Author: Roxanna Mechem

  • Wild Horses: Rural Road Trips Missouri

    Wild Horses: Rural Road Trips Missouri

    I’ve heard the saying, “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” A few weeks ago, I heard an old song that proclaimed that the secret to life was, “faster horses, younger women, and more money.” This week I had several encounters with the wild horses of the Ozark Scenic Riverways. As we were arriving at Echo…

  • Teachers

    Teachers

    Yesterday many area schools had opening day sessions for teachers. It is the first time in 33 years that I wasn’t at one of them. I hope their day was a celebration and that school leadership reminded them how important they are. Teachers are important to society, to communities, and to individuals. Teachers have impact.…

  • Most People

    Most People

    Ever feel like you don’t quite fit in? That the rest of the world has a mold for human expectation and you don’t quite make the dimensional requirements? I think we all feel that way from time to time. When I hear the phrase, “Most people…” I cringe. It is offered up as an indictment…

  • The Power Of Community: Travel Goals Iceland

    The Power Of Community: Travel Goals Iceland

    I love gatherings. But most of all I love gatherings that foster a sense of community. Gatherings that promote unity, coming together, and connections. These are hard to come by in modern American life. Sure, there are plenty of things to do and places to go. But intentional community wide celebrations are almost relics of…

  • Labors of Love

    Labors of Love

    I used to look mother in disbelief when she said that she liked to do laundry. For me, a mother of two with a demanding full time job, laundry was a dreaded chore that had to be crammed into my weekend. It was always a scramble just to find all the pieces of clothing and…

  • Of Outhouses and Other Surprises When Nature Calls

    Of Outhouses and Other Surprises When Nature Calls

    Bathrooms. Lavatories. Loos. Water Closets. Toilets. Powder Rooms. Out Houses. Johns. Ladies Rooms. Mens Rooms. Cans. So many names and none of them exactly topics for polite company. This morning, however, I find myself thinking of bathrooms. When I was a kid, my brother used to throw a fit to use the bathroom everywhere we…

  • Perspective

    Perspective

    This photo, taken recently, is a favorite precisely because I was startled at the beauty of the bloom. I generally find cacti ugly, horrible little plants. They are designed to take in water and air while keeping everything else away. It is easy to be injured if you are not careful where you tread. Hiking…

  • Scottsbluff, A Lesson in Life: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    Scottsbluff, A Lesson in Life: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    I love national parks!  I feel almost giddy each time I get to cross a new park boundary.  I have a passport book that I stamp each time we go to a new visitor center. The green ranger suits and the round hats are a familiar and comforting presence.  I know that I am getting…

  • Stress Test: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    Stress Test: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    Prisoner of hope makes a great slogan, however, some days remind me that hope is something you must commit to, you must chain yourself to.  Today was one of those days. We broke camp the night before since they were calling for rain.  But when I woke up there was no rain.  So I started…

  • Echoes: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    Echoes: Rural Road Trips Nebraska

    Central Nebraska.  Corn and tractors.  Tractors and corn.  At Homestead National Park, hopefulness and despair were on full display.  The settlers who came by the thousands to homestead persisted out of stubborn hope for a better life.  They came with almost nothing and built a life out of hostile soil.  Cutting sod for houses.  Using…