Recently


Filbert (aka hazelnut) orchard outside Albany, Oregon.

Today I'm working away from home at a little coffee shop.

I'm writing and I'm watching and I'm listening. Writing about life and business and family and adventure. Watching people come in and out, placing their orders and going on their way. Listening to the murmur of hushed conversations and to familiar songs as they come on the radio that plays quietly on speakers overhead.

Recently I've been meeting new people. A new relationship lends itself to the introduction of new people and places and sounds and sights and smells and stories. I'm shaking hands and welcoming hugs and explaining what I do and who I am and why I'm wherever it is that I am and listening and smiling. Lots and lots of smiling - the kind that makes your face tired.

Recently I've been embracing a place I never imagined I'd be.

Recently I've been connecting with old friends. A new relationship sometimes also has roots in the past, as is the case for me right now and I'm gathering together with people I haven't seen in years. People who I'm genuinely so very happy to see and reminisce with and catch up on life. Amazingly enough I'm getting the chance to answer the "what if" question and so far it's been magical and tender and filled with fun.

Recently I've been hugging my kids extra tight. I'm amazed at how they are growing, amazed at their resilience, amazed at how completely blessed I am to get to share my life with them.

Recently I've been listening to this and it will probably be a song that always reminds me of this summer:





Recently I've been embracing it all, taking it all in, and moving forward one breath, one step at a time.

DOWNLOADABLE WORKSHOPS ON SALE | Looking for a little memory keeping inspiration this weekend? I just put Storyology and FIVE on sale for $10 each (through Monday).

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66 thoughts

  1. Ali TS says…
    08/30/2012

    You write so beautifully. So glad you're finding happy times. And that you are treasuring the moments with your children. My eldest will be 18 this year and I'm so conscious of the racing of time and the changes to come. All the best to you.

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  2. Cathy L. says…
    08/30/2012

    Beautiful.

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  3. Ally says…
    08/30/2012

    Just wanted to say that you have handled all these major life changes in such an inspiring way.
    My daughter was recently diagnosed with AU and you have been such a help and guiding light to me.
    We recently had a crazy summer ourselves, picked up and moved from NC to UT in order to be in a place with better services for her, so I totally relate to a summer of change.
    Here's to loving life, making new friends, and letting go of expectations! Thanks again for your honesty this summer. I know that you are a private person, but it's been helpful to see your perspective.

    AN

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  4. Erin Reive says…
    08/30/2012

    I am so happy to hear that this summer has turned out to be so lovely for you. It makes me happy to hear your words. xo

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  5. Doris says…
    08/30/2012

    Love hearing the happy in you. xo

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  6. Lynne Gillis says…
    08/30/2012

    It makes my heart full to know that you are so happy, and that you have someone special in your life that makes your heart full as well. :-)

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  7. Debbie S. says…
    08/30/2012

    Love that photo!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Rebekah says…
    08/30/2012

    Ali! This all sounds wonderful. I don't drop by to post often, but you have been so inspiring to me through all your change and embracing. You GO girl!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Michelle Bostinelos says…
    08/30/2012

    Ali - I know you didn't always write in words exactly what was going on with you one year ago. But it was evident in your tone (words + pictures) that things were not good. You have gracefully took all your readers through a journey of pain and heartbreak. Again you didn't really say it - but I think we could feel it. And this summer it has been evident that you clearly made a turn in your journey. While I haven't been through what you have gone through - I have had my world turn upside down a few times. And there is a journey and a path to healing it just takes time. In hindsight I know that those bumps along the way helped shape the person I am today. Into a better person (i hope). And after being sad for a long time...well sometimes you don't notice that the sadness starts to fad, and happiness creeps back in. And there is healing. And just one day you notice that feeling that you once forgot. Happiness. A new start. A fresh perspective. Life is good. Sorry I didn't mean to make this so long. But so happy for you. Good things are happening. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I know I have been cheering for you all this time.

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  10. Amy P. says…
    08/30/2012

    Lovely post. Thanks for sharing and so happy for you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. KIT says…
    08/30/2012

    i love reading happiness...

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. christen says…
    08/30/2012

    beautiful! thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Maureen says…
    08/30/2012

    So glad that recently...it's been good, contentment kinda good.

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  14. Michelle Adams says…
    08/30/2012

    be happy, ali... :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. sara says…
    08/30/2012

    ok... did I miss something ? what has happened ali ?? what has changed ?

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. CINDY WELCH says…
    08/30/2012

    While divorce is usually never what your really want it to be, it does open new doors, new paths, new opportunities. I am so happy your finding your way

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Phaedra says…
    08/30/2012

    I agree with a post by KIT above. I love reading happiness. So deserved. Wonderful!

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  18. Jennifer Kolakowski says…
    08/30/2012

    So happy for you Ali. So very, very happy.
    Jen K.

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  19. Stacy says…
    08/30/2012

    I'm so happy for you, Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. slmnontec says…
    08/30/2012

    You have inspired me to write about "recently" in my own life. My father is suffering from bone cancer and my beloved little dog is 16 years and 10 months old. Change is coming. I'm scared. I'm trying so hard to "live in the moment". Thanks for being honest and real.

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  21. Nicky from Okotoks says…
    08/30/2012

    Just breathe it all in and enjoy. So happy for you. Hug those kids extra tight, they grow up way too fast.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Laura says…
    08/30/2012

    So happy you are in a good place with yourself, the kids, and your new someone.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Paula says…
    08/30/2012

    Feeling your happiness, and it's contagious. Wishing you a lifetime of these feelings!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Kris says…
    08/30/2012

    I love how "real" you write -- both good and bad. Its refreshing. I love your blog.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Jackie Bremer says…
    08/30/2012

    Michelle, post #9, couldn't have expressed my feelings better. The tough times our the growing times - whether it is kids, spouse, parents or friends. You have written well but also with respect for all involved. Praying that you find peace and healing. By the way, the creative lift for today was especially meaningful for me!

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