Valerie's Workshop

Has it really been over a year since the last time I journaled here? I cannot believe how fast life has been moving lately! My son is on the verge of his seventh birthday, in first grade and playing soccer with a local league. A year ago, I popped the question to my boyfriend, and as of August 30, I am a "Mrs." I am still doing freelance graphic design, but have also been working as a nursing assistant specializing in mental health of the older adult. My husband has been busy at work, creating preseason orders on outdoor products for Rutabaga, as well as getting geared up for hunting season. As I look back over the past year or so, I realize that there was a theme to my life; living in the moment and enjoying life to its fullest. I am grateful to the many humbling experiences I have had in the past and have come to realize that every single moment is precious. I have moved away from wanting to share everything and watch the number of likes increase, to sharing a moment with...

Well, we've done it, folks. Thanks to you, all my faithful followers, Valerie's Workshop has reached 3000 pageviews. I know my blogging can be infrequent, going months between posts at times, so, the fact that you keep coming back for more encourages me to write, more . So, muchas gracias, thanks again, and Happy New Year!

Friday started normally for many of us. We woke up early, went through our normal routine of breakfasting, dressing and beginning our day. Some of us went to work, some of us stayed home, but for many, we went to school. My son and I arrived early, as we normally do after a long commute from Madison to Ixonia. I walked with him to the doorstep of the school, where I left him while I signed myself in as I do every Friday. I chatted with the school secretary, wishing her a happy holiday as I admired how festive the school looked. I said hello to the nurse and gave her an update on my sons condition, as he had been home sick with the flu for the last three days. After a quick pitstop, I returned to the entrance of the school, where I met up with the 4-k class on our walk into the classroom. We walked down the steps single file, hung our coats up in the appropriate cubby and made our way into Mrs. R's cozy classroom. Just like children all across the country, we gathered toget...

Well, it's official folks. Not only is my artwork for sale at the Mineral Point Artist's Annex, but it is now available on Etsy! Check out my shop here to see my first few listings. More to come in the future. You can search for my shop by looking up @ValeriesWorkshop. Just in time for the holidays, I've listed Christmas postcards and framable prints. I even listed my beanstalks, for those of you who have friends or family with growing children. Please feel free to share this page with friends. And make sure to check back often for additional listings.

Did you vote yet? I did at 8 o'clock this morning and was voter number 185 at my local polling place. Please take some time today to make your voice heard and your vote count.

A s I was serving coffee to the residents at work last Saturday, a woman who is commonly quite grumpy stopped me in my tracks and asked me if I always smile. I filled her mug, smiled back and told her that I try to smile as often as possible. As I worked my way around the table, I explained to her that if I wasn't able to do anything else all day, all I wanted to do was make at least one person smile. I looked up from the last mug I filled and turned to her, inquisitively. Low and behold, a smile crept across her face and my heart filled with appreciation. Her rigidity melted away and for the rest of the day, I could tell he mood was a little more lighthearted than previous days. Each time I walked by throughout my busy day, a little chuckle would escape and she would shake he head in confusion. Why would little Miss Valerie keep smiling all day? From a very young age I've been an uncontrollably optimistic person. I always try to make the best of every situation, find the go...

Mother Nature, herself ... Valerie S omething 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 ...