American Faces #108 - Go fly a kite - No.2

American Faces No. 108

What do sailing, adventuring, quilting and sewing have in common? The answer is kites!  Not just any kites, but kites designed, sewn and flown by Barb M. of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Barb is the second Go fly a kite subject in my American Faces series.  She is an adventurous person with an inclination for travel. A love for sailing with her husband was a part of that adventurous attitude for Barb. From sailing, her love for adventure and creative outlets drew her to flying kites and to making kites as well as creating patterns for kite companies to use her intricate designs. During our time together I was able to see how her quilting and sewing background gave form to her airworthy creations through mathematical precision and an artistic eye. She has traveled the world flying kites, meeting other makers and making friends who have the same heart for all things kites.

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Her kites are not just eye-catching. They fly with ease and brought an uncanny peace as I watched them dance gracefully, tail and all, through the air, high above the ground. While her kites might not have a Disney character on them they still bring out a child-like enjoyment for those watching from ground level. Bright colors, intricate designs and mid-air tricks entertain those planted to the earth.

Adult concerns can sometimes hold us to the ground, so-to-speak. So maybe if we would just go fly a kite we could lose those concerns for a while by watching a beautiful kite made by a maker like Barb. Or maybe even buy yourself a Spiderman or ladybug kite and try to fly it.   I am confident it will make you squint as you gaze into the sky and smile as you pilot your own kite and maybe even bring a smile to another onlooker. Have some fun, go by a kite and maybe even take another person. Barb would say, “Pick a kite you truly love. If it means something to you you’re more likely to invest the time into it.”

So with that, “Go Fly a Kite” as my mom would say to me. It will make you smile, maybe even laugh. Oh and it will be good for you and others!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #107 - Go fly a kite - No.1

American Faces No. 107

I guess as a 55 year old commercial photographer I am regressing into my childhood.  Stay with me on this though.  I’ve always thought kites were fascinating, cool and attention grabbing, no matter how simple or ornate, from as young as I can remember. Here’s where a man named David H. who makes wonderfully simple kites comes into the story.  David is a calm demeanored, inviting and talkative man who lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota; the very place he worked for decades as an elementary school teacher.  This 80+ year old man is still a teacher at heart as he has taught children and adults alike to make kites that not only fly well but allow for creative expression to whatever one's mind can create.  

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David’s kites aren’t made from silk, nylon or some high level sail cloth with a hefty cost; they are made from plastic bags found in the Minneapolis metro area.  There are many colors of bags that each kite builder can choose from in the kite kits David assembles.  Each kit has  dowels, string, and all the necessities to bring structure and make the kites flight ready.  I could sense the old educator in this soft spoken man.  He told me about the flight properties of what he calls a sled kite as well as guided me through the kite making process step-by-step. He showed me patterns of dragons, unicorns and other line drawings to suit just about anyone's fancy. Along with kite kits, markers are provided to add individuality and artistic touches to your kite at David’s kite making workshops. He talked of his times with people young and old, groups that were large and small who came to the workshops he has been asked to lead all around Minnesota. I could hear his joy as he told me about people building kites, creatively embellishing the kite and then flying them.

Kites are just fun and even simple kites can put a smile on people's faces no matter  if they are 20 feet off the ground or one hundred feet high into a bright blue sky.  David, now well into his 80’s has helped mold the lives of many people by being an educator, kite maker, workshop leader and just a good guy.  

So how do I close this one?  Go have fun!  Take your daughter, son, nephew, niece, grand-daughter, grandson, friend or neighbor and go fly a kite.  Laugh and just live.  Pretty sure you won’t regret it. I promise.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #106 - Compassion Defined

American Faces No. 106

Here is the meaning of compassion:  To see the suffering of others and to choose to walk alongside them.

I think woven into the very DNA of Rob Bergfalk is a gene for compassion.  Ok maybe there isn’t a gene but I do think there is a deep soul-level drive that moves Rob to make a difference in the community he has been called to.  That community is Anoka, MN where he first started Compassion Church in 2021.  From that 2021 church launch, a small church has grown into a group of people who are making a tangible difference in their community. You can find them serving at Stepping Stone, Hope 4 Youth or with people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. Then, in 2024 Rob and Compassion Church opened Compassion Coffee; open daily Monday - Saturday serving amazing coffee along with pastries from its next door neighbor Krown Bakery.  The vision for Compassion Coffee is to empower people affected by homelessness.  They hope to provide employment, skill training and resources for those who are struggling.

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Rob isn’t just a guy that talks the good talk; he is a man who lives out the true meaning of compassion. He talks with kindness and dignity to his employees and patrons alike. He also shared a story of how the compassion mindset of the coffee shop was able to bring rest and warmth for those struggling in the community.   It was very stirring for me to hear his heart for people.  

As our time was ending, I asked him the question, “Why do people need compassion?”   He shared, “Everyone struggles in some way, shape or form.  Everyone needs someone to care, to see them, to remind them that they are loved.”  It is through caring that true change is possible in people's lives.

My hope is that those who read this help reflect the definition of compassion in some way in 2025.  The world will definitely be a better place because of our actions!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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