9 (actually 10) beautiful, influential women

I’ve seen a lot of “top 9” collages this week…people showing the pics that got the most “likes” on their social media. It’s been fun to see everyone’s highlights. Well it got me thinking. What if I do a little bit different spin on it, and reflect on 9 (actually 10!) influential women in my own life over the last year? Oh, each one is such a blessing and means so much to me! No, this doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with design (my usual topic). But as we say hello to a brand new year, I thought it was appropriate to start with gratitude. And to tell these ladies just how much I love them!

HAVE to start with my beautiful mom. She has influenced me in so many ways, but wow. What an inspiration. You will never hear her say a negative thing about anyone. She loves Jesus with all of her heart and she absolutely exudes His love. She works hard, loves and supports my dad in everything he does, and has a heart of GOLD. Gold, I tell you. Mom, thank you for being a “glass-half-full” kind of person. I love you!

Next is my pretty Aunt Penny (no, you’re not seeing double, she’s my mom’s identical twin). We were so lucky to grow up living pretty close to Penny, and spending lots of time with her. She can make anything fun (when we were little, she would say, “Come and make memories with me!” Ya, she meant “Come and fold laundry with me.” ha ha). She is such an encourager, a cheerleader, and is always interested in what’s going on in our lives. Just a treasure.

My beautiful mother-in-law Phyllis is amazing. She raised 2 awesome sons, dedicated her life to church ministry with my father-in-law, and has such a servant’s heart. She is hilarious (and passed that on to my hubby) and has the best laugh. If Phyllis is in the room, you WILL have a good time.

This one is actually two. My younger sisters, Julie & Jamie. Growing up, we fought. A lot. We stole each other’s sweaters, screamed when the other wouldn’t get off the phone, and scared the daylights out of each other on occasion (thanks, Julie). But growing up in a small farmhouse, we all shared a room, and those were the best of times too. We stayed up talking until HOURS after bedtime, worked side by side in the orchard earning money for our Cabbage Patch Dolls, and share the best, most cherished memories of life on our farm. There’s nothing like a sister. She’s the only one who will tell you that shirt looks dumb. Or that you should stop acting like you’re 77 years older than you actually are. 😉 A sister listens to your issues, and can actually give you some insight and perspective…and surprise, is probably going through something pretty similar. I’m so lucky to have 2 of the best.

Megan. One of the main reasons I do what I do. She has prodded me along to follow my dream of interior design from the start. She’s a treasured friend, my graphic designer,  drop-dead gorgeous, is mother to 2 cutie patooties, and is ALWAYS there for me and my many, many, many graphic design/blog/computer-ish questions. Talk about a blessing.

Janna. BFF for years (and yet we’re NOT old, right?), stunning ray of sunshine, always has a “we-can-do-this” attitude, bubbles over with God’s love, and always a fun partner in crime. We’ve had so many crazy adventures and I absolutely can’t WAIT for the next one, whatever that might be. 🙂 We’ve been through some of the darkest, deepest, waters together and also celebrated the greatest moments of happiness. The hours FLY by when we’re together and there’s never enough time to talk about everything. Cherished friendship.

Sandy. My Bible study leader, one of the pastor’s wives at our church, sweet friend. The moment I met Sandy a few years ago, I loved her. She instantly makes you feel like you’ve known her forever. I can’t even explain it…she’s just a kindred spirit. Sandy, thank you for your sweet texts, your warm smile, and for making me feel like you’ve got my back! What an awesome woman of God!

Sam, or Sammy-cakes as we like to call her. This girl. So sweet, such an encourager, loyal friend, always positive, and fun to be around. She is always thinking of others, blesses my kids with their favorite treats on their birthdays…and well, lots of other times too, and is a beautiful wife and mama to 2 adorable kiddos. You know that kind of friend that makes you feel loved? Yep, that’s Sammy-cakes for ya.

This lady. Wow. God broke the mold when he made Jan Springer. She is one-of-a-kind, a VERY talented interior designer, beautiful, spunky, hilarious, and was my teacher at design school. The words she spoke into my life STILL ring in my ear on a daily basis. She taught me so much…about design, about being a woman in business, about life. Her zest for life and design is contagious. Thank you so much for everything, Jan…and for inspiring me in so many ways!

10 beautiful woman. 1 lucky me. So thankful.

Who are THE people in your life? Give them a call. Send them a text. Drop by with some flowers. Let’s show “our people” what they mean to us!

Happy New Year, dear friends.