Meet Karen
Writer, Musician, Friend to Dogs, Lazy Gardener
People often tell me, “I know you from somewhere,” and nine times out of ten, it turns out they’ve seen me on stage singing with the Olympia Peace Choir or the Olympia Musical Theatre singers. If I haven’t been tapped to sing a solo, then I’m the smartass in the back row who cracks herself (and sometimes others) up. It’s a gift.
I’ve lived in Olympia for over a decade, but I grew up in Wisconsin. Washington is home in a way the Upper Midwest never quite was. I instantly felt I’d found my place among the mist, moss, Douglas firs, and most of all, the people.
You should probably also meet my sidekick, Dodger. He’s a scruffy black dog with mysterious origins: Australian cattle dog (although he’s afraid of cows), German shepherd, chow chow, poodle, pit bull, border collie, and chihuahua. (Don’t ask me; ask Embark. Or maybe his parents. They were there when he happened.) He looks like a Muppet and lives like a caffeinated toddler. I couldn’t make him up if I tried.
I’ve been a writer since I could clutch a pencil and scratch out stories on that weird wide-ruled manila paper we used in Kindergarten. Writing is in my bones.
So is music. I play piano by ear (yes, I can read music… poorly). I also play the ukulele and a variety of other “flute-adjacent” instruments—but not the actual flute, for reasons unknown to science. Sometimes I’m allowed to play with percussion instruments at Peace Choir concerts. You’ve been warned.
I garden with a stunning combination of enthusiasm (spring) and laziness (every other season). I crochet with wild abandon. I make herbal tinctures. I used to be a trained storm spotter in the Upper Midwest. I know a little bit about a lot of stuff and a lot about a little bit of stuff. (Say that five ties fast!)
I have ADHD. That means my brain runs a little wild sometimes—but it also means I see connections others miss. I may not start from the same baseline as neurotypical folks, but I bring curiosity, integrity, and a sprinkling of fairy dust to the way I interact with the world.
Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “I believe in God, only I spell it N-A-T-U-R-E.” Same. Noticing and spending time in this stunningly beautiful place that I call home, the Pacific Northwest is as close as I get to a spiritual practice.
So that’s me. If we’re ever in the same space at the same time, you’ll probably recognize me: I’ll be the one laughing, making inappropriate (but never mean!) jokes, or ordering a steaming mug of something with extra shots from a coffee stand. Come say hi!
Places to Find Me
I teach expressive writing and lead local and online workshops.
My Medium blog where I share vulnerable and honest personal essays and memoir.