Dagon, Kitties, and Trolls-Oh My!

Author

Monica Valentinelli
April 08, 2026

Heya!

It’s been a minute since I’ve written to you. I both can and can’t believe that the last time I wrote a newsletter was in January.

This has been a long, challenging winter on multiple fronts, and to quote Princess Leia: “It’s not over yet.” It snowed this morning and later today the forecast predicts 30-40 degree warmer temps. The wild and wacky weather has wreaked havoc on my sinuses, which I would like to yeet out of my head and replace with cybernetics, and my fortune-telling knees that can predict whether or not it’ll rain better than any computer program or Magic 8-ball.

To counteract the oppressive winter, I started knitting a colorful cotton shawl, which will take me a year to complete due to the tiny stitches. Oof. Spent some time in a greenhouse during an orchid show and brought home a new friend. I also discovered a new-to-me artist, too! Gregory Frederic has a wonderful, evocative style that is jam-packed with color, meaning, and music. I really like this piece “Immersed in Color” and snapped up a mousepad with this print.

Meet Mephistopheles, mighty guardian of the Devil’s Brew, a.k.a. our future Arabica coffee beans. In three or four years… We may be blessed with beans… Yes, this will be a long-term commitment.

The mighty Mephistopheles! Named after the Faustian figure, because tending to a tropical plant in a non-tropical climate does require a bargain with the supernatural.

I’ve also had the fortune to celebrate another birthday and get stuck in a blizzard. Literally. It’s April now, though, which I’m not sure when or even how that occurred. Part of me feels like I’m holding my breath until gestures this is all over. The other part, the part that knows it’s not healthy to remain filled with rage and anxiety, is moving forward slowly but surely—every day, a little bit closer to finishing another project.

All that said, I haven’t been painting at all. I took a day for wirework and was surprised how much fun I had. I’m keen on painting a series of minis and finishing a Godzilla painting after I finish one of my bigger projects.

I have been writing, consistently and routinely, and that’s been a balm. I finally feel like I have fully detached from the work-for-hire wagon; it’s a funny thing that happens when you write for other people for so long. Sometimes, you get so good at fitting into other people’s voices, you forget your own. Thankfully, I don’t have that issue anymore, and I’m enjoying all of my work—work-for-hire or not—much, much more.

Is this a good thing? Will it pay off? Hell if I know. Shit (and I say that word with full intention) is so unpredictable right now the only people who know what’s going to happen in the next day or two sit in the White House. And I do not. I cannot plan for the unpredictable; I must build consistency and focus on what’s right in front of me.

To that end, I’m reading The Introverted Creator: Making Impact Without Playing the Game. The glimmers of a grand scheme have hatched, but it’s premature to talk about it. I’d much rather get the work done, first. And right now? That’s enough.

I am pleased to share a few announcements with you.

I’m also heading to Indianapolis at the beginning of May for Mo*Con. It’s the 20th anniversary of this unique event, and I’m keen on catching up with folks.

Before I say good-bye and dive back into my manuscript, I wanted to share some words of support and encouragement. Look, most people I know are struggling in some fashion. Mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, economically, etc. Maybe some of those things, maybe one, maybe all? Anyway, words for you. Right. Ahem. Time for a mini-letter framed by the immortal words of Katie Abey.

Dear Reader:

I just want to acknowledge that your stress, concerns, and fears are real. You’re not imagining dread. You’re not deficient in some way because you’re stressed out or you “just can’t” today or what have you. You are a human being struggling to survive and thrive in an unstable world. Some days are better than others. Some days you can take care of your needs and other days you can’t. That feeling like you’re walking on a wobbly bridge tied to a tree high over a ravine? That is real.

Take a deep breath. Now, I want you to imagine the people closest to you. Your family, your friends and loved ones—even your pets. Picture the people you work with, play games with, go out and have fun with.

Yes, shit sucks right now. In that darkness, please remember that you’re not alone.

Whatever you’re dealing with, I wish you peace and strength. May you receive all that you need and then some. You deserve happiness.

Love,

Monica

P.S. Thank you for reading. I appreciate you!

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