Reflective Thoughts

I had written a blurb earlier on this blog about some of the unique observations I thought interesting here in Iowa. Yes, Iowans can’t drive, they seemingly hesitate in all of their actions to observe their surroundings at the most inappropriate times, and they’ll know your life story (and you will theirs) in a matter of minutes of an introduction. The Midwest heat is hotter than Satan’s spa and the winter wind will rip your face off only after a few moments of which you can’t feel your nose. Iowans are proud of their agricultural mecca, their hall of famers, the State Fair (in all honesty should get capitalized), their outdoor festivals, the insurance and financial business (second to Hartford, CT), and above all – their colleges and sports teams. As said before, an eagle eye view of state would be a smear of gold, red, black, and yellow. Iowans are one of kind. They form a community that is unlike any other, that of which has brought me to one of, if not my last post from Iowa.

I’ll be traveling on the road soon in the next couple days, back to the East coast for an indefinite period of time. Knowing my tenure would last just two years I knew that if I didn’t like my new surroundings approaching the end in the event of having established a connection and appreciation with the area, and more so the people to whom I have felt utterly welcome from day one.

We can all form our judgments of place in just moments of observations. We look at the aesthetics and area offerings, and whether or not they suit our expectations will form our ultimate opinion. You can form an opinion – but you’re not experiencing the intangible culture until you spend life living as a native. Des Moines, and Iowa as a whole exudes the perception of what tourists expect. Beautiful farm lands, a rich history, and attractions that define the state such as The Field of Dreams in Dyersville. What I hadn’t come to experience until this past year really took me for a loop. First, it took a full year for me to appreciate beyond the blindness to acknowledge a truer Iowa. More so, I still don’t feel like I have a grasp on it. Second, I am amazed of what I am grateful to have taken part in and regretful I haven’t experienced all that I have come to know and yet more that I would have come to realize.

Here are some of my more reflective thoughts, though unfortunately I should have written them down as to provide due justice to a community of reverence.

- Though I know moving to Iowa was my first big transition excluding that of my first year to college, I can supportively say that it was easy. Obviously be unaware of the area and slowly learning a sense of direction, I felt welcome and safe seemingly all too soon. I had no real difficulties in establishing myself to the community which looking back is so gratifying. Des Moines is a metropolitan area – with little to no metropolitan qualms. I doubt I would have had such an easy transition with some of the other areas I had been looking for graduate schools.

- Though lacking in the scenic beauty of coast lines and mountain views, Iowa is beautiful. Many times I have looked over the downtown skyline at sunrise or dusk and smiled. Ledges State Park, a small nugget of the area I had only found a couple weeks ago is a great example of some of the outdoor offerings of the state that provide just as much natural beauty and appreciation as a beach or mountain. If you ever get a chance on a road trip to hit the heart of Iowa either at sunrise or sundown, you’ll be mesmerized by the intense colors over the thousands of acres of cornfields.

- What makes the Midwest, and my experience particularly here in Iowa are the people. They live up to and even more so beyond their kind and hospitable reputation. Iowans are not only proud – they are generous. Their sincerity can be felt. They speak to you as one of their family. I know almost all there is to know about Heather – my favorite grocery cashier, Jeanne - my hairdresser, Gus and Jeff - my car mechanics, Sean – the clerk at my gym, and many more. Iowans are the most open, approachable, kind, and forgiving people. Just stay away from sociopolitical issues with a few of them…

- Lastly, I’ve learned to take it slow (or slower.) Iowans enjoy the present and more so the little things that hop across their path. Sometimes it’s dangerous when they’re driving, or walking, to just stop and observe; but they appreciate their surroundings. To follow an Iowan would frustrate your nerves, but you’d notice the little things you never would have given a wink of a stare before.

As I head out in the next couple days, I’ll take my last look back at that skyline and reflect one final time. Coming in with little idea of what to expect and leaving with gratitude and solace.