The Evolution Of My Story
Tags: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 comments
Much love to you!
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I know it is hard for you to share this, but it is important because it is your story. I can also say that I have seen some very close friends go through this, and they have all come out on the other side stronger. They say that although the experience was very painful, it landed them in a better place, and they are now happier than they could ever have imagined. You are amazing, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel--even if it seems like it is around a corner right now.
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You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
I love reading your stories and look so much forward to seeing what's ahead for you in the future.
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I wish you every good thing Ali. Peace & Joy to you and your family.
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Sending hugs your way!
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Ali,
Peace and strength to you in the coming days. May you feel how much you have inspired us all and inspire yourself.
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Ali, Of course I am a stranger, but given your wonderful ability to share of yourself here, I feel as if we are girlfriends, and we need to have some girl time to chat, laugh, cry and hug over a coffee, diet coke or beer. Never underestimate your ability to draw people in close. Brooke
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I can't even imagine how you must be feeling. You are so brave to continue on with your life, your work and even your blog. It's admirable the way you continue on for yourself and your children. You're such an inspiration and an amazing mom/woman role model!
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Thinking of you, Simon & Anna as you transition to the next stage of your life. Thank you for sharing your story with us, lifting you up in prayer.
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That Joseph Campbell quote is beautiful and brilliant. May you find your way towards joy! Life is so very short. xoxo
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This is my first time in posting to your blog, but I felt moved to do so after this post. One thing that I have ALWAYS loved about your blog is your honesty; that life is "real" for you and that you're not afraid to share that. This post makes me admire you even more. Your honesty is a gift to all of us; but, hopefully, it will be healing gift to you. Thank you for sharing!
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Please know that you are loved and supported. Saying prayers for peace and strength for you during this chapter of your story.
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Thank you for sharing your story and your family with us for all these years and now. It is amazing to read through all the comments and to see how awesome and supportive the scrapbooking community is and how much you are loved. Peace.
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I cannot begin to imagine how hard this is for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you that you get through this well.
Jay
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Sending you and the kids hugs and love and prayers!
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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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sending you light and love from big sky country...you are NOT alone. : )
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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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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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I know you will handle this with grace.
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