Five years ago, I drove my parent's Chevy from the MSP airport to my new home in Clear Lake, IA. When I passed the state line all I could think was, "ok, just put in a year and then you can move again." Well after a year or so, I did move but it was only 10 miles down the road to Mason City where I would live for two more years. They were years that were filled with amazing friendships, some tear-stained relationships, and countless Relay For Life fundraisers - and I wouldn't trade one day. And now being back in Minnesota and living in a winter that seems to never end, I find myself craving my North Iowa life.
Tessa (the bike) and I head back to Iowa this past Thursday night after an all day conference in Minneapolis. We made a pit stop in Forest City on the way down to catch up with Mark and Joy Newcom and get a brief night bike ride in on the Waldorf Campus. After which I promptly went to my little Mason City getaway at the home of Bob and Teri. I was greeted by Shatzie, Smokey D, and Marshmellow - my little feline welcome party.
After a busy Friday filled with work, breakfast at HyVee, lunch at Wok'n Roll and an AMAZING Latte del Amore (hazelnut and honey) from Coffee Cat - my fun filled weekend began. It first started with a bike ride followed by a trip to Wayne's Ski and Cycle to get a tune up for Tessa and a catch up for me with my favorite bike boys. After a deep clean and a couple beers, I left Wayne's to head downtown to meet Julie and Abby at the Quarry for appetizers before heading to the play at Mason City Community Theater.
As I talked with Julie and Abby, we enjoyed some of the best edamame covered with jalapeños and Parmesan cheese. Julie then looked at her watch and realized that we needed to get moving to get to the play in time. Megan, Reagan, Angie, Joshua, and Ana Maria were all waiting for us as we walked up to the theater to catch Brian's latest theater production, "Boeing, Boeing." The play did not disappoint as we learned about Bernard and his three different air hostesses, each of with he was engaged to. While the entire play was fantastic, some of the loudest laughs could be heard when Bernard's french house keeper, Bertie (played by Michele Murray), would walk onto stage. From the wig to being able to see the whites of her eyes from our seats in the back row, her comedic timing could not be missed and she truly made the show.
As the production finished up and I wiped the tears filled with laughter from my eyes and we quickly huddled up to see where we would head next. The verdict? Mason City Brewery. We headed out from the theater and walked under the night sky to the brewery and was greeted by their friendly staff and bearded owners. We got our pints and then headed out back to their patio area and enjoyed. I was able to catch up with old friends and enjoy the much warmer temperatures than what I had been experiencing in Minnesota.
Once the glasses emptied, we walked over to the 1910 Lounge and met up with Zach, who was bartending. As the night proceeded on, it was time to head back to my fancy little B&B and once Julie dropped me off and the cats said hello, I rolled into my bed to only wonder what tomorrow would bring.
I was greeted by my alarm clock reminding me to was time to get up and start the day. After logging on to reserve my BushConnet tickets, Teri started to make some danishes with jam and cream cheese. Of course she claimed to have made some mistake on them that I seemed to miss as I gobbled the warm goodness down. A little while after breakfast, I hopped on the bike and rolled down the street to meet up with Brian and, once again, catch up. But as normal, I had a schedule to keep and after hearing updates about the play, work, and life, I waved goodbye and rolled along my favorite route downtown to the Quarry for lunch with Heidi.
I promptly ordered my strawberry salad with their amazing glazed salmon on top, and I lost myself in the sweet berries and our conversation. From stories from the prior night, to life in Minnesota and my parent's basement, to my upcoming move to Baxter and her latest organizing projects and mosaic art class - we tried to cover 2 months of life discoveries and challenges all while I watched Tessa from the corner of my eye. I had forgotten to bring a bike lock with me and refused to carry Brian's so I watched as Tessa simply leaned against a light poll without being disturbed.
Soon I was back on the road and heading to Casa de Robe to pick up my car and head out for a traditional DUB sister pedicure. Megan, Julie, Angie (a Tony's Nail and Spa Rookie!), and I walked in and were greeted by familiar faces and warm welcomes. We settled our feet into the warm water while swapping stories, jokes, and Snap Chat tips. After a fresh coat of paint, we headed to Cancun to fill our bellies with some of my favorite chips and cheese.
With fancy toes and filled bellies, Julie and I said goodbye to Megan and Angie, and headed to Rock Falls for a Relay For Life fundraiser that was being put on by Shelly and her team. I was able to surprise Shelly with my appearance and was reminded of my former purple-filled lifestyle. We grabbed a pop and made the rounds while checking out the various prizes to be won. We were also able to run into Linda and her husband Dan. Linda was one of the first volunteers I met when I was only an college intern for the Society, and when I returned to Iowa from Alaska she was the first event chair I was honored to work with on the Relay For Life of Cerro Gordo County. Both Shelly and Linda's upbeat attitudes were hard to ignore and one that pushed me on days when I just wanted to throw in the towel. It was so great to be able to see them while I was in town and at this great event that raised over $6,000 for the fight against cancer.
Julie and I said our goodbyes and headed back to Mason City and to the Park Inn to once again to stop in and see Zach. The 1910 Lounge is still one of my favorite places in Mason City. I am proud to say that myself and my friends were some of their first customers and instantly fell in love with the vibe and friendly staff. We met Zach there when he first started and quickly became a great friend over the years to all of our Mason City group. As the clocked started to reach 9 p.m., Julie and I left the lounge and walked down the street to Loradoe's to see Justin, another Cancer Society volunteer turned friend, perform with this new band The North Shores. En route we ran into Kyle and he joined in our venture.
The band started to get ready and I said a quick "Hi" to Justin and settled into a spot to watch the performance. As the quaint bar began to fill up, it echoed the sounds from the keyboard/organ that was being wailed on by a very talented band member and was supported by Justin's voice and vintage microphone along with his fellow bandmates on drums and bass. The band did an amazing job and I was so happy to see my friend so filled with joy to be performing again. As quickly as the music began it soon was the end of their set, and we were all ready to call it a night. Once again I walked the path to my car and simply took in a deep breath of Mason City air.
I forgot how much this place made me happy. Enough though I am no longer a resident, I was quickly reminded how much this place was a part of my life story. I found my DUB sisters and so many friends here. I was apart of the community here. I feel in love with cycling here. I found my voice here. I thrived here.
I don't regret leaving Mason City when I did and mostly because of how much I love to come back for weekends like this. Hours and minutes filled with friends, food, and a bike ride or two. Days that remind how much this community continues to grow and change regardless of the detours and annoying speed bumps along the way. They continue on. And most of all, they continue to welcome me back. Back to a place where my accent sounds funny and where I will always be an Iowa Import. A place that I use to call home. My home in North Iowa.
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