Lake Kohlmier in Owatonna.
WATER. What is it about this compound of hydrogen and oxygen that fascinates us? Or at least me.
The Straight River churns at the Morehouse Park dam in Owatonna.
The sound of rushing water, like rushing wind, soothes. It comforts me in the sort of way a lullaby can quiet a crying baby. It’s as if that rushing sound is locked away in our subconscious, there before birth. Undeniable, connecting us to the water womb comfort of our mothers.
Wind-churned water bobbed this mud hen along the surface of Lake Kohlmier.
Water’s powerful pull extends well beyond the audible. Water sustains us. Physically. Yet more. Visually, water draws us near to watch its movement—flowing, tumbling, rushing, rocking.
The Straight River flows toward the historic Owatonna Public Utilities building.
I am captivated by the musical, rhythmic movement of water.
Still, clear creek water in Owatonna’s Kaplan’s Woods.
Sometimes a ballad.
The turbulent waters at the Morehouse Park dam.
Other times rock-n-roll.
A close-up of the churning Straight River as photographed from the Morehouse Park recreational trail bridge.
Maybe a turbulent county western song of love lost, love found, too much booze and too many late nights. Bluesy. Sad. Hopeful.
I can rest beside a waterfall, a dam, a creek, a river for considerable time, almost hypnotized by the sights and sounds. It’s as if water washes away my worries, sending them downstream, far, far away. I find peace in water.
A creek in Kaplan’s Woods.
Water holds such power.
TELL ME: What power does it hold for you?
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Voting for a scarecrow November 1, 2016
Tags: 100 Ladies & Gentlemen Craft Sale, elections, humor, Kenyon, Minnesota, opinion, political commentary, politics, Scarecrow Contest, scarecrows, voting
WITCH (sic) ONE SHOULD I choose?
Is this one It? Looks like a shady character hiding behind that signature hair style.
This scarecrow stands out in the field. Just look at that perfect, practiced smile and that perfectly pressed plaid.
The artistry here is certainly something to crow about.
I’m struggling to wrap my head around the choices.
Is this unique scarecrow raking in the votes? If only there were exit polls.
I like this scarecrow entourage. But those signs bother me. BEWARE. Of what? And No crows. What’s wrong with crows? Yeah, I know they’re not robins…
On the surface, I thought, how clever to post a campaign sign. But then I reread the words. Turning Green with Envy Needs Money popped out at me. You can’t sway my vote with sympathy, excess advertising, confusing rhetoric or via deflection.
I hope the candidates will accept the outcome, respecting the democratic process that veils our votes in secrecy. No rigged polls here.
There are so many choices. But really, these are just scarecrows. I shouldn’t take this election so seriously. There’s a more important election on November 8.
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FYI: These scarecrows are part of a Scarecrow Contest at the 100 Ladies and Gentlemen Craft Sale. That sale, located at 45986 Highway 56 just off Minnesota Highway 60 in Kenyon, continues from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 3 -6 and November 10 -13. All items are handcrafted.
Disclaimer: There’s nothing political about the craft sale. It’s just that–a craft sale.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling