Holiday Break And Back ... Happy 2017!

... And we're back! That beast of a year 2016 is finally over, we've flipped the calendar to a new year, and 2017 is already feeling way, way better. No major deaths to speak of, I got bumped up to first class from an iffy standby seat back to L.A. from Minnesota, and the Hollywood sign was changed to "Hollyweed" for New Year's Day ... pretty cool so far.

Minnesota is always extra dreamy at the holidays, and this year was no different. As always, my favorite part is to be with friends and family, reconnecting with my roots and gaining strength for a new year from the people who know me best.

My favorite new thing in Minneapolis this year was the Holidazzle Christmas Market in Loring Park. It was strange to me that so many locals had no idea this was going on, and if they did, they didn't go. That was a mistake, because it was the absolute most charming thing we did, hands down.

The park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland full of twinkling trees adorned with lights, a whole bunch of booths selling everything from Christmas ornaments to Holidazzle sausages (brats with spices, wild rice and cranberries in them - mmm). They had free ice skating, fire pits, choirs singing, outdoor movies, interactive sculptures, spiked cider, and the best Santa I've maybe ever seen. He told me my wish for World Peace was completely possible, because it's inside all of us every day. I tried to set my Mom up with him. She'd be the best Mrs. Clause ever.

We rode ferris wheels in the winter sky. We hiked the woods on icy trails. We took in a lot of hockey, both professional and pond. We shopped a little and ate a lot. We exchanged "Merry Christmas!"'s with strangers, and felt cozy in our homes and hearts.

Christmas itself was the usual wonderful chaos, spent with friends inside on a freezing rain, brutal day outside that no one even really paid any attention to, as there was so much catching up and laughing to do. Thanks, as ever, to the fantastic Hendrickson family for opening their home to a whole slew of Spartans that look forward to it all year.

It's always a treat for Mom to have all three of her kids home together, and we once again hit up this year's edition of Star Wars to re-live a little of the childhood that we shared together.

We saw dear loved ones from near and far, and Christmas always puts the patina of nostalgia over the gatherings, reminding us of those who are no longer with us, and those who will soon be joining us (new babies coming in '17!). The people are what make any of it special, and all of couldn't be richer in what we have there. There are so many truly good people, making life a complete treasure to share this Earth at the same time as, that it really helps you to know that no matter what is going on in the world at large, there will always be good people to handle it. Thank God.


I got the dread winter cold, so a couple days were spent just totally down - like didn't leave the house - and even that wasn't that much of a drag. Christmas cards to read, movies and games to watch and play, fridge stocked ... it was fine.

After the whole city seemed to be hacking and sniffling, it seemed fitting that we would end our 2016 with a Sauna party, to sweat out the old toxic past, and prepare our bodies and minds for the freshness of a new year. I know it's just a symbolic flip of the page that mankind made up a zillion years ago, but there's still something nice about the feeling of starting anew with a clean slate - even if it's still pretty dirty from the last mess of a year.

More than anything, being home with so many of my loved ones made it clear that most anything good that happens is because of the People. Not governments, not corporations, but the citizens that decide to make good things happen themselves. It doesn't even really matter what nightmare of an administration is about to take office, it remains up to us to oppose what's wrong, stick up for what's right, and make things happen that are supposed to in order to make it a just and beautiful world for everyone. Everyone.

I saw a beautiful last sunset of the year over a frozen lake, and a beautiful first one of a new year flying over the Western skies. Both let me know that everything has the potential to be full of wonder, and it's up to us to make it so. I arrived back in a very cold and grey Venice, which was and is ok, because that's the lesson. No matter what, there is still beauty to be found. I mean, look!

So here we are. A brand new year to make of it whatever we together choose. Let's decide to make it great, and never look back - unless it's with gratitude for what we've collectively learned to make our time here together as good as it can be. We got this. Happy 2017 to us ALL!!!

I can't wait to see what happens.

Abundance!

The word that has been coming to mind when making toasts to this new year, and when answering people that ask you what you hope for is abundance. Abundance. Abundance in all areas. For all People. I don't know why, it's just the word that keeps coming to mind.

Then, after watching my first beautiful sunset of the year falling into the Pacific, I was walking back home and saw this painted on a fence on Windward ...

Abundance! Stephanie said it's been there a long time, but I only just saw it on this first walk of the year, after repeating it over and over during the festivities ... so I was tripping.

I'm a person who looks for - and pays attention to - signs. So, everybody better just get prepared for all the ABUNDANCE coming your way in 2015. It's happening.

A Winter Wonderland Everywhere

I'm back from my winter break, it's a new year ... and I'm wondering how all of that happened so fast? We just had the Glögg party, I flew off to Minnesota, and now I'm already back in Venice working away on a new year? Whoa. Thank goodness there are so many great memories crammed in there, to know that it really happened.

Christmas was in the air all over Minnesota, even if the snow was not. It looked more like Easter when we got off the plane, brown and dead and ugly. We consoled ourselves that it's all really more about seeing loved ones and having fun, not cavorting about in a sparkling winter wonderland. But still.

Right out of the gate (after a quick polish at The Brow Studio. Thanks, Brook!) we headed off to meet Tonja at the Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, where the halls were all decked in each Scandinavian country's traditional manner. It was all just beautiful, and educational too.

We did not say no to more glögg, and it was even nice enough out that you could enjoy it on a hay bale outside next to the fire and the Sami style teepee.

Zooming off from there to a lovely round of pre-game drinks at the St. Paul Hotel, we warmed up before the stroll across the all lit up Rice Park to the Excel Center for the Minnesota Wild game.

The Wild were not to be victorious this night, but I saw old friends, made new ones, cheered for the home team, and generally just felt thrilled to be home.

Last minute shopping meant that we had to brave the insane Mall of America on Christmas Eve day, but that complete mayhem was soon forgotten, in the peace of a candle lit Mindekirken for "Silent Night" at the Christmas Eve service. All was calm. All was bright.

As was Christmas Day, when we did not wake up to a blanket of fresh snow, like we'd hoped. Instead, we had sunshine and no real need for jackets as headed out for Christmas Day church at Nokomis Heights.

No Lutheran Christmas is really complete without the trip to the church basement to indulge in all the beautiful baking the congregants prepare for the Christmas coffee. They take it very seriously.

The big event for Christmas Day is the annual gathering of the Hendricksons and friends. It is looked forward to all year long, with friends, family, food and fun all day long. It's always good to see how the kids have grown bigger, and how we've all grown in our own ways.

This year Santa was played by Danny Hendrickson, and the kids got all riled up, wondering both what he brought them, and who he really was.

His daughter Grace pulled off the beard, and the jig was up, but the kids were delighted anyway.

All day long we laughed, drank, ate and had great conversations with great people. We had the annual speech that I beg for by Larry Hendrickson, reminding us all what it's all about.

Even the kids sit and listen quietly (or may have been on devices, but it was quiet). Between Jane, Marilyn and Christine ... we could all learn a lot. So much wisdom, kindness and generosity exudes from them, it's nice to just sit and hope some rubs off on you.

It was extra-special to have my brother, Paul back in Minnesota with us this year, and Mom was pretty much beaming the whole time at having her kids all back home with her again. VERY special.

We checked out the new Co-op in Richfield, where Paul found the very best hat ever. He was a huge hit with the ladies at Ingebretsen's, our pilgrimage stop for more lefse and stuff the day after Christmas.

 Paul and the wooden Viking inside shared a moment, all to the delight of the staff.

We finally made it to Matt's Bar for Jucy Lucys, where my Dad used to go back in the day to get burgers for him and my Mom. People still love it, as evidenced by the fact that we had to stand outside and wait in line for almost an hour. Worth it? Yes. Mostly for the time with mom and brother, but the burger was swell too.

Then it was back to Richfield for the 40th birthday blowout of Danny Hendrickson (Santa) at Fireside Pizza. It was jam-packed with Spartans young and old, all ready to toast their friend and celebrate with the people we all grew up with. It was a riot.

As the reveling carried on, someone in the crowd told me to look outside. It was practically a blizzard outside, a day late, but all the more welcome! I'd spent the whole previous day lamenting the lack of a White Christmas, so Darby knew how happy I was.

Even though everyone made a big deal that I got to have my snow, I could tell they were all happy about it too, as much as they do protest. It's so pretty with fresh snow, you have to love it. (OK, at first).

After an entire night of snowfall, the next morning was so bright and beautiful, you really did need to wear shades. And go directly to Wood Lake.

The grounds of nature preserve were pristine, untouched, sparkling white diamonds everywhere. As we walked deeper into the woods, we'd pass by cross country skiers with rosy cheeks and wide grins. This was the kind of day that they live for.

This was probably my most Richfield trip back in a long time ... locations, people, activities ... all of them mostly centered around my hometown ... "The Urban Hometown," as the new sign reads. One night we went out to the new gastropub in Richfield (a gastropub in Richfield!), Lyn 65, and had a great time catching up with Richfield classmates.

Then my friend Boyd had his birthday pub crawl, and I went to more places in town I'd never been, the American Legion and Frenchman's! Never. Been. The Legion was classic, old couples all dressed up to go dancing on a Saturday night, still the feel of a holiday party in the air. And Frenchman's was  ... Frenchman's. A classic dive. Paul and I walked home under the bright stars, declining a ride, as Paul said, "No thanks, Carol and I are Adventurers." Perfect.

More meals, more visits, more drinks, more reunions ... so many I didn't always get photos. Beautiful times were spent with the Meyer Family, my high school girls, the Barachs, Tonja, and we were so happy to see the family we lived next door to all my childhood, the Kusunokis. We exchanged stories and I was happy to bring cherry chip cookies to Pearl, who is the original maker of the now-classic cookie.

Then it was time for more hockey, with a Richfield Spartan game, under new head coach, our friend Shuter (Dave Shute)! Alas, they didn't win either, but not for lack of alumni yelling.

Post-game, it was nice to have a little more cozying up by the fire time with friends ...

 ... cozy until it became family jam time, that is. Then it was all metal.

In years past, it's been all about running around and seeing as many people as possible. This time it was really all about Mom, and spending as much time with her as possible. The solution then, is to bring Mom along for all the running around and seeing as many people as WE can. We did pretty good, huh, Mom?

There was a very rare and special gathering of the Gronner Bowling League. I'm happy to report I almost beat both of my brothers. I didn't, but still. They've got skills.

It was time to leave just as the thermometers dipped below zero - and that was not planned.

The last morning we went to Minnehaha Falls to see if it had frozen, and though it was still running, that princess Elsa would've been right at home.

BRRRRR! It was bracing. And exhilarating. And I loved every second of it.

After a farewell spin around the city lakes, and another happy hour laughing and making plans for the new year, it was time to head back to Venice.

 With so much going on, and lives and places changing all the time, it's kind of hard to say goodbye when you won't see many of the faces until next year, or even longer. That's when you have to just be happy that you got to see them at all, and implore them all to visit when it really gets - and stays - cold.

But when I got back to Venice, we had our own Winter Wonderland!

It was pretty lame when compared to the Great White North, but it's nice that they do something for the kids in winter if they can't get out to the mountains for the real deal. And you can't be mad at this kind of winter at all once Christmas is over.

The kind of winter that lets you walk barefoot in the sand on the last day of the year. That lets you toast the new year on the first day on your balcony. In your t-shirt.

But the best part of the winter is really gathering with loved ones and having a break, no matter what it's doing outside. To recharge your batteries, touch your roots, count your many blessings, and plan for a new year of adventuring!



Thank you, thank you to everyone who made me smile over the holidays, in both homes. You are the wonder.

Happiest New Year to All!

Home For The Holidays - Happy New Year!

It's the very last day of 2013 and as I walked along the glorious beach this morning, I gave it a lot of thought. I just got back from the best time ever back home for the holidays, and that gave me a lot to think about too. Like the people and things that matter. And how truly grateful I am to have two places that I consider home.

Minnesota is one of the best places on Earth to be for Christmas. It just feels exactly like it should. This year particularly cooperated, with snow falling just about every day, creating a sparkling Winter Wonderland wherever you went.

Of course, this is the time of the year when my first name becomes a verb - Carol.

I don't think I've ever sung more than I did in the last couple of weeks. From a caroling party with celebrants gathered around the piano, belting it out with all we had, to good old-fashioned outside door to door revelry as snow fell (and you better believe we had some nice full mugs to warm our hands and insides) all around us.

I went to Wood Lake and reflected as long as I could before honestly starting to freeze to death. I dragged Mom along with me, and felt so incredibly happy that after all her health drama and fear earlier this year, we were together for Christmas, and she felt great. That was my very favorite part of the holidays, in fact, just doing all the traditional things with Mom, but loving and cherishing them all more than ever.

Things moved me more than ever too. I still feel somewhat dehydrate after all the tears I shed, not from being sad, but just from being incredibly touched by every last thing. I saw Mom direct her choir at her Daughters Of Norway party, and saw how well-respected she is by everyone.

I saw a brilliant performance of All Is Calm (The Christmas Truce of 1914) by Cantus and the Theater Latte Da, written by Peter Rothstein. Beautiful singing that illustrated the absolute futility of War. I cried my eyes out. I saw Saving Mr. Banks with my Mom and brother and nearly had to leave the theater from crying. I saw my friends' kids growing up (Elsie! Inga! Jane! Kate! All of 'em!!!) and blowing my mind and tears sprang to my eyes just to be there with them all. It was a highly emotional week for me, for sure.

The emotional capper was probably attending the Norwegian church (Mindekirken) for Christmas Eve service with my Mom. All the people were decked out in their Norwegian sweaters, their voices reaching for the wooden rafters singing Silent Night together in Norwegian. I looked at my Mom's face as we sang by candlelight, and got so choked up I couldn't finish.

A male tenor beautifully sang "O Holy Night" to close the service, and left me a complete puddle. We ran into my family's oldest friends, Dan and Mary, as we were leaving, and the newly falling snow made the night that special kind of silent. I'll never forget it.

I also laughed until I cried. My cheeks still hurt and I'm sure I have new wrinkles, but it was more than worth it. My hometown friends are some of the very best people in this big world, and some of the funniest too. It helps that I always know they're out there rooting for me too. Always.

They are also some of the kindest. The entire Krsnik/Hendrickson clan added the Gronners into their family tree last week, and a blast was had by all.

My Fairy Goddaughter, Jane, sang more carols with her Aunt Julie, and I was bursting with pride for her, and how talented she already is.

It also wouldn't be a Hendy Christmas without some stitches and this year it was little Leo Oss' turn. 3 to the lip. That's how they get 'em ready for hockey. Speaking of hockey, I like to say that Minnesota is where the Moms PLAY hockey. I went to my first Hot Tamales game at the good ol' Richfield Arena, and was floored at how good these ladies are, and at how into it you get. Between all the caroling and the yelling for goals, I'm still a little hoarse.

I went to the places that MUST be gone to when I'm home, like Ingebretson's, the Scandinavian shop and deli. I got re-stocked up on lefse, and delighted in the thick Minnesota accents you hear inside those walls. A true treasure in Minneapolis. Also, the best smell on Earth is Mom's julekage baking while you're sitting next to the Christmas tree. No contest.

Besides the people, the lakes are probably my most treasured parts of home. It doesn't matter that it's sub-zero out, the lakes always have people out on them. It's just too beautiful to stay inside.

It was so special to spend quality time with my loved ones, and I hope they know how very much they all mean to me. I get stronger every time I go home and touch - and am touched by - my roots. These folks are the real deal. Salt of the Earth. Minnesota NICEST. I am blessed beyond measure by each and every one of them. And I know it.

There is nothing like a winter sunset in Minnesota ...

... except perhaps a winter sunset in Venice. I'm so happy that I have a place to come back to from such a precious trip home, or I'd probably be really bummed. Instead, I'm again blessed and more than know that too.

2013 was super hard in a lot of ways, for a lot of people. I heard that the most stressful things people can go through are the illness or death of a loved one, moving and starting a new job ... I did all of that in one month this year! I cried harder than I ever have, both with fear and joy. I loved more truly and unconditionally than I ever thought possible. I found out that sometimes that doesn't matter, and sometimes that's all that does. I learned a lot. I laughed a whole lot. I gave. I received. I LIVED.

As we kick off 2014 (I think the new year's motto will be "Greatness is foreseen in '14!"), that's the thing to remember. LIVE - with your whole heart and soul. MEAN it. And remember what it is we're striving for ....

 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!!! Here we go .... !!!