I VIEW THE WORLD through a creative lens. So when I see an exterior metal stairway, I see beyond the intended purpose of a pathway up or down. Rather, I see the angles, the details, the architectural, artsy side of the utilitarian.
On a recent visit to Cannon Falls, a small town in Goodhue County in southeastern Minnesota, I noticed a metal stairway hugging the side of Antiques on 4th. I paused to appreciate the construction and the artwork. Curved braces detailed with florals support the stairway. I love that incorporation of art.
And I appreciate, too, the fading ghost sign lettering for a dry goods and clothing store painted on the brick building.
JUST UP THE STREET a half a block away at the public library, a magnetic word board invites patrons to create. And while I didn’t, I took note of the coupling of words, whether by intentional placement or not:
smile just once
SHOP sausage
AMERICAN SPORTS are on fire
You bellow blind information like an ugly flood of manure
AMERICANS like cake more
WE AMERICANS ALSO LIKE our wine. Back across the street, near the artsy metal stairway, Cannon River Winery also embraces the arts with a sprawling mural on the side of its building. The scene depicts the area’s rural-ness and the business of growing grapes and crafting wine.
I’ll raise my glass to that—to the winery, to the library, to the antique shop and to all the places in, and people of, this Minnesota community who value the arts. Thank you. I am grateful for the creativity in Cannon Falls.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
This is not a comment on your current post. I just want to let you know that we attended a wonderful concert by the Benson Family Singers yesterday in Huron, SD. You probably know they are from Faribault. What talented Christian family that shares their faith through music.
I’m so happy you got to see and hear the Benson Family Singers. I haven’t seen them recently, but share your admiration for them and their message.
Here’s a blog post I penned about this singing family in 2014:
Great posts about Cannon Falls, Audrey. Thank you.
You are welcome, Valerie. We drove to Welch on Saturday. Why have we never explored this area before? It’s beautiful.
After reading your recent posts – I seriously need to get out more to explore. Remember the alphabetic letters from back in the day – usually had a set on a fridge at our house or at another family member’s house or at the neighbors. I like the magnetic words too. Scrabble was always good for wordsmithing too. Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
I have magnetic words on my fridge right now, crafted into two short poems. I love SCRABBLE. My kids had those magnetic letters.
Yes, get out and explore!