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@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Perfectly Imperfect

September 9, 2018September 4, 2018 Emy Minzel

I find beauty in the imperfections. The way an old barn leans a little to the left and the red paint is wearing thin. I love the tenacity of trees contorted in unnatural directions because they are searching for the sun in an area just out of reach. I love a gap tooth smile or crooked grin that are genuinely, beaming happiness. I love when people’s imperfections make them beautifully humans.

I love it when my husband works for weeks on making an antique head and footboard into a bench for me. then when it is complete to discover the seat that opens for storage sticks just a little. My husband feels that he didn’t do it well because it wasn’t perfect.

I believe that the bench we made together is perfectly imperfect. I love that this bench required planning, teamwork, and a talent we both have that compliments each other so we could complete the bench project together. To me, this bench is perfectly imperfect.

I love it when my littlest family member hands me a dandelion puff and reminds me to find the joy in blowing those dandelion seeds all over tarnation! I love when I see a three-legged, one eyed dog who is the kindest creature you will ever meet. I love old dogs. I love when it rains all day and you can toss your yard work “to do’s” in the for-later pile.

I love how my friend speaks of her passion and I see the energetic enthusiasm driving her to do what she loves. I find beauty in refinished, repurposed, and refurbished old items that become useful once again. I find that when we look for the good in someone or something; we usually find it.

I find that when I appreciate the beauty in things that are not traditionally beautiful; I am able to find the beauty in myself and others that may not be evident at first. I love a grumpy old man in overalls with a stubborn streak and a good sense of humor. I love how old people and innocent children have a genuine kindness in their eyes. I love how the biggest, toughest looking men have the greatest hearts.

I love when broken and hurt people use their experiences to help others. Some choose to share their experiences in hopes to stop someone from making their same mistakes in life. Other’s help to ease another’s pain by listening to them. Often drug and alcohol counselors have been down this path before and now choose to help themselves by helping others through their healing journey. To me this is the beauty of the imperfections in humanity.

I find beauty in imperfections because there is no such thing as perfect. Perfect is unattainable but we all seem to have the urge to reach for it. The funny thing is that one person’s perfect may look nothing like the next person’s version of perfection.

I like to think that it is our imperfections that give us our own unique personality and make us who we are. I do my best to love someone because of their imperfections and not despite them.

I strive to always see the value in imperfectly perfect. This means to love something as it is, not what you want it to be. I believe that to be able to practice acceptance and appreciation for those who are imperfectly perfect in their own way, is the definition of true love.

I believe we should first try this, by practicing this philosophy on ourselves.

I love you and all your beautiful imperfections too!

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Lucky duck

September 7, 2018September 4, 2018 Emy Minzel

Everyone knows the old saying; a duck may seem calm on the surface, underneath, its little feet are paddling (to beat heck) to get where it’s going. This is a great analogy for my life lately. I am just paddling, like that duck, through some rougher waters right now. I’m sure most people can relate to this from some time in their lives. Yet, I still feel lucky.

This reminds me of the time when Adventure Sister Stacy and I were camping in the BWCA and a lone duck crashed our campsite. She waddled up, cool as a cucumber, like was one of the girls. The duck roamed around the whole campsite, circling us as we ate our lunch. This duck was brave and unafraid as she went about her business of foraging for her lunch of blueberries at our site.

Stacy and I found amusement in this duck’s visit. We decided we would name her fertile Myrtle, the duck. It was also the year we decided we would write a book together. We took Myrtle the duck’s brave appearance, as a sign to do the same and be brave. We had been talking about writing separately but neither of us had gotten beyond the comfort zone of journaling. We needed confidence to put our words out there for the world to read.

So, we decided that we could support each other better if we did it together. And we did. Five years and three books later, we are still at it, paddling like crazy under the surface to get where we want to go. Where do we want to go?! Everywhere. We are called the Adventure Sisters for a reason, you know!

We love adventure. We love to challenge ourselves to level up and do more than we think we can, because we can. We want to publish our books to help others be motivated. We want to encourage others to get out there and make their dreams happen. We want to push ourselves to experience the best life we possibly can.

The Adventure Sisters have a dream to inspire others to get up off the couch and out of their comfort zone; to experience the life we were meant to live! During these years we have since inspired each other in many ways. Without Stacy urging me to use my political knowledge and sassy attitude to run for office, I would not have had the chance to protect the environment I love so deeply. Without Stacy’s current career path, she would probably not have the opportunity to travel as far and wide as she has been able too! I believe our lives are divinely guided for a reason.

Without the support of each other, we probably would not have written our books or started these blogs and the Adventure Sisters Facebook page. Sometimes we struggle with getting everything done. Sometimes I worry about my political efforts taking away from our dream to get our books published. Yet I believe the two are intrinsically connected. I believe by writing my life experience of this political adventure, maybe others will be inspired to run and stand up for what they believe also.

I believe that successful people don’t get to be successful by surfing the internet or staying in their comfort zones. I believe that if you keep working toward your goals, that eventually, you will get there!

I feel that persistence and dedication to your goals is the key to success. If I don’t give up, I will keep moving toward the finish line and get there… eventually. Somedays the momentum and dedication my dreams and goals require are frustrating, hard and even feel futile when I hit a bump, barrier or detour. It would be so nice if my path to success were a flat portage with minimal baggage, but it’s not looking like that is the path for me!

Somedays I whistle while I work and other days I am ready to go back to bed before I even wake up. Those are the days I feel like the duck, calm on the surface but making minimal progress in the direction I wish to go, no matter how hard my feet paddle. This is part of life. Maybe it’s even a test from the Universe to see if I really want what I think I do?

Maybe it is taking me so long to reach some of my goals, so I will appreciate them that much more? Deep down I know once I reach my aspirations, I get to set more goals and go on more adventures.

When I met my husband I remember telling him, “It took me so long to find you! I am not going to let you go!” I felt like a lucky duck when we met. Maybe that is the point of the difficulty in our journey of life? Without the struggle to get where you’re going; you may not appreciate it as you should once you do get there?

So, until then, I am going to keep on paddling in the direction of my dreams and goals. What would I be doing if I weren’t headed in that direction? I would be stuck in the backyard pond of life, going in circles and where is the adventure in that?!

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

What the heck?!

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018 Emy Minzel

What the heck?!

I believe self-analysis can be a good tool when you are working on bettering yourself or trying to improve relationships with others. I am finding my hyper self-analysis is not so helpful when used to extremes. When I am second guessing my every movement, word or belief it is not helpful but harmful. Over thinking stunts my growth and my ability to move forward in my life, censoring myself because of fear.

Let’s take campaigning for instance. I knew, that when I decided to run for office, that my every thought and word were going to be analyzed or questioned. I knew I would be the subject of interviews, surprise pop quizzes on the street and random meetings to discuss my intent. Originally, this did not concern me. I have an opinion on just about everything like most people in the world, just ask me.

Yet, when I over think the judgements of others, I want to shrink back into my hermit hole (home) where I am safe and secure. Is this anxiety or human nature? I had even stopped writing so freely because of these feelings. I have decided to concore my fears and keep moving forward anyway. What the heck?! Why not?

Clearly the option to retreat into my comfort zone is no longer available. I am in it up to my chin on the campaign trail and most of the time I love it! My fabulous community has embraced me and my efforts to be the change I wish to see. Running for this political position is my noble attempt to really put my effort and energy into bettering my community and myself. Yet the human tendency to second guess is still very real.

I do not second guess why it is that I am making these efforts. I know that the “why” behind my goal is very much to protect what I love. My community, my family and the environment for future generations. To be a voice for those who cannot speak.

It is the how I go about it, that gets me insecure in my efforts. The time and energy campaigning take away from my real life needs and responsibilities is very noticeable. I work less because I campaign more. I am not a trust fund baby. Like most people, working is a necessity to eat and pay the bills. I’m having a tough time balancing work and the campaign responsibilities, which is causing me stress in other areas of life. This is where the second guessing and over thinking comes into play.

Like most people, I try to figure out what it is that is wrong and how I can take steps to fix it.

I feel that the stress and effort will be worth it. When election day comes I want to say that I am happy with my efforts and that I did the best I could to make a difference in my small corner of the world. I will be able to tell myself “You did all you could.” And be okay with the outcome life gives me.

At times I think to myself “Why would someone put themselves through a life consuming, 9 month long, job interview for a position you may not get? Only to work as a public servant who is sometimes ridiculed and unappreciated. Why would you do this if you didn’t have an ulterior motive or a beneficial end game ploy?” This whole experience has taught me how important it is to be authentic. To be authentic in remembering why I am in this position in the first place.

I am running because I feel guided to a way that puts my purpose in line with bettering myself and my community for the greater good. To do my best to move forward towards a sustainable and healthy for the future. To be a leader with integrity that looks out for the greater good, not just what is good and easy right now.

Sometimes it is not profitable to do the right thing. Sometimes it is just best to do what is hard because it’s the right thing to do. That is my goal. I really am just a regular person who never really had political aspirations. I am only me. Standing up and doing what I can to be a voice for our environment because it needs one.

I am learning on this journey that yes, I may second guess words, but you know what? Who doesn’t at times? If, I can say I’ve done all I could to stand up for my beliefs and for others, then I need to be content in that effort. Progress doesn’t come in a straight line to success, it’s a twisted path of ‘Ah ha’s’ and moments of ‘what the heck was I thinking?’ This is life!

I don’t’ believe it is healthy to be certain about everything all the time. That is a dangerous echo chamber, of in the box thinking, that impedes progress or necessary change for improvement.

I believe if I don’t quit, I am still moving ahead. I am choosing to be content with the uncomfortable in-between moments that make us human. It’s okay to question myself, my motives and my uncomfortable situations, it leads to growth.

I will always continue to question myself as this allows me to hold myself to the high standards that I have set for other political leaders. Maybe that is the point?!

Thank you for reading my blog today!

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Protect what you love

September 3, 2018 Emy Minzel

I have lived in Minnesota my whole life. I have traveled some but not nearly as much as I like to yet. However, every time I leave home, I come back with a renewed appreciation for my State. Minnesota may be known as the land of 10,000 lakes but there are over 11,000.

I was lucky enough to be raised in the beauty of Northern Minnesota on the Iron Range. I then moved to a much more populated area of Coon Rapids (a suburb of Minneapolis) where I would graduate from High School. I have since settled in an area of Central Minnesota known for family farms and country living. I love the quiet country life that city of Princeton has to offer.

Throughout my lifetime, no matter where I have lived, there was always one common theme that happened in our short Minnesota summers. We were all headed to the lake or goin’ North for the weekend to enjoy what I now call our ‘Minnesota Way of life’.

It didn’t matter if you were well off or just making a living. Most people had a cabin to retreat or a family camp somewhere on a Minnesota lake “Up North”. I am a water baby to the point that my husband calls me the Queen of the Hydration Nation. He understands how much I appreciate water and especially water quality.

The Minnesota way of lake life that includes; clean drinking water, fishing, boating, camping, canoeing, hiking and swimming was (and still is) something that I truly enjoy! The beauty Minnesota offers is unmatched in any of the places I have been. We have four seasons which push us to enjoy each of them in different ways. Even when it is below zero temperatures, us hearty Minnesotan outdoor enthusiasts choose to go ice fishing on our lakes, or skiing and sledding.

I notice that most of our recreation revolves around the blessings of our most valued natural resource; our abundance of clean WATER.

I have learned to water ski, tube, fish, canoe, kayak and have made many happy memories that included our Minnesota way of life. Once I learned one fact about my beloved State though; I absolutely knew in my soul I must do something (anything) to protect the Minnesota that I know and love for future generations.

This fact is that; (according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) over 40% of our water in Minnesota is too polluted to swim in or eat the fish out of. This is almost HALF of our 11,000 lakes! What? No fishing?!

When I learned that political leaders of Minnesota were considering and might allow toxic mining here in our most pure and precious areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the watersheds of the Great Lake Superior. I thought “How can this be?!”

I could not believe that our “Leaders”, who are supposed to look out for the greater good of the people and the future prosperity of our state, would allow this. They should not be looking for what might make money for right now (or for a short amount of time) if this means poisoning our most precious resources. Our people and our water permanently.

These Sulfide-Ore Copper mines have a bad history of a 90% failure rate and leaving toxic pollution, so devastating, that the areas of contamination are doomed for over 500 years. That’s over six generations of your family that will not be able to enjoy the same beauty of Minnesota that we have grown to know and love.

When these mines fail, as history shows they likely will, Lake Superior would be toxic and unable to support recreational life and tourism as we know it or would the BWCA.

Even though leaders know that Lake Superior holds about 10% of the world’s fresh water. They still seem to want to allow a mine that will undoubtedly pollute it for foreign profit our native Minnesotans will never see. History shows that tax payers get left with the clean-up bill and the devastation of their water tables nearly every time. I believe true leaders always do what is right for the people they are paid to represent.

Therefore, I chose to change my life path drastically to run for the State House of Representatives. I believe I have been divinely guided to this opportunity to run because my intentions are pure. I wish to protect the Minnesota we know and love for ourselves and our future generations.

We must demand that our leaders do not sell us out for profit we will never see. I am just a Minnesota girl standing up to protect what I love.

We must demand that leaders start viewing our environmental protections as a public safety. Without a healthy environment there is not a healthy population. Scientist continually tell us we are on borrowed time (on this planet) if we continue to live in a way that we are.

Poisoning our own water resources for profit seems to be a poor moral decision in my book. We already know most of the State is already suffering from high nitrate levels in our waters, why would it seem like a good idea to risk the water that is still good and healthy?

To me, a true leader looks around, beyond their nose and sees that all over the Nation we are indeed in trouble when it comes to our water. Look around. Flint Michigan without water for years, Chicago now turning off water to public schools. Fracking for natural gas is poisoning water tables all over the place, Florida is seeing costal devastation from human activity.

We are seeing a great deal of drinking water pollution all over the Nation and we need to be proactive at protecting what we love and take for granted here in Minnesota, our water.

Now, like I said, this girl loves water, because we need it to sustain all of life. To me, a leader protects the necessities to live, because that’s their job.

I do like to keep my blogs light hearted and positive but sometimes life forces us to look at things that are not happy. I became interested in politics because of my concern for our environment, turns out they are intrinsically connected.

I am choosing to share what I know, in the only way I know how to do it. I am normally a happy person, but when you mess with my family or what I hold dear, my congeniality disappears, and I will do what I feel is right. Protecting what I love seems to be the right path for me.

I want to win this election, so I can stand up for our environment since the planet cannot talk for herself. I believe it is my purpose of why I was put here on earth. I am sure of it. What matters to me most is to protect our Minnesota way of life and the water I love.

Speaking up when I saw something was not right for the greater good, is what I feel I needed to do. Doing so got me where I am today. I believe Minnesota and the planet still needs more of us to do so.

When will ‘leaders’ start choosing what is right instead of what is good for business?

There is a moral responsibility here. I refuse to give in to the false narrative that says we must choose putting our environment at risk to make a living. I call BS. This is where my campaign slogan “Protect what you love” came from. We deserve better and so do our future generations.

Let us move forward to clean energy solutions as it seems imperative to sustain the Minnesota way of life we know and love.

Thank you for reading my blog today!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister