AE | The Weekend Lens

One of the biggest things I've learned over the past year is a very deep understanding of the importance of friends.

This past weekend featured an adventure to Portland to get together with some of those good friends (many of which were attending or speaking at Chris Guilbeau's World Domination Summit).

There was lots of talking (and more talking), eating, getting together with other friends, and then we went paddle-boarding on Sunday morning in the Willamette River.

It was a refueling emotionally and creatively and physically (loved going paddle-boarding for the first time).

To top it off I got to reconnect with an old friend I haven't seen in years.

And I felt so darn happy all weekend long.

Here's to finding the fun parts of yourself again.

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57 thoughts

  1. Gioconda Mitas says…
    07/09/2012

    Here's to happiness!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. lee says…
    07/09/2012

    I'm so happy that you have good dear friends in life who can share in joyful, new and comforting experiences with you. In difficult times, those are part of the sustenance that can carry us through.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. michele h. says…
    07/09/2012

    friends are the best! so happy to hear that you had an awesome weekend:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Debbie says…
    07/09/2012

    So glad you found the " fun parts of yourself" again!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Beth says…
    07/09/2012

    You look so beautiful! Glad you had a great weekend!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Kareen says…
    07/09/2012

    Oh I can relate!! I recently took a baking class and was totally happy about being around people who love to bake too. I plan on taking CE classes also. So Excited!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. JavaJones says…
    07/09/2012

    Yay for you! Women friends are so important, they truly soothe the soul. So glad to see you thriving and come through a challenging time. You look happy and beautiful in these photos!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. McAmy says…
    07/09/2012

    i just realized that 1st picture is a reflection in a baby mirror. awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Cathy says…
    07/09/2012

    Glad to see you so happy. I treasure my time with girlfriends too. Love the Atlanta Braves hat (although I know the A is probably for Ali).

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Lisa W. says…
    07/09/2012

    Nice...just very nice!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Alexandra says…
    07/09/2012

    yay!! so, so happy for you!!
    such a pleasure to watch you come alive in this next chapter of your life.
    xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. heidig says…
    07/09/2012

    So very, very happy for you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jenny M. says…
    07/09/2012

    I'm so excited to see you living with such a smile on your face. Loving watching you dream big and living out your adventures. And the paddle boarding is oh so going on my list.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Debbie S. says…
    07/09/2012

    Awesome!! You look fabulous, too... Good on ya trying paddle boarding!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Kim says…
    07/09/2012

    The conference sounds cool and you look really happy. What kinds of workshops do they do?

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Juli F says…
    07/09/2012

    You look amazing in these pictures. Your love for your friends shines through in your photos. So glad you had an amazing weekend!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. dawn says…
    07/10/2012

    So happy for you Ali, you look gorgeous and happy!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Lana says…
    07/10/2012

    Ali, the joy on your face is priceless! You look like you are radiating happiness from within :)

    I can totally relate. I split up with my partner of 13 years two years ago, it made me realise that I had neglected my friendships. It has been really hard trying to reconnect with people and forge new friendships but when it happens, oh man, it's the best feeling!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Suz says…
    07/10/2012

    Looks like you had a lovely weekend Ali! So very happy for you. LAst year was indeed rough one. Glad to see you smiling and looking radiant!
    Take care you!
    Suz

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Gypsy Chaos says…
    07/10/2012

    You look years younger! I did a double take.

    It's amazing what time with friends doing fun things can do for a person.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Sue says…
    07/11/2012

    Looks like a great time! Friends are so important in our lives - I'm off to lunch with a good friend today.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Karla says…
    07/11/2012

    This warmed my heart for you and brought a smile to my face. There truly is nothing like experiencing a day (or days) of pure joy, when so many days have been dark. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. dawn says…
    07/11/2012

    Hi Ali,

    I have lots of blog friends from all over the world and hope to be with them one day to meet and craft together. Friends are the best even when they aren't near by.

    Thought you might like my post today, it's about me and my friend from Australia and what we did together but from two countries to celebrate our friendship.

    I actually met her thru your blog and we've been friends for over a year now.

    Hope your day is a good one!

    Dawn
    http://everydaymemorieswithprojectlife.blogspot.com

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Kimberly K. says…
    07/11/2012

    Sounds like Stella may be getting her groove back! Keep moving forward. Always forward, never straight.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Alecia A. says…
    07/11/2012

    LOVE!!!

    Reply 0 Replies

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