Valerie…Who Am I?

So who am I? Isn’t that the quintessential question? The “bio” facts would include that I was born in Limoges, France and that as far as I know, all my relatives are French. I came to the States at the age of 3 and grew up in and around Chicago.

I studied architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After Mike and I married, we moved to Philadelphia, studying and working there for about 7 1/2 years before moving to the Maryland northwest suburbs of Washington, DC.

We have now been in Maryland for 25 years and have 2 almost grown children, our elder having graduated from college a few years ago and recently moved to Arizona; and his younger sister will soon finish her junior year of college.

So who am I beyond the basic “bio”? 

I’ve always been a designer, a crafter, a gatherer of people. Over the past 20+ years I’ve used my love of creating and social gatherings in various leadership roles in different communities that have been part of our lives…schools, our neighborhood, and our congregations.

Five years ago, in the late winter/early spring of 2016, I discerned a call to youth ministry. That yes brought about a renewed spiritual life. My father believed baptism was important (just in case) but aside from that, my parents were disillusioned with the Catholic Church and I didn’t join a faith community until half way through my college years and then joined the Lutheran Church (ELCA) on campus. Being an engaged member of a faith family has been important to me since then. “Church nerd” is a label I’m starting to embrace.

Things that feed my soul? Feeding people, baking bread, serving, creating things, sitting on the porch swing, gathering around the fire pit, gatherings with friends and family, leading, coloring, lounging on the beach, watching sunlight, playing games, doing puzzles, reading, and journaling among other things. Some favorite things…wine, chocolate, red, raspberries.

Writing helps me process and give voice to my thoughts. I don’t expect what I post here to speak to everyone. You might even find ideas that not only do not resonate, but that you seriously disagree with. That’s fine. Comments are welcomed, but civility is a must. I write about ordinary life stuff, community, faith, and whatever I sense a need to share to a wider audience than my journal pages.

I hope my words are of value to you. Blessings and peace to you.

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