Ali Edwards's Blog, page 172
October 17, 2016
Include, Embrace & Support | How To Be A Friend To A Family With A Special Needs Child
My son was diagnosed with autism at age 2.5. Sitting here 12 or so years later we've all learned so much (and continue to learn) about life and compassion and kindness and struggle and celebrating successes.
Our stories are intertwined. His and mine and ours. Mine wouldn't be the same without him. I've said it out loud many times before, I am a better person because he is a part of my life.
As I reflected back on our path I started thinking about the people who have supported our family, and Simon specifically, along the way. The teachers, the personal friends, the internet friends. The ones who simply included and invited and embraced and supported and showed up and accepted and loved without judgement or expectation.
I thought about how, all along, we have been simply doing the best we can with what we are facing at each point along the way. Sometimes we have been awesome at dealing with the challenges and other times there is simply not enough emotional energy left. That's the ebb and the flow of it all - we are all a work in progress.
Here are some suggestions I'd like to share - gentle suggestions if you will - about being a friend to a family living with autism (and because my experience is with my son I'm going to use the word "he" when referring to the child - also, I use both the terms "autistic" and "with autism" interchangeably). As you'll see, I've also included some thoughts from a private message board I participate in for parents of kids with autism:
Include, include, include. And invite, invite, invite. The families may say no every single time but keep inviting and keep including. Give the family the chance to decline because in doing so you make them feel welcome and cared about and included. Don't just assume. It can be very easy to socially isolate your family when your child is different - for a million different reasons (not wanting to talk about/address the disability, not wanting to deal with behaviors publicly, just being super tired from daily living challenges, not wanting to have to see the differences played out in front of you again - sometimes it's simply easiest to stay home for the kid who doesn't like change and chaos). Be gentle and flexible and don't take it personally if they don't/can't respond to your invites. They may simply be in a season that is very hard - meaning that they need your love and support even more.
From K : Being the parent of an autistic child can make you feel isolated. My son has not yet expressed these feelings yet (hes 5) but it pains me to know that he will eventually feel left out of things because of his differences. Teaching your children very young to be kind to people of all abilities is so important. Also friends telling me that they're sorry when I talk about my son. Do I wish things were easier for him, of course, but there's nothing to be sorry about. I have a healthy, beautiful kid that makes me smile and laugh everyday and gives me such a different view of the world. I also know much more about sharks and space satellites than I ever thought possible.
From C : If I cancel last minute...there probably is a reason like school went bad, or he's heavily agitated. It does not reflect on you. Sometimes it's just trying to protect your toddlers from his volatile behaviors. I may still be able to talk or text with you later.
Embrace, embrace, embrace. Open your heart a little wider for both the parent(s) and the child. We are in no way shape or form "sorry" that Simon is our son. He is the best and one of the most awesome people we know and we celebrate all the things that make him, him. Support us with loving kindness. Celebrate him alongside us as part of our larger support team.
Talk to your kids about embracing and including kids who don't follow the norm and then show them by your own example what it means to be a kind human being. Create opportunities for interaction and then talk about about it afterwards.
From J : Acknowledge my child. Say hello, greet him the same way you would anybody else. Ask him how he's doing, even if you think he won't answer. If you are unsure about how to interact with him, ask me, I'll facilitate. This sounds like a no brainer but it happens all the time for us.
Support, support, support. Ask how you can help. Sometimes just having a person to support you at meetings - even if they aren't an expert - is so very welcome. Babysit - get outside your own comfort zone to give your friend(s) a break to go to dinner or run errands or whatever it is they might need. Support us by celebrating all the little + big successes. "Because we never take progress for granted, parents who have kids with special needs are proud of their children's smallest accomplishments." (source) We talk a lot around here about how we are "all on the same team." Be a member of the family's team and let them know you are on their team.
FROM T : If my child is having a meltdown in public, if appropriate, ask if I need help rather than stare in judgment or make unhelpful comments.
Show up. Show up for the kid - meaning, be his friend. Acknowledge him just as you would any other person. Talk to him even if it's uncomfortable at first. Get to know him as a human being. Showing up might mean the awesome opportunity to listen to him talk about time travel for an hour (we absolutely believe that creating boundaries are okay too). Showing up might mean taking him to the movies and buying him popcorn and helping him remember the "no-talking in the theater" rule when he wants to make very sure you are seeing all the things he's seeing (and seriously going to the movies with Simon is the best because his enthusiasm for stories in unsurpassed). Showing up might mean hanging out with him for an evening or an afternoon so the parents can have a date night or a break or go grocery shopping on their own.
Showing up also relates to being a friend to us as parents. Listen if we need to talk. Hug if we need a hug and don't want to talk at all. Sit with us in our moments of frustration and our moments of great pride.
FROM J : Ask. Asking how things are going, what techniques help out little ones feel better, and how they can bring a smile to their faces really goes a long with establishing a relationship with our children, which needs to be there for any sort of relationship to be maintained.
Accept, accept, accept. In our household we accept Simon for who he is at his core - all of him. He is amazing. We are not actively working to change him - we are actively working to make him the best version of himself (just the same as we do with all our kids). We have no idea what the future looks like for him and we live in that limbo every day. Think before you speak and then speak words of loving kindness and acceptance.
Love, love, love. Unconditional love. For the person. For the family. What does this look like? Begin with the assumption that the parents are parenting the best they can with what they have in front of them right now. Love looks like the suggestions I made above about embracing and accepting and supporting and inviting and showing up.
And from my friend Christina who is very eloquent about these issues and is the parent of one of Simon's friends: I would say that it matters the most when someone engages with me about my child with authentic inquiry. Listening and assuming that I am doing my best. Avoid negating the experiences and perspectives parents bring and don't minimalize the diagnosis or symptoms by claiming a quick fix that is based on exerting power on my child. Recognize that your experience as a parent is not mine, nor will it ever be. Don't treat me like a hero or a martyr for advocating for my child, simply listen and ask if I need help. Take time to listen to a script about Sponge Bob, or cars, or some revelation the child has uncovered that seems so ordinary, but is truly extraordinary. Love that child.
Looking for other ways to support and show love? This was a good post: 10 Things You Can Do To Help An Autism Family
October 15, 2016
Story Kit™ & Story Stamp™ | Up
Today I'm excited to introduce you to the next story theme: Up.
Up is all about movement - opening, waking, lifting, moving on, cheering, dressing, growing, raising, etc. This month we are investigating stories having to do with the word “up” and what that means to you in your own life.
If you are already a subscriber to you can now access the content in the classroom (make sure you are logged in to your account).
If you are new to the Story Subscription program, check out all the details
here.
Here's a look at the Story Kit™ contents for Up:
The arrow in the middle is a pad of arrows :).
And the Up Story Stamp™:
We also have a
Digital Story Kit™ subscription available that includes access to the classroom content. Here's a look at what's included for Drive (
which also shows all the designs for the journal cards included in the printed version of the kit):
Here's a video overview of the products included in the kits this month:
And a couple peeks at the layouts I created with the kits this month in addition to the one featured at the top of this post (
full details, including process videos and how-to handout, are included with subscription):
Again, thanks so much for subscribing and/or considering my Story Subscription program!
October 14, 2016
AE Digital Creative Team | Me Digital Story Kit™
Happy Friday!
Today we're sharing awesome layouts made by our Digital Creative Team using the Me Digital Story Kit™.
Be sure to check out our
Creative Team Gallery where you can go to see how the team is crafting their stories using AE products - including additional images from the projects we are sharing below. We'll be updating it a couple times a month.
This month the team is sharing stories they crafted using the Me Digital Story Kit™. Today is the last day to start a subscription to receive this current theme. Remember that all subscriptions, including the digital subscription, includes a classroom with specific ideas for working with each theme.
Just a heads up again that most of my team uses the digital kit to create paper projects - meaning they print out the digital pieces and add them to paper layouts/pockets (vs. completely digital projects).
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Check out the Creative Team Gallery for more detailed photos of each members projects.
October 12, 2016
December Daily® 2016 | Registration Now Open For Storytelling With December Daily® Workshop
What stories will you tell this December?
We are bringing back one of my most popular workshops for the 2016 holiday season - registration is now open for Storytelling with December Daily®. This class is designed to get you in the mood for documenting your December, one story per day.
PLEASE NOTE | This class originally ran in November 2015 and we are bringing it back for those of you who may have missed it the first time around.Overall, the content will be the same as the 2015 workshop because it was intentionally designed not around any specific kit but more around the process of storytelling and my own personal experience participating in this project the years. I will be adding a bonus lesson showing my completed 2015 December Daily® album.
ALUMNI | Based on feedback from alumni who were interested in taking this class again we are offering an alumni option with a discounted rate for anyone who would like to participate in the live version of this class for 2016 (as with all my classes you still have access to the content from last year but we realize that some people appreciate being able to be part of the new active community and receive the emails as new content is available). If you are an alumni and are interested in being a part of the workshop community again, please enter the code "SWDDalumni" here to purchase this class for $5.99. This code will only work through the link provided and if you previously were enrolled in the class in 2015. The storytelling stamp set is not included with the alumni option.
This workshop was a tremendous labor of love to create. I am so proud of the content included and I hope you will consider joining me in this in-depth look at the different ways to capture and tell your stories during the holiday season.
Here's a look at what I'll be covering each week for four weeks starting November 1st:
Week One | A look back at all nine of my past December Daily® albums with individual video walk-throughs. The take-away from this lesson is the opportunity to learn from the past and reflect on what's worked - and what's not worked - to create a plan for this year. This lesson includes over 4 hours of in-depth video walk-throughs.
Week Two | Process exploration. Setting expectations and setting yourself up for success by establishing a storytelling mindset. This lesson includes a 1.5 hour video presentation + a 5-page handout.
Week Three | Specific storytelling ideas, encouragement and inspiration, along with photo ideas to spark additional stories. This lesson includes three videos: an overview of the topic of storytelling (30 mins), my favorite story themes (35 mins) and my favorite photo stories (22 mins).
Week Four | Techniques for including stories in your album including digital, hybrid, interactive, etc. Essentially, once you've established your stories how do you include them in your album? This lesson includes 6 videos: an overview of the topic (13 mins), my favorite ways to get stories in my album (15 min), adding text to a photo in Photoshop (16 mins), writing on photos (13 mins), embossing tutorial (8 mins), a flip up and out technique (15 min), and a Silhouette tutorial (16 mins).
The classroom will remain open and act as a supportive community throughout the month of December and beyond as you work to complete your album.
A couple things to note:
This is not a step-by-step workshop for setting up your foundation pages. I will be sharing my process for creating my foundation pages, as well as sharing each completed day, on my blog in the same manner as I have done in past years.
I am aware that not everyone has children at home and will be keeping that in mind as I present the content within the class. Please remember that I do have children at home and it does influence the types of stories that I include at this time in my life. I also spend parts of December on my own and include those stories as well.
For the last nine years I've shared all my December Daily® pages and process on my blog. Content included in this workshop will come from my past experiences (meaning I am not creating new pages for this workshop and will be using my past albums as inspiration and teaching tools - and as this content was originally created in 2015 some examples will reference my plans for my 2015 album).
Registration for this 4 week workshop is $29.99 and includes a 4x6 December Storytelling Stamp Set (while supplies last - there is a limited number available - and shipped free to you to spark stories in your album this year. This stamp set is not included with the alumni option) and a big digital package that includes PNG and cut files:
What do you need for this workshop?
A willingness to look back & ahead
Enthusiasm for the story-aspect of this project
You do not need a specific December Daily® kit for this workshop
I hope you'll join me for this exploration of December storytelling ideas, inspiration and techniques.
New participants register here
Alumni register here with promo code "SWDDalumni"
October 10, 2016
December Daily® 2016 | Digital Products Now Available
This year's December Daily® digital products are now available in the shop.
Just like last year, I have included 6x8, 4x6, and 3x4 overlays - sold in individual packages - as well as offering a combo pack that includes all three sizes. Each package includes 31 individual PNG files for each day in December + an easy to print .pdf.
Here's a look at the digitals that are available this year:
December Daily® Overlays Combo Pack No. 3
December Daily® 6X8 Overlays No. 3
December Daily® 4x6 Overlays No. 3
December Daily® 3x4 Overalys No. 3
LAYERED TEMPLATES
December Stories 6x8 Layered Templates Vol. 3
December Stories 4x6 Layered Templates Vol. 3
December Stories 3x8 Layered Templates
MAIN + MINI KITs
December Daily®: Main Kit by Ali Edwards
December Daily®: Mini Kit by Pam Garrison
December Daily®: Mini Kit by Jasmine Jones
December Daily®: Mini Kit by Studio DIY!
December Daily®: Mini Kit by Paislee Press
December Daily®: Mini Kit by Decor8
December Daily® Stamp: Christmas Phrases by Ali Edwards
December Daily® Stamp: Christmas Star by Ali Edwards
December Daily® Stamp: December Calendar by Ali Edwards
December Daily® Stamp: Messy Christmas Circles by Ali Edwards
December Daily® Stamp: Cozy Christmas by Jasmine Jones
December Daily® Stamp: December Details by Paislee Press
If you are interested in the digital version of the 'Tis The Season 4x6 Stamp, you can find that set here and here.
WORD ART + EXTRAS
Digital December Daily® Chipboard Shapes
Also, registration will close tomorrow (October 11th) for my 4-week workshop Hybrid.
This workshop will run again sometime next year or you can sign up now and access the content at any time at your own pace. Student feedback so far has been really positive about the content within this workshop. Here are a couple of my favorites:
From loripsm121 | Whoa momma! I was on the fence about the class because I kinda feel that I can basically get done what I need to with Elements. Getting better with not so much trial and error, a Google search here and there, but usually get to my end goal. Well.......first Elements basics video in, I am no longer using Photo Bin, hello floating Windows and you recolor your word art in a much easier way than what I was doing. Thank you! I can hardly wait to find out what I "don't know" in the coming weeks.
From Melissa | I just finished the first lesson. This is EXACTLY, EXACTLY, EXACTLY what I needed in my life. I had no idea where to start with using digital elements, and being able to go through a simple exercise step by step with Ali's video was so helpful. Every time I did what she told me to and it worked, I got so excited! I cannot wait until tomorrow's lesson. This is my favorite Ali class so far, and that is saying A LOT because I love all her classes. I can't recommend this enough, guys!
From Valarie | I took Ali's Lens of Joy class and loved it and learned so much. I also participated in WITL for the very first time in May 2016 and loved that too, but got stuck and frustrated dealing with the digital aspect that I wanted to add, well after just the first class yesterday, it helped so much that I actually finished my Monday of WITL!!! so if you are on the fence, take the leap. You won't regret it!
October 6, 2016
Fall 2016 Shop Release | Stamps, Dies, Journal Cards, Paper Pads, Stickers
Happy October!
Today I want to introduce you to a few new products I've added to my shop as part of my new Fall 2016 Shop Release.
This release includes 2 new dies, 2 new journal card sets, a set of word/phrase stickers, 2 new stamp sets, a rolling stamp, and three paper pads that are just waiting to hold your notes and stories. Let's take a closer look:
Phrases Roller Stamp | Designed specially to work with the Avery Index Tabs (available in my shop), this rolling stamp set includes the following phrases: He Said, She Said, This One, That One, This Is Life, Just Awesome, Fantastic Memory, Remember This, So Much Love, Love Life, This Story, Favorite Story.
Two new journal card sets (includes 2 of each card so you don't have to choose the front or the back): Here's To Us (friendship) and Fall Favorite (fall/autumn). As you'll here and see in the video overview below I tried to include designs that reference both fall and autumn for those of you in different parts of the world that don't call it fall.
Here's The Story Notepads | Available in three sizes (3x4, 4x6 and 6x8) these are great for note-taking or storytelling and are sized to fit right into pockets and page protectors. Each pad (these are not sticky notes) includes 75 sheets.
The two new stamp sets include Time For Leaves (a super fun layering set) and LOL (hand-drawn slang sentiments + boxed words).
Two new craft dies including a 3x4 Today Craft Die (with the heart) and a super awesome Week Days Craft Die that includes Mon through Sun.
Word Phrase Sticker Bundle | This bundle includes 12 sheets of word/phrase stickers. Each sheet contains the same sentiments in different colors.
And a video overview of the new releases:
Thanks again for all your support! I can't wait to see how you tell stories with these products.
I also wanted to take a minute to share with you guys that my friend Jessica Turner, author of The Fringe Hours, is going to be offering a new online workshop that is likely relevant for many of you (and me) called Stretched Too Thin: A 10-Day Course To Overcoming The Hustle & Thriving As A Working Mom (registration opens Monday, October 10th). In advance of the launch of the workshop Jessica is offering a free video series that is now available here featuring conversations about the four essential relationships in the life of a working mom. I found these short conversations uplifting and a great reminder about living with intention.
September 30, 2016
AE Digital Creative Team | September Inspiration
Today I'm sharing Creative Team projects using the September release of digital products. You can read more about how I've changed up how I release my digital products here.
Be sure to check out our Creative Team Gallery where you can go to see how the team is crafting their stories using my products - including additional images from the projects we are sharing below. We'll be updating it a couple times a month.
Click the links below to visit the designer's blog and/or check out the product links. Most of these projects are hybrid - meaning that the designers are printing out the digital products to use in their projects.
If you are interested in learning more about this type of scrapbooking check out my new four week workshop Hybrid that focuses on the basics of hybrid scrapbooking. Over the four weeks I will walk you through my favorite
ways to use printed digital products to get more of your stories told.
Brandi Kincaid | Brandi used Hello Friends, Hello Seasons, and Just Thankful
Emma Speller | Emma used Drive Digital Story Stamp™ and Hello Seasons
Ingunn Markiewicz | Ingunn used Hello Birthday and Hello Baby No. 2
Jen Carlson | Jen used Hello Friends, Hello Seasons, and Just Thankful
Jen Schow | Jen used Just Thankful and Hello Birthday (you can read more about her projects and view process videos here)
Sarah Zayas | Sarah used Hello Seasons and Hello Friends . You can see more images of this mini book here.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
September 29, 2016
December Daily® 2016 | Order Period Closing + Seven Fun Ways To Use The Stamps
Hey Friends! Before I share some fun ideas that my team came up with for using the new December Daily® stamps I've got a couple of important reminders:
The Order Selection Period for December Daily® is coming to a close on Friday, September 30th ( that's tomorrow ). After that time all the remaining available products will move into my "regular" shop and normal shipping rates will apply (ordering before September 30th results in special shipping rates - see the FAQ's for more details).
The December Daily® 2016 Digital Products will be available on October 10th. This will include digital versions of the main kit, mini kits, overlays, templates and some additional word art.
The Storytelling With December Daily® workshop will open for registration soon (I'll post here when that happens). The class begins November 1st and we will offer an alumni discount. This class will be essentially the same as last year with the addition of a video walk-through of my 2015 album.
Now let's take a look at some fun ways to use the new
December Daily® stamp sets. Earlier this week my team sent out this cool email with some additional ideas for using these stamps that I knew I wanted to share here on the blog as well.
01 | Create your own journal cards using the Christmas Star Set (this one is currently sold out but will be restocked and available again in early November).
02 | Use the Christmas Messy Circles to create your own custom wrapping paper.
03 | Use the Cozy Christmas Stamp Set by Jasmine Jones to make your own gift tags.
04 | Use the December Details by Paislee Press to design your own envelopes.
05 | Use the December Calendar Stamp Set to help celebrate the season in your planner.
06 | Use the Christmas Phrases Stamp Set to add text details directly to your photos.
07 | Use the Tis The Season Stamp Set to decorate the inside or outside of your album.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you guys use the new stamp sets this holiday season!
Make sure to follow @december_daily on Instagram for fun images and videos throughout the holiday season.
September 28, 2016
These Kids
These kids are rad.
This house is full.
The toothbrushes have all been replaced and everyone now has their own color so there's no confusion about who and where.
It's good.
Here's a look at what's up with my crew right now:
Name: Audrey Age: 7 Totally into: Kittens, puppies, Shopkins Likes: Shopkins, kittens, puppies, meatballs + spaghetti, Lego Friends, Itsy (cat at her Mom's house) Dislikes: Coffee, dirty green color Wants to be: Help with Greenhill (local Humane Society) Toothbrush color: Pink
Name: Anna Age: 7 Totally into: Her Spotify playlist, games, Lego Friends Likes: Shopkins, going to Grandma & Grandpa's, ramen, soccer Dislikes: Coffee, kale, possums, snakes, rats, mice Wants to be: Hairstylist, gymnast Toothbrush color: Green
Name: Elliott Age: 9 Totally into: Music (drums + piano), basketball Likes: Music, basketball, legos, orange chicken with broccoli and rice, Woody (the dog) Dislikes: Long car rides, Isaac, school, boredom Wants to be: Musician Toothbrush color: Purple
Name: Isaac Age: 11 Totally into: Pokemon Legos and physics/engineering stuff, guitar Likes: Math, programming, and heavy metal Dislikes: Little, constant annoying noises Wants to be: Engineer (nuclear or mechanical) Toothbrush color: Light blue
Name: Simon Age: 14 Totally into: Movies, time travel, legos, video games Likes: Gorgeous girls, cheese, candy Dislikes: Brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, being embarrassed Wants to be: The world's first time traveler, scientist, blacksmith Toothbrush color: Dark blue
September 26, 2016
Spark Your Story | Scrapbook & Cards Today Fall 2016
The new fall issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine is now available!
This year my column includes a traditional layout and a Project Life® spread and a digital download (click here to see all the free downloads from this issue) centered around a story spark.
Today I'm sharing the full images of my layouts from this article here but invite you to
click over and download your own FREE digital copy of the magazine and read the full article that includes much more about the concept and ideas related to each layout. You can also become a subscriber and have it delivered to your home address (awesome) or pick it up at Barnes & Noble. They have even set it up where you can download just a PDF of my article: Spark Your Story.
Here's a look at the pages I created for this issue with a focus on food (which is also slated to be a future Story Theme).
First up, a Project Life® spread that tells the story of some of the recent updates to the story of Simon + Food:
Project Life® Design A Page ProtectorsFreckled Fawn puffy stars and labelsJournal cards from past Story Kits™ and Studio Calico
This is a non-weekly layout and it will go into my traditional album for 2016.
And my layout:
Messy Food Circles (the three shown on this layout are available as a free download from the SCT site or you can purchase the full package here)Freckled Fawn Wood Veneer StarburstsStudio Calico Chipboard WordsGold Starbursts from my Believe Story Kit™
