day two: connect - pen & paper

We're living in an unfamiliar time. Under "normal" circumstances, our response might be to hug one another, to comfort our friends and family, and to gather together.

While we're grateful for the ability to FaceTime our friends, chat with grandparents on the phone, and connect with coworkers over Zoom...nothing quite replaces the delight of receiving a letter in the mail.

Today, we invite you to put pen to paper and write a letter. Use the backside of a scrap of paper, or that stationery that you've had sitting on the shelf for years. Share your thoughts with a friend far away, a neighbor down the street, or even someone in your own home.

If you're so inspired, decorate your note with what you have available—pencils, paint, stickers, flowers—use what you've got! Have fun with this small creation. Dive in, ask questions, share your latest musings—connect.

When you're done, snap a pic and share it with us using #valomaine. We'd love to see your note before you pop it in the mailbox.

If you come along and post a photo and tag @valomaine on Instagram or Facebook, we'll enter you in a raffle to win a prize--like a gift card from our friends at Rosemont Market & Bakery or a year-long subscription from the good folks at Taproot Magazine.

Ready to dive in?

Each evening of valo at home, we'll be sharing an email with the next day's spark of valo inspiration. Simply click here to share your email, and we'll make sure you're looped in! You can also forward this post to a friend and invite them to come along. The more the merrier.