Saturday, April 21, 2012

facing the music and bowing out of the a-z

Dear ninja friends,

I'm writing to tell you that I'm kind of freaking out--which is unlike me. Not that I usually have it all together or anything, but I do (normally) manage to keep my head above water.

However, right this very minute I feel very much under water. Job drama, drama in my personal life that hit me like a fist to the stomach, house drama . . . it's sucking my creative energy so what little I have left needs to be put to use on DESOLATION, which I'm trying to get out by a certain date.

I hate failing. I do not like that I'm backing out of the A-Z challenge with only a few days left, but I need to huddle and focus on what's most important and only that for a little while. I think it would be presumptuous of me to continue blogging, asking you to read my posts, when there's no reasonable way I'll be getting around to reading yours.

I believe blogging is a friendship, a shared experience--it can't be all you and no me. I'd rather take a break and come back when I can show you my gratitude by paying back your kindnesses.

If you're the praying kind, a prayer on behalf of my family would be most appreciated. If David doesn't find work soon I'm afraid . . . Well, I guess I'm just afraid.

Hugs and loves to all of you. See you (hopefully) soon!
ali :)

p.s. Don't be afraid to enter the giveaway if you haven't already! I'll announce the winner on May 1st!

40 comments :

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ali, I'm so sorry! Yes, prayers for you and your family.

Angie said...

Don't feel bad, Ali. We all understand that. I'll be praying! Hang in there. *hugs*

Natalie Aguirre said...

Don't feel bad Ali. Personal and family life are way more important than blogging. And we're still just as much your friends. We totally understand. I hope things get better for you and that David finds a job soon. I'm so hoping for that for you. I'll be laid off in about two years so I know that stress. Just take care of yourself and your family.

Cassie Mae said...

Absolutely praying for you and your family. And don't feel bad, take the break and know I'm totally here for you if you need me. Seriously, if you need to send an email, my inbox is always listening I promise :)

K.D. Storm said...

Hang in there. I know it is hard but you have to do what you have to do. You and yours are in my prayers and if you need an ear to listen (or in this case eyes to read)drop me a line in an email. Venting can work wonders.

Chuck said...

Ali, I bet if you asked there would be plenty of people who would be willing to guest post on your site for the last few letters. Just a thought. Hope all gets better for you!

Heather said...

I'm sending good thoughts and hopes your way sweetie. I'm so sorry your family is going through a rough time. (((Hugs))) On a positive note, I'm reading your book and it's so good it's blowing me away!!!

hollowtreetales said...

Ali, I'm sorry things are so tough right now! I can understand needing to budget time and buckle down on the important things, we'll always be here when you're ready to get back!

*Hugs*

Accidentalwriter said...

Prayers and lots of positive thoughts being sent your way.

'All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on'.
Havelock Ellis

Be good to yourself!!

Arla said...

Prayers your way, Ali. Keep the faith and know that we're all behind you.

Kayeleen Hamblin said...

Ali! I hope things start looking up. Praying for you and family.

Trisha said...

Sounds like things just got very stressful - I'm sorry for you guys! I'm definitely sending positive vibes your way.

Hang in there. x

Tasha Seegmiller said...

Take the time out for the things that are most important in your life. Seems like the sort of thing a master ninja would do. Let me know if you need a sounding board :)

L.T. Elliot said...

You and your family are in my heart and prayers. Love you so.

Anne Gallagher said...

Thinking and praying for you and your family. I hope it gets better soon.

L. Blankenship said...

Prayers and best wishes. I know you will pull through this.

Jaye Robin Brown said...

No worries, anyone of us could end up making that choice. It's GREAT that you can recognize the need to just let go. So hoorah for you.

Christa Desir said...

I'm keeping you all in my prayers. Hang in there. We went through this last year and it was so hard. Please let me know if you need anything.

Angela Brown said...

Sending you big hugs and a virtual bag of mini size candy to snack on.

Praying things get better with the various areas of drama popping up. Take care :-)

P.S. you lasted hecka long with A to Z. You have other important things to attend to. Prioritizing is not failure...just smart.

Christine Fonseca said...

Major hugs and prayers, Ali. You know where I am if you need to talk at all. Or vent. Or whatever. Muah!

Christine Fonseca said...

Major hugs and prayers, Ali. You know where I am if you need to talk at all. Or vent. Or whatever. Muah!

Jo said...

Knowing when to say "I give!" when things get too overwhelming is a sign of maturity. :) Prayers for your family, Ali... I hope things turn out alright.

Jo
In Which We Start Anew

Nicole said...

Sending prayers your way! Don't worry about having to bow out. Sounds like you've got your priorities right. Good luck with everything!

Laura Marcella said...

Sending lots of prayers and positive vibes your way, Ali!

Brianna said...

ali, I'm so sad to hear that you are having a hard time! My prayers are with you and your family!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm sad to hear you and your family are having a hard time. My prayers are with all of you.

Jessica L. Foster said...

I hope things get better for you. Sometimes you have to prioritize. Family first, novel second. Blog games and other things can be done if there's time.

mmshaunakelley said...

Prayers and thoughts going your way, and lots of good energy. I bet things look up soon!

Windy Aphayrath said...

Ali, my dear, how I've missed checking in on you. You and your family have been in my thoughts, and always remember, there is a bright side. I've been offline so much recently because of things going on in RL that the guilt about being disconnected has waned and I've gained a much better perspective on my priorities. I know you'll find that as well. I know you're afraid, you know where I am if you need me, but keep in mind, things always happen for a reason, and as sucky as it is when you're going through it, it will always work out for the best. xoxo.

Wicked-Sassy said...

Big hug and lots of love, girl XOXO Prayers coming your way.

Anna Smith said...

Positive vibes being sent your way. There is no such thing as failure, we can learn from everything we do. It's ok to take a break every now and then and you shouldn't feel bad about that, I'm sure peeps will understand :)

Heather M. Gardner said...

I'm keeping all my fingers crossed that things work out well for you and your family.
Heather

Stephen Tremp said...

You do the best you can do and that's ll you can do! Great that you made it this far and don't feel for a moment that you failed. You are a successful blogging ninja! Or ninjette.

see you when you get bake.

Ciara said...

Ali, I hoped over from Alex's blog. I'm so sorry you are having a rough time. It seems to be contagious right now. Try to have a great weekend.

Ciara said...

Ali, I hoped over from Alex's blog. I'm so sorry you are having a rough time. It seems to be contagious right now. Try to have a great weekend.

Johanna Garth said...

New follower from Alex's blog and sorry to hear that things are overwhelming and difficult right now!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Ali, life is what it is. While blogging is a wonderful connection I enjoy, life at home must take precedence. For me, it's impossible to get to everyone's blog. I do the best I can. That's all anyone can do.

We've all been there at some point. You take care of what you need to and we'll be here when you get back.

Hugs sweetie!

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Susan Oloier said...

Ali, I just now read this. I am so, so sorry. (((Hugs))) to you. I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending good vibes your way, too.
Blogging is always the first to go for me when things get stressful. Don't beat yourself up.
Susan

Sara B. Larson said...

I just saw this, and I'm so sorry that David is out of work! We know what that is like. It's so frightening and hard. BUt no matter what happens, everything will work out, I promise. If you ever need to talk or vent or anything with someone who understands, I am here for you. *hugs*

Gail said...

Thinking of you. Tomorrow is another day...hang in there.