🌕 Circles, Moons & Milestones

Written By Dana Overland

The last two days have been quietly powerful.

After being out of commission for a bit—thanks, body—I finally started to feel human again. Tuesday, David brought me to see Dr. Sammi. Wednesday, I rested (read: collapsed). And by Thursday, I was moving. Not marathon running or anything wild—but moving. And by Friday… I was painting again.

🎨 And guess what? We officially started drawing the AA coins!

I brought out the compass, the rulers, the stencils—anything that could give me precision. I drew the exact same circle and layout so many times, chasing that perfect replica. It was oddly meditative. And today… I finished the base design! Now it’s time to design the coins themselves—and I can’t wait to share what’s coming.

I’ve also got a side quest brewing: the 12 Full Moons collection. Strawberry, Harvest, Pink… Each one holds beauty, folklore, emotional resonance. I want to take a little break from the recovery themes and do something lunar and gentle. So many people find the moon spiritual or comforting—myself included. 🌕✨

Also in the sketchbook? A mini collection inspired by Nicky. That majestic goofball deserves her own line, full of funny stories and maybe a little mischief. I mean… she was just named Pet of the Month by our apartment building! Her picture is now proudly displayed in the elevators of both buildings like a local celebrity. Honestly, I’m just her humble assistant at this point.

🧑‍🍳 On the home front:

Last night, David came over and I made Green Goddess Salad with cast iron chicken. It came out great—he took the leftovers home, which felt like the ultimate compliment. Tonight is our one-month anniversary, and we’re going out to celebrate. He’s been a grounding presence, and we’ve decided (mutually, adorably, stubbornly) to work toward becoming the best versions of ourselves—for ourselves, and for each other. 💚

I’m even stopping at CVS today for vitamins because David is lovingly up my ass about health. That’s love, right?

So yeah—I’m still in pain. I still lay down when I need to. But I’m out of bed. I’m moving. I’m drawing. I’m dreaming. I’m here. And that’s no small thing.

Even pain glitters… when you hold it right.

🕊️ With Love,

Dana & Nicky

Dana Overland

Dana Overland, Artist & Founder of Dove Recovery Art

I paint emotions. Not places, not things — but all the messy, beautiful, gut-wrenching, glittering feelings we carry. My art was born from survival: after years battling chronic pain, deep grief, and trauma, I found healing in watercolor and mixed media. Every piece I create is a surrender, a whispered prayer, and a story hidden in color and texture.

Through Dove Recovery Art, I turn pain into something soft and luminous — because even pain glitters when you hold it right. My work explores trauma, recovery, and the quiet power of starting over. Proceeds from my art help others on the same path: funding recovery efforts, community support, and creative healing spaces.

I believe art isn’t just something to look at; it’s something to feel, to carry, to heal with. Welcome to my world — where broken things become beautiful.

https://www.doverecoveryart.com
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