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Articles by Sandy Selby
Savor the Simple Things
Shop, sip, and sleep at this destination in Concordia. Pushing through The Simple Life’s double doors leads visitors into a cozy space with warm wooden floors and high vaulted ceilings. Around every corner of this shop is a new discovery: a curated plethora of antique furniture and handmade home decor, a coffee shop with specialty brews, and a small restaurant with homemade cakes, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Picking Up a River: Missouri River Relief helps keep the waterway clean.
STORY JESSICA RENDALL Like a vein through the body, the Missouri River stretches across the country and Missouri, carrying water to cities and towns, and eventually, the ocean. Like those vital veins, the health of the Missouri River is imperative. About 43 percent of Missourians get their drinking water from the Missouri River, including most of the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.
Long, Violent History
Missouri’s famous feuds comprise bloody chapters in the story of our state. Story: Ron Soodalter Illustrations: Spencer Owen When we think of feuds, the image that often comes to mind is of two multi-generational families, blazing away at each other over some ancient—and largely forgotten—offense. This is indeed one iteration.
The Man Behind the Fan
As summer turns to fall, Missouri prepares to celebrate many traditions— fall festivals, hayrides, and pumpkin patches. A lesser-known tradition for many may be the Arch Builders event, hosted at the St. Louis Arch every October. At this special event, the National Park Service recognizes the many people who labored together to accomplish the “impossible”—constructing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Join St. Louis Aquarium for Spring Training this Spring Break
Brought to you in partnership with St. Louis Union Station. Make this spring break unforgettable by taking your family to St. Louis! Explore all seven amazing attractions, including the incredible St. Louis Aquarium and the magnificent St. Louis Wheel. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure! Join us for our exhilarating All-Star presentations, held twice daily! Each session highlights a unique animal, providing guests with an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of wildlife.
In Their Shoes: Retreat to the elegance of St. Albans’ well-heeled past.
East of St. Louis, the small community of St. Albans invites visitors to escape urban life. The highly walkable village, anchored by The Inns at St. Albans, is a favorite destination for weddings, family gatherings, or retreats. Along the hilly drive to the town, dense trees flank narrow, winding roads, and rail fences surround massive horse farms. St. Albans was once the playground of wealthy shoe-industry magnate Oscar Johnson Sr. and his Southern belle wife, Irene Walter Johnson.
Wild About Harry
A spectacular [2023] renovation makes the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum an essential destination for Missourians. From where I’m standing, it’s a short walk to 1945. Kurt Graham, director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, greets me in the expansive, light-filled foyer of the recently renovated facility. On one side of the long space is an attractive gift shop and a counter where visitors can get information and purchase tickets.
A Valentine's Day Sweet Stroll
Coming soon on Main Street in Chillicothe is the Valentines Day Sweet Stroll, an event filled with not only sugary sweets, but sweet shopping deals, too! The Valentines Day Sweet Stroll is open to all ages, and will take placeThursday, February 13th from 4 PM–7 PM.
Trails of the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry
Deep in the Missouri Ozarks, the region surrounding the Current River includes the most extensive forests and some of the most rugged topography in the state. If Missouri can be said to have a “big woods,” this is it. Parts of these woods are owned and managed by a variety of public agencies, including the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), but a large swath of this landscape is a private working forest known as Pioneer Forest.
Quiet Places: In a Nod to Our First Issue in 1973, We Find Beauty in Stillness.
Fifty years ago, Missouri Life made its first impression on readers with a photo essay entitled “Quiet Places.” Those captivating pictures of woods and water, farm fields and lonesome roads were a mission statement. This magazine was going to be something different: thoughtful, reflective, and beautiful. The technology behind producing both photographs and magazines has advanced over the past five decades.
Sweet Smell of Success
By Sandy Selby Every morning when Molly Monahan opens the door to her shop, she takes a deep breath. She never tires of the scent of leather that greets her. “It’s one of my favorite smells to this day—leather and Kiwi shoe polish,” she says. “Mom and Dad had a shop when I was a kid. Dad would fix shoes on the side and Mom would make things for people.
The Kansas City That Never Was
By Sandy Selby An arch in Kansas City? It could have happened. An Astrodome-inspired downtown stadium? That’s not a 2024 idea. If a particular development dream had come true, Kansas City International Airport patrons would have parked downtown and taken buses and monorail trails to the airport on a dedicated trafficway that was closed to all other vehicles.
This Event Is For The Birders!
By Sandy Selby A little bird told us that there’s going to be a fun event the entire family will enjoy at Roaring River State Park on Saturday, March 23. That’s when the park hosts its Birding Boot Camp. It’s a free education program that lasts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can choose to attend all or some of the activities planned. Springtime is a primetime for bird watching as many migrating songbirds are passing through or returning home to Missouri.
Collaboration Creates Amazing Art
By Sandy Selby In life and in art, unexpected combinations can often create something extraordinary. That’s the case with the new work on display, Elements: A Collaborative Exhibition, at Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis. The project combines glass art with other media and the results are spectacular. Media represented include textiles, wood, metal, paper, ceramics, and more.
Spend the Weekend with Elvis
By Sandy Selby If one Elvis makes for a rockin’ evening, imagine how much fun you’ll have when 19 Elvis tribute artists get together for a fabulous festival! The 17th Annual Branson Elvis Festival takes place March 15-17 at the Pepsi Legends Theatre and welcomes amazing performers from Brazil, Japan, and the United States.
Get To Know A Remarkable Ozarks Newspaperwoman
By Sandy Selby Photos Courtesy of State Historical Society of Missouri One of the state’s most fascinating journalists is the focus of an upcoming presentation at the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) in Columbia. Lucile Morris Upton, a native Missourian whose stories about the Ozarks brought widespread attention to the region, is the subject of the talk and of a new biography by Susan Croce Kelly.
Annual Kansas City Auction Mixes Art & Merriment
By Sandy Selby Photo courtesy of Kansas City Artists Coalition It’s beautiful symmetry when you can support the arts by purchasing art at the Kansas City Artists Coalition’s (KCAC) annual auction. This event is in its 41st year and for good reason—it puts incredible original art into the hands of art aficionados and helps sustain Kansas City’s visual arts community.
Symposium Sheds Light on Relationship Between Germans and African Americans
By Sandy Selby Come to Jefferson City this Saturday to hear a story that even seasoned Missouri historians may not have heard. In the “Symposium on Shared History of Germans and African Americans,” Hermann’s Deutschheim Verein, an association dedicated to the preservation of Missouri’s German Heritage, and Jefferson City’s Lincoln University will team up to explore the interesting relationship between two important groups in Missouri’s history.
City Museum Commemorates Black History Month with Art
By Sandy Selby Photos Courtesy of City Museum You’ll find yourself “Blessed by the Ancestors” when you visit the special, monthlong exhibit at the City Museum in St. Louis. The art on display celebrates the rich artistic talent of Black artists who hail from St. Louis. The collection reflects the unique perspectives and experiences of the featured artists.
Explore the Night Sky at Carver National Monument
By Sandy Selby Come and experience the awesome beauty of the stars and planets when George Washington Carver National Monument hosts Wonder of the Night Sky. The free program takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, at the National Parks site located two miles west of Diamond. Park staff and volunteers will be joined by members of the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society for this special event that appeals to stargazers of all ages.
Find Perfect Pairings on the Hermann Wine Trail
By Sandy Selby When excellent Missouri wines are served with locally grown, expertly prepared food, it’s a winning combination and a hot ticket. Tickets are selling briskly for the Farmers’Table Wine Trail, taking place on Saturday, April 6 in Hermann. The event is a joint effort of Missouri Commonground, a cooperative led by female farmers, and the Hermann Wine Trail.
Editor-in-chief, Sandy Selby, rethinks taking modern amenities for granted
Isn’t That Convenient? THE HOME’S FEATURES INCLUDED brick construction, seven rooms for the family, plus a retail space at the front of the building. I found these details in an 1868 newspaper listing for a house just down the street from where I live now.
Missouri State Parks Lead Efforts to Restore Our Natural Landscapes.
KEEPING IT REAL STORY Sandy Selby Wildflowers add welcome splashes of color. Birds and bees are thrilled. Snails and tarantulas are celebrating a homecoming. The decades-long effort to restore natural habitats in many of Missouri’s state parks is paying off as wildlife and native plants return, and visitors learn how our state looked before settlers began reshaping it.
Eat Your Way through KC
Hit new gastronomical heights at Kansas City Restaurant Week 2024. The 10-day event begins today and runs through January 21. There are 227 participating restaurants in the event’s 15th-anniversary year, which eclipses the previous record of 218. Diners can explore the list of participating restaurants, which range from casual to fine-dining, on the KCRestaurantWeek.com website or on the KC Restaurant Week app.
Hands-On History at the WWI Museum and Memorial
By Sandy Selby The National WWI Museum and Memorial unveils new interactive exhibits. The mood in the room was an uncommon mix of reverent and playful. A dozen museum visitors were divided up among four interactive touch tables. Some were dragging planes out of mid-air to get the intel on each one. Others were choosing between a flare, telephone, or carrier pigeon to send an important message.
A “Gouda” Way to Spend a Saturday
By Sandy Selby Nothing brings sunshine to a cold winter day like a delicious bite of warm, gooey mac & cheese. You’ll find lots of those bites at the 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest taking place from 11 AM to 2 PM this Saturday, January 13, at the University Plaza Convention Center (333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway) in Springfield.
The Statewide Holiday Cookie Exchange
By Sandy Selby The Statewide Holiday Cookie Exchange The doorbell rings in December, and the fortunate will find a friend at the threshold bearing a gift of homemade treats. The sharing of Christmas cookies is a time-honored and deliciously old-fashioned holiday ritual that we hope never falls out of favor. It was in the spirit of that sweet tradition that we called upon our Missouri Life ambassadors to recruit talented home bakers in their counties to send us their favorite Christmas cookies.
The Heartfelt Art of Ellizabeth Exley
By Sandy Selby Elizabeth Exley didn’t always see herself as an artist. “From the time I was a little girl, I thought I was completely unartistic,” she says. “Yet, I loved beauty and noticed beauty everywhere.” Her interest in art began to grow along with her daughter, who showed an early inclination for artistry. Mother and daughter began to explore art together. Inspiration struck again when Elizabeth came across some beautiful, needle-felted dolls. “They were sort of expensive,” she says.
Art of Glass
By Sandy Selby Wanda Tyner’s artistic journey began as a collector. She and her husband collected glass artwork for their home and that interest inspired her to take a class, simply to learn how the art she loved to own was created. “I signed up for a beginning class thinking, ‘I will understand more and then move on.’ Instead, I fell in love with glass in a whole new way,” she recalls. “I took all the local classes I could find.
Her Beaded Art Blooms with Color
By Sandy Selby It doesn’t matter what the calendar says, because it’s always peak season for blooms in artist Laura Richardson’s garden. Laura’s 3D compositions, created with carefully chosen beads and wire are, according to the artist, “a tribute to nature in full bloom.” The seeds for Laura’s flora-inspired artistic endeavors were planted long ago by her paternal grandmother and great grandmother. “My great grandmother was perhaps the most artistic,” Laura says.
The Ozarks Inspire Metal Artist Virginia Fisher
By Sandy Selby Virginia Fisher finds inspiration for her art in the natural beauty of her Ozarks home, from the region’s trees and flowers to its winding rivers. The lauded metalsmith artist favors copper for her creations and uses it to create intricate woven baskets, jewelry, ornaments, and wall hangings. It is often enhanced with realistic copper or silverplate recreations of familiar flora.
Legacy of the Lake: Truman Lake Today
By Lisa Waterman Gray and Sandy Selby There was plenty of controversy when the Harry S. Truman Dam and Lake project began. In fact, when Missouri Life interviewed residents in 1973 about the planned lake, locals were particularly troubled about the potential impact on the area’s wildlife and natural beauty. That was a concern that the lake’s builder, the US Army Corps of Engineers, addressed head-on by restricting construction near the lakeshore. Fast forward to today.
Submit your military member, veteran or first responder to our honor roll.
Missouri Life is introducing our first-ever Honor Roll section. Readers are invited to purchase a beautiful full-page or half-page recognition of a special current military member, veteran or first responder. Each listing will include a photograph and your special memories and sentiments. These recognitions will appear in our November/December 2023 issue and on the MissouriLife.com website. A full-page listing is $500, and a half-page listing is $275.
Meet the Doctor Who is also a Donkey Rescuer
By Sandy Selby A dozen donkeys vie for Dr. Beth Hakala’s attention in one of several fenced pastures at Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue south of Cole Camp. More than 300 equines—mostly donkeys, but also horses and mules—have found a second chance at life on this picturesque farm. Abused and neglected animals, many destined for slaughter, regain their health here under Beth’s loving care.
Preorder Now! Kelee Katillac’s Historic Style
Interior designer Kelee Katillac is widely known for her incomparable mix of color, couture, pop culture, and history. In Historic Style, Katillac reimagines what preservation can be with a renegade attitude and bold Mick Jagger style. Pre-order Now! October Delivery Working with historical patterns from Adelphi Paper Hangings, Kelee Katillac boldly recolors period wallpapers as an homage to the great houses and America’s hidden creators, while shifting paradigms with her concept rooms.
Visit Southwest Missouri’s Hidden Gems
We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in Southwest Missouri that are ideal for your next day trip. By Danielle Bopp Breshears, Pam Clifton, Glory Fagan, and Sandy Selby BARRY COUNTY Mere minutes from Roaring River State Park, Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide in Barry County features a natural waterpark built into the Ozarks hillside.
Visit Northeast Missouri’s Hidden Gems
We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in Northeast Missouri that are ideal for your next day trip. By Danielle Bopp Breshears, Pam Clifton, Glory Fagan, and Sandy Selby ADAIR COUNTY Snuggled amongst Kirksville’s eclectic downtown array of local businesses and historic buildings sits “America’s Oldest Record Store,” Rinehart’s Music and Video.
Discover Central Missouri’s Hidden Gems
We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in central Missouri that you’ll want to add to your destination wish list.
A Cut Above
Ask a woman about her hairstylist, and you’re likely to unleash a glowing gush. Finding a stylist you love isn’t easy. And when you do find one, your loyalty will rival that of any dog to its pet parent. Just ask our Editor-In Chief Sandy Selby. By Sandy Selby I DON’T HAVE A THERAPIST, but I do have Courtney. My hair stylist keeps my split ends at bay, and she listens and commiserates as I recount dramas that have unfolded since my last cut.
Discover Northwest Missouri’s Hidden Gems
We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in northwest Missouri that you’ll want to put on your summertime travel itinerary.
Discover Southeast Missouri’s Hidden Gems
We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems—fascinating but sometimes overlooked places that are worth the drive. Where will this southeast Missouri hidden gems road trip, with places suggested by Missouri Life ambassadors, take you? By Danielle Bopp Breshears, Pam Clifton, Glory Fagan, and Sandy Selby BOLLINGER COUNTY Beautiful Bollinger County has picturesque scenery with rolling hills, lakes, and rivers and plenty of outdoor fun like camping, kayaking, hunting, and fishing.
Missouri’s Only Presidential Library Gets a Dazzling Makeover
Story and photos by Sandy Selby From where I’m standing, it’s a short walk to 1945. Kurt Graham, director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, greets me in the expansive, light-filled foyer of the recently renovated facility. On one side of the long space is an attractive gift shop and a counter where visitors can get information and purchase tickets. On the other side, a life-sized bronze statue of President Truman stands like a wallflower on the perimeter of a party.
Siri Doesn’t Always Know Best
Our editor-in-chief criss-crossed the state visiting sheep and alpaca farms as she researched her story for our January/February 2023 issue. Her journeys took her down beautiful, remote rural Missouri roads. Can she get to her destinations without Siri telling her where to turn? I don’t own a road map. The realization struck me as I was rifling through my glove box.
Quiet Places 1973
Missouri Life magazine's new editor-in-chief, Sandy Selby, greets readers through the My Missouri Life column. I popped up from my nest of pillows and books in the back of the family station wagon and announced, “I’m going to live in Missouri when I grow up.” I made that declaration at age nine as my family traveled from our home in northeastern Oklahoma to Branson for a vacation.
Excerpt: I'm Here for a Purpose
LaDonna Greiner spent a terrifying January night lost in the Missouri wildness. She has written a book, I’m Here for a Purpose, about her unplanned adventure and shares the lessons she learned that could help save your life if you ever find yourself lost and alone in the woods. __________ The Parking Lot Around 6:00 a.m. January 25, 2021 “Any sign of her?” a leader of the command center asks.
5 Fiber Farms Across Missouri You Can Visit
Our editor weaves her way across the state to visit five sheep and alpaca farms that you can visit, too. Alpaca and sheep farmers think fiber is fun, and they are passionate about the critters they care for. If sheep are supposed to be timid, Hugo missed the orientation lecture. Perhaps this attention-seeking brown sheep felt like a black sheep in a barnyard filled with smaller, lighter-colored companions, but he seemed determined to claim his 15 minutes of fame from a visiting magazine editor.
Missouri Life wishes you Merry Christmas
As the staff of Missouri Life finishes up our Christmas shopping (made-in-Missouri products, naturally), wrapping, and baking, we all wish you a warm and wonderful holiday season. During this time of joyous celebration, thankfulness, and reflection, we are grateful to you, for being a member of our Missouri Life family. Our staff gathered for our own holiday luncheon just a few days ago. Were you there? Did you see this tree editor-in-chief Sandy Selby decorated? Didn’t you come to lunch?
Unusual Fruitcake Christmas Cookie
These bite-size fruitcake cookies are perfect for cookie boxes or tins. They are our Editor-in-Chief’s favorite cookies because her late mother always made them. Cut down the recipe if you don’t need 16 dozen to give away! Jeannine’s Christmas Cookies Contributed by Sandy Selby, Missouri Life editor-in-chief Editor-in-chief Sandy Selby says, “This gem was the foundation for my mom’s much-loved Christmas cookie boxes. A single recipe can make up to 16 dozen.
Sheep & Alpaca Farm Tour Photos
Celebrate Christmas the German way at Hermann Farm.
7 Over 70: The Artists
World-class culture...In Columbia? You bet! Columbians know what visitors discover, that they have access to high culture right in mid-Missouri.
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