DEAR SPRINGFIELD MAMA

Dear Springfield Mama is taking shape — the website is live, the ideas are fine-tuned, and I even set up a PO Box. When I tucked that little key into my purse, I felt it: Things are officially official.

During these last summer days, I’ve been dreaming of all the adventures to come. My son, Leo, and I love to get outside and discover new places, and I’m excited to share them with you.

I’ve got a starting list of 50-some places to explore — from everyday spots like parks and playgrounds to tucked-away trails and riverbanks. Thanks to all of you who have sent me your favorite outdoor spots! Please continue to send ideas my way by shooting me an email.

Before the first edition lands in your inbox, I figured I should tell you who I am and why I’m doing this.

So… hi, I’m Brittany. I grew up in Republic and studied journalism at Missouri State before moving out to San Diego in my 20s. I fell in love with the sleepy beach city, where I worked as a tech and science reporter at the San Diego Union-Tribune and later as an editorial coach at the Los Angeles Times.

The pandemic — and a sweet baby boy — brought me home to Springfield, where I helped launch the Springfield Daily Citizen. I worked there as managing editor until 2022, when I decided to stay home with Leo full time.

The transition rocked me. After a fast-paced life, I found myself sitting in the backyard, poking the grass with a stick while my toddler waddled around. What do I do all day now? I felt restless.

What I needed most wasn’t a parenting philosophy or a big plan — it was somewhere to go. A reason to step outside with my son and feel like myself again.

A year later, I read a famous nature book called “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv, and it nudged me out of my safe backyard and into Springfield’s nature spots — the wilder, the better. I wanted Leo to be an “outside kid,” but I didn’t know where to start. So I bought field guides, scoured forums, and asked my friend Sony Hocklander — one of the Ozarks’ best outdoors writers — for help.

And we were off. We visited trails, rivers, lakes, playgrounds, parks, and more. Over time, I realized: these places were often empty. Where were all the other families? Maybe they, like me, didn’t know where to go.

So that’s why I’m here — because I believe the outdoors is what kids (and their grownups) need. Because moms deserve better than endless scrolling to find simple, good ideas.

And since I’m also home every night cooking dinner, I’ll be sharing easy, feel-good meal ideas too — real food, real budget, nothing fussy.

Let’s get out of the house together. Let’s eat well, breathe deep, and make this season a good one.

P.S. Some of you have asked if I’m affiliated with Macaroni KID. I’m not! That’s a national franchise. This is not a newsroom product, and there is no team behind it. It’s just me with a laptop, a camera, and time between naps.  If you enjoy it, pass it along to a friend!

Also, I’m planning future dinner ideas to include in the newsletter. What’s your go-to weeknight meal right now? Send me an email and let me know — I’d love to feature some reader favorites.