Category Archives: Family

I Hear her Voice

Posted on September 11, 2025 by minndixiemom

I can still hear it—a voice as lovely and lively as she was. “Hi, Karen,” she’d say, when I answered one of her daily phone calls. She was always happy to hear my voice. Today, I would do anything to … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Family | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My Interview with Garrison Keillor: Lessons Learned

Posted on February 10, 2025 by minndixiemom

When I met Garrison Keillor in 1995, I was young, immature, and easily offended. I couldn’t believe he made me wait over an hour for an interview. Keillor, a legendary storyteller, was busy tending to his fans, you know, the … Continue reading →

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A Letter to my Mom

Posted on August 28, 2023 by minndixiemom

Dear Mom, We lost you three years ago, today. It’s an anniversary I recognize, but don’t celebrate. When you took your last breath, I lost a few of mine. You hadn’t been feeling well. I knew that day was coming. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, loss, grief, Mental health, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Mother’s Day without Mom: Seeking Signs

Posted on May 3, 2021 by minndixiemom

More than eight months after I lost my mom, I am grateful I only have two big regrets. The first, not bringing her home to us sooner. The second, leaving two of her rings unprotected at her assisted living facility. … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, COVID19, Death, Faith, Family, loss, grief, Mother's Day | 7 Comments

New Year’s at 50: Resolving to fly

Posted on January 1, 2019 by minndixiemom

Happy New Year, everyone. It’s a big one for me. I headed into 2019 at 50. Fifty means another year to watch my beautiful daughters grow. Another year to spend with my husband, David. Another year to figure out God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Family, horseback riding, Horses, Huntsville | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Father’s Day 2016

Posted on June 19, 2016 by minndixiemom

Belated thanks and apologies to my late father, Gjert Andreas Hovland Dear Dad, This is my 14th Father’s Day without you. I remember when you first passed away on October 9, 2002. The hurt was not only emotional, but physical. … Continue reading →

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Hello. It’s me.

Posted on June 3, 2016 by minndixiemom

Hello from the other side.  It’s been a long time since my last blog. Almost a year. A lot can happen in a year, including the release of Adele’s “25,” which surpassed 8 million sales by February. We are among the … Continue reading →

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A Mother’s Day Farewell

Posted on May 10, 2015 by minndixiemom

Mormor is headed back to Minnesota. They call ours the sandwich generation and we were a classic example. Only sometimes the bread crumbles and the sandwich falls apart. In July 2012, my mom, Sigrun Hovland, moved from Minneapolis to Huntsville, … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Family, Mother's Day, multi-generational living, Southern living | 1 Comment

Fun and Flurries: Snowmageddon 2015

Posted on February 26, 2015 by minndixiemom

This year, winter in Huntsville, Alabama has been rather uneventful. Then came Feb. 25 and 8.1″ of snow, the second snowiest in the city’s history, according to the National Weather Service. While the roadways were deserted, Huntsville neighborhoods were buzzing … Continue reading →

Posted in Ala., Family, Running, Southern living | 2 Comments

God as my travel agent

Posted on July 14, 2014 by minndixiemom

Norway 2014 We made it to Norway! But only by the grace of God, the ultimate travel agent. This was a highly anticipated trip, not just for David, our daughters (Serina, 9, and Sophia, 7), and me, but also for … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments