day eight: connect - separate but not apart

We'll admit that our circle is looking forward to the days when we can easily gather for game-night, catch-up over coffee, and toss the frisbee in the local park.

To help ease the loss of so many of these simple (but filling!) practices, today we invite you to start a new rhythm with someone you're missing.

Whether you connect with a group of pals from across the country or a family member who lives in town--reach out--schedule a time to call (or video chat!) and initiate a new way of catching up with your crew.

Begin a game night on Zoom each Wednesday, work on the same knitting pattern while chatting over the phone every Sunday, or compare your garden over FaceTime when you can.

Here are a few resources we found that we think you might like...

1. Think it might be fun to start a Trivia night? To play trivia on a video call, use this random trivia generator and start asking questions. Ask each player to share his/her answer in the chat at the same time--or use the honor system. Game on!

2. From cooking to watercolors to quilting, Bluprint is a one-stop-shop for videos and tutorials. Start a class with a friend and connect over updates, questions, and more.

3. Movie night, anyone? With Facebook Watch, you can gather your friend to watch an old favorite (or something new!). Click here to dive in.

Cultivating a new practice together can strengthen a bond, give you something to chat about, and put a bright spot on your calendar each week. Tempted? Why not give it a try?

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.