Northern Lights

I have always been fascinated by the Northern Lights. With my love of Norway and all things Norwegian I have seen many absolutely beautiful photos of the Northern Lights in Northern Norway. A dream of mine was to take a cruise along the western coast of Norway all the way to Kirkness on the Russian border. However, going in the winter was not on my list of things to do. I’m one of those people who is almost always cold so that wasn’t going to cut it. Instead, I chose an August date, but realized it would probably be too light out to see them with the Midnight Sun still somewhat around. I still hoped that there might be a chance. But sadly, they were visible only a few weeks after our trip.

Earlier this year in May, the Northern Lights were visible in Minnesota and other many other northern states. Living in the Twin Cities there is way too much light to see them. Beautiful photos from the northern towns in Minnesota began appearing on Facebook. I pondered the possibilities of driving up North to catch a chance of seeing them, but the prediction of exact dates seemed unreliable and the trip would involve an overnight stay. One night I tried to drive out of the city about thirty minutes. When looking at the sky, vague light green lines could be seen, but the camera was able to see much more. The colors weren’t as vibrant as the Facebook postings from Norway and northern Minnesota, but I finally was able to see the Northern Lights.

In October, the Twin Cities had another shot at seeing the Northern Lights. This time they met my expectations, complete with reds, greens, and some light yellows. I was able to get some great pictures with my Samsung S24 Ultra. This checks Northern Lights off my bucket list!

My desire to see the Northern Lights prompted me to write a short story, A Kiss Under the Northern Lights, set in Ely, Minnesota near the Canadian border. In this story the heroine, Bailey, is a photographer trying to get her once in a lifetime Northern Lights photo. She books a trip to the Northern Lights Resort along with a private tour to see the Northern Lights, never expecting to find love along the way.

My short stories which I call Novelettes always include a recipe that is featured in the story. An unbelievably delicious Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Buttermilk Chocolate frosting.

So, if you also have a wish to see the Northern Lights check out my story, A Kiss Under the Northern Lights, try the Buttermilk Chocolate Cake for yourself and maybe take a trip to Northern Minnesota or maybe be adventurous and go to Norway!