We thought it would be flat with nothing to see but farms and cows. How shocked we were that Iowa doesn't seem one-bit flat, and while there are farms, Iowa has a lot of cities. And the cows? We counted about 23.
Here's a conundrum for the week-end: why is Nebraska the cornhusker state even though Iowa produces more corn than Nebraska does?
Back to Iowa (or Iowas as I've typed it repeatedly already in this post.) Apart from the green and the corn and a state motto ("Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"), there is something else very special about the state. It's where Jeannelle lives.
Jeannelle is a farmer, and a nurse, and a photographer, and a philosopher, and a mom, and a choir member, and a wife, and all those other things which might take up the rest of this post if I keep typing. But the label that trumps all those things is that she is a blogger. I don't remember how I first found her blog, but within a post or two, I knew that her blog had become one of my absolute favorites. Her blog has become so important to me that when she doesn't post, I miss her.
As Checkered and I began to plan this trip, I began to dream about visiting Iowa and Jeannelle. I was genuinely shocked when Google maps told us that the best route from Michigan to Kansas was through Iowa!!!
So in celebration of all her talents and wonderful posts, I asked Jeannelle to clear her calendar, get up quite early and drive an hour just to have breakfast with my four antsy children, my husband, and me.
Such a treat for Jeannelle, I'm sure!!
But you know what?
As much as I like Jeannelle the blogger, I like Jeannelle the person even more. I like her so much that I offered to adopt her and take her with us on the remainder of this road trip , but she said no.
If you're ever driving across the state which got cheated out of the cornhusker title, stop and meet Jeannelle. You'll love her demeanor, her goodness, her curiosity, her clever mind, and her gift for finding beauty in the details of life.
Iowa officials, you need a new motto (really, truly.) How about:
Life is beautiful in Iowa because Jeannelle lives here!
11 comments:
Isn´t it great meeting a fellow blogger!? I´ve met a few who blog from Paraguay as well and it always amazes me how we immediately feel connected and as if we really know each other. I went and read Jeanelle´s post of your meeting as well, and she really sounds like a nice lady.Good for you for helping her out with paying for breakfast. That could have been me, I always forget something or other....
Oh, and P.S. Happy 4th of July!!!
i told you two you would love each other :) I loved meeting janelle and her mom and sisters!!! and lemmie tell ya come south through iowa to missouri next year when i am up .... there is NOTHING but farms and beautiful fields!!!!!
You must have made it to your next destination. I can't wait to hear about it!
It was truly a pleasure to meet you and your lovely family! You've spilled the beans about Iowa, though.....now everyone and their cousin will head here to see the trees!
(Don't you think you overdid your descriptions of me? Should I tell your readers the truth? That I gave my wallet and its contents to you as a bribe so you'd write me up in glowing terms!)
Have a wonderful time! I'm anxious to hear more about your travels. Tell Checkered and the kids "hi" for me. Drive safe and God Bless!!
Awesome Caution! Jeannelle sounds like a Queen of all Trades! Glad you got to meet another blogger. It sure is fun! Have a great 4th girlfriend.
That is just so wonderful that you all got to meet and spend some time together!!! I can not wait for the day I get to meet you IRL!!! have a safe and wonderful trip. I can not wait to hear all about it.
Beautifully written my friend. Although coming from me, that may sound a bit condescending. Nonetheless, I meant it.
I felt like I was with you for a moment or two....
(Something odd is happening. In case it doesn't post properly, this from me, won.)
Neat! So great you got to meet in person.
It sounds like a fun visit. Thanks for sharing!
Meeting our blogger friends in REAL LIFE just makes the world seem a little bit smaller!! So glad you had this chance!
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