Resolution Reversal For The New Year

Well, here we are at the end of another year. A time when most start making those New Year’s resolutions. I myself am often a victim of the Resolution game…only to feel like a failure by mid-February. So this year I am going to try a little resolution reversal. Instead of making a list of things I want to do in 2014, I am going to make a list of what I’m NOT going to do.

I am NOT going to take my health for granted. Several friends and people I care about faced health battles in 2013 that I can’t even begin to imagine. I am starting 2014 healthy, for that I am thankful and I don’t intend to squander it!  

I am NOT going to spend more time with my kids. Not because I don’t want to, but because, frankly, their schedules don’t allow it. They are all at ages where they are busy with their own activities and don’t have a lot of time leftover for, well, me. (They’ve chosen good, healthy activities and are happy, so it’s okay.) So instead of having unreasonable expectations, I will just vow to focus on the quality of time spent with them, rather than on quantity. I can sure make the most of those moments spent in the car, in the kitchen making dinner, and when telling them good night.

I am NOT going to ignore the needs of my neighbors. I am already involved in several community groups, but in the new  year I may focus on helping individuals in need. They are everywhere I look. Some may need food, some may need my time, often I’ll bet, they’ll only need encouragement. I think I might start not doing this one today.

I am NOT going to read more in 2014. Instead, I am going to write more. For the past several years, I have probably averaged reading a book a month. And now I have the makings of a book of my own in my head and this may be the year I get it down on paper (or on a flashdrive as the case may be).

I am NOT going to stop sweating the small stuff, because for me it is the small stuff that can make such a big difference. Issues that some people may deem small…are huge to me. It is just the way it is, so might as well stop fighting myself on it.

I am NOT going to take up a new hobby. The hobby I currently have, Rick Springfield and his music, keeps me plenty busy, and frankly helps keep me sane (okay, so this point may be debatable). Instead, maybe I’ll  focus on enjoying that hobby even more. So all this basically means is that he needs to beef up his Midwest Tour Schedule! J (Rick, I hope you’re reading this.)

By NOT doing the above, I believe I will NOT lose sight of what truly matters in my life; family, community, things that make me, me. I will not lose sight of what makes this The Good Life.

 

People Are The Prize

My daughter’s Fifth Grade teacher sent out an email saying that cups, spoons and hot chocolate were still needed for the class Holiday Party. Within 30 seconds, she got several responses and the needs were all filled right away.

At my other daughter’s school it was evident a few kids, who perhaps relied on school lunch each day for food to eat, may not have the Christmas feast that many of us will enjoy. A discreet plea went out from some concerned parents and students, and families responded by bringing in baskets full of food! Enough so that several families could enjoy a Christmas feast! (And there was lots extra, to help them  get through all of Christmas break.)

Driving my kids to school this morning, I noticed a car pulled over to the side of a busy road. I didn’t see a driver at first, but as we went by I could see the head of an elderly woman peeping over the steering wheel. As I prepared to turn around to see if she needed help, I noticed in my rear view mirror many other cars had already stopped to see what was the matter.

So for as much as I write about The Good Life here and my love for the schools,  the many activities for families, the fact that it seems Rick Springfield is often performing in a six-hour radius and the DIVISION 1 HOCKEY! It always, always comes back to the people.

The people in the Greater Mankato area, that are so generous with their time, talents and often their money. Whether it’s simply sending in a pack of plastic spoons, feeding a family of four, or getting out in the cold to help a stranger, it’s more than “Minnesota Nice.” People here see a need and fill it without thinking of themselves.

People are what truly makes living here, The Good Life.

More Than Just Sound

A few months ago my daughter was listening to her music in the kitchen. She kept playing one song over and over again. It was not a song I’d heard on the radio so I asked her about it. She explained it was this singer named Jake Miller who she found on YouTube and whose songs were “so awesome and Mom, you just have to listen to the words.” And so I did. The song was “A Million Lives” and turns out, I then listened to it over and over again.

I looked him up, which wasn’t hard because, good grief, does this kid know how to use social media. Now I feel compelled to tell you about this young man.

He was 20 at the time, and at the time, young artists/musicians were making headlines for not so great things…urinating in trash cans, twerking on TV for all the world to see…you get the drift. But in the middle of all that is Jake Miller, rapping words of hope and encouragement to teens (well, anyone of any age for that matter) dealing with bullying, peer pressure, suicide notions, losing a loved one.  And he is bringing positivity to their world via a means that they can understand and relate to.

Normally, this type of music would make a headache hip-hop around in my skull. But not this stuff. I listen, I learn a little more about the world my kids are growing up in, and sometimes, like when he sings about just “kickin on the couch” I laugh and have a bit of fun. I’m waaaaay past relating, but my kids do and we can talk about it. I wish his music was on the radio here. It is so unlike most songs played on the radio today, songs that make me frantically try to change the station when the kids are in the car because I don’t want them listening to it.

 Ten months ago, Jake Miller remembers performing in Minneapolis to a crowd of 75 or so people. This past weekend, he performed to a sold-out crowd of nearly a thousand at The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Yes, among those in the sold out crowd were my two daughters and I. Before the show we got a chance to talk to Jake…well, I talked, they swooned.

I asked Jake if it was intentional, if he all along planned to send these messages through his music. Did he know it would have such an impact?

Jake Miller responds, “ I have all these followers and fans and I feel like if you have the power to say something to change someone’s life or the power to help someone, then you should do it.” He goes on to say “Music without a message is just sound.”

 By all accounts, Jake is a hard working 21-year old but his fans are hard working as well. Particularly through social media, which Jake credits with much of his young success.

Jake says, “ Yeah, I mean, I started on YouTube and started getting a following there. And that’s just how it all started. Now I try to meet as many fans as possible.  Even though they’ve increased in number I still try to meet as many of them as I can at each show. That connection with the fans has to be there and it always will be. I have a dream and they are making it come true.”

He is now in the midst of a 43-city tour across the country to support the recent release of his first full length CD, “Us Against Them.”

As a mom of four, I told Jake I appreciated his music. He shyly replied “Thank you” and said the greatest compliments he gets are from parents.

I would suggest listening to  "A Millions Lives," "Like Me" is super sweet, and "Steven" will likely make you cry. 

Now, are all of his songs delivering some sort of positive social message to young people? Well, no, some of his songs are just meant to be fun. He is after all a 21-year-old artist. Rapping about what it takes to live The Good Life. 

On The Right Track

I was recently referred to as a great example of a Greater Mankato “boomerang!” I am indeed someone who spent time in Mankato many, many years ago…then returned to stay forever! (You’ve all heard that story!) But this week I experienced something that made me even more sure that I boomeranged back to the right spot.

I was a part of the Greater Mankato Growth Business Hall of Fame and Awards ceremony.

At just more than 400 attendees, it was a sold out crowd. And what a crowd it was! Dynamic yet humble, competitive yet encouraging of all those around them. Listening to the acceptance speeches that night, two themes stood out: they all said they took huge risks that ended up paying off, and they feel the greater Mankato area is, in their words, "ready to explode!" As prosperous as the community is now, I think the genuine feeling in the business community here is that this is just the beginning and we are on the cusp of something special here.

I also got a sense of respect and teamwork from all those in attendance. Two things that I think helped the community overcome obstacles that often pop up as any area tries to grow. Several of the recipients talked about partnerships they forged that helped with their success, and the need for collaboration between the city, the business community and the educational systems both Higher Ed and K through 12… to get the job done, and done well. Not all parties always agreeing, but coming together to problem solve and move on.

I am already looking forward to next year’s event! To once again reflect on the victories we will surely see in 2014, and review how we grew stronger from the road bumps that will also inevitably try to slow us down. But right now we are staying on track, a track that keeps us living The Good Life. 

Time is Fleeting: Embrace The Good Life

When I started this blogging journey, I was committed to writing a new one each week. And even through vacation, first week of school, new position at work…I’ve been able to maintain that. But this week I’ve hit a stumbling block otherwise known as writer’s block. Not a good thing when you do what I do for a living.

So, I have started at least four blogs for this week.

One was on the beauty of this region this time of year. I find there is nothing more calming than a drive down Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato in the fall. The tree lined streets abloom with rich reds, yellows and oranges. Trees framing a street with homes exuding so much character I just want to stop the car, get out and go meet the people residing in them. I love the scenery there so much, I take that route even if it is “the long way” home. I know in a couple of days those bright colors will be replaced with the gray of winter.

Then, I started a blog on the passing of Snickers this past weekend. Although he was a TINY Siberian Dwarf Hamster, Snickers was a BIG part of our family. Snickers taught my daughter Grace  a lot about responsibility and five days ago, he taught her a lot about death and losing a loved one. A lesson that was sadly put into perspective as her classmate’s father lost his battle with cancer Monday. My aching heart for the Schwartz family prevented me from going further on that blog.

Finally, I started a blog about karaoke. Despite years of peer pressure to just try it, I finally did for the first time Friday night, among a small group of good friends. Friends who did not care if I could carry a tune or keep a beat. So in my safe and secure environment of the Coop (my friend’s most awesome man cave!) I sang Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop.” And indeed I couldn’t stop, singing the night away with my small audience of four. Isn’t it a great feeling to have friends that you are comfortable enough around to leap out of your comfort zone? I ended the night thinking, “why didn’t I try that sooner!”

I will not likely be karaoking again anytime soon, but for that one night I imagined myself as a backup singer for Rick Springfield. No, he doesn’t really have backup singers per se…but maybe that’s because he hasn’t heard me yet! Yes, it was getting to be a silly blog so I stopped.

So, I will have to wait until next week to get going…or should I say blogging…again. This week I just don’t have much to say. Oh wait. I just did.

If you look close, all three of these short stories have a theme: time is fleeting, go embrace The Good Life!

A Balanced Community: Business and Artistic Ventures Are Key

I think my lack of artistic ability was apparent at a pretty young age. I recall being around 5 or 6, when a simple first grade art project of painting a tree on a piece of legal size paper ended with me being put in a separate corner of the classroom with drop cloths all around. Sigh.
But it was two years later when an art teacher taught me, art can take many forms, and as long as it is done from the heart is always beautiful to someone. There is no right or wrong,she said,and unlike the grammar lessons I loved so much (seriously, I loved them, weird I know) art had no “rules.”
To be honest, though, that really never stuck and I ended up never understanding or even attempting many artistic ventures since then. But the older I get, and as I watch my children try different creative pursuits from music to sculpting, I am thinking, “why not pursue those things now if I want?” I'll tell you why not. It's still intimidating.
I would walk into an art studio and not be able to tell a pastel from an acrylic (I'm hoping those are actual art terms, I recall my 10-year-old telling me about them.) But, I should have known this community I love so much would come through for me. You see, we hear all about how our region is growing; manufacturing, professional business, population. Well, the arts community is growing right along with it.
And mixed in with the restaurants, bars, and office buildings downtown is a little place called the 410 Project. It is a non-profit, completely volunteer-run art gallery and "experimental station." (I’m told it’s the only one of its kind in Southern Minnesota.) I had the pleasure of meeting the volunteer director, Dana Sikkila, last week. She and her troop of dedicated volunteers open the space on weeknights and weekends, after working their full-time paying jobs. They give “amateur” artists a place to display their work and they offer classes. They have such a heart for it because they know for a community to truly thrive, you need to have a way for people to express and explore.
It was clear this is a place where even I, who can’t tell my Picasso’s from an 8-year-old’s painting (true story), could go to try something new. It’s totally open to everyone no matter age or ability. And the vision Dana has for it is incredible, she truly has a passion for bringing this community into full balance between artistic ventures and business ones.
The 410 Project, its volunteers and the community members who help support it are all part of what makes this “The Good Life.”

How Was Your Weekend?

“How was your weekend?” may be the most used phrase at the start of each workweek. A look back at this past weekend in the greater Mankato area is a good indication of what makes living here, well, great! The weekend kicked off Friday night with a sold out country concert. Florida-Georgia Line filled the Verizon Wireless Center with folks of all ages. And contributed to the thousands that flooded downtown Mankato restaurants and bars. Ah, camaraderie and country music. Saturday, I’ve heard from many of you, was time spent with family and friends. Many taking advantage of the waning summer days to have get-togethers with neighbors. Personally, I took part in a “Best Burger Cook off” hosted by Jason and Julia Pohlman. This was not just your regular, friendly cook off. It was highly competitive I found out, after I arrived. My simple bacon and cheddar burger (and by mine, I really mean Hy Vee’s…as many of you know I can’t cook), was not even close to being enough to top a fried egg burger on croissant, a tomato basil burger and a super yummy fried onion patty that was to die for. I didn’t walk away with a prize, but I did walk away with a few extra pounds! Not to worry though, I could work them all off Sunday morning on the Mankato River Ramble. I predict this to be an autumn destination for Minnesotans all across the state in a year or two. It features bike rides of various lengths along the beautiful river. It’s more than just a ride though. There’s plenty of scenery, entertainment and refreshment along the way…oh yeah, and more that community camaraderie I keep talking about! The weekend culminated with Division 1 hockey baby! The Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks held an exhibition game Sunday evening, again at the Verizon Wireless Center (think that thing gets used much? J) There’s already an air of excitement this year surrounding the Mavs, and they intensified that Sunday with a 7 – 1 victory over Lethbridge. So many of us hit Monday tired from the weekend. But it was a good weekend, part of what makes this The Good Life.

Embrace Each Season

The days are getting shorter, the mornings cooler...the smell in the air is even changing....as we head into a new season. For almost half a century now, I have experienced this change of seasons from summer to fall to winter to spring. I always feel a new season brings with it a sense of excitement, a new beginning. I was recently reminded that life has seasons, too. Times where we move from one stage in life to another, bringing a sense of excitement and a new beginning of sorts. Looking back on my life, my seasons changed with the move from high school to college, from college to professional life, and from being single to being married. My seasons also changed with the birth of each child. Each new little beginning of life also, of course, changed mine. Now as my children are growing I find it is time for me to grow as well. And I once again find my life entering into a new season. Change is often hard, that's not news. But I've learned, just as I embrace each new season– with swimsuits in the summer and snowboots in the winter– I must also embrace this new season in my life. So with the winds of change blowing my way, my role at KEYC will be changing in the coming weeks. I'll step out from behind the anchor desk to make room for someone else entering an exciting new season in their life. I have truly enjoyed my four years sharing stories important to Southern Minnesotans and Northern Iowans each day at noon. But I have found there is a new opportunity for me here at KEYC. It allows me to do what's best for my family, while still being a part of the KEYC family! And it's a chance for me to learn another side of the industry. So, although I will no longer be visible on the air, I will certainly continue to be visible in this community! Yes, the winds of change are blowing my way. Pushing me into the next season of my Good Life.

Ironmen and Women, With Hearts of Gold

As you all know, I am a BIG fan of the Greater Mankato Area. There are a number of things that truly making living here The Good Life. Those things, of course, differ from person to person. But here's what tops my list: we have Division I Hockey, a great school system where not only is the education outstanding, but they have activities to suit any student's interest. (I have four kids, with four different interests and they all find a place to fit in.) And, boy, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display really demonstrates how cool this community is. The people though, are at the very tip top. People here never cease to amaze me in a variety of ways. Most recently, I've been following the journey of my friend Kate Cox's husband Chaun as he competed in the Wisconsin Ironman competition. Following her Facebook posts and pictures chronicling Chaun's journey really made me feel as though I was there cheering him on. When Chaun returned home, I asked him for a few comments on his experience. And in true "Minnesota Nice" form, he quickly mentioned several others from our region who competed alongside him. (I hate to start listing names here for fear I'll miss someone.) But I am amazed, although not all that surprised, that so many from our area could accomplish such a feat. For those of you not familiar with the Ironman, this is what it entails: a 2.4 mile swim, 112–mile bike ride...aaaaaaannd then, you run a marathon (26 miles). You have to do it in that order and without a break. On the go for 10 to 12 hours. Straight. I consider myself in pretty good shape. I run and workout regularly. But the Ironman/ woman is something I can't fathom doing. In fact, I can't even do one segment of the Ironman/woman. I could not swim 2.4 miles, or bike 112 miles, or run 26 miles. Let alone all of them combined! And Dr. Cox, like all the Ironmen and Women from our area, says he wouldn't be able to do it either without the support of his family and friends. Or without the support of our community. So, if you know Dr. Cox, or any of the other competitors from our area, you know even though they are Ironmen and women...they have hearts of gold. They are good ambassadors for all of us here who are so proud of them. Proud they are a part of Our Good Life.

Lessons Can Be Learned, Even on Summer Break

As the kiddos and I started preparing last night for this morning...the first day of school...I suddenly realized I didn't see them read a single book or do a single math problem the entire summer break. Now, before you shake your finger at me, I also realized last night all that they did learn over the summer. Let's begin at the top, my oldest son, now a week into college and away from Mankato. In those final couple of weeks before we moved him out, I think he learned how important his family is to him. He made it home in time for dinner a little more often. He stopped playing video games to play board games with his sisters. And he spent more time sitting on the couch with his dad and me, just talking. My next oldest, my 15– year–old son, got his driver's permit this summer (okay, so that learning curve will take more than a few months and will probably be the topic of more than one future blog.) So, let's move on. He did learn the value of hard work. With his eye on the soon–to–be–released PS 4 gaming system, he got up early for a month of summer days in a row to pollinate corn at Pioneer. Not easy work, but worth it he knows, because he got enough cash to buy the PS4 and even a few games besides. There is a bonus lesson here, because he did all that work, already spent the money, and still has to wait for the goods! Patience! My daughter, at age 12, loves to bake. She does not, however, like to clean up afterward. So we've been working on that with constant reminders to pick up after yourself and do it right and thoroughly the first time. This has been a long row to hoe with her. So, I almost fainted Sunday afternoon, when she had just finished baking her brother his favorite snack (a rare showing of sibling compassion) and before I could even open my mouth to utter a reminder, she grabbed a rag and wiped off the counters. But wait, there's more! She then got the broom...which was ALL THE WAY over in the pantry closet...and swept up! Then, there is my youngest daughter, who last year needed me to help make her lunch and organize her clothes and such for school. Last night before I could even ask what she wanted, she had her lunch made (PBJ sandwich, apple, string cheese, carrots (but no dip, she wasn't sure if that would keep) and a granola bar with chocolate chips.) Not too shabby. And not only did she have her outfit placed neatly over the chair in her room, she already had her shoes found (another issue at times last year as she raced to catch the bus) and placed them by the front door. So lessons were learned this summer. Important ones. But perhaps I learned the greatest lesson of all. That my kids are becoming more self sufficient. They are figuring things out on their own. I learned that it is time for me to let go...just a bit...as we all learn to live The Good Life.

The Right Packing List

I have fond memories of road trip summer vacations with the family. Now, car travel was much different then...back in the olden days. The packing list for entertainment included books(yes, actual books with pages that turn), a deck of cards, a camera and even,(gasp!)film! We would wile away the driving time singing to the radio, or talking about the scenery zipping by our car windows. Now all grown up with a family of my own, we were recently preparing for our own road trip vacation. Something struck me while I was calling out the packing list to my four kids. iPhones? Check. Charger for car? Check. Charger for hotel room? Check. DVDs to watch in car? Check. Are they appropriate for all of you? Yes. Earphones? Got'em...and two extra just in case some get misplaced. See? A little different from the list of my childhood. Now, it's the last item on the list that I immediately regretted. Yes, those little buds posed a big problem. As we headed out going east on Highway 14, I spent a good seven minutes, very animatedly telling my family what sights we were going to see and what fun we were going to have. When I finally ended my speech, exhausted from the excitement, I was met with: silence. When I glanced back, I realized they all had their earphones in. Didn't hear a word I said. So we went old school for the rest of the trip. We sang and talked and laughed and got back to what makes living today, The Good Life.

From Fan To Opener, The Dustin Walker Story

Because I went on a little vacation, I am now 7 hours late with my latest blog! (You mean you weren't at your computer at 7 this morning looking for it?) As many of you know, I spend a good deal of time chasing Rick Springfield and his band around the country. On those journeys, I met a young man also chasing Rick...and at the same time chasing his dreams. I feel compelled to share his story: It was maybe 14 years ago, as a little tot, Dustin Walker went to a Rick Springfield concert with his dad. Rick noticed him in the audience so DURING the show, Dustin went on stage to sing a quick chorus with Rick. Fast forward to last month...at age 17, Dustin Walker went to a Rick Springfield concert with his dad. BEFORE the show, Dustin performed...as Rick's opening act. "If not for Rick, I never would have started playing music," Dustin says. And that's the story of his life so far...from fan to opener for someone he has idolized for, well, as long as he could stand in front of the TV and strum along to Rick with his toy guitar. "I started playing when I was 4, but it didn't really click till I hit like 12 or 13...now it's all I want to do!" Now he's playing the real thing, in front of real life crowds. "I love it, I don't want to do anything else," Dustin says. Dustin has recently released his first CD "Between The Lines" and his songs are being played on the airwaves in other countries. To hear Dustin tell it, Rick is responsible for his success. But in meeting with him and watching him perform, I have a feeling raw talent and hard work got him where he is today. And, like Rick Springfield, something else drives him as well. "As a teen I suffer from depression but music helps make it all go away. I'm happiest when I'm on stage." So a couple of years ago, he formed a band with fellow musicians around his age (17 to 24 years old) from around his hometown of Channahon, Illinois. Playing locally for awhile, things are now "blowing up" –in their words– for the band. "My respect for Dustin jumped up about a hundred notches after our first time opening for Rick," says lead guitarist Drew Thompson. "There was something wrong with my amp and I thought I was just going to have to stop playing. But Dustin didn't miss a beat. He handed his guitar to me and then went on with the show. He displayed great crowd control." While comfortable on the stage, Dustin isn't necessarily comfortable for taking credit. "He is the most humble person I know," says drummer Johnny Collins. They describe their style as rock and metal, both easily heard in the debut CD. It's a mix of the different musical styles each member brings to the band. They all take part in the song writing and say their biggest challenge in working together is their schedules. "Because of our ages we have school and work, so we have to work around all of that," Dustin says. But they do make it work...and they work hard. Combine that with talent and having a rock star like Rick Springfield on your side...and it's clear, the story of Dustin Walker is not over yet. To learn more go to http://musikandfilm.com/store Or visit http://dustinwalkermusic.com

Find Your Life Balance: Find Your Rick Springfield

My most important role (and greatest joy) in life is that of mother.   At times the responsibility of that role has overwhelmed me.  But a few years ago, I learned that to better embrace that role... I had to let go a little.

As I'm sure many of you know, it's difficult to balance kids, career, and community.  But I may have found the key:  Rick Springfield.

Now, does he come help me do laundry or chauffeur the kids? Well, no.

Does he edit my video or give me some great news tips? Uh–uh.

But what he does do is give me a break from reality once in a while.

This was a hard thing for me to reconcile.  After being his fan for 30 years, it wasn't until about four years ago I had a chance to go to my first concert.  It wasn’t easy for me.   I would argue with myself over how "responsible" it would be of me to go.  It was ALL the way in Kansas City.  After all, oh my goodness, I would be gone from my family for 36 hours or so.  But, with the blessing of my husband and kids, I went.  When I returned a day and a half later, guess what?  My kids were clean, clothed, fed, and, well, happy. They survived without me?!? Who woulda thought?

And I was happy, too.

So, now, five or six times a year, my best girlfriend since childhood and I hit the road (or the sky) and go to a Rick Springfield concert.  For that often brief 24–hour period, we are not moms, or software company directors, or news anchors, or PTA volunteers.  We are simply women.

And it is now to the point that the concert is only part of the experience. We see friends we've made at the shows over the years - fellow moms and professionals - who also just take those weekends a few times a year to be 13 again.  I come back rested (okay, not really).  But I do come back re–energized. I come back ready to embrace the things I truly love in life - kids, career, and community.

So my advice to you:  Find balance in your life.  Find your Rick Springfield.

The Good Life

After this weekend, one thing is certainly clear now, Southern Minnesota is realizing the awesomeness (yes, I believe that is a real word) of Mankato's Riverfront Park and the Vetter Stone Amphitheater. It just took a little ribs and rock–n–roll to get them there. What is also clear, is that Mankato's Ribfest 2013 was about more than the irresistible smells, tastes, and sounds. This event was about community, collaboration...and just plain and simple..coolness. As the park filled up with people Saturday night, it also filled up with pride and the realization that our area has a real gem, waiting to be discovered right there along the river. Okay, there may have been a few grumblings from some waiting in the beer or bathroom line. Although, to be honest with you, I even had fun there. I could still hear the music...and while inching forward every couple of minutes, I saw folks who live just a few houses down from me, but who I have to leave the neighborhood to see. And, while waiting, I visited with people I'd never met before but am glad I know now.  The best though is parking yourself in your lawn chair in the beautiful stone seating area...it’s just like you are sitting on your back porch. (Except, Loverboy will probably never be playing in your backyard!) Because, whether there were friends or strangers in the chairs around you, the conversation and the laughter rang out. A beautiful outdoor setting, an amazing amphitheater, perfect weather and, you know I'm going to mention this: great people, proved to be a perfect recipe for Ribfest success. One recipe that helps make up The Good Life.

The Good Life

As my family sat around the dinner table the other night, we were thinking how crazy it is that we just hit our four–year anniversary of moving to Mankato. Time has gone quickly, but to this day when people find out we moved to Mankato, Minnesota from Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii... the first reaction remains "You moved HERE from THERE? Are you crazy?" Well, the truth is, we're crazy about Mankato. We've had the privilege of living in many areas of the country, and we have found it's not the warmth of the climate that matters, it's the warmth of the people. We first discovered Mankato...let's just say "many"...years ago, when my husband Brodie and I moved here so he could attend what was then known as Mankato State University. Upon his graduation, we embarked on a life that would take us criss–crossing the country. And although each spot we landed never quite felt like home, we did grow to love things about each place that helped ready us for our final spot: Mankato. We first moved to the San Francisco area . There nestled in the valley near Napa, I learned to love wine. Then back across the country to the Washington D.C. area. There, nestled next to Quantico Marine Corps Base, I learned to love more deeply our service men and women, seeing first –hand the sacrifices they and their families make every day. After a few years there, we moved back across the country...I mean as far as you can go...to Hawaii. There nestled along the beach of Hawaii Kai, I learned to love the sun. As each adventure grew, so did our family. By the time we moved to Hawaii, our family had grown to six: Two parents, two boys and two girls. As the kids grew, so did our need to "settle down." We were drawn back to the only place that truly felt like home, Mankato. So for the last time we packed our family, our belongings and our memories and moved. Here nestled among neighbors, and parks, and schools and kindness... I have learned to love life. The Good Life