But that just wouldn’t do justice to the gratitude.

Allie helped me when I didn’t even know I needed help.

See, Allie and I go way back to 1994 at Willamette Univeristy when I worked in Student Services and she in the website-wrangling department (I can’t remember the official name). The entire campus was undergoing a wesbite overhaul, department by department.

We met and I was immediately impressed by her precise, tiny (and I mean minuscule) handwriting – and her ability to ask questions. And then really listen.

Allie got our department’s website functional – and got me to the point that I could update information all by myself. A feat. She was patient, thorough, and helpful. Unlike other website people I’ve worked with, Allie never pushed or copped an attitude or told me my wishes were wrong. She steered and informed, but it was clear that my opinion mattered.

The time came when I knew I needed her.

When I became self-employed, I needed a pro. Allie designed a logo and a drop-dead gorgeous website for my staging business. She brought all her delightful listening and talent to my project – and it was a dream. I couldn’t have been happier.

As my business grew, I had conversations with other web people who looked at the back end of her work (Greek to me!) and were impressed with her attention to detail.

When I started Inspired Home Office, Allie created the website you’ve come to know – along with my daisy logo. We’d been talking for months about a blog and I finally bit the bullet. Right before she got married, in fact.

Am I ever grateful.

Because, in addition to converting my website to a WordPress blog, Allie went above and beyond as usual. For once in my life, I let go of control and Allie created a redesign that’s elegant, simple, and functional. I couldn’t love it more.

Now I’m a fan forever.

For me, starting a blog feels immensely personal. You come here looking for ideas, solace, and encouragement… if the blog were ugly and testy, I wouldn’t feel comfortable writing. You wouldn’t want to visit. How it feels and looks matters.

And so, my debt of gratitude is to Allison Towers Rice – web designer extraordinaire and owner of Allie Creative – for her impeccable eye, for all the listening and ideas, for sharing her gifts and time, and for making a place for me and readers to get to know each other.

I’m so very grateful to you.