When I look back and read posts from this blog, so many years ago, I think about the passion and excitement I had tapping into my inner craftiness and burning desire to share with others. This blog did in fact START because I had been a stay at home mum to two littles and I missed my connection with the world. I was a professional before I was a mum and so when the opportunity to teach came into light, albeit in a different way than I ever thought possible, I jumped to it. As a teacher, I have always been passionate about sharing new ideas, creative tips as well as educating others. Card Metaphors gave me a sense of purpose, and my audience, a sense of duty. Writing and sharing filled my bucket.
Things changed quite a bit after I left this industry. I have been silent for a while as I worked through challenges within my family, in particular with my son, whom I had suspected had autism. In Nov 2011, my fears and concerns were revealed. My son was diagnosed with autism and 8 other labels. I was sad and happy. Experienced grief and even depression at points. I felt like a failure. No matter how much success had shown up in my life, I shut down. And while this seems glum, I'm not upset for ANY of these experiences, if not I am more grateful today for how they have shaped me into the woman I am today.
I am writing to you to share the good news. First we are all well: me, my husband, my son and my daughter. We have taken some grand adventures in life and have grown SO much.
While I still papercraft, and while I am still a teacher and mother, I am now an advocator too. Some of us have been friends on FB for many years and so my news today is not new for you. But for those of you who wondered where I went, what I am up to, stay tuned as I continue my journey forward on Card Metaphors which will take a well rounded approach to life and living and sharing too.
I've missed you so much. And I look forward to the new journey ahead.
~alli
Monday, February 6, 2017
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Crafty friends--Run with it!
Super excited to be posting again today. Just over 3 years ago I moved to a new community and quickly learned about all the paper crafting stores that were close by (after all I lived in the boonies for 4 years). It took me for drives sometimes up to 1.5 hours away but well worth it. You can imagine to my shock when one day I was on Splitcoast and saw a banner and learned about a stamp store that was 20 minutes away from my house that carried A*muse stamps and had classes too. Julie Ebersole was the first person that most influenced me towards these cute stamps and because I admire her clean style I was quickly influenced to add some of these stamps to my collection. Interestingly, I also learned that one of the instructors for A*Muse lived on Vancouver Island and not far from me. In fact, she lived close enough that she was going to be teaching at my local store. Insert my crafting friend Glenda Wyatt. Many of you know my amazing friend from her DT work, cover girl status on several crafty magazines, her participation in many challenges and being featured on several high profile crafty sites. Yup. I know this famous gal and love her to bits. What you may not know is her true personality. She is about as down to earth as you can get. She makes the effort to reach out to you at all times. She is the kind of person who sends you a card on your birthday or when you wreck your knee *insert sarcasm*. She is the kind of person that tells you she is rolling through town and would it be ok to meet and stamp together. She knows how to make you laugh. She knows how to listen. She is just like a sistah! Glenda is an amazing friend and I am so grateful to have her in my life. We have enjoyed hours of stamping together, have enjoyed several meals together as well as shared life stories. Thank you for being such a great friend Glenda!!
Not long ago, Glenda was posting about running on FB and funny enough so was I. Glenda was training for a 10K but was planning to do a 5K about a month after for fun. The funny thing is, I participating in a 12 week transformation challenge and was running 5K as part of my weekly cardio component. Put two and two together, and I joined Glenda for the Victoria Goddess Run on June 3rd. We had an amazing run and placed 5th and 6th in our age group out of 95 women and between 19-24 in the whole group (364 women). It was a beautiful day and a memorable one too.
Not long ago, Glenda was posting about running on FB and funny enough so was I. Glenda was training for a 10K but was planning to do a 5K about a month after for fun. The funny thing is, I participating in a 12 week transformation challenge and was running 5K as part of my weekly cardio component. Put two and two together, and I joined Glenda for the Victoria Goddess Run on June 3rd. We had an amazing run and placed 5th and 6th in our age group out of 95 women and between 19-24 in the whole group (364 women). It was a beautiful day and a memorable one too.
Thanks so much for letting me share. Much more to share in the coming weeks. Don't forget, to send your crafty friends some love--a card, a hello, a thank you. It goes such a long way. You just never know what kind of adventures you may do with a friend you met online and then in person. No one could have told me that I would be running (which by the way was NOT my thing) with a friend I met 3 years ago...especially not after sustaining a knee injury. If you can dream...dream big. Anything is possible.
Alli xox
Friday, June 24, 2011
Asking for your help.
Hello dear friends!! I am still around just going through a busy spell with grandma moving out, yard sale, end of the school year (report cards) and another roller coaster ride for support for my son. I am calling on the experts out there hoping to get some answers today. For those of you who know, my son has had some exceptional challenges over the past few years. I shared long ago what it was like for my son to have Sensory Processing Disorder. I shared that he has had multiple assessments and diagnoses. Our journey is not over yet. About 2+ years ago after a comprehensive assessment we were no further ahead with answers...with the exception of the psychologist's comment that I have a very complex child who would need further assessment between the ages of 8-9. Flash forward to now. My son will be 9 in a few short weeks. We are awaiting the autism referral. The problem is that the previous assessments are very confusing and so his referral is "complex" too. They are not entirely sure what to do (as in do the assessment or not)...One of the key factors in this process is Andrew's previous diagnosis of DCD (developmental coordination disorder). The woman from the referral team I spoke to said that if he has DCD he will not get an autism diagnosis. I seriously do not understand how that can be. Co-morbid conditions exist. If you are a professional in this field or know someone who can share some insight could you please e-mail me or post below. It frustrates me to no end that I have professionals who SEE that my son has Aspergers and yet somehow we are not getting this diagnosis. I am a special education teacher and honestly although I cannot diagnosis him from a medical standpoint he is a child with Aspergers for sure. He is very high functioning and yet has some significant delays, impairments, language issues, narrow interests and non-verbal communication problems (very low social skills) and more. Thank you for reading this, sharing this with others and for your input. I will continue to support my son in whatever ways I can...I am just tired of a system without answers. And for a mum who has been working on this for so long, jumping through the hoops etc it would be nice to know how I can help him next. Interestingly, my journey as a mum with special needs has certainly helped me in my role as a special education teacher. It is always a blessing to be able to work and talk with families and help support them on their journey too.
Hugs;
Alli
Hugs;
Alli
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
MFT Blog Hop and Shop
Welcome to the My Favorite Things blog hop and shop event! You should have arrived from Kim's Blog. Also you can start shopping HERE!
This month it is my absolute pleasure to share a card using the Clearly Sentimental About Friendship--a previous triple scoop set that was featured last month (May) on teaser day 5 Here is one of the samples I created last month. This set is full of inspirational sentiments to celebrate friendship. I have already used this set quite a bit for personal use. Love the ability to recognize my beautiful friends and thank them for their friendship.
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Clearly Sentimental about Friendship by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI
Patterned Paper: Happy Go Lucky from Lime Twist Collection by My Mind's Eye
Ink: True Black by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI
Accent: Ribbon by PTI, Butterfly embellishment by American Crafts
Tools: Framed Greetings Die-namics by MFT, Butterflies Die-namics by MFT
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Clearly Sentimental about Friendship by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI
Patterned Paper: Happy Go Lucky from Lime Twist Collection by My Mind's Eye
Ink: True Black by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI
Accent: Rhinestones by Zva, Flower Button by Doddlebug, Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Well Worn Greetings Die-namics by MFT
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Make sure to visit Jessie next and see her CUTE card!!!
Hugs;
Alli
Monday, June 6, 2011
MFT Teaser Day 5
Here are all the important details:
- The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
- The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
- If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.
I am so excited to share this super awesome set...perfect for Father's Day and an adorable title too. I love you mower!!!
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):I love you mower by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Enchanted Evening by PTI
Patterned Paper: Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee
Ink: True Black by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI
Accent:Ribbon by PTI, Button, Twine by PTI
Tools:Copic Marker, Sewing Machine
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Make sure you check back for a post later in the evening.
Alli
Saturday, June 4, 2011
MFT Teasers Day 3
Here are all the important details:
- The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
- The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
- If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Pure Innocence--My Little Firecracker by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Enchanted Evening by PTI
Patterned Paper: Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee
Ink: True Black by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI
Accent:Ribbon by PTI, Rhinestones by Zva, Flower Accent by American Crafts
Tools:Copic Markers, Scallop Ribbon Die-namics
Second up today is the adorable Wedding Flower Girl. This is the cutest stamp set ever. I love how beautiful the floral arrangement is and how it ties into her hair piece. It actually reminds me of when my daughter was a flower girl for my brother's wedding last year.
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Pure Innocence--Wedding Flower Girl by MFT
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI,
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee
Ink: True Black by PTI
Accent:Ribbon by American Crafts, Rhinestones by Zva, Misc clear flower
Tools:Copic MarkersHere is a photo of my son, my brother and my daughter from last August!
Have a super day.
Alli
Friday, June 3, 2011
MFT Teaser Day 2
Here are all the important details:
- The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
- The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
- If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Jolinne--I love you this much by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI
Patterned Paper:Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee
Ink:Ribbon by American Crafts, Pin by Fancy Pants
Accent:Buttons by PTI
Tools: Copic MarkersThe second card was made using the Pretty Pocket stamp set. I decided to do something out of the ordinary and use everything but that pretty pocket (boy was that a challenge...that pocket is pretty cute!). I really love the doodle feel to this set--so many possibilities.
SUPPLIES
Stamp Set(s):Pretty Pocket by MFT
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI
Patterned Paper:Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee
Ink:Wood button, thread
Accent:Buttons by PTI
Tools:Copic MarkersThanks for stopping by today. I will be back with two more cards tomorrow!!
Hugs;
Alli
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