From the Editor

As we work our way through our 2024 themes, this issue takes a slight shift. We’ve encouraged action in our last three issues: Move It! Own It! Do It!
This time, we’re stepping back and taking a more introspective approach:

Envision It.

In many ways, this may be the step that would more naturally come first: envisioning what is we want to do, own or move. But even if you’ve already started to move or do, it never hurts to step back to envision what lies ahead or what you want to achieve.

A couple years ago, I was a guest at a meeting of the Women’s Alliance of La Crosse (WAL) on a day that they happened to be making vision boards rather than hosting a guest speaker. We were all invited to create a visual representation of the things that were important to us and goals we wanted to achieve. As we sorted through magazines looking for words and images that represented our values and dreams, I realized how seldom I take time to really think about what I want to achieve, where I want to place my priorities and how to move forward.

It is not unusual for us all to be so caught up in the day-to-day routines and chaos and unexpected detours that we just move forward without thinking about where that movement is taking us. We do the tasks set in front of us without thinking about whether they are the best use of our time.

After all, nowhere on my aspirational vision board did “laundry” appear. But hiking did. I didn’t envision myself achieving an empty inbox (though that is an admirable goal). Instead, I wanted a full calendar of events that would connect me with the community and those I love most. I didn’t strive to deprive myself for the sake of a smaller size of jeans, but rather added to my vision board the foods I most enjoy—hoping to continue to savor them when the opportunity arises.

What would or have you added to your vision board? Family time? A new business? Travel? Time in meditation or reflection? Deeper relationships with those around you? Or with yourself?

The women in this issue have had many different visions for themselves, and many have brought that vision to life in ways large and small.

Theresa Smerud lives a visual life—surrounded by color, design and creativity in her role with the La Crosse Community Theatre, as well as in her past career in photography. She brings her unique vision to life in costumes as varied as the performances that grace the stage.

Deb Brazil’s vision for the vineyard she and her husband, Paul, planted several years ago continues to evolve and grow alongside the vines as they focus their time on this engrossing endeavor.

Sarah Burns envisioned a day when she and others with food allergies and dietary restrictions would enjoy the same level of deliciousness in baked goods as everyone else, and then she made it a reality.

Jaclyn and Camden Halvorson envisioned a home for a growing family that checked all the boxes; their designer and builder brought that vision to life in an award-winning home on the bluffside above La Crescent.

The lazy dog days of summer are made for slowing down just a bit, taking time to reflect. Grab a cold drink. Find a comfy hammock, a bench by the river or a towel on a sandy beach. Turn off your phone, close your eyes or let them simply wander across the water or sky. And let your thoughts drift to what the future may bring. What do you see for your next year or even the next few weeks? What possibilities lay ahead? Where do you want to place your focus and dedicate your time?
Give yourself time and permission to envision it.