Thank You Martha Stewart
by allthebest • 18 Jun ’13 • profile • 17 Comments
I have always believed that the mind somehow finds a way to accomplish the things we desire most in life. Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Writing a book has been my lifelong dream. From childhood on I dreamed, plotted and planned, though I was never entirely certain what shape it would take. As I approached my twenties I became obsessed with houses and shelter magazines. Eager to learn from the experts I began my own road to writing. First in notebooks, then a blog and eventually Designers at Home.
Dorothy Rodgers’s My Favorite Things: A Personal Guide to Decorating and Entertaining, was the first book that forever changed my thoughts on houses and design and spark a fire within me. I was hooked and wanted to learn more about creating a beautiful home and what made interiors so inviting. My salvation came in the form of Martha Stewart’s lavishly illustrated book Entertaining. I was instantly transported to wonderful world and a place of learning. Fascinated by the engaging blonde hostess, I, too, wanted to serve cold borscht in pretty goblets, find a better way to set the table, and grow my own flowers.
When I “meet” Martha Stewart at a booking signing in 1994, I could scarcely imagine that almost 20 years later she would write the foreword to my book Designers at Home and host my launch party. The festive event in her Starrett-Lehigh office building in New York City was a very surreal moment that only reaffirmed my belief that any dream worthwhile is achieved through believing, hard work and stick-to-itiveness. Thank you Martha…for everything. You can see more from the lovely evening on Martha’s blog.
Dogajolo Bianco, Rosato and Rosso wine from Opici Wines
Robert Passal. Robert’s Manhattan prewar apartment is featured on the cover.
Andrew Joseph, founder of Andrew Joseph PR
Bruce Glickman, owner of Duane in New York City
Cheese straws, olives, and nuts were served by Chef Pierre Schaedelin
Ornamental cherry blossoms
Interior designer Bradley Clifford
Bunny William (featured in Designers at Home)
Thomas Burak, Martha and Michael Devine (featured in Designers at Home)
Martha, me, Kevin Sharkey, Bradley Clifford (Aaron Stewart taking a group shot)
Kevin Sharkey (featured in Designers at Home)
Martha, me and Mary Aarons
Bunny Williams and James Andrew (featured in Designers at Home)
Michael Mcgraw , Martha, Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo
Beautiful! You are such an inspiration,I am really excited to have met you and hear your stories!~bravo and all the best wishes deepali
Ronda,
Indeed you inspire and elevate everything and everyone around you.
Wishing you much success and love always.
I welcome you to peruse my new web site!
I smile every time I see my artwork here which was the start of so much for me, my blog and endorsement to carry on.
pve
What a beautiful evening that was!! I keep teasing that being invited to Martha’s headquarters and getting to meet her was like taking a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Thank you Ronda, for the invitation as well as the incredibly kind mention in your book.
I am sincerely touched.
I wish you tons of great success on your book, (and the many books to come!)
xoxABCD
Definitely a dream come true! How fun to live it out!
You are an INSPIRATION! I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments! Much love, Katie
I love your book, congratulations! Several years ago I was invited to attend the filming of Martha’s television show and then to view the first episode of The Apprentice – it is a wonderful memory that I relived seeing your pictures from a beautiful evening.
I am ordering the book now. Congratulations on this milestone.
Congrats! You are one of te first blogs that I started following and inspired me to create and start my own blog. I try not to think of how many followers I have, but staying true to my passion as an Interior Designer, celebrating my passion for chairs and sharing my love for design. I hope to stand next to you one day!
Nicole
Dear Ronda, Your book has brought me so much joy, congratulations again on making your dreams come true! Fabulous party!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Congratulations!!! After following your blog all these years, I know that you have earned every single kudo!! This was a gorgeous party minimal, sexy and super chic. When is the next book coming out??
Mary
Congratulations on living your dream. You have inspired me to keep working towards my own dream.
I was given a copy of your book for Mother’s Day, and it is a delight to read and a feast for the eyes! Thank you for the hard work.
Ronda,
How exciting! Dream do come true for all who believe in themselves and stick with it….remain forever starry eyed. Congrats!
Bette
Congratulations!! Have your book on my wish list!! And it looks like you had a fabulous evening – you deserved it!!
Congratulations on your book! And to have Martha Stewart write a foreword in your book…wow. That is amazing!
Ronda,
Your story is so inspiring. Congratulations on your success! You deserve it.
This reminds me that small business owners need to check up more on where they land on the net.
LOVE AND MISS YOU Ronda Rice Carmen. 