sappatoti
Posts: 14844
Joined: 10/30/2006 From: the edge of darkness... Status: offline
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Ghita... you have a nice spot for such an institution... full of nature... rich in artifacts... a museum nearby... an hour or so away from the theme park capital of the planet... in between two vastly different beach scenes... unfettered by deed restrictions and moronic city codes... kind of secluded from prying eyes (well, maybe not entirely secluded)... I mean, where else could such a commune thrive? ;) My final thoughts on Iowa... I have lived there, granted the last time was 30 years ago. I do know that Iowa has two large and well-respected universities and scores of smaller colleges of all kinds. It's a state rich in history, much of it as being one of the gateways as pioneers moved out across the plains and into the west. It has metro areas that offer some culture, arts, and entertainment (Des Moines and the Quad Cities area, since I know those first-hand, though there are others). It's one of the major agricultural producing states in the country, thus makes it a strategic asset in national security concerns. And it's citizens are the type that if you're in serious, desperate trouble, you definitely want them at your side with assistance... they're big-shouldered, kind hearted, and selfless in their giving. Iowa certainly has its advantages and Iowans, where ever they may be, are right in professing their pride in their home state. However, for me Iowa simply does not "do it." I was bored at the monotony of the landscape. Despite the geological uniqueness of certain landmarks, such as Maquoketa Caves State Park in the Mississippi River valley and Loess Hills in the Missouri River valley, the landscape just does not hold my interest whatsoever. As a former long distance bicyclist, who would spend a week or two at a time on tours, the constant and forever flatness and sameness was a chore to cycle through. Lake Red Rock was one of those places that, once visited, didn't have anything left to keep drawing me in. So, despite the fact that Iowa's landscape makes it a valuable asset to the nation, and to the people that choose to live there, it's something that has no hold on me. Quite simply, I've been spoiled by mountains and oceans. My "home" is a place where I can go from one to the other in a matter of three hours or less. It's that kind of geographic diversity that kindles my creativity and passion for life. I'm not at true peace with myself unless I'm back "home." I understand that... I accept that. That's why I could never live in Iowa again (or Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, or any of the other Plains states... it's not just Iowa).
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Never mind the man on the edge of the darkness... he means no harm... "Community, Identity, Stability." ~ A Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, 1932 If you don't like my attitude, QUIT TALKING TO ME!
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