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  Freedom Fest on the Lake turned out a little more inundated than anyone anticipated.  A wetter normal spring and summer left Greers Ferry Lake higher than normal, with barely twenty feet of beach.  In some places there none to be found at all.   It is not as if that were a bad thing though. All of the surrounding communities continued alignment with the fourth of July, leaving this little resort town with Saturday the 5th all to itself.  A shortage of beachfront pushed folks to improvise.  They met the challenge and it did not become quite as overcrowded as in the past few years.  Lining the edge of the parking lot offered space to dance.  After the band, it enabled relocation for optimal firework viewing, and there was no shortage of space in the water or flotation devices of all sizes, complete with kids jumping from the trees.

An amazing night of multimedia and live performance flowed through a packed house at the Charlotte Street Foundation, highlighting the imaginative world of artist Donald Ross, known popularly as "Scribe." screenshot from scribbleversestudios While most immediately recognize his work stretching across decades of Kansas City buildings and alleyways, his recent efforts are likely the most impactful.  Larger-than-life murals commissioned by Children's Mercy Hospital throughout their campus inspire happiness and offer hope daily in children facing greater challenges than many of us will see in a lifetime. It is this visual storytelling that is celebrated in the film that was but one part of the audio-visual-lyrical trinity this evening. Produced by Kyle Dykes, "Enter the Scribbleverse" premiered at the Kansas City International Film Festival in March of 2025, after which Dykes and Ross began collaboration with the Charlotte Street Foun...

It is always exciting to discover a new work of art, especially in a place you kind of least expect it and on a larger scale.  This particular piece of work by Dani Roma covers the entire front of a building on Iron Street in North Kansas City.  It depicts an imaginary view of the Kansas City skyline, as seen from  the surrounding countryside to the south.  To me, the display is encouraging, drawing attention to things more important and colorful than the hustle of the stagnant hues of the city.

A completely random opportunity to visit the Iron District of North Kansas City found a small cluster of brightly painted shipping containers standing ready to serve up a delicious lunch.  Though somewhat overpriced, that appears to be the standard these days. The concept launched in September of 2019 in  what developers assumed was the first logical step in developing a new food and entertainment district for the area .  They were probably on point for that moment in time too.  However, months later, the global shut down would present a whole new obstacle. Emerging mostly unscathed to a much different financial, emotional, and relationship landscape the Iron District continues in the same planned environment.  Offering include sandwiches, tacos, ice cream, breakfast, burgers, as well as Mediterranean and Laotian opportunities. This particular visit enjoyed a Shroomin' Swiss Burger with a side of onion rings from The Iron Grill. It was every bit as delicious as ...

A night out with the Kansas City Royals found former player Alex Gordon standing for induction to the Royals Hall of Fame.  Celebrating a 14-year career, he is undoubtedly one of the more memorable play makers for the franchise.   During his career he was named American League All-Star three different times and won eight Gold Glove Awards.  He was infamous for diving into the left field stands to turn fouls into outs, and few will forget his game-tying home run in the 2015 World Series.  These achievements are only overshadowed by his personal commitment to the very best person and player he could be.  As former manager and Royals Hall of Famer Ned Yost stated, Alex Gordon was "One-hundred percent, all of the time.” A beautiful night for baseball at "The K" did not turn out so well for team though, who found themselves trailing behind, after having scored first.  They were unable to respond a...