What Is Real Right Now
Tags: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.

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376 comments
it is because you are so real Ali, that you have the power to reach the path to our hearts, even though we have never met.. It is because you are so real Ali, that many of us who quietly wonder if life has the same challenges for others, find your honesty so comforting. I am always amazed at women in general and how we can all come together from different countries, walks of life, to lift each other and nuture the souls of sisterhood.. you are all amazing women! Ali, my thoughts are with you..
Jan
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Ali,
I love that you're real enough to share even the tough times with us. I think sometimes we hold you on such a pedestal that we forget that you have the same ups and downs in life that we all do. I know it helps me realize that no one is exempt from these peaks and valleys. And I need that at times, so thank you.
Keeping your family in my thoughts as you and Chris work out whatever challenges are facing you, and that you never lose hope while you do so.
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I love this real life post, Ali! Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Thinking of all of you and sending good vibes your way.
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Hi Ali, as you look forward to Fall and the good it will be bring, we are so excited here to be heading for summer and what it will bring. There is so much happening this time of year and I hope and pray that you and your family get to enjoy all that is great about this time of year as you head into your winter, and most importantly find the time together to enjoy such things. Blessings to you xx
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family too. We also had challenging times in our marriage when the chldren were younger, work was busier, money was tighter and life seemed to demand and drain everything from us leaving nothing as the end of the day. Looking back we have discussed why we staying together - sheer exhaustion seems to have been the main reason, no one had the energy left to make a move!!! However, we hung in there and have been married nearly 30 years now (our anniversary is 3 April). There is no right solution to anyones problems but time truly does help, children grow older, you become more secure in/less attached to work and find time for each other again. No one can really know your situation I guess I just want to assure you ups and downs are part of life and if you are both commited to making it work you will get through them and come out stronger in the end.
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Ali...sending my love your way. Hang in there, Chris and you both. Marriage is so important and so worth it in the end. In Jan my husband will celabrate 30 years together. I still can't believe it. We have been through a lot in those years. Seven kids,29 years in the military, many movies, etc...but it has been wroth it all. Look to your savior for the strength you need in your life right now, he is there to help always. With love!!!
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Admittedly, I was sort of at a loss for words. I was elated over the joyful news of your childten's accomplishments. As many others a little taken back by the mention of your troubles. After sitting and thinking what i could say that would be wise and encouraging...I realized this. The best thing i could offer was exactly what you so honestly and humbly requested..positive thoughts and prayers. Both of which, i hate to brag, I'm really good at!!
Thank you for the reminder that you are just like all of us..a Mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. A woman with feelings, trials, tests, and troubles. An amazing person that just happens to be uber-talented! Your honesty is amazing. Your passion and heart, admireable.
Sending lots of goodness & prayer your way! :)
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sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Love this post - glad to hear Simon loves to read and that Anna is loving her new educational experience. That quote at the bottom is awesome - made me really think. Take care of yourself and your family.
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I have been reading here since you started this blog all those years ago. I appreciate that you shared your struggles. I think sometime in blogland we too often present theo rosy things in life and not the real. Thanks for being real.
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I realize we don't know one another but I have been following your blog for many years now and love your honesty, integrity and creativity. I am sorry to hear you are going through a tough time right now, but you will make it through and be all the stronger for it. Wishing you and your family the very best.
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My journey has sometimes taken me down a path I never expected to follow. But you know what? It's always taken me eventually to a much better place : )
Sending positive thoughts to you Ali,
Hugs
Liz
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Ali, your light shines so brightly and you so generously share your light with the world. May you find peace in your truth. Coincidentally, today's daily word speaks of Harmony. http://www.dailyword.com/ My prayers are with you and your family. Remember, only love is real; the rest is all an illusion.
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Sending prayers up and good vibes your way! Many hugs!!
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Thank you for sharing all of these stories with us! I guess we all have challenging times in our lifes, work, relationships... sending some love to you, hope it all works out for the best!
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oh Ali, I'm sorry your going thru a rough patch right now with Chris. All the comments before mine sums up my feelings too. Just remember you have all of us to support you thru anything and if we could we'd all be on a plane to come hold your hand. So feel the love from all the comments and don't feel alone. Sending bunches of positive energy, strength, hope and prayers. Thank you for being so real here with us and sharing your feelings with us.
Thank you for sharing all the good stuff that's happening right now too because that is what will help you get thru your days. So awesome of Simon and doing so well right now. I'm so happy for you and him. Miss Anna will be full of drama her whole life and be so adorable. I can see her fitting in anywhere. She's got a great role model showing her the way, big brother Simon!!
I'm ready for signs of fall too. The jackets are out and so are the jeans and thinking of buying cider this weekend.
(((HUGS)))
Dawn
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Prayers for you and your family Ali. My husband and I are celebrating our 12th anniversary this weekend. Three boys, two dogs and twelve years can bring a lot of challenges and we've certainly had our share, but at the end of the day, I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. Sending peace and positive thoughts your way!
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This post really resonated with me tonight. My Son started school today in the face of a possible PDD diagnosis and I feel some challenges at home and at work that I hope that I have the will and strength to work through. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in these struggles. Thinking and sending a prayer your way.
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Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I are having a very challenging time right now and it is nice to know that I am not alone and others face the same struggles that I do. Keeping your family in my prayers! BTW - totally love the new digital templates you just released!!!! Hoping for many more in the future! :)
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Lifting you and your family up in prayer.
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Prayers and Hugs!!
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