Inspiration.

Inspiration. Noun. \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən

1. a) a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation; b) the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions; c) the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

2. a) the quality or state of being inspired; b) something that is inspired

3) an inspiring agent or influence

Lately, I have been MIA from my blog. But, that doesn't mean I've been lacking inspiration. Sure, my list of creative projects has been ignored a bit. In fact, painting, sewing, scrapbooking, and home decor haven't really been on my radar.

However, I've been busy. I've been inspired. And I've been loving it.

What's got me so inspired? It's not really a what....but rather, WHO.

Let's start with this lady. Y'all may know her from her days on Taxi. But, I know her as the most energetic, naturally beautiful, and exciting red head on the planet! Yes, it's Marilu Henner.

I had the pleasure of meeting her several years ago, and...hold onto your shorts with this one...was in an infomercial she did. That's right - I'm a late night celebrity. About 5 years ago, had you awoken in the night and been bored to tears because you couldn't fall back to sleep, I'm guessing you caught a glimpse of me talking about how amazing Marilu is and what a health genius she is. Yup, I said genius. And I still think so highly of her that if you wake up tonight in the middle of the night, I'd tell you just to call me and I'd go on and on about how awesome she is.

Marilu has written several books about her healthy lifestyle, and gosh darnit, they rock. SHE rocks! Have I said that?!?! She's one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met! She has a great website, full of great info and there are even online classes that happen there. I feel like I've learned SO MUCH about health, food, and just striving to be my best.

One of my online friends from Marilu.com kept referencing a blog where she was finding super recipes. What she failed to mention was that not only are the recipes downright fabulous, but the blog in general ROCKS!!! I'm talking about peasandthankyou.com. Haven't been there?? GO. NOW! You'll thank me later.

Mama Pea is funny, creative, and a whiz in the kitchen. I have become nearly obsessed with her blog (not like, stalker obsessed, but more like inspired obsessed). She is a mom of two young kids and I feel a kinship with her. She's HILARIOUS. She understands being in jammies all day and not knowing what 'good hair days' are anymore. She finds her kids wearing costumes...bathing suits...tutus...whatever they can find. And, she's working hard to feed her family healthy meals and teach her young girls how to make good food choices. LOVE her!

And if we're gonna talk food....or photography...or being a cowboy's wife (wha??? I'm married to a computer guy)...we can't forget Ree - The Pioneer Woman. I think the kitchen is her mothership. She works a camera like no other. She's just....awesome.

I've got some serious plans to healthify her cinnamon rolls a bit and make them around the holidays for all my special peeps. I'm drooling just thinking about it!

Then, there are the 3 crazy, fun, silly, happy, wild, giving, and supportive people in my life who inspire me the MOST. The fam. :) I love the smiles I get, the requests for food or art projects, the laughs we share, and feeling of being together.

I really am one lucky lady. I feel so blessed to be at this point in my life, with the family I've got, my faith, great friends, fantastic food, and tons of inspiration.