Lets face it – the Rocky Mountains are overkill.
Sure, I remember the visceral feeling I had on seeing them for the first time. It was almost too much for a girl from the Midwest and like most exceptional and over-experienced things (e.g. spouses, children, ice cream) they got lost in the noise and taken for granted.
I now live back in the unbroken landscape of the Midwest and need to notice and remember a more subtle beauty. It won’t be easy. The landscape spreads out so far it feels like I’m looking into the past, present and future all at once. I like a surprise around the bend – so I will have to look harder for revelation.
Iowa is that place of subtle beauty, of warm and wonderful people. People who like to visit, make casseroles and bake cakes out of soda pop. I embrace them and the unpretentious food adventures that await me. “Down to earth” and “salt of the earth” describe the people found here, and rightly so. Midwest geography demands attachment to the earth, and a shift from looking up to the mountains.
I have a history in this part of the world and its all coming back to me. I have switched from pop to soda and back again, and easily so… my body knows and remembers this place.
RANDOM JAMM 
Happy belated Birthday!
Sounds like you are on a new adventure. What’s been happening?
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Yes, a new exotic adventure it will be. Once the temperature becomes a little less arctic we hope to experience all this place has to offer 🙂
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Thanks for the thoughtful comments Katie. Sense of Place adds depth and meaning to one’s life, and it clearly is a trait and skill you have cultivated. Where have you settled in Iowa? My feeling is that you will find the people and the landscape inviting and valuable. Personally, I love Iowajeans, the Iowa countryside and the state’s cities and towns!
Please greet Eric for me. It is about time to call him for a lunch outing. Best thoughts,Barney Hall Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Barney – I think you are right about Iowa and Iowajeans and thanks for the tip – I was wondering how that was spelled 🙂
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Mmm, I like subtle beauty too. Seems like you have discovered where to find it.
Thanks for following my posts and have a fulfilling 2018!
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I always enjoy your articulate and beautiful writing. Perhaps your next adventure will be to write more? Take care, look forward to more soon!
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Beautiful 🙂
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This: “like most exceptional and over-experienced things (e.g. spouses, children, ice cream) they got lost in the noise and taken for granted.“
Thank you for the update! I look forward to stories to come!
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Iowa is LOVELY through your lens! Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed a mini retreat and look forward to more from Iowa…
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