Homage to Home
This past week I got the opportunity to take a trip back to my hometown to visit family and to also meet some new family members for the first time along the way. It was a lovely experience and very grateful to have that moment.
To preface, I am from a small little Dutch town in Iowa called Pella. It is actually quite famous for its “Tulip Time Festival” held every year on the first weekend of May. People from all around the world flock to see the Dutch parade, see the massive amount of tulips everywhere and experience the best dutch inspired foods. I was born there and lived there until I was about 3 years old and then moved to another small town called Oskaloosa. Thats where I grew up and went to school.
Going back to Pella, I got to see & remember my favorite places and eat some of my favorite foods with my Mother.
The famous Vermeer Windmill. One of the tallest working windmill’s in North America
The cherry nuggets (donut holes) at Yarsma Donut Shop will always be my favorite. Their coffee cakes are amazing as well. Cherry donuts always remind me of home. If we wanted a sweet treat or were running late for school in the mornings and didnt have time for breakfast, we’d always get these and a little carton of chocolate milk. It’s the little things.
I also got the chance to take my mom to Des Moines (something we rarely did growing up nor does she rarely do now) and have a day filled with art and coffee together. I always make a point to surround myself with art no matter where I am. Having the opportunity to experience the city in this way and at this time in my life with my mother, made me appreciate where I am from a little bit more.
The Des Moines Capitol Building
The mural is called “Westward” Painted by Edwin H. Blashfield, a New York artist, in 1905.
Des Moines Art Museum
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
I was truly surprised by all the art that is at these locations and hope they continue to add more inspiring pieces. The Art Museum does have a Picasso and an Alberto Giacometti sculpture that I desperately wanted to see but they were doing renovations to the rooms they were in and had put them in storage for the time being. Was so sad! At least I did get to experience the Francis Bacon in person along with the many others. Pictured is not everything that is there, these are just some of my personal favorites. If you are ever in the area or passing through, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to explore.
Much love xx
Credits:
@desmoinesartcenter