Participating in a gallery opening is an experience I will never forget. I was so anxious and nervous all day. But once we got there, I was so busy seeing old friends and making new ones, the time just flew by! Even though I didn't win any awards, I know I won, as I said … Continue reading I Won
Category: Uncategorized
Violets in the Grass
This spring, before the first lawn mowing of the season at Edelen Acres, I found myself captivated by a field of wild violets. They were so tiny and delicate, hiding quietly in the tall grass—a fleeting moment of beauty that immediately captured my imagination. Bringing that quiet inspiration into my artwork hasn't been quick. It … Continue reading Violets in the Grass
Perspective
When my family moved to Northeast Ohio when I was in the sixth grade, I was given a small, converted piano room on the side of the house. It had windows on three sides. Even when my older sister moved away for college and a larger room opened up, I chose to stay in that … Continue reading Perspective
Reflections from Edelen Acres: From Thread to Gallery
By Danei Edelen Welcome to the very first entry of Reflections from Edelen Acres! As Dan and I continue our work transforming and restoring our 13.5 acres here in Mount Orab, the rhythms of this land have deeply reshaped how I approach life, stewardship, and my creative work. Today, I am thrilled to share a … Continue reading Reflections from Edelen Acres: From Thread to Gallery
Journal
Journal & Community Advocacy Welcome to the journal. Here, I share syndicated columns, community advocacy updates, and reflections on living as a Mental Health Warrior. As an award-winning journalist and columnist for the Northern Kentucky Tribune, my mission is to break down mental health stigma, share lived experiences, and empower readers to move from surviving … Continue reading Journal
The Life Preserver by King Jesus
I am a life preserver. I remember standing on the edge to the abyss alone. As my feet carefully slide along the edge, I see one. When this one agrees, I reach out with my emotional arm, grasp their elbow, and we lock arms. Together we inch our way back and down. Once on safe … Continue reading The Life Preserver by King Jesus
The Next Chapter
"Praise God, we made it to here," I say as I kiss my husband thank you for my morning coffee at our beloved Edelen Acres.
Crabapple in bloom
Joey Herdina is one of the least of these. He need a new home in Northern Kentucky after the death of his father, Stephen.
“Everyman” Cliff Bauman publishes his 911 story
Like everyone on 911, I will always remember where I was when we watched the first tower fall. I was at Edelen Acres doing a training via Webex for someone on China, I believe. My husband, Dan called me to the basement to watch the first tower fall. We were all in shock. I was … Continue reading “Everyman” Cliff Bauman publishes his 911 story
Unpacking depression
“I was told, ‘If you are depressed, you have no excuse’” my friend, who battles depression, said to me recently. “That is just mental illness stigma,” I replied. What is mental health stigma? Mental health stigma refers to societal disapproval, or when society places shame on people who live with a mental illness or seek … Continue reading Unpacking depression