• Because she went through over 20 hours of labor to bring me into this world
• Because she's always been my biggest supporter and No. 1 fan
• Because she lets me make my own choices (read: mistakes) and then helps me recover from them
• Because she's the most inspiring woman I know

For all of these reasons and more, I vow to do something sweet and memorable to show my Very Incredible Mother just how much she is loved.

Now, if it was at all possible, I would hop on a plane and fly down to Florida and make her breakfast in bed (probably banana pancakes, since when would she ever make those for herself?).

But this week is a bit crazy at work (our huge benefit event, Design on a Dime, begins on Thursday... more on that later). In lieu of that, I'm bringing back a very-cheesy sounding but totally worthwhile tradition: the Traveling Journal.

What is this, you ask? Take an inexpensive, lightweight, easy-to-send-in-the-mail blank notebook, like these from Carrot and Stick Press (just $6/each, and they ship out same day):

You write an entry in it - whatever is on your mind at the time (from the 10 Things You Love About Mom to the 10 Things You Worry About Most) it doesn't really matter what you write - the point is to share something personal, and open up a conversation.

*I realize we live in an age when we can - and do - share these sentiments over email, but truly, there is something far more intimate in the hand-written word. (This from the lady who just started writing a blog...)

Pop that little journal in the mail and send it to Mom, requesting that she write something back, and keep going back and forth like this. Whether it's once a week or once a month, you'll learn new things about each other, and eventually have a keepsake to treasure. Plus, you'll look forward to the mailman's arrival more than when he's just bearing catalogs and bills.

Okay, totally cheesy? Are you inspired? Or is this not something you'd ever do? Feel free to share. Better yet, what are YOU planning to do to show mom how much you care?

If you're not ready for the Traveling Journal Gift, there are always cute pajamas! These, from Pine Cone Hill, would be perfect for mom to wear while she enjoys her breakfast in bed.