RURAL MINNESOTA LONG AGO claimed my heart. It is the place where I grew up, the land I love, the connection to earth and sky and elements that, despite more than three decades of living in town, has never vanished.
I’m rooted to the land and I find myself often longing to turn onto the gravel driveway, to swing open the creaky barn door, to follow the corn rows.
I ache for the days when I lived on the farm. Sunset and sunrise unbroken by buildings. Wind rustling. The heady scent of freshly-mown alfalfa. The rich earthy smell of the land at planting time and harvest. Wagons brimming with corn. Quiet. Stars studding the blackness.
Today I still claim rural Minnesota—in my memory, through the lens of my camera, in the words I write. And that is my solace, the road I follow back home.
FYI: These edited photos were taken earlier this summer in the Vernon Center/Amboy/Truman area of southern Minnesota.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Beautifully written.
Thank you, Stacey.
Lovely words and pictures. There is simply nothing like the rural view to calm the soul.
You are so right about the calming of the soul.
I agree exactly with Beth Ann’s comment – lovely words and photos. 🙂 And I understand your ache as well.
Except your ache is for the northwest.
Yes, but the ache is the same!
Yes, that it is.
As much as I/we love our paved county road, the essence/flavor of our rural setting was forever diminished by this black dividing line that traces its way across our ridge. Now, it attracts those who would make the mad (unpatrolled) dash West through the once quiet country fields. And time marches onward!!! Hugs………
Progress, they call it.
That’s what “they” say!!!
LOL. “They” would be correct.
Beautiful Captures:) I remember playing in the corn fields as a kid and sneaking fresh veggies from the many gardens we had on the farm too. Happy Friday – Happy Weekend!
Thank you, Renee. Just this week a 15-year-old girl wandered into the cornfield near my hometown and was lost. Thankfully, she was spotted by a State Patrol helicopter.
Trust me that was one of my nightmares when playing in the cornfields. Probably the main reason my parents told me to never go in there in the first place, but I still did not listen – ha!
I remember having that same concern about getting lost in the cornfield as a child. I think it was a scare tactic on our parents’ parts because all you need do is follow the corn row and eventually you will get out of the field.
I’ve been itching to have me a drive in the country, now after seeing your beautiful photo’s I might just have to venture out this weekend…. I’m due 🙂
P.S. Cant pick a favorite, love all the photo’s !
Always happy to inspire my readers/photographer friends. Yes, take a drive, Jackie. I always love viewing what you photograph along some country gravel road.
I have an ever so slight fondness for rural Minnesota as well. Wonderful photos.
“Ever so slight.” I don’t think so, Ryan. More a deep appreciation of rural Minnesota. Glad you enjoyed my rural pix.
Yes!
Thank you for your one word compliment, Dan.
Audrey, your voice is quite poetic in this blog. You should consider crafting a poem from these lovely penned thoughts.I really enjoyed how you captured the heart of the landscape with your precise words. .
Thank you kindly, Sue. I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement.
All I can say is Wow.
Thank you, Mike.
I love the farmlife too…just quiet and peaceful. So thankful I grew up on a farm and raised my kids on a farm! Beautiful words Audrey! Also read “Pinks” obituary…..should be sent to major news….would love to have met her!
Rural Vesta was a great place to grow up, wasn’t it, Bernie? Good to hear from you; it’s been awhile.
There’s nothing sweeter than the smell of newly mown hay. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
You are welcome. Yes, love that smell of freshly-mown alfalfa.