Yesterday I turned 29, and I honestly cannot believe how fast the time has flown by since this time last year. I always like to reflect a bit on my birthday (you can read about my reflections HERE)and this year I thought I would focus a bit on my birthday blessings... twenty-nine things that I am thankful for and make me happy (in no particular order)!
1. Of course, all three of my beautiful, healthy, children.
2. Getting the opportunity to spend each and EVERY day of my life with my soul mate. Enough said!
3. Meeting my best friend Wendy. She's there through thick & thin and is one of the few people on this planet that knows everything about me. Love this girl SO much.
4. My hydrangea bush is in full bloom and just breath-takingly beautiful today. Delicate white flowers, crisp green leaves.
5. My hands. Aren't hands amazing? I like to think about what my hands do in the course of a day and how much joy they bring into my life. I am grateful to have them and make them communicate what my brain is thinking. Whether it be stirring a pot of homemade soup, stamping with an image I designed or brushing a tear from Ethan's cheek, they are truly an amazing gift!
6. Julie & Jane came into my life in such a magical way. Now that I have had the opportunity to build Papertrey Ink with them, I cannot image my life without them.
7. My home. I love everything about it. The cozy nooks & corners. The memories it holds.
8. My extended family. Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts & uncles, cousins, just the whole bunch. They are all so supportive, loving and thoughtful. I am SO lucky to have such a large family, one that has made me feel special and loved every single day of my life.
9. My eyesight. I am so glad I am able to visually see the beauty around me. Looking at color & all of it's variances makes me so happy and I cannot imagine my life without it.
10. My family's summer cottage on a little bitty island in Maine. Not only does the actual house mean so much to me, but the people and sense of community that I grew up with there helped to shape who I am today. I have tried to bring as much beauty home to Tennessee as I could to remind me of what an inspirational place it is to me. I am so lucky to have gotten to experience this place and carry a piece of it with me in my heart.
11. The paper crafting industry as a whole. I am thankful each and every morning that I get to be involved in it, even a small part. The people I have met, the life lessons I have learned, the artwork I have had the opportunity to create, the career I have been able to build from something I love, the passion I am able to pass on to others. It all is one of the biggest blessings in my life.
12. Early mornings in my backyard. The mist hovering above the ground, the sun peeking above the trees, the deer nibbling on the grass, the sound of morning songbirds. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to starting one's day in this way.
13. The design team. It is formed of women from all over the country (and Canada, hi Amy!) and I couldn't possibly think of a more talented group of artists if I tried. Not only are they talented beyond belief, but they are my biggest cheerleaders, supporter and friends. They are one of the main inspirations behind what I do each day.
14. My studio, my oasis. I remember fondly of all the different work spaces I have had over the years, including the corner of our master bedroom (boy did David hate it when I was heat embossing at eleven o'clock at night!). I feel so lucky to have a creative space that allows me to work efficiently and let my creativity take flight
15. The signs of childhood all over our home. Matchbox cars lined up on the windowsills, fingerprints on the glass doors, stale cheerios under the couch and an array of toys always on display in the backyard. I know twenty years from now I will miss all these signs of life. They are a blessing because they force me to remember just how short my time is with them before they are all grown up!
16. My sense of taste. I love to try new food. I love the comfort of enjoying old favorites. I love eating fresh veggies out of our garden. I love the huge spectrum of tastes there are in the world, and I feel so lucky to be able to experience them. They make me SO incredibly happy!
17. Music. I love my music. I love how it transforms my mood and my creative spirit. I feel so blessed to be able to listen and appreciate all the different styles that are out there.
18. Hot showers. I am OBSESSED with hot showers. I take at least two a day and LOVE them. It is such a luxury and a blessing to be able to enjoy this little simple pleasure on a daily basis.
19. Technology. I was reluctant at first, but I am now on board. Technology is such a blessing because of SO many different factors. I get to help run this company from a distance. I get to meet new people and maintain relationships I already had with just a few clicks of a mouse. It all is just so instrumental in my life.
20. The Papertrey community. Every single one of you has contributed to our success and don't think for a moment that we don't appreciate it. Your support has been unending and strong and we couldn't do what we do without you.
21. Pedicures. One of my few guilty pleasures. They just feel SO good!
22. Hugs. I love to give 'em, love to get 'em. SO much better than a handshake!
23. All of Papertrey's manufacturer's & vendors. They make all of our exclusive products come to life. They help me to bring my vision to our product line. They put up with my attention to detail and my insistence that it *has to be right*. They are incredible.
24. My books. I love to read. Really. I would do it all day every day if I could. I am so thankful to have reading as part of my life. It takes me to new places, allows me to learn from other people's life experiences. I love every minute of the time I get to dedicate to this hobby!
25. Cheesecake. I really, REALLY love cheesecake. In fact, that is what I have I had for my *birthday cake* every year since I was six. David was sure to get me one this year as well. Love how creamy it is is. That buttery graham cracker crust. Yumm-o!
26. Post-It notes. I use them everyday and they make my life so much easier. I love to stick them where they will grab my attention. They help me remember important things. They are one of the BEST inventions ever!
27. My three cats (Calico, Sadie & Sam). There is nothing better than working in my office and glancing over to the window seat and seeing one or two of them fast asleep in the sun. They also keep me company during my late work nights when the rest of the house is asleep!
28. Blog land. I just LOVE reading blogs. There is so much out there, it's never ending! I learn so much. I become inspired. I am reminded to appreciative. It's an amazing sub-culture.
29. Being blessed with the determination to live life to the fullest. Like a burning from deep within, I like to make each day count. Build moments that will be memorable & special to those around me. I am so happy to have the opportunity to be alive and enjoy EVERYTHING that life has to offer. The little things and the big things.
I have SO much to be thankful for and there are so many things that make me happy this year on my birthday! Thank you for allowing me to share this with you today! What is your biggest blessing today?
