BY JARROD SCHEUNEMANN “Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded….. Unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.” Psalm 19:3-4 Straight up or straight down, that’s how the Appalachian Trail rolls. The trail undulates so frequently that those who trek its rocks and mud quickly lose track of the number of mountains Read more…
I missed the sunset. I had the perfect ring. I had the perfect girl. I had the perfect location – the Grand Canyon! Timing? Not so much. We arrived later than expected and our first views from the rim were anything but intimate. “For crying out loud, I missed the Read more…
Many moons ago, I boarded a jet plane and flew west. We landed in California and expeditiously hopped in our rental car. I was so excited to see the sequoia trees that I only allowed our car to eat rest area snacks for dinner because I couldn’t wait any longer. Read more…
Earlier this year, I had the most fun volunteering. EVER. It was a perfect storm of circumstances. On one front, I had thoroughly enjoyable company. Mix in canoes and Illinois’ only National Wild & Scenic River and the excitement started to build. Add trash removal to this climate and even Read more…
A few weeks ago, I traveled to New Orleans to co-present two workshops at the Athletic Business Conference (ABC). I assumed this conference would be the same package, different box. In reality, there were subtle differences in attendees. Their attire was much more casual, and well, athletic. It wasn’t just Read more…
Illinois’ scenic landscapes just can’t catch a break. Case in point, Illinois’ most beautiful terrain shares its name with another equally impressive wonder in Colorado. Tell a friend that you are going to Garden of the Gods and they most likely will tell you enjoy your trip to Colorado Springs. Read more…
Faraway in a forgotten fork of central Illinois, fall’s fabulous fireworks fill up the Funk. It’s almost too false to be fact. Fancy, if you will, a fantastic forest featuring white oaks framed by faultless yellow foliage. For real, the Funk should find its fame even as far as Florence. Read more…
Playgrounds feel like weddings to me. They bring families together. They perpetuate joy. No one wants to leave at the end of the day. Parents get pulled into activities they haven’t done for years. Or they can let their kids run amuck and generally not worry about their welfare or Read more…
Autumn: a cause to look back and to look up. We often look back during this season to reflect on the past year. “My, oh my, where has the summer gone?” It also seems like the cooler temperatures help us slow down and prepare for the pending winter hibernation. In Read more…
“True places are never on an app (map).” -Herman Melville Once there was a Forest Preserve. You’ve never heard of it. Plug “NE corner of No-Where County, just north of Super Unknown Town” into your GPS. You just might find it. Or take a drive. Wander north or east from Read more…