Ali Edwards's Blog, page 92
May 17, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Sunday Photos + Words
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Wrapping up my 2021 Week In The Life™ documenting week with a Sunday that totally felt like summer. Waking up today (Monday) was a little rough for a bunch of people in this house who have to get up and go to school.
A big warm thank you to everyone who participated and shared stories this week. I'll be taking a few days off this project to take care of some other work commitments and then will begin the process of putting my album together later this week.
I'm working on adding my journaling to my cards today and will share them when I share my completed album.
Here's a look at some pieces of my Sunday:
Noticing shadows + focusing on the light. Watering indoor plants.
These two are seriously so fun + so funny. We stopped at Target on the way to our girls day at the river to pick up a new swimsuit for Audrey and snacks.
Last summer some friends introduced us to this great river spot below Pisgah (outside of Eugene). We picked up a couple friends and headed out here early in the day. We love this spot because it's got this great little run where you can walk up the river a bit and then ride it back down. The girls went up and down so many times and there was so much laughing and my heart was so full.
There's also a cool rope swing set up so we made the short walk on this amazingly green trail to the rope swing.
It was such a good day.
I started this one and almost finished it yesterday (hoping to finish it early this week). No spoilers! Definitely an easy-to-read, engaging thriller.
We packed up in early afternoon and brought the crew back to our house for a few more hours of hanging out and pizza.
They played "Survivor" and used this tree as their home base.
And of course there was jumping.
Aaron replaced another one of our outdoor lights. We've been slowing adding these ones around the outside of the house.
These guys were in and out today (one is Elliott's friend). When I took this photo they were having a lively discussion about who they thought were overrated musicians and who gets to decide who is "good."
Simon came out to hang out with me while I continued reading in the backyard after playing video games with his friend Jeffrey. He was waiting for me to be ready to go inside to watch a movie with him.
Aaron and Elliott's friend watching the Blazer game.
Our house felt alive again today in all the best ways.
Finished up today by watching the movie Chef with Simon. He's a major John Favreau fan and he likes to cook so this was the perfect inspiring movie for him.
Here's to documenting the stories of our lives!
May 16, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Saturday Photos + Words
Man, I love Saturdays. Especially Saturday's in late spring/very early summer. So good.
I'm working on filling out my journal cards this morning and will share them when I share some of my album process in the coming weeks.
Here's a look at some pieces of our Saturday during Week In The Life™ 2021:
The peonies are coming. They are so, so close to blooming. It could happen any day now.
Saturdays are for visiting the Farmer's Market. I love when the kids are here and when they want to go with me. Today we took Simon's car (The Blue Raider) because Aaron needed to use my car for something else.
After Farmer's Market Simon and I watched the latest episode of The Bad Batch (new animated Star Wars show).
Anna and I started working on making freezer jam with all the strawberries we got at the Farmers Market and Simon played a Star Wars video game with his friend Jeffrey.
After wrapping up the freezer jam with Anna I helped Simon make brownies from scratch from a recipe in a new Star Wars cookbook.
Isaac had a friend over. More video games.
Early afternoon sweet peas.
The green is everything to me. Hi Chester (he's Elliott's dog that lives at his Mom's house and was visiting us for a night)!
Simon had plans to go over to Katie's for dinner and he baked the brownies to take over there.
Anna + Audrey went to Katie's too. I sent over the sweet peas, a couple cans of beans (in case they needed them), and Simon's brownies.
Ernie seemed super happy to just be out in the warm weather laying in the dirt. He is always dirty.
Katie sent over these photos of the kids hanging out. LOVE THIS.
Anna + Graham. So much love for this and the full circle moment of time (Katie first started working for me when she was 19 and Anna was about 6 months old as her nanny).
One more day my friends! You've got this. Go capture some stories.
May 15, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Friday Photos + Words
Here's a look at my Friday words + photos for Week In The Life™ 2021.
Ernie needed his morning snuggle.
One of my favorite things during the pandemic has been ordering cupcakes from Gretchen at The Sassy Cupcake. I especially love ordering them when the kids are coming home.
Working on some One Little Word® designs for 2022.
A zoom hang out with some of my favorite people.
Lunch at the same time as Aaron today.
I got to go to Anna's last track meet today and so loved watching her run. They had an abbreviated season but it was the BEST thing for these middle schoolers. Love watching them cheer each other on and just getting to see them all hanging out together.
Sam is not amused. See photo below:
Chester (Elliot's dog that lives at his Mom's house) is here visiting for the weekend.
After getting back from the track meet I still had a couple things I needed to finish up for the Story Kit classroom.
Have a great weekend!
May 14, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Thursday Photos + Words
Today feels like my "usual" Sunday in Week In The Life™ - a whole lot less photos - which is 100% totally okay.
As I sit here and write up this blog post I'm thinking about how often we judge our own stories vs. simply honoring them as they are without explanation.
Our kids come back today (Friday) so I'm looking forward to including those characters in my story for the last few days of this project.
Here's a look at my Thursday:
Washing + chopping vegetables from yesterday's CSA box before heading up to my office.
Drawing out some word art on my iPad for some One Little Word® products for next year. I followed that up with a bunch of video editing for the upcoming Story Kit classroom - that took up most of my working day.
Moving the laundry around.
Folding our kitchen towels. This is a job I actually enjoy.
A walk around the neighborhood. The sun feels so darn good.
Folding more laundry.
Photos I didn't take:
More work at my desk. Thai leftovers for lunch + dinner. Aaron working out in the camper van putting up some "tile" around the kitchen area.Showering after work. Hanging out with Aaron in our bedroom talking about moon landings.Watching a new-to-us docuseries about The Comedy Store (loving it).
Bring on Friday + the weekend.
Thoughts On Storytelling | Crop + Create Keynote From April 2021
For today's Craft The Story video (Episode 19) I'm sharing a recent keynote that was recorded for Scrapbook + Cards Today's Crop + Create event in April 2021 (shared with permission from the event organizers). You can learn more about their online events here.
In this video I talk about the awesome book The Magic Of Memoir.
May 13, 2021
In Case You Missed It | May 14
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
CRAFT THE STORY YOUTUBE SERIES
For today's Craft The Story video (Episode 19) Ali is sharing a recent keynote that was recorded for Scrapbook + Cards Today's Crop + Create event in April 2021 (shared with permission from the event organizers). Find it here.
CLASSES
If you missed Week in the Life Prep Day, you can still access recordings of nearly eight hours of great class content to enjoy at your own pace. In addition, each lesson includes a free download and a challenge. Find it under classes.
NEW STORY KIT REVEAL
On May 13th we released the new May Story Kit™ theme, STRONG. Find more info and a video here.
CHATS
On Wednesday, May 12th, we hosted our second Story Chat with Ali, Lisa, and creative team members Linda and Jess. We talked all about the new Story Kit theme, STRONG. A recording of the conversation can be found here. As a fun new addition to our monthly Story Chats, we will be putting together a Spotify playlist of songs that represent the month’s theme. Find our first one here. We look forward to incorporating your suggestions, starting next month. Join us on June 12th at 4pm PT to explore stories related to June’s Story Kit theme, LAUGH with Morgan and Krystal.
CREATIVE TEAM
Our creative team is sharing their projects using the Evening Story Kit™ over on the blog. You don’t want to miss the beautiful pages these ladies have put together. Read it here.
BLOG
If you’re participating in Week in the Life and are looking for more inspiration, don’t forget that Ali is sharing daily posts with her words and photos. Find them here.
We’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
Strong Story Kit + June 2021 Stories By The Month
This month we are focusing on stories related to the theme of Strong.
Strength really does come in all shapes and sizes. It shows up in tiny details and in big decisions. Join us this month as we identify and tell stories of strength.
Initial story ideas for this theme include:
Strong looks like…Tell a story of your own definition of what it means to be strong.
Are you stronger in your broken places? How have your past struggles made you stronger?
Do you have a relationship where the term “stronger together” applies? Tell that story.
The
Story Kit™ includes:
Here's a video overview of the
Story Kit™ and Add-On options this month:
Heads up that I included a Covid stamp set in with the Add On's in my video. That stamp will actually be released later this month with some other new stamps.
STORY STAMP™
The
Stamp Set:
Here's a video overview of the Story Stamp:
Heads up that I included a Covid stamp set in with the Add On's in my video. That stamp will actually be released later this month with some other new stamps.
DIGITAL STORY KIT™ (Included with the STORY CLASS)
Your digital kit and the classroom and any Add-Ons purchased will be available to you on the 15th once your card has been charged for the month.
Here's a look at what's included in the Digital Story Kit™: 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 (f
ull 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! If you have any questions about this program please let me know below in the comments.
Stories By The Month™ kits include 4x6 chipboard, 3x4 and 4x6 cards, a 3x4 stamp, a sticker sheet, and an embellishment (wood veneer, cork, etc).
Here is a full look at the kit:
And a video overview:
Heads up that I included a Covid stamp set in with the Add On's in my video. That stamp will actually be released later this month with some other new stamps.
This subscription is a great option for those who are looking to tell more calendar/everyday life sorts of stories.
Add On options are available to all Story Kit™, Story Stamp™, and Stories By The Month™ subscribers
(this excludes Digital Story Kit/Story Class subscribers since you don't have any part of your subscription shipped already).
Current and new subscribers can select + purchase Add-On's via your new drop-down menu access under your user name in the top right corner of the site.
Depending on product availability subscribers may be able to purchase the Add-On's after the Add-On period has ended and regular shop shipping rates will apply because they will ship separately from the kit.
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Wednesday Photos + Words
Here's a look at my Wednesday words + photos for Week In The Life™:
I'm planning to add photos to the squares on the 3x8.
It was another day spent mostly at my desk. One thing I did do was capture a few other around the house things as I moved from my office to the kitchen and back again. Aaron and I also took a little mid-day drive to pick up our local CSA vegetable box.
In between moments during the day when we meet up in the kitchen.
A pile of clean laundry waiting for Simon to return.
We love our local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription. We get ours from Groundwork Organics.
Reading about what's been happening in Israel + Palestine (and reading it out loud to me).
Audrey's shelves.
Anna's shelves.
We've started doing a Story Chat on Instagram on the 12th of each month before the new Story Kit comes out on the 13th. You can see these here.
After work I went outside to water and check out what was happening in the yard. Simon stopped by to pick something up. Love these visits.
Hope you are enjoying this project!
May 12, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Tuesday Photos + Words
Ah, Tuesday.
Aaron and I were up late last night hanging out and finishing up the Sons Of Sam documentary on Netflix. Getting out of bed was rough - especially when the cats were ready for breakfast at 6:30am.
Here's the journaling I had done up until I left my office for the day:
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I am really enjoying jotting down notes throughout the day on these cards. It's a different approach from the past that feels like the right choice for me this year.
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Since I barely went outside yesterday I decided to start my day out in the yard after getting my coffee.
And it was wonderfully sunny.
I walked around and checked on my peas and flowers and took this opportunity to take some photos. Starting my day outside was a fantastic choice for me.
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I love sitting in this spot on my back porch and reading the paper.
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Turning my face to the sun.
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Sam, my best buddy, followed me around when I went from section to section in my yard and then took a little rest in the sun while I read the paper.
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Cut some roses to bring inside.
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After about an hour outside I put on some clothes and started my working day in the office.
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I worked on Story Kit content and video editing.
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Discovered Sam in my closet. Took a top down photo + a straight on photo.
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For lunch I met a friend of a friend who has a child that was recently diagnosed with autism.
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After lunch it was back to my office to continue working on Story Kit projects.
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I spend a lot of time here - especially when the kids are at their other homes. I try to work ahead (sometimes it's possible + sometimes not) when I can so that when they are here I have more bandwidth.
Left the office around 7pm to go hangout with Aaron. I'll likely take some more photos and add them to my project when I put it all together.
Today was a good day.
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May 11, 2021
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Monday Photos + Words
Today I'm sharing a look at my photos + words for my Monday in Week In The Life™ 2021.
The photos and words I'm sharing today are from when I woke up until around 6:30pm when I stopped working. I took a few more in the evening + finished up my journaling and will include that in my album.
Today was one of those days for me when the kids aren't here and I spend the vast majority of my day in my office and at my desk. I'm hoping for some more balanced days later this week and am guessing that this might be the first year that I take more photos towards the end of the week vs. Monday.
Just a reminder that I'm using the journal cards from one of the kits this year for the majority of my journaling. Here's what that looked like for today:
I loved just focusing on responding to these prompt cards. It's a fun way to approach the words in this project for me this year.
And here's a look at my photos for Monday:
I took this photo multiple times today to simply tell the story of the passage of time during my day. I literally spent the vast majority of my day in this spot.
Lookin into Aaron's office from our backyard.
Looking out of Aaron's office into the backyard.
Isaac stopped by (he's driving now) to pick up a package that was delivered for him today.
My view.
His view.
