Happy Halloween

Watch for falling spider tonight as you walk those sidewalks. If you are lucky to still be able to do so. 

Although sad to say...my trick or treating days are officially over.  Kali is done.  We will pass out candy.  We will check out all the cute costumes.  We will celebrate.  It makes me sad to realize the days of waiting for dark, while we dress our little lady bugs, and bumble bees.  It's all done.  Who remembers wearing these masks?  The steam that would fill up around your cheeks. To breathe, you'd have to lift and talk.  Funny stuff.  Our parents would hand us a pillow case, and drive block to block and wait while we'd gather candy.  To drive home and dump it on the living room floor.  Inspecting.  Unwrapping.  Eating.  Eating some more in the morning.  Noticing some snickers disappeared, as did the butterfingers.  Overnight.  Boom. Gone.   I can still remember that smell inside that bag.  Yummy.

This picture is so romantic.  So me.  Well, it's my fav color right now.  Duh.  Old Truck.  Teal blue.  Pumpkins uncut, natural. I love this picture.  Happy Halloween little witches and devils.  Buy good candy would ya? Don't cheese out and buy cheap stuff, remember when you were a kid?  HA!  Have fun. Drive slow, all. day. long.  little ones are excited on this day.  Day, Dusk and Dark.  Drive slow.  Keep on eye out for those little fellers. And be kind when you answer the door.  I still remember some odd weird rude people as a kid. I remember thinking...wow, why didn't they just leave their light off, and be a scrooge or a devil and just not answer.  Trick or treat, smell my feet. 

Sunrises. Chapter 16 girl will always adore.

Well, millions are without power.  Record books will record this as the worst storm to march through New York. Ever.  People have perished.  Life is scary on the East Coast.  Life is scary anyway.  I couldn't sleep last night.  Not because of this storm, sadly enough.  Just a toss n' turn night.  Do you have those?  Ever?  Sometimes I dwell, or worry about the silliest of things at 2am.  I just do.  And in the middle of the night they are bigger worries than morning.  It just works out that way.  I don't know why. I don't even care to know why.  I think it's just me. 

BUT I HATE IT! So, today I bring you a beautiful sunrise. Taken by Kali a few weeks ago. Early soccer game.  Heading over the bridges by the beach.  Beautiful if you ask me.  She loves them. I love them too. I love sunsets more.  She loves sunrises.  I hope she always does.  I hope she wakes her little lovies up early when they are kids to enjoy them with her.  I think she appreciates the calm.  The quiet of morning.  The precious new beginning of the day.   So today I bring you this.  Because I am at a bloggers block.  I hope you enjoy.  Pray for the East Coast peeps.  Craziness.  A weather reporter said "It's the worse storm, since..."ever"......".     Life is real.  Life is hard.  Life is scary.  Enjoy the little things people.  Seriously, the little things.  They do mean something.  Oh.  And drink good wine. When you can. Not like at work or anything.  Booya. 

Fireballs, Sunshine and Victorville Socca.

Friday ended like this- 6 of us bbq'n. At the Reynolds. Waterside, warm night.  Catching the very last bit of Mr. Sunset.  I thought the attire was all white, and pants pulled up to the moon.  Yes, that's me.  Yes, I laughed hard while viewing these pic's today.  Wth.  Maybe it's the little things I catch.  But THAT my friends is redic.  Seriously wow. psss.  Don't show the kids.  #theymakefunalready.

And so let me introduce you to Mr. Fireball.  This is some good shiz right here.  Seriously yummy.  Carmen decides to bring this bottle down to share the moments with us. 

 

And it was kissing away one of those weeks.  This cinnamon warmness that filled our bellies with silly glory.

Oh.  And this my friends?  Russ' goodness.  Bratwursts, pronounced "broughtworst".  HAHA.  I was corrected by Bill several times.  Well, excuuuuuuse me...  These fellers were the BEST I've ever had.  Ever.  He simmered them in beer first, I mean duh, what else would you simmer them in Leese.  Russ you rock.  Because these green beans stole the show too.  #octoberfestruss.   

 

I don't know why Carmen would do this to us.  We are trying so hard to be good.  And she brings these little gems out.  AND forced me to take home 6 for Kali.  #stilloncountertop.  HA!

Because we were more concerned about Whiskey and hot-tubbin.  And you might wonder what Randy is doing? No, he's not eating sunflower seeds.  That is sipping Whiskey from the cap.  #wherestheshotglasses. 

 

 

Oh, right here.

Love, Friendship and middle fingers. 

seriously love and friendship.  forever, and ever.

and ever.

Saturday morning was one of those gorgeous mornings.  Where the wind kisses your cheeks on the beach, and warmth from the sun closes your eyes.  Kali and Bill proposed a nice run on the beach, so I proceeded to abandon my i-pad, magazine, and cozy clothes in exchange for running clothes, sunglasses, and sandals for this.  

And yes, it was good.  Very good.  Especially when I ran along side my Chapter 16 girl.  And she was encouraging me all the live long way.  She smiled, and said words of praise.  For those that have little ones, especially girls, it's really amazing when the tables get turned as they grow older.  Tables turn. Praises turn. And it feels so very good.  She might not know until she's a mama.  But her smile will forever be imbedded in me.  She would look back and smile with a "mom, come on, you can do it, keep going".  It is priceless.  These moments are.  They really are.  She ran ahead and caught this of me.  And it was in my email this morning.  Kali. Amazing. 

This is what we caught at Jetty's end.  Kind of gross, kind of weird.  Litter from the ocean.  Innocent, but there.  Although Kali insisted on putting something up, I hope someone catches this and gets it all down soon.  #iseeatrendhere.  yuck.

So we all know what "offshore" winds mean right?  When the warm desert air comes over the mountains and out over the ocean.  And so, you can see Palos Verdes, Catalina, Newport.  Warm salty air.  No waves, but so much sunshine and goodness.  I could have stayed there all day long.

But we needed to get home to catch this.  You all remember our nephew Derek right?  Remember Derek would compete at the London Bridge competition during Thanksgiving?  Well, he's now attending  Pace University in New York. Talk about a kid moving mountains.  He is.  He texted us Saturday morning.  His meet would be aired live.  We caught it.  It's amazing to say the least.  And today's headlines on the front of their web page?  SLAYTON SETS RECORD IN 100 BREAST STROKE IN HOME OPENING MEET.   Seriously you guys, tenacious ways, determination, hard work and dedication.  Deker, you make us proud little one.  Well, tall big guy now.  Just look at him you guys.  Look! Woop Woop!

 

Kali and Gio had ANOTHER dinner date, and movies.  We all tucked away early for an early rise and away game in Victorville.  Here.

More new fields.  More travels. I am capturing and enjoying all I can while I can.  We were playing the #1 team in our division.

 

Oh.  No biggy.  Especially when the coach is speaking right at your girl.  No biggy.  Eddie, we got this. 

I've always watched and observed other coaches ethics, teams traditions, rituals, and little moments that families and teams share.  It's always amazed me.  Because we've played dirty rude teams, mediocre teams, and super nice polite teams.  I've seen teams pray like you see above. I've heard teams chant these chants that sound beast like.  I've seen coaches yell and freak like no other.  I've seen quiet coaching, and rude girls all mixed into one.  We've seen it all.  But I will say....when I see a team quietly pull together in prayer before a game, it makes me smile.  Inside and out.  That is goodness.  It's a quiet before the storm.  The base for the boom.  It's good.  Although I don't like organized religion, I like traditions, or  whatever pulls anything together.  I just do.  I like this. 

And I sat almost directly in front of this.  We all tried really hard to keep off the grass.  HA! oh my.   hmm.  Soccer field+grass= parents watching.  (their field did kick azz though in the grass dept.  Wow, good stuff)

Our pre-game ritual. 

Kali had her game on yesterday. That girl was on fire.  I LOVE to watch her play hard, and aggressive. 

We've traveled far and close, since Kindergarten for soccer.  I want to see tough hard-core soccer.  I do. 

And that she did. 

Playing the number one team. 

And we took home the win.  On their field.  We did.  2-1.  BOOM.

And this boy was at Bella's house. Kris and Lizo went to my parents.  I jonzed for pictures all weekend.  Every time I would get a text, I couldn't open my phone fast enough.  Life up there.  Pictures of my parents.  My Mom.  My Dad.  Bella their dog.  Their home.  That included all things earth, and any creature that passes through. 

And I will leave you with some big prayer for all the folks on the East Coast. This shiz is super scary.  It's gonna get real, and scary soon.  Very soon.  It will effect all of us more than we may know right now.  There is also a full moon right now.  So if you've been mistakenly treated like dirt by any of those you love or don't love?  Well, you've been warned.  High tides and freaks come out.  Be ready.  Smile, because the only thing we can do is deal and cope.  Be good.  Stay true. And eat whole foods.  It's better.  Trust me. 

War is real.

Sgt. Thomas MacPherson.  Rest in Peace.  Fellow Los Al  Griffin.  Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you.

Kali's school honored Sgt. T MacPherson today (Friday).  They lined the school, as his motorcade passed. Most dressed in patriotic colors.  Kali sent a text.  It read. "Mom, this is so sad".  Yes, indeed it sure is.  I can't imagine watching my kid being unloaded from a plane in a casket.  I can't.....I can't.  This stuff hurts my tummy.  War is real.  War is hard.  War is something debatable and hard to understand.  War is real. May peace lay in his Mom and Dad's hearts in the long days, nights, weeks, and months to come.  Sgt. Thomas, you have opened eyes of many of the above teens eyes.   You seriously put the term sacrifice to the highest level, platform, and real life term.  Saturday sunny morning has a different meaning when you see this real stuff.  I am sorry.  I am truly sorry.  But war is real. 

Should we really say goodbye to summer?

Happy Friday people.  Happy Friday.....   Can you believe summer is seriously coming to an end?  The long dog days of summer where Mr. Sun finally sets at eight pm.  You know when the lake water feels good, and the cold brews even gooder.  haha.  Kidding.  You know what I mean right?  Summer.  It's crazy to look back at the excitement of Spring and the first day of super warm sunshine.  Those first days at the lake, where we pull out the floaties, blow em up, fire up the bbq with good margarita's while watching the sunset.  Those nights when crickets sang to us before morning.  It all comes to an end.  And soon the heaters wake us up.  Sweatshirts and big ol' sweaters come out.  The smell of campfires come across the beach.  Cold mornings when you can't wait for the heater to kick in while driving....

 

And while I looked for some new pic's to post for Friday's blog. I find these old summer ones.  Of me.  Speaking of me.  I came home in a cleaning crazy mode.  You know the ones where you strip things down, and shake rugs like a nut, and scrub even nuttier. I did that.  I can move mountains when I'm in that mode.  Anyway, back on subject.  While cleaning my room, I have this little mirror.  That is covered in girlie accessories.  Yes, I am an accessory nut.  So is my girl.  And on that mirror lies two crammed little fortune cookie notes I've kept for a very long time.  One reads something about..."Something you've dreamed of will soon come true".  And the other one reads "You are often unaware of the effect you have on others".  Those two actually spark a little fire in me. Every. Time. I. Read. Them.  Because my life as a blogger has grown larger than I ever imagined.  It feels good to share my life. It feels even gooder, haha, to share insightful, and inspirational notes along my path with you.  You see, life isn't perfect.  Life can be quite hard if you ask me.  But if you look around and share good things, about good people, and goodness along the way...it can only help.  I do have a few big dreams and bucket lists in this life.  Those of you that know me well, know what they are.  So...I will keep these two little notes close to me.  You go be good kids.  Thanks for listening to me along the way.  I will always try to be here to share what I can, when I can.  Life.  It's hard, but it's so good.  Happy Friday rascals.  Be good.  Anyone dressing up for Halloween Parties this weekend?  Did I ever tell you I've only dressed up ONCE as an adult.  #idontlikecostumesonme. (I avoid Halloween parties)  Boom, is it five o clock yet?  The sun is setting faster.  Go catch it, and blow it a kiss...Cheers!  P.S. Pray for Kris and Lizo...they are northbound to the high sierra's to be cuddled by two amazing grandparents.  Lucky fellers.  My parents called to see what they'd like to eat.  #luckyduckies.

Gripes and Gratitudes

Gratitude:  That I have my life.  That I am healthy and able.  That I am not feeling overwhelmed THIS week. That Kali received an amazing progress report.  That this morning she and I laughed so hard on the way to school and work.  That my new car has seat warmers.  That it's almost Friday.  That the picture below shows that great moments do exist in soccer.  That I have two eyes to see this beautiful Earth.  That I have a new DM CD that I love every morning on the way to work. #nikkiyourock. That the political mess is almost over.  That I am counting down to Thanksgiving.  That I have 6 months until Maui. That I signed up to donate and work a homeless shelter.  That my son will soon be in the presence of my parents.  That the weather is kind of cooler with sunshine.  That Kali plays kind of far this weekend and we will road trip together.  That I have my blog to share my life. #therapeutic.

Gripes:  That this political mess is starting to get old.  That my neighbor had to be told that his old sick dog is in fact being abused and neglected. thank you Kris.  #karma. That we gave her more love over the fence than she's seen in the last 3 years with them.  That my house is a mess right now.  That I have grey hairs.  #They suck.  That I haven't been over to see my Grandma in a long time.  That people can be so mean and cruel. That rude drivers that tailgate make me angry while I teach a teen to drive safely.  That I see homeless people and a different side of it. #mentalillness #notalwayslaziness.  That my Dad's worries are bigger than I can help.  That Kali is super exhausted some nights from studies and athletics.  That Christmas is creeping up and I don't know what to buy the creatures I love.  That I wonder where all of those political posters end up after they are left on every. single. corner.   That I can't eat whatever I want.  #ilovemcdonaldsfrenchfries.  That Yes Pandora I am still listening. 

Well, I hope you all are stoked about Friday like I am.   I hope this weekend is good to you.  Remember :   It is your job to vote. It is your responsibility, your right, and your privilege. You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or straight, poor or rich.  Don't underestimate your vote.  Go with what you know. And with what you believe.  And pulleeeze don't argue your facts.  Please?  Not everyone will feel and believe your beliefs.  Facts or nonfactual.  They won't.   Play hard, play fair.  Be good. Love Me.

Teal. How I love thee.

  Sea Horses. I love this.  I hope you guys love it too.  Make sure you make the best of this week.  Hug those you love, and be good to those less fortunate.  "You've got the whole world in your hands" ....Here's a few quotes that I adore. And read often.  Hope some hit home for you.  Share if you will. 

•  "Hey little fighter, soon it will be brighter...."

• Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I will love you until the end of time. 

• Where you invest your love, you invest your life  - "Mumford and Sons"

• Never regret something that once made you smile. 

• Her mouth speaks from that which fills her heart

• We all have to choose to live for something or someone, that is what keeps us going. 

• I love you more than all the stars....(And THAT I dedicate to B, K and K....oh. and Mom and Dad and Bucks)

Happy HumpDay. 

A week in a nutshell. Or something like that.

The girl played in Redondo.  Our plan was to jet away shortly after she played.

 

Best friends at half.  Every time I see them exit or enter the field together it makes me smile.  Inside and out.  I smile.  That smile generates from the little history they have together.  The many memories, and many more for many years.  Looking back some day when they are both adults, maybe married, with children. These days.  These very days.  They will be missed.  They just don't know that right now.  Do they.

Which brings me to Sav.  Our goalie.  Whom I've known for 5 years now.  This girl entering Chapter 16. The strength it takes to be a goalie. The stress. The pain. This life. I caught this shot while she watched our team strike for a penalty kick.  Wondering what is going on in her head.  When the shoe is on the other foot.  I love you little one.  You make me proud. 

So Saturday night we walk outside for B to show me our new boat cover.  And as we walk out to the dock.  Our little showcase bad askmenomorequestions boat is underwater.  Yup kids, underwater.  After a few shitz, and ah fawks, and a quick jaunt down to see the damage, yes she was unda wata.  So we grabbed buckets, a neighbor grabbed a bucket...and the fun began.  For 2 hours it began....to break our backs. 

 

And as this went on, B was suppose to pick up his new truck.  B played  $$ games all week to get the price where it should be....this seriously held us up.  Talk about timing.  Talk about working that dealer for every minute that it was worth.  I'm like, hun should you call him.  He's like, no.  I've got to handle this.  So we handled this.  While I sipped white wine after unloading about 2 million buckets of water....along with the help of a yittle bilge we were complete.  Stereo done.  Engine done.  Everything inside, done.  Is this a sign? You know when little signs pop up?

So the next day, was a new day.  And a new truck did blossom.  Congrats B.  We have new cars.  They smell good.  They drive good.  They make you realize how lucky we are.  How thankful we are too.  Off to the lake we went.  Pulling the 52.  Together.  Watching the sun rise over the mountains.  With our coffee and smiles.  Many many smiles. 

To arrive here. 

Oh and here.  The days and nights begin to change.  The evenings are so perfect.   You know those moments where you wiggle your feet while you lay in the lounge chair and just look around.  Ya, like that perfect.  Notice the lights on the lake.  Red. White. and Blue.  Merrrica.  Love it. Or leave it. 

Which brings me to my next exciting news.  B had 8 ladies show up to clean.  EIGHT.  And they seethed through each room.  Wiping, scrubbing, opening, closing, wiping, dusting. FOR 2 HOURS KIDS!  Nothing short of amazing.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I did go on a very long walk.  I shopped, I sipped coffee, and played on my ipad.  Look at that floor.  Can I get a holla?

Oh, and we had new audio installed and tv's. And alarms.  So this rock-star can shake some windows. The guys came up for 2 days to make it happen.  Thank you fellers.   I inherited the need for loud music mixed with cocktails.  Especially after martini-mode.  Make it loud.  And make it good. 

I sat here a couple of times and just reflected.  Thankful.  Happy.  Peaceful. 

Of what we have.  What we've worked hard to keep.  To enjoy.  This life.  Thankful.

Because if I leave this Earth tomorrow.

I would have captured some very good times.  Considering my life in the younger years.  I will have captured enough to make my heart stay still. 

With this guy.  This guy that treats me like a princess.  And no I am not trying to cram gush in your faces.   I am speaking truth.  This guy.  I am thankful.  I feel love.  Always.  Unless he's hungry and needs to eat because he can be a monster.  ha.  Seriously though.  He does. 

I spent almost every morning sitting right here.  In this corner.  I missed the kids. I really did.  I worked , I read, I walked.  I decorated. I read some more.  I poured wine.  Water.  Texted friends and family.  All from this little corner.  Temps were 90 highs, and 70 lows.  Perfect.

I chipped my toenail.  Wanted to cry.  Wanted to punch something.  Wanted a pedicure like now.  Couldn't.  So I just sipped more water wine. 

Someone heard a fast boat making a pass. 

Yes, he did.

Beautiful huh? HA!  I took this picture because in the backseat, was the cutest, more stylish blanket you will ever see.  And I will find it.  I will own it.  Soon.  You watch.

 

Dad, this speaks you.  You would love it. 

Happy cars.  Happy lives.  Sunshine.  Green grass.  Boom.

My fav color of the moment. 

Light teal.  I love you light teal

And so we had our spot. 

Next to this spot.

Which was next to Michael Anthony (Van Halen).  Guess who LOVES Fatal?  Guess who's daughter LOVES Fatal?  Him.  Guess who wore Fatal all weekend long?  This guy.  Guess who exchanged numba's to further be in contact with B.  This guy.  So look for Fatal while he plays, players.   #ineedanosejob.

My silly side =   Everytime this raffle goes by, and they ask if I want to buy a ticket?  I can't help but reply with "oh, no thanks".  And die of laughter inside.  WHO in the heck does this?  Kali, we won you a new engine for jetta-girl. vroom vroom.  hahahaha!

 

Our dinner on Saturday was College Street.  These two little red beauties parked outside made me smile.  So cute. 

On to the races.  I was a bit hesitant at first.  I was tired.  From doing really nothing.  But it was our last night.  I wanted to go home and crawl onto the couch and just relax.  But B said, hun, let's check it out.   And so we did......

And I was so very happy we did. 

Our friend Dave raced. 

Numba #47.  Dave Blankenship.  Good peep. 

Dave in the blue.  Good guy.

I sat there while all the cars were first lined up.  Music playing in the backround, to the tune of like Guns n Roses.  I don't know why...but goosebumps covered my body.  Looking around at all the American Folk.  Looking at all the kids playing on the bleachers.  The many families.  The perfect night.  The National Anthem was sung.  Tears crept up in my eyes.  They just did.  And soon later at what I would say was like their half-time, the song "Proud to be an American" played...and I sat just above a guy in a wheel chair, with his hands raised high. Signing every single word.  Staring at the flag across the track. I could do nothing else but just watch this guys true happiness, and pride.  The All American feel we ALL felt there in those bleachers.  The feeling I really can't describe, you'd have to be there.  But maybe goosebumps and tears speak for something? 

 

Friends of friends cheering on #47.  Good stuff there.  We will be back.  We will.  Most of Dave's friends came dressed as rednecks.  All to show spirit.  And boy that spirit kept us laughing the entire night.

Because when you buy tickets, you have the whole seat....or you will need to just sit on the edge.  Love it!

I came home to a surprise from my friend Nikki.  All things I love.  A card. Dave Matthew Band new cd, some new salon socks...and look at that owl.  Her card made me cry.  She lives close by.  Used to work together.  We know so much about each other, yet live busy lives daily.  I have surprised her with goodies on her doorstep.  It's these sweet little offerings that mean so much.  Simple, full of love.  creating surprising smiles.  oh, and tears.  Nik, i love u.

We missed some friends this year.  Everyone had different schedules this year.  And that's ok.  It worked out good for all of us.  Happy Anniversary Jaymee and Sean.  We did miss your smiles.  We still have your shoes Sean.  Except this time, you will have to find those fellers.  They may or may not be in the lake.  Or the mountain side where the rattle snakes are.  Or they may or may not be where the scorpions live in the bbq shelves.  Or they may or may not be in the garage.  hmmm.  Just remember where and who your true friends are kid.  love you. always will love you two birdies.

 

More good news that landed on this Earth?  Oh.  Fatal has landed in Macy's. No big deal. Just 25 stores to start.  Watch out fishies.  Fatal is moving mountains.  Or shelves.  Or buildings.  Happy Tuesday lovies.  In a few more days my boy gets to pull into my parents driveway.  Talk about exciting.  I have already started my goodies boxes.  Watch out Mom and Dad.  All things love coming your way.  Boom. Now get back to work.  I must.