Adventure in Illinois

Today was Kids Day at Cahokia Mounds across the river. It was hot, but pinch pots and dancing got Sophia to stay outside in spite of her natural aversion to the heat.

I really love this place every time we make it. So fascinating to connect with a culture so different to our own that only lives on through archaeology.

Sophia got to make a t-shirt with animal tracks and what not on it.

A pinch pot just like the Mississippians used to make, complete with etched mountains.

The coolest thing they let the kids do was spear throwing. The tool she's holding is a spear flicker (my term) to give leverage. The spear itself is in the top right corner. Straight at the turkey...

The dancers were a close second.

As we left Cahokia Mounds, we decided to stay in Illinois and head up the river to Alton. On the way, we discovered a Lewis and Clark Historic Site! I had no idea it was over there, but I highly recommend it on a weekend with nothing going on. They have a fort built as a replica of the winter camp of the Expedition at the River Dubois.

Inside the very modern Visitor's Center is this boat that shows how they would have packed and sailed during the journey. The whole center is full of information and well done exhibits.

We did make it to Alton, but all the little shops were closed. We were lucky enough to find a bakery open. We took advantage of that little find...

Date with Myself

The time of choosing what I do with my time is nearing an end, until August at least. Of course, there are millions of moments to look forward to in the summer with my Sophia. However, I am trying to take advantage of the days I have left. Lots of long walks and one venture to a place that's been on my list for a very long time: Bellefontaine (pronounced Belle Fountain) Cemetery.

The cemetery offers a tangible walk through the history of St. Louis. The people with the mansions in the city and the sprawling ranches in the country also have the biggest monuments in Bellefontaine. However, there are also monuments built on love and longing, not built to impress but to honor. And there are reminders of where we've been and what's still possible.

I'll start with the creepiest. Yes, I'm sure I could say that more eloquently. But, truthfully, it was creepy. David Francis was the President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World's Fair). He was also Ambassador to Russia during the 1917 Russian Revolution. Perhaps that's why he felt a connection to the darker element of the spiritual world? Perhaps this figure is simply guardian of his family's remains. Regardless, it's an intense and moving figure. Beautiful.

Also very creepy...

Most people chose to go with the uplifting angelic representation. Many, many ethereal and memorable sculptures. Here are just a few.

It was truly a walk through St. Louis, and American, history. Many people who are buried here helped to change the course of our history. And that's no exaggeration.

In the very back, you will find the monument to William Clark, of Lewis and Clark. It's an impressive monument and is surrounded by those of his descendants. It is also flanked by two people whose epitaphs indicate they were his (beloved) servants, although it's more likely that they were slaves. Yet another reminder of the complications of our national story.

A monument that holds a prominent position today, although probably not as prominent as when it was built, is the mausoleum of Adolphus Busch. The inscription above the door is "Veni, Vidi, Vici", and indeed he did. 

There is another element of history that is well represented in Bellefontaine, and I was unaware of this until my visit. The cemetery is now the resting place of several prominent Suffragettes. I was happy to pay homage to some of these brave and tireless agents of change. Virginia Minor attempted to register to vote in 1872, claiming the 14th amendment gave every woman the rights of a citizen of the United States. She took her case before the courts and lost, but she never gave up the fight. It took nearly fifty more years for women to gain the right to vote, long after Virginia was gone.

Edna Fischel Gellhorn, on the other hand, did get to vote. She was born six years after Virginia Minor first tried to gain rights for women, and Edna joined the cause at a young age. After the 19th amendment's passage, she became Vice President of the National League of Women Voters and joined Eleanor Roosevelt in the United Nations Association.  

 All of the history and St. Louis culture aside, the most meaningful experience in this cemetery, or any other, occurs when met with the beauty and intensity of great loss due to great love. I found that here with the Maude Judge Memorial. This beautiful woman stands at the head of two graves. One is a young woman, who died less than a week after the birth of her only child. The other is that baby girl, less than a year later.

Here stands their monument. Desperate or hopeful? Probably both. As powerful as love.

Kindergarten Field Trip

That is way more fun than it sounds. Honestly, the threat of rain just made these kids so giddy and grateful to get to be on their field trip that they were all a complete joy to be around today.

I was thrilled to get to walk around the Botanical Gardens and see as much as we possibly could in our 90 minute walk.

It's been a challenging week for Sophia relationally. She's been figuratively stuck between these two, but at least for the day, they were happy to be a trio.

After the garden, we had a picnic and play time at Forest Park.

These are the kids that Sophia has spent her year with. Getting it together so I don't cry. They are amazing. And Sophia has her mouth going. So the picture is perfect...

Even with all the excitement of the field trip, all the kids were primarily excited about the bus ride. Captain is clearly a neighborhood school... School buses are still the coolest.

Re: Mother's Day

My mother and my daughter. Sometimes it's still weird to think of having a daughter of my own. Weird in the most awesome way imaginable.

In Preparation for Cinco de Mayo

I went to Sophia's school to see her and her class do the Hat Dance for Cinco de Mayo. Along with watching, we parents also performed. Being good sports and good examples and all.

Sophia videoed said event.

Several things: I'm the one in the comfy blue sweatshirt and the butt that is always in the picture - or at least it certainly seems that way to me. But I'll put this on here anyway because I love Sophia's laughter so much that I'd pretty much do anything to make her giggle in that way. I'll put on Youtube the video of her class dancing as well...

Haunted History

I bought a Groupon and convinced a friend to go with me downtown for a Haunted History tour of St. Louis.

It was great fun. I love to be outside at night, and I love history, so this is right up my alley. I didn't see or hear anything of the haunted variety, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't buy into it. St. Louis is full of fascinating history. I can't wait to read more about the things I learned about last night, some of which are probably true...

Home Entertainment

Sophia has been at home fighting off a sinus infection and nasty cough most of the week. This afternoon, we both needed some sunshine and fresh air. Sophia brought her guitar so she could serenade us.

The cough came back after a little singing, so we had to go inside. But our little outing left both of us feeling better.