a miniature vacation

Growing up, classmates would always tell me about their family trips to lake cabins or summerhomes in Michigan or Minnesota. Finally, I can tell friends about my own Midwestern getaway. Sure, my apartment in Iowa City isn't exactly what one would consider the ideal vacation resort, but I'm glad I can retreat when I feel the need.

I've heard it said that driving through this part of the Midwest is boring - nothing but farms and flatlands. Look harder, I'd say.







My first night in town was hot and spent dancing & laughing. I ended the day on my porch with friends, and we talked about God and love. A beautiful boy picked flowers for me. It rained the next morning.





The friend with whom I've lived for almost three years recently moved our of our home and took her dishware with her. I happened upon these plates at a thrift store and bought them to replace my friend's dishes. I'm quite fond of lighthouses and think of them frequently.





Oddly enough, the best restaurants I know are in tiny towns in Iowa. There's a wonderful Louisiana kitchen in Oxford, IA that serves locally-grown produce and locally-raised meats. Good folks came out to dine with me, and it felt like my birthday or something. Then we went to an old veteran's bar for karaoke. The bartender asked me if I wanted "the usual" and I, of course, sang my go-to song.

Once again, my friends and I returned to my porch. Someone suggested we walk a few blocks to the cemetary to see the Black Angel. We did, and I was not afraid.