Since living in Pennsylvania, every time I mention I’m from Kansas I get a Dorothy or Toto comment. Makes me laugh! I’m telling you Kansans, that’s what the rest of the world thinks of you. I thought surely I’d get “Gunsmoke” or “Dodge City” comments but, no…it’s always the Wizard of Oz. Oh, and let’s not forget “tornadoes”, that’s second on the list.
Sometimes I think I’m a little like Dorothy. (Minus the dog loving thing)(and maybe the bike riding thing). But what I’d give to have red sparkly slippers, and hang out with the Tin Man who needs a heart, or the Lion who needs courage. What I do know is that Dorothy had everything she really wanted at home, in Kansas. And as I’m gone for a season, I am truly more appreciative of all that Kansas offers.
What I’d like to tell people about Kansas is this…it’s not all flat roads in the middle of nowhere. There are so many places in Kansas that are beautiful, peaceful, friendly, slow-paced. Kansas is a place to “revive my heart”, to “take a deep breath”, to “sit back and enjoy”.
This week I’m in the midst of doing just that. Yesterday was a beautiful, crystal-clear water, lake day. Check this picture out…this is in at least 2 ft of water…in Kansas!! (those would be my cute toes!)
We’re at Wilson Lake, right North of I-70 in North Central Kansas. And just one more, a favorite spot of many. Rocktown on Wilson lake (beautiful, isn’t it?).
What I’m learning is this, just like Dorothy, the desires of my heart are in my own back yard. Be it my little “bird sanctuary” in Pennsylvania, or traveling back roads and boating on the lake in Kansas…there’s no place like home.
49andcounting 
Great post. And the photos of Wilson Lake are wonderful.
I grew up in KS too (north central) and have lived in the Philadelphia area for fourteen years. Loved this article