Comments on: Thoughts

By: Brenda

Brenda — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:14:08 +0000

Just wanted to send hugs your way Ali!!

By: Mands

Mands — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:28:30 +0000

I totally relate too Ali, we have been through this numerous times in our marriage…the good news is that when you go through it for the third or fourth time, you look back on the previous times and realise that you made it through, that somehow you held on to yoru home, your marriage, your family and your sanity! ….but you have to have that “history” to strengthen you. The first and second times are the hardest, the third makes you wonder why it seems to always be you…by the fourth your resigned to the fact that what doesnt’ kill you makes you stronger, but also by then you have heard of others that have walked the same path, not only endured it, but come out better people in the end. More able to feel and empathise with others.
I pray you’ll get through this quickly and see some blessings on the other side.

By: Tiffany Burke

Tiffany Burke — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:07:21 +0000

You know I love you and commend you for opening up to your readers! I have a sign that hangs in my house that read “One day at a time” that’s all I can do, and somedays it’s only one hour or even minute at a time. If you ever need a shoulder….well you know the rest……..heaven knows, I’ve cried on yours!

By: Russ Climie

Russ Climie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:07:55 +0000

First of all thank you for your openness and I’m glad you decided not to delete the post. Don’t ever forget that your struggles today will be someone’s motivation later knowing they can get through their struggles because someone has gone before them. Keep up the great work and know that God is in control.

By: Jennie Slade

Jennie Slade — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:56:12 +0000

I am right there with you sister! So much for doing photography for “fun” and for extra cash. It’s a whole different thing when you do it to pay the power bill. I just keep reminding myself to be grateful for what I have: a home, food, a husband and 4 beautiful kids. I guess when I say it like that, what more could I need?

BTW : I am still crossing my fingers for the SLC workshop… keep me posted:)

By: Deene souza photography

Deene souza photography — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:02:04 +0000

Love you, Ali!!! xoxoxo

By: Samantha

Samantha — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:09:24 +0000

I also just wanted to send a hug your way! Sometimes, as scary as it feels, it’s necessary to share how you’re feeling, if for no reason other than to just alleviate tension that we let build up in ourselves. And so I’m not labeled a hypocrite :), I thought I’d share too. I’ve been without health insurance for probably 10 years - as long as I’ve been working full time. This and its consequences weighs on my mind every single day.

I’ll never forget the time that my sister took a job that she didn’t really want. She sounded so distressed about it! I said to her, “It doesn’t have to be your job forever”. Immediately she sounded lighter and thanked me for reminding her of that. One of my favorite artists, Mary Engelbreit, said, “If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

I feel and understand your frustration and worry and even though I have to remind myself of this A LOT - things will change! And in the meantime, it’s kind of nice to be able to relate to other people at this basic level. So thank you for writing about something personal and reminding us that we’re never alone! {hugs}

By: Camille

Camille — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:07:46 +0000

Hang in there and do as you’re doing - Trust in God. We are a one income family but that is a choice we made 3 years ago when I decided to give up my HIGH paying job (with all the insurance under the sun, bonuses that were the size of some people’s yearly salary and tons of vacation) to become a stay-at-home-mom. It’s a choice I still don’t regret, however it hasn’t been easy. Not only did I give up my job, my husband gave up his and we moved back home to E. TX. He found a job here, but our income is now 1/5 of what it used to be. We gave up going out to eat. We gave up cell phones. We gave up cable tv. We gave up shopping. We had no insurance until this year, and it is only on him and our son. He hunts every year during deer season - that took some getting used to, but hey…FREE meat! He started a garden - FREE veggies! I learned the art of “canning” and can those veggies. I make as much as I can “from scratch” to cut down on the cost of groceries. Yes, this was a choice we made - but making the necessary changes to be able to afford to pay our bills was not fun or easy. Now, 3 years later, it is our life and I love it. I’ve learned that I can do so much with what God has given me and I am so much more “rich” than I ever was. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to talk offline. <3

By: Doni

Doni — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:19:21 +0000

Ali - first - beautiful shot. Second - I appreciate your openness. I have been writing a VERY open blog for many years and I love the way it allows me to connect to people. My life priorities are to love God and love people - photography is one little avenue that gives me opportunities to do that. I think taking this moment on your blog this morning to express your heart was a “love people” moment and that moves me.

By: Angie Kiefer

Angie Kiefer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:02:31 +0000

Just felt the need to come say that I am glad that you shared some of your personal life. I am so thankful that we still have our jobs, in this ecomony, I really feel lucky. I know so many are going without the things that are really important, like health insurance, because they have to provide food and shelter. Want to give {hugs} to you and I got a little teary eyed too!