I made this observation to Axel today as we took our walk: When creeks sing, you know they’re going through something. For long stretches when we walk by the creek, it is silent. Seemingly still, even though there is an underlying current moving it along. But when obstacles block the customary flow — when theContinue reading “When Creeks Sing”
Author Archives: Karna Haugen
Little House Revisited
I’ve been at home with Axel for the past two weeks recovering from Influenza A as well as a minor head injury sustained during my bout with the flu (I made a trip to the emergency room: four hours later, after an EKG and CT scan, I had two staples in my head. Don’t layContinue reading “Little House Revisited”
Axel’s Year-End Sermon
Be selective, and then be content with the stick you’ve chosen. I can only carry so much on my walk, so I tune out all the other sticks once I’ve picked one up. Check in with your master. Being off the leash means I can go where I want. I find it comforting after I’veContinue reading “Axel’s Year-End Sermon”
What I’ve Realized over 12 Months of IF
I like chewing and swallowing. I always have, and I don’t see that changing. Making the transition from chewing and swallowing all day long to making that happen within a few-hours-window every day — otherwise known as time-restricted eating, or intermittent fasting — has been a positive experience for me in the following ways: IContinue reading “What I’ve Realized over 12 Months of IF”
Adjusting my Angle on Angels
It wasn’t even 10 AM and I’d already enjoyed a robust self-TED-talk. Axel and I were on our morning stroll, which today meant navigating a kind of strangulated figure eight and we were coming back along a path we had already walked. On our first pass by the little angel figure we have seen countlessContinue reading “Adjusting my Angle on Angels”
She Set the Table: A Little Commotion about Mom
My mom was inclined to categorize things by how much commotion was generated: “A lot of”… or “such a”… or “so much.” Generally speaking, she was anti-commotion. So she may not be in favor of the following. But a lot of this was already shared at her memorial service on February 6th, 2023 (she passedContinue reading “She Set the Table: A Little Commotion about Mom”
When Axel Transfers Joy
“To get the full measure of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” Mark Twain I read that recently and it resonated with me. I thought of it yesterday while Axel and I were out on a walk. If for no other reason, it’s good for me to have a dog because itContinue reading “When Axel Transfers Joy”
Portrait of a Good Boy: Axel’s First Year
I got a puppy in November of 2021. While I’ve raised six other puppies over the past 30 years (including a basset hound, two golden retrievers, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and two Maltese/bichons), I hadn’t had a dog for nearly a decade. His name is Axel. Today is his birthday. Like everyone (except myContinue reading “Portrait of a Good Boy: Axel’s First Year”
Road Trip Revelation
I just got back from a short road trip with my daughters, Anika and Kirsten. First we visited Haugen family members in Upper Michigan whom we haven’t seen since before the Pandemic, and then wound up in a tiny Airbnb above a natural food store in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. On our last morning in DoorContinue reading “Road Trip Revelation”
What I Know at 60
I just turned 60. I know a few things. Jesus loves me — this I know, for the Bible tells me so. It was true then. It’s true now. Black is slimming, but it can only do so much. There’s not much better than having a good sister. Unless it’s having three. The sound ofContinue reading “What I Know at 60”
Karna Eastlund Haugen 