"Where Are You From?"

My parents divorced when I was in second grade and since then my concept of place has changed frequently. In total, I have moved nine times which does not include my most recent move to Ames. My dad lives in West Des Moines and my mom lives in Des Moines so it has always a decision between two places when I answer the question “where are you from?” The different houses and the different cities at times make me feel as though I’m not really just from one specific place. I tend to answer the question with “Des Moines” because that is the house and the city that I feel the strongest connection to. The house I grew up in was in West Des Moines, on Country Side Place to be exact. I loved the wrap around front porch and the times I spent sitting out there watching storms. I spent the time from when I was two through eighth grade loving everything about that house and that neighborhood. My brother and I would spend every day playing outside with our neighbors; running through backyards, putting on talents shows, playing school, jumping on trampolines, riding our bikes, injuring ourselves on slip n’ slides, scootering around the surrounding neighborhoods, etc. I feel like that house was there with me through every major life event over the years. Now I live in a house south of Grand, with the more historic and unique houses. There is a particular feeling I get when I drive south of Grand, towards downtown, a feeling that always makes me feel relaxed and at home. The eclectic houses, the Art Center, old Ashworth Pool, the shops on Ingersoll all give me a sense of peace. Des Moines has so many different aspects and I am still discovering the hidden treasures. The days and nights I spend driving around aimlessly always take me somewhere new and exciting and remind me why I say I am from Des Moines.