Around Here

Last week in my 52 Lifts Newsletter I invited readers to play along with a journaling prompt about "Currently," "Around Here," or "Right Now" and post on a blog or create a layout to share today. You are invited to link to your own post/project below. Here are my words:

Watching Anna. She's a little sparkler.

Packing for Ireland. Figuring out what to take and what to leave behind. Currently creating some custom journal cards for the people coming along on the adventure.

Paying attention to Simon and how he's adapting to the new school schedule. Looking for that balance between jumping in to "fix things" immediately and letting him adapt to things on his own. Finding that his recovery time after major frustrations seems to be a little less than when he was younger - celebrating those steps.

Listening to talk radio again and the new Mumford & Sons.

Cooking comfort food. This week it's crock pot lasagna (decent but still not really as great as baked) and pork verde (super simple 2 ingredient: (1) pork tenderloin and (2) jar of Trader Joes Salsa Verde) for tacos.

Celebrating Katie & Peter returning home from their European adventure and beyond excited that they got engaged along the way. The kids are ready for them to have their wedding right now. Also celebrating her first week of work here as my assistant. #changingmylife

Waiting for December when I can get the new iphone (waiting for my contract to be up). I'm pretty happy with the iphone4 camera so I'm pretty much beyond excited to see what the iphone5 camera can do. I find it takes so many of my photos these days because of the size and simplicity.

Savoring some time on my own, including my drives up the freeway to visit Greg (where I can often be found listening to music in my car really, really loud). In the beginning that time away from my kids was tremendously hard and heart-wrenching. I felt like I couldn't breathe and it was all I could do to just make it through those weekends in one piece. Eventually I grew to appreciate that time (even before dating), especially knowing it was important for them to spend time with Chris.

Planning for and even dreaming about December Daily. So much to do when I get home from my October travels. Planning to post foundation pages in late October.

Working on relaxing, chilling out, not getting too far ahead of myself and not always taking things so seriously.

Loving updates from my parents as they transition to a dream-come-true, new-to-them house on the coast. I told my Mom she should start a blog about their adventures of fixing up and moving in.

Reading The Reinvention of Edison Thomas which was recommended by Simon's developmental pediatrician.

Bundling up as the weather begins to change around here. Hello fall. Looking in my closet and knowing I need some updates, including some new jeans, but having zero desire to actually go shopping.

SHARE A LINK TO YOUR WORDS (OR LAYOUT)


You're invited to include a link to your writing or layout here. Please link directly to your post vs. your general blog link.


I also wanted to share a cool craft project that Therm O Web is supporting that is currently underway: American Patchwork & Quiltings 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. "American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to help us reach our goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities. Many charities can benefit from the donation of a pillowcase and the challenge gives you the opportunity to donate and make a difference in your community." Check out Them O Web's blog today for examples and more information on participating.

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89 thoughts

  1. tracy says…
    09/27/2012

    Ali, thanks for this great post inspiration and your wonderful 52 creative lifts newsletter!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Brooke says…
    09/27/2012

    Awesome 'ing' words!! Congrats to Katie and Peter. Of course I don't know Katie but for sure she is an angel.

    My small point and shoot camera just died. Hubby is thinking of getting me a phone instead. Is it possible to survive on just a phone camera?!?...as a memory keeper?

    Reply 4 Replies
    1. Jean says…
      09/27/2012

      I know a lot of people are getting good photos with their phone cameras, but one thing to think about is whether you can hold it steady enough. I know I have very few pictures from my phone that are not blurred because I cannot hold it steady. My camera has image atabilization and that is a must when you are a "bit " older! I use my phone camera only to capture something that is not really important to mr.

    2. Ali says…
      09/27/2012

      I think it's totally possible. I still love my big camera and use it every few days - but the convenience of the phone is hard to beat.

    3. Brooke says…
      09/29/2012

      Thank you all for your comments. Unbeknown to me my hubby had already ordered a new point and shoot. Lucky me!! I'll be holding off on the phone a little longer. In the mean time I have fallen back in love with the digital SLR and will use it more at home.

    4. Ashley Marie says…
      09/29/2012

      I think it depends on the type of phone and what kind of camera is on it. iPhone cameras are pretty awesome, but other phones not so much. I would do some research before committing.

  3. Currently…. | hclappy scraps says…
    09/27/2012

    [...] up with Ali Edwards. Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. This entry was [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Lynn says…
    09/27/2012

    Your mom should definitely start a blog about their adventures. I'd be a reader! ;-)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. julie macneil says…
      09/28/2012

      yes!!!!

  5. Natalie (QSOgirl) says…
    09/27/2012

    Thanks, Ali, for inspiring me to do this. There aren't a lot of words in my post, but it has gotten me back in the mindset of keeping my blog more updated. Your most recent "52 Creative Lifts" helped me to solidify some of my whirling thoughts about memory keeping right now in my life, too. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Lisa W. says…
    09/27/2012

    GREAT post...love hearing...reading...listening to all of this. AND realizing that we all have "stuff" , fears, desires, wants. And OMG I wanted this trip to Ireland so very badly, but just not in the cards right now. And your Mom..the blog, that would be GREAT!!!! Thanks for making my day with this blog, truly inspiring!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Susan says…
    09/27/2012

    Your mom should definitely start a blog -- I'd be a reader, too! :) And congratulations to Katie and Peter and Ali, congratulations to you for daring to live life to the fullest with all its joys and sorrows!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Lisa W. says…
    09/27/2012

    Hey Ali...Lisa (me ) again:) I forgot to check with you regarding yesterdays post. This is not just for digital scrapbooking correct? Just a e-book...looks like I want it:) but just wanted to make sure as I do not do digital scrapbooking. Thank you for your time!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      09/27/2012

      Just an ebook - I did paper layouts.

  9. Nicky from Okotoks says…
    09/27/2012

    Love the update - congrats to your mom and dad!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Rebekah says…
    09/27/2012

    Thanks for this fun blog assignment!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Nicole says…
    09/27/2012

    So fantastic Ali! Thanks for getting me hooked to Mumford & Sons. Some new tunes were greatly needed in this house.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Lida says…
    09/27/2012

    You look like such a happy camper! Such a good life!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Around here… « Vegetablog says…
    09/27/2012

    [...] in part by Ali Edwards’ newsletter on September 21, 2012.  I’ve linked it up to her post today. Like this:LikeBe the first to like [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Ruth says…
    09/27/2012

    Thanks for sharing your idea of "right now" and asking us to join in ~ a perfect way for me to gather my thoughts. Love the photo of you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Catherine says…
    09/27/2012

    Loved this idea so much-thank you!

    I'm loving the new Mumford & Sons, too. Did you see them on SNL? So, so good.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Rosa says…
    09/27/2012

    Ali, thank you for your inspiration and honest sharings. Today is a special day for me as it is my middle son's 10th birthday. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. slmnontec says…
    09/27/2012

    I'm planning to put my ing words in a layout.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. abbeyviolet says…
    09/27/2012

    I posted late last night before yours went up to not "cheat" but really want to do this again soon incorporating some of the sorts of things you were reporting on as well. I so enjoyed the discussion of this sort of post on Paperclipping Roundtable and all your personal insight in that conversation. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. TracyBzz says…
    09/27/2012

    I enjoy reading your "right now" posts. Love that style of writing/memory keeping.
    Tell your Mom to start a blog - I live in Alberta and have never been to Oregon but somehow I have this part of me that could imagine living on the Oregon coast. So if she starts blogging I could live vicariously through her.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Right now « Favourite work of art says…
    09/27/2012

    [...] Thanks, Ali E, for the prompt. [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Monica says…
    09/27/2012

    I play loud music too in the car.
    I look so much forward to making my December album. I have been holding myself back for months now...
    And I would also read your mom's blog if she started one. It's so much fun with before and after and your mom seems like such a nice lady.
    Heard you at the toundtable today, I'm so glad that you are happy.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jamie says…
    09/27/2012

    Love this idea. Haven't done anything like this in awhile, and it totally it the spot. Hoping to print it up and make a layout from it later on down the line.

    http://ramblingsinchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/09/right-now.html

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. currently says…
    09/27/2012

    [...] are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.After reading Ali’s post, mine feels a little boring and ridiculous, but here it [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Debbie S. says…
    09/27/2012

    Great photo! And great words... Cheers!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Susan says…
    09/27/2012

    this so makes me want to start blogging/memory keeping again. I love this kind of journaling.

    Reply 0 Replies

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