Done by Michelle Balhan at Velvet Lotus Tattoo in Iowa City, IA. 

The lines come from Walt Whitman’s “A Song of Myself.”

The Vacation Read Club at your public library

(between 1936 and 1939)

Des Moines, Iowa.

Looks like PIXELART !

41.5976977949861, -93.71841050964501

Edward N. Wilson, Jr. (March 28, 1925 – November 26, 1996) was a sculptor. His work was featured in the landmark 1976 exhibition Two Centuries of Black American Art.

He will study at the University of Iowa, receive sculpture awards from the Carnegie Foundation, Howard University, and the State University of New York, and will have his work shown at “Two Centuries of Black American Art,” and other exhibitions. Among his major works will be “Cybele.” His stainless steel and bronze portrait of Ralph Ellison (1974-1975, Ralph Ellison Library, Oklahoma) commemorates the author of “The Invisible Man” (1952) who inspired him during the civil rights movement. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

MOVIE OF THE DAY: STATE FAIR (1945) 📽🎬

Courtesy of IMDb

*Comedy, drama, musical

The Frake family attends the annual Iowa State Fair; each member of the clan has their own reason for doing so.

Director: Walter Lang

Top billed cast:

Jeanne Crain

Dana Andrews

Dick Haymes

Vivian Blaine

Charles Winninger

Jane Nigh

Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain 

Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain 

Jeanne Crain, Fay Bainter, and Charles Winninger

Vivian Blain

Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain

Percy Kilbride and Charles Winninger

Dick Haymes

Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain

DID YOU KNOW?

1.) The same year, Dana Andrews appeared with Percy Kilbride in Otto Preminger's Fallen Angel. Both are in love with ingenue Linda Darnell. In this movie, though, Kilbride has only scenes with the Frake family.

2.) Harry Morgan (billed as "Henry Morgan") appears as a dishonest carnival barker. Morgan, of course, went on to play Colonel Sherman Potter in TV's M*A*S*H. In the 11th season episode, M*A*S*H: The Moon Is Not Blue (1982) the staff of the M*A*S*H 4077th unit watches the movie "State Fair".

3.) Dana Andrews's singing voice was dubbed because the studio was unaware that he was a trained singer. He later explained that he didn't correct the oversight because he figured the ghost singer also needed to earn a living and he didn't want to deny his colleague employment. Ironically, despite his training, in film career that lasted three decades, Andrews never displayed his singing voice on screen.

4.) Jeanne Crain's singing voice was dubbed by Louanne Hogan.

5.) "Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on June 24, 1946 with Jeanne Crain and Dick Haymes reprising their film roles.

6.) Based on their individually sour experiences in Hollywood during the 1930s, Rodgers and Hammerstein consented to compose the score for State Fair (1945) only if they could do so without having to set foot in California. Therefore, the team wrote the songs in New York, shipped them to the studio and bowed out -- that is, until Rodgers caught wind of the fact that musical director Alfred Newman planned to conduct "It Might As Well Be Spring" as a moody, expansive ballad. Rodgers fought the studio on this one point, as he had specifically written the song as a jittery up-tempo. But Newman prevailed and, upon hearing the finished product, Rodgers was forced to admit that the song did indeed work splendidly as a ballad, so much so that it ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Song of the Year.

7.) Nearly all of the extensive fairground set was created on Fox's backlot and sound stages. A notable exception is the rollercoaster sequence that introduces Jeanne Crain to Dana Andrews in the picture. While all of the dialogue between the characters is clearly shot on a set, there are many glimpses of Andrews and Crain on the actual coaster.

8.) The stage version of "State Fair" opened at the Music Box Theatre on March 27, 1996 and ran for 110 performances.

9.) Wayne Frake had practiced ring tossing for a year to get the money back he lost, amounting to $8 dollars, which doesn't sound like much now, but would be worth $111.60 as of 2018.

9.) Dana Andrews' singing was dubbed by Ben Gage, who at one time was married to Esther Williams.

10.) This is the first of four movies with Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews followed by Duel in the Jungle (1954), Madison Avenue (1961), and Hot Rods to Hell (1967).

Here’s a beautiful 1919 Craftsman bungalow that is different, b/c it has very light woods. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, it has 4bd. 3ba. and is listed for $319K. There’s already a sale pending.

Keep reading

Grinnell, Iowa

built in 1900

On Point

A railway switch at Creston, IA.

#IowaNice

As we celebrate the world-famous Iowa State Fair this month, this question comes to mind: "What makes Iowa so great?" The list of reasons is long: corn, bacon, cost of living, education....but, my favorite might be that we are considered "Iowa Nice". So, as we celebrate our great-state of Iowa, remember to be nice!

In the world of real estate, where competition can be fierce and transactions can be stressful, the importance of fostering a culture of kindness and integrity cannot be overstated. Real estate agents, as ambassadors of the industry, have a unique opportunity to embody and promote the values of #IowaNice. In this article, we will explore what it means to be #IowaNice and how real estate agents can embrace this ethos to create positive and lasting relationships with their clients, colleagues, and communities.

Understanding #IowaNice

#IowaNice is a term that has become synonymous with the people of Iowa, highlighting their friendly and welcoming nature. It embodies the values of kindness, honesty, and respect that are deeply rooted in the state's culture. Real estate agents can draw inspiration from #IowaNice and incorporate these values into their professional lives.

By practicing #IowaNice, real estate agents prioritize the needs and interests of their clients above all else. They strive to be approachable, empathetic, and responsive, creating an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. Going beyond the transactional aspect of their work, realtors who embrace #IowaNice aim to build long-term relationships and become trusted advisors.

Building Trust and Relationships

Trust is the foundation of any successful real estate transaction, and real estate agents who embody #IowaNice understand its significance. They focus on building trust with their clients through transparent communication, reliable information, and ethical conduct. By being honest about market conditions, property details, and potential challenges, realtors demonstrate their commitment to their clients' best interests.

Additionally, real estate agents can foster trust by going the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service. This may involve actively listening to clients' needs, promptly addressing their concerns, and consistently exceeding expectations. Through these actions, agents not only establish trust but also lay the groundwork for strong and lasting relationships.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

A key aspect of #IowaNice is embracing diversity and inclusion. Real estate agents who adopt this value treat all clients with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their background, race, or socioeconomic status. They strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone and ensures fair and equitable access to housing opportunities.

To embrace diversity and inclusion, real estate agents can educate themselves about fair housing laws, stay informed about local communities and their needs, and actively promote diversity within their own teams. By working to overcome biases and fostering an inclusive mindset, agents can make a positive impact in the lives of their clients and contribute to a more equitable real estate industry.

Giving Back to the Community

Part of being #IowaNice is giving back to the community. Real estate agents can engage in philanthropic activities and support local causes to make a difference in their neighborhoods. This may involve volunteering for community events, contributing to charitable organizations, or participating in initiatives that promote affordable housing and community development.

When realtors actively participate in community efforts, they not only strengthen their ties with local residents but also enhance their reputation as caring and responsible professionals. By aligning themselves with causes that resonate with their values and the needs of their community, real estate agents can positively impact the lives of others while further establishing themselves as trusted community leaders.

Embracing the spirit of #IowaNice can have a transformative effect on the real estate profession. Real estate agents who prioritize kindness, integrity, and respect create an environment that fosters trust, builds relationships, and promotes positive change. By practicing #IowaNice, realtors can elevate their role beyond transactional dealings, becoming trusted advisors and advocates for their clients and communities.

Through transparent communication, exceptional customer service, embracing diversity and inclusion, and giving back to the community, real estate agents can embody the values of #IowaNice and leave a lasting impact on the industry. By doing so, they not only contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate real estate environment but also set themselves apart as professionals who genuinely care about the well-being and happiness of those they serve.

If you lived in Mt. Vernon, Iowa in the 80s, you recognize this cookbook. It has become a coveted item in MV these days. Luckily my mom had the good sense to get one for herself as well as both my grandmothers, so now my sister and I each have one. I have very fond memories of my mom pulling this out when she was teaching me to bake. Looking through its pages I see all the adult faces of my youth in that town. Now that I am teaching my own children to cook, I find myself reaching again for this book. It has a recipe for any occasion that should arise in this Midwest woman’s life. Going to a 4th of July potluck and need to make a salad? Look no further than Helen Rockrohr”s Red, White, and Blueberry Salad! Having friends over for Brunch? How about Zelda Radloff’s Spinich Quiche? Is your Rhubarb patch particularly abundant this year? There are no less than 30 recipes for that! There are 52 pages of casseroles!

I have heard that cookbooks are coming back and I have no doubts. Cookbooks from churches and small towns allow us to hold on to the memories of a time gone by, of people and places who shaped us. When we cleaned out my childhood home and had an estate sale, the cookbooks were some of the first things to go. And it wasn’t the shiny, hard cover ones by famous chefs. No, it was the church cookbooks and the cookbooks made by small town groups trying to do fundraising. These are the heart of who we are, written down in teaspoons and cups, baked at 350 for 45 minutes and served with love.