THE NUANCES OF RURAL MINNESOTA delight me.
On a recent Saturday afternoon stop in Cannon Falls, population around 4,000, I spotted a John Deere tractor driving through the heart of downtown, wagon in tow. A bride and groom sat on straw bales as the tractor paraded past First Farmers Merchant Bank, Brewsters Bar, antique shops, the side street leading to a winery and brewery, and on down the road.
I love moments like this when I can pause to take in a joyful scene, to smile, to celebrate the happiness of another, to appreciate the rural character of southeastern Minnesota. This is why I live where I live, why I document people and places and events and life in general. It isn’t always the big things that define life, that mean the most. It is the moments of unexpected delight that bring me joy. And if I have my camera in hand, I delight in sharing these snapshots with you. In today’s world, we need more of this—more reasons to pause, to just stand there, to take it all in, to feel moments of joy.
THOUGHTS?
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
We must appreciate the small moments in life! Nice one, Audrey. ❤
Thank you kindly, Penny.
Your picture gives a terrific insight into our great state of Minnesota. With all the turmoil in the world, both natural and man-made, we sure do have a wonderful place to live our lives.
Thank you and welcome to the comments section. Yes, Minnesota is a wonderful place to live. Remind me of that this winter.
Love it! What a fun event to witness. We live on a farm near Cannon Falls now although my husband and I grew up in South Minneapolis. A big adjustment! So glad we did though because I love living in the country by small towns. It’s been a blessing for our son too. A slower pace with strong roots to our past and appreciation for family. Just yesterday we attended the 150th anniversary of Urland Church in Dennison where my son’s great-great-great grandparents are buried in the cemetery. Lovely!
Oh, I know Urland. I once photographed the cemetery fence (which I believe is now gone) with the cemetery and church in the background. This image was featured on a calendar page.
I love the Cannon Falls area and the town itself.
We do too! A cute little town.
Urland is wonderful too, a rich history
Such a sweet shot, I would love to know more of their story 🙂
If only I could have flagged down the tractor driver.
Love the bridal couple on the hayride through town. It reminded me of my parents posing with their bridal party on top of a hayrack with steel wheels for their Nov. 26, 1941 wedding. It is a treasured photo we included in our memoir and celebrates our farm heritage.
I can understand why that would be a treasured image.
It’s wonderful to capture and appreciate special moments. There are many of them when we take time to notice.
Exactly. We must take the time to notice.
What a great way to take a moment to take it all in on your wedding day too.
Yes, I hadn’t thought of that, of the perspective of the couple relaxing for a bit while parading through town.