American Faces #110 - A cool cat!

American Faces No. 110

I am always on the search for my next American Faces subject and my wife understands.   This particular one came to our back door to buy goat milk for a batch of kittens needing some extra help.  Shannon R. of Big Lake, MN raises and breeds Maine Coon cats. I have learned along the way, one American Face can sometimes turn into two; and this visit was one of those.  The second and truly American subject is Ozzy Pawsbourne, a magnificent example of the Maine Coon breed of cat.  His presence in the house is hard to miss.  He is a substantial 21 pounds of fur and rugged build that seems to resemble that of the Lynx that dwells in the woods of North America.  The Maine Coon cat is a highly loyal, large bodied cat that is almost dog-like in its behaviors and interactions with humans. 

When I was creating the images of  Shannon and Ozzy, several of his furry friends were around me demanding my time for play, an occasional scratch or even a pet of their glorious hair. By their trust in me, a stranger, I knew that Shannon loves her cats. It is also obvious in how she interacts with them.  The cats also have a deep affection for her. To see cats of this size and beauty is quite something.  To then know their roots are most likely founded right here in the U.S.A is also really cool.  While the Maine Coon’s roots might go back to some mother-land like Norway they are inherently American going all the way back to the 1600’s.  I guess you could say they aren’t all that different from many of us.

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As I spent time with Shannon, she spoke enthusiastically of the Maine Coon cats in her life and others. For  her it has provided a network of friends who also raise and show Maine Coons.  She has also seen how cats can calm people who deal with anxiety due to dementia.  

Shannon is also passionate about the future of the Maine Coon breed. Finding excellent homes for her kittens is a high priority for Shannon.  She understands their unique personalities and focuses on homes that will love and care for this special breed and also are passionate about their future whether as a well loved pet, a show animal or one used for breeding. Check out her webpage and her Facebook page Wicked Kunz

So to close this American Faces out I can easily say that cats, dogs and other pets can be incredible difference makers in the lives of people.   There is a lesson to be learned here.  Be quiet like a cat, be there for someone and don’t rush the moment.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #109 - Second Chances

American Faces No. 109

South Minneapolis was Chef Jeff’s stompin’ grounds. The rough-woven tapestry of his young life involved street life and drugs. You could say he had it rough. But even in those early days, Chef Jeff was always entrepreneurial. His desire to have a “great product” was always important to him, the only trouble is, that “product” was drugs. But Jeff’s early life on the streets of Minneapolis, and drug addiction, took hold of his life and derailed his dreams  and brought him to a place where he needed professional rehabilitation treatment. 

In culinary school, someone interceded and gave Jeff the time he needed to get his life on track. Maybe it’s better said that he needed a new start. 

Jeff realized that the culinary arts offered a way to create another great product that wasn’t a drug. Becoming a chef has not only given Chef Jeff an outlet for his natural entrepreneurial drive, but also a way to serve others. 

Jeff has an amazing heart for helping others and making a difference in people’s lives, hiring folks to work in his catering business, and by providing savory meals to communities experiencing resource difficulties. 

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Chef Jeff provides the meals at Good in the ‘Hood programs. That’s how we first met. Chef Jeff’s meals are  a true gift. I’ve seen people laugh and share life together as they enjoy Chef Jeff’s food, experiencing the love baked into every bite.

Jeff's mom, like most moms, thinks her son is a true hero, She once said, “You always want to put a cape on.” Little did she know,  Jeff had a super power for creating incredible food, and Jeff’s cape is his apron, which he wears proudly while serving others.

I have written a fair amount about Jeff, but let me also tell you about his daughter, Amber. 

While Jeff was trying to figure out his life in the chaos of those younger years, Amber was there as inspiration for Jeff to move forward. Jeff and Amber spoke of what they have had to work through to get to the point of being able to work together. Jeff’s life and tumultuous life and bad decisions created a lot of hurt for Amber. But all these years later, and with a whole lot of love, they see their relationship is being redeemed as the business Chef Jeff created grows – father and daughter working together. Their Christian faith is inseparable from their business, and it is the guiding force in how they prepare and serve each and every meal.

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True transformation is at the core of the person Chef Jeff has become. That transformation was necessary to restore this father-daughter relationship. Grace fills their relationship, and the heart of their business. Together, they have experienced healing. And they hope the same for others – to provide second chances and to offer a platform for others to launch their own dreams.

Through all of the hard times this father-daughter team has journeyed through, these two are difference makers who have learned to create second chances – to one another, and to others.

Life is not easy. We all need second, third, or even fourth chances. Who needs another chance from you? Be a hero for someone. Forgive when it's hard. Offer grace, no strings attached. You may just open a door, and change a life

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Scott Whitman

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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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