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Oct. 31 - Nov. 6, 2025

 
 
How many hours does it take?
 

Many of you are familiar with the 10,000-Hour-Rule that was popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers.” If you are not, it goes like this. The 10,000-Hour Rule says that achieving world-class expertise in any skill requires approximately 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. That’s not to say that a person needs 10,000 hours of practice to complete a task. It does say that 10,000 hours are needed to master it.

To be fair, sometimes you don’t need a master. But, if you have a choice between someone who is a newbie and someone who is an expert, which one will you choose to do your electrical work, your plumbing, your concrete install?

The choice also comes down to cost, as many of us are cost-conscious (cheap) and want a deal. The newbies are sometimes cheaper. But, as the saying goes, we often get what we pay for.

As with most things in life, we also need to look in the mirror when we consider the 10,000-Hour-Rule. We sometimes think we can jump into a new job, a new hobby or a new endeavor of any sort and become an expert overnight. If we do the math, 10,000 hours translates to about five years of 40 hours per week. That may sound like forever to a teenager, but those who have multiple decades behind them recognize that it really does take about five years to truly figure things out.

Meanwhile, the 10,000-Hour-Rule has been criticized and debunked by some, as “research” indicates that the quality of practice is more important than the quantity of hours spent. I am guessing that this “research” was completed by those who have not put 10,000 hours into anything, but the idea still has some merit. Practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice certainly gets us closer.

So, when you are hiring someone to complete a job or seeking advice from an expert, it is certainly fair to ask how many hours of experience the person has. And, if you are a person with 10,000 hours of expertise, it is a benefit worth pointing out.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the 10,000-Hour-Rule? Send me a note and let me know.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

 
 
 

Bake Sale and Dinner

Come to the Polk City O.E.S. Chapter 361 Masonic Temple, 106 Third St., Polk City, on Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a bake sale and dinner. Homemade mincemeat, apple butter and nuts will be featured. Dinner is served starting at 11 a.m., $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10, younger than 5 free. Carryout available.

 
 

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

Wait, Where Am I?: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. If you were truly lost, do you know how to get someplace safe? Learn how to use a map and compass and read a topographic map in this hands-on class. Some activities will take place outdoors. Registration required by Nov. 6.

Trash: Where Does it Come From, Where Does it Go: Saturday, Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Trash. We know that we don't like it, but we just keep making it. Learn from and discuss with a naturalist about our trash, its lifecycle, and why we have so much of it. If you have ever wondered, why does my trash fill up so fast, what really happens after I put a can in the recycling, or why do people compost, then this is the place for you.

Date Night at the ORWC: Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Bring a loved one for a fun night of archery, axe throwing and bouldering. Instructions, equipment and light refreshments will be provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Willow Holiday Wreath: Sunday, Nov. 16, noon to 3 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join artists Pam Dennis and Ryk Weiss with Flock 9 Studios to learn how to craft a beautiful wreath using natural native willow. This renewable resource will be harvested and ready for you to use. After your wreath is completed, materials will be available to decorate your wreath and give it a little holiday flare. Participants will need to bring a hammer, anvil shears, small wire cutters and needle nose pliers. Instruction, creative guidance, willow, nails, and decorations provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Nov. 7.

 
 

Polk City Community Library news

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119   |   www.polkcitylibrary.org

Iowa Scenic Views by Foot: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6-7 p.m. Join an engaging session with author, poet and runner Tyler Sullivan, as he unveils hidden treasures of Iowa from his journey on foot. He has explored 97 counties, 1,298 cities, and more than 500 museums throughout the state. A free, complimentary meal will be served for the speaker and attendees beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tyler's presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Registration required if you plan to join the meal. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5536768?method=embed.

Adult DIY No-Sew Christmas Trees: Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m. Join a fun evening of crafting making no-sew Christmas trees.  All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Registration is required at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5537803?method=embed.

Card Crafting with Jane and Kim: Monday, Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m. Join Jane and Kim in making Anything But Christmas Cards (but still with a Christmas theme). There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Beginners are welcome. Prepare to have a good time. Ages 17 and older. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5576472?method=embed.

Adult Crafternoon: Mosaic Tile Feathers: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2-4 p.m. Join a fun afternoon of crafting mosaic tile feathers. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5567134?method=embed.

 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Community Orchestra Concerts: Sing Messiah!
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave., Des Moines.
Guest conductor will be Dr. Marion Scott.

Mainframe Studios First Fridays
Nov. 7
900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines
www.mainframestudios.org
Mainframe Studios hosts “First Fridays” every first Friday of the month, featuring a changing theme, with the artist's works on display alongside live music and food. Theme for November is State of the Arts: Iowa’s Artist Fellows.

Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
www.dmpa.org
• Nov. 7: “Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen”
• Nov. 8: “SUGAR SKULL! A Día De Muertos Musical Adventure”
• Nov. 12-16: “Les Misérables”
• Nov. 18: “Earth After Dark”
• Nov. 18-23, 25-26, 30, Dec. 3-7: “Triple Espresso”
• Nov. 22-23: Des Moines Symphony, Strength - Scottish Highlands & Eroica
• Nov. 25: “A Drag Queen Christmas”
• Dec. 13: Andrew Hoyt

Savor Iowa’s Culinary History
Thursday, Nov. 13, 5 p.m.
Terrace Hill Historic Site Drawing Room, 2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Savor Iowa's amazing food heritage. Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences. In this Ask the Expert, dig in as we serve up Iowa's tastiest traditions. From the chili and cinnamon rolls phenomenon to Maid-Rites, discover the remarkable stories behind Iowa's classics and savor a smorgasbord of other unique Iowa food traditions. Pull up a chair, gain a few cooking tips and relish what you missed in history class in this fascinating presentation by Darcy Maulsby, author, farmer, speaker and avid home cook. This program is based on Darcy's book, “A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites and More.” This is a free program, but advanced registration is required as space is limited. Register online at https://thsavoriowasculinaryhistory.eventbrite.com or contact Allison Wergeland at allison.wergeland@governor.iowa.gov or 515-281-7205.

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

 
Serve a naturally sweet, flavorful fall pumpkin soup
 

(Family Features) Cool, crisp fall evenings call for the warmth and comfort of a big bowl of soup, filled with the flavors of the season. This sweet pumpkin soup offers a naturally sweetened and creamy fall staple.

Crafted with canned pumpkin, carrots, celery, honey and a medley of autumnal spices, this sweet pumpkin soup is sure to become your fall go-to. With Busy Bee Honey’s raw, fully traceable and exclusively USA-sourced honey, you can feel just as good about your ingredients as you do their flavor.

To find more information and availability, visit BusyBeeHoney.com.

Sweet Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup shallots, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 30 ounces canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • parsley (optional)
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

  • In stockpot, saute carrots, celery and shallots in butter until slightly browned.
  • Add pumpkin, broth, cloves, allspice and ginger.
  • Bring mixture to simmer and cook about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from stockpot and puree using immersion blender.
  • Return to stove and slowly add cream and honey until well combined. Return to simmer and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
 
 
 

In this month's issue of North Polk Living magazine:

COSTUME CREATIONS

Residents share how they add their own touches to Halloween garbs

When it comes to Halloween, some people like to pull out all the stops. They turn their yards into haunted or cartoon landscapes. They carve pumpkins, bob for apples, and offer the best treats to their trick-or-treaters. And, they put their energy and holiday spirit into making sure their costumes — or their kids’ — make others “ooh” and “aah” … and perhaps shudder.

[...]

 
Read the full digital issue
 

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Polk City Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by clicking the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com

 

This email was sent to: beckhammiller1@icloud.com

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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