celebrating the new year with a giveaway from ali edwards + big picture classes

“The benefit of looking to the past is that we gain perspective. We see things differently after developing an awareness of what we know and what we wished we knew. Looking back, even if we're just viewing old photos of people we don't know, can change the way we approach the photos we take and the stories we tell today.” -- Ali Edwards

Happy 2011!

To celebrate the new year I'm giving away a spot in Ali Edward's new online adventure - Yesterday & Today at Big Picture Classes!

Ali and I became "move-a-body" friends a couple of years ago. I love her approach to life, creativity, and storytelling. I was so afraid of scrapbooking before I met Ali. It was way too overwhelming for me. Ali has changed all of that. She taught me the beauty of capturing a memory with one photo and a simple handwritten note. It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that her approach to memory keeping has changed our lives. Sometimes Ellen and I sit down for 30 minutes and do a quick "Ali" project together. 

Right now I'm working on an Ali-inspired project with this picture of me and my brother and sisters. I'm the oldest (of course).

And a project with this photo of my grandparents.

 

In her new class, Ali will join a diverse group of memory keepers to explore how we can make meaningful connections to our past in order to live our lives in a more thoughtful way.

Projects will focus on one layout a week that address the questions listed below. 

Where do you begin creating with photos from generations past?

What do you wish you knew about your parents when they were growing up? What life lessons do you want to pass on to your children?

How do you document the challenging times in your life?

How do you create layouts that tell special stories when you don't have any photos?

You can learn more about Ali's new class here. To win a free spot in the class, just leave your name in the comments section. The class just started so I'm going to pick a winner tomorrow.

And, just for being a part of the Ordinary Courage community, you can get 10% off of the course with this promotion code: yesterdaytoday

Here's to a wonderful 2011! I'll be back on Monday with a new post (hint: Ali will be back too and it will involve one little word).

Update on Sunday, January 2, 2011 by Brené Brown

Congrats to Melissa (of Sunlight-Simplicity). You won a seat in Ali's class!

Comments

[ashley]

I would love to win this! I've been thinking about signing up for a week now.

[Paula Kiger]

Here's to living our lives in a more meaningful way!!!

Happy New Year

Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen)

[Cameron]

Oh, I've been considering this class... I'm signing up today for her One Little Word class so I'd love to add this one, too! :)

[Mary]

Thank you, Brene, for the opportunity.
Mary Homola

[Rebecca Everett]

Thank you and Happy New Year!!

Rebecca Everett

[Pictou]

I'm looking forward to some changes in my life right now and would love to participate in this class.

Patti MacGillivray

[Deirdre]

The closest I can get to a lotto ticket in Utah---here's hoping I win.
Can't wait to hear your word for 2011! And Thank YOU so much for the book inscriptions/book marks. Made a great gift into an Awesome Gift!

[Jenn W]

Happy New Year! I love reading your inspirations!

[Caroline]

I've been considering how to step up my photography and how to create more meaningful memories with them. This class would be a great kick start. Thank you for the opportunity!

[Laney]

I signed up for one little word, this other class sounds great too!

[wendy, nj]

thanks for an awesome giveaway!! I'd love to be abe to participate!

[Sylvia]

sounds great :)

Happy New Year!

[Edie]

I would LOVE to win this! My mom just handed me an album w/a bunch of old childhood photos and I have no idea where to start with it.

[Marilyn Schmid]

This is just what I need! Thanks for the chance!

[Deb J]

I loe Ali's classes. Would love to take this one. Have signed up for you One Little Word class and would love to add this one.

Deb Jones

[Nikki T.]

I would love to take this class... I have been wavering on signing up for a while now, and probably will soon...but winning it would be fantastic!

[Jess Forster]

Hi Brene, I love your blog and was introduced to it through Ali's website. I would love to win a spot in the Yesterday and Today class. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Elizabeth]

I have just found your work and feel like I have meet a kindred soul. I work with families during their 2nd most intimate moment in life - childbirth. I believe that if families can birth their children void of shame and guilt - no matter what it might look like - then they will be able to parent with courage, connection and trust.

It takes real strength to be vulnerable, and I am honored that I get to witness it for a living!

I've posted your TED talk on my FB and twitter account and hope it can inspire others.

Thank you for all that you do!

-Elizabeth

[Jane Haag]

Great give away! Thanks Brene!

[Kelly Ramsey]

Considering my Christmas visit home this year and watching my dad struggle with cancer
I want to make a priority of reflecting on the mist important things this year family.

[kimhacking]

Love to win this!

[Dawn Christ]

This course is just what I need right now after deciding to separate from my husband after fourteen years of being together. I'd like to make something to celebrate what was good about being together and embrace our llives moving in different ways.

[Cindy]

What a lovely gift...Happy New Year...<3

Cindy Brouillard

[Rochelle]

One of my New Year's Resolutions this year is to really start scrapbooking. I have had all of the supplies for years now, but have never made a page. This class would be a good start to the New Year and a new goal. Thanks so much Brene and Ali for the opportunity!

[Michelle Powell]

I am going to sign up for this but money is tight so I willbe late starting... It got me thinking more about me and my legacy and what imprint I will leave when I am gone...

[Debbie]

I would love to win this!!

[Allison Marek]

Thanks for this!

[Carolyn HP]

Happy New Year Brene! I joined Ali's new OLW class this year as my first class at Big Picture. I would love to win a place in this Ali class, I find both of you ladies so inspiring :)

[Chrissy]

Thanks for the chance to win!

[Claire]

I would love to win this! I have been thinking a lot about how my past has influenced who I am. I also just borrowed my parents' photo album of me as a child and I am going to try to do something with those photos.

[Mic]

I have recently begun to attempt the rather overwhelming task of sorting through the past photos and events and reconciling these with the present and the future. This course would be great to bring some order (and keep me from the bane of perfectionism ;) ) to the process!

[Paula J.]

Pick me, please! I could use a creative spur this bright new year.

Paula J. Kelly

[Susan]

I would love to be a part of the class, thank you for the opportunity!

[jennifer hamilton]

I love Ali's approach to memory keeping. She has such a gift for conveying her family's history in such an eloquent manner. Thanks for the chance to such a wonderful giveaway :)

[Beth Ann]

Ali is such an inspiration. I would love to take this class!

[Chloe Walker]

Chloe Walker

[Dee-Ann]

Happy New Year Brene! I look forward to another year of your inspriational and thought provoking writing.

[Sam]

Happy New Year and all the best for 2011!

[Lori Leyba]

I would love to win this spot in Ali's class! Thanks so much for the chance to win it. I am the memory keeper in my family and in my husband's. I inherited generations of photos and have spent a huge amount of time identifying them and doing both of our genealogies. This final step of linking their story to my own in a tangible form would be wonderful.

[Sharon]

Hi! I'd love to win a spot in the class . . . just the right thing for a creative jumpstart this new year. Thanks for sharing!

[Lety]

Great giveaway. I am a big fan of Ali´s work!!, I will be SO thankful if I win this spot!!!, thanks Brene!!

[danielle barton]

I would love to win this! Thank you so much for the opportunity. Ali's classes have always been on my wish list! :-)

[Lisa]

Both of these classes sound amazing. What a great way to reflect and move forward, something I definitely should work on whether I'm in the class or not. Thank you for introducing all these great ventures and ideas. Have a wonderful New Year!

[Marc Otto]

Looks wonderful, perfect for the new year.

Marc Otto

[jenni derryberry mann]

Taking action to make 2011 a year of intentional expression. Ali's Yesterday & Today sounds just right!

[linda]

Would be great to win a spot - sounds like a fabulous class!

[Nina]

Thanks for the opportunity!

[Robin]

Just signed up for One Little Word. Would love to add this one to 2011!

[mandy]

i am hoping to find some sort of creative outlet this year. this sounds like a good place to start!

mandy whaling

[ellen]

What a great way to start a New Year. I would love to win!