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.

Beauty in Silence

Lately my writing has been stifled by my own insecure nature, as well as my ever racing mind. I’ve found it hardest to write when my mind is in chaos, when the ideas are tumbling and bounding down the hills of my imagination. And then the words become jumbled, and I become frustrated- trying to pull weeds to get to the roses. What a tedious job it is! So once I write a sentence I find imperfections too distracting to continue; and too discouraging to keep on an otherwise a blank page. Perhaps the paper is at times to blame, too crisp I feel I will stain it with the wrong words.

So now here I am, writing, slowly and surely getting one word down at a time.

My mind can be so relentless; perhaps I feed it too often and it can’t digest before I’ve moved on to yet another idea, another word, another dream.

Lately, I’ve been surrounding myself with noise. Silence can be my worst enemy, in that it causes me to fill it with thoughts that become too loud. I choose to plug up my ears with the thoughts of others far too often it would seem. Yet I plead it’s for self-preservation.

Today though, I’ve chosen to write in silence- save for the fan whirring in the distance, the clatter of my fingers on the keys, and the occasional ‘meow’ from Scout. And sometimes, this is liberating. I can will myself to be anywhere my mind chooses. At this moment, I have chosen 19^th century England, the birthplace of Jane Austen as well as her fine literary characters. At times such as these I like to imagine myself as Miss Elizabeth Bennet; so passionate and fiery and so ready for an adventure.

I often wonder what it was like to live in such a time; where there was only silence and the every so often conversation. I imagine mankind was far better off with less distractions; I curse the day head phones were created- as it seems I can’t bear a moment without some sort of music or voice flowing in through my ears. Yet imagine, our ancestors knew not of such noise. How did they live?

Perhaps it was much the same state I am in at the present- at peace. It’s wonderful to feel at peace in silence- considering how rarely I experience it. It’s become a sort of chicken vs. the egg situation, in that I do not know which created the cycle- the silence or the noise? Was I running away from either, or both?

A part of me revels in distraction- not procrastination, mind you- namely the distraction from my thoughts, from the critic living inside my head. And I’ve learned that loud volumes can drown out the nonsense; as well as the pile up of information found in books. Often, have I wondered, if this is healthy. My gut tells me no, so does my mind. I suppose I should start listening.

So today, I established a goal- to embrace the bore of silence. Rather than run from my thoughts, I will embrace them on a more frequent level- with openness of mind. Yet I also would like to imagine more- save from the anxious scenarios I put myself through each and every day. No, I would like to imagine myself in peace, as I am doing today. And it’s a real peace, one tangible and full of the things I love and admire.

Maybe I need to take a lesson from Scout- she manages just fine in her own little world.

Isn’t that right, Scout?

“Meeoooww.”

I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean, Scout.

I've now noticed that this particular post is just more or less my rambling thoughts, with no real string tying them together. I promise to deliver next time I sit down at my keyboard...

But regardless, Scout and I wish you a  

Happy Reading.

Hooked on Books: "And Then There Were None"

I go through many phases in my hobbies, as well as in my interests. I don’t just merely “enjoy” something, I obsess. It torments my mind and soul until one day- it’s over. And I can attach myself to yet another something- another TV show, another book series, another activity. I remember when I was a child, how I would bounce back and forth between drawing, painting, reading, writing, singing, dancing- and it would last for a good month, or week until I found I had driven myself utterly mad. It would consume my every waking thought.

When I reached high school I was much the same in my studies. I had to master one thing, until I could move on. My mind wouldn’t allow me to start on anything new until I had beaten my new obsession into oblivion. That is why to this day I can recite to you the history of the Romanov family, the origin of fairy tales, Jane Austen’s everyday life, and the premise of Star Wars.

Over the past months I’ve dabbled in many things, yet the most recent, and the one this particular post is about, has to do with murder.

But don’t worry.

I’m a writer.

I’ve been a fan of Agatha Christie for some time now, yet more in word only. I had not read any of her novels, yet still had great appreciation for all she has done as a writer. To be honest, I was a little hesitant to start one of her novels. I thought that perhaps the hubbub was overplayed, due to her being a woman- a true minority in the ‘crime/detective’ genre. (Sorry, feminists, it’s just facts.) So, for the longest time I steered clear. Plus, I thought my mystery loving days were long over- dying out in my Scooby Doo faze. That is, until I found a little novel (and it is quite little- under 300 pages) that awakened the detective of my youth.

“And Then There Were None”, by Agatha Christie, was published in the U.S, December 1939. Today, it is thought to be her “masterpiece”, and is the world’s best-selling mystery novel. For that, I was intrigued. I was to be the judge of that.

The verdict?

Well, let’s see…

Soldier Island is our setting, and it’s a rather ominous setting at that. Ten strangers are sent letters by a mysterious U.N Owen, claiming to be an acquaintance of some, an employer to others, as well as the host to a few. Each and every one of these individuals carries a scar, a judgement, which are soon revealed.

Vera Claythorne- An ex-governess traveling to the island to play secretary for a "Mrs. Owen". Young and beautiful, yet harboring a secret she is all to eager to run away from.

Judge Lawrence Wargrave- A retired judge, and born leader. His experience and authority become clear to the others, as well as his cold and calculated view of the crisis at hand.

Philip Lombard- With perhaps the most vicious past of all the strangers, Philip proves to be the most haunted of all the residents. His lackadaisical view of death lead many to question his motives for traveling to Soldier Island.

Dr. Edward George Armstrong- A twitchy recovering alcoholic, with a fragile constitution for stress. An easy suspect if I ever saw one.

William Henry Blore- A former member of the police- hardheaded, over-confident, yet takes control easily. He hasn't a problem accusing others for crimes.

Emily Brent- Elderly, religious, and over righteous. She doesn't feel remorse for her past misdemeanors; leading one to think of what else she is capable of doing?

General Macarthur- The oldest of the guests. His acceptance of death starts early on, as the murders first begin. Perhaps this is punishment, perhaps they are dead already.

Anthony Marston- Handsome, young, and wealthy. He shows a lack of conscience, a lack of common sense, and an immortal view of life.

Ethel Rogers- Wife to Thomas Rogers, and housekeeper for the Owens. Recently hired, and very frail, she is eager to please her new employers as of which she has never met.

Thomas Rogers- Butler; A noble servant for the guests throughout their stay. He continues his duties amid murder, and talk of a psychopath in their midst.

Following the sequence of a haunting nursery rhyme, one by one, they are murdered. Leaving the survivors to wonder if any of them will survive. Leaving me to wonder as well.

In the first chapter I was convinced I had it- I had solved it.

Yet I was wrong.

And after the first few murders…

I was still wrong.

And so it went for 200 pages.

Agatha Christie I tip my hat to you, and this truly delightful novel.

Many, strive for the perfect crime, the perfect murder, and by golly she has done it.

The gothic style of writing was simple, and flowed from one page to the next. She has created a setting that peaked my love of darkness, and danger. An island serving as home to a murderer, leaving many questions in their wake.

“What is the motive?”

“Why these victims?”

“Why now?”

“Were they here the entire time?”

“Or did they arrive with the others?”

“Who is this U.N Owen?”

I can promise now that Agatha Christie will be a regular on my bookshelf. I can also promise that this novel will be reread many times.

Also, AFTER you pick up your own copy, and read it all the way through, THEN please check out the latest movie adaptation starring ‘Podark’s’ Aidan Turner as well as ‘Romeo and Juliet’s’ Douglas Booth. It is a beautiful work of cinematography, and stays very true to the novel- as of which I appreciated.

Now the only question left for me to consider is

“What will my new obsession be?”

*Notices there are 9 seasons of X-Files on Netflix*

*Turns phone on silent*

*Grabs jar of Nutella*

And there you have it! Get out there and obsess over something! It’ll be good for ya, doctor prescribed. Oh, and READ A BOOK!

Until next time,

Happy Reading.

And Happy Obsessing!

A Magnified Look at Introversion

Quite honestly, we are not all that different from you.
In fact, you might know of some of us.
We could be your next door neighbor, your husband, your wife, your child sleeping in the other room, your teacher, best friend-
We could even be
You.

Introversion is nothing new to our society, yet I suppose over the years we have wanted diagnoses- a name, if you will, so we can feel like individuals, unique, different. Or some of us just want to understand our motives and behaviors, striving to acquaint ourselves with our own foreign skin. Today we have a limitless supply to read, describing all of our various personality types. They go into depth as to our motives, desires, pet peeves, and worst flaws.
Given, much of this has to read with a grain of salt because no one wants to be summarized in a rinky dink article found online. Yet it's interesting, really, to read why certain people behave in certain manners. Personally it's comforting to read these articles that are taken from a basic factual POV, considering my brain works in hyper drive and spans a realm of emotions that can at times cloud basic logic.

This article stands to clear up the subject of the mysterious and illusive introvert. Who really are they?

For starters: My name is McKenzie and I am an introvert.

The basic definition of an Introvert is a person who's energy comes from being alone, or someone who finds it draining to be around other people for lengthy periods of time. This can be for any number of reasons- some feel as if they give of themselves far too much when others are around, that they need to recharge. Others simply find solace in the caves of their mind, that delving outside of that cave requires much energy, and forethought.

As an introvert myself, I find people draining- spending time with people, talking to people, sitting by people. thinking about people, worrying about people. People. Are. Exhausting.

That being said, I would like to clear up a few common misconceptions regarding introversion, and its fan-base:

1. Introverts are Shy.

No! Shy people are shy. Introverted people, are well introverted. Most of their "socializing" takes place inside their own heads. And once an introvert has reached a certain point- burnout takes place. This can come in a few forms, i.e shutting down, becoming irritable, etc.
Introverts may also be taken as shy due to their wallflower nature. Most are more observant, and would rather watch socialization, than participate in it. Yet this isn't always the case, some introverts come across as extroverts due to their friendly nature. Don't let them fool you though- they need a break sometimes!

2. Introverts Hate People.

Okay yes, some introverts may hate people, yet this can be said in regards to the general population. Being an introvert doesn't automatically put you in a category labeled "stay away from us, we will bite you". Most introverts love people. I for one love people. Yes, they drive me crazy, yes they are tiring- but yes, I would do anything for them. Sometimes my mind is far too loud that I can't take the noise of others.
Many times an introvert may either turn down, or even cancel, plans with others- yet fear not! It's not you- usually. It's them! They need their ME time- which is not to put it too bluntly or sound too selfish. It's not something they're proud of, but spending time with others requires a lot of forethought, and preparation and at times they don't have the energy for it.
Yet remember, we love you! And keep inviting us- maybe one day we will build up the courage, and energy.

3. Introverts Need to Become Extroverts

Perhaps the most offensive thing you can exude to an introvert, is that something is wrong with them. We notice the difference, yet when has different been bad? I mean isn't that why we have Neapolitan ice cream?
Introversion is not a flaw, just the same as extroversion isn't either. Whereas extroverts gain their energy through people and socializing, introverts gain it through alone time- who's to say which is the right way? Each individual must be treated and cared for in a specific way. Introversion is not a sign of underdevelopment, rather it's just another distinction that creates diversity in the human race.

So bring your fellow introvert a nice cozy blanket, a couple books, a couple cats, call in takeout, and turn on some Netflix- and you have a loyal friend for life. Just don't talk too much. And be mindful when they're speaking, it might actually be something intuitive. They usually prefer to listen, but sometimes, in the right circumstance, you can't get them to shut up.

And you if would like to learn more about yourself, take the Meyer-Briggs Personality quiz- found on the right under "Featured Links".

"Quiet people have the loudest minds."- Stephen King

So please listen to these quiet people, and be patient- you might learn something.

This is just one in a series that will delve more into the psychological world, so I hope you're all perched on the edge of your seat!

And until next time,

Appreciate your local introvert!

Happy Reading!

Hooked on Books: "The Library at Mount Char"

Do you ever think about our imagination?

Go ahead.

Think about it.

Think about how you can make yourself fly.

Or ride a whale into the sky. (Unintentional rhyme, I would like to point out.)

Give a woman a tail instead of legs.

Add a horn to a horse.

Appoint a cat as queen?

Nice try Scout.

Our imagination is truly an incredible thing. With 'incredible' being an understatement. Perhaps the most enormous understatement, because with our little minds (and yes they are little in comparison to the entire living universe) we can create worlds, upon worlds, upon galaxies of our own making. And that's part of what separates us from animals- that we can think up these amazing and otherworldly things and be able to share this enlightenment with our fellow man.

And that's why writing is magical.

I recently finished a novel that put my imagination in hyper drive. I was floored, confused, astounded- all in a matter of pages. And I laughed! During this complex fantasy novel- I actually giggled. And this is why I wish to share my findings with you all.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is a book I found while strolling around my local Barnes and Noble, and I was immediately intrigued by the cover, as well as the title. This thing is a beauty.

Now, we may say "Never judge a book by its cover", but do we ever really listen when we are considering actual books? No! Beautiful books are the ones we immediately pick up, and this love story was no different.

As I've said before- Every book has its time. So this book spent a few months on my bookshelf before my picking it up, yet when I did I could truly concentrate and appreciate what was being fed to my mind.

This is Scott Hawkins first novel, and it sure is a doozy, lemme see if I can even try to explain it-

The Library on Mount Char, although taking place in the modern age, and modern times, has elements of a hidden world right under our noses. Have you ever wondered where all the information covering this universe is held? Do plants speak another language? Are there beings, hidden, that control the things we take most for granted? The sun? The animals? Us?

Scott Hawkins delves into the fantasy surrounding our world, and provides us with an origin story for out beautiful planet.

Carolyn is one of 12 adopted siblings, living with a man they call Father, in a library on a hill. They are raised as librarians, yet not the librarians we picture- mousy, uptight, glasses perched on the tip of their noses- no! Perhaps they are librarians in the truest since.

Each of these 12 siblings are given a catalog, or area, of study. And they must stay in this area of study and research, or there are grave consequences. Carolyn is given languages, and among some of the other areas of study are- Death, Animals, Mathematics, The Future, The Past, The Present, and the Art of Killing. So they are brought up from children, to adulthood, surrounded by pages and pages of information about our natural world. And as they continue to learn, the outside world seems even stranger, and the man they know as Father begins looking more and more cruel.

So, when Father suddenly disappears, the 12 must now solve the mystery as to where he is, if he will ever come back, and if not- who will take his place?

When I first read the synopsis to this book, I wasn't sure what I was expecting nor what I was getting myself into. It was strange, far stranger than anything I've read (and I've read 'Dune'). Yet strange has always meant something different to me- interesting, intriguing, 'curious and curiouser'. The bad connotations toward the word are not what spring to mind. Unusual, in my mind, is the equivalent of good.

I truly enjoyed the characters development, as well as the plot development. It sneaks up on you, like when putting together a puzzle. You suddenly reach a point where everything starts making since, and being put into place, into order. And the same was found with this book. I was given all of the puzzle pieces, yet only when I reached the climax did I start making these connections.

I highly recommend this book for any die-hard fantasy lovers, or those of you ready to step outside of your reading box. The writing is spectacular, and almost effortlessly casual and humorous. Overall a very good read, and worth the time.

The issue of power, and whether certain people are capable of handling it, are discussed. As well as the issue of nature vs. nurture- essentially how do we become who we are? And is it possible to change?

As always, links to find the books discussed, can be found to the right. So don't be stingy, and feed your imagination!

So may we keep fighting!

Happy Reading.