Elaine Olson
Biography:
The flatness of a Nebraska prairie, the openness of the sky, and the connections of a small rural town and its church were home. I followed the rules, played the trumpet, and led the church youth group. Someone once said I was filled with “piss and vinegar” - affirming the spirit needed to live in a small town with a hidden discontent and the Nebraska weather.
My writing career began when I won a prize for poetry in 4th grade. The simple words written in large letters caught the attention of a Nebraska poet, and I received a certificate and a free poetry book. In high school and college, I kept my personal writings hidden within the pages of a personal journal. But, I followed the urge to write as the editor school newspaper and annual winning an award again.
I am a woman with one foot in tradition and the other searching for meaning and life. I longed for broader realities and more profound truths. I attended a small liberal arts college to receive a degree in Elementary Education. I married Mark Olson, a Lutheran pastor. We have two children, Brent and Sara, and our family appeared “Beaver Cleaver” perfect.
My life expanded into several professions --- a teacher, a full-time mom, a handweaver, a director of a college program in Denver, CO. After receiving a Master's in Counseling, I opened a successful private practice, taught in workshops, and led small groups. My writing stayed underground.
We often moved because of my husband’s work, living in Iowa, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Wandering felt natural as I pushed beyond my small-town upbringing. An internal wondering grew stronger. Professionally, I listened. Privately I wrote for meaning and reflection.
My life turned upside down when Mark died of cancer after thirty years of marriage. I had to re-discover who I was, where I fit, and how I belonged. Writing saved me, for I wrote reflections and narratives in personal journals for most of my life. In the past five years, I have written to inspire and encourage others.
Currently, I am a retired ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a certified spiritual director, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am a mom and gramma and remarried. My life-long passion is to wonder, teach, guide, and affirm others; and together integrate issues of life and Spirit. The ocean feeds my soul.
I published one week of 2018 Lenten Reflections for the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. In 2019, the synod leadership invited me back to write six weeks of Lenten Reflections called “Above All. In All. Through All.”
In 2020, The Christian Century published a personal narrative chosen for the Frederick Buechner Narrative Writing Project about “feet.” Legacy Book Press published the memoir “My Walk With Grief in 2021.
I write a blog called “g’amma gazing” at elainekolson.com.
The ocean feeds my soul.
Social Media Links:
facebook: Elaine Olson Elaine K Olson, Writer, Spiritual Counselor
twitter: elainekolson
