City Odyssey

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    Exploring Ruth E. Carter’s Afrofuturism Exhibit in Detroit

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    Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to share a trip to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. I visited the museum in March 2024 by happenstance. I went to Motown Museum, but I didn’t know that you needed a reservation, as they do timed visits. The wait was long and it was a rainy day, so I decided to go to another museum. On my way there, my Uber driver suggested visiting the Museum of African American History. She also mentioned a popular exhibition that was coming to an end.

    The next day, I headed to the African American museum. First off, the place is huge. I found the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition and it was indeed on its last day. From my understanding, the exhibition was rotating around the country in different museums. However, this was the last day it would be in Detroit.

    Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    What got me all excited was about this particular exhibition was Ruth E. Carter’s influence in cinema through fashion and design. Her work highlights African American and African diaspora culture, while blending storytelling and fashion. For those who are not familiar, Ruth E. Carter is an Academy Award winning costume designer. She’s had a career spanning over 40 years. During this time, she has created costumes for some popular black movies including Black Panther, Malcolm X, Selma, and Roots. The exhibition featured over 60 original costumes from the aforementioned films, among others.

    Photo Credit: City Odyssey


    At the core of this exhibition were the original outfits from the Black Panther movies. It was amazing to see the costumes in person. You can see how carefully crafted the designs were. I’ve never seen original movie costumes, especially of recent movies, so having that experience was interesting. As of this writing, the exhibition is running through September 2026 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. I would definitely recommend checking it out if it you are in the area.

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    Shelter Movie Review

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    Spoiler alert: This review contains spoilers and plot details.

    It’s been cold in St. Louis and there isn’t much to do outdoors, so I decided to go to the movies this past weekend.

    I saw the preview for the movie late last year and I knew I had to watch it. I’m a huge Jason Statham fan. Even though most of his movies have a similar formula, I am still excited to watch any projects he is in.

    Jason Statham plays Michael Mason, a former MI6 intelligence operative who has been “dead” for ten years. He lives off grid on an island with his dog. Each week, a young girl named Jessie and her uncle drop off supplies for Michael by boat. One fateful day, as Jessie is returning to her boat, a storm knocks her boat off and she starts to drown. Michael saves Jessie but is unable to save Jessie’s uncle, who is her last remaining relative. Michael cares for Jessie as her leg was trapped in a fishing net and has now become infected. Michael goes to the nearby town for some medical supplies, where he triggers a security alert when he is captured on camera.

    MI6 are now on the lookout for him. Unfortunately for Michael, he is supposed to be “dead”, but his new assumed identity and records are under a terrorist’s name. The agency is adamant to find him and send a team of killers to take him out. In true Jason Statham fashion, he kills everyone. His hideout has been discovered, and so he has to leave with Jessie. They both leave the island and are on the run. They embark on a series of events, where they try to escape being captured or killed. If you’ve seen a Jason Statham movie, you know how this goes. He basically fights or kills everyone who is out to get him. In the end, he kills his former boss/ handler, Manafort.

    It was an enjoyable movie if you enjoy action packed movies. The plot was good and it got the job done. Like I mentioned before, if you know the Jason Statham formula, the movie becomes predictable. You can expect how it will unfold. It reminded me a lot of The Bee Keeper, which is another Jason Statham movie. It had the whole operative thing, being on the run, having a different identity etc. Overall, I’d say it’s worth a trip to the movies. I’ll give it a 7/10.

    What movie(s) have you seen recently?

  • If I won the lottery…

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    If I won the lottery…

    I thought it would be fun to answer today’s prompt – What would you do if you won the lottery?

    I always joke with my family and friends that I would move to Utah if I won the lottery. Why Utah you ask? I’ve never been to Utah so don’t ask me why I chose it.haha.I have this idea that I’d buy a nice house in the mountains with incredible views. I’d enjoy my peace and quiet and live a very laid-back life. Ideally, I’d also like grow my own food, and maybe raise some livestock. After living in a wide variety of places, I think I’m better suited for a calm environment.

    Of course, there are other things I’d do if I won a significant amount of money. I would help family and support charities, among other things. But I’d be lying if that house in the mountains wasn’t at the top of my list.

    What would you do if you won the lottery?

  • Happy New Year – 2026

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    Happy New Year – 2026

    Hello friends and Happy New Year!

    I hope you are all doing well.

    Another year has come and gone. 2025 was a challenging year for me. I made a commitment to blog often but life had other plans. As some of you know, I’ve been undergoing cancer treatment. I am doing much better and regaining my strength each day. I am grateful for life and all the little things.

    This year, I hope to blog more often and be consistent. I’ll be coming up on 2 years of blogging in a few days. I plan to continue sharing my adventures and things I come across.

    There’s so many things I plan to do this year, but the biggest of them, is ensuring that I am healthy to do them.

    Thank you to everyone who has read my blog, left encouraging comments, and supported me in any way.

    I wish everyone a happy 2026. May this be your best year yet, and may good things come to you.

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    The C Word

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    The C Word

    Hello friends!

    It’s been a while since I’ve been around this corner of the internet.

    I mentioned in previous post that I have been having some health issues. Unfortunately, over a month ago ( 2 days after my birthday), I was diagnosed with cancer.

    I have started treatment, and I am doing okay so far. I have a long journey ahead of me, but I am trusting that I will be fine at the end of everything.

    Maybe I will have more time to blog and visit all of your blogs. If you don’t see me around, at least you know why.

    Thank you to everyone who has interacted with this blog in one way or another.

    Stay well and see you soon!

    KC

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    Throwback Travel: Exploring Orlando Beyond Disney

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    Throwback Travel: Exploring Orlando Beyond Disney

    I’m starting a new segment called Throwback Travel to share about places I’ve visited in the past. There are a few trips I haven’t written about yet, and this feels like the perfect way to look back and document them.

    Last May (2024), we visited Orlando. It was my second time in the city.

    Getting There

    We flew direct from St. Louis, a smooth 2.5-hour flight. After landing, we rented a car since our plans were spread out across the area.

    Orlando is best known for Disney World, but this wasn’t a Disney trip. I didn’t have the time to do it right, and I feel like if you’re going to Disney, you should go just for that.

    We stayed on International Drive, which is a central spot with easy access to major roads, parks, restaurants, and attractions. Since we got in late, we stayed in that evening.

    Day 1: Cocoa Beach and ICON Park

    This was a beach day. Since Orlando doesn’t have beaches, we drove about an hour to Cocoa Beach. The weather was perfect. We found a quieter area, rented an umbrella and chairs, and spent the morning lounging and swimming. It was peaceful until more people started showing up by late morning.

    Cocoa Beach. Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    After a few hours, we headed to the Cocoa Beach Pier, which was much livelier. We grabbed food and drinks at a restaurant (don’t remember the name), then drove back to Orlando in the early evening.

    Cocoa Beach Pier. Photo Credit: City Odyssey
    Cocoa Beach Pier. Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    That night, we went to ICON Park. It has rides, restaurants, music, and shops. We started with the Ferris wheel, which gave us a nice view of the city. I love a good Ferris wheel. Afterward, we wandered around, listened to a DJ, browsed shops, and got some acai bowls before heading back to the hotel.

    ICON Park. Photo Credit: City Odyssey
    ICON Park. Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    Day 2: Lake Eola and a Soccer Match

    We started the day at Lake Eola Park for the swan boat ride. While in line, I chatted with a woman who offered me two free tickets. I tried to pay her, but she wouldn’t accept. It was such a kind surprise.

    Lake Eola Park. Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    The boats were fun but harder to steer than expected. We kept going in the wrong direction at first, but eventually got it. We circled the fountain and enjoyed the view from the water. After the ride, we grabbed gelato and walked the park. There was a protest happening nearby with some police presence, so we left to be safe.

    That evening, we went to a NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) match between Orlando Pride and Bay FC. Orlando won 1–0. It was great to see some of my favorite players like Marta, Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Asisat Oshoala. After the game, we headed back to the hotel.

    Inter & Co Stadium. Photo Credit: City Odyssey
    Inter & Co Stadium. Photo Credit: City Odyssey
    Inter & Co Stadium. Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    Day 3: Heading Home

    We had a slow morning, packed up, dropped off the rental car, and made our way to the airport.

    It was a short trip, but packed with great moments. Even without Disney, Orlando had a lot to offer—beaches, local attractions, good food, and live sports. A fun and memorable weekend.

  • Proof of Life

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    Proof of Life

    Well, well, well… look who’s back!

    Back in January, I rang in the new year with cheerful wishes and a promise to post more often. And then—bam—life happened. The months since have been a whirlwind. Between the chaos in the world and an unexpected health setback, it’s been a real journey. But I’m finally finding my footing again and wanted to pick up where I left off.

    There are still so many blogs I need to catch up on, and I’m genuinely excited to reconnect with all of you. Here’s to smoother days ahead, and hopefully, a hitch-free rest of the year.

    I’ve been revisiting my half-finished thoughts and memories, and soon they’ll be ready for you to read.

    Wishing you a wonderful weekend—stay well, friends!

  • Happy New Year!

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    Happy New Year!

    Although it’s a bit late, I still want to extend my heartfelt wishes for the New Year. I hope everyone is doing well and that things are going wonderfully on your end.

    I’ll be coming up on a year of blogging in a couple of weeks. There’s nothing like the realization that you’re paying for a service to motivate you to make the most of it. Recently, I came across a poem by Midwest Mary about the importance of making changes, and it really struck a chord with me. It inspired me to step up my game and strive to be better.

    Reflecting on the past year, I wasn’t a terrible blogger, but I also wasn’t an exceptional one. I averaged about one post a month, which was my initial goal considering my other obligations.

    As we embark on another year of blogging, I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to make more posts, remain consistent, build a strong community, and actually utilize my WordPress subscription.

    I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people through this platform, and I look forward to continuing our interactions throughout the year.

    This year, I’m excited to share more of my adventures, both new and old. Cheers to another year of blogging, growth, and community!

    What are you looking forward to this year?

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    Art Walk in Central West End

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    October was all about Art for me.

    I received an email about an opening night at one of my favorite galleries, Houska Gallery,  where two  artists were having their opening night. I was not familiar with either of their work but I was excited to go nonetheless. I read up on their bios so I knew what to expect. Alice LaChance, a St. Louis local had an exhibit called Walking City, whose work features bold graphics of landscape and meditations. Her clients include David Beckham, NASA, Google and Estee Lauder!

    Alice LaChance Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey
    Alice LaChance Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey

    The second artist was Kurt Herrmann, an Appalachia- based artist whose exhibit was titled Crispy Cloud.  His work is influenced by color, landscape and his surroundings in Appalachia. Some of his work has been featured in various museums around the world. I briefly spoke with him about  a piece called Pancake. He was very pleasant and took his time to explain his thought process. The gallery was teeming with visitors and chatter and excitement. I can honestly say they had a wonderful opening night.

    Kurt Herrmann Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey
    Kurt Herrmann Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey

    Unbeknownst to me, the gallery across the street also had an opening night. I knew where I was heading after leaving Houska Gallery. I crossed the street and headed to Duane Reed Gallery.I did not have enough time to research the artists exhibiting, but I was happy to browse around and learn more. This was my first  time visiting Duane Reed Gallery. Whenever I walk by it is usually closed so I was glad to explore.

    Duane Reed Gallery Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey
    Duane Reed Gallery Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey

    When I left Duane Reed Gallery, I knew there was something else I needed to do. I started walking to a section of CWE that I do not normally go to. I kept walking and told myself I was going to turn around if I didn’t see anything else.I made a mental note to turn around by a tree that was lit up with string lights.As soon as I approached the tree, I saw a man standing outside a door. Wouldn’t you know it, I was at the entrance of another art gallery called Square One Gallery .I guess you could say the art was calling me becauseI  had no idea there was a gallery down that way.I walked to the 2nd floor and indeed there was an art exhibit by a Miami- based artist, Dan Alva. His exhibit was called Something out of Nothing.  According to his bio, his style incorporates classics and repurposes them for newer audiences. I browsed around and saw some cool pieces.After a while, I decided to leave and head home.

    Dan Alva Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey
    Dan Alva Artwork. Photo credit: City Odyssey

    I left feeling fulfilled after having experienced three different galleries all in the span of one evening.There’s something about admiring, studying and experiencing different types or art that makes me happy.

    Do you enjoy art?Who is your favorite artist?

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    Wentzville Fall Festival 2024: A Community Celebration

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    I caught the tail end of the Wentzville Fall Festival. As I’ve mentioned before, I enjoy attending festivals and community events. This was my second year attending the Wentzville Fall Festival. The festival was held in downtown Wentzville on Friday September 13th and Saturday September 14th , 2024.

    Unfortunately, due to other obligations, I was only able to go on Saturday towards the end of the festivities.

    Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit : City Odyssey
    Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit : City Odyssey

    Much like last year, they had various vendors operating food, drinks, small businesses, crafts and services.My first stop was at the Dogs on Duty stand where I got to pet an adorable dog called Timmy. The organization is dedicated to supporting  working dogs. According to their  site, “Dogs On Duty has provided cooling vests, GPS tracking collars, and mukluks for search and rescue k9 teams.” I think this is amazing work and working dogs deserve the support and recognition for their service.You can learn more about this organization here : Dogs On Duty .

    Dogs on Duty. Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit : City Odyssey

    My next stop was a charming honey stand. I struck up a conversation with the owner of Twin Spruce Farms in Warrenton, Missouri, who enlightened me about the honey harvesting process. His knowledge of all things honey was impressive, and he was genuinely pleasant to chat with. As a tea lover, honey is an essential ingredient for me.

    Twin Spruce Farms & Olea Estates Stand. Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit : City Odyssey

    To the side of his stand, I noticed some honey harvested in Greece. He shared that his son-in-law’s family has operated a farm there for centuries. I ended up buying Wildflower Honey from Twin Spruce Farms (local) and Orange Honey from Olea Estates (harvested in Greece). Olea Estates boasts a rich history and also offers products like vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. You can learn more about their products here: Olea Estates.

    Did you know that the flavor of honey is influenced by the type of flowers the bees pollinate? For instance, I purchased honey with an orange flavor, which the bees developed by pollinating orange trees. I found this fascinating.

    I took a picture of the honey at home with better lighting .Photo Credit : City Odyssey

    Next, we made our way to the stage where the party cover band Push the Limit was performing. They played an array of popular songs from artists like Bruno Mars, Whitney Houston, and Lady Gaga. The kids were having a blast, dancing near the stage and truly getting into the groove. The band was fantastic, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly complemented the festival vibes. Push the Limit is available for event bookings: Push the Limit Band | The Midwest’s Ultimate Party Band.

    Push the Limit Band. Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit : City Odyssey

    As the festival was winding down, we decided to make our exit. Our path led us past a guitar stand that was advertising guitar lessons, instruments and accessories. I chatted with the owner and inquired about taking up some guitar lessons.

    Novak Music. Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    From there, we meandered over to Friendship Brewery. It’s a place I’ve been meaning to visit countless times, and since it was just steps away, we couldn’t resist. We tried some non-alcoholic beers and enjoyed the evening breeze. After our drinks, we decided it was time to head home.

    Friendship Brewery. Wentzville Fall Festival 2024 Photo Credit: City Odyssey

    As we left the festival, we saw a man carting off some merchandise. I looked closely and saw they were hair accessories he was packing up in his vehicle. I asked about them and he told me they were for his wife. She runs an Etsy store called AndiePinkBoutique – Etsy.

    If you feel inclined, please check out the small businesses and organizations highlighted in this blog. I try to support as many small businesses as possible. I’m glad I went to the festival and ushered in the fall.

    How is your Fall/ Autumn going? If you’re in a different part of the world, how is the current season going for you?

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