Here I am sitting on my back deck converted to a screened-in porch. On most days (typically in the evening as more people are active) outdoor life is serious. In the spring/summer, we hear neighbors mowing grass, kids at play, and the smell of someone cooking out. Don’t be mistaken that a lot of days/evenings/nights, we play the game of fireworks or gunshots. I know this sounds scary and it is though you just have to be aware of your surroundings as you need to do in any place one visits. Even with that not so fun game, we still enjoy the city.

Let me back up. I am a small-town girl whose life’s gateway was an exit number and not even a street/road name. We were defined by our amenities or lack thereof. My town had a high school (made up of three different towns and is now K-12), bank, post office, and gas station. The school is by far the most attractive building in the town. When I grew up, the school was just a high school with the elementary and junior high being in neighboring towns.

Side note: for all of my life through my early 30s, there was a meeting ground where locals met to end and/or start their day…..The Truro Tavern. At 2am New Year’s morning, the owner would cook a complimentary breakfast. Though a greasy spoon, it was damn good and much needed. The town I lived in at this time was a mere 407 people and has since grown to about 517 and the Truro Tavern is no longer. Once a staple in the community, it is now an apartment building.

The Tavern before close down
The Tavern a long time ago

I’ve lived in a lot of places over my 41 years on this earth and I’m not going to through them all because this is not what this is about. This is about my adult life years in a city I now call home.

I moved to STL (St Louis and also the airport code) with a boy who played a lot of parts to align my today. Loved him at one time, loathed him even longer, to now have a resolution with him. I will say, that time, forgiving, and letting go- not only yourself but also others- do heal all. I have my husband JD to thank about that. Though he was an only child, did his own thing, and dated though not seriously; he taught me so many things about harboring emotions and letting go. Wow, I digress.

Long story shorter, I met JD through my ex by some weird shit aligning in the universe. We won’t go into that in this post. That is a story to be told over many stiff drinks.

I moved to STL in 2009. The only experience I had with the city was when I went to nationals for gymnastics in 7th grade receiving 5th place overall and remember the arch though nothing else. This was also the last time I can remember competing due to, above all things, a fucking physical fitness test in 7th grade (I tore my hamstring) injury. I lost my ability to move the way I used to so I focused energy elsewhere (aka- I quit gymnastics).

Wow, I digress even fucking more. Reflection, I see a lot of the Palmer in me and I know for those close to my family, it isn’t a far off observation.

I have left and come back to the city on several occasions over the years. I would say that STL isn’t my favorite place to live in the country though it is top of my list for many reasons. For starters, all the museums (outside of the city museum) are free to enter. This also is the same for the STL Zoo which is one of the best if you ask me.

This was taken over New Year’s weekend. It was super cold and the Hippo was just chilling with the fish

There is a great food and booze scene that has popped up over the years. When I say booze, we aren’t talking about Anheuser-Busch; there are a bunch of miro-brewers and distilleries around the city that make stellar products. I could list all of the places a person visiting must go to eat, drink, or just experience as it would be a very long post. Maybe for another day…

I love and very much loath the diversity in the city. I love living in such a diverse area however, there are perceptions, stereotypes, and attitudes that curb my enthusiasm about being a resident of the city. And when I speak of diversity, St Louis is a melting pot. Did you know that St Louis has the largest Bosnian population outside of Bosnia? Pretty cool right?!

From a sporting events standpoint, you will not find more loyal fans (I guess you could with the Cubs, Yankees, etc.) that welcome the opposing team, love a good game, and the fans come together to raise up during the hockey, baseball, and soccer seasons where tensions seem to subside during these times.

There are a lot of pros and cons about living in this city but overall, I keep coming back to this place. Having lived in the city off and on for almost 14 years, JD and I are ready to head to the country for more space and a bit quieter lifestyle. We will keep our properties in the city as a connection to it because you just never know if we might want to move back.

All in all, St Louis is an easy and cheap place to visit. I know a lot of people have reservations due to the crime though crime is everywhere. Anywhere a person visits, regardless of crime stats, you should be aware of your surroundings and get out of your phone and look around. You might be pleasantly surprised with what St Louis has to offer.