Bryan Ripka (EcoTimber), John Stein (Kirei), and me at West Coast Green in San Jose, 2008

If any body has recently visited my blog site through the Squak Mountain Stone website, you may have noted that the date on the last posting was 2006. While I am quite adept at speaking my mind, it’s apparent that finding the time to write is another issue. Perhaps it’s finding the peace and quiet in my life to articulate my thoughts (for example, my son is sitting at computer behind me now, music and lasers blasting on a Bionicle/LEGO website, while I’m struggling to think of something deep, yet pithy to say, which is clearly escaping me tonight.)

However, last week I spent several days in San Jose, California at West Coast Green, sharing a large booth with my “Green Mafia” friends at Kirei, EcoTimber and KlipTech and the message was clear: we must blog. Okay, but I suppose I’ve resisted to some degree because just because someone has a blog site and knows how to navigate a keyboard doesn’t mean they should.  I created a saying while in college after witnessing a horribly unfortunate fashion faux pas: “Self confidence is a dangerous thing in the hands of the wrong person.” And yet, here I am, trying again, a mere two years later.

I do realize I have opinions. And given the number of invitations I receive to speak in front of business groups and classes, I suppose my opinions matter to some people.  But at the heart is this fear I have: If I blog, will they come? What do I say that will matter? Do I have the power to create engaging virtual conversations? Can I offer a slice of my perspective that can perhaps influence a person’s decisions that day? Or do I try to release my inner comedian in hopes I can get a TV deal and leave this manufacturing stuff and the “need to blog” behind me? I have to say right now, I think the jury might still be out (although my employees have a pretty strong opinion about how funny I think I am and they’re not looking for new jobs just yet.)

In the end, I think I will write what I know (which is what I think I said in my “About” page about three years ago).  And I will take the time to share the daily onslaught of issues I encounter, if I believe they will help others. But I really hope the next post is not two years from now – I’m making my VP here promise to nag me everyday about how my blog is coming. Nothing like a little guilt to inspire.

 However, last week I was given an opportunity to take a pause. The Northern Pacific chapter of the International Interior Design Association recently held its 4th annual INawards.  The INawards recognizes demonstrations of excellence in the field of interior design. The entrants are challanged to submit designs that are inspirational, innovative and sustainable. The competition is open to all design professionals in Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Alberta, and British Columbia.

I submitted Squak Mountain Stone for the Design IN Concept category, which honors un-built interior projects, student work and conceptual or realized product design. The event was moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-In-Chief of Interior Design magazine. She also served on the jury with Suzanne Tick, the much heralded textile designer and artist from New  York, Vicente Wolf, named by numerous magazines as one of the most influential interior designers in the United States, and Ronette J. King, Vice President of Gensler San Francisco and a 2001 inductee in the Interior Design Hall of Fame.

Squak Mountain Stone was selected by these distinguished jurors as the Best in Competition in the Design IN Concept category. It was truely a great moment for me and Squak. Not only did the jurors say some wonderful things about the product but it was perhaps the first time that Squak had to stand on its own legs and be objectively evaluated for what it is and what it means. The competition submission could not contain any names or identifiers that would allow the jurors to know or what the product was. It was simply one white sheet of paper describing the product and six photos. Period.  And Squak held up under the scrutiny of some very influential people.

 The night was thrilling and humbling for me. I have a beautiful plaque and a wonderful memory of the event. And I was happy to share it with my husband, who’s bore witness to the development of Squak Mountain Stone from the very begining. Also, the Northern Pacific chapter of the IIDA really knows how to throw a party!

I will be posting a more technical/business oriented blog soon, but I wanted to first take a moment and share the great news with those of you who tune in and support us. Because, honestly, there is no Squak Mountain Stone if we don’t have loyal customers and friends. So, thank you!