WELCOME to

Norden Morning, a publication about art and life.

Hey, it’s Elyse’ Jokinen here — you might know me from around the World Wide Web. I’ve been showing up in various ways over the past couple decades — from a blog on blogger to early social media circa 2009. To come full circle and find myself here with this publication is a genuine delight.

At the start of 2025 I wasn’t ready for New Years goals. In fact, I was feeling overwhelmed and spread way too thin. In desperate need for a change, I took the first three months of the year cleaning up, clearing out and creating space.

That space has given me the time to jump back into projects like this that bring me serious joy. (Didn’t you ever picture yourself tapping away on your laptop as Carrie from SATC or Kathleen Kelly of You’ve Got Mail?)

Anyways, with that said, you can expect to hear from me each Monday morning.

Photography, life musings, collage, what’s inspiring me in the studio, in my home, on the tube and more.

Thing I love: International travel with my little fam, kayaking on calm water, caramel sea salt gelato, writing by a window in a coffee shop, thrift shopping, black and white photos, kicking Hashimoto’s butt, vintage paper, laughing with my sisters until my cheeks hurt, a Philadelphia roll with just the right amount of wasabi, a pine scented Meyers candle year round, long walks in the crisp morning air, creative flow and all of the books.

Lastly, one of the most important things for me in this space is to show up in all my human glory. So many times I find myself on social media wondering if there’s even a person on the other side of the screen. I love connecting this way and I crave something real. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place!

This publication is created without the use of AI — there are no ads and no algorithm. It’s just me, in my favorite corner of the couch, looking out into the beautiful northern, MN landscape and sharing what comes up.