Within the busyness of the holiday season, it can sometimes be difficult to connect. Perhaps music can help? “Music at its core is a way
Enjoy listening to this itty-bitty 6-minute podcast episode: Podcast Summary In this short and sweet solo podcast episode, Sara reflects on her experience with creativity
A surprise tribute to the compassionate Carmelita Davidson! Since I have been intentional about having conversations with local leaders, one name kept coming up over
In this solo podcast episode, I reflect on the beauty of fall in Festus, Missouri. I share a personal story about a squirrel and a
🙋🏼♀️💜🙏🏻Just for today, I choose to FEEL… In this solo conversation, I discuss my challenges of feeling overwhelmed in my daily life and I share
Enjoy this Itty-Bitty Bit: Summary In this episode of MyFESTUS.com Conversation Show, your host, Sara, shares her journey of embracing discomfort and personal growth. She
I am excited about the opportunity to SHARE communication via email to CONNECT with you as we all SUPPORT OurFESTUS-area community. SUBSCRIBE to communication for
Updated Prior to the October 18, 2024, Atlas Youth Outreach Hosted a Teen Trunk-or-Treat. Check out what it, and they, are all about: Teenagers are
Community can have several definitions and meanings to different people; however, most can agree that community is a collaboration that one can count on. The
Have you ever wondered WHY I consistently use the words: SHARE, CONNECT & SUPPORT within everything I do? LISTEN to this short, 6-minute, itty-bitty bit
“Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.” – Cecilia Aaron As someone who has lived in a lot of different cities, in a few
I LOVE a good organizational system! In fact, to my embarrassment, my parents LOVE to tell people that I asked for a filing cabinet when
This morning, I asked my 10-year-old son, “What does fuel mean?” He said, “Anything that brings you energy.” I absolutely love this definition! There are
We were a boating family. My childhood weekends, nestled between Memorial Day and Labor Day, were spent on our family’s 1972 Starcraft Holiday boat. With
It’s back to school time for many. Regardless if you are active in a school, or not, you are likely familiar with this kind of
I have always associated the word/concept of abundance with the word/concept of enough. As in enough resources of something tangible such as money, food, shelter,
Sometimes we feel stagnant. Despite the busyness that consumes us, or the open space in our schedule, we feel empty. Even if we are always
Having grown up in Wisconsin, I consider this kind of summer heat “vacation weather.” I can feel you rolling your eyes at me. I can
SHARE: We are a non-profit organization in Hillsboro, Missouri, dedicated to helping young girls and teens to become confident and empowered young women through equine
From age 9 to 17, it was extremely fortunate to be able to attend a weeklong summer camp at Pine Lake Camp in central Wisconsin.
My teenage daughter, Audrey, is a very busy, active girl. She loves being ON THE GO… ALL.THE.TIME. My 10-year-old son, Dayton, is active, but prefers
I woke up feeling bright and blessed, and a bit buzzed, from the connections I felt yesterday, on July 13th, 2024. My 13-year-old daughter and
If you have on the GO…with events, festivities, activities, and gatherings…you may be feeling a little depleted, while feeling nourished and full at the same
The Fourth of July, as well as the holiday week/weekend, can conquer up an assortment of feelings, emotions, and energy. Perhaps we feel productive, relaxed,
I feel better when I do the itty-bitty “thing.” I do. Yet, I have to continually remind myself that I DO feel better when I
I love clocks. I have a clock in every room. Recently, one clock in my bathroom seemed to be getting louder and louder. I am
Having lived in many other cities and states, I observe a different vibe in the Festus, MO area. While I write about my adoration of
I am beyond blessed to have a fantastic father. Despite now living in different states, he has always been present and engaged. I am grateful
This summer, many people are looking for outdoor adventures, particularly with their teens, while they still have summers together. If this sounds like you and
June 11th, 2024 marked the 9th Anniversary Tuesday Night Ride (TNR). Per local leader and one of the original Tuesday Night Ridge founders, Andy Held,
What if we didn’t need to feel any pressure on making “good” or “bad” choices? What if everything worked out? What if we received everything
Have you ever had one of those days or moments when you are feeling a little crispy…like a little, or a lot, on-edge with everyone?
The other morning I woke up feeling tired, heavy, and achy. As I forced my eyes open, I thanked myself for setting my programmable coffee
Within this Memorial Day weekend, many of us are traveling, which prompted a travel reflection… We travel on roads, literally and figuratively. Sometimes the street
The glorious, fresh 70-degree weather in Festus, Missouri has been marvelous this week. Savoring the sun and spring air is rejuvenating. Our family has been
I honor, respect and love my mother, Gail, every day of the year; however, this Mother’s Day, I wanted pay a special tribute to her.
Earlier this week, my son asked what the word “intention” meant. He said he thought it was a feeling that you have. I concurred, and
When it comes to reading books, watching movies, or listening to podcasts, are you a science fiction fan? Are you into thrillers? How about someone
How do you know when you are out of alignment, living a life incongruent with your authentic self? When you see your shadow, do you
The word champion has multiple definitions. One can be a champion within their own identity, to persevere with strength and power. Someone can also be
I wrote and posted the following last year on 4/22/23. I have had many people reaching out since, sharing how much this quote dissection really
Regardless if you are new to living in an area (like me), or new to a role, or position, or identity, you likely know that
Culture, as it is defined by the Oxford Dictionary is the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Festus, Missouri is a convenient
Last week I wrote about Strong Outer Shells Covering Soft Inner Souls, as it relates to how we view others, especially when we perceive pain.
I wrote and posted this last year on April 13, 2023. Today, exactly one year later, I am still reflecting on the beauty within OurFESTUS
Most of us are similar to turtles, in the way we show up in this world. We all have strong, hard shells on the outside,
Do you remember those red buttons that Staples put out a few years ago? They sat on your desk and you would press it, and
LaChance Vineyards is THE destination in DeSoto, Missouri to relax, unwind, and fall in love with your life, and serenity. I believe in creating a
While I am staying in Festus, Missouri for this Spring Break, I associate this time of year with packing up to go on a trip.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Many of us associate this Irish holiday with an aspect of “luck.” Do you think you are lucky? Do you think
When I am with my children in the car, or as we are eating together, we often inquire and talk about our “favorites.” It is
Our identity is much like an evolution of illustrations. When we look at pictures over the years of children, and their drawings of self-portraits, we
There is always time to fit in fun, and fuel. Something fun that I have been doing with my children, for years, is to incorporate
When I think about the meaning behind the word “reveal,” I associate words like discovery, visibility, appearing, and unfolding. Many of us have so much
Creating a culture is much like creating a story. A culture is a collaborative collection of thoughts, ideas, personalities, talents, and specialties that move a
We are always in a place of healing, in some aspect of our life. We are always growing, changing, evolving, and transforming in different areas.
Sending you a sweet, itty-bitty loving wish for you to love yourself a little more today. Many of us take the holiday of Valentine’s Day
Do you have a favorite day of the week? How about a least-favorite day of the week? For the longest time, I loathed Tuesdays. I had
“What I am seeking seeks me.” – Rumi Within this new year, and within this new month, might we consider tuning into a new
We are now one month into 2024. If you set intentions to make changes in 2024, how is it going? How are you feeling? Whether
When we believe we are worthy of goodness in our life, good things happen. I was recently talking with my 12-year-old daughter, Audrey, about this
Having choices is an astounding thing. When you have the ability to make a choice, it creates feelings of hope, revitalization, power, creativity, courage, and
Last week I shared reflections on refocusing energy to build the new. I love this, AND, I also hold space for removing and releasing the
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but on building the new.” Socrates I love
Regardless if you create New Year’s resolutions, or just have intentions to shift your thoughts and/or behaviors, leaning into a local library can help you
“A story is a character achieving a goal in spite of obstacles.” – Jamie Jensen As many of us are reflecting on the possibilities within
Alignment of two seemingly opposite facets of life can create astonishing results. As we are engrained with traditional logic and instant facts, it can be
Ready or not, the holidays are here. Many of us are blessed with an opportunity to be around others to socially engage. Sometimes, we get
In our culture, Santa is often associated with an excitement for the unknown and belief in what seems impossible. When we are itty-bitty, within the
Happy Holidays From MyFAMILY and MyFESTUS to You and Yours! Audrey, Sara, Evita & Dayton in 2023. Photo by Honey & The Bee Photography. Wishing
Are you a fan of LEGO bricks? As a kid, and even as an adult, I have found myself entertained by skillfully creating my own
MTV…the “Music” television network influenced the lives of at least three generations of teenagers and young adults. Most Gen X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z-er’s are
A couple months ago, I was working in our garage with the large overhead door open. I heard a frantic buzzing and tapping sound. I
I originally published this piece on Rob in March of 2023. One year after meeting Rob, I am still connected with him. I am so
December tends to be a month when I need to make a lot of decisions. There is so much more I need to fit into
Many of us are unwinding after a holiday where we expressed what and who we are grateful for. This is such a fulfilling practice anytime
As we look ahead to this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week and weekend, many of us take time out to express our thankfulness. This can be
As I was transitioning my home decor to say goodbye to Halloween, and say hello to my warm and cozy fall decorations last weekend, Gizmo
“Mommy, I am bored!” How many of us have heard this from our itty-bitty little one before!? Even if you are not a parent, perhaps
Puzzle pieces are unique shapes, valuable in their own right, but even more valuable when they are connected to collectively create a piece of art.
🎃😁🧡Happy Halloween from 1988! This is 4-year old me, loving my carved pumpkin, rocking my “Dog the Bounty Hunter” mullet next to my older brother,
Time has shown up like a toxic relationship in my life. I have experienced a roller coaster, love/hate relationship with time. Whether I have wished
Embracing a “beginner’s mind” is available to all of us. It means internally showing up as a student, ready to learn and participate. It requires
Sometimes we are so driven and distracted by what we “should” do – to feel or be a certain “something,” we stray away from our
Acorns aplenty! Our neighborhood squirrels are loving this abundant time of year. Like any nut/fruit producing tree, the oak tree must release the mature acorns,
Imagine you are outside walking with another, or maybe within a group. Have you ever had a teeny, tiny, itty-bitty little rock, pebble, stone, stick,
Ever since I was a young girl, I loved seasonal changes of decorative elements within my sweet little room in our sweet little home in
When my children are overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, or nervous, we take a moment out to practice a quick, easy, and fun calming exercise to relax
Happy 70th birthday to my wise, logical, deep thinking, and problem-solving father. Seven has always been my dad’s favorite number. Going into his seventh decade
There is power in sharing, connecting and supporting each other to enhance so many aspects of our life. 💪🏼 By sharing and uniting to celebrate our itty-bitty
This holiday weekend is often filled with many opportunities to connect with friends and family members through conversations. As you engage in this back and
After experiencing the loss of someone we love, the grief often makes us want to tighten, curl up and hide away. Sometimes we want to
Do you ever find yourself feeling frustrated about a relationship in your life that is not jiving? Maybe it is with a coworker, friend, sibling
Today is the first day of school for the students at Festus R-VI School District. The first day of school is similar to holidays in
You are new at something. Perhaps you are the new kid in town, new to a job, new to attend an event, new to meeting
“Therapy is expensive. Get a haircut instead! We’re great listeners.” This was the saying on the chalkboard at the doorway of Vivian James American Beauty,
“Practice the Pause”…many say this lately. Have you heard of it? It is taking a moment and a deep breath when we find ourselves amidst
Have you ever been in between appointments in the Festus area and you just need to take a moment to pause? Or, perhaps you are
As it starts, and as it ends, it all comes down to all of us needing/wanting/craving two things out of this life: – to feel
We are in the middle of summer, or at least the middle of a traditional three-month summer break for those who are in school during
Hello! My name is Sara and I am the Content Director & Creator of MyFESTUS.com. I am on a MISSION to shine the light on
There is healing power in anything. From observing itty-bitty elements in nature to reading a book to shifting a thought pattern to sharing emotions with
We are all so unique in this world. Every single person and creature is different. We all have ridges and fingerprints within a distinct form
I am aware that there are often no “weekend or holiday relief” when you give your time and energy as a caregiver, in any capacity,
I love to talk about “words of the day” with my children. Sometimes I pick a word/theme that we talk about each morning and sometimes
The turtles in Festus, Missouri are out. You have likely observed them basking in the heat and sun, out on the roads and sidewalks. Unaware,
Do you believe in signs? Something grabs you to steal your attention, even for a split, itty-bitty second. Arbitrary objects or a random thought, followed
With the start of the sixth calendar month in 2023, we are about halfway through the year. It can be a time when goals are
Over the last couple years, I have learned that people receive IV treatments outside of the hospital, outside of dire medical requirements. It was a
Today is the last day of school for many Festus students. Other local schools have already had their final day and so many are graduating
We are worthy of feeling balance in our life. We do not have to be miserable and sick and tired all the time. Balance is
“I equate peonies with love because they’re the first blooms of summer.” – Isaac Mizrahi Peonies are a vibrant flower with a beautifully abundant blossom.
We all know how beneficial and beautiful balance is in our life. A new concept has challenged my idea of balance. I have always tried
At the start of 2022, I started a “five-year journal.” I write one sentence summarizing the happenings of each day. As I record daily in
I love admiring structures and houses that reside on coastlines. Whether I am on a boat or walking along a shore of a river, lake
I had a long “To-Do List” this weekend, fully expecting to check off each itty-bitty task. The “task master/controller” part of me likes everything to
Vincent van Gogh was a painter born in the Netherlands in 1853. He is famous for his bold paintings that evoke a range of moods
“For philosophy doesn’t consist in outward display, but in taking heed to what is needed and being mindful of it.” – MUSONIUS RUFUS Sometimes
At the end of 2022, I challenged myself to tap into my creative writing while connecting with the Festus, Missouri community. I have a genuine
Many of our brains tend to focus on the “what if’s” or the worst-case-scenarios for future outcomes. If this sounds like you, I invite you
If you have ever played the card game, Uno, you know how much power lies within a wild card. The player who lays this colorful
With your personality, do you identify as someone who knows what you want and need? Or, do you find yourself more curious and open to
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” – Phyllis Diller Did you know that when we smile…when we intentionally curve the
The powerful recent storm knocked down so many trees in the Festus, MO area. I mourn some of my favorite neighborhood trees, now lonely stumps.
My nine-year-old son is teaching himself how to skateboard. Yesterday, we went to the Larry G. Crites Memorial Park/West City Park in Festus, MO. Given
When a community is hit with a storm, like what the Festus, Missouri area experienced this last weekend, an ironic dynamic between a break and
Government taxes are not the only taxes we pay. I heard a parable a while back and the story has stayed with me…it goes something
I recently drove by a lovely local farm outside of Festus, MO and stopped to admire the gentle horses and curious donkey. These beautiful creatures
Today is my son’s ninth birthday. He received a Mario Brothers sketchbook and colorful erasable gel pens this morning. The sketchbook is blank, each page
Holidays hit everyone differently. If you find yourself longing for people, interactions, environments and/or traditions of the past, I feel you. It is natural to
“Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just because they are beautiful but because they are fleeting.” – The Gift, Richard Paul Evans fleet·ing:
April is a significant month if you are one who likes to measure time and achievements by calendar months and quarters. April starts the second
Like any aspect of personal development, there are layers to learning. I have been studying three different aspects to self-compassion: Sweet self-talk. Being gentle with
There is a specific light and airy freedom that comes when we fully surrender to allow our actions to align with who we really want
After taking an intentional 14-day spring break from my life’s routines and social media, I reflect on many extreme highs and lows. I summarize the
As a follow-up to my March 4, 2023 post on exploring and identifying a “Service Fulfillment Formula,” I wanted to shine light on my thoughts
“If I’m not changing it, I’m choosing it.” I recently heard this mantra/quote/saying and it actually took my breath away. One can digest and apply
I have come to the realization that I have lived the majority of my adult life in a mental state similar to the intense velocity
Treasure hunts are fun at any age. Hidden objects for us to find evoke feelings of hopeful anticipation and positive exhilaration within our souls. One
This morning, as I was drinking my coffee and looking out my kitchen window, I saw the most beautiful, pastel pink streaks in the sky.
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” – LAURA INGALLS WILDER Wishing you some itty-bitty moments outside to replenish your
“A happy life is not built upon the goal of perfection, but on balance.” @aquamaryna This quote resonates with me as I focus more on
There is an energy surge most of us associate with the word “new.” Today welcomes many new unfoldings: a new day a new week a
Perhaps it is my stubborn German heritage or maybe I have a subconscious inferiority complex, but I have recognized a pattern of resisting help. It
Being a transplant resident in Festus, Missouri, many ask WHY I am promoting living and loving life in the Festus area? Having lived in many
Proudly CONNECTING PEOPLE and CREATING COMMUNITY One Story At A Time.
