Farm Friend Valentina!

Shortly after we moved to the property that is Kittleson Family Farm, we noticed that one of our neighbors walked each morning past our property - rain or shine - and always had a friendly smile and a wave for us.  Valentina Shimova was one of our very first farm customers and has been a loyal patron for the last three years.

Starting up a small farm is hard work and can be discouraging at times.  Work is plentiful and time and money are not always.   Whenever we would see Valentina, she would always offer a kind word and encouragement and share her gratitude for the bounty of the farm.  Over the years, we discovered we shared many philosophies, including organic living.  Having her as our neighbor and farm supporter has given us a sense of community, right out our front door.

Valentina was lured to Grants Pass by the charm and immense natural beauty of Southern Oregon.  She moved here from Los Angeles, after moving away from her home in the Ukraine where she was a linguistics professor at Dniepropetrovsk State University. Here in Grants Pass, she is the president of the company Leadership Management International and shares her teaching skills, mastery of language and her diverse cultural understanding to help others achieve success in business.   She is nothing short of fabulous. 

This last week we were graced with her generosity as she cared for all the plants and animals at the farm so we could go visit our family out of town.  Everything was cared for with great love and attention.  Farm chores aren't glamorous and this polished beautiful woman thanked US for the opportunity because it offered her a chance to directly connect to nature and add balance to her intellectual work.  How did we get so lucky?  We are blessed by your friendship, Valentina!