Right next to Papa Murphy’s Pizza on Rice Street, the family-owned and operated The Puppy Place offers all things canine, including puppies for sale.
WAITING IN THE BACK SEAT of a Chevy in a Little Canada parking lot for my daughter and her husband to pick up a Papa Murphy’s pizza, I photographed several scenes. Even in idle moments, I can find subjects worthy of photography.
I then swung my camera to the left and photographed this kitschy signage at Flameburger, “known for its flame broiled burgers and great breakfast platters.”
Viewing my surroundings through a Canon DLSR has heightened my awareness, caused me to notice places and details I might otherwise overlook in the visual chaos of today’s world.
Then I turned to the right to photograph these roadside messages posted to draw customers into Brady’s a “local bar with great service and a wonderful fun filled atmosphere.” Lots going on in this bar apparently.
There’s something to be said for details which comprise the whole. They matter. Color. Font. Messages. A clean window or one filmed with dirt. A loud voice or one tinted with smallness. Ears that listen rather than simply hear. Voices that speak with clarity of conviction or guarded voices that speak only what is expected.
I choose to write and photograph in detail. It is part of my voice. I hold a deep appreciation for that which is often overlooked.
A wild violet in my lawn. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Today I challenge you to notice the details and to value them. Look into your backyard, into your neighborhood, into your community. See the delicate violets tucked between blades of grass in your lawn. See the closed window coverings on your neighbor’s house and determine to offer encouragement. Focus on what your community offers rather than what it doesn’t.
Notice the details.
Take the focus off yourself. If you ask someone how they are, mean it. If they answer “fine,” determine whether that is truly the truth. Often it isn’t. Search their eyes, observe their body language, listen to the intonations in their response. Care. Notice the details.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I couldn’t agree more.
I knew you would.
And even when the response is “fine”…..encourage further dialogue. Surprises lurk, even for the one who is responding! Making “connections” is what life and living is all about (these taking many forms: written word, photos, art, etc). We are created “in His image” and He is a “relational” God and Father, Whose example we do well to follow.
I think I’ll grab my camera and do some scouting!!!!
I agree with you that encouraging further dialogue is important. Often is someone is struggling with a problem or a decision, simply talking with a caring friend, family member, counselor or pastor can reveal an answer and/or a way to cope.
Yes, scout with your camera. Much awaits you.
I would be more fine if I thought the Puppy Place wasn’t likely a front for puppy mills. 😦 Pet stores are not known for their ethics when it comes to sourcing animals. I hope this one is different. (Sorry to be a Debbie Downer–I’ve rescued some dogs, and I know what horrible lives some of them come from when they start at a mill and go through the pet store circuit.)
I have no experience with pet stores. But clearly you have. Thank you for rescuing the dogs you have.
This was simply a photo I shot, not meant to be anything more or less.
So true. I have seen some of the “puppy mothers” that have been literally thrown away after their useful puppy bearing years have come to a close. Some beautiful, tragic little dogs.
Now that is sad.
Beautiful violet – I agree fine usually doesn’t mean fine especially if it’s someone you know.
That’s true, “especially if it’s someone you know.”
But, be careful… “As the devil is in the details” lol
I now consider myself officially warned, Jake.
Audrey, my heart sank at that first photo which is in no way relative to the intent of your post. I just want to shout “NOOOO!” Not another puppy store. We are active in animal rescue and have had the horrific occasion to be involved in puppy mill rescues. It’s like Dachau for dogs – the conditions are unbelievable. All to produce the cute little puppies these business sell. Sorry, on my pulpit because so few people are aware of just what goes on behind the scenes to provide “inventory” for these stores.
I am one of those who is getting educated here today. I want to emphasize, though, that comments here regarding this business are just that, comments. I have not been inside this business and know nothing about it other than what I read on the website. So I do not want readers unnecessarily jumping to conclusions based on reader comments. Fair enough?
I know this post is not a forum for the pros and con of pet adoption/pet stores. Here’s a very interesting link which may provide any interested in more of the story:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/buying_puppy.html
Over and out!!
Thanks. Education is good.
Well said, I also love the detail all around me, your wild violet is perfect!
Your appreciation of detail shows in your photography, Jackie.
Interesting post today. Just last night I was sitting on my front deck enjoying a clear sky, warm temperatures and just observing my surroundings. In my 20 minutes of sitting, here is what I observed:
A robin checking out my birch tree limb by limb in what I believe was a scouting trip for a nest sight;
Multiple chickadees getting the last seeds out of a bird feeder;
Swallows darting all over the sky as they chase insects for supper;
Not a breath of air moving any tree tops and then a minute later a 30 second breeze flows by disturbing the branches followed by stillness once again;
A couple of Ravens fly by doing aerobatic maneuvers in the sky;
A lone robin on the top branch of a pine tree singing for, or at, a mate;
The stems of lily flowers just beginning to poke through the earth for this seasons blooms;
Ants scurrying around on the driveway looking for whatever ants look for;
And last of all B-52 size mosquitoes which drove me into the house.
You get an “A” on this report. Thank you for sharing the details of 20 minutes of outdoors in Alaska. But B-52 size mosquitoes? Already? Is this normal? And I thought the mosquitoes in Minnesota were big.
Thanks for the A! Yes the B-52 mosquitoes are out in force already but about 2 weeks earlier than normal as we had an early spring this year. Now truth be told, the big ones are not as bad as the little buggers that come later. The big ones are easier to swat away while those little ones are vicious and blood thirsty critters! Also you are so correct, Minnesota mosquitoes are BIG too! Cousins I suppose…………………..
I love your sense of humor, Don. Cousins, indeed.
I try to notice details and especially in people’s responses. This morning at RST I had a lengthy conversation with a woman with cancer, going home to Traverse City MI after yet another trial treatment was done. Worn and fragile but still strong in spirit we chatted pre boarding about life and death. Sometimes it just takes a minute, sometimes longer, to determine that that one person that someone else overlooked should not be overlooked. Nice post, Audrey. Thank you.
Beth Ann, you are exactly the type of kind, caring and compassionate person who notices, who chooses to engage in conversation and to listen. That is a gift.
Safe travels, my friend.
Everything is looking so green. It’s lovely to see your Spring has finally arrived. How lovely to have a shop dedicated to our precious canine friends! xx
Yes, spring is here and it’s beautiful in Minnesota.
I was especially intrigued by the adorable puppy/dog outfits I could see through the window.