A few years ago I started "Val Pal". Val Pal is simple and straight forward.  Commit to sending a stranger a piece of mail between Feb 1-8.   You can buy a card from a local artist or maker or make something yourself.   It's easy to join- simply send your USPS mailing address to me and I'll match you with a partner.  You can email or do a social message.  I match pals as quickly as possible so expect to hear from me in a few days.

I started Val Pal originally because this time of year is traditionally a rough patch.  I signed my first of many divorce papers on Feb 14.  so, yeah, I can have a bit of hate for Valentine's Day.  

I remember I got the idea after listening to two young women talking on a podcast.   It was February and most of the conversation centered around love- not so much the traditional image of Valentine love.  You know,  a couple eating out, surrounded by roses and chocolates.  It was centered on loving your self in order to be able to love others.

At one point they asked each other what advice they’d give their younger self.   I can’t remember the advice they gave but it definitely got me thinking about the stories I tell myself about my past in particular.  I decided to change my February story and that’s the root of Val Pal.

Today, January of 2026 I'm having many of the same feelings I experienced  around my divorce.  Only this time- I feel like my country said, "We're done!  Deal with it."  Rage, helplessness, sorrow, sadness back to rage.  Projects help me break the endless loops in my head.

 I love the positive energy Val Pal generates. To have a small project to focus on and to send something sweet out into the universe.  It's fun to get mail that's not a bill or junk mail.  

If you'd like to join I do need your USPS mailing address.  Make something yourself or support a small business.  Pop your ValPal into the mail by Feb 8.  that's it.

XXOO