Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Country churches & more in fall issue of Minnesota Moments September 1, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:51 AM
Tags: , , , , , ,


THE FALL ISSUE of Minnesota Moments magazine has just published and I’m especially pleased with this issue.

Inside you’ll find an eight-page photo essay I’ve done on old country churches. Within the past year, I’ve been photographing rural churches in southeastern Minnesota, drawn by their history and beauty and by the peace I feel in their often bucolic settings.

Simply put, I can’t get enough of old country churches. Sometimes I’ve even been tempted to break a lock to get inside a sanctuary. But I haven’t and I won’t. That would be a sin, and against the law.

The September/October edition also includes a trio of stories from Austin, Minnesota, where I traveled in March. Downtown I discovered a kitschy little barbecue joint, Piggy Blue’s Bar-B-Que that’s a must-eat-at spot. To see the other sites I visited, you’ll need to read the magazine.

I have additional stories in this issue, plus my regular reviews of three Minnesota-authored books. As always, designer Amy Stirnkorb has worked her magic by transforming my submitted stories and photos into eye-pleasing page lay-outs.

Also, check out my Minnesota Prairie Roots promo on page 55 of the magazine. I designed it and I’m pretty proud of my work. I don’t claim to be a graphic designer. However, I had an idea, went with it and I think the promo truly projects my down-to-earth nature and style. See what you think and give me your feedback.

Of course, I’m not the only writer/photographer for Minnesota Moments. You’ll find an interesting feature about three friends who make wine, a nostalgic garage story, some entertaining essays, squash-growing tips and recipes and lots more.

Be sure to check out the ads too. Without advertising support, the magazine couldn’t exist.

Minnesota Moments should arrive in mailboxes and land on newsstands any day now, so watch for it, or look for it if you’ve never seen the publication.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Where will you find a log cabin library in Minnesota? July 6, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 8:42 AM
Tags: , ,

The 2009 Rice County Free Fair.

MINNESOTA MOMENTS’ July/August issue has just published.

And it’s jam-packed with stories from through-out the state, reaching north to Ely and dipping south to Winona.

The cover story focuses on Ely, selected as the magazine’s “Best hometown” for 2010. Now, I’ve never been to this nearly-into-Canada town. But after reading the package of stories, I think this would be worth the long trip north.

As for Winona, my oldest daughter attended college there, so I am familiar with this beautiful Mississippi River town, the setting for Kent O. Stever’s Fourth of July essay.

The other feature story in this issue isn’t really a story, but a photo essay. The eight-page spread highlights images I shot last summer at The Rice County Free Fair in Faribault. As an added bonus, we’ve included a “fair” poem by Frances Ann Crowley. As a published poet, I’m thrilled that we’re occasionally incorporating poetry into Minnesota Moments.

But mostly, I’m pleased to take readers on a journey with me to some interesting places I’ve discovered in Minnesota: Treasure City in Royalton, Franke’s Bakery in Montgomery, the Hackensack Lending Library in Hackensack, Roberds Lake Resort & Campground near Faribault and the Stars & Stripes Garage in Heidelberg.

Treasure City, a kitschy store in Royalton, Minnesota.

A lake-side view of the Hackensack Lending Library. Who is that to the left of the building? Find out when you read my Minnesota Moments story.

This donut sign is posted outside one of the places I write about in the July/August issue. And it's not Franke's Bakery in Montgomery.

I meet the most intriguing people and explore the most interesting places, mostly off the beaten path.

Also, as I do in every issue of Minnesota Moments, I review three books written by Minnesotans. And one is a book of poetry.

Finally, consider entering the Gingerbread Cookie Murder Recipe Contest sponsored by Kensington Publishing Corporation, publisher of New York Times bestselling author and Swanville, Minnesota native Joanne Fluke’s books. She has teamed up with two other writers to pen Gingerbread Cookie Murder, which releases in October. Contest rules and an official entry form can be found on the Minnesota Moments Web site at http://minnesotamoments.com/current/index.html.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling