“Raindrops on roses and whiskers
on kittensBright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up
with stringsThese are a few of my favorite things.”
— beginning lines of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music
When I learned that the theme for the February issue would be “Why We Love COMO,” I immediately thought of that iconic song from The Sound of Music. Especially when “the dog bites, when the bee stings” — when the federal funding is cut or an incident happens that is outside my control — the way I stay centered and focus on the positive is to think about why I love Columbia and the progress we’ve made to continue to be an awesome place to live, work, learn, and play.
Here, then, are some of my favorite things in no particular order. I will spare you imagining my singing voice by not putting them into lyric form.
- Celebrating with community members at ribbon cuttings and proclamation readings, like the 40th anniversary of Columbia Mall or the groundbreaking for the Behavioral Health Crisis Center.
- Being greeted by Melanie at Sycamore when I walk through the front door, making me feel like Norm from Cheers.
- Riding with friends and family on the MKT and Katy trails for Pedaler’s Jamboree.
- Attending Fancy Lunch at Parkade Elementary and hearing about the island projects from Grant Elementary fifth graders.
- Dressing up with friends and walking in the March March parade at True/False.
- Shopping local on Small Business Saturday (and most days) with my daughter.
- Getting to know the dedicated city leadership who lead the 1,600-plus employees who work for our full-service city and finding ways to support their hard work.
- Riding my bike with my husband in the Mid-Missouri Pride parade — along with bubbles and balloons!
- Smelling the delicious aromas coming out of the kitchens of Mahi’s Ethiopian Kitchen, Kinkao, Curryosity, and so many of our diverse restaurants.
- Cheering from the sidelines at Cosmo Park at my kids’ recreation soccer games.
- Attending the Community Summit, where more than 300 people came through an open house at City Hall to hear from staff on updates to operations and programs implemented to reach our goals.
- Picking up nutritious and delicious locally grown and produced foods at the Columbia Farmers Market and shopping for similar items at Clovers Natural Market.
- Taking a New Year’s Day hike at the Pinnacles, Capen Park, Three Creeks, Rock Bridge State Park, etc.
- Seeing the live entertainment inside shops during The District’s annual Living Windows event.
- Participating in Let’s Talk Locals, the monthly town halls that City Council members host in their wards to talk about issues important to the community.
- Savoring the daily fresh food from Kampai; Murry’s tuna, pesto, and feta sandwich; fresh-cut fries at Billiard’s; freshly made pasta from Pasta La Fata; Addison’s sweet potato chips; etc.
- Joining in CPS’s read-a-thon at West Elementary or Superhero Day at Cedar Ridge.
- Collaborating every week with my fellow City Council members as we find ways to support and invest in our community’s values and make progress together.
- Knowing that new destinations from Columbia Regional Airport open up the world when we want to get away (always with the happiness of flying back into COU).
There are so many favorite things to list that I could easily surpass the word limit. I am so thankful to live in a city that embraces a diversity of culinary treats, cultural activities, and opportunities for all. All of this, and more, is why I continue to serve with a smile on my face and a heart that is full.
“When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my
favorite thingsAnd then I don’t feel so bad.”
— ending verse from “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music.
