I’ve adored Lindsay from Pen & Paint for years now. YEARS. Like, almost 5 years. We first connected through blogging/Etsy, but what really made me love her was her fun, southern personality. This girl knows how to not only write a funny email, but she really is funny! I don’t think I’ll ever forget the first email she wrote to me :) Every so often we are able to catch up on the phone, and honestly? I look forward to our calls so much. Lindsay is so inspiring to me. She’s a fellow Handmade Maker, a mama, and she’s crazy about her hubby. We’re basically twins ;)
And what I admire the most about her is her realness… with life and with business. It’s very, very inspiring.
Do you have a friend that inspires you? Share about her in the comments below and next Wednesday we’ll pick a WINNER of this Gussy Sews and Pen & Paint giveaway bundle…
This giveaway is open to US residents only.
Good luck! I hope you win! xo
I have many friends that inspire me – most met through blogging but these are women that are honest and real and imperfect like me and I am so grateful for their encouragement. They love me for who I am and tell me to follow my dreams. I just wish any of them, all of them lived closer because as wonderful as community is online…it is a lonely place not having that community in your own backyard!!
My friend Martha inspires me. She has several jobs, is a military wife and mother, always has a smile ready, and is working hard towards her goals!
My friend Tiffany inspires me. She left her home in Florida and moved to California to attend a Christian school. She forever inspires me to do better and be better and seek Jesus in all things!
My friend Alysa inspires me- she’s so steady, consistent, hardworking, and compassionate. Her creativity and skill is wonderful to see!
I adore my sweet friend Mallory, she and her hubby were mine and my husbands first “couple friends” after we got married. She’s my coffee buddy, my workout partner, and we could talk for hours about absolutely nothing. Best of all she is such a light that points me back to Jesus when I need it most!
I have a friend who inspires me to take risks, who love and supports me unconditionally AND tells me how to “keep it real” when I need it. I wouldn’t be who I am without this person!
My friend, Sonya, challenges me to live a life of adventure. She and her husband are raising 4 girls in Asia, and their adventures are so inspiring. And she’s super fun and lighthearted on top of it all. Thanks to technology, I can talk to her just as easy as I can talk to my friend down the street.
I have many friends that inspire me, but the ones who are ranking at the top of the list recently are the new mamas I’ve met through blogging. I’m extremely inspired by their ability to be a mama & maintain their blog. Since Emma came, I’ve felt like I don’t have any spare time & when I do I can’t find the energy to blog. Ha..such is life! Regardless, I love the friendships I’ve developed in this season of life & the ladies that God has placed in my path are truly some of the most inspiring women I’ve “met.”
There is a friend of mine at church…..she has 5 children! The youngest is a year away from being a teenager. She inspires me with so many ideas for school and family life; she’s quite an encouragement!
My best friend that inspires me is my husband. He is the leader of our home, our spiritual lives, and the best daddy to our little boy. He is selfless when it comes to those he loves and he continually inspires me to do the same. He is our everything!
I’ve been blessed with so many sweet friends, but my very first and dearest friend is my sweet Mum! She’s been in terrible back pain for more than 50 years, and yet – she keeps on going, doing for others, loving the Lord and working with children in AWANA! She’s amazing!
I have a friend who found an agent for her book on human trafficking. She’s so involved in the cause because she believes God called her to fight for those unheard voices. It’s incredible. I hope to find my cause someday.
Oh I adore Lindsay and her work as well!!! It’s amazing how much the handmade community/bloggers can inspire you! I haven’t met her in “real” life, but I just adore her heart and how it translates onto paper! Inspires… Always!
I have a friend who is just the sweetest soul. She is kind, caring and loving with everyone. She can always see the good. She and her husband foster kids. As in troubled teens. Tough, tough, tough, kids and situations and they rock it. She inspires me to be better every day.
I have a friend who resembles a modern-day Betty Crocker. I always admire how she decorates her house, makes curtains and pillows and even sews some of her clothing. She inspires me to be a more creative homemaker.
I find, all my friends inspire me for different reasons, some for the kindness, their strength, their quiet acceptance of exactly who I am….one friend that I have never met, we became friends while I was planning my wedding, she is a strong, creative woman, who is also an amazing mom, she has a beautiful heart, she inspires me to become a better mom, woman, and all around person :)
My best friend from high school, Melanie, inspires me . She is fighting cancer, a mother of a 5yr old, and one of the most radiant people I have ever known! How someone can face such an unknown and difficult future while encouraging others and taking care of family with such joy will always inspire me to be just a little kinder and happier.
I have one particular friend that inspires me. She’s the most hard working, hands on mother I know.
I have several friends who are inspiring. They always seem to have it all together. They are sweet to everyone, they have gorgeously decorated homes, are raising happy, healthy children all while being their amazing selves. :)
I have a few friends who are very artsy and it inspires me to be more creative, to keep trying at the arts that I love!
My hubby and best friend inspires me! :) He makes me keep going and feel better during those tough days and loves me and has been by my side for 25 years! :)
My friend Amanda, always so brave, so kind, so self-possessed. She’s made me a better person.
I have a friend who has gone through every horrible thing you can imagine. And she does it with grace and happiness.
One of my best friends also happens to be my sister-in-law and she inspires me by auditioning for and doing community theater. She’s so creative and brave following her dreams.
A friend who drives 8 hrs (road time) by herself with a 2 month old, just to see you and be in town for your mom’s funeral.
Friends that inspire me… oh my goodness… there are too many! However, my best, best friend is my sweet man Travis. He inspires me every single day through working hard and being an example to everyone around you. Travis is funny and has the kindest heart of anyone I know! He’s also a pretty good kisser! ;)
my friend emily is an inspiration to me. no matter what life throws her way, she holds on tight to her faith and follows along the path God leads her to.
my friend who just took her kids on a #kindnessadventure and surprised me with my fave iced coffee drink for no reason other than to teach her kids the beauty of kindness.
My friend Karen inspires me. She has a heart to love and lift others burdens, even at a cost to herself and family. God is her strength and stronghold!
xo
My sister inspires me. She works full time takes care of her family all while battling rheumatoid arthritis.
I already love love love Pen and Paint and have admired from afar the adorable bags from Gussy Sews!! Kids inspire me everyday as an elementary para there are days you feel defeated and everyday I remind myself I can do this and I can do it to the best of my abilities! These two thought get me through every day. Working with kids is hard but oh so rewarding! Thank you ladies for this awesome give away!
I have a lovely friend, Kennedy (Kacie) that inspires me! We are both on a quest to eat healthier and exercise to be fit. She really inspires me to keep up with it and not to give up! She will pass along recipes, give me lots of encouragement, and when we get together we plan ahead by making meals ahead of time for the week so that we are prepared for our lunches/dinners! We were middle school buddies but unfortunately lost touch over the high school years due to going to different schools. But after all these years we have reconnected and it’s so great to have a friend right beside you that supports you and really does want the best for you! Likewise for her! =)
My friend Christine inspires me! She has adopted a wonderful teenager and is a foster mom for a beautiful baby who she is hopefully going to be able to adopt soon!
My dear friend Margo is an inspiration. She is a single mom and works works multiple jobs to provide. She is patient and loving and is the kind if friend who would drop everything to help when you need her. She is crafty and can do anything she sets her mind to. She is a true treasure!
You’re bags and pouches are amazing! I was looking at your products last week just drooling. You, along with Pens + Paint, have quite a talent.
Amy
My dear friend, Chelsea, is a inspiration to me. She went from suffering from anxiety terrible self-worth issues, and being overwhelmingly shy, to pursuing her dreams of becoming an artist, regularly hosts couchsurfers, and plans on moving to Germany in the spring to study abroad. Talk about a 180!!
I’m don’t have any close friends but I’m continually inspired by wonderful women like you. My children also inspire me to be a better mama.
My best friend Mandy,
She is always there for me when I need it and puts her needs second. I don’t have any siblings so my kids have a wonderful “Aunt Mandy”
My sister is a stay at home mom of two girls. She is kind, compassionate, focused, sincere, thoughtful. And it shows with her girls. She inspires me to be a better mom!
My best friend Michele inspires me every single day
My Friend Ashley Dahl inspires me! She is so wise and is always there when you need her! :)
I have a friend that inspires me beyond all else. She can see a dream and make it a reality.
My best friend of 15 years inspires me every day. She is a full time social worker, a mom of 3, a wife, and a child of God. She makes sure to always make time for anyone who needs it and is a wonderful person!
My good friend, Emily inspires me to be a better person. She has adopted a child with Down Syndrome. She did not do this so others would think better of her, she did this because she just cares so much about these special children and is constantly trying to be a better person.
It may sound cliche or cheesy to some, but the friend that inspires me most is my hubby. He is such a hard worker. He inspires me to be more confident and believe in myself. He inspires me to not let little things get to me and to be very positive. He truly inspires me to live for today. He is amazing in so many ways.
A lot of my friends inspire me. I have one particular friend, who is very special to me. She is a hard worker, she loves The Lord, is a mother, is kind and caring. She is someone that when you are having a hard time, she will be right there to encourage you and to lift you up. She is an amazing mother. And has taught me a few things without knowing. She even took me under her wing when I was first married and shared baking tips and recipes. I wish everyone could have a “Heather”.
My friend, Tracy, inspires me to be better. She works hard, plays hard, & has a heart of gold. I just love her.
My two best friends and I are all studying to be high school teachers… they both keep me believing that we can be the change.
My friend, Vonette, inspires me as she is a very peaceful person. She is very kind and compassionate and a great listener!
My mom inspires me because she is super woman! She has a 3 yr old (with Down syndrome) a 4 year old (also has some disabilities from a stroke), a 10 yr old and a 15 yr old! She is constantly running to different doctors appts, taking kids to school, picking them up. She doesn’t ever have time to herself. And puts EVERYONE before herself. Oh and she also runs a support group for our area for Down syndrome. She’s one busy lady!
For me the friend that inspires me is Aurie she is a mama to two beautiful little girls & foster mama to two little babies under the age 1 who need extra loving while she home school her girls. I am so inspired by her love and devotion she shares to her family and to our Lord she makes me smile each morning when I see her post a new picture of what is going on and has been amazing in giving me words of encouragement while my little girl was in the NICU this Summer.
I have lots of inspirational people in my life, but at this point I am so inspired by my Aunt. She is in her fifties now and married, but she raised her now college aged daughter as a single mother and put herself through college. Now she works for herself and has become very successful. I thinkg that I find her very inspirationa now at this point in my life because I am now a mother and so I can imagine how difficult it must have been on her own.
Every single one of my friends inspires me… though it may be in a different way. I have one friend that is and has been going to school to be a NP – and she is so smart at what she does! Another friend is the best mom I know and is such an inspiration to me and a new(er) mom.
My friend Cindy has blessed me with so much encouragement and compassion!! She moved 10 hours away and we keep in touch every few months, with phone calls, mostly. We know each other’s hearts so well that we still finish each other’s sentences!
Yes, I have a co-worker/friend that has survived Ovarian Cancer!!! She is beautiful inside and out and such a hard worker!!
Yep, I have a fabulous friend that inspires me continuously!!! She has five kiddos {just one more than me} and NEVER skips a beat!!! She doesn’t sweat the small stuff {one of the many, valuable lessons that I have learned from her!}, what you see is what you get with her and she has a heart bigger than Texas!!! No matter where she is, what she is doing, who she is with…she always greets you with the biggest of smiles on her face and arms open wider than the plains! Sure, she has materialistic items that most would allow to control their actions, but not her…she is just a good ole girl at heart and never fails to let it show…genuinely.
I have a really sweet friend that is always so encouraging & uplifting. She is a wonderful mom & we share a love for all things girly & coffee. She inspires me to see the best in others and is someone I can laugh with, cry with, & be my creative goofy self with. She’s like a sister to me :)
My friend has been through a lot in her life but she’s always smiling and encouraging. I am nearly seven years older but she’s the one who’s taught me to be a more appreciative and confident person. Besides my mom she’s been the biggest encourager of my creative side. Always complementary and filling my brain with more creative ideas for handmade things and everyday fun like the latest shops, eateries and activities for kids. I love her like a sister!
Absolutely! I have a friend who is always one step ahead of me in life milestones, and is always there with a helpful hint, honest advice, or just big open ears to listen to whatever is going on in my life. She’s had her own struggles but is ALWAYS there for me and totally an example of the type of friend I hope I am to others!
I am constantly inspired by my friend who is a blogger, an amazing cook, and all about fitness. She is always trying out new recipes that I would not call simple and they always turn out amazing! She is is super dedicated to whatever she sets her mind to. She is a wonderful friend with such a creative spirit!
My friend Kathleen inspires me. She has 7 kids and homeschools. Her children take music lessons and play sports. They are part of a speech club every other week. On the off week she takes them to the nursing home to play music. She does all this with kindness and patience.
The above comment is mine. I noticed I had the wrong e-mail address on that one. A letter got left out!
I have a lovely friend who, despite an awful circumstance, has allowed the Lord to shine through her life in every aspect. Her faith and love of life is so inspiring to me!
I have an older friend, she’s a mother of 8 and spends her days as the ‘older woman’ that Paul talks about – she always seems to have a listening ear and a word of wisdom for us younger ones :)
There’s so much I could say about Darcie, but basically she’s the type of, Jesus-loving, fun, purposeful grammy I’d like to be some day!
My friend Kathy inspires me everyday…. she has 10 beautiful children and a wonderful husband. She shows love for everybody and never complains but trusts in God everyday. :)
Funny you should ask about a friend who inspires me…I randomly ran into this friend at a back to school night. What she has gone through these past 2 years inspires me to her strength. She’s the nicest person and was completely taken advantage of while she was pregnant with her 2nd child. 4 months pregnant, she was completely blindsided by her former Husband, he announced that he was cheating on her and he was leaving. Through all this, she has remained so strong and has been raising her 2 boys by herself while holding a full-time job. She also just started school again, she wants to be a paralegal. She inspires me with her strength and can do attitude. She gets things done all while being so loving and caring. It’s friends like these that remind us all that we are strong powerful women.
My mother inspires me… at nearly 60, she packed everything up and moved to Africa to help my dad follow his dream. Every day I pray for her and want to be more like her!
Mary Jo Vick at @Red House Ranch. Her heart and soul and the love she puts into her work makes me smile to the core.
[…] One of my favorite bloggers/handmade biz owners is having a fabulous giveaway! Go to Gussy Sews […]
I love these!!!
My husband and kids inspire me constantly! I try my hardest to be the best me for them. I have amazing friends who are super inspirational as well. Keeps me in a positive place! :)
My mom is my best friend. She inspires me to take control of my own happiness every day. Love her.
My husband inspires me every day! He is such a hard worker and man of God. I try to be my best for him and my son! Thanks for the chance!
My friend Katie inspires me, she’s a small business owner and a new mommy. She’s always trying to do something new and exciting. She is passionate, strong, and always encouraging. Thanks! :)
I have a very dear friend who I met in high school many years ago. We don’t get to see each other very often or talk all that often anymore due to distance and life changes, but we always pick up right where we left off. She keeps me real, is the one person who always tells me the truth (whether I want it or not), and who can make me laugh at myself.
Goodness, I can’t pick just one friend. My hubby is always my inspiration … so encouraging and funny; I love being with him (good thing, huh?) :) My mom has become my bestest bud as I’ve gotten older. She is a HUGE inspiration (it would take volumes to share why). And my bestie, Andrea, from 8th grade … we’ve been besties for 26 years (and now you know my age). Thanks for offering the yummy giveaway!
She is my calming friend, she is keeps me on track when I am frustrated trying to figure out a project. She is my sensible friend when my life is all of a sudden turned up side down. We have been friends for so long and if we are busy and don’t get to see or talk for a week or two, we pick up where we left off.
I have a few people who inspire me. They aren’t really my friends (they are ladies from my youth group) but they still uplift me a lot. Just the way they speak and their marriages speak wonders. Its hard to explain but they are a huge inspiration to me to follow Gods will. When I have a prayer request I know I can go to them and they will pray about it and ask about it later on.
Christina has been encouraging and inspiring during a time where I have had to figure a lot of things out. She has been genuine, transparent and kind. I’m so thankful for her friendship.
I have a friend who inspires me to a positive person. Try to look at the bright side of things and not sweat the small stuff. I don’t know what I would do without her!
I have a great friend who inspires me with her desire to serve and minister in our church, within her family and throughout her daily life! She is sweet, kind and caring and just a great friend to be around!
I have many girl friends who inspire and encourage me, but I have to say my husband, next to my Jesus, is my greatest inspiration! He helps me to see potential in myself and reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect. Every time I fall, he reminds me that if I could do it all I wouldn’t have needed a Savior and Jesus would have died in vain. But, God in His infinite wisdom, knew that I WOULD fail and made a plan for my redemption long before I was born. My dear, sweet, amazing husband reminds me of all these things when I am beating myself up over a mistake. What a tremendous blessing he is!
Ooo! I love a giveaway, especially when it involves you! My sister, Brittany, over at The Lily Field did a giveaway with you and I didn’t win. I loved her little zipper clutch she had and want one of my own.
I love you and Lindsay and have been following both of you for years. You are both so very talented and kind.
Lots of women inspire but to know one that inspires you… what a blessing!! My best friend, Jaye, inspires me with her love for people and the Lord. She is always ready with a wise word or funny analogy. 1 Samuel 18:1 is a theme for us.
Thank you and Lindsay for being women who inspire!
my mother inspires me. she is one amazing woman and a wonderful friend!!
My friend Dallas inspires me. We have been friends for 8 years, we live in different countries but because of email, Skype, texting, and occasional phone calls we are always sharing life with each other. She is always able to life me up, encourage me, say the right words, pray fervently for me, and bring to me the best kind of tears. She inspires me through her dedication and constant need for the Lord, even in the hard times you pushes the dark away to find the light.
My friend Lauren is a bit ahead of me in life and always has great insights on marriage, parenting, and everything.
My best friend Taryn! It’s a crazy story, but basically she was my husband’s BEST FRIEND growing up and she married a Marine and now lives in NC ( I love in Cali ) but she and I have connected and our friendship is INSANE – one I’ve been praying my whole life for. She is loving, selfless, SO STRONG, and so dependent upon the Lord. I love her and look up to her SO MUCH.
My friend Randi inspires me because she’s a single mom and I can only imagine how hard that is! :)
Great giveaway, love both of your businesses!
My daughters inspire me….they have careers and raise awesome kids! I love your new polka dot bags!!
My friend Ashton inspires me to be a better wife. I grew up with my granny in a house full of girls so unfortunately I never saw or learned what a wife does for her hubby, but I met my friend Ashton a few years back before either of us even had boyfriends through a mutual friend. We fell out of touch but Facebook brought us back together years later we were both married woman and expecting our 1st child and icing on the cake would be that we were both having boys…but to get back on topic we would take walks in the park every morning (when it wasn’t raining) while preggo and those have continued after having our sons. On these walks we talk about our hubbys our little men and she really is such an awesome wife and I take the things we talk about and use them in becoming a better wife to my hubby. Because even though she doesn’t know it but she helps me to see think outside the box and see things from his side as well. Which I’ll be the first to admit can be hard when I get frustrated. I believe my marriage is better because of this and I’ve become a much more rational thinking woman as well.
my friend jena is an inspiration. as a mom of four boys!!, one of whom has Down’s syndrome, she is full of love and boundless energy. she loves her life, her husband and her boys with her whole heart. i love how positive she always is….she is so SO good at finding the bright side of things. thanks for the opportunity for this giveaway, and to brag on my sweet friend!
My sister inspires me. She is a great mom, wife, doctor, and friend!
My friend Erin inspires me. She is a go-getter. After going on a mission trip to Africa, her life was changed in ways she couldn’t imagine. She returned to her hometown, opened a fantastic boutique and she is hosting her GRAND OPENING of her second location tonight! Erin gives a portion of her proceeds back to the community – she gives to a local charity and then to Heart for Africa – the organization that changed her life. Erin finds it important to work with companies/products that have a mission behind them as well. It makes my heart happy to know that I get to be a part of Erin’s passion when I go into her store and make a purchase. Erin and her sweet hubs are expecting their first children as they are pregnant with twins! Erin is an inspiration in so many ways as I know that there have been potholes and valleys along her journey – yet she is always smiling.
My daughter Maddie inspries me. At age 16, she has just organized and will direct her 3rd annual race (5.9K), in honor of her gooddaddy (my dad) who passed away at the age of 59. Maddie had just turned 8 years old when he died, and she planned for years for a way to honor him. She has raised over $10,000 for prostate cancer research. I am one proud mama!
this looks great. I have a friend that just opened an etsy shop and it is inspiring me to actually get around to opening my own.
I was a huge perfectionists before I met my friend Sarah. I didn’t enjoy art as much because I was holding it to this unrealistic standard in my head. She taught me that it’s ok to make mistakes and you can alter it or fix it in some way. Mistakes lead to being more creative. She inspires me to try more in my art and not to get discouraged. I’m a better artist because of her.
My friend Lauren inspires me. She’s such a kind and caring person, never judges!