The Evolution Of My Story

It's always been my goal to authentically share my story both in my scrapbooks and in this online space.

To me that means addressing the good, the bad, the beautiful, the successes, the challenges - the very real pieces of my life.

As many of you have noticed, and some have commented and emailed, Chris has been mostly absent for some time from the stories and photos. He has decided that he wants something different with his life and we are in the process of getting a divorce.

Chris continues to maintain an active role in the kid's lives.

There is nothing easy about this.

It's very hard and very stressful and very sad.

And yet, the story continues for all of us. For him and me. For the kids and me. For him and the kids. And there are many, many things I have to be thankful for in my life.

I've always maintained, and taught in my workshops, that not all stories need to be told.

But here, in this space, it's important to me that there's a general awareness of this change. This will allow me to more authentically share my story going forward.

A few months ago I asked for your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. I'd humbly ask for your continued kindness as this specific chapter closes and new ones begin.

As you consider leaving a comment I would also humbly ask that you focus on something positive, compassionate and/or uplifting. Our heartfelt intent is to maintain a positive relationship as we move forward in our lives.

Wishing all of you, especially any of you who may be experiencing something similar within your own family, peace during the Christmas season.

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934 thoughts

  1. April says…
    12/15/2011

    Sending lots of love your way Ali. I think you are an amazing person and full of such grace. May this next journey in your life fill you with more joy and peace than you ever imagined. I admire your honesty here on this blog. I think the honesty about your life situation only makes you stronger even if at the time it doesn't seem that way.

    Always remember the amazing woman that you are.

    Wishing you and your beautiful kids a very happy holiday season.

    Best regards,
    April

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  2. jaymee says…
    12/15/2011

    sending you light and love from big sky country...you are NOT alone. : )

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  3. Steph Connor says…
    12/15/2011

    I started reading your blog because your creativity inspired me as a scrapbooker. I have continued to read for many years because of the genuine, honest posts and perspective that you offer not only on crafting, but life in general. I deeply admire your grace, your strength, and your integrity and pray that 2012 brings much peace and happiness to you and your family. God bless you during this difficult time!

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  4. cindy says…
    12/15/2011

    Dear Ali,

    Wow! I don't think I could be as honest as you have been with a bunch of total strangers (I'm not sure I could be that honest with a bunch of people I know!) I have not been through what you are going through now, but I have had, and am now going through, some rough patches. You are truly my hero. One of the things I've always struggled with is how honest to be in my srapbooking/journaling. But, after reading your blog for all these years, I've realized that it really is important to put the not so happy stuff in there also. Life is not always happy and we can't make it happy by only talking/writing/scapping the good parts. You have been my inspiration for starting Project Life in 2012 and now I know that I will include both the good stuff, the bad stuff, the ugly stuff and the wonderfulness that is this life we live. Thank you dear Ali for your wonderful inspiration.

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  5. Lisa says…
    12/15/2011

    I know you will handle this with grace.

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  6. Peggy K says…
    12/15/2011

    I firmly believe that one of the most beautiful challenges to witness is when divorced parents decide that they will not let their differences get in the way of providing the love and support for their kids. Sending you strength and hugs to get thru this.

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  7. Cindy Welch says…
    12/15/2011

    As you teach, and show us, everyday life is not always smiles and sunshine. Each day will bring another story. I am sure you will have the strength to get through it. Thanks for sharing. Tomorrow is another day. Hugs

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  8. Megan Beverly says…
    12/15/2011

    Love you all. We're here if you need a place to hang, to talk, to not talk. You are so very strong.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Linda L says…
    12/15/2011

    Sending BIG cyber hugs to you Ali! I hope you can feel the incredible love and support from the papercrafting community and it helps in some small way to lighten your load. xx

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  10. Cathy says…
    12/15/2011

    I know this can't be easy for you to share. Thank you for sharing this real part of your life. I am married to a man that has been through divorce. It is not easy, but life goes on. Naturally, there will be more people in your children's lives that will love them...that's the bright side. There can never be too much love! Blessings to you, Ali. You are brave and strong and loved.

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  11. Tracy Moniz says…
    12/15/2011

    Admiring you as always - will keep you in my thoughts.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Denise KC says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali,
    My heart has been heavy for you since that post a few months ago. Hang in there, we're all here for you.
    Hugs, peace, strength and love,
    Denise

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  13. Cynthia H says…
    12/15/2011

    Dear Ali,
    Thank you so much for being willing to share this part of your life with all of us so publicly. I had a sense that something was up based on your journaling for OLW - it sounded like you were going through some tough stuff. But I am a random person that reads your blog and takes your classes - and didn't know the best avenue to send my support for whatever it was. I appreciate knowing a little more so that I can be positive and supportive as best I can.

    I have learned so so much from you and feel like you have made a positive impact on my scrapbooking and my life. I thank you for that. And I hope that this space can be a support for you to move forward with grace as you have helped all of us do so many times.

    Sincerely,
    Cynthia H

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  14. Marina D-k says…
    12/15/2011

    You are amazing and inspiring everyday to me and I'm sure to so many many more readers. Positive thoughts definitely moving your way...

    Thank you

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  15. caroline hancock says…
    12/15/2011

    wishing you strength through this time, you will come out of it a stronger lady for sure. sending you hugs

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Marilyn Nimmo says…
    12/15/2011

    I'm saddened to hear this, but confident that you and Chris will work together for the best things for your children. I admire the relationship you have with your children--so very nurturing. I know that will continue. The best of everything for you and yours.

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  17. Michelle says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, I'm so sad to hear about this change in your life. But you know what, you are already so many steps ahead. You are already being positive and forward-thinking. You and your family will be in my prayers. Enjoy the Christmas season...

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  18. telisj says…
    12/15/2011

    "Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end.  Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next.  Delicious ambiguity." Gilda Radner

    You're stronger than you ever realized! Thank you for being so genuine & honest with all of us. You are truly appreciated and respected. <3

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Catherine says…
    12/15/2011

    I had noticed Chris' absence since that post months ago, and though I felt that was your private story, I regularly thought of your request for prayers and offered them.

    I'm not a frequent commenter, nor am I a scrapbooker (though I would consider myself a storyteller), but I so admire and respect you, above all for your passion and deep, abiding love for your children. I hope that they - and you - are doing well. I will continue to think of and pray for you as this next chapter opens up to new and wonderfully unexpected tales.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Leslie says…
    12/15/2011

    Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May you enjoy the peace that comes with Christmas and enjoy this special time of year with Simon and Anna. Surround yourself with those that love you, and good luck as you and Chris adapt to this change in your relationship.

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  21. carol says…
    12/15/2011

    praying with you as you all embark on a new journey... peace and happiness to you all... know you are loved by many...

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  22. Anne says…
    12/15/2011

    Dear Ali,

    I'm so sorry for the sadness that this has put in your life and heart. You are an amazing mom and an incredibly gifted artist. Your blog inspires me everyday, and your talent, intelligence, and heart prove that you are an amazing person! I will keep you and your children in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and take some time for yourself because you deserve it!!

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  23. sarah says…
    12/15/2011

    wishing you strength and peace. and sending you love, ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. mandee m says…
    12/15/2011

    my mom always says to me... "although it may seem very dark, there is always light at the end of this tunnel"

    may you find your light in this new chapter of your lives. bless you sweet girl.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Kirsten H says…
    12/15/2011

    May you have peace through the holidays and joy for the new year. I'm sure I speak for thousands when I say you are always an inspiration.

    Reply 0 Replies

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