Little thanksgivings.
Counting my blessings today.
• My new yoga/pilates class. I need those few moments at the end of class where we just lie there. There are always people that get up and leave before the meditation and I always think, "why are they rushing off?" Those few beautiful moments of stillness fill me up until the next class. Don't miss out on those moments of stillness.
• Simon placing rocks in "tall grass." Simon blowing bubbles on his own (this is huge for him).
• Watching him get so excited over his new Fireman outfit - thanks Deb. He totally wanted to wear it all night. Especially while he was blowing bubbles.
• Peeking in on him at school today. Seeing him sitting at the table with the other little kids eating his lunch. Witnessing such a calm, peaceful, organized environment. Watching his lead teacher interact with him meaningfully and him responding appropriately.
• Had one of those moments last night when we caught him in his element: he had put on Mr. Potoato Head's glasses and was reading The Very Hunrgy Caterpillar to himself (he has the entire thing memorized). I just about pushed Chris off his chair when I saw that he had those glasses on - such a very cool dude.
• Your awesome excitement over the new book. Thank you. A million times.
• My sweet friend Karen Russell's fundraiser for Women to Women International. Check it out here. A $1 donation gets your name into drawings for tons (and I mean TONS) of cool stuff - there are going to be over 135 winners.
• And speaking of Karen, she is one of my favorite product designers. I just got some new pieces from her most recent line from Creative Imaginations - check this cool stuff out:
I am so loving the colors, the type, etc. Such a great combination of design elements.
• This morning I had an interview with a local TV station (KVAL - I will let you locals know when it is going to air) talking about what I do, life artists, etc. In preparation I pulled out some of my albums to show. It was so cool to look back through them. I have not done that in a long time. I am more the kind of person who creates and then puts it away - moving on to the next. But it was nice to see what I have done in the past - be reunited with it, see what I love, see what I wish I had more of the story on, etc.
• The weather here is awesome. Supposed to be in the 70's today. Just perfect.
• And take a look at this:
I love the moments at the end of class too. I can never quiet my mind but it's good for my breathing!
Can't wait for the new book. On pins & needles!
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Would love a copy of the new book!!!!!! Love your stuff
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Looking forward to the new book Ali! I'm going to try to go to Scrapfest in Edmonton in September to take some of your classes - super exciting that you're coming up north!
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helloa,
So looking forward to you're new book. When is it for sale in Holland?
tomorrow i'm gonna scrap the picture that was made from you and me at Piens in Hilversum!!! Looking forward to do so!!
Going to bed now, it's half past 10 in the evening in holland...
Like to have a glips of youre live at youre blog..
inspires me!!!
love thea reedeker
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great post....LOVE the poster.... Marirosa
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WOW!!! Look at his name in poster size! He deserves to have his name in poster size! I loved your little tidbits about Simon too. What a cool little dude! I need to see him again--last time was when I met him shortly after he was born. Funny thing, but I just really want to hear his voice. Hoping it still works out to spend some time with you when you are up this way!!!
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WOW! So cool Ali...to see your husbands dreams come to fruition and watch Simon's continued growth and development thru the loving nurturing and embracing of his parents. So.. checked out your schedule..are you not coming back to Orange County, CA. These two "aloha" ladies are calling your name. HEE!!
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Love his little fireman outfit. My dad & brother are firefighters. I could probably get some cool fire stuff for Simon if you're interested.
Love that poster. Wishing I lived closer so I could participate in a demcratic campaign. (not very many of us in Utah - lol!)
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you've probably already come up with the idea, but campaign t-shirts with ...
Let's get to work.
front and centre.
It would even be a good one for cafe press!
Cheers,
Ray
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the photos are awesome
you are so inspirational
love the campaign signage
can't wait to get a copy of your book
when it hits stores
simon is the best. :)
Vee
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The political sign looks great. So clean and modern. It is def. going to stand out on the roadside.
Hey, I wanted to thank you for adding my link (Swell) from your cafepress site...I'll have to add yours to mine.
Also, check out my graphic design site at www.swelldesigner.com.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful rest of the day.
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as i visit your blog daily, i love to read what is happening because you appreciate the seemingly "small" things...not to mention the inspiration!
i am overwhelmed by the love that simon receives in this family. so inspiring and such a great example for us all, i think. i love your art, designs and your "eye" for color in scrapbooking, but i think your best art is being created in the sculpting of your son.
;)
nikki
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How cool is that campaign poster?? Was just in Eugene yesterday---will keep my eyes peeled for a poster sighting next trip down! Wishing him the best!
Let us know when KVAL will run your interview---will be fun to show the family (they came south with me last June while I attended your class in Pheonix OR ;)).
Love the Simon photos and stories---aren't kids' imaginations terrific? I remember popping in the bathroom one evening to see my daughter pretending the toothbrushes were little people....
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Awesome, Ali. Totally awesome.
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.....mmmmm I gotta stop reading your blog. I need to go find some of that gorgeous Karen Russell stuff. Always see cool stuff on your blog - thanks (I think, lol) for sharing. Love to see the cool pics. of your little guy. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of the new book - it looks great. I see this version looks like a soft cover and I hope it will hold up as well as my hard cover has since I know it will probably be my second favourite - after "a designers eye" of course. I cannot wait till it hits the the land of oooh la la ! au revoir
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wow it's like a REAL CAMPAIGN! go hubby!
hey girl, did you submit for my book? i think your whole "life artist" thing would be a great profile!
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We had an IEP meeting this week to discuss plans for next year for Zeb. One of the main points made was that the single most important component of a child's success (esp. one with a learning difference) is committed, involved parents. I'm saying this here because I see that commitment and love for Simon all over everything you do - Simon is going to go as far as is humanly possible, because he has this great base in you & Chris. It's just so heartening to see.
And knowing someone with Chris' sensibilities is going to participate in the process, and be in the position to make changes in the world, is just so encouraging.
Blessings to you all.
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So nice to count your blessings on just a regular, ordinary day. Thanks for the reminder!
xoxo.
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Wow Ali.... really, really exciting stuff going on with you. That picture of Simon reading with the glasses is priceless! Sounds like he's realy doing well. Lowell is about to start an Autism day treatment program. I hope he responds as well as Simon has to his treatment. We're excited!! That sign for Chris is wonderful. So nice to hear all these happy blessings in your life:)
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Love that pic of Simon in the Mr. P Head glasses... Alex does that too, cracks me up EVERY time!
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Your entire post just made me smile. Thanks...
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I know what you mean about the lying still, i always wonder why people are in such a rush to leave ... for me this is the best moment, Simon is such a cutie in his fireman outfit, love the new banner on your blog, and good luck for your hubby's campaign, i am sure he will do well,
take care
Mimi
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How exciting...
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Ali, that is a kick ass poster for Chris. LOVE IT!!! Peace and blessings. (sounds like you've had lots of that lately!!) As always, love reading your posts.
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YEAH FOR SIMON!! Blowing bubbles!! Our DS#2, now 12, has Asperger's, and had trouble for years with bubbles and birthday candles. Mom shed silent tears at the birthdays over that one. He still has some speech issues, but they are unrelated to the Asperger's.
And Ali, thank you for sharing Simon with all of us, and for using your name to get Autism Awareness increased. Bless your family.
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