Three Things : Back To Basics

Love the 02 04 06 08 layout. I feel the exact same way "SIMPLE + focused + creative more in their storytelling/concepts/documentation and photography rather than their craftiness"
I do love pretty pages and all the pretty embellishments. But the photos and the story are THE most important thing. And if I quickly throw down a few flowers or some bling, after the story is done, then it will just add to the pretty-ness. I'm really not into one photo + one word (like lovely, carefee etc) this tells NOTHING about the person, their personality or the event taking place.
So I looke forward to more posts on photos + story from you :)

I hear yo on the "take an hour to read a book" Last year my daughter was in grade 1 and would read and I would ask my 5 year old if she was listening and she would reply "I can't understand what she is saying" All the sounding out is just alot of stuttering and muttering, doesn't make for good story comprehesion. I would often read the story back to my grade 1-er just so she could hear it. And of course I would read it in 4 mintues and it took her 40! Now her younger sister will sit with her while she reads, she's pretty smooth now.
What a difference a year makes.
Hey, I should copy my post onto a layout - in the spirit of more stories.

Ali,
So many people have grown to love you and your family. We feel like we know you! I have no doubt there are thousands of women whose lives you touch daily that are praying for you...me included!!:)
Les

THINK is one of my favs too!
Thanks for all the inspiration...
creative and thought provoking.

Oh, I am so using that middle layout over and over and over again. I take mostly vertical photos and just returned from Ireland with much to document. Absolutely love it. Absolutely. Thanks Ali. Best hopes to you with the melanoma diagnosis. Peace.

gorgeous LOs Ali!!!love them all :)

I'm so glad you posted about "back to basics". This is exactly where I am right now, getting back to the basics and getting our stories documented. Thanks!
Dana in TN

I especially love the 2nd layout, but all three are fantastic. Just read your last post about your health and you are in my thoughts and I wish you a healthy 2009.

Positive energy. Positive energy. Positive energy.

Your layouts are gorgeous! As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest a little before your wee one arrives.
Peace. Susan

I've been meaning to leave a comment, but I've been too shy. But, I am stepping up to the plate. This year is definitely going to be different for me. I'm taking on many challenges. A couple of them, I'm getting help from you, which I am so thankful that you share so much with us. I'm looking forward to this new year, and being able to take on these creative challenges. Much love to you and your family, as always!

Ali... I love you! I seriously love you!! I have been so "Craftiness" driven that I have lost my love for preserving memories.. I also resolved to get back to basics this year and focus more on the story and pictures than the "art" of it all. thank you for helping me resolve that is the right path.

I reeeally want to get into the "swing of things" with scrapbooking looking at your layouts. They are just so very inspiring to me!

I loved these layouts Ali :)

Love the "BACK THEN" layout!
I hope all turns out ok with the mole situation. We all need reminders not to take life for granted.

Ali- it's funny you picked those three b/c I have those tagged as my favorites of yours from last year. LOVED them.
Thinking of you!

Hi Ali, I just stumbled across your blog, beautiful! Good energies coming from here! Can I add the word nutmeg to your list? Is just so exotic and I'm still craving egg nog even though they've already removed it from the shelves!
I'm currently working on a dancing cats childrens book and have just recently started a blog of my own, glad to have found you and will definitely continue to follow your inspiring posts!
cheers,
Jamie

July Studio A - I scraplifted this design for my son, who was born in '02. It's one of my most favorite layouts, to see my little guy growing up across a 2 page spread! You are such an inspiration. Love your stuff.

Thank you for all your inspiration and creativity you are showing us every day, Ali.
You've totally changed my point of view on the whole scrapbook thing. NOW I'm able to document those everyday little moments. THANK YOU!!!
I wanted to buy some of your books, but everything is sold out! I ordered your last mini album book, I can't wait to get it. LOVE your Life artist so much!
I think you and your art has changed a lot of us. :)
I'm wishing you good luck with your baby, as a mom of 2 children I know how it changes your life. :)
((hugs))!
Gabi

Ali, I love the three pages you chose, and yes, those are my favourite kinds of pages to create too. Not every page I create tells a great story like those, but I too aspire to do more like those, in 2009 and hopefully for many years to come.