dangerous to an introvert’s mental health in that they drain and drain and drain, yet never replenish. Then, there are people like Maddison. Maddison took, yet also gave. Does this make since? I suppose what I’m trying to say is

These are special people. They're nurturers. The energy they put off isn’t over extravagant, it’s calming. You feel at ease in their presence, and this is rare for me. I cherish such people.

Needless to say the day we spent together was full of utter, loving friendship. And we found ourselves surrounded by books.

Derby, Kansas is becoming more of a hopping place as of recent years. We have received a Panera, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Chipotle. All the places one needs for survival. And although this new boom in business has been good for the small city, I find myself dreaming of simpler times. Although I'm a frequent visitor of Target, and Hobby Lobby I miss the small town feel of Derby. As a child I had fields to keep my eyes busy, and the promise of McDonalds for lunch. It was simpler I suppose. Choices were made for you, and the constant complaints for something new became familiar small talk.

Now that Derby is housing the main powerhouses of stores, we are no longer in need of the small businesses that line Maddison Avenue and K-15. If only my business, could keep them in business.

Maddison and I’s first stop was Silvery, a new café and bakery that took the place of the old donut house. I was shocked we finally had a nice hipster joint to lay our hat. It was a pleasant surprise right when I first walked in. The décor was a mod-podge of rustic, vintage, and eclectic. The wooden tables were surrounded by a plethora of vintage chairs, with not one matching. I felt at home.

While I took in the décor, I was greeted by a pleasant staff. We enjoyed chit-chat that although I at times suffer through, found myself enjoying. And when it was time to order I knew exactly what I wanted: A London Fog.

This drink, as I am surprised to learn, is not too common in fair ole Kansas. Essentially it’s black tea (typically Earl grey) with foamed milk, and vanilla. I call it comfort. So I was pleasantly surprised to find it on the menu.

And for the coffee lovers, they have a variety of drinks ranging from all your typical latte and macchiato needs. (I suggest their latte with a shot of Irish cream.)

When we received our drinks, we shared them over typical Maddison/McKenzie conversation- writing. Maddison is a poet, and I enjoy hearing her speak of her latest inspiration. As she shares her latest work with me, I give her snippets of the novel I have been working on for the last couple of years. It has taken many forms, been deleted countless times, and seen many tears. Yet I hope it’s on the right path- (*resists urge to hit the delete button again*).

After finishing our coffee, and early morning talk of dreams and hopes and fears we found ourselves meandering around Derby’s one and only bookstore- Blue Dragon Books. It’s a quaint little book store mere paces from Silvery, and has become my regular stop while in Derby. It ranges from new releases, to classics, to vintage hard backed books, and so much sci-fi I found myself giddy. Maddi went straight toward the poetry, and I searched for the copies of Pride and Prejudice. We met back again in the Classics, and sat on the floor searching through the Vintage section, of lesser known titles and authors. These books hold the most enchantment; you never know if you’ll find a gem.

When I’m in places like this, lying on the floor of a second-hand book store, full of coffee and tea, with a stack of yellow edged paper backs, and dusty hard covered books, I don’t feel like I’m in Kansas. I could be in Carlos Zafon’s Cemetery of Forgotten Books from “The Shadow of the Wind”, searching through Jane Austen’s book shelf, hiding novels from the fireman in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”, or on some grand adventure halfway across the world. And then I no longer feel claustrophobic, and I can stay here for a little longer.

After Maddison and I chose from our selection, the books we couldn’t live without, we paid and continued on our journey. And all the while we continued speaking of mysteries of the world, mysteries within ourselves, books we wish to read, books we wish to read yet know we will have to write, poems to be recited, and places we yearn to one day call home.

And it was home. And it was living. And the clouds that filled the sky put us into a melancholy, yet also joyous day. And we clutched our books tightly to our chest and thanked the other for such beautiful companionship.

“Certain things they should just stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those glass cases and just leave them alone.”

-J.D Salinger The Catcher in the Rye

If only we could preserve moments and days like this for an eternity. I suppose this is why we write.

-Happy Reading Everyone!

Gezelligheid: (n.) A Dutch word meaning the 'coziness, warmth and comfort of being at home, or being together with friends or loved ones sharing time in a pleasant or quaint atmosphere.'