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. Janet K says…
    08/30/2012

    So very happy for you!

    Also, I just love your writing. No matter what you are writing about, it just draws me in.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Catherine C R says…
    08/30/2012

    Congratulations! That is the best word I can think of. SO incredibly happy for you & I appreciate your willingness to be open and share your story with us. Enjoy the final weekend of summer.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Suzann N. says…
    08/30/2012

    I love your blog! I so appreciate you always sharing your life with us and reminding us to enjoy it.

    Thank you for writing this blog - I look forward to your posts. You always make me SMILE!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Helen says…
    08/30/2012

    So good to read this, Ali, and totally with you on the feeling blessed because of your children. I look at mine sometimes and I could literally burst with joy.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Katie says…
    08/30/2012

    Love this. Love you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Briel says…
    08/30/2012

    Thank you. You are such an inspiration in so many ways. I love reading your writing, seeing you laugh and smile in your photos and I love how you inspire so gracefully. You and your family deserve every bit of happiness. I do believe that you might be reaping what you have sown.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Kathy says…
    08/30/2012

    I couldn't be more happier for you Ali and I know having gone through divorce and a very difficult marriage that when I say I know how you were feeling, I really know how you were feeling. I'm been on my own raising 2 small children (now 6 and 8) for the past 5 years 100% of the time and it is hard. It is also rewarding when you know your kids really "get it" about values and life. If you have a moment read this little post of mine that happened yesterday. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

    http://www.oureverydaylifeinpictures.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/it-warms-your-heart.html

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. susan garner says…
    08/30/2012

    Sounds like someone is in love !

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. annette says…
    08/31/2012

    so happy for you Ali. I was so sad for you with what happened, having gone through it myself many years ago. I knew that there would be light at the end for you. Wishing you peace and joy as you move forwrd in your new life. Hurray for you!!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Karen says…
    08/31/2012

    Love and appreciate the transparently real you've shared with your writing. You make me want to go out, grab life, savor it. To borrow from my kidlet, that's 'rockin' awesome' that you are! :>

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Alida says…
    08/31/2012

    I veel very blessed to have discovered your blog a few years ago, and to journey a little with you. You are so very brave and graceful. I haven't had a simiar experience, but also had some very challenging times. In my experience "ordinary " life and happiness is so much sweeter when you've been through a tough period. Enjoy all of it! Love seeing more of Oregon:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Dori says…
    08/31/2012

    ...grinning from ear to ear...

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Cindy says…
    08/31/2012

    Your honesty and grasp of reality is SO refreshing and I know that even though it may be hard to put on paper, much less share with everyone, that one day you'll look back and be so thankful that you documented your REAL life. Why bother scrapping if you're only going to say how wonderful everything is. I don't know anyone who has a "storybook" life. I am so glad to see that you are enjoying life again. Thank you for sharing your reality!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Raquel says…
    08/31/2012

    You live life with grace, and that comes through in your writing and your work. I'm delighted that you are feeling joy in life again. It's hard to deal with the curveballs life throws us sometimes, but you've dealt with it with so much dignity and courage. More joy to you and yours!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. ARC says…
    08/31/2012

    I love that song :) And I think it's the mark of a true friend if you can reconnect after months or years and just pick up where you left off. It's rare, but it exists!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Michelle L says…
    08/31/2012

    I know I don't know you personally but I've been following you forever, since Simon was tiny and you were at CK. I want to say that I am so happy to hear that you've had a wonderful summer and that life is turning around and bringing wonderful new things for you. Hope it continues for a very long time!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Sue P says…
    08/31/2012

    3 cheers to Ali, her family and friends and allof her wonderful ön-Line"family too . YOu all are amazing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Sue TR (Your Story 2011-12) says…
    08/31/2012

    That's awesome Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Carol says…
    08/31/2012

    Good Music, thanks for sharing- you are "on your way", you go girl and enjoy the journey!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Earlene Bost says…
    08/31/2012

    Sorry for the intrusion, but I was looking for the 'Everyday Ecclectic' Blog hop.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      08/31/2012

      Welcome! Here's the direct link (on the "projects" portion of my site): http://aliedwards.com/2012/08/everyday-eclectic-blog-hop-giveaway.html

  21. Mel says…
    08/31/2012

    Your words fill me with so much hope! And I think I've mentioned this on your blog before, but I love The Head and the Heart. I'm looking forward to hearing some new stuff from them!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Nancy Gill says…
    08/31/2012

    Amazing post that reminds me to stay in the moment and be present.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Iara says…
    08/31/2012

    it is so nice and wonderful to read that your life is moving forward to a beautiful new direction. I feel so happy for you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Jerri says…
    08/31/2012

    You.Are.Awesome. The way you put feeling into you words is amazing. Thank you for sharing your life journey with us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Earlene Bost says…
    08/31/2012

    Thanks for the directions.BTW,Loved reading your post.

    Reply 0 Replies

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