Blog It Forward

I’ve had so much going on in the past weeks that I have to confess I completely forgot about Blog It Forward. In the order of things, I was behind Where the Lovely Things Are and before Wild Magnolia 9. It’s amazing to see what inspires such talents tradespeople and bloggers. I encourage you to head over to Blog It Forward for some click-around fun.

As I started to think about what inspires me, a few of the answers came easily, and a few of the answers fell closer to my heart. For starters, the paper industry inspires me.

Above is a photo from the National Stationery Show. I think this was our 2007 booth. The Stationery Show is a convergence of passionate paper people, hailing from all corners of the world. It’s an invigorating week in New York, with many introductions, lots of get-togethers and hugs with old friends.

Next, blue rooms inspire me. I’m not sure why, because my token “favorite color” is pink. But there is something soothing about blue rooms, especially when the color is tinged with grey-green.

This particular room is by Alexa Hampton, and was on the cover of House Beautiful a few years ago. It has to be one of the most classic rooms I’ve ever seen.

Probably one of the most inspirational things ever is a good vacation. My husband and I love skiing, Colorado, and most particularly, Vail. Below is a shot of us from a while back.

Which brings me to my next inspiration: my husband. In case you haven’t met him, he’s the most likeable person on the planet. Seriously. On top of that, he loves me, understands me, and lets me be myself. And I love him for that.

I can’t go very far in any conversation without giving credit to friends, family, and great employees. Below is a photo with a smattering of all of the above, taken last summer when I was incredibly, uncomfortably, pregnant.

(Note to self: get more pictures with family, get more pictures with friends, and get more group pictures from work.)

The pregnancy paid off, though, and last fall we were blessed with another inspiration: my son. So far, motherhood has been the most precious adventure, and definitely one of the most inspirational journeys so far.

When our son arrived, he quickly displaced Frances Cornelia, our rat terrier. Here she is, modeling her kate spade sweater, a gift from one of my best friends, Jen.

That’s a brief summary of things that inspire me. What inspires you?