June 2026

“I am devoted to the pursuit of impermanent beauty and how that can become nourishment for life to continue.” — Day Schildkret, author of Morning Alters

Recently, I was gifted a bouquet of flowers from my children for Mother’s Day—a gesture that touched my heart deeply. Having just recovered from hip surgery, the timing was perfect. As these blooms began to fade after a few weeks, I found myself drawn into a new source of inspiration: Morning Altars | Impermanent Earth Art, an extraordinary book that speaks to the soul.

Creating an altar transformed my perspective, igniting a sense of mystery, peace, and tranquility within me. Sitting amidst the symphony of whistling birds, whispering trees, and the gentle wind as my creative guide was a profound experience. It was a sacred moment—time carved out just for myself to craft something meaningful and to give back through the joy of creation.

Living in this serene corner of the earth, I feel truly blessed to work, live, and play in what I believe is the most tranquil place on Earth. I invite you—yes, you—to take a few moments each day to forage, create, and connect. As Morning Altars teaches, this simple act can be a healing ritual during times of loss, growth, or transition. An altar is more than a collection of objects; it’s a celebration of life, a tribute to loved ones no longer with us, and a sacred space for reflection.

Throughout our lives, we craft mandalas, altars, and sacred spaces—whether it’s a simple arrangement of stones, a circle of flowers, a personal altar adorned with meaningful objects, or a nature-inspired installation in the woods. These creations serve as gentle reminders of our connection to the earth, to each other, and to the divine.

Create. Breathe. Love. What more could we ask for? One day, we envision Graceful Days having a sanctuary—an sacred haven beneath the mountains—where everyone can come to honor loved ones, find peace, and unite in the beauty of loss and love.

Let’s celebrate impermanence and the sacred art of creating, one moment at a time.

Two board members from Graceful Days had the opportunity to attend the Omega Home Network Conference (The Art & Heart of Caring: Innovation Rooted in Compassion) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, thanks to a generous donor and supporter of Graceful Days.

The conference featured executive sessions, discussions on operating end-of-life homes, supporting caregivers, volunteers, and staff, as well as topics on policies, procedures, fundraising sustainability, and organizational development.

With over 100 attendees representing more than 50 homes across the U.S. that are currently welcoming guests for their final days or in development, the event was a rich source of learning.

We are thrilled to carry forward new knowledge, forge meaningful friendships, and connect with inspiring mentors as we prepare to open the first social model end-of-life home in the Flathead Valley, Montana.

Upcoming Events

✨Join us for Death Over Dinner! ✨

Bring a potluck dish, come with an open mind, and enjoy meaningful company.

Click Link here to RSVP or scan the QR code above.

Thank you all for attending the Death Cafe on May 13th!

Death Café Recap: Meeting Icebreaker question: Do you have your end-of-life plans in order?

During the session, we explored a wide range of topics related to end-of-life planning, including the upcoming significant wealth transfer, probate processes, trusts versus wills, and the importance of understanding that death can occur at any age. We discussed various legal and medical documents such as advance care directives, financial and health powers of attorney, the 5 Wishes, the NOK Box, DNR tattoos, Glacier Village, health proxies, and proof of heaven—neurologist-induced near-death experiences. The conversation also covered practical tools like payable-on-death accounts and other vital end-of-life documents. It was encouraging to have clear answers to questions that often slip our minds. We are deeply grateful to Denise Romer for joining us and sharing her expertise.

"I love being someone’s last few days of their life."

“Your body is just as important as your things.”

“Death knows no age.”

For reference, here are some helpful links:

An Unconscious Patient with a DNR Tattoo

POLST form

POLST order form

Eco burial urns

NOK Box

Harvard Neurosurgeon Died and Discovered Consciousness Isn’t the Brain

The Five Wishes

End-of-Life Benefits for military veterans

My End of Life Decisions: An Advance Planning Guide and Toolkit

Order of the Good Death: Building a meaningful, Eco-Friendly, and Equitable End of Life.