A Matryoshka Bloghop + eBook Giveaway!

Sailor Nesting Dolls by Val's Art Studio

Can you resist those delightful Russian Nesting Dolls? I, for one, can NOT!

A couple months ago, I was approached by a couple of indie publishers, otherwise known as   FabPub, who are venturing into the world of craft ebook publishing. They invited my sweet needle felted Russian Dolls to join their Matryoshka party. I couldn't resist, and made not one, but TWO sets of nesting dolls.

The book offers fun and fabulous Matryoshka doll projects, everything from a fantastic wearable costume, to tea towels you can print yourself.

And, my two projects are included, with full directions that you can make at home, in your spare time! 

Russian Dolls by Val's Art Studio

Following is a list of all the artists who are participating in a celebration of the book's completion, and we are doing a Fun Bloghop to set all the excitement in motion! I hope you will hop around to other Matroyoshka makers, and learn a little about their craft as well.

May 28	Margot Potter
May 29	Joanna at That Thing I Made
May 30	Vikram at Craft Gossip
May 31	Kathleen Dames
June 1	Samantha at Geeky Sweetheart
June 2	Redd at Dame Named Redd Designs
June 3	Renee at My Ugly Kitty
June 4	Val at Val’s Art Studio
June 5	Jessica at Ballston Arts & Crafts Market
June 6	Shayne at Trans-Craft-Inental
June 7	Jean at Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry
June 8	Leesandra at The Sweet Spot
June 9	Jo at Feeling Stitchy
June 10	Lori at Pretty Things
June 11	Paul at G33kopolis
June 12	Alexis at What The Craft
June 13	Anna at The Weekly Enthusiast
June 14	Chrissy at Muse of the Morning
June 15	Susan at West Coast Crafty
June 16	Tonya at The Trouble With Crafting
June 17	Sherezada at Hand / Eye / Mind / Mouth
June 18	Shayne at Geek Crafts

photo courtesy of fabpub.com. 

YOU can win an eBook version of the book simply by "liking" FabPub's Facebook page (click here), then make sure to leave me a comment at the end of this post. That's all you have to do to enter. So simple! I will be selecting a winner on June 15, so make sure to check back and see if you have won! Your eBook will be emailed directly into your inbox, and you will enjoy a summer ahead filled with every Matryoshka project imaginable :o) 

Good luck!

x, Val

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to you all. I hope you are spending time with your nearest and dearest today, and will share a few moments of quiet contemplation for those who have fought for our country... 

And ... Hello Summer! Wow, can you believe it's right around the bend??? 


I can't resist posting Stephanie Ackerman's beautiful flag project from her inspirational blog. I just love this, and know I will have to try this patriotic project very soon! So, maybe you have a few uninterrupted hours for doing a bit of creating today, and can whip this project out. hint, hint :o)


Have a lovely day,
x, Val

PS. Check back soon, for I will be offering a GIVEAWAY of a newly released book featuring a few of my needlefelted projects. Yay!

Hello, My name is ...

ADD Val


Yesterday, my husband called me that. 


I slightly rolled my eyes at him, but then I looked around at what I had going on. Ok, I noticed I had about 5 projects going, all in a 1/4 - 2/3 finished state. I took a deep breath, and moved on. 


Then, this morning, as I look around at the start of my day, I can count exactly 9 projects that I have begun in the last hour, all by 10:19am.


Of the 9, I have finished 3! I think that counts for something, right?!


So, in trying to figure out if this name is truly indicative of me, which now,  I believe it is... I will leave you, and get back to my other 6 things that are in pending mode. At least, now I can cross one more thing off my list... blog post, Done!


Hope you have a productive day too!


Signing off,
ADD Val
(sigh)

Prickly progressions

Seems to be that kind of day... that kind of week. After returning home from our wonderful visit with Drew in Az last week, things just turned kind of ... well, prickly. Not only for us, but for others close to me too. And my days seem to be caught up in pulling thorns out of my feet so I can walk steady once again...

I have been working towards peacefulness and acceptance of "the stuff" in my life, and amongst the mercies of Pema's writings, have lately returned to a place of compassionate self love. I find it's easier to navigate the challenges life places in our path when we loosen up those deep rooted patterns of attachment, give them a solid look, and then set them free.  It's not easy, but I'm better about it now....


 I just look at the next fear or challenge, size it up, take a deep breath, and walk slowly towards it.

Lynda Watson's dimensional felted cactus brooch. Isn't it beautiful?
Here are some ways that I'm dealing with my "roadblocks" today:

• We have no way of knowing what we will be faced with tomorrow so we must trust what God hands us today, and know that we are on the right true and correct path, and that tomorrow it may all make sense.

• When what we are faced with looks ugly and difficult, we can try to break it down into something that feels simple and basic, and that might be an easier way to look at it.

• If it looks really bad, see if we can find a little bit of "acceptable" in it...

• Or, perhaps we can look at how it is challenging us, and work on finding the peace in that by stepping into the challenge. 

• A new twist can mean more work, but if we can just put our head down (like a work horse) and start getting what must be done, done. If we feel like we need a break, take one, and treat ourself with kindness, but then start the task. 

• If we feel the need to escape, take some time in offering compassion towards ourself, and try to sit quietly with our feelings. 

And the one that seems to be my number one strength and guide: 

Visualize our fears in a bubble, and gently push them away with a feather.

Just hope they don't land on a prickly cactus and the bubble pops! LOL


Hope your week is prickly-free :o)
x, Val

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms!

We are enjoying a very special Mother's Day with our son in AZ, and learning all about life on the horse ranch. It's a beautiful healing weekend, and I can't think of any better place I'd want to be today. I hope your day is equally special.
x, Val

Renegade, Here I come!!

Yeeee-haw! I am so excited to learn that I have been accepted to the Renegade LA Craft Fair this coming July! 

I applied last year, but was put on the waiting list. So I worked extra hard this year to alter and tweak my product mix, as well as work on my photography skills (PLUS buying a very nice new camera), and it's all paid off! I am V E R Y excited about this show, because I think it fits my "Who", or the people who will feel good about supporting my work. I am just over the moon about this girls, can you tell??!!

Now, for all you Hoppers, I am going to spill the beans about my process on that sweet Birdy Box (more pictures are here)! Get ready...

This piece was inspired by the-most-darling-ever songbird pair that is nesting inside a corncob birdhouse at my mom's house. We have been watching them as they shyly build a nest and spend time inside that darling place. My mom commented, "That birdhouse is so old that it's got to be a mess inside!" and that's all it took for my mind to whir into action... a birdhouse on the front and a skimpy messy place for the nest "inside"....

Sadly, I did not take any photos during the making of the piece, so you will need to get your "visualization glasses" on. Are you ready?! (Remember you can click here to see more photos of the project)

• First, I bought a 3 x 3" block canvas from Dick Blick http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-artists-boards/ Somehow I don't see the 3 x 3 size on their website, but I found it in stock at the store.
• I gessoed it on all sides and inside the back of the box
• I used tissue paper and printed it with cursive writing stamps to look like the tissue paper Junelle used in her video. I Mod-Podged the tissue in place 
• I cut scraps of fabric and glued them down in a pleasing tree arrangement on one side, and made a bird house on the back side.
• I used Christy's rad pen to outline and define all the fabric scrap shapes
• I added buttons and leaves I cut out of felt, plus a cute yarn bow on the birdhouse
• I added some text I cut out of the magazine, or if I couldn't find the right sentiment, I drew it on a piece of paper and cut it out.  I Mod-podged these in place
• I gathered up a bunch of fabric scraps and using that super duper fun Tim Holtz stapler, I just stapled them all together, then glued the nest into the box
• Then I needle felted the sweet birdy*,
• I made a couple of wings out of my trusty fabric scrap bin (isn't it empty YET???!), and stapled them like mad
• Then sewed those sweet wings in place with some contrast embroidery thread
• I put the birdy in the box, and just lookit' her! She's ready to hatch a couple of sweet babies. Awwww!

* A note about needle felting... It's rather hard to explain, so I intend to make a short video to show how the bird is made. If you would like "notice" that I posted the video, just leave me a message at the end of this post and I will make sure to get the word to you the video is up so you can come back then and see exactly how needle felting is done, with great instruction and detail. People who take my classes say they learn so much from what I teach :o) I am so happy to share this with you too!

I thank everyone for the sweet comments you left on my blog. What an encouraging group of like minded souls we are. I am so happy to be in your company :o)

x, Val

It's a Bloghop!!!

Ok, girlfriend, I will admit this, and I know you know what I'm talking about: I am addicted to blogs! I love to get that sweet peek into another's life, and if they are artsy, and sprinkle in beautiful photos, and maybe chit-chat philosophically about things that matter to me too, well, I am hooked. Oh, yes, I am. And then... I will stalk you, yes, I will!!! So, don't say I didn't warn you! Lol!


One of the richest blog journeys I have shared started about a year and a half ago when I stumbled upon Junelle's blog; Yes and Amen. I have laughed and cried, while sharing Junelle's sweet stories of life, sheep, farming, growing up boys, a miracle of a girl, and the journey through life a heart takes. 


It has been rich, oh so rich, and it has changed me. Yes, it has. 


Junelle has helped me more than she knows in getting in touch with my heart, and my God, and my art, and helped me return to my compassionate side, and get a firmer foothold in how the things that really matter in life are sometimes the smallest things. 


Yes... those things. 

So, long story short... here I am with all of Junelle's (and Christy's) beloved peeps, from the online class we have shared together, The Art of Wild Abandonment, and we are sharing a Bloghop! 


And, girls, aren't we blessed in this journey?! Even though it's been a journey of art, it's also been a journey of the heart. Or, as I like to refer to it, a heARTfelt moment, and I am so happy to have shared this time with you together, learning, loving, sharing, and Junelle-ing while journaling, hehe! It's been just grand :o)

All in all, I took away some fantastic things from this class: I gained a new freedom within my art, and permission to be playful.

I learned to look at art materials with new fresh eyes, and that's fantastic for the artist in me! Yep, "the one" who has chained herself to traditional art materials and ways of making art. Well, she's gone, and the New Girl is in charge! This New Girl is learning to fly inside her art world in a whole brand-spankin'-new way!


Junelle, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Honestly, going into this I was open to anything, but mostly I wanted to support you in this big new artsy online place. You exceeded my expectations. I loved every minute, every video, every bit of you. Plus, I love my new "art tribe". So glad we shared this time together!!!


xxxxooo, Val


PS. I really meant to talk about my art process, but this post came together differently than I imagined it would. I will write a follow up post that talks about my needlefelting the birdie, with his so cute Tim Holtz stapled wings, and how I decorated my art box. But, girl, you already know how I did this, don't you?! You are so clever!!! x


PPS. If you are following the Art of Wild Abandonment Bloghop, you have probably come here from Becky's blog. After you have read my post, please click here to follow the bloghop over to Valerie Weller's blog. You are in for a treat! If you haven't yet started the bloghop, why not join in the fun by visiting Claire's blog and finding out all about it. Happy hopping!

Planning ahead for a busy weekend!

Two biggie fun events are coming up this weekend, and the first one that is so exciting is a Bloghop from my Art of Wild Abandonment girlfriends! 

We are going to share in each other's art worlds as we hop from blog to blog and see how the creativity has been flowing since being so inspired by Junelle Jacobsen and Christy Tomlinson online class. You can hop along with us by visiting Claire's blog here, the first stop on the tour!


And the second is the Talmadge Art Show, happening this Sunday, May 6, from 10-4. Would you just lOOk at this super cute mailer?! And, in the top left corner... one of my Owl Cuties!! Whoot!! Here's where you can find out more about the Talmadge show, just click here.

I hope to see you one way or another this weekend... Hop by my blog, or come and pay me a visit at Talmadge! Happy Hopping!!

x, Val

Spankin' Fresh and Clean

Austin's Gallery has gone through a big transformation over the past week, and we have reopened this weekend with a new, fresh, clean look! All the walls have been transformed to white. The beauty of it is that all the art work shines in sparkling color, and it's so eye-catching right when you walk in the door. :o)

I hope you will stop by when you're in the area and support the local artists who work very hard making their craft, in hopes it will bring some happiness into your life!

Austin's Gallery

1024 C Street

Coronado

x, Val

Kokeshi Love

Do you have it too? I spent time during my childhood in Japan. When I left, a part of Japanese life and culture became a part of me... imprinted into my very consciousness. In total and complete awe of the beautiful Geisha and Kokeshi dolls, and of everything cute... do you see how it has formed me, and affected many things I make?

Oh. my. heck. Will you look at this bunny? How impossibly cute! ...and she's carrying a little flower....

In an online book club, my mom's group has been discussing Pema Chodron's book, When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times. I have been drinking in the thoughts and ideas by this amazing Buddist teacher, who encourages us to relax with whatever arises and bring whatever we encounter to the forefront of consciousness, so we can be free with the idea that "chaos should be regarded as extremely good news".


I have encountered the philosophy that wretchedness and inspiration are inseparable. As someone who works hand-in-hand with my inspirations, and struggles greatly with the level of wretchedness that has upended my life as of late, it's amazing to think that these two situations are not opposed to each other, but they actually work to compliment each other. Hummm...


Is that the reason my bunnies are coming out cuter than I can actually fathom?


Do I need the utter sinking of my soul to draw me into a place of humility and deep groundlessness, in order to be fresh and connected with my ideas?


Do you think I am getting awfully deep for someone who is drawn to the practice of making "cutes"?!


In reality, these are the things I ponder as my mind sits quietly in meditation and I needle felt away, very patiently, for hours at a time.

Miss Kokeshi and her Bunny friend will be making their way to Paper Tales later today. If you are in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by and see them in real life. I am warning you that you will squeal with their cuteness!! They will be two separate classes, and I am thinking about offering a giveaway for the first 10 people who sign up for either class! A kit and the instructions for making the sweet glittered stand! Oh my, will you be able to resist??? Details are coming very soon!!


x, Val

Mobile blogging?

This is a test. For the next several seconds, this blog will conduct a test of the mobile blogging system. This is only a test.


I only ask three things as part of this test, and they are as follows: 1) does this post look weird or abnormal to you? 2) Can you see the photo? (I can't!) and 3) are you in love with my newest Geisha needle felt? It will soon be a class. Stay tuned for more photos coming soon. ... on the next non-test blog post.


I thank you for your time, and will now conclude this test of the mobile blogging system.


Signing off,
Mobile Val, xx

design finds

My HSHB online class is in it's last few weeks, and though I am sad it's soon coming to a close, I feel ready to begging putting many of the new ideas I've learned into action. I am also getting ready for another exciting class organized by the amazing, and inventive Beth Nicholls; The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design. (If you are interested in finding out about Beth's repertoire of incredible online classes, check her out here.)


...I am 7 years old, and wandering in and out and under the stacks of fabrics (yes, you can do "under" when you are 7!) while my mom shops to make a new dress, or curtains for my brother's room. Lost in the scent, and color, and feel of the fabric.... and my mom tells me I can "pick out what I want, and she'll make me a new dress!" Yip! So excited! and, I am lost in the fabrics again....


So, now, everything I'm looking at is inspiring my thoughts about surface pattern design.... are you like that too? I get an idea in my head, sometimes just an inkling of an idea, and once it takes hold, everything becomes colored by it. I find I am thinking in patterns and shapes, bold lines, and complimentary colors. I am getting so excited for what's coming next!!


.... I am finishing high school, and beginning college courses, and for fun, I take a class in fashion illustration. Though I love drawing and painting glorious dresses on models, and billowing blooms of fabrics, my mind wanders to what more I can do to support the seamstress love that's taken ahold of my heart.... wouldn't it be grand to be able to design the illustrations for fabric prints?, I muse. But, how does one go about doing the likes of that???...


A visit to Etsy takes on a new experience as I stumble around, landing on the likes of Nancy Desmond. I am smitten! A walk through the neighborhood with my camera, and I see pattern and shape, color and design everywhere. Idea sources and inspiration are coming at me faster than I can handle.... beautiful!

Won't you join me as I begin yet another big adventure - climbing into the world of surface pattern design?! I'm loving this wacky, realtime adventure-seeking I am doing, and watching things that I have been dreaming about for nearly my whole life finally come true!


What are you doing to fulfill a life long dream, girl friend? Leave me a comment so I can come take a peek into your crazy crafty world!


x, Val

Scrap haps

I have to say that it's been bittersweet to see the end come so quickly to Junelle Jacobsen and Christy Tomlinson's class, The Art of Wild Abandonment. Most days felt like I've been scrambling for time, but working so hard to fit in a bit of much needed messy painting, and art play. We all need time for art play, girls... I know you know what I mean!

Much of our class went way beyond the boundaries of paint on canvas. Yep, it was all about being wild and abandoning traditions, and I truly loved every minute. I especially loved how it gave me permission to paint and stitch "outside of the lines", for I am continuously trying to mesh my love for fiber in with my love for paint, and struggling to find the link between the two.

This week, I've been sidelined by a surgery on my leg that I thought wasn't going to be a big deal, but the painting and wild abandonment took a backseat to calmer crafts, where I could sit for a while in one quiet spot. This lovie Friendly has a band-aid patch on the leg, just like me (hehe!)

... along with button joints at the arms. Ok, too cute! Lots of studious stitching-up from my scrap bin was in order, while other pressing tasks lay in wait for the healing to get a bit further along...

Well, except for Lola... who just can't believe that I'm in the photography mode, and won't I please hurry up and get her dinner???!!

Ok, all better now. Thanks Mom!

Happy scrap to you and yours. And Happy Easter too!

x, Val

Grrl crush

Do you get those too? Girl crushes? Um humm, I know you do... So, it's ok to admit it. Today, I'm crushing big time... I'm over the moon about grrl + dog

I actually first stumbled on her pinterest page. That's where the trouble began. I found out she's a fan of Julie Arkell, and my sighs of "oh no" got going. After about an hour of checking out all 3641 pins.... sigh (Ok, I know you do this too! so, don't think badly of me, aka. Ms. Time Waster)

I think what it really comes down to is that I see a bit of me in her. I see a love for fiber, knitting, painting, vintage, and of course, ...the dog. She has a big lot of experience, which of course makes me feel jealous and on edge, but in reality, I kind of want to be just like her... at least I feel that way today, ...for about an hour. Ok. Yes, it's ok...

She says things like this about products she makes: "I love the era of the thirties and forties and try to source material that reflects a time when things were more honest, and people kept every single thing."

I could be saying just the same thing about my products! I just haven't figured out such cool wording yet...

So, though grrl + dog has no earthly idea who I am, I'm the one who is right up her alley today, a little bit stalk-y, and all about her business. (must. take. a. break. from. computer. now)

What do you think? "val + bird" for a new business name?... it kinda has a nice ring to it, don't you think?!

ok, enough.

Who is your girl crush today? I know you have one!

x, Val

Upcoming classes! woohoo!

Hey peeps! I've finally gotten my act together and scheduled my next round of classes. Yay!! There are two needle felting classes, but one super cute class that's just all about "making a scene" with felted wool. Haha, making a scene... get it?!

Happy Home Felt Heartscape Hoop Class

Saturday, April 7, 2-5pm $35.00

In this class you will learn a whole bunch of embroidery skills while you "sketch" a Heartscape out of felted wool. Bring a sketch book and pencil, for we will be drawing out our thoughts before laying scissors to felt. You will go home with a completed art piece, ready to hang or gift!

Bring to class: sketchbook and pencil, and a pair of small, sharp scissors. Everything else you need is included in the class fee.

Back by popular demand...

Needle Felt and Beaded Heart Pendant Class

Sat, April 14, 2-5pm, $35.00

In this class you will learn basic 3-D needle felting skills while you create an irresistible heart pendant necklace. Bead sewing and embellishing techniques will be covered, as well as jewelry making finishing skills. Such a delightful class, the first time I taught this, the class sold out, and everyone went home thrilled with their new skills, and with what they created. Don't wait on signing up for this fun and unique class!

Bring to class: Needle felting foam mat and needle felting tools, and any jewelry tools you might have.

Super Cute Framed Felt Brooch Class

Saturday, April 28, 1-4, $35.00

Brighten up your day by pinning on this darling brooch! Learn basic needle felting, working and sketching with wool felt, and sharpen your embroidery skills. How can so much fun be packaged into this wee class?!

Bring to class: Sketch book and pencil, small pair of sharp scissors, needle felting mat and needle felting needles.

All classes are held at the fun and fabulous Paper Tales in Pt. Loma. Simply call over to sign up... 619-222-2510. Also, don't forget to bring the supplies you need on the class date. And remember, supplies can be purchased at Paper Tales the day of the class for a discount.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming class very soon!

x, Val

Etsy love: supporting the slow craft movement

I love this. This is why I keep my shop active on Etsy. It's why I shop for goods and (many) services on Etsy, and why I support other Etsy sellers. Etsy has done so much good for the Slow Craft movement, and in promoting a "support local craft" philosophy. In being associated with Etsy, I have been offered opportunities I wouldn't have received without this connection. My business has grown exponentially by being associated with Etsy.

So yeah, go Etsy!

Thank you, PromotionalCodes.net for this! I'm very happy to spread the word :o)

x, Val ...OR, as I'm known on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ValsArtStudio.

Sunny day love

Art journal piece created from The Art of Wild Abandonment class

I think, years from now, when I look back on today... on where I am in this part of my life, I will see myself as if I am in a great fog... a huge many months of June gloom*, just wistful and waiting for the sun to come out again. I thought I'd be able to regain balance quickly once Drew was safely ensconced in Az, with people who could help him come out from under the rock he's buried himself. On some days, the clouds part and I see a bit of sun, and my energy seems slightly restored. On these days, I press forward, and engage myself in my old way of being... I commit myself to tasks, and meet people I haven't seen in a while. Often, these activities take it out of me, and I seem to quickly retreat. Once again, I find myself back amongst the fog and gloom.

I am by nature a sunny day lover, always looking towards the future with hopefulness, goodness, and a calm peaceful spirit. Lately, life's pathway has taken me down a muddled, unsure road. I try to be patient with myself, and give myself time and space to heal. Seemingly, it's not happening on my timeframe. Uggh. I will it to happen, will the sun to return, will the grace of a peaceful heart back inside my being.

Won't you please, please hurry up?

I'm working on the soul of my garden, and planting it with Peace, Love, Grace, Truth and ... ummm, ....I'm willing the Joy to return. Won't you come back and join me, Miss Joy? Please? I will so welcome you back with open arms.

x, Val

*as they call June in coastal Southern California, when the inland desert heats up, and pulls the coolness of the ocean inward in the way of fog and low clouds. Depressing for me, but others love the cool, cloudy days.

Cutes on tour

Oh, my heck! will you look at these cutes! They have flown the coop, well, at least temporarily... Where have they gone? Maybe they are sailing the high seas? ... off to see far lands... maybe visiting a long lost relative... taking "the kids" (all of them!) to see ancient Egyptian ruins, or the shores of Borneo? Ooh, what a mystery!

I cannot tell you yet, but I will give you a tiny hint... They are on a big adventure! One that I will share with you very soon. So, stay tuned!

x, (super secret) Val

Tattooed baby

In IOP*, we have met amazing families, incredible parents, troubled teens and broken souls who have found their way back from the brink of addiction. Have I mentioned the word, "humble"? Yep, being involved with addicted teens brings that word into the limelight. In fact, healing usually cannot begin until the addict brings themselves to the place where they are humbled, and can ask for help. It is the first of many, many steps on the long road to recovery.

Among the many new friends we have made is the most adorable young couple, C+J, who were addicted teens, and are now sober, and recently married, now having their first beautiful baby together. Both share the love of tattoos, having many beautiful ones all over the body... and so how could I not... help the baby to have a few tattoos too?

Tattooed baby... needle felted tattoos... cozy-wooly-lovie warmth.... I am a smitten kitten....

C+J, with all the love in the world to you and your sweet son making his way into the world very soon... I know you will be the best parents, and will know what you need to do and NOT do in order to raise your baby boy to be the best he can be. You come with an amazing arsenal of tools in your belts. Know I am here to lend a hand if you ever need it. xxoo!

x, Val

*IOP= Intensive Outpatient Therapy. We are so blessed to have the help and support of our IOP family...

Re-balancing

It's a time of rebalancing and redirecting for me. It's been exactly one month since our 15 year old son, Drew, left for In Balance Ranch Academy, a program for troubled teens who have become addicted. Their program is about rebuilding the way the addicted teen thinks and lives his life, and includes work on the part of the addict's family. Greg and I have been working our own program here at home, including working with our younger son, Kyle, so he can understand the power drugs have had over his older brother. Mainly, we have spent the last month coming to grips with the disease that has attacked our family, shattered our lives, and broken our very souls. It has been completely humbling, and has brought us to our knees with grief and despair.

I share this with you because I have decided to stop hiding this part of my life from the world. In finding an amazing support group, I have learned to accept the things I cannot change, and instead of trying to control my life and my son's life, I am working on changing things that only I have control over.

This past weekend, I shared three powerful days filled with love and reflection with 11 other women, whose lives have also been devastated by this terrible disease. We stood together, united in spiritual growth, and held each other up, as women do. I was able to witness courage and growth that, through heartache, saw all of us climb to new levels of knowing from the pit of despair that addiction brought us to.

I didn't know what I needed, or what would fill the hole in my heart, but knew it was something BIG. These women were exactly what I have been searching for. Who would have ever known the disease that brought me to my knees, would also take me to the place I need to be, surrounded by the love and acceptance amazing families, soul seeking women, and of God. I don't really think I can thank Drew for that. Only God. But with that love and acceptance, I can give over to God that he has a plan for Drew too, and with this in mind, I can hope and pray, and trust...

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I pray this today, and always.

With love and a peaceful, very courageous heart,

x, Val