Becoming a great "North Dakotan"

There's been a lot of talk about what North Dakota isn't in the news lately. I guess the state appears empty to most of those outside of it, and quite honestly, even to many residents within its borders. The whole idea of North Dakota being a boring place has gnawed at me since I was young. To some extent, it seems like we spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves something we are not.

I remember when I was in college, the mayor at the time wanted to build a waterfall by River Road in Bismarck. There's also the idea of dropping "North" from Dakota. The argument is to change outside and inside perceptions. Sarcastically I suggested in the student newspaper a retractable dome be placed over the state. I say it's time to embrace what we are, and what we have. It does get cold here, no matter how the tourism brochures try to alter reality. The wind blows. Temperature differences can be extreme, and in a short amount of time. So what? Don't people like challenges? How about scaling Devils Tower, climbing Everest, or competing a triathlon?

The truth is, North Dakota is prime, sublime territory for those who are adventure minded. I think if we want to change outside perceptions of who we are, we need to start on the inside. I propose a plan of action, something to stimulate average, everyday North Dakotan's to get off the couch and learn more about our history and our future. Kind of a "you have to love yourself before someone else can love you" type of thing.

If we are concerned about the future of the state, we had better act now, investing in our youth. If they grow up embracing North Dakota, they are more likely to stay, open a business, start a family, and eventually reach out to others about visiting this place. I want to build a base of "Great North Dakotan's."

I'm taking ideas for lists of buttes to climb, books to read, and places to visit. I want to hear about your adventures, see your photos, read your writing, and be stimulated by your thoughts. I've kicked around a few ideas with family and friends. Right now the idea and its parameters are limitless. As I carry the weight of 37 3/4 years on my back, I know two things. It's time to get started, and it's never too late to get started. I hope to see you along the way.

Finding Abe

It's amazing what books can do. Words really open doors. I've started reading a lot again. In the past few months I've finished "Snow Upon the Desert," "Gilead," "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt," My Antonia," "Giants in the Earth," and "Team of Rivals." My mind is now wandering around in "Theodore Rex." I am excited to open the pages of "1776" and "Jon Adams." There are many more. I am excited by titles and frustrated by lack of time.

I literally feel alive. When I close the pages, I can feel the stimulation in my head--the throb of learning. The books I've read have awakened my senses, revived a tired spirit, given me hope, and touched my heart. I'm sorry I waited so long to meet Abe Lincoln. Never have I read of someone so real, so intelligent, so compassionate, so honest. He's a modest hero who helped define equality in flesh and bone, and not just on paper. Lincoln was a man with vision, extraordinary patience, and the ability to work with friend and foe alike.

I also relate to the mood of "Giants in the Earth," the landscape, and the character Per Hansa. Life isn't easy. Some days I'd like to walk out on my job, eyes pointed to the west, always west. The more I learn about those who settled our state, the more I respect them. There's a lot of sorrow in the story. There's also depression and tragedy. Yet somehow I came away deeply touched. I know I feel broken at times, desperately lonely, and down on myself. But much like the characters, through grace I find the strength to pick myself up.

It's been a long winter for me. I'm ready for the rebirth of spring. I've got a lot to look forward too. There are many new pages to turn. I like when I slip my book-mark in for the night, and close my eyes. Like globes in a lantern, I can feel the glow in my head. These books have given me a lot of good things to think about. I think I know a little more about who I do and don't want to be. And somehow, reading Roosevelt and Lincoln and characters less in name, I find a little courage to go out into this world. This afternoon, the wind demanded to be recognized by all across this western prairie. But then a remarkable thing happened. Steel blue clouds crept in ominously from the northwest. They brought a gentle rain. We cracked some windows. The trees fell silent. Life feels refreshed.