Watch it, Read it! January 2023

January 2, 2023

Hey hey hey #GoodOnes, TGIM!

Thank goodness it’s Monday. And a Monday of a new year. Happy new year wishes to all the goodones! Mondays and new years always make me reflect. While I’m not one for new year’s resolutions, I do find it helpful to pause and reflect.

Now, if you aren’t quite ready to put 2022 behind you, have a look at our December 25 vlogmas where we we recapped 2022. From Christmas parades, to gingerbread houses, wrapping presents, Nooga lights, Christmas crafts, and of course the Whisper Challenge, we hope vlogmas brought a little extra joy to your December.

Sharing a joyful life is what we are about.

Did you know that it was Granddad who came up with the name “Autistic Interpretations”? Granddad came up with the idea when Jessica was in her painting phase and he recognized that her paintings were an interpretation of her emotions. Thinking back to that painting phase reminds me that all of us are always changing, so too is our channel.

Jessica’s autism has undoubtedly shaped our family and continues to do so. Blindness, complex medical histories, and mental health disorders are complications, but with the help of family, community, and supports, this life can be good. Our hope has always been to show that, regardless of hardships and challenges, we lead a joyful life. More than Jessica’s medical complexities, it is truly a blessing to live in the radiant light of Jessica’s natural sense of joy.

As our lives have changed over the years, our posts have changed with us.

As I explain in this video, the change in Jessica’s communication has been nothing short of remarkable. As you’ve seen, Jessica has taken an increased interest in creating posts. I’m excited to see where that takes us. Currently, Jessica’s video ideas tend to be on meals and meal planning, but I’m confident she will surprise us all in 2023. After all… “progress never stops”.

Social media started simply as an outlet for me.

But it has grown well beyond what I could have ever imaged. As I’m sure anyone with a medically complex loved one can attest, finding meaningful contribution and engagement opportunities for our loved ones is an absolute dream come true.

I’m also thrilled that Hannah has been able to join and grow our channel. Hannah’s support also means I’ve been able to carve out some much needed time for me. It’s an opportunity for me to rediscover myself and my passions. My goal for 2023 is to share more about that on DoStuffGoPlaces.

The move to BadDaddy’s house was another big change in 2022.

Yes, it’s been an adjustment all around. This is now a house bustling with poodles, card flipping, southern cooking, and family, just like we like it.

Also, 2022 included Disney, home cooking, visiting with friends and family, plenty of laugher, and being contributors in an anthology book! There is much to be grateful for in 2022.

So here we are, January 2023. What’s ahead?

As my Bessie would say, “Oh honey, there’s no telling!” Personally, I decided to start the year on a new foot: a 5k run/walk! And that’s how we’ll continue: with one foot in front of the other.

With Gratitude,

Val.

P.S. For those interested in a quick refresher on what we are all about, we hope you enjoy this short bideo.