From the Ozarks to the Big City ... Missouri Has It All Plus Monica M. Brinkman

As a person who resided in the California Bay Area for most of my adult life, I never gave much thought to the Midwestern part of the country... that is until I actually found myself moving to the state of Missouri. My first reaction to the new surroundings was a bit of awe as I took in the green, lush hills stretching for miles around me and looking up, I found for the first time in thirty years, I could see clear twinkling stars in the night sky.  

I have come to appreciate the variety of people and the strong history of this state. 

Missouri is one of the few states bordered by eight other states, Iowa, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska along with the distinction of having two large rivers, The Mississippi and The Missouri River within its boundaries. You’ll find families riding the many rivers via canoes and rafts and vacationing in their favorite campground during the Spring and Summer months.

 

Missouri is rich in history particularly that of the Civil War, witnessing more than 1,000 battles fought on its grounds. History buffs can find joy in visiting such places as The Jefferson Barracks nestled along the Mississippi River or the Missouri History Museum, both in the city of St. Louis.

For art lovers, while in the St. Louis area, stop by the St. Louis Art Museum, relocated to Fenton, Mo where you’ll find galleries from African American Art, Native American Art, Art from the 1800’s and many more to satisfy your particular artistic tastes. By the way, admission is free and open to individuals and groups.

I would be amiss if I did not mention Jazz, for it is synonymous with the name Missouri. One museum to check out is The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. You’ll find inter-active exhibits, films, the Blue Room Jazz Room and the Gem Theatre, a 500 seating performance arts center. http://www.visitmo.com/museum.aspx

Let’s get to Branson, MO. Once a little known town nestled in the lakeside beauty of The Ozarks, it has grown in popularity to become ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’. Residents and visitors flock to this town, as it is truly a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination and at very affordable pricing.  With more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, an Historic Downtown district, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds  http://www.explorebranson.com/

 I found myself compelled to set my novel, The Turn of the Karmic Wheel, within a city called Raleigh, MO. Don’t allow the title of this fiction novel fool you. It is rich in character, story line and will have you thinking about the tale long after the read.  http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Karmic-Wheel-Monica-Brinkman/dp/0984615466

Monica M. Brinkman lives in Rolla, MO with her husband Richard, five cats and one dog named ‘Harry’.  She writes a column consisting of Op-Ed and true stories of the paranormal called ‘A Touch of Karma’, http://authorsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&layout=category&task=category&id=84&Itemid=355

You will also find Ms Brinkman hosting the internet talk show, It Mattes Radio, every Thursday evening at 9:00 PM ET. Visit the It Matters Radio web site @ www.itmattersradio.com

To Commenter’s:  Monica Brinkman is giving away a choice of e-book or paperback of The Turn of the Karmic Wheel and invites anyone to submit to be a guest  on her radio show. She’s created the broadcast to assist talented individual’s gain a bit of exposure.

(All Pictures Provided by Author)