Hi friends,

I have been a single mom for the last 10 years supporting my kiddos alone (now ages 17, 20, 22, 25) in their educational, artistic, spiritual, mental health, and personal endeavors. In building my own business, Balanced Living, I have been able to support all of them in their various pursuits with very little support from their father. I am super proud of the way I've been able to create an abundant life for all of us through meaningful work, homeschooling, motherhood and wonderful community of friends. Those of you who know my kids, know they are truly beautiful souls who bring depth, life, insight and caring to those they come in contact with.

I am currently in need of help providing for Ela's opportunity to attend an intensive art training this summer in Kansas City, MO and Ash to complete their certification in massage therapy. I deeply appreciate any support that you might be led to give them.

Ela was recently accepted to a 2 week art intensive to study ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO June 15-27, 2025.

Age 17, Ela is an artist extraordinaire using mediums of watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, ceramics, fabrics (costume making), and anything else they can get their hands on to create with. Ela is finishing up their junior year of high school while simultaneously taking art classes at the College of the Sequoias. Ela plans to continue in art education after graduating from high school in 2026.

Between the cost of the program, room and board, and plane tickets, we need to raise $2500 before May 1st. THANK YOU in advance.

Ash, age 20, is an artist, philosopher, and healer. Ash graduated from high school in May of 2024. Ash is currently taking art classes (oil and drawing fundamentals) and philosophy courses at College of the Sequoias. In the evenings, Ash attends Sierra Massage School and is on the way to becoming a certified massage therapist. Ash is half way through the program. We are in need of the remaining $2500 due by the beginning of May as well.

I don't love asking for help. But I know there are many of you who know and believe in the depth and beauty that my kids bring to the world through their art, their being, their writing, their problem solving and out of the box thinking, their ability to hold safe space for others, and their contributions to their communities.

All money raised will be split between them for the Art intensive and the Massage Certification unless specifically designated. Designations to Ela's art training will receive a piece of original art and designations to Ash's massage training will receive a free 60 min massage with Ash at Emie's Visalia office or you can request a 60 min 1/2 off ($75) bodywork session with Emie at Balanced Living.

Thank you a thousand times over.

Your support means more to us than we can say.

Blessings and Beauty to you.

emie, ash, ela