It really is the simplest things that sometimes click in your mind to inspire a great design! Yesterday I was walking down the road, past a house that I have seen hundreds of times. But on this particular day, I just happened to notice the window grates. Window grates are the metal bars that are common for bungalows or low-story flats where we live. They serve the noble task of keeping out intruders. But what I had never noticed is the unique geometric pattern on these grates. I guess I just always assumed they were all function and no form. It was like stained glass meets metal bars. I really, really wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't have my phone on me. I carefully noted in my head the pattern of triangles and lines, so that I could replicate it later. And here it is - the freshest new design in my Etsy Shop. It could be customized for pretty much any special occasion - bridal shower, birthday party, you name it! But in honor of my little inspiring moment, I did it up as a housewarming party invitation. ​

Anybody else out there a Goldbergs fan? We love that show. However I often find that I am way too much like Beverly. And I have a feeling that without the restraint of the Holy Spirit in me, I might surpass her in obsession with and desire to control the lives of my kids. In one episode, it is revealed that she has a massive collection of all of her kids’ old artwork in her garage. I understand her. I share her affection. I absolutely love kid art.

Last week was Luke’s birthday, but it felt like MY birthday when the postman rang the door and gave me a package full of amazing hand drawn cards from my friend Elizabeth. Her artwork is *almost* as encouraging as she is in real life! I just can't get enough of either one.

Now… its going to feel like YOUR birthday, when I tell you that she recently started offering all of her printables for free download on her website. Yup, FREE! I’m already falling for the Valentine’s Day designs and wondering how many I can hang up before people start thinking I’m obsessed.

Luke turned 31 yesterday! In India things are reversed. Instead of getting spoiled by your friends and family on your birthday, you are supposed to treat them by passing out sweets or taking everyone to dinner. So in order to contextualize, we took the kids for ice cream at Baskin Robbins (very sacrificial, right?) We didn't even plan the fact that it is the perfect place to celebrate a 31st birthday, or even the 31st of the month, which is when they offer a flat 31% discount. The kids always do the logical thing by picking their ice cream flavor by what color it is. This can lead to poor moral choices like "black currant" or "cotton candy", but it does make for a nice array of colors. I can appreciate that as a designer and maybe even be a bit inspired. Happy Birthday Loving!