Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Red Rock Roosts Rock

Although the book Hiking Iowa has annual sales of more than 35 copies, Iowa is a flat state and not widely known for it's outdoor wonders. It's easy, as one cruises through on I-80 or I-35, to believe that little more than cornfields and creeks define our landscape. Take any exit, however, and find there are wonders aplenty here. One such wonder is the yearly migration of American Bald Eagles to Lake Red Rock. Between October and March the eagles nest and swoop down to retrieve stunned fish out of the roiling waters beneath the dam. A treat of 70 degrees on Saturday and the end of eagle season compelled me to pack up for a visit to Red Rock. We saw no fewer than eight eagles enjoying the Iowa sunshine Saturday afternoon. A quick lunch and a stop at Jaarsma Bakery in Pella and the day was complete.

MHO: The beehive is an irresistible bakery treat & Jaarsma's is the best I've had.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Girls Only

Saturday night was comedy night at The Temple For Performing Arts in Des Moines. The show "Girls Only," kept the nearly sold out house laughing and blushing. A singing/dancing/improvisational nostalgic look at middle girlhood exposed us all as the awkward, silly girls we once were...and are still. The show runs through Sunday May 10. Check www.civiccenter.org for details.

MHO: Grab a girl you love and head down to this show for a laugh out loud revue!

Visiting The Hospital

I was honored to be invited to read stories at the Blank Children's Hospital on Friday morning. The kids staying there were remarkably sweet, the staff at Blank is a dedicated and compassionate group. How fortunate to be reminded that our lives are essentially unlived if they are not centered around service. As much fun as we are able to find in this world it's necessary and good to bring fun where it's desperately needed.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Des Moines Symphony Specials

All season the Des Moines Symphony has been keeping a secret. Attendance is down and to keep the seats full they've been offering buy one-get one free specials via their enewsletter. If world renowned, captivating young violinists are of interest to you, tickets for "Captivating Chang" can be purchased @ the Civic Center for the weekend of April 4/5. Sarah Chang will be playing the Brahms Violin Concerto in D, a virtuoso piece that is infrequently performed.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Don't Miss The Icon

For anyone who has not yet made it over to the Des Moines Art Center to view the exhibit, After Many Springs, please put it on your calendar. The iconic Grant Wood painting, American Gothic is on display. Grant's work is accompanied by no fewer than six early paintings by Jackson Pollock and the work of his teacher, Thomas Hart Benton. The preview party in January drew over 500 patrons and the exhibit has been a smash success. The best part? It's totally free. Visit www.desmoinesartcenter.org for details on Community Day. The show ends at the end of March: don't miss it!

MHO: After Many Springs is the best installation I've seen at the Art Center

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Zuzap & Conversation

Happily dined at Zuzap in West Des Moines last night with a dear old friend. What a great opportunity to have a real conversation with a smart, funny woman. What is necessary for a real conversation? Absence of corporate-ese for starters. Co-workers have issues. Friends have problems. Thank you for leaving your professional mask in your car, my dear. What else makes for real conversation? It's about ideas not your day. Everyone knows what I mean by 'experiential conversation' don't you? Whereby someone who leads a (usually) less than interesting life regales you with the minutiae of her--or his--day. Right down to the, "and then she called me while I was in the ladies' room and I had to tell her I'd call her back." Because you needed to know that you are speaking with a person who answers her cell phone in the ladies' room. Fortunately, my dear friend had actual ideas to discuss and she articulates them well. If a problem or two slipped in at least it was nicely phrased.

MHO: Zuzap is the best Thai food in town.