Saying Hello To 40

Today I am 40. 

FORTY. 

Dude. Can I still say dude? Actually, don't answer that because I'll probably still do it anyway. 

Well, I'm writing this when I'm still 39. I imagine that tomorrow I will feel much like feel today which, like I wrote about last week, is pretty good. 

I'm celebrating with many of the people I love most and missing some that are far away. My Mom's here. Paolo's here for a few days. Aaron's around. The kids are here. People are taking care of me and helping me celebrate and I'm letting them. That's a big step in the right direction for me. 

Today I just want you to know how thankful I am for you. Thank you for being here and reading and supporting and signing up and cheering on and commiserating and asking good questions and encouraging and sharing and celebrating your own lives. Doing what I do has been a crazy, wonderful ride - one that I never expected to be part of my life experience. 

Here's to many more opportunities to celebrate where we are right this very minute with open hearts. 

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181 thoughts

  1. Stheiner says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday!!! I just turned 40 myself a few months ago. Feels pretty much the same to me. Love the picture!! You look like your mom:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. scrapforfun says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day and a spectacular new decade! WOO HOO!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. laura_hksportsfields_com says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday - wishing you much happiness and joy - 40 is awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. meredeEnA says…
    11/04/2015

    A very happy birthday to you! I'm 48 and my life has really changed so much since 40, I hardly remember what it was like at that age (I guess I should have scrapped it, huh?;-) I know that I didn't feel any different until around 43. There's good and bad, always, and I'm one who loves to look forward rather than wishing I could go back, so I hope you continue to feel the need to persevere through the trials and tribulations as well as the joys and celebrations! Take care and enjoy celebrating you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. honkala4 says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! As a 45 year old, I can tell you the forties rock- I ran my first marathon this year at 45. Celebrate!!!!

    JoAnn

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      11/04/2015

      That is so awesome! Go JoAnn!

  6. Mindnic says…
    11/04/2015

    Today is my birthday too :) I am 41 and it has been great so far. Have fun celebrating with your loved ones! Oh- I still say Dude all the time!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      11/04/2015

      Happy Birthday to you too!

  7. micmagcan says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali!! I hope that you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for your inspiration. I have been reading your blog for about 5 years and look forward to every new post. You inspire and celebrate so many others! Enjoy a day of celebrating YOU!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Judi2 says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday - it only gets better. 64 and still feel 40. Enjoy your day.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Mjsjackson says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday, Ali!! I'm 53 and the 40's were some of my best years ever! Enjoy your special day!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. sarahboirin says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday dude !!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      11/04/2015

      Thank you - I'll take it :)

  11. mmahurin says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! The 40's are awesome! I am 45 and every year just gets better and better! Hope you have a terrific Birthday!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Lize says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Happy Birthday Ali! Wishing you a great time celebrating and all of the best forward. The fourties is a great decade for me so far. Ps, your parents have the same warmth and magic about them that I see in you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. p7eggyc says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! Soak up all that love and get ready for an awesome year. GoAliGo!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. lizbeth8 says…
    11/04/2015

    Looks like we're about a decade + a month apart. I have followed your career from the "Creating Keepsakes," days, but I first linked to your blog via the world of autism all those years ago (2005?). Just know that your then, thirty-something self was a huge asset to my then 40-year-old self, having already begun your journey down the path of being a parent to a child with autism. The coincidence of a passion for memory-keeping was just a glitter-covered bonus. Kudos to your efforts, your perseverance, and your fierce advocacy and love for your kids and family. You're where you should be, Ms. Ali; and that in itself is a major accomplishment. ;) {@}

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. astoria150 says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy birthday Ali! Have a great day and a great year! You go girl! You are only as old as you feel !

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. littlelamm says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday!I turned 40 a few months ago. It was just like any other day for me. I was happy to skip the fanfare. lol

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. cryslee444 says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthday Ali! I hope you have a wicked awesome day today! My 40th is coming around next year and it just doesn't feel like I can possibly be that old. Regardless of how old I am, I will always say dude ;)

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. pamgarrison says…
    11/04/2015

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI! You're awesome, glad you're letting your loves love on you, soak it up! Cheers to today and cheers to this new decade of life and love, it's gonna be a great one!! xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. ssporusta says…
    11/04/2015

    Ali!! Happy Birthday!! I turned 40 earlier this year and you're right, I don't feel any different except thankful - thankful that I've been given the opportunity to grow older and thankful for everything I've learned in my 40-years. I just wanted to return the 'thank you' and let you know how important you've been in my life. I've been a (mostly) quiet 'follower' of yours for over 10-years now and I appreciate what you bring to the table. You have challenged me (through your classes and blog and magazine articles) to think differently and document ALL of the feelings (good & bad). I appreciate you so much. I hope your day is wonderful - enjoy the celebration of this 'milestone'!! Cheers!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. lynnquilts2 says…
    11/04/2015

    A most Happy Birthday, Ali! 40? That's a snap compared to 60!!! LOL! Enjoy!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Coffeemomma says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Happy birthday, friend! (To paraphrase you - can I call you friend if we've never met? Never mind, I'm doing it anyway....)
    Thank you for doing what you do - for being here and sharing with us. I've been reading since before Anna was born and I am in awe of your strength, grace, open heart, and talent. Celebrate today, 40 is awesome! Welcome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. me1312 says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy Birthay, dear Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. jscrapper4ever says…
    11/04/2015

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY,Ali!Just remember,40 is only a number.It's all about how you feel about life.Enjoy your special day!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. love2craftjen says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy birthday! I turned 40 in February and it's not so bad :) Thank you for sharing your talents with us and have a fantastic day!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. kmartin says…
    11/04/2015

    Happy birthday Ali! Today is my husband's 30th birthday! Enjoy your day and time with family and friends. What a fun season of life :)

    Reply 0 Replies

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