A Birthday Celebration Filled with Art, Friendship & Joy

 

Birthdays have a way of bringing together the people and moments that matter most. This year, mine was especially memorable - filled with thoughtful gestures and kind words that reminded me how lucky I am. Among the many sweet surprises was a gift that perfectly captured the spirit of the day and reminded me why creativity and connection are at the heart of everything I do.

A Day to Remember

Like many birthdays as an adult, mine was spent mostly at my full time job- work that brings me joy with my senior adults. But what made it special was the thoughtfulness of my colleagues - people I work alongside every day who took a moment to acknowledge the occasion. It's those small gestures of recognition in a professional setting that are appreciated.

In the evening close friends and Barbara took me out for a celebratory dinner. We laughed, shared stories, and toasted to another year of growth and creativity. It was warm, intimate, and exactly the kind of celebration I love - nothing overly elaborate, just genuine connection and good company.

An Unexpected Artistic Gift

One of the highlights of the day came as a complete surprise. One of my colleagues, who runs her own drawing and doodle business, presented me with the most delightful gift: custom portraits of Barbara and me.
She had taken two of our favorite photographs and transformed them into charming, whimsical illustrations. Her artistic style brought such personality and warmth to the portraits. They are playful, expressive, and somehow managed to capture not just what we look like, but who we are. I could see the care and attention she'd put into every line, every detail. It was clear she'd really looked at those photos, studied our expressions, our energy, the connection between us, and translated all of that into her unique artistic language.

The Art of Thoughtful Giving

What made the portraits so meaningful wasn't just the skill behind them though her talent is truly undeniable - it was the thoughtfulness. She knows me well enough to understand what would resonate: something handmade, something personal, something that celebrates the people and relationships I hold dear.
She chose to create something that could only exist for us. That kind of intentionality is rare and precious. It's exactly the kind of gift that resonates with me on the deepest level, and it's why I'm so passionate about what we create here at Inspired Floral Designs. Whether it's a silk scarf from The Edit: Floral Art in Silk collection, a carefully curated greeting card, a handcrafted journal, or a thoughtfully assembled gift set, I believe the most meaningful things are those made with intention, care, and a genuine desire to bring beauty into someone's life.

Celebrating Creativity in All Its Forms

This experience also reminded me how much I value supporting fellow artists and small business owners. Our friend has built something beautiful with her drawing and doodle business she's created a way to help people commemorate their most cherished moments and relationships through art that's accessible, personal, and full of character.
If you love the idea of custom portraits for yourself or your pet with a whimsical, artistic touch, I encourage you to explore her work at https://www.doodlesbydoris.art/.  Her drawings and doodles bring such personality and charm to every piece. They're perfect for commemorating special occasions, celebrating loved ones, creating unique gifts, or simply adding a bit of artful joy and personality to your space.
There's something wonderful about discovering artists who pour their hearts into their craft, and I'm always excited to share those discoveries with you.

Reflections on Beauty, Gratitude & Connection

As I reflect on this birthday celebration, I'm reminded that the best moments in life aren't about grand gestures or expensive things - they're about the people who show up for you, the creativity they share, and the beauty they bring into your world.
They're about taking the time to really see someone, to understand what brings them joy, and to create something that honors that connection. That's what Doris did for us, and it's what I hope we do for you through our work at Inspired Floral Designs NYC.
Every product we create, every collection we curate, every detail we consider - it all comes from a desire to help you celebrate the beauty in your everyday moments and the people who make your life meaningful.

Here's to more days filled with art, friendship, laughter, and the kind of joy that stays with you long after the candles are blown out. Here's to celebrating the creative spirits in our lives and supporting the artists who make the world more beautiful, one thoughtful creation at a time. I am grateful and thankful for all!

How do you celebrate the special people in your life? What's a gift you've received that truly touched your heart? We'd love to hear your stories - share them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @inspiredfloraldesignsnyc.
And remember: every order you place with us plants 3 trees, supports forest-garden initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, and funds 1.8 days of education for children in India for Yellow Classrooms.

Beauty that gives back and keeps growing - that's something worth celebrating.

Respectfully,

Whitney, Inspired Floral Designs NYC