Marla Peterson
@marlapeterson.bsky.social
Nature explorer 🌿 | Solo traveler ✈️ | Music lover 🎶 | #AmerExit 2021 ✌🏻
Born & raised Wisconsin’s #Driftless Area | Now based in Skånevik, Norway 🇳🇴
👉🏻 www.marlagoesnorth.com
Born & raised Wisconsin’s #Driftless Area | Now based in Skånevik, Norway 🇳🇴
👉🏻 www.marlagoesnorth.com
Today’s journey: Voss > Oslo > Son
I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.
#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen
I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.
#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen
November 4, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Today’s journey: Voss > Oslo > Son
I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.
#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen
I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.
#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen
You’ll find pilgrim paths all across #Norway, including the nine St. Olav Ways that all lead to Nidaros Cathedral in #Trondheim.
Together they span more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles) of quiet landscapes, small villages, and rich local traditions.
Learn more in this recent NYT Travel feature:
Together they span more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles) of quiet landscapes, small villages, and rich local traditions.
Learn more in this recent NYT Travel feature:
A Pilgrim Route in Norway: Berries, Bogs and a Viking King
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:17 PM
You’ll find pilgrim paths all across #Norway, including the nine St. Olav Ways that all lead to Nidaros Cathedral in #Trondheim.
Together they span more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles) of quiet landscapes, small villages, and rich local traditions.
Learn more in this recent NYT Travel feature:
Together they span more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles) of quiet landscapes, small villages, and rich local traditions.
Learn more in this recent NYT Travel feature:
Today in #Oslo, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins a 12-hour, 94-meter journey to its new home at the Museum of the Viking Age. Built ~AD 890, the Gokstad ship is being moved fully assembled for the first time in history, traveling at just 7 inches/minute.
#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth
#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth
Today in Oslo: The Gokstad Ship’s Final Voyage
In Oslo today, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins its final voyage to the new Museum of the Viking Age.
www.marlagoesnorth.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Today in #Oslo, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins a 12-hour, 94-meter journey to its new home at the Museum of the Viking Age. Built ~AD 890, the Gokstad ship is being moved fully assembled for the first time in history, traveling at just 7 inches/minute.
#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth
#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth
S Y M M E T R Y | O D D A
September 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
S Y M M E T R Y | O D D A
✍️ This fall I’ve decided to host a virtual #JournalingClub, inspired by writer #SuleikaJaouad.
We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.
Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:
✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club
#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether
We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.
Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:
✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club
#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether
September 4, 2025 at 1:25 PM
✍️ This fall I’ve decided to host a virtual #JournalingClub, inspired by writer #SuleikaJaouad.
We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.
Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:
✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club
#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether
We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.
Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:
✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club
#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether
After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik—reconnecting with home, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s ahead.
#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway
#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway
Reflections on Growth, Reaping, and Sowing
After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s next.
www.marlagoesnorth.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik—reconnecting with home, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s ahead.
#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway
#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway
Reposted by Marla Peterson
I wrote about the Sydney Sweeney jeans discourse and broken informations systems that make talking to each other impossible (in fact it's not even the goal). Context collapse is just how people (and brands!) communicate now. www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
The Internet Loves Sydney Sweeney
That’s not necessarily a good thing.
www.theatlantic.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:17 AM
I wrote about the Sydney Sweeney jeans discourse and broken informations systems that make talking to each other impossible (in fact it's not even the goal). Context collapse is just how people (and brands!) communicate now. www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
200 yrs ago, the #Restauration set sail from #Stavanger, launching the first 🌊 of Norwegian emigration to North America.
Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸
Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸
Crossings200: 1825–2025 | Honoring the First Norwegian Crossing to America
In early July, I’ll be heading to Stavanger for Crossings200, a celebration honoring the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian crossing to America.
www.marlagoesnorth.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
200 yrs ago, the #Restauration set sail from #Stavanger, launching the first 🌊 of Norwegian emigration to North America.
Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸
Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸
Summer is in full swing here in #Norway, and I’ve been house- and pet-sitting my way across the country.
In this update:
#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.
#MarlaGoesNorth
In this update:
#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.
#MarlaGoesNorth
Summer in Motion | Looking Forward
Summer is in full swing here in Norway, and I’ve been bouncing between house- and pet-sitting as I travel around the southern coast and fjord regions. In this update: Bergen crowds, Neil Young in the ...
www.marlagoesnorth.com
June 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Summer is in full swing here in #Norway, and I’ve been house- and pet-sitting my way across the country.
In this update:
#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.
#MarlaGoesNorth
In this update:
#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.
#MarlaGoesNorth
“What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs
Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾
#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto
- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs
Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾
#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto
May 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
“What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs
Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾
#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto
- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs
Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾
#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto
Spring in #Voss means mountain views, gondola rides, music festivals, food carts, and that joyful energy as the whole country gears up for #SyttendeMai. 🇳🇴 It’s a beautiful time to be here—nature’s showing off, and so is the spirit of #Norway.
www.visitvoss.no/en
#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway
www.visitvoss.no/en
#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway
May 13, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Spring in #Voss means mountain views, gondola rides, music festivals, food carts, and that joyful energy as the whole country gears up for #SyttendeMai. 🇳🇴 It’s a beautiful time to be here—nature’s showing off, and so is the spirit of #Norway.
www.visitvoss.no/en
#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway
www.visitvoss.no/en
#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway
A year ago, I froze on a trail above Skånevik, sure I was trespassing.
Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.
That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.
Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.
That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.
Allemannsretten: Norway's Right to Roam
A year ago, I stood frozen on a trail above Skånevik, convinced I was about to trespass.
Despite all my time in Norway—even after countless hikes and a full year in the mountains—the idea of walking ...
www.marlagoesnorth.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM
A year ago, I froze on a trail above Skånevik, sure I was trespassing.
Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.
That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.
Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.
That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.
I'm back in Skånevik after travels to Haugesund and Bergen this month. The magnolia is fading, and the lilacs are coming in hot.
This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.
Read more in my second mixtape:
This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.
Read more in my second mixtape:
Mixtape 2: A Season of Return: Lilacs, Longships & Looking Ahead
Hello from Skånevik—where the magnolia is fading fast, and the lilacs are coming in hot. I'm back after a month on the move. On Monday I returned from Bergen after my third time house- and cat-sitting...
www.marlagoesnorth.com
April 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
I'm back in Skånevik after travels to Haugesund and Bergen this month. The magnolia is fading, and the lilacs are coming in hot.
This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.
Read more in my second mixtape:
This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.
Read more in my second mixtape:
Reposted by Marla Peterson
Judge Susan Crawford, backed by the state Democratic party, defeated Judge Brad Schimel, who was backed by President Trump and Elon Musk, to help liberals retain a 4-to-3 majority in the state’s judiciary. Read more about the results. nyti.ms/4hY4IJs
April 2, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Judge Susan Crawford, backed by the state Democratic party, defeated Judge Brad Schimel, who was backed by President Trump and Elon Musk, to help liberals retain a 4-to-3 majority in the state’s judiciary. Read more about the results. nyti.ms/4hY4IJs
Mixtape #2: Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen
Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.
➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen
#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning
Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.
➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen
#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning
March 4, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Mixtape #2: Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen
Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.
➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen
#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning
Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.
➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen
#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning
One of my favorite activites: Exploring Bergen's street art.
#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie
#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie
February 24, 2025 at 8:41 PM
One of my favorite activites: Exploring Bergen's street art.
#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie
#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie
St Mary`s Church (Mariakirken) is the oldest existing building in Bergen, likely built between 1130 and 1170. It was ravaged by two great fires that swept the city in 1198 and 1248 and has been in continuous use since early medieval period.
--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...
--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...
February 24, 2025 at 8:33 PM
St Mary`s Church (Mariakirken) is the oldest existing building in Bergen, likely built between 1130 and 1170. It was ravaged by two great fires that swept the city in 1198 and 1248 and has been in continuous use since early medieval period.
--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...
--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...
Krigsmoderen ("The War Mother"), sculpted by Per Ung & unveiled in 1997, honors Norwegian families affected by WWII & the resilience of mothers who endured loss & hardship while sustaining their families & communities.
Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.
Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.
February 24, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Krigsmoderen ("The War Mother"), sculpted by Per Ung & unveiled in 1997, honors Norwegian families affected by WWII & the resilience of mothers who endured loss & hardship while sustaining their families & communities.
Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.
Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.
When I started my blog, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts abt my journey to Norway - an overwhelming task.
Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.
Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨
www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1
Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.
Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨
www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1
Marla’s Mixtape #1
When I started this blog back in 2021, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts about my journey to becoming a permanent resident of Norway. But honestly, sitting down to write those big updates some...
www.marlagoesnorth.com
February 6, 2025 at 1:28 PM
When I started my blog, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts abt my journey to Norway - an overwhelming task.
Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.
Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨
www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1
Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.
Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨
www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1
When Norwegian immigration updates waiting times & you submitted your app in Aug 2024. 😜
I’ll be lucky if I hear anything before late summer/early fall, but it’s all part of the process. I embrace this test of patience, resilience and flexibility.
Fingers crossed for an answer before Christmas! 🤞🏻🎅🏼
I’ll be lucky if I hear anything before late summer/early fall, but it’s all part of the process. I embrace this test of patience, resilience and flexibility.
Fingers crossed for an answer before Christmas! 🤞🏻🎅🏼
January 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
When Norwegian immigration updates waiting times & you submitted your app in Aug 2024. 😜
I’ll be lucky if I hear anything before late summer/early fall, but it’s all part of the process. I embrace this test of patience, resilience and flexibility.
Fingers crossed for an answer before Christmas! 🤞🏻🎅🏼
I’ll be lucky if I hear anything before late summer/early fall, but it’s all part of the process. I embrace this test of patience, resilience and flexibility.
Fingers crossed for an answer before Christmas! 🤞🏻🎅🏼
#January6 was the tipping point, but March 3, 2021 was the day I committed to #AmerExit. I recall (& have photo of) the moment - in my hammock in #Madison, #Wisconsin, sun shining.
Now in #Norway, I await a decision re: residency. This is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m grateful every day.
Now in #Norway, I await a decision re: residency. This is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m grateful every day.
January 22, 2025 at 8:11 PM
#January6 was the tipping point, but March 3, 2021 was the day I committed to #AmerExit. I recall (& have photo of) the moment - in my hammock in #Madison, #Wisconsin, sun shining.
Now in #Norway, I await a decision re: residency. This is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m grateful every day.
Now in #Norway, I await a decision re: residency. This is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m grateful every day.
Sundays are for Hamsun.
#KnutHamsun #Hunger #Hamsun #NorwegianLiterature #NordicWriters
#ClassicLiterature #LiterarySundays
#KnutHamsun #Hunger #Hamsun #NorwegianLiterature #NordicWriters
#ClassicLiterature #LiterarySundays
January 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Sundays are for Hamsun.
#KnutHamsun #Hunger #Hamsun #NorwegianLiterature #NordicWriters
#ClassicLiterature #LiterarySundays
#KnutHamsun #Hunger #Hamsun #NorwegianLiterature #NordicWriters
#ClassicLiterature #LiterarySundays
Reposted by Marla Peterson
From a friend just now: "Perhaps needless to say, this is a funeral for the USA as we’ve known it for our entire lives.” #Carter #JimmyCarter #JimmyCarterFuneral #RIPUSA #RIPAmerica
January 9, 2025 at 4:31 PM
From a friend just now: "Perhaps needless to say, this is a funeral for the USA as we’ve known it for our entire lives.” #Carter #JimmyCarter #JimmyCarterFuneral #RIPUSA #RIPAmerica
#JimmyCarter was pres when I was born, & in 2008 I was honored to take part in a Jimmy & #RosalynnCarter @habitatforhumanity.bsky.social Work Project in Mississippi.
He was humble & kind & served w/ integrity, grace & dignity.
Farewell to one of the greats. 🇺🇸
📷: Team & new homeowner w/ Carters.
He was humble & kind & served w/ integrity, grace & dignity.
Farewell to one of the greats. 🇺🇸
📷: Team & new homeowner w/ Carters.
January 11, 2025 at 1:13 PM
#JimmyCarter was pres when I was born, & in 2008 I was honored to take part in a Jimmy & #RosalynnCarter @habitatforhumanity.bsky.social Work Project in Mississippi.
He was humble & kind & served w/ integrity, grace & dignity.
Farewell to one of the greats. 🇺🇸
📷: Team & new homeowner w/ Carters.
He was humble & kind & served w/ integrity, grace & dignity.
Farewell to one of the greats. 🇺🇸
📷: Team & new homeowner w/ Carters.