Wild Woman: Free Bird Adventure Day 3

"Well behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

While my behavior this weekend has been expemplary, this quote on a t-shirt at the Missouri History Museum, grabbed my attention. So much so, that I payed astronomical prices to have a set of greeting cards with the saying printed on them. More on this in a moment.

I started the day with full intentions of finding a church to attend as any good christian girl would. I couldn't find any that peaked my interest in less than 30 miles, so instead I slept in. At first I was a little disconcerted but then I remembered even God took a day to rest. After rolling out of bed around 10 again I spent some time praying, worshiping and reading my Bible. Its amazing how the most refreshing part of my trip so far is something I could do at home, but often neglect. A definite thought to ponder and to work on when I am home again. Could it be that I would find more rest in the word of God, than in the stress of a "to-remain-nameless" department store?

At that same "to-remain-nameless" department store a customer recommended a restaurant called Bacana Brasil Churrascaria. Churrascarias are little restaurants where the meat is cooked on large skewers and then brought to your table where they slice a fresh piece off for you. Bacana means "hip" or "cool" in Portugese. It was definitely a "bacana" restaurant. I had pieces of sirloin, top sirloin, filet, bacon wrapped chicken, sausage, and my personal favorite garlic steak. Its a good bet that I haven't had that much red meat combined since I started working at my most recent place of employment. The all you can eat menu also featured garden salads, pasta salads, regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, chicken wings, and all kinds of imaginable sides. The picture is of a very stuffed me standing outside the restaurant. Located in Chesterfield, about a 20 minute drive from downtown St. Louis, this restaurant is pricey, but worth the expense. The adage you get what you pay for applies. (I would suggest not ordering soda. At $3.15 it is the most expensive soda I've paid for in the United States!)

Any weight that I've recently lost, was gained back in one meal, so I tried to counter act it by strolling through the St. Louis Art muesum located in Forest Park. For a free museum it was quite impressive. Art samples from all around the world and times made the collections seem exotic and ecclectic. The thought occured to me that people emphasize certain aspects of themselves in their art. African artists accentuate the forehead and the animalistic nature of the human. They even believed that when they wore their masks, they were no longer human, but were overtaken by the spirit they represented. This is in tandem with their beliefs and practices that we are all connected to the earth we came from. Chinese art often highlighted the pale faces and ornate dress of the people in their culture. European art gave literal weight to people in their portraits. Weight was equated with opulance and therefore the bigger the better. I wonder what those people would think of our obese society. American art, especially art from around the St. Louis area depicts a jovial aspect. Rosy cheeks and excitable eyes seemed to prevail in most of the art. An illusion is created that the America of the past is better than the America of the present or the future...or maybe thats just an interpretation of the beholder. Any way I loved the museum and was incredibly excited to see "Water Lillies" by Monet! This particular piece is one of three...one of the other pieces is at the Nelson Atkins in KC. Guess I'll have to plan a little trip there too.

Maybe the most beautiful art was not actually in the museum but in the park. God's artwork combined with man made fountains and landscaping really made for a beautiful afternoon. I walked around the park for 45 minutes or so, just enjoying the sun. This park is situated on part of the ground that was used for the World's Fair in 1904. Very little of the fair remains, but you could almost see women in long dresses and men in top hats, foreign visitors in traditional garb of their countries, and little children running around and screaming.

I learned more about the World's Fair and Charles Lindbergh at the Missouri Muesuem of History. A Vatican Treasures exhibit was also at the museum, but I took on an air of superiority when I found out they were charging $20 a person to see the exhibit. Why would I want to pay that to see a mili-fraction of what is actually in the Vatican, when I payed less to see where it belongs? Pride is obviously something I should be working on. I loved the exhibit on the World's Fair and am now having a strong desire to watch Meet Me in St. Louis.

Most things on Sunday close early so I decided to use my evening free time to just relax and read. I finished off a book that was long overdue to be read. Sitting on the balcony of the hotel, drinking an ice cold pepsi (i took the ice bucket up with me so I could refill my cup), and enjoying the city view, I was able to unwind. Thankfulness became overwhelming. I am thankful for this opportunity to get away, thankful to have the financial ability to do it, thankful for a family who is anxious to see me - even though I've only been gone a few days, and thankful most of all to my Creator for giving me a heart of love, a heart of travel, and a heart of desire.

Those three things make me think I truely am supposed to be a wild woman. Not to be famous, or to change the history of the world, but maybe to change the history of one person's life. God is calling me to be wild. I've felt that call before. My trip to Italy was part of that call. Looking on women who have changed history most did it because they knew they were responsible to someone greater than themselves. Mary, Rahab, Ruth, The woman at the well, Mary the sister of Martha. All of these women did something unexpected, un precidented, and completely uncharacteristic of woment of the time.

So my prayer becomes this. That I never lose my spirit of adventure. That I never lose my wild side. Even if that means vacationing alone, sharing my faith with someone, or just trying to make my job the most exciting thing it can be. I am a Wild Woman! I am living the history God created for me.

verse of the night (the story of one wild woman): Matthew 26:6-13 "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why the waste?' they asked. 'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' Aware of this Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told, in her memory.'"

(For more of this story see Mark 14, Luke 7, and John 12)

Tale as Old as Time: Freebird Adventure Day 2

"The best laid schemes of mice and men, often go awry..." Robert Burns was probably not speaking about a traveler's plans, nor was John Steinbeck thinking of an interrupted itenerary, but the idea remains relevant.

I mentioned yesterday that I planned on touring the Anheuser-Busch factory. Well after waking up at 7 in the morning and every hour thereafter until my alarm buzzed at 10, I was feeling kind of groggy. Luckily the city of St. Louis is quite Green. Because I chose not to have my room cleaned today I got a $5 voucher to be used in the restaurant and bar in the hotel. I grabbed a muffin, a danish and a carton of milk (to be used in my coffee). That quick and free breakfast, combined with a quick shower drained the sleepiness away.

With directions from the front desk I headed off to the brewerey. I was feeling a little bored with the idea, considering I don't drink. I felt more like I was supposed to go since I was in St. Louis. Really the only thing that caught my interest would have been the horses.

I wanted to pick up a quick lunch on the way since it was already past noon, but I have not seen a McDonalds or any fastfood since I entered the city. Keeping an open eye really has some benefits. I spotted a sign for a farmer's market. This farmer's market happens to be the biggest in St. Louis and one of amazing quality. The Grand Am parked itself and I found myself inside one of the oldest Farmer's Market west of the Mississippi...Soulard Market. For more information on the market check out this Web site:

http://www.soulardmarket.com/soulard_farmers_market_003.htm

Today I learned that when you travel by yourself, or at least when I travel by myself, I tend to buy lots of food. A baugette, 1/4 lb of ham, 1/2 lb of Pepperjack cheese, 1 lb of cherries, 1 lb of green grapes, and 1 bar of handmade soap all managed to find their way into the reusable grocery bag I found in the back seat of my car.

Old Order Mennonites, Muslims, whites, blacks, Native Americans jostled around the stands. The people were as eclectic as the wares, but it was a welcome sight to my heart. Somewhere inside of us we are all the same. Makes me think of the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World." Also the majority of the people were using re-usable bags and avoiding plastic!

I walked through the old town of St. Louis, taking in the beautiful architechture, but I had to cut the walk short so I could get all of the food I bought back to the mini-fridge at the hotel. The Bud factory was basically wiped from my mind, but I didn't care. I found something I believe I enjoyed far more than what I was planning.

After stashing my goodies, I once again pestered the front desk for information...this time about Grant's Farm...which they promptly told me it wasn't worth the effort. So I was at a loss for what to do. Since I am across the street from the ScottTrade Center I decided if I could check out where the Blues play. For the first time ever my brother was the easiest person for whom to find a souvenir. I continued on to Union Station...so far the biggest disappointment of the trip. Like most malls of our time, it was dying. A few shops managed to hang on, including a little fudge shop that I of course indulged in.

At this point I had decided this was my vacation, and I wasn't wasting my time as long as I was enjoying myself. Since it was a beautiful and cloudless day, albeit a hot one, I decided the zoo sounded fun. It was a great choice. Located in Forest Park about 6 miles west of my hotel, the zoo was an enjoyable way to soak up some rays. My skin is now disagreeing with me and I look like a lobster in training.

A map was provided of the zoo, but you all know my skill with directions, so many times I found myself circling the same animals more than once. I think I saw the lions 3 times. I also realized Marc Brown's interpretation of an ant-eater is incredibly off the mark. Arthur was just a lie!

But my favorite exhibit was the Penguin habitat...and not just because it was the best way to cool off after sweating buckets all afternoon. Us humans walked into an icy tunnel only to find ourselves surrounded by free roaming penguins and puffins. They dove and danced around showing off their built in tuxedos and matching a tux's class. I giggled and jumped as they splashed me.

The lions, the tigers, and the bears (oh my) and even the penguins are beautiful creatures. The thought struck me that here they were these amazing animals and everything they do whether they roar or splash, are the hunter or hunted, they are doing it for the glory of God. May it be my prayer to be more like the penguin, dressing my spirit in finery, waiting for my Jesus to come back for me.

After a quick stop at the souvenir shop, I headed out to Walgreens. I had heard that if you get to the theatre early enough you can get free tickets at The Muny. This week 'Beauty and the Beast' is showing. So why stop at Walgreens? I wanted to buy a lunch box, so I could take a pic nic dinner. I used some of the bread, ham, cheese and fruit that I had purchased earlier. I also packed more than a liter of water...which was completely consumed.

I got to the theatre around 6:45 and stood in like for about 45 minutes, hoping that I could get a ticket. I made it in! Of course the seats were in the very back, but I can't complain. Curtain was at 8:15, so to kill some time I caught up on some reading and munched on my sandwhich. (pretty darn good if you ask me).

A shiver of excitement ripples through me each time I hear an orchestra play the opening notes of an oveture, and tonight was no different. This may have been the first show I've ever seen where the Company outshined the leads. Don't get me wrong they did a great job, but there was an energy and a vibrancy that only existed when the whole cast was on stage. This was due in part to the spectacular choreography and set design. It really was impressive, especially for an outdoor theatre. I long to see more shows here and the thought has crossed my mind to see if they need anyone with a Communications and PR degree.

Who knows...but that comes back to planning doesn't it.

The evening was finished with an ice cold pepsi and a second free show of sorts. The hotel lobby was filled with wedding guests and even the bride and groom, all of whom were incredibly drunk and entertaining. I just know my wedding will not be like what I've witnessed tonight.

Verse of the night: Psalm 33:11 "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

Meet Me In St. Louis: Free Bird Adventure Day 1

So here it is.

My solo vacation.

Not in the sense that I've only taken one vacation in my life, but I'm taking a vacation by myself. So far I've been called crazy, brave and odd...none of which I really believe apply. Curious is the adjective I choose. I want to know if I really can do this by myself, I want an adventure, and I wanted to go somewhere I've never been before. (To be honest, that last one is technically inaccurate since I was here when I was 3 months old, but I figure, for a trip to count it has to be in memory).

In addition to curiosity it was really time for a vacation. This being an adult thing definitely has its advantages, but I'm finding I'm missing the summer vacations only afforded us in our school days. Who knows maybe graduate school is in the future, just so I can resume my summer schedule. With work and the ups and downs of life, I was just ready to have some quality "me-time."

Now some of you are shaking your heads and saying "well isn't that conceited." Well to all of you I say, sometimes its ok to take a weekend for yourself. How can we be laborers in the fields if we do not have rest? Since I really have no person to talk to, I'm finding my conversations with God are a little more direct and a little more like having a friend.

Like most things in my life, my timing was off this morning and I didn't quite make it out of the house by the time I wanted. So running about an hour behind I started this miniature journey. Just to be clear this really is quite an adventure considering I booked my hotel at midnight...about 9 hours before I planned on leaving.

For 5 hours I fought traffic, dodged police speed traps, and bumped along Missouri roadways. Taking I-70 turned out to be quick, but definitely not sceneic. On the drive I saw lots of little tourist traps and quirky shops that I wanted to see, but I was trying to beat rush hour. I'm planning on hitting some of them on the way back.

Booking through Hotwire turned out to be a good choice. I ended up in the Sheraton St. Louis City Center. After driving around the block, trying to figure out parking and realizng that I would have to pay to park at my hotel I realized cities are not places for girls who have a record of hitting things in tight spots. No mom I didn't wreck the car, but the parking garage is tight.

Entering the hotel lobby the first thing I saw was a boquet of bright orange lillies. It was a small blessing and almost like a sign that this is where I was supposed to be. If you know me well you know I have a strong affinity for lilies. I think that has something to do with a certain bible verse (see below).

The conceirge was great and gave me maps of the city, really made me feel welcome, and informed me that Wicked was not actually worth seeing if I've seen it before. He said the vocal quality was poor, and it would only be a waste of money. Instead he offered the suggestion of seeing Beauty and the Beast at an outdoor theater. If you get there early enough you can get free seats...so thats on the agenda for tomorrow.

I started with the one thing everyone comes to St. Louis to see...The Gateway Arch. I first caught sight of the arch about a block from my hotel (Which is located right across the street from where the St. Louis Blues play). Beautiful and solitary the arch stands out against a skyline of hotels and business towers.

Butterflies fluttered madly in my stomach at the thought of willingly going into such a flimsy arch, but I did it anyway. "This is your adventure," I told myself, "you can't back out now." It was like a butterfly firestorm when I saw the pod we had to sit in to get to the top. I felt like a baby chick, waitng to burst out of its eggshell.

The result of this tumultous feelings? A beautiful view from the top, a little bit of a light head, and a feeling of accomplishment. The family I rode to the top with, because a single person can't ride alone, took my picture. When I got to the bottom of the arch, I walked through the Westward Expansion Museum. A guard stopped me and asked if I was looking for someone. A small voice giggled inside of me. Implied in his statement I found the idea that either I was too young to be by myself, or that its crazy for a young woman to go on vacation alone. I'm conquering both ideas.

After my trip "to the top" as the advertisements say, I strolled along the overflowing banks of the Mississippi river. Unfortunately I will not be able to take the Tom Sawyer paddle boat tour on this trip because the river is so far over its banks. In a few days I'll have pictures up on Facebook. While this flood is not as bad as the flood of '93 it is taking its toll on the the tourisim industry and the nightlife of the area. I grabbed a quick bite at the Spaghetti factory.

There is something about being alone that gets you special treatment no matter where you go. As I entered the restaurant, I heard a lady say to her husband that the wait was 1 to 2 hours. When I asked the host how long a wait would be for one she ushered me to the side and I was seated immediately. I felt kind of bad because I was at a table made for 4. One of the many families waiting could have had my table but the waiter assured me it was ok. My baked chicken and Mizithra cheese and spaghetting was a fabulous suggestion that I must thank my waitor for giving.

The evening was capped off with a nice stroll back to the car, a quick dip in the hot tub to break in my brand new swim suit, and finally an evening enjoying the funny sights of a hotel lobby.

Here are a few things I've learned from my first day out:

1. Traveling alone can be very entertaining...you see more when you're actually paying attention to what's around you.

2. The Arch was built from 1962-1965 and was dedicated by LBJ in 1968...I had no idea it was so young.

3. The combined efforts of Michael Buble and Beth Moore have the ability to draw droves of middle aged women and their apparently wealthy husbands to an otherwise youthful city...I swear it's like college all over again, but seeing myself and friends 30 years older...kind of a scary picture.

4. While my curiosity is still active, I have found out one thing. I can do it! And I have no worries about tomorrow.

Verse of the night: Matthew 6:28-34 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."