about Nicole
What does it mean to be from, or of, a place? I’ve spent much of my adult life contemplating what it means to be a North Dakotan and have asked myself that very question many times over—along with: How did growing up in a northern, rural community shape my values and influence my goals? How is it possible to define a place? How can we move communities forward without losing who we are as communities and people? These questions have led me here. This space reflects my North Dakota—stories of home and growing up in the northeastern part of the state along with stories and recipes from the kitchen and features of unique places in the upper Midwest.
How does “scandi” fit into all of this? Several years ago, I started researching Scandinavian culture and values—what I learned changed my entire perspective on living. I discovered that I wanted a slower life filled with intention, a connection to nature, healthier food, and a less sedentary lifestyle. A lot of what I wanted mirrored the childhood I experienced growing up in Langdon, North Dakota. DakotaScandi.com is a place where I can explore these ideals and document the journey. I hope you’ll follow along. To learn more about how Scandinavian culture has influenced me, read my story Becoming Scandi.
Thank you for reading!
Nicole Thom-Arens