Entry in a Nature Journal (because the challenge was to spend 10 minutes in nature and journal about it)

Weather
-overcast, gray skies

-cool but not cold

-tiny bit of drizzle in the air

I See

-fast ripples on the lake

-plum colored tree leaves

-a bare branch pointing at the shoreline

-empty benches and picnic tables

-the shell of the boat lift, like a skeleton

-green and brown spikes of grass, like bedhead

-tall bullrushes, brown, gentle graceful movements like a hula dance

-trees, deep green, lime turning to lemon, magenta inside

-an empty wooden cross, surrounded by flowers

I Hear

-Rustling leaves, sounds like gentle waves on a beach

-distant motor sounds from the road

-low thrum of a train going away from us

-a plane overhead, high pitched at first, burning out fuel

-birds singing in different songs and pitches, like parts in a choir

-a golfcart, someone working nearby

September in Wisconsin

  • Hoodies and flip flops
  • Leaves in raucous colors
  • Blue heron on the fishing dock
  • Bonfires and smores
  • Gracious gray skies melting into the lake
  • Wild turkey in front yards
  • Skittish deer darting into the tree line
  • Boats beginning to be pulled out of the water and put up for winter storage
  • Open windows on cool nights
  • Brilliant sunshine
  • Pumpkin patches
  • Corn mazes
  • Hay rack rides

Things I’m Really Proud Of From My Time At Grow Clinton

  • Representing both Clinton, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois in my tourism role, bringing both communities together for the betterment of each
  • Developing multiple collaborations with the Clinton Herald including Visitor Guide and weekly articles
  • RAGBRAI, especially after less than 7 months on the job
  • Efforts with Iowa Scenic Byways and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission to represent the Great River Road
  • Designing ads for the first time… lots and lots of ads
  • Developing 4 digital passports for the community and guests to use
  • Deep collaborations with the Showboat Theatre to advertise in new and unique ways
  • Being part of the Frahm art installs/selfie stations
  • Embrace the Winter
  • Ultra Mega Capture The Flag In Heritage Canyon
  • Creating a focused and strategic advertising plan
  • Helping develop the Bound For the Kingdom Christian Music Festival
  • Elevating existing events that deserve lots of recognition, like Christmas in the Canyon, the LBPA Art & Wine Walk, and the Riverview Bacon & Brew Fest
  • Making contacts with tourism professionals across two states
  • Getting lots of news attention from QCA stations
  • Helping fund both The Grove and Wildness, two of the earliest pieces of the emerging arts culture in Clinton thanks to Gabi Torres
  • Parachuting elves
  • So many more things than I can list. Thank you all. I have loved my time here and will remember it with fondness. <3

Patriotic Songs I Will Definitely Burst Out Into This Week if You Tempt Me

  • God Bless The USA
  • She’s A Grand Old Flag
  • Yanky Doodle Dandy
  • Stars & Stripes Forever
  • This Land is Your Land
  • The Star Spangled Banner
  • America The Beautiful

Lists of All the Things You've Never Wondered About