Field Of Dreams

I have learnt there are two types of people in this world. The ones who have good intentions. And those who do not. That whatever we do, we cannot change these people, but simply live our lives around them and learn from the way they live theirs.

It took a journey to a town of less then 800 people for me to realise this. On a summer’s day fit for only air conditioning and cold coke, I found myself on old bike with faulty breaks, seeking the district of Fremont, Iowa.

Roaming the dusty maze of corn, I passed small areas of dried up lakes and dying woods. They all screamed for water but the clouds couldn’t hear. Homes bordered the road every 2km or so. Assurance of life in a place that otherwise epitomized rejection.

I found myself at countless doors that day, in pursuit of direction. The first porch complete with colourful wind chimes disguising its shabby condition. In the nearby paddock eight horses roamed, while six dogs of all shapes and sizes dozed at my feet. No one answered but I saw them staring from the window. A cold stare, worn also the eyes by the wolf in the picture on the wall.

However the genuine and friendly nature of some locals amazed me. A young couple in a tractor waved as they passed by and a little girl hollered from the open back of her dads Ute "Have a lovely day!" And thanks to her, I would.

Approaching the town (a place merely consisting of a questionable diner, barber and convenience store), I decided to grab a drink and a few necessities. The woman in the store was quick to alert me that there was a male driving the streets with the intention of “picking up young girls”. I offered her a tip and she laughed. She offered me a lift and I didn’t know what to say.

So chewing on mint choc chip ice-cream gum, (a local delicacy) I left. With dusk nipping my heels, I witnessed the magic of my first Iowa sun set. Suddenly something so ordinary had materialized into the most evocative experience of my life. It didn’t matter that I was alone in this moment. I pulled over. And sat. In silence mostly, but broken every so often with a grin or deep breath.

I felt lost, yet somehow, found in the moment. Forcing me to question something to this day I remain unable to answer. How did I end up here?

Riding the dusty roads and meeting new people. Smelling old oil and warm air.

And learning the lessons life intended.