Julie Beck

Someone who really inspires me is Julie Beck, the Relief Society General President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last October she gave a talk in General Conference called "Mothers Who Know." It was very touching to me, and I have reflected on it often. Here's an excerpt:

Mothers Who Know Do Less

Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.

Amy Butler

Since I've already mentioned her husband, I need to mention designer Amy Butler. I especially love her fabric, and she's come out with a new line: Midwest Modern. So cute!

Wedgwood

The other day Martha posted about Wedgwood china on her blog. It was fascinating. Here is a beautiful jasperware piece, and below is a sample from the collection that Martha designed for them.

The Nauvoo Temple

A wonderful, beautiful place that I like to go is the Nauvoo Temple. It is so amazing to see it restored to its original grandeur. It's a great reminder of the incredible sacrifices of our pioneer ancestors who lived there in the 1840s before embarking on their trek to Salt Lake.

William Morris

One person who I find fascinating is William Morris. He was a writer, designer, and political theorist during the second half of the 1800s. He was a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement and with his circle of friends created tapestries, furniture, paintings, and founded a press. Red House (below) is the home that he built with Philip Webb and Edward Burne-Jones. The second picture is of one of his designs still being produced by Morris & Co. The third is La Belle Iseult, Morris's only completed painting.

Joseph Alleman

Joseph Alleman (Joe) is an award-winning Utah artist who works largely in watercolor and depicts people and places of the West. Joe's work really pulls at my heartstrings. He's also the husband of my little sister, Sara, and the father of (two of) my darling little nephews, Ian and Isaak.

David Butler

David Butler is a graphic designer and the husband of Amy Butler. I really love what he does to create an identity for a company. The three logos below are samples of his work.

Joel Dewberry

I don't remember how I discovered Joel Dewberry, but I really love his fabric. The pattern below is called 'ironwork.' I like it so much that I think I'll forgive the fact that he went to the Y.

Royal Delft

In reading through the archives of Irene Hoofs' Bloesem blog, I found a post on Amsterdam that led me to the Royal Delft web site. The pieces are all so beautiful.

Elbert Hubbard

I came across this quote typed on a piece of paper and framed in John Bothwell's room at the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site in Sedalia, Missouri. Mr. Bothwell built the lodge and lived in it during the early part of the 1900s. I can understand his appreciation for Elbert Hubbard's words.

"Life in Abundance"

The supreme prayer of my heart is not to be learned or "good," but to be Radiant.

I desire to radiate health, cheerfulness, sincerity, calm courage and good-will.

I wish to be simple, honest, natural, frank, clean in mind and clean in body, unaffected--ready to say, "I do not know," if so it be, to meet all men on an absolute equality--to face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unafraid and unabashed.

I wish others to live their lives, too, up to their highest, fullest and best. To that end I pray that I may never meddle, dictate, interfere, give advice that is not wanted, nor assist when my services are not needed. If I can help people I'll do it by giving them a chance to help themselves; and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example, inference and suggestion, rather than by injunction and dictation. That is to say, I desire to be Radiant--to Radiate Life.

-Elbert Hubbard, from A Message to Garcia