Views of a Farm Boy--Dedicated to promote Iowa agriculture and Iowa values--Robert Vaughn--Urbandale, Iowa  EMAIL:   vaughnrobert@me.com

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it never fails to bear fruit. (ESV) (Jeremiah 17: 7.8)

We were here today (June 20, 2025) for the unveiling of this beautiful new wall mural in Minburn, Iowa. This is a Mural Mosaic Global Roots project. Mosaic artist Lewis Lavoie (upper right) and staff has appropriately chosen the tree as the connecting theme for the 2000 tiles on this wall. The mission of the Global Roots staff is to bring people together in a way that honors everyone's unique perspective and experiences. That's what happened! Both local people and folks around the world painted the murals that were transferred to tiles for this finished piece of art. Like this mural, small Iowa town roots run deep. I believe Minburn--population about 300--is the perfect place for this Global Roots project. I think it is an example of how people from all over the world with different interests, lifestyles, and abilities can come together and remind us of the love and affection we should have for each other!

A day in a small town--Minburn, Iowa

Victory Lane Garage.

Motorcycle Repair--and more

Summer--Performing arts stage (rear)

Winter--Public ice skating plaza  (front)

Lunch at the American Cafe.

YUM! YUM! YUM!

I don't know the lady waving.

But there are no strangers in a small town!

Need to mail a letter?

This is the place!

Two business street buildings.

Not fancy--but that's ok.

Welcome to Minburn, Iowa.

Iowa grain fills those silos.

Dallas County Freedom Rock.

Small towns honor their veterans.

Old tree in the Minburn city park.

This is where I stopped when I rode  my bike.

A "gas station" in Minburn.

You can't buy a coke-there is no store.

My dad had a hay rake much like this.

(His didn't have a bear on the seat!)

Old depot near recreation trail.

The train no longer stops here--but bikes do!

My View for the Month: Look at the old tree (above left) in the middle of the town park in Minburn. It reminds me how the roots run deep in small town Iowa. Next look at the antique farm machinery (above right). This reminds me of my roots--growing up on a farm near a small town (Anthon) in western Iowa. Today, I think back to those "emergency times" when a farmer was sick or injured. The neighboring farmers with various backgrounds and political and/or religious beliefs all showed up to harvest his grain or take care of whatever field work was required at the time. At my age looking back at my roots is what I do best. Now we go full circle back to the unveiling of this beautiful wall mural in Minburn. I am very thankful for all of the people with many backgrounds and from countries around the world who individually and collectively created this beautiful work of art. So thanks to Global Roots for taking me back to my own roots and reminding me and others how we can all make a difference when we come together to lift up others.