Blessing – Karna Eastlund Haugen

When Creeks Sing

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”

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”

When Glass Shatters

I recently had to have the front passenger-side window of my car replaced. I had come back to my car one evening after choir rehearsal to find it shattered. Mine was among five cars in the church parking lot that were broken into, and it took me a few seconds to realize what I wasContinue reading “When Glass Shatters”

Elegy and Ode to Jeff, the Boy We Love

Part 6 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. In the opening sequence of Forrest Gump, a feather floats and swoops, and lands at Forrest’s feet. He bends down, plucks it up and puts it in his suitcase.Continue reading “Elegy and Ode to Jeff, the Boy We Love”