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No time to bet against America

    What a crazy situation we are in, a defining time in all our lives.  Our kids will see life with this as a reference point – life before Covid 19 and life after.  There will be stories to recount to kids, grandkids, in history books and biographies.   How do you want to define it?   Yes, there are people fighting over toilet paper and disinfectant wipes  But it is also a chance to see Americans shine and rise above the ordinary. I was reading a 2016 letter from Warren Buffet to his shareholders.  Referring to economy, he said ” For 240 years, it’s been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is no time to start”. I like this sentiment for this time in which we are in.  For every doomsday prediction and story, we can find a story of “Iowa Nice”.  We are also a very resourceful people, thinking of new ways to do business.   Some things I’ve noted.
  • I came home yesterday to an Easter bunny wallhanging and towel by my back door from a neighbor. Another neighbor left us warm roast beef in a container on the front porch.
  • Zoom is allowing their platform to be used by nonprofits, so a group of us have been meeting several times a week for a visit and prayer time.
  • Board games are left out and played often.  On our neighborhood FB page, one family offered to deliver from their board game library to others’ front step.
  • The local theater is offering curbside pick-up of a bucket of popcorn with an advance order.
  • Girl scout cookies can be paid for online, then donated to First Responders in the community.
  • Furloughed workers are offering to run errands for those unable to get out.
  • People are putting teddy bears in their windows for kids to “hunt”.
  • Nursing home residents are getting visitors outside their windows.
  • Parking lot performances are being shared on-line.
  • Colorful face masks being made in homes and donated to front-line workers.
  • Our local Chamber of Commerce just announced a contest for chalk art!
  Let’s follow Warren Buffet’s quote, we won’t bet against Americans creativity and resilience. Share your stories of Americans (and Iowans in particular) sharing and caring and finding new ways to do what needs to be done.
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What’s your Vision for 2020?

  As we end one year, our team meets to review the year ending and plan for the coming year.  We assess our activities, our expenditures, goals met or goals missed. As part of the process, I do a bit of research to see what ‘experts’ are predicting for the new year. I’d like to share some of my findings. What are your expectations for 2020? If it includes a real estate purchase/sale, please call us (515-979-2883). We are excited for the future and ready to help you and your friends and family.   Linked to sources.
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Make ‘Em Look

Have you been noticing more and more street art in Des Moines?  I have and love it.  The very first one I noticed was the side of an apartment building at the corner of Des Moines St. and Penn Ave .  It’s funky and odd, bright colors, abstract and even a bit disgusting.  Really, it has teeth falling out , snot and bugs!  But it catches your eye and makes you wonder.  Who painted it?  Why these cartoonish people?  Why on this building? This one was done by a local artist, Frank Hansen and is titled Sarah and Leland with Bees. The show, The Bachelor, came to town with Iowa native, Chris Soules.  There was wall art created specifically for one episode.  This mural has been the background for many photos shoots and has now been modified. An art organization, The Des Moines Walls Project has a goal of more public murals in the Des Moines Area.  They would like to feature local history and culture of Des Moines. Their first one is on the side of Exile Brewery and has many local details, as well as biking and the beer making that Exile is known for.   Some come quietly, artistically and with dignity.  Here are a few of my favorites. The one on the side of a grocery store makes you do a double take. It’s so realistic, that you easily mistake the painting for a man standing against the building. And the woman with the butterflies – Love, Love, Love! Others come loudly, and with less dignity and artistic composition, but still catch your eye and attention.   They do make you look and they do have a story to tell.  This is art that is accessible to all.  Enjoy. What/Where is your favorite street art?