So, I have found the article http://punaro.com/2012/01/derek/modifying-a-sharepoint-2010-workflow-email/comment-page-1/ which appears to walk through the process of modifying an out of the box workflow's mail message.
However, there is a basic problem that I run into before I get started.
I am logged into the system as a regular user (ie not a farm admin, etc.).
I do, however, have full control on the site on which I am working.
I create a custom list.
I create a simple one step approval - sharepoint 2010 out of the box workflow.
I start SharePoint designer and give it the URL of the list. It opens up and I see the various objects on the left side of the screen.
I click right on the Workflows object - which is where the article says I will find the ability to copy and modify the workflow.
All I see is "open", "open in a new tab" and "Pin".
I selecdt open in a new tab - and I get a blank screen labeled workflows that says "There are no items to show in this view".
So, I click on Lists and Libraries, then on the name of my custom list.
When the list displays, the Workflows section of the page has a "Modified Workflow" displayed.
When I right click on it, no menu is shown. When I click on the modified workflow, I get the workflow settings page for that workflow.
I am trying to figure out how to create the copy of the workflow so that I can modify one of the mail messages in SharePoint designer.
Is there someone who has some advice on how to find this copy and modify option? Or perhaps a web site, web forum, article series, or book covering the topic?
Thank you!