Minnesota Prairie Roots has been voted the best in southern Minnesota.
WE DID IT.
Yes, readers, I use the plural “we” because, without you, I never would have garnered the award of Best Local Blog/Blogger in southern Minnesota for 2014.
I was notified several weeks ago of the honor bestowed upon me by the regional arts/entertainment/lifestyle magazine, Southern Minnesota Scene. Editor Rich Larson phoned with the news and then interviewed me. You can read his story by clicking here. Reverse roles for me since I’m typically the one asking questions or gathering information. I prefer holding the pen and notebook.
The cover of Southern Minnesota Scene’s November issue featuring the 150-plus “best of” winners.
Larson requested that I not share the news online until the magazine published. Fair enough. Look for a hard copy of Southern Minnesota Scene so you can read about all 150-plus winners in the “Best of SoMINN 2014.” Or go to the publication’s website by clicking here.
The process of being named best local blogger started late this summer with online nominations. Thank you to all who nominated me. Once ballots were tallied, the top three then entered the online voting process to choose the winner.
I was competing against Kevin Krein, who blogs at Anhedonic Headphones and also writes for Southern Minnesota Scene. Fiction writer Dennis Vogen, a Faribault native who has published three books and is working on his fourth and fifth, was the other nominee. He blogs, too, but has published only eight posts. Too busy, I suspect, working on those books. As Vogen suggested, maybe a category for “best writer” should be added.
I questioned editor Larson about the number of ballots cast in the blogging category. But he declined to release stats, indicating only that the voting was close. He reveals in print, however, that more than 25,000 individual votes were cast in the entire competition and that Owatonna produced the most winners. Last year it was Northfield.
While recognition of my hard work at Minnesota Prairie Roots is welcome, I can’t take sole credit for my success as a blogger. Without you, my devoted readers, this blog would not exist. Thank you for your ongoing support of my writing and photography, for continuing to read and appreciate the stories and photos I share.
You own this award, too.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Fantastic Audrey – well deserved. Congratulations!
Thank you kindly, Christi.
Congrats, Audrey! You certainly earned the title, because you truly put your heart into your blog. I enjoy opening MN Prairie Roots each morning, feeling the rewards of traveling with you, through your eyes. Smiles!
Thank you, dear sister-in-law. We are kindred spirits when it comes to love of the written word.
Congratulations, Audrey! You are The Best! Deanna Auge
Ah, Deanna. Thank you.
Congratulations Audrey, that is excellent news and so well deserved. It must have been difficult keeping this news a secret! xx
Thank you, Charlie. I was “allowed” to tell family.
Congratulations. You have an amazing blog!!! It’s one of the first things I check while drinking my coffee each morning.
Thank you, Missy. I appreciate your heartfelt words and you.
Congratulations, Audrey! Your blog is a delight, and I know you work very hard on it.
I do and thank you.
Congratulations Audrey! I am so happy for you. I had no doubt that you would win. When I read your blog I am transported to the place you are writing about, because you describe everything so well, right down to the smallest detail. You are exceptional and as long as you keep writing I will keep reading!!!!
Thank you, DeLores. I love readers like you. If not for readers…
For all the work you put into this blog you certainly deserve the award. Through your pictures and words I am magically transported back home, and without the hassles of airline travel to boot! Congratulations on a job well done!
Thank you, Don. So happy I can bring you “back home” via my words and images.
Hey!, I know that lady 🙂 What an honor for you Audrey, and well deserved if I do say so myself! As you know I LOVE your blog, your writing is superb and your photo’s truly bring your words to life. Whoop Whoop, YOU-GO-GIRL !!!
Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
I just knew you’d be the winner-congratulations you so deserve the honor!!!.
Sue
Thank you, Sue, for being such an encourager and a faithful reader.
My Little Princess!! This is one aunt who is very pleased!!!! Keep writing. Aunt Dorothy
Thanks, Aunt Dorothy. Love you!
Yea Audrey! Forgot to congratulate you yesterday.
Thank you, Virgil.
Congratulations I know this puts a big smile on your face, as it should. Love ya
Thank you, sister. Love you, too!
I don’t comment online often, but this deserves a mention. Your blog is a daily morning treat that helps me greet the day, and I thank you for letting all of us be part of your special world.
Thank you, Kevin.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Stacey.