A birthday represents, as indicated in the word itself, an event of when something was created, born, birthed. An anniversary is a memorial to events from the past, but not typically a birth. Businesses often celebrate anniversaries of the established date, but I like to celebrate it as a birthday.
After all, just like our own birthdays we celebrate the life we’ve lived and will live, and although we change physically and emotionally throughout the years, each year is a new beginning! LDD is growing and developing each year too. We are neither the same company we were ten years ago, nor will we be the same company in the next ten so, yes, Happy Birthday LDD!
July in Connecticut can be dicey, either oppressive heat or rain are never out of the realm of
possibilities! Yet, Saturday July 9th was the perfect day and evening for a birthday party…and
of course it was…because LDD had a story to celebrate!
Gathered at the historic Lyman Homestead, guests were dazzled with surprises like guided
tours of the homestead, dripping with history and tradition; the LDD living wall, an interactive
art endeavor, where patrons added their own flowers symbolizing their past and continued
growth with LDD; live cigar rolling, just because I love cigars; Valerie’s House was in attendance
with its Tree of Life, sharing one of our most passionate ways that we give back; and finally, the
announcement of my upcoming book release, Life with MIL.
As the sun began to dip into the tree line, and the sky evolved into a breathtaking sunset, I shared the following words with my guests...
It is often said that people are shaped by stories. I don’t know about that, as I think about it, people shape the story. And I love a good story, after all, y’all know I have the gift of gab!
Stories come in various shapes, forms, and expressions. They can be a good book shaped by amazing characters. A story can be an exquisitely designed space, room, or home shaped by not only the architect and designer but the craftsmen, vendors and tradesmen.
Tonight, we celebrate one of my favorite stories, the LDD story, ten years in the making. Take a moment and look around…the LDD story is shaped by all of you. This night isn’t about me, the only thing that is ‘me’ tonight is my connection to all of you. Tonight, is a night of gratitude, a night to thank you for the growth and success of LDD.
Like all good stories there are highs and lows and we’ve had our share of both! You’ve cheered on as we expanded to multiple markets, Florida, Vermont, Washington DC, Texas and Wisconsin. You flooded our phone lines, emails and text messages with well wishes on the scores of publications we’ve been featured in, I thank you for taking the time to recognize our accomplishments!
Then there was that year … 2020 … and the fallout from that year that we are still navigating … supply chain issues, labor shortages and skyrocketing costs just to name a few. Your trust, and unwavering faith in LDD truly has taken the sting out of those lows. You’re simply the best!
To my clients, you are one of the main characters in this story we call LDD. Thank you for always believing in me and the LDD team. Thank you for allowing me the honor of designing your oases!
To my vendors, my craftsmen and my contractors, thank you for making me look so damn good. From complicated deck designs to secret doors in cabinetry designs. From marketing ideas to logos, you have always supported me … thank you … I come up with some crazy ideas and designs and you never say no.
To my LDD Design Divas … yes, I really do call them that! My heart is so full! Look what you have created here tonight! Look around you at the story you have had such an integral part in writing. Thank you…your dedication is just amazing. I look forward to writing our next chapter.
To my family and friends, thank you for your patience as well as understanding that work/life balance is beyond a challenge when you’re running a business. You have always supported LDD, loved me and cheered me on, and never asked for anything in return.
To my Prince, my partner in life, my bestest friend. You are the leading man, the hero in the LDD story. It wouldn’t have a story without you. … thank you doesn’t seem like enough.
Five years ago, at LDD’s 5th Birthday Party, I took a moment to thank God for keeping the rain away on that magical night. For those of you who joined us then you know that was an incredible feat! Tonight, I want to thank Him for you.
Yes, people shape the story … LDD has grown into a beautiful story … cheers to the next chapter, cheers to YOU.
It was a night to remember.
A night when I celebrated all who have made LDD the success that it is. Happy Birthday LDD …
Photography by Yolanda Christine
Specials thanks to:
Lyman staff
LDD Divas
Friends & Family for their hard work with set up & break down