Cliché New Year's Reflection and Goals

12/30/2017

2017 has been one very amazingly successful year!

Looking back over the year, I can see that God has given far more than He has taken. For that, I am so thankful.

The year was full of amazing hikes with friends at places I have never been before. The Red River Gorge and the Smoky Mountains were absolutely amazing!

My friend Kara

Those trail runs were pretty swell as well, though I didn't do any races. That's something I'll have to change for 2018.

Get it girl! (My friend Kara)

Walking away from the Nook until we find our forever home spot, we have taken shelter in a camper, which is such a step up from both the tent and the Nook!

I also got my license and the trail blazer! Didn't care until now, and I never realized how liberating it is having it.

Most importantly, I've connected with some of the most interesting people I'll ever know. I've not hit it big time, probably never will (I mean, what's "big time" for an herbalist?). It's not about that. No, part of what's been so amazing are the consultations I've held that have helped people.

Being able to host my first workshop of the year was...well, I still get emotional about that. My first workshop, not a clue how to host one, and I am so thankful to those who were a big part of it. Kinsey, you're photos were such a gift. Tiffany, Kara, and Chelsey: your support was welcomed and needed. I love you guys for that and more. The others that showed up, you all were amazing. The questions, the discussions - we were all learning together and it was everything I wanted and more. I hope to see you all at my next workshop...

2018 Goals

Workshops

Speaking of the next workshop, I've already started planning the next one! Here's the low down:

Going to be on the dandelion: what you can use each part of it for, and how.
Hands on: it will be hosted outside. I'll have at least two propane camp stoves you can use to make a salve or decoction. (Roasted dandelion can be a caffeine-free substitute for coffee.)
Feel free to wildcraft (responsibly harvest) a dandelion for examination prior to the workshop: root and all. Harvest away from any roads and areas that may be sprayed with chemicals.

I hope to have an even bigger turn out that last time, and I know it's going to be even more fun than the last as we get out there, create and learn! I'm planning on hosting at least two workshops this year!

Online Courses

I know I've been dragging my feet on turning the last workshop into an online course for those that missed it, but trust me I had to change the platform as the last one was not suitable.

The first one will be the Herbs for Stress Management Course, to be wrapped up and finished mid-January.
The second one is going to be Basics of Herbal Medicine, or something to that nature.
All courses will come with a course kit filled with the materials you'll need to use to practice what you learn.

I'm just as excited for these courses as I am the workshops!

Participate in more Vendor Fairs

South Shore's Heritage Quilt Festival was fun, and in my opinion, successful! Met some more wonderful people and had fun talking about why I do what I do. Letting people know that there is an herbalist in their area is so important to me because it's letting them know they have more than one option in their health and education of alternative medicine. I plan on doing the following vendor fairs and festivals, Lord willing:

Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Harvest Celebration in West Union, OH
Rarden Whitetail Deer Festival in Rarden, OH
South Shore Heritage Quilt Festival in South Shore, OH

Graduate

As I near the end of my studies, things are getting more frustrating with making sure I earn my degree and at least the title of master herbalist. Putting my nose to the grind stone and making sure that when I graduate, I'm going out with fanfare! (Well, probably not that dramatic...)

Running More Races

Particularly my second half marathon and my first ultra.
When thinking on the latter, I think I'm going to puke...

Shamrock Shuffle 5k in March with a friend who's relatively new to running, and I think she'll do wonderfully!
Carter Caves Trail Run in May, my second halfie. Really stoked on this one. Also running with a friend. I think it's her first half marathon, either way I know she's driven enough to do wonderfully as well.
River Cities Harvest Trail Run in August. I did this one also, about two years ago, it's 7.5 miles.
Shawnee 50 Mile Trail Run, and yes I'm coming to this decision soberly. It's not suggest to be your first 50 miler, but here I am hating myself and signing up for it once registration opens. Going to be fun, but mostly painful. Running this one with a friend as well, though he's a seasoned ultra running who'll leave me in the dust. I'll be beside him (or at home in my bed) in spirit.

So if y'all stop hearing from me after November 10th, it'll be because I died somewhere on the trail.

Knitting

So far, I've been knitting for about 3 weeks and I've made a few pairs of baby booties, a baby sweater, and mittens (well, still working on the second mitten). Now, I didn't say they looked good!
I want to get better at knitting and make at least one sweater each for Ryan and I. The carpal tunnel is savage right now...

So THANK YOU for one fantastic year! I'll be that person and say it:

See you next year.