It’s not the end of the world
It’s not even over, but it will be soon
I never learned my lessons, I just changed my tune
And no one seems to notice
But you will, you will

It’s no big deal
But the last thing I think of when I close my eyes
And the first thing on my mind when I arise
It is a day and you’re not really in my life

You can try and you won’t find it where you’re looking
You can hold it till it’s putty in your hands
And you can’t break a heart that wasn’t even yours to break
You can never be there for me in the end
And I will do the right thing
I will, I will, I will
I will, I will, I will

Thursdays are for flowers. And this flower collection was taken at the Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fair on the same day that Baby Got Rack dominated the barbecue competition.

You know I love flowers. You know I love flowertography. You know I love Brandi Carlile (in fact just paid $230 to go see her in concert with Sara and Shawn). You can probably guess I love the song “I Will”.

However, I can’t publish a post with the title “I Will” without mentioning the “I Will” that is most important to the Cyclone Family.

If you don’t know, the stadium where Iowa State plays football in the only major football stadium in the country named for an African-American. It is named for Jack Trice. Jack Trice was the first African-American to play football for Iowa State.

Trice was an Iowa State student of animal husbandry and a member of the Cyclone football and track and field teams. He suffered severe injuries in his second collegiate football game and died in Ames on Oct. 8, 1923. He was 21.

Before his last game, he wrote the following letter to himself at his hotel:

To whom it may concern:

My thoughts just before the first real college game of my life. The honor of my race, family, and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will! My whole body and soul are to be thrown recklessly about on the field tomorrrow. Every time the ball is snapped will be trying to do more than my part.

On all defensive plays, I must break through the opponents line at (sic) stop the play in their territory. Beware of mass interference, fight low with your eyes open and toward the play. Roll block the interference. Watch out for cross bucks and reverse end runs. Be on your toes every minute if you expect to make good.
~ Jack

His I will! Has become an important rally cry for Iowa State University. 2023 is the 100 year anniversary of Jack’s death. The university is honoring his legacy with an art installation, changing a street name to Jack Trice Way, a lecture series, art exhibition, and the team will wear throwback uniforms at a home game in the upcoming season.

For more information on Jack Trice and how Iowa State is honoring him, visit: https://jacktrice100.com/

Also, you know I have more flower pictures to share!