What's Real Right Now

We have alot of parallel stuff about our lives! LOL - our cats look alike and strike the same pose too!

I am trying so hard to create, clean and be present. My OLW is WHOLE and I find that I don't have to be "doing everything" to feel that way - sinking in = laying around = taking it easy for at least a little while every day = a happier and more settled me. Feeling settled = feeling WHOLE. I am going to use the story stamps for some of my OLW prompts too - I saw that in the gallery and am going to shamelessly copy the idea.

Here's to great things like hitting snooze, starting a good book, hugging our kids and special someone on the couch, getting some pumpkin spice burning on the warmer, teaching our kids to make soup, smiling at the gourds display at the grocery store...and hopefully finding a hundred other little fun things to weave between work and responsibilities!

Paula (aka scrappinmyheartout before my Studio Calico log in was required :) )

I love the title for this post, another good prompt that would go along well with your Story Stamp for this month. I used your "This is Real" messy line word art this year for an additional insert into my OLW album, and I loved how it turned out. It was more of a continuous narrative though, rather than a numbered list. Your post reminds me that it is another example of a prompt that can be used again and again in different ways (continuous narrative, a numbered list, a vignette...).

I hope that you are feeling better, especially since you are getting ready to travel!

Number 6 made me smile. Happiness is contagious.

I love that you listed number 6! I need to list my love for my husband and kids more in the things I write rather than just what we are doing. I loved your prompt this month about listing a fact and a feeling. I really need to work on that.

LOL.. #6 sounded like a school girl. <3

Love #6. Happy for you!

Hang in! I was just emailing with my significant other how this time of year always gets me out of whack a bit. With cooler temps, darker days, etc, I can't get into a groove with what to wear to work or what to cook for dinner (it's easier in the summer with the garden flourishing). That and I also just got back from a long vacation, so it takes time to readjust.

I am doing the same, just sort of letting it work itself out and hanging in for now! Looking forward to seeing pics from your trip!

#6 made me giggle!

#3. Totally been there...just keep pinning, you will get motivated ;)
#4. Sleep is good...also adding 2 cups of Epsom salt to a bath with some Lavender Essential oil and soaking for a good 20-30 minutes before you go to bed is very benficial for respiratory health(not a doctor here, but I have found this very helpful for me and my little guys). Just make sure you have a cold drink by the bath to avoid dehydration (iced water or iced chamomile tea). Then go to bed. :) alright, I'm done playing Doctor
#8. unloading stuff....always good....makes you love the things you keep and use them more...
side note: I am loving being a part of the Story Stamps Sub. It has been REVOLUTIONARY.

I set my alarm for 7:45 and didn't finally get up until after 9...still not dressed but I did get my cruise for next March booked! Now I need to get to work on organizing my stuff for Peru! ;-)

Sleep's so important when you've been nursing a cold as long as you have been. Might be time to check in with the doc, make sure it's going away. Loved your list, and you're so good at calling yourself out on stuff too. Michelle t

Peru at the VERY top of my bucket list. So jealous!!! I can't wait to hear ALL about your trip so I can live vicariously through you!!

PS - I ordered the Ikea Varde island for my new craft room, based solely on your recommendation and the pics I've seen in your studio tours. It comes in on Sunday and I CAN'T WAIT!!!

It's as if you and I share a brain but you are much, MUCH better at writing it down and actually DOING. OK, so maybe I just really appreciate how "real" your sentiments are because I totally relate with so many of them. I need to work out the holiday situation with my ex too and I'm so not looking forward to it because he and I are no where near where you and Chris are. But I'm working on it a little at a time {OLW: forgive}, as I'm sure you had to do. I love these posts, Ali! Enjoy "sinking in." :) --Desiree

"it's funny how when I get really busy all I want to do is make layouts" -- Story. Of. My. Life.

Thanks for posting :)

No desire to cook. That's me. I have all grown ups here in my family and no one wants home cooking much more. Just cant be bothered.

Love this Ali....can't wait to see the get real stamp sets next month now! I read number 6 and went 'ohhhh' as in 'that's so sweet'. Glad you are in a good place right now.

I had a lingering cough after a bout with the flu last year and it turned out it was acid reflux. I took Prilosec for three days and it went away. But it was a weird cough, like it was worse when I was upright, which usually isn't the case. And it flared up after I ate, which I didn't pay attention to until someone told me it was probably reflux.

I agree with the others! I was just happily reading along and then a huge smile upon reading #6. So glad you are happy!! Your happiness is contagious!

I love your site. I especially love when you do lists. I'm a listmaker and it just fits with the way I think. I was wondering if you could say where you got your brown couch that Simon is sitting on in the first picture today? It is just like what i have been looking for. :)

I really like no. 6 :)