Editor’s Note: Kris Kieper is a fiber artist with a passion for wilderness and sharing nature scenes using needle felting. She lives near the end of the Gunflint Trail with her husband, Chad, and their two dogs.

We asked Kris about the fine line of staying present during a phenomenon such as the recent displays of northern lights over the Boundary Waters region, while also looking to share it with friends and others on social media. Below is her response, which we feel is spot-on.

Photo by Kris Kieper

From Kris: “There’s something about the wilderness that just makes me hit pause and seek to connect with something truly real. When the aurora borealis lights up the sky, it takes that connection to a whole new level. There’s this magical moment when everything goes quiet, and the night is alive with brilliant dancing colors. It honestly feels like the universe is putting on a show just for me—a reminder of how stunning and mysterious everything can be.

But I quickly experience a tug-of-war between just soaking it all in and the desire to grab my camera. Do I lose myself in the moment, or do I try to capture it for later?

Photo by Kris Kieper

As I watch the colors swirl and shift, I decide to take pictures, even though I know they can never truly convey what it feels like to be here. I realize I need to put my phone down, take a deep breath, and just be present. And I do. But I also want to cherish the memories and share the inspiration. Experiencing the lights firsthand is a tremendous gift. It’s also a reminder for me that life is about feeling things deeply—not just snapping photos. Yet, seeing the northern lights in this sacred place is also something worth sharing. And something I never want to take for granted.”

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Click here to view original art by Kris Kieper.