March 29, 2024

Any way the wind blows

I was recently reminding that I have a lot to be thankful for, as I’m sure you do as well.

Last week, I took a much needed week off from work and went on vacation. I haven’t taken a week off in a year. I also had a bit of a stay-cation at home during that week which was good for my well-being. Here are some highlights from my week.

Osage Beach, Mo — My boyfriend’s grandparents live on the lake at Lake of the Ozarks where we spent our time there just swimming, fishing and relaxing — not looking at our clocks. We shopped, went to an arcade and took an old-timey photo as gangsters and flappers.

Spending time with loved ones and the peace that came from the spending time by the water at night: for that I’m thankful.

Celebration Sunday — It’s not every day there’s a church service taking place outdoors. It’s not every day it’s within walking distance. It’s not every day James and I get to go together. The three of those things combined made for the perfect opportunity to start our Sunday. Newton Church of The Way held a service at Maytag Park, and although it’s not ordinarily the church I go to, it was wonderful.

Watching friends’ children get baptized and seeing so many familiar faces gathered with their loved ones at one place: for that I’m thankful.

Jurassic World — I love going to the movies. It’s probably my favorite thing to do. Jurassic Park was one of my favorite movies growing up because it was suspenseful, funny and, well, it featured a fantasy, modern day, dinosaur theme park. Could it get any better? Spoiler alert: some things are too good to be true.

Just going with James and sharing the movie experience together: for that I’m thankful.

Iowa Sculpture Festival — Nick and Linda Klepinger are two treasured gems to this community and they always have been. They help organize the annual Iowa Sculpture Festival which takes place right in our hometown. What a treat. My mom, boyfriend and I went and what a pleasure it was, as always, to see the variety of art, talent and sculpture.

Meeting interesting people and visiting with Kevin and Kimbra Korte, who I wrote a story about a few years ago: for that I’m thankful.

There are some truly intelligent, kind and generous people who participate in the town and for that I’m thankful as well.

Young Professionals — Last Friday, the Young Professionals of Jasper County (woot woot) hosted a little get-together at the Iowa Speedway which seemed like a great opportunity to get out this summer and that it was. The company was fantastic and it was nice to see some fellow young professionals whom I hadn’t seen in a few months, well since Re-Prom.

Hanging out with a bunch of wonderful, good and funny young professionals that live here in Newton: for that I’m thankful.

Scavenger Hunt — The last highlight of my vacation came Saturday when I had a mini-friend reunion in downtown Des Moines with old friends. I even got to see an old roommate Becca who happened to be in the area. We all talked, laughed and freely shared whatever it was we wanted to say.

The best part was sneaking with off the hunt with friend Tessa to dip our feet in the Des Moines River and laying on the stage of the Simon Estes Amphitheater. I felt like a kid again, and for that I’m thankful.

I hope you all find at least a little bit of joy to be thankful for this week and in all the weeks ahead.