Mother Nature

Mother Nature, herself ... Valerie

Something I'm not often able to share with the outside world is my love of the outdoors. Over the last few years, my love for nature has been allowed to blossom, mostly due to the fact that I live with hunting, fishing, mud tromping, gun slinging, manly-men twins, that inspire my almost five year old to tromp through mud, sling plastic guns and fish until he's on the verge of tears. (Please don't let them know I'm flattering them this much. It might go to their heads!) And we do this all with two high energy dogs that love the woods more then we do.


On an almost weekly basis we pack our backpacks with snacks, water, hats, sunglasses, and my camera gear, and head to the sight of that days adventure. This past week we went pheasant hunting in Spring Green, West of Madison, and despite all the times my little man asked 'are we to the farm yet?', I was thrilled. Each week I am pleased to realize what an amazing family we've become. Some of our most cherished moments have been shared under the canopy of oak trees, our in the middle of a rustling sea of prairie plants. Our best selves shine through when we are out here, because we are finally comfortable to be ourselves. We tell silly stories, play 'til we can't stand up any more and even let a few belches slip here and there. I live with boys, after all!

When we get back home after days like that, I can't help but feel claustrophobic, closing the door behind me as I enter the house. My spirit feels as free as a bird when I'm outside, and I can't help but feel like I'm in a cage when I go inside. I guess I'll have to listen to Free Bird today, let my hair down, and breath some fresh air.

a flashback to my childhood

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Your Work Survival Kit: 10 Must-Haves

Image
Now that cold and flu season is upon it, it's time to tackle your workplace wellness! From Thieves wipes to a USB diffuser, there are multiple ways of keeping your office clean and calm and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way. Let me know if you're interested in ordering or want to know more about Young Living Essential Oils .
Read more

Junk Mail

Image
Having four people living in one house we seem to have a constant stack of mail on the kitchen table that needs sorting. Well, we used to have a stack ...   ... now we have this! Last week was pretty laid back at our house, with few responsibilities taking me away from home, so I decided to build a mail sorting station. After a half hour of sketching and determining cut sizes I was ready for a trip to the hardware store to pick up a few pieces of hardware and some plywood. I got home from the store at noon; by 3pm the unit was assembled. Once assembled the entire surface was coated with stain (stain color name: driftwood) and two hooks were attached after the stain dried.  The next morning I brought it inside, hung it and was able to clear the table instantly. Everyone gets their own cubbie, a spot to hang their keys, and theirs even a little shelf to display some of my favorite bud vases. It's so nice to be able to grab the mail, walk in the door, toss it in a basket, and hav
Read more

Community Education: 2020 & Beyond

Image
Valerie has been blessed to know and care for many individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias throughout her years as a caregiver/nursing assistant but also in her personal life. She knows firsthand how dramatically these conditions can affect the lives of not only the person with the disease but those caring for them. She has been inspired to do more!  In 2019, Valerie completed the process of becoming an Early Stage Leader for the Alzheimer's Association with the intent of hosting monthly Memory Cafes in Madison, Wisconsin.  "A memory café is a meeting place for anyone who is experiencing beginning changes in memory. It can be a fun way to connect with others who are dealing with the same issues. The intent is for the person and their family or friends to come together in a relaxed and social environment to connect with one another. Each memory café is unique as the participants are encouraged to make it their own ." - http://www.daneadrc.org
Read more