WHEN THE SON WAS HOME from Boston for holiday break, my husband and I took him downtown Faribault one evening for our favorite local pizza served at the Signature Bar & Grill.
He hopped out of the van across the street from the restaurant and promptly pulled out his cell phone, aiming it at the front window of Ron’s Pawn Shop. He was laughing.
“Golds, diamonds and guns,” he read aloud. I paused, looked. He laughed. Again.
How often had I gone by Ron’s Pawn Shop and never really noticed the signage my college son found entertaining and amusing? Too often.
It proved an important lesson to pay more attention to that which I pass often, but don’t always see.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling



The backdrop of our own surroundings is often ignored, isn’t it? I am sure it did not strike you as “funny” as Caleb thought it was but how neat that he noticed it with maybe the eye of a photographer. Fun post, Audrey.
After I thought about it, I could see his humor. And, yes, I was impressed that he noticed.
So true, isn’t it, that what’s in our own backyard is often not noticed at all! I’ve been guilty of that myself.
And I consider myself pretty good at noticing details. Yet, when we see it everyday…
I’m amazed by the Lavender Inn billboard on I-35; seen as you are traveling northbound after merging on from the Highway 60 entrance. I don’t know when the Lavender Inn closed, but it has been years! I’ve mentioned it to many locals and no one seems to know what I’m talking about . . . so obviously it fits into the category of “often ignored.” The real puzzlement is why the billboard company doesn’t resell the advertising space?
Now that is interesting, Tami. The Lavender Inn closed a long time ago. I never travel that section of I-35, thus have not seen it. I always use the north exit and entrance on the interstate.
It is all about the little things – slow down, look, listen; you will find them 🙂
You have taught me to look at places I would not otherwise consider for photos, like alleys.
Out here they have a hunter’s promotion at jewelry stores: buy your lady a diamond and get a free gun! Lol
Oh, I’ve heard of that before, in Minnesota, and even wrote about it: https://mnprairieroots.com/2011/10/21/diamonds-guns/
I’m not surprised that Wisconsin does this also.
Something for everyone there. It must have been so good to have your son home. I hope he’s surviving the blizzards in Boston xx
He’s back in class today after two snow days. Yes, having him home for 23 days was beyond wonderful.
Oh the humor that is all around us….we just need to look and pay attention.
Uh, huh.