It’s always been my goal to authentically share my story both in my scrapbooks and in this online space.
To me that means addressing the good, the bad, the beautiful, the successes, the challenges – the very real pieces of my life.
As many of you have noticed, and some have commented and emailed, Chris has been mostly absent for some time from the stories and photos. He has decided that he wants something different with his life and we are in the process of getting a divorce.
Chris continues to maintain an active role in the kid’s lives.
There is nothing easy about this.
It’s very hard and very stressful and very sad.
And yet, the story continues for all of us. For him and me. For the kids and me. For him and the kids. And there are many, many things I have to be thankful for in my life.
I’ve always maintained, and taught in my workshops, that not all stories need to be told.
But here, in this space, it’s important to me that there’s a general awareness of this change. This will allow me to more authentically share my story going forward.
A few months ago I asked for your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. I’d humbly ask for your continued kindness as this specific chapter closes and new ones begin.
As you consider leaving a comment I would also humbly ask that you focus on something positive, compassionate and/or uplifting. Our heartfelt intent is to maintain a positive relationship as we move forward in our lives.
Wishing all of you, especially any of you who may be experiencing something similar within your own family, peace during the Christmas season.
I am so sorry to hear that Ali. You and your family are in my prayers. I wish you strength, clarity, peace ad so many blessings on the road ahead.
Thank you, Ali. How easy it would have been to not document this holiday season. We all would have understood. We would have virtually patted your head and said, “We understand. Things are hard right now.” But instead, you have shown us something so much deeper, so much more valuable about the importance of joy seeking during the holidays. The importance of telling the story, even when you wish you were writing a different chapter. Sometimes (maybe all the time) the only way out is through.
And what an amazing lesson you are teaching us all about the power of speaking even when your voice feels lost, about not letting your creative spirit whither, and about the power of finding a life worth celebrating when you simply choose to celebrate it. Just because, it’s yours.
Thank you, Ali. May you feel every ounce of love that these comments are pouring on you. And much, much more.
Beautiful post!
I agree just beautiful! Well said. Lots of love Ali!
My heart too aches for all of you Ali in this difficult time. I have been through it myself and you will come through it stronger on the other side. I guess you see other peoples lives online and think everything must be perfect and it is refreshing to see you share this “real” side of your life. I will be interested to see how you scrapbook this time later (if you choose to) as I have not scrapbooked any of the difficult times that I’ve been through in the last few years since my divorce. Sending you all lots of good wishes and prayers for a new beginning.
May God bless you and give you strength in these troublesome times. I pray for peace for you and your family.
There you go. You are LIGHT! I too have noticed and you and the kids have been in my thoughts. Even though this was and is not an easy path for you/kids (and Chris).. I have seen you shine brighter in so many ways. You are blossoming into something grander. I hope that at the end of the day you take a moment and consider kindness for yourself. Keep doing what you are doing — you are such an incredible inspiration to many. Through trials comes triumphs. So far you seem to be doing just fine.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing! You seem to bring a positive spirit to whatever you face – I admire that. I lost a baby at the beginning of the second trimester last year; it was a very tough time. Quite honestly, one of the things that “rescued” me was watching people who bring that spirit of joy to their lives – your blog was one of the things I most enjoyed reading during that time (and still enjoy)! Hoping you have a special, really joyful holiday season.
Ali, you are a gifted teacher and you naturally inspire others. Your grace and openness will teach others to do the same. I will be sending thoughts of peace and love to you and your family.
Ali,
I have followed you for a long time. I just want you to know that I respect you and the way you live life with so much integrity. Hoping for all the best for you and your family.
I found your blog the year I was getting a divorce – 2008. And I picked for my OLW – Peace. My wish for you is that you will find Peace. Reading your blog has helped me and so many other people. I love how positive and creative you are!
I have two kids with autism. Being divorced was hard, but yet I am HAPPY! (another OLW)
Know that we are all thinking of you and sending you good wishes for your next chapter in life.
I’m sure the path is rough and I’m sure it hurts but I know you have the courage, strength and beauty (inside and out) to make it through. I wish you a joyous Christmas.
Much love to you!
I know it is hard for you to share this, but it is important because it is your story. I can also say that I have seen some very close friends go through this, and they have all come out on the other side stronger. They say that although the experience was very painful, it landed them in a better place, and they are now happier than they could ever have imagined. You are amazing, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel–even if it seems like it is around a corner right now.
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
I love reading your stories and look so much forward to seeing what’s ahead for you in the future.
I wish you every good thing Ali. Peace & Joy to you and your family.
Sending hugs your way!
Ali,
Peace and strength to you in the coming days. May you feel how much you have inspired us all and inspire yourself.
Ali, Of course I am a stranger, but given your wonderful ability to share of yourself here, I feel as if we are girlfriends, and we need to have some girl time to chat, laugh, cry and hug over a coffee, diet coke or beer. Never underestimate your ability to draw people in close. Brooke
I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling. You are so brave to continue on with your life, your work and even your blog. It’s admirable the way you continue on for yourself and your children. You’re such an inspiration and an amazing mom/woman role model!
Thinking of you, Simon & Anna as you transition to the next stage of your life. Thank you for sharing your story with us, lifting you up in prayer.
That Joseph Campbell quote is beautiful and brilliant. May you find your way towards joy! Life is so very short. xoxo
This is my first time in posting to your blog, but I felt moved to do so after this post. One thing that I have ALWAYS loved about your blog is your honesty; that life is “real” for you and that you’re not afraid to share that. This post makes me admire you even more. Your honesty is a gift to all of us; but, hopefully, it will be healing gift to you. Thank you for sharing!
Please know that you are loved and supported. Saying prayers for peace and strength for you during this chapter of your story.
Thank you for sharing your story and your family with us for all these years and now. It is amazing to read through all the comments and to see how awesome and supportive the scrapbooking community is and how much you are loved. Peace.
I cannot begin to imagine how hard this is for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you that you get through this well.
Jay
Sending you and the kids hugs and love and prayers!
Sending lots of love your way Ali. I think you are an amazing person and full of such grace. May this next journey in your life fill you with more joy and peace than you ever imagined. I admire your honesty here on this blog. I think the honesty about your life situation only makes you stronger even if at the time it doesn’t seem that way.
Always remember the amazing woman that you are.
Wishing you and your beautiful kids a very happy holiday season.
Best regards,
April
sending you light and love from big sky country…you are NOT alone. : )
I started reading your blog because your creativity inspired me as a scrapbooker. I have continued to read for many years because of the genuine, honest posts and perspective that you offer not only on crafting, but life in general. I deeply admire your grace, your strength, and your integrity and pray that 2012 brings much peace and happiness to you and your family. God bless you during this difficult time!
Dear Ali,
Wow! I don’t think I could be as honest as you have been with a bunch of total strangers (I’m not sure I could be that honest with a bunch of people I know!) I have not been through what you are going through now, but I have had, and am now going through, some rough patches. You are truly my hero. One of the things I’ve always struggled with is how honest to be in my srapbooking/journaling. But, after reading your blog for all these years, I’ve realized that it really is important to put the not so happy stuff in there also. Life is not always happy and we can’t make it happy by only talking/writing/scapping the good parts. You have been my inspiration for starting Project Life in 2012 and now I know that I will include both the good stuff, the bad stuff, the ugly stuff and the wonderfulness that is this life we live. Thank you dear Ali for your wonderful inspiration.
I know you will handle this with grace.
I firmly believe that one of the most beautiful challenges to witness is when divorced parents decide that they will not let their differences get in the way of providing the love and support for their kids. Sending you strength and hugs to get thru this.
As you teach, and show us, everyday life is not always smiles and sunshine. Each day will bring another story. I am sure you will have the strength to get through it. Thanks for sharing. Tomorrow is another day. Hugs
Love you all. We’re here if you need a place to hang, to talk, to not talk. You are so very strong.
Sending BIG cyber hugs to you Ali! I hope you can feel the incredible love and support from the papercrafting community and it helps in some small way to lighten your load. xx
I know this can’t be easy for you to share. Thank you for sharing this real part of your life. I am married to a man that has been through divorce. It is not easy, but life goes on. Naturally, there will be more people in your children’s lives that will love them…that’s the bright side. There can never be too much love! Blessings to you, Ali. You are brave and strong and loved.
Admiring you as always – will keep you in my thoughts.
Ali,
My heart has been heavy for you since that post a few months ago. Hang in there, we’re all here for you.
Hugs, peace, strength and love,
Denise
Dear Ali,
Thank you so much for being willing to share this part of your life with all of us so publicly. I had a sense that something was up based on your journaling for OLW – it sounded like you were going through some tough stuff. But I am a random person that reads your blog and takes your classes – and didn’t know the best avenue to send my support for whatever it was. I appreciate knowing a little more so that I can be positive and supportive as best I can.
I have learned so so much from you and feel like you have made a positive impact on my scrapbooking and my life. I thank you for that. And I hope that this space can be a support for you to move forward with grace as you have helped all of us do so many times.
Sincerely,
Cynthia H
You are amazing and inspiring everyday to me and I’m sure to so many many more readers. Positive thoughts definitely moving your way…
Thank you
wishing you strength through this time, you will come out of it a stronger lady for sure. sending you hugs
I’m saddened to hear this, but confident that you and Chris will work together for the best things for your children. I admire the relationship you have with your children–so very nurturing. I know that will continue. The best of everything for you and yours.
Ali, I’m so sad to hear about this change in your life. But you know what, you are already so many steps ahead. You are already being positive and forward-thinking. You and your family will be in my prayers. Enjoy the Christmas season…
“Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.” Gilda Radner
You’re stronger than you ever realized! Thank you for being so genuine & honest with all of us. You are truly appreciated and respected. <3
I had noticed Chris’ absence since that post months ago, and though I felt that was your private story, I regularly thought of your request for prayers and offered them.
I’m not a frequent commenter, nor am I a scrapbooker (though I would consider myself a storyteller), but I so admire and respect you, above all for your passion and deep, abiding love for your children. I hope that they – and you – are doing well. I will continue to think of and pray for you as this next chapter opens up to new and wonderfully unexpected tales.
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May you enjoy the peace that comes with Christmas and enjoy this special time of year with Simon and Anna. Surround yourself with those that love you, and good luck as you and Chris adapt to this change in your relationship.
praying with you as you all embark on a new journey… peace and happiness to you all… know you are loved by many…
Dear Ali,
I’m so sorry for the sadness that this has put in your life and heart. You are an amazing mom and an incredibly gifted artist. Your blog inspires me everyday, and your talent, intelligence, and heart prove that you are an amazing person! I will keep you and your children in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and take some time for yourself because you deserve it!!
wishing you strength and peace. and sending you love, ali.
my mom always says to me… “although it may seem very dark, there is always light at the end of this tunnel”
may you find your light in this new chapter of your lives. bless you sweet girl.
May you have peace through the holidays and joy for the new year. I’m sure I speak for thousands when I say you are always an inspiration.