“First you must have the images, then come the words.” – Robert James Waller | Bridges of Madison County

I know that we went to the Bridges of Madison County as a kid. I mean, I’m from Iowa…..but there is something about a random Monday afternoon with a packed lunch, great music and perfect company that made this little adventure memorable.

Summer 1995, I auditioned for the Bridges of Madison County movie with my friend Diccon. We practiced our audition monologues the entire car ride down to Des Moines – and probably our award acceptance speeches as well. We were going to be in a MOVIE! Spoiler alert – neither of us got a part, but that day has always stayed with me.

Monday morning I asked if anyone wanted to take an adventure with me, they know better than to say no. Fall leaves at their peak, old bridges, singing light FM tunes at the top of our lungs and a packed lunch…awesome. I even had Kent reenact a couple of Meryl Streep’s famous photos by Roseman Bridge. I mean, why not. Pack the adventure sandwich, throw on the tunes, roll down the windows and see the bridges. Francesca and Robert shared a lifetime in four days, surely you can spare an afternoon.

“Analysis destroys wholes. Some things, magic things, are meant to stay whole. If you look at their pieces, they go away.” Robert James Waller | Bridges of Madison County