A Little Bit of Hallmark, a Little Bit of Stars Hollow, and a Whole Lot of North Iowa

Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending the Mason City Fire Department’s Open House, and I left feeling incredibly grateful for the place we call home.

When our kids were little (and yes, I still think of them as little, even though they’re all grown up!), the Fire Department Open House was something they looked forward to every year. It was one of those family traditions that you don’t necessarily realize you’ll miss until the years have passed. And now, here we are, attending that same event with our son as part of the fire department. There’s something pretty special about that full-circle moment.

As my husband and I were leaving, we had one of those conversations that probably sounds a little silly to some people, but I think many of you will understand. You know those Hallmark movies where the main character realizes just how wonderful her life is? Or maybe it was more like living in Stars Hollow, the fictional little town from Gilmore Girls, where everyone seems to know everyone, people stop to chat, and there’s a sense of community that makes a place feel like home.

That was us yesterday. Everywhere we turned, we recognized someone. We stopped to visit, caught up with friends, shared a few laughs, and even had the chance to meet some new people. Everywhere we looked, there were friendly faces. And I kept thinking about how lucky we are to live here.

I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a Realtor, handing out free fire blankets alongside the many other organizations and groups that came together to share information and goodies with the community. The firefighters put on live demonstrations, there were fun activities for kids and adults, food, and there was no shortage of things to see and do.

One of my favorite moments? I finally got to spray the fire hose! In years past, that was always something the kids did while I watched. But this year, there was a break in the line, and my son was one of the firefighters helping the kids give it a try. So, naturally, I had to take advantage of the opportunity myself! My husband and son also participated in one of the demonstrations, competing against each other to see who could get their firefighting gear on first. And, in true family fashion, my husband ended up spraying my son with water. And to top it all off, it was an absolutely gorgeous Iowa fall day. The kind of day that reminds you why autumn in the Midwest is so hard to beat. Time went by way too fast!

I know I’ve said it before, but I think it’s worth repeating: sometimes we get so caught up in our everyday routines that we forget to stop and appreciate what we have. Yesterday gave us a chance to do just that. To slow down, look around, enjoy the people we’ve come to know, meet a few new faces, and appreciate the community we’re fortunate enough to be part of. There are so many wonderful things about North Iowa, and I could go on and on about them. But sometimes, it’s the seemingly simple things that remind us most.

A community event. A beautiful fall afternoon. A conversation with a familiar face. Watching your grown-up child do something meaningful. Laughing with your husband. And realizing that the life you’re living is one you truly love. Maybe our life isn’t a Hallmark movie. And Mason City might not be Stars Hollow. But yesterday, it felt a little bit like both. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Love where you live. We certainly do