What Is Real Right Now

Hi Ali, long time reader and appreciator of you. Thankyou for you honesty and realness in this post. Your vulnerability is wonderful. We've all experiences that relational distance and it's not nice. Praying that you would have time together and in your own minds to work things through and strengthen your bond. Lots of love from Australia, Beck

I can't thank you enough for this post. I'm not sure exactly why, but reading it brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it was the simple fact of knowing that other people struggle like I struggle. That oftentimes life is filled with a mix of all things wonderful and difficult. Thank you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Ali. And sending thanks for Simon & Anna doing so well!

Sending you my warm thoughts and heartfelt thank you for being so real. Other people always make life look so easy ... I often wonder what I am doing wrong when it's hard.

Thanks for being so giving of yourself in this post. Sometimes whats real is amazing, and fun and joyous can also be hard and stressful and trying. I can totally relate - I never noticed life being tough, really, until I had my babies. It gets REALLY hard to do everything (even with a man who REALLY helps) and still have time and energy to connect with my hubby too. I think it's a struggle we all go through. It's really real and it's really hard sometimes. I'm absolutely praying for you. For peace and joy. I have a 3 year old daughter too - who seems to be on Anna's wavelength ;). It's not easy, lucky they're so cute ;)! God bless you Ali. You really touch peoples' lifes through your art and words and I know I'm grateful for that!!!

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.

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

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!

Cyber hugs to you and your family and good wishes for peace and happiness.

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 :)

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!

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.

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 :)

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).

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.

Thinking of you and your family, Ali, and praying.

sending you love and peace and strength. life is. and you are a warrior.

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

Praying for you Ali, that you will find your way.

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.