(The author continues his reminiscence through the "B" section of his address book.) Jan and Mary Bodogaard — My sister, Freya, met innumerable people during her days as a teacher and poet-in-residence in South Dakota. But not all of them became lifelong friends like Greta Heikes. Greta lived on the stool in front of her loom — she was a weaver extraordinaire. And she was from Norway where her parents, the Bodogaards, lived. Back when I was "finding myself" (no luck yet!) and traveling whenever I could, one aspect of my journeys was to contact people in foreign lands who were acquainted with my family or friends. So, in 1979, backpacking on my own, I headed for the Bodogaard's who lived north of Norway's Arctic Circle. Even before I got on the train from Oslo, I was impressed with Greta's family — they lived in Bodo (imagine a slash through the second "o"), so it appeared they were the "guardians" of their own town.After nearly a length-of-Norway train ride, I arrived in Bodo. I looked up the Bodogaard's phone number, called, but got no answer. Then, I assumed that the small town would be similar to my Luverne where everyone knows everyone, where they work, where they are every hour. So to track down the Bodogaards I entered the first establishment in my path, a boutique, and asked if anyone knew the family. Sure enough, I had directions to their house in no time ... as well as a gift from the proprietors of an open-faced sandwich and a drink. Ah, small town hospitality!My adventurous spirit was rewarded. The Bodogaards were equally as generous and engaging as their daughter, Greta. I, of course, got the royal tour of everywhere in Bodo. My most vivid memory was when the Bodogaards told me that some Bodo homes were used to hide exiles from the Germans in World War II. Well, I've always believed that my greatest learning has come during my travels. Ray and Kathy Beaudoin — Friends from Pennsylvania for less than a year (and the only people I've ever met with every vowel in their name), the Beaudoin's and I exchanged visits last year. Our initial meeting came in July when they visited Luverne for the exclusive purpose of exploring the personal history of their new favorite author, my father. Our feelings of friendship were instant and mutual. Tom and Sue Brakke — Friends from high school, these two Twin Citians continue to generously support their Luverne community with gifts from organizational donations to commercial buildings. Tom and I were two of the original members of the Green Earth Players and Sue and I worked at the Star-Herald together.Robert Bly — Bly is more than just Minnesota's contribution to the country's Men's Movement. He is a brilliant poet and extraordinary speaker (as all were reminded who attended his performance at the Blue Mound Writers Series.) He was also a literary confidant of my fathers and continues to be that to my sister, Freya. Of course, my most vivid recollection of Robert is when he invited me into the hills south of Santa Barbara, Calif., in the late 1980's to experience the drum beating and male discourse that marked the Men's Movement. I went and soaked in the unique experience — which is what it's like every time I meet Robert.Ben Vander Kooi — As if I need to check my book for the address or phone number of a best friend! Someday, I will write a multi-part column about how much this man has meant to me.Note: Several "B" entries have been omitted due to privacy issues.
