Looking for inspiration~

While having to spend so much time just watching Wyndham and trying to help her stay comfortable, I have found myself on the laptop a lot this past week. Or I should say, 'more than normal'. =)
I have a long list of blogs and websites that I enjoy surfing through each week just to get inspiration and ideas and sometimes just for a break from my reality- especially with the cold, dreary winter days topped off with illnesses. It's no surprise that I am a fan of colors, graphic design, vintage goodies and just plain fun images/patterns. I thought I would break up the long string of posts here and share with you some links to things that have caught my eye in the past day or two.
One of my new favorite spots to browse and follow links from is the blog of designer Samantha Hahn. She has some free Valentine cards to download...including the "Tossing Cupcake" and "Head in the Clouds" cards pictured here. Just scroll down and you will find a link in her sidebars. I think I just might try and send some cards out this year. There are lots of neat designs to choose from. I hope you find a few that catch your eye too.
The sock monkey seems to be popping up in all sorts of places these days- especially in the scrapping scene as well as in fabric prints. I found the image here from the Purl Soho website...which is a really great place to find unique/high end fabrics and such. I think a sock monkey valentine card would be cute too. I just may have to make one myself.
For the last little bit of inspiration, I will leave you with a link to a wonderful Flickr photo stream. I just fell in love with every single photo posted by Picnic by Ellie. I just love that with a few clicks of the computer I can immerse myself in all sorts of wonderful places/images. Yes, the internet is a wondeful thing when it comes to inspiration. If you happen to have some personal favorites to pass along, feel free to leave links in the comments here. I have a feeling I'll be spending a bit more time helping get Wyndham back on her feet, and with the snowfall we're getting here today, I have no doubt that winter is here for several more weeks. Surfing the net for inspiration just might be the key to getting through this long, dreary stretch of time!
ETA:

In the scrapbooking world, many people know the name "Donna Downey". She is an inspiration to the crafters and creative people in and outside this industry. Some of you may remember the fun camera bag my friend gave me- especially made by Donna.

She contacted me this week and now is holding an eBay charity auction with the profits of the art canvases going to Hope Network of Michigan in Teagan's name. We are grateful to Donna for her thoughtfulness and her support of our family in such a meaningful way. To view the auction click here. If you'd like to check out Donna's blog, click here.

Thanks Donna, and thanks to everyone who bids on this item as well. It means so much to all our family!