Hello! Thanks for finding your way here. While I envision this blog primarily being a virtual ‘room of one’s own’ for me to sort my often scattered thoughts and perhaps create some clarity in the process, I do like the idea of it potentially being a place for others to join me. Maybe you’ll just read, drink your coffee or tea and move on with your day. Maybe you’ll drop a comment. Maybe we’ll even converse. Time will tell. I’m glad you’re here.
Confession: It has taken me years to finally allow myself this space and time to write. That feels ridiculously pathetic to say out loud, but it’s true. I’m not entirely sure why it’s been such a struggle, though I could create a thousand excuses. I mean reasons. No, I really do mean excuses. I’ll likely sift through some of those in future posts. I’m also not entirely sure why I chose today to finally get out of my own way, but . . . Here. We. Are. Baby steps!
So, first things first. “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very fine place to start . . . .” Actually, let’s not. Not today anyway. As far as introductions go, I’m feeling much less, “Do Re Mi,” and a lot more Emily Dickinson’s, “I’m Nobody! Who are You?” I am simply one voice. I am not an expert on anything, but I’ve been around almost 47 years and feel comfortable saying I know more about some topics than others. I believe everyone has a story to tell that someone else would find interesting. I think many people seek more authentic communication than we tend to find on social media and even in real life. The written word can be powerful. What we say to ourselves and one another, for better or worse, matters. Communication is connection and connection is essential to humanity.
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that I am finally allowing myself to write as we are two months into a pandemic that has forced the world to pause and people to self-isolate physically. On the other hand, it may actually be purely coincidental. Ha! I did create the domain for this website in February before life as we knew it changed in ways that are still unfolding. For so many years I longed for a chance to slow down and have more time to both reflect and create. While this certainly isn’t the way I would have liked to see the opportunity presented, here it is. So, I’ve been thinking. A lot. I now accept that I will never feel ready to jump off this diving board which means I just need to do it. I’m proud of many of my big life decisions and efforts, but definitely have my share of regrets. Anyone who says they have no regrets is either lying, trying to fool themselves, or they’re still very young. By the time you’re in your mid-40’s, regrets happen. So, I look for life’s lessons wherever I can find them, and try not to make the same mistakes repeatedly–though it’s kind of funny how often I still do. You, too? Then there’s a pair of us!
I am finally willing to admit that if I don’t make an honest effort at writing I will regret it. This blog is a starting place for me to explore ideas and share stories. Total novice here! You may or may not find my stories interesting. You may not agree with all of my opinions. (It would be kind of boring if you did, wouldn’t it?) You may not always like the language I use. (I’m keeping this first entry PG, but make no promises from here on out.) That is okay. As long as you can respect my space, I will respect my readers. I am willing to share because I need to live by my convictions: I need to speak my truth, even when my voice shakes. Especially then. I hold hope that in doing so others may feel less alone and might choose to do the same. The world needs more stories and respectful conversations to find a way forward together.
Bravo!! So proud and excited for you, Val!! I’m thrilled to be able to read more of your writing. The only thing I disagree with in this post is your claim to be a novice. I have had the good fortune to read many pieces of your excellent writing over our years of advocacy together. And I remember a specific time when you re-wrote an inflammatory piece of MY writing to make it much better and, not surprisingly, much more effective. That was a challenging day in our friendship, and I will forever be grateful to you for sticking to your guns and not letting me steamroller you. I look back at that experience of writing together as strengthening our friendship to “tougher ‘n whang leather.” Isn’t that rawhide? I think so. Anyway, I digress. I’m thrilled for both of us that you are writing for an audience now—I salute you!
Thank you, Alison! This memory made me laugh-we have definitely strengthened our friendship through the various pieces we have co-written as well as other adventures in our advocacy efforts over the years. I’ll be your wingman anytime! xoxo
Right back atcha, girlfriend! So proud of you, writer.
Congratulations Val on your blog and just doing it! It took me years to see value in my art work and honestly it was my students who helped me see my value and what I could offer the world. So with that said I look forward to reading more of your pieces.
Thanks, Jenny! So sorry I didn’t see this earlier or would have replied sooner. I appreciate your encouragement & love seeing you pursue your art!
Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤
Thank you for reading, Abbey!
Hey Valerie! Congratulations on jumping in! Definitely looking forward to reading more. I relate all too well with your new endeavor and I’m really excited for you to explore this new playground! ~Travis
Thanks, Travis! Feels good to take the plunge–I will be looking to you for guidance and continued inspiration from http://www.devilishsmirk.com
This is wonderful Valerie! Hope you’re all well, and I look forward to reading more!
Thank you so much, Michelle! It is always good to hear from you. Hope you’re staying well, too.
I am so glad to hear that in your crazy schedule and busy life that you are taking the time to do something for your self.
Thank you, Amy! I know you understand well how important it is to make room for creativity. Thanks for reading-miss you!
You go girl!
Thanks, Mary! I know you appreciate the value of stepping out of our comfort zones every now & then. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Your writing has always been an inspiration. I always look forward to November to read your daily giving thanks posts. Miss the days when we saw each other more.
Thank you, Rachel~I miss those days, too. Grateful for social media in that respect-glad to stay connected however we can. Thanks for your encouragement!
Last time we had coffee, I seem to remember you mentioning that this might be in your future. I’m very glad to see it’s coming to fruition, and look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Francis! I wish you were here and I could have you set up this website for me! lol Let me know if you’ll make it back to AK this summer. Hope you’re staying well.
Aloha!
Responding to this blog just to see how it works.
Judy
Aloha, Mom–I’m still seeing how this works too! Thanks for reading.xo
I know your blog world will be a kind place and full of wisdom. This is beautifully written and I appreciate you sharing!
Thank you, Staci. I have so enjoyed reading your blog for years. I may be coming to you with questions!
Oh my gosh! I can’t tell you how excited I am to see you started your dream! I have always been vocal on you writing to inspire others. The great thing is that while inspiring others you will inspire yourself on a greater level. I love you Val and can’t wait to follow your path.
Thanks for the confidence, Dee! xoxo
I can’t wait to read more!
You have inspired me for years! I need your help!!!
How brave of you, I admire you for taking the step to allow us to be apart of your stories. I wish I was so brave but I have been scolded when I speak and write my real me. Congratulations and I miss those days of sharing,
Vonnie, you are brave! Look at all the gorgeous art you have shared with the world. If anyone scolds you when you speak they are not your people. Your Sisters In Strength are all made stronger by your authenticity. I miss you. We are so overdue for a proper catch up. Thank you for reading and replying.
I have always loved your respectful conversations and more than ever we need more of them now…thank you so much for opening up, sharing and encouraging others to join.
Thank you, Li! I think we have shared frustrations about the limitations of social media. I’m hoping this will be a more satisfying and meaningful way to connect with people.
Tears are streaming down my face. Reading this I feel:
A) so proud of you!
B) exquervous for you! (Chase family word – excited+nervous)
C) like you articulated thoughts from my brain and vulnerabilities from my heart. I felt myself In your honesty.
D) ready to participate in this journey with you.
E) grateful for your intelligence, insight, intuition, effort and friendship.
F) happy to know your middle name 🙂
Ok- onward!
I am loving how many creative friends who inspire me are the first to reply and with such enthusiasm! Thank you, Erin.I am super exquervous and welcome your support! Not sure if you know how our conversations have helped me get centered enough to give this a go. I may write about them (with permission first). I’ll also probably be writing more about names. Thanks for noticing details. It’s one of my favorite things about you.
Congrats! As a lifelong writer I totally understand why you want to do this and look forward to reading your thoughts. If you love it, let me know and maybe you could write something for the magazines I write for? Good luck, I’m already a fan of yours!
Wow! Thank you, Kathy! Your support and encouragement mean more than I can say. I will definitely keep that generous offer in mind!
Yes! Excited to continue reading your story. Love all of the creative life that’s coming out of you and your boys!
Thanks, Rhae! It’s been a long time since I’ve allowed myself to be very creative and it feels good! And yes, I did figure if my first born can be brave enough to create an album and share with the world, and if my youngest can create an IG page to share his art, then maybe I can dip my toes in the water a bit, too. And PS, your creativity inspires me, too! Alaska Friends, if you need a photographer who brings out the beauty in each of her subjects, check out: http://www.rhaeannephotography.com
I always love to read what you post on Facebook so I will look forward to reading your blog. I am proud to call you my niece ♥️
Thank you, Aunt Gretchen! I’m proud to be your niece. Love you xoxo
Val, I can’t wait to hear your stories and what you have to say. Like you – I love to learn and work hard on never stopping to do so. Good luck on your new endeavor.
Thank you, Elke! Life is quite a journey-glad to be a fellow traveler with you and wish our paths crossed more often!
Hi Val! This is wonderful. It’s like you’re speaking right to us, but there’s still a measured tone to your writing. What a voice! Looking forward to what you write next!
Josh, thank you for reading my ‘shitty first draft’ of a blog! You are one of my inspirations for doing this–I love how you continuously put yourself out there. Your courage has motivated me. Poets, teachers, friends from high school, if you aren’t following Josh, you should: joshmedsker.com
Congrats! I have always appreciated hearing your ‘voice’. Thanks for letting us be a part of this journey with you.
Thanks, Jan! I miss your face! So glad we can stay connected across the miles.
Fantastic first entry! I’m so looking forward to more…when you write I feel like we are sitting down, across from one another sharing a cup of tea, soda pop or an adult beverage!
Thank you, Vicki! I wish we were sitting across from each other sharing a beverage–or next to each other on the bleachers cheering on our boys!
So excited to hear your voice. You have a way with words that inspire me and cause myself to reflect on my own inner voice. I can’t wait to read more.
Thank you, Kelly. That’s a great compliment. Love you!
Thank you, Becky! If your blog still exists I would LOVE to read it–please share! I appreciate your kinds words and confidence in me. xoxo
I LOVE your voice in all ways! Shaky, swearing, lovingly, gotchurback friend. All are given with love and passion and hope. Look forward to sharing your journey with you. I wrote a blog before there were blogs. I might have to see if it still exists somewhere… ❤️❤️