by Rileigh Crawford, Development & Communications Coordinator
Debra selling her artwork at the Rain or Shine Market
Have you ever shown up somewhere and felt maybe a little out of place? Maybe you went to an event where you didn’t know many people, and you weren’t sure where to stand or which person to talk to. Then finally the feeling of relief when a kind soul made eye contact with you, and welcomed you in. Debra Velder, a core member at Farmhouse, is THAT person.
If you are lucky enough to know Debra, you know that she is an expert at making connections and is an accepting friend.When I talked to her about how she stays connected in this hectic winter season, we quickly moved to her room, which is crafting central. Debra is a talented embroidery artist who delights in showing off her tall stacks of finished orders commissioned by members of the community, along with the many gifts for friends and housemates that she is working on. If you like to craft, you know how long a project can take and how much it means to receive a handmade gift. Debra’s artwork is a huge part of her life, and one of the special ways she shows her gratitude to those in it. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, a blessing, or someone is just on her mind, Debra knows how to make the folks in her life feel loved.
The very last thing Debra showed me was a large oval embroidery piece covered with names of community members from recent years. “This was for the opening of the Welcome Center,” Debra explained to me. Each name on the artwork represents a unique and irreplaceable piece of community, representing connections and relationships built and cherished. Debra and all of us are grateful for your unique and irreplaceable place in the fabric of our community as well.
