For the past year, I have been lucky enough to contribute almost daily to one of my favorite blogs in the world, Design Mom. (Do you love it too?) I discovered Gabrielle's blog long before I was married or a mother, but it resonated in a big way. I was fascinated by her large family, her Central Park family pictures, her modern design sensibility. I loved her thought-provoking and funny and sincere posts on old family vans, DIY toddler beds, and her personal thoughts on having small boobs. Most of all, I loved her distinct voice. She was self-assured Gabrielle who could do so many things, loved so many things, but could relate to anybody. There was something about her blogging voice that was almost peaceful to me. I was officially a Gabrielle Blair Super Fan.

Fast forward seven years and here we are. 

I'm saying goodbye to my "most beautiful, coolest, inspiring thing you've seen all day" column and offering the heartiest Thank You I can muster through this text on the screen. You know the people in your life who inspire you to no end? That have a way of making you want to be better in every aspect of your life? Gabby is one of those people to me. She has become a mentor and a light for me in a world that says No, you can't or That's weird, or You think you can just go and do that?, or You're not good enough, or You're just a mom. Gently, by example, she has has shown me that I can. I can. And whatever I choose I can, I should do with graceful confidence, deep consideration, and aplomb. 

My Discovery Editor position at Design Mom came at a time I was intellectually starving and a tad depressed (sounds like somebody you'd want to hang out with, right?!) by no one's fault but my own. Jumping head first into the inner-workings of Design Mom turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. I got busy. I worked early, worked late, researched and wrote about beautiful and fascinating things and for me, that was just what I needed to feel like myself again. It's what I love and what I love most about the internet. It sprouted thousands of ideas and conversations and friendships and even took me to two Alt conferences, which were incredible. 

The thing I love most about blogging is learning. And I think Design Mom emulates this idea of life learning in its sincerest form. 

Thank you to everybody for your support on this blog, on Twitter, and in the comments on Design Mom. I read every single comment, tweet, and post and saw every pin and mention. Thank you a thousand times over. I love interacting with all of you and I want you to know how much blogging enriches my life in a big, real way. Thank you.