Two of my poems and a work of creative nonfiction are published in this literary anthology. (Book cover sourced online)
FOR THE 16thCONSECUTIVE YEAR, my writing has been selected for publication in the Talking Stick, a literary anthology published by the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc based in northern Minnesota.
The editorial board chose two of my poems, “Up North at the Cabin” and “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire,” and a work of creative nonfiction, “Birthing Everett,” for publication in volume 34, titled Toward the Light. The recently-released book features 128 pieces of writing by 76 writers either from Minnesota or with a strong connection to the state.
I consider it an honor to be published in the Talking Stick, which includes the work of talented writers ranging from novice to well-known. I especially appreciate that entries are blind-judged so each piece stands on its own merits. There were 275 submissions from 119 writers for this year’s competition.
Grandpa Randy and grandchildren Izzy and Isaac follow the pine-edged driveway at the northwoods lake cabin. This is my all-time favorite cabin photo. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2020)
I’m particularly excited about two of my pieces published in Toward the Light. Anyone who’s ever spent time at a lake cabin will enjoy my “Up North” poem as it centers on nature and family togetherness. I was in my sixties before I first experienced cabin life. Now I’m building memories with my grandkids each summer at a family member’s lake cabin. That centers this poem.
My grandson Everett, nine months old, plays with his toys in his Madison, Wisconsin, home. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo October 2025)
A grandchild also focuses “Birthing Everett,” a deeply personal story about the birth of my 10-pound grandson in January. My daughter Miranda nearly died during childbirth. I knew I needed to write about this to heal from my own trauma of nearly losing her. I will be forever grateful to the medical team at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, for saving Miranda’s life. You just don’t think of women dying during childbirth any more, but it can, and does, happen.
A delivery truck for Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce, parked behind the business in downtown Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2021)
WITH ONLY DAYS until Christmas, hostess and other last-minute gifts purchased locally are great options. I’m most familiar, of course, with what can be found in Faribault. But I have a few ideas from neighboring communities also.
Faribault Mill blankets/throws artfully hung on a simple pipe in the factory store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)
First up, Faribault. We are nationally and internationally-known for the Faribault Mill, previously the Faribault Woolen Mill. The mill’s high-quality woolen blankets and throws are its signature products sold at its factory store, in several Twin Cities metro locations, online and elsewhere. I have several of these high-end blankets gifted to me through the years. They’re not inexpensive. Selections range from traditional patterns to Peanuts designs (which I hear are incredibly popular with Gen Z; especially Snoopy) to the artwork of Adam Turman. His art is more Minnesota centric with loons, Up North outdoors scenes and nature themes on mill throws.
Award-winning Amablu Gorgonzola from Caves of Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)
Handcrafted cheeses aged in sandstone caves along the Straight River in Faribault are a tasty gift for anyone who appreciates blue, Gouda, Gorgonzola and Swiss cheeses. These are award-winning cheeses. I always have a Caves of Faribault cheese in my refrigerator. This is top-notch cheese available locally at HyVee Grocery and in many other retail locations in Minnesota and across the country. Other local artisan cheese makers include Shepherd’s Way Farms, rural Nerstrand, and Cannon Belles Cheese, Cannon Falls.
The original Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)
Also wildly popular in the food category is Cry Baby Craig’s gourmet hot sauce, made in the heart of historic downtown Faribault. It’s gained a following in the metro and beyond. My son-in-law from Wisconsin loves this sauce crafted with ingredients sourced from area farms. As with Faribault-made blue cheese, there’s always a bottle of CBC in my fridge. It’s available for pick-up right at the Central Avenue location and elsewhere. I just picked up three bottles of three different sauces the other day.
Cry Baby Craig’s recently partnered with 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers a block away to craft Lokal Vodka infused with pickled pepper brine and CBC hot sauce. The distillery also creates plain vodka and key lime, blood orange and meyer lemon Lokal Vodka. So if someone on your gift list appreciates vodka and you want to support local, head to 10,000 Drops. Loon Liquors Distillery in neighboring Northfield also does vodka and other hard liquors.
Minnesota wines, including from Vintage Escapes Winery just to the west of Faribault in rural Kilkenny, would be a good hostess gift. Or coffee, roasted at Mighty Fine! Coffee, next to the distillery in Faribault.
This may seem like an odd gift, but handcrafted European style butter from Hope Creamery in small town Hope (south of Faribault along Interstate 35) is something I’ve always wanted to try and which I think would be an excellent gift for anyone who loves to bake. It’s sold in Hope and also at select grocery stores (including at Fareway and HyVee in Faribault) inside and outside the metro.
Craig Kotasek’s print of Minnesota-based Jolly Green Giant brand peas.(Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)
For the art appreciator, I recommend the letterpress art of Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing. He uses old school letterpress to create prints, greeting cards and more. I’m perhaps a bit biased given Craig worked at the same weekly newspaper, The Gaylord Hub, where I worked as a reporter and photographer right out of college. Craig worked on the printing side, many years after me. His art is sold at select locations in and around his Le Sueur business base.
Two rural-themed books featuring the work of Minnesota writers and purchased at Books on Central. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo December 2023)
I love books. And our area has some great independent bookstores to buy books for the book lover on your list. Content Bookstore in Northfield. Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna. And, new to Faribault, Books on Central, a volunteer-run used bookstore owned by, and benefiting, the Rice County Area United Way. Housed in a former jewelry store, this bookshop features a central vintage chandelier, built-in shelves and drawers, and friendly, helpful staff. It’s a stunning, cozy space with a remarkable, high-quality selection of used books at reasonable prices. Yes, I’ve already purchased several books here, nearly all Minnesota centric.
My writing has published in these volumes of The Talking Stick, the 2023 volume 32 not included in this stack. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)
Which brings me to my last suggestion. The Talking Stick, an anthology published by the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc, features a collection of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry by Minnesotans or those with a strong connection to Minnesota. Any of the anthologies would make an excellent gift for the book lover on your list. And, yes, I have writing in the latest edition of TS and many years prior. The anthology can be ordered online.
That’s it, my ideas for gifts that are mostly from my region. Happy last-minute shopping Minnesota style.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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