Minnesota Prairie Roots

The May/June issue of Minnesota Moments features Tina and Lena.

THE MAY/JUNE ISSUE of Minnesota Moments has just published and it’s jam-packed with fun, interesting and informative stories.

The Minnesota comedy team of Tina & Lena pose as cover girls  in a humorous portrait captured by our talented photographer, Stuart Goldschen.

Publisher/editor Mike Nistler, whom I think is mostly German, if not all German, got the inside story about these two Norwegians. The women define themselves, on their Web site, as “two loony ladies with lots of laugh lines, (who) spout off about everything from woodstoves to Web sites.”

I’ve never seen the duo perform, but I betch ya I would like their self-described “clean, clever style of backyard wit and wisdom that’s stuffed with heaping helpings of hilarity.” Check out Mike’s feature for more details about this entertainment/motivational team.

Inside this issue, you’ll also find John Caughlan’s stunning photos of Split Rock Lighthouse, which turns 100 this year.

My photos, and a few taken by my daughter Miranda, fill many pages of the current issue. I’ve written travel features about Bemidji and Itasca State Park, which my family visited last summer. (Yes, I work even while on “vacation.”)

I also have features (and photos) on a WW II veteran from Kenyon, a 12-year-old Civil War enthusiast from Owatonna and a 91-year-old painter from Faribault. I meet the most interesting people with equally interesting stories to share. If you’re a follower of Minnesota Prairie Roots, you’ve read about those individuals here. But my magazine articles are more in-depth.

Toss in my three book reviews and a “Back in the day” piece, and you can tell I’ve been one busy writer and photographer.

Lest you think I am now resting and twiddling my thumbs with this issue hot off the press, you would be wrong. In the magazine business, we are always, always working ahead on the next edition and beyond.

For the July/August issue, I have already completed stories on a small-town bakery, a patriotic garage, a souvenir store and a resort. I am nearly finished with a feature package about Minnesota rose gardens. My three book reviews are in to my editor and I’m now reading books to review for the fall issue.

Still on my list to complete are a story about a small-town library and a county fair photo essay.

Don’t feel sorry for me, though. There’s nothing I would rather do than write.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling