What Is Real Right Now
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.
Ali, Sending you love, prayers, positive thoughts for you and your family. Life is all about how we survive the challenges, overcome the obstacles to come out on the other side and be better people - I pray this is the case for you & Chris and the challenges of the every day that you are going through. Remember you are such an inspiration to all of us, sometimes you need to rejeuvenate your spirit in order to keep going.
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praying for you both. Life is so challenging and our busy lives make it more difficult. Wishing the best for you and your family.
I just finished Cutting for Stone and I loved it. It started a bit slower for me but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Really a great book.
JoAnn
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Ali,
I'm praying for you ---
and sending a warm Hug all the way from Georgia (we still have temps in the 90s)
I love posts like this one --- it is truly 'real life' and I love that you share that with all your blog friends.
Wishing you a great day filled with nothing but positive energy!
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Cyber hugs to you and your family and good wishes for peace and happiness.
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Hugs and prayers, Ali.
And a book suggestion for Simon - it may or may not be a bit challenging for him now as my oldest loved them in 5th grade, but it's the Percy Jackson & The Olympian series by Rick Riordan. He's an amazing author and it was the series that finally got my son to LOVE to read. There is also another interactive series called 39(?) clues by various authors including Riordan. I bet he'd love those if he's not quite ready for Percy Jackson :)
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It must be hard to be in the spotlight as you are. As one of your fans I wish you and your family only the best. A marriage is heaps of work. Hang in there!
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Thank you for your honesty. My heart goes out to you. Life is hard, marriage is hard, raising kids is hard. But it's all worth it. Hope the two of you will be able to reconnect.
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Hang in there Ali! Life is full of ups and downs - don't be afraid to take some risks. I've found that even if there is discomfort after taking a leap, it is often well worth it once you get to the other side :)
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Send you love and strength. I remember years ago a layout of yours, maybe an anniversary one that was expressing gratitude for the good times and hard times, and how refreshing I found just that slight acknowledgement of hard times.
Life has both, so our relationships have both. But nothing matters more than love.
And my sons loved Franny K Stein, and I think Simon would too. They're a little silly, but great illustrations with an underlining sweetness (she's a young mad scientist in a regular school).
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Thank you for showing us that your life is real too. My best friend and I read your blog and discuss how much we love your creativity and most of all your integrity. I am thinking of you and your family.
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Thinking of you and your family, Ali, and praying.
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sending you love and peace and strength. life is. and you are a warrior.
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Ali, sending you lots of prayers and hugs. I love to read about your life and when I saw that you are having a difficult time right now in your marriage, that really hit home with me. I am getting divorced and it's hard when things are not the way you had hoped. I am hopeful that you and your husband can work through this rough spot. Lots and lots of positive thoughts to you... Jen
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Praying for you Ali, that you will find your way.
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One of my favorite quotes ever....sorry can't remember the author..."A true friend knows the song in your heart and sings in back to you when you have forgotten the words." Grateful for my friends who know the song in my heart, and pray you have friends around you that are helping you. Marriage stress is one of the loneliest roads that I have ever traveled. Lots of prayers, lots of writing.
Thank you for being real.
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prayers coming your way! Thank you for this amazing reminder of being real. Not trying to put on airs that everything is perfect and to reach out for prayers and insight. Relationships so have there flows as well. I know my husband and I have struggled so much as of late with growing in complimentary directions. I am making so many strides with my health and spirituality that it is changing the dynamics of our relationship and we trying to keep up with the good fight to move forward together despite our differences. So, please know with my complete gratitude for sharing your own struggles and know that you are not alone.
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One of the things I love most about your "everyday" posts are the small lessons/reminders given and received. This statement hit my heart: 'Things are changing here and I’m hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.'
We all struggle. The intention to face challenges with grace and an open heart could surely change the outcome.
You have my thoughts and prayers!
~Katherine
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Reality right now - great post & glimpse into what you're going through, the good & the not so good. It's hard being a parent, harder to be one with a strong connection with your partner too. Lots of joys but tons of difficulties too... Our girls are now in their 20's and our relationship as a couple has grown tremendously now that the distraction of kids has lessened. It's rather frightening to hear about how things were often rocky while they were small - I was unaware of how much my husband thought we were not doing well as a couple, being so involved with the kids & so absorbed by their needs. If you need it, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - it's just reaching that light that can be a challenge! Sending you & Chris tons of good thoughts, peaceful moments and prayers that you will be able to find your way into the light, as often as you need it.
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Ali,
Thank you for being vulnerable about "what is real" for you right now. Blessings and love to you as you surrender to the challenges that are in front of you. May you experience this time with grace and a sense of clarity - knowing that you are being lifted up by so many.
Perhaps at some point in this journey you might pick up a book called, "The Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart." by Daphne Rose Kingma. I have found it to be a gentle, wise companion during times of change.
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Lifting you up in prayer - marriage is hard especially when juggling all aspects of a young family's life.
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Ali, I love that you keep things so real here. You will be in my prayers. {{{{HUGS}}}}
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No matter how perfect others see your relationship as being...you always have to work at it. I am amazed at your honesty and frankness. I am sending you positive thoughts always. Thank you for always inspiring us...not only with your art but with your love of everyday life!
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Thank you for sharing with us Ali. Please know that you are in my thought and prayers. I'll be sending good vibes your way.
Hugs sweets
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You forget the what is real right now section about authenticity and vulnerability. There are many of us who will stand with you, even via the web. You have the strength and you have support.
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Just reading this today---alittle late. Always sending positive thoughts your way. Love your family. Hang in there. Life is real! Hoping the compassion and inspiration you always share with us comes right back to you.
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