Portrait #25: Ian
He loves physics and raw asparagus. Or at least Ian did when I met him in 2012. I expect he still does.
A year later I saw Ian again, at his family’s rural acreage south of Worthington. I remember how my friend Gretchen welcomed us with such enthusiasm, noting that she was thrilled to have dinner guests. My husband and I were happy to spend an evening with my blogger friend, her husband and their three children. They are a delight.
Ian and his sisters toured us through the family’s 10-acre wooded and hilly creek-side property while their parents prepared dinner. Dad at the grill, Mom mixing salads. The kids clearly love their oasis in the middle of southwestern Minnesota’s prairie farmland.
These are a talented group of siblings—into theatre and music and more—and just great kids who are friendly and kind and polite.
As the evening ended and we prepared to leave, Gretchen and I simply had to have photos. I commanded a snapshot of myself standing with the sisters in the middle of the gravel road running past this family’s home. That put me with one foot in Minnesota and one foot in Iowa. Yes, they live on the border.
Ian wasn’t game for that shot, but the then 14-year-old did pose with the family cat, Zephyr. The lighting was perfect as was Ian’s pose. There’s something about this image that is sweet and timeless, that speaks to appreciating the moments of life, to simpler times, to the unencumbered spirit of youth. I expect, I mean know, that Ian is growing into a fine young man.
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This is part of a series, Minnesota Faces, featured every Friday on Minnesota Prairie Roots
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
It takes a photographer’s skill to bring this out. You do that so well.
Thank you so much. I am humbled by your sweet comment.
A lovely thought Audrey to recognize this family contentment and happiness and to borrow your own words ….love their oasis in the middle of southwestern Minnesota’s prairie farmland. Clearly they appreciate the simpler things in life and value hard work.
They are one of those families to whom you are endeared immediately upon meeting them. A family of faith, of care, of kindness and joyfulness.
The cat looks just as content as the young man. Great shot
Thank you. This is one of my favorite portraits.
I can tell in your writing that this was a special visit. Love the photo of this young lad, you really do see, “simple and content”
I love this family. It’s like we have been friends forever.
Nice! Happy Friday, Audrey.
Thank you, Kathleen, and happy Friday to you also.
I would kill to have a photo like that of my sweet husband. This image is sure to be loved by everybody who holds that boy close in their hearts.
Barbara, you have a way with words that is sweetly wonderful. I never thought of this portrait in that way. But you are right.
What a lovely looking boy. I do admire people who can cope with physics. I really struggled with it when I was at school. And this boy looks like an animal lover xx
Math and science were not my strong subjects either. Yup, I think Ian likes his kitty.
Perfect shot –you really captured the moment of happiness between a boy and his cat. Love it.
Thank you. I knew you would appreciate the cat in the photo.
Love this Capture – ahhh the Simple Life 🙂
Yup. I just talked this a.m. to a teen who is excited about going to camp, where she can zip line and climb a rock wall, etc., and simply be outdoors. So refreshing to hear from a young person.