The plains of of north central North Dakota, near Rugby. The only elevations are man- made. Even the trees were planted around farmsteads. Farther east near the Minnesota border it is still flat in the Red River Valley, an ancient glacial lake bed. This is what it looked like where I grew up. I always … More Plains Song
In this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge #365: Longing, Egidio introduced me to a new word: saudade. It is a Portuguese word best translated as longing. Thinking about how to show this feeling in photographs, I decided to let my dad’s slides or some I took when I was young show what saudade says to me. My … More Memories and Longing: Saudade
If someone asked what musician or musical group from the state of Minnesota was the first to make their mark on the world, who would you guess? Bob Dylan, Prince? Nope, it was Laverne, Maxine and Patty, the Andrews Sisters. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of … More September Songs – The Andrews Sisters
My elder brother plants 11,000 gladiolus every summer. They come in stunning colors, like the red examples below. In addition to selling some, he shares them with friends and neighbors, brings them to family events, and when we gather at the family favorite campground in Minnesota, a lovely bouquet graces his campsite. I discovered tall … More Red Memories #4
For many years, my grandfather, Louis Kokesh, Sr., and his brothers owned the Kokesh Bros. Market, a seasonal fruit and vegetable market on Highway 7 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They always kept a variety of watermelon in tanks of cold water. You could buy a whole melon or part of one. There is nothing quite as … More Watermelon and More
Winter was inevitable growing up in northwestern Minnesota. It was part of the cycle of seasons and it was part of life you just accepted. We played in the snow drifts and skated on outdoor ice rinks. Winter is also one of the reasons I looked for warmer climates when I left home. I left … More Winter
For many years, my grandfather, Louis Kokesh, Sr., and his brothers owned the Kokesh Bros. Market, a seasonal fruit and vegetable market on Highway 7 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. We always referred to it as “the Stand.” The season started with flowers in the spring and ended with Christmas trees in the winter. I’m not sure … More At the Stand
The world’s largest Tiger Muskie, one of many roadside attractions. Located in Nevis, Minnesota, US. Join Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Supersize
When I was a kid, you knew it was summer because the Dairy Queen was open. Back in the day, DQs were only seasonal drive-ins. This one, in Crookston, Minnesota, hasn’t changed much over the decades. I believe it is still only open for part of the year. Northern Minnesota winters aren’t conducive to drive-ins. … More Summertime
But we must move on. And look back fondly at where we have come from. To be young again join Lens-Artists Challenge #298 – To Be Young Again and move forward with Becky’s May Squares Renew #5. Remember your images must be square for Becky’s Squares challenge. Check the link for more information on the themes.
The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect 