Welp.

Friday afternoon I was twerking at the my desk and jacked my back.jk- I was prepping a check for a vendor- So the bike ride thing would soon be out the door, and down the street.  Sucks. Or shall I say at this point..SUCKED.  I am completely better now, but didn't want to peddle away.  It's happened before, and this time was quick and gone. So.  We'll leave it at that.
Look at what my king brought home Friday night.  Aren't they just gorgeous?  Devynn's Flowers never fails to amaze me. 

Sweetest thing ever.

Right?

Let's do the run down.  Real life run down. 

Ready?  Friday afternoon I end up in Trader Joe's getting our bbq goods for dinner.  As I am in there, Bill and I chat.  The hang up words..."I should be leaving here in about 15"- From Bill.
I say, "Me too"-  This is 5:ish.  Fast forward to 7.  I'm home, laying on the couch as an achy old lady.
Realizing it's been a while, so I call Bill. No answer.  I wait 5 more minutes, I call again.  Then I text-  "You still at shop"?-  No response.  I call again. "Hey Mama, I'm coming through the gate"-My words- "Oh, well, I'm wondering what the deal is......" His response- "Deal is!?" silence- We hang up.  He walks in and lays these on my tummy.

One word-  AWKWARD.

I say, thank you honey....and he stands there in silence.  Miff'd at me. So I start to explain that I was just wondering why no answer...blah blah blah.  Phone was in the truck while he was getting these fine fellers wrapped.

Two words-  Murphy's Law. 

There really wasn't one fault here.  He is a lover like this and brings love things.

I can be impatient.  Yet, this moment in time was necessary.  Well, to me it was. 

Still think he could have given me heads up an hour earlier he was running behind.   But neither win this war, so.

Does anyone get through these moments as such?  Am I just a freak?  Jerk?

Either way, this was a loving such sweet-sugary thing for me.  One of those roses will be cut, and added to my freezer of cut flowers with a note inside.  One day, when I am cremated, someone can get all those flowers I saved, and toss them in the ocean.  Just don't toss me out there. haha!

 

Moral of the story: Never place envy on things if you don't know the whole story-  Am I right?

Each time I would walk by them, a smile would blossom.

So you wanna know what we did in place of riding bikes?  We fed sea-gulls, chips.

Exotic feller.

I mean, look how they graze the water......haha.

There's. Those. White. Sunglasses. 

There's nothing.

Oh, wait.  A sea lion.

Whatever he was playing with, he tossed in the air and would dive down again...

And again...

Earlier that morning, Kali, Gio and I sat out there on the dock.  As I stepped up to get my camera, they hear a "shoooo" sound.  Which was this guy going out to sea.  And about 10 feet from their toes. ha.

And later Bill and I would catch him coming back in...

Headed straight for Randy and Carmens dock. ha.

Before you know we'd pour ourselves a little martini.  Fire up this bad dude.

And Bill would bbq some Halibut (given to us by Kris)-  Talk about DELISH!

Have you ever seen these wood planks for bbq'n?  Try it.  Soak em over night...top with your favorite fish, or whatever will work on em...and enjoy.  The trick is soak, soak and soak.  And don't forget about em! That can EASILY happen, and you'd have some good laughter right there.  Or tears.

Simple.  In. Healing.  Cozy.  Together.  Peaceful.  = Perfect Saturday night.

This week has been everything "hard" week, and overwhelming to say the least. 

This is not the week for the assholes to hurt or take advantage of me. 

It's a sheer reminder that this week is not your week to do so. 

I fight it. 

I tackle it. 

I roll around in it. 

I don't sleep much. 

I turn into a robot. 

That cries. 

And becomes quiet with anger.  

It hurts, like no other. 

I become weak, yet wise. 

I become strong in some areas yet weaker than ever before in others. 

I'm short with bullshit.

And wise with love. 

It's my week to grieve. 

Tears come easy.  

There is no apologies worth sharing if I don't want to.

Life is hard.  It's tough, and it's rude. 

Right now? I can't tolerate much. 

Guess what?  This is life.  It's my life.  And I am real. 

Worrying about big time stuff kids.   Decisions I have to rationally make sooner than later. 

Big love to each of you. 

Shark week you jerk you.  

ps.  Happy belated to my cousin Monica.  

pss.  Aunt Ronda, this is a tough week, full of sap.  Smile with the birdies, and the beautiful flowers.  xo-loveyou.

psss.  Savannah, get better you little wild cat you. 

pssss.  I miss soccer.  That's all.

Love, 

Lisa

Something to ponder.

I've often wonder what really happens to freshly expired food from Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Sprouts...


I read this article and it really made me smile from ear to ear.  I mean, just to think that someone has the heart to try and offer something so pure and beneficial to the consumer.  Not just any consumer, but to those less fortunate, or even completely normal, just on a budget.
Folks that rely on financial aid, or struggle by any means tend to choose unhealthy fast food places because the dollar menu at one place will generally win over the idea of cooking something healthier that seems unreachable because of their budget. 

If you've ever shopped at Whole Foods, and spent a thousand dollars you'd appreciate where ANY of that expired food ends up.  I love Trader Joe's.  I've also purchased certain foods one week to find it's a favorite, only to find out the next week after buying it again......it sits.  And spoils.  Shame on us.

As a child I remember my Grandma, and soon my Mama freezing food. Bread in particular. I used to think eww.
Guess what? I freeze our English muffins, and bread.  Ha.

I also freeze peeled banana's for smoothies before they go completely bad.

This article explains the idea.  I'm quite sure the sceptics will have their say in things.  But if you ask me, anyone willing to take the risk of helping others of Earths precious goods, well hats off to you dude.

Give it a second chance. Expired?

I hope The Daily Table comes to fruition. 

The good people in the world reaching for those that sometimes get overlooked.

The religion of doing good for others.  

Good fruit, good veggies, delicious breads and cheeses....

How awesome would this be to see in Los Angeles, Orange County, or shoot, ALL OVER OUR NATION- Offering to the elderly or financial burdened folks looking for a healthier option along with  yummy fruits, veggies and the like.

Happy Saturday Lovers.

Find a new recipe and get to cookin!  Or....get out and PLAY!

YOU deserve it.  Just don't over spend on things you DON'T need. 

xoxo


Lisa

The moments in time.

A planned dinner. Maria and Lisa

Just the two of us, because sometimes I like it like that.

It's easier to get caught up without racing my eyes and conversation between three or four friends.

It's one on one.

About the next steps in this life.

Our daughters and sons growth and ever changing pace.

Colleges, travels, and life.

Tuesday night at Michael's in Naples, CA.  A wine tasting event.

IF you live in the area, give it a try.  The place is superb anyway.  Adding wine tasting to the calendar, even better. 

20 Bucks. And......wine tasting happens on the first Tuesday of every month.  Start jotting into your calendars people.  Get out there.  Don't like wine?  Well, then don't do it. ha.

I'm kind of a silly head with wine tasting, and the whole sipping while someone stares at me.  But the guy straight from Italy was almost too sweet to falter.  His words were so scrambled, yet true.  So I just sipped away. ha.

The cheese was to die for.  I LOVE CHEESE.  The more sour and aged, the better. yum!

It's best to get there with a reservation, or head up early and catch a seat on the sofa by the fire.  Pure bliss. 

The first Pinot was absolutely amazing. 

Our seat for two. 

Our dinner.  Of course I devoured the cheese.  Gobbling up these veggies in 2 minutes flat.  Except you see that little yellow carrot?  I dropped that feller to the floor. boo.   But don't fret, because the minute I got home I poured the biggest bowl of Frosted Shredded Wheats that you ever did see.  boom.

Back to the wine, and the event.  And the talk with my good friend Maria.  It was all too good.  We caught up on many things.  I found out she made her plans for spring break.  That chickie-doodle bird is going to Ireland.  How awesome and bad ass is that!  Instead of sending KK off to the party zone with all the party goer's.  They will roam the country side, while spending time alone together before she jolts off to college.


Stop the clock. 

These moments are what I live for.

Good food, good wine and good friends.

Thanks Maria.  You fine gem you.

Love, and sweet wishes to you.

To all of you, have a super Friday night.  Sip good wine, or sip good fruit punch.  Whatever you decide to sip, just let out one big exhale.  It's time to chill out for the weekend!  We're hoping for clear sunny skies, and a nice long bike ride to no where planned just somewhere fun.  Most likely Margarita's will be involved.  Well, if you ask me.....Bill might try and pack Gatorade.  Whatever we pack which will actually be a basket full of all mentioned plus more, because I'm a Mom and we know how Mom's pack; just know I will have my handy little rough and tough Sony smooth shooter to catch it all on digital.  Only to later show you the good pictures of us..... ha!



L

Forever.

Forever I will love you.

Forever I hope you know.

We've grown together.

We've walked long roads.

And rough rocky roads.

You've taken pictures with me with your neck pulled back making it awkward like you don't want to. ha

We've endured long sleepless nights.  Sometimes not the kinky sensual kind.  More along the lines of grey hair making nights.

We've held each other, yet walked far apart.  Or paddled far apart.  Because there is lake poop and you know I don't like lake poop but you pull in any way. 

On this day, it's the moment in time to say "I love you"-


In front of the world.  I love you. And I hope we can walk this big Earth together for many many years.

As you say, we are soul mates.  I'm glad you found me.  ha.

No really, I'm glad I found you.

Or I wouldn't have anyone to listen and smell horsepower on the water with.

Or drink yummy margarita's with.

Or talk an ear off.

Or nag at you while you drive because you tailgate. 

Or cry while laughing too.

Or give a cold shoulder during shark week.

Best of all, I love to love you.  And I love the way you love me.

Happy Thirsty Thursday.

Time for a cold brew by the waterside.  Oh, wait. I have work in front of me.

Summertime, I can't wait for you.

I love you Bill.

Toodles,

xoxo

And the award goes to.

This Dad.

That sat up with his little girl because she couldn't sleep.  With her fear of fireworks, or perhaps thunder.

It's real when we see the depths of what parenthood holds.

You MUST watch it to the end.  You must.  

Tonight you belong to me.




Shh.  Father of the month goes to.   This guy.


How many times have you sat up with a worried child?  Sick child?  It's all too real.

This is what makes parenting a true form. 

Happy Wednesday Winner parents.


Live well,


This Mama Lisa.
That has sat up countless nights with both of my kiddo's.

Be Ready.

Throughout the many seasons we watched her play, we've heard it all.

Sav you've got this!

Watch the left!

Watch the top!

Back line be ready!

Cover the post!

Uhh.  Corner.

Darn, we must go to Shoot Out.  As we walk over with the most nervous tummies ever. 

And through those most important moments, she had these bonds that held her up during the most difficult times.

The girls that stood close by, even if a game didn't go in her favor.  Or when it did, a big dog pile because of a shut out.

I stood on the field and watched her make the most amazing kick-ass save.  As a Varsity Senior, it's sad to say..."the last of those saves"; we all cheered.  I had tears in my eyes.  Yelling was no more of an option.  And soon we made eye contact.  I shouted "Good work Savannah!"  As she strolled away from the field I thought, these moments of watching her grow and emerge into a fine young lady have come sooner than later.

And watch them grow, I have.

Looking back through pictures early this morning while sipping my coffee was a bit surreal.  I mean you really can't imagine where the time went.  The calendar days flipped.  The girls grew much more.  The seasons changed.  Teams changed.  Most of these girls still stay in touch one way or the other.  Hello social media.

We formed a common bond.  A bond that has small little cracks now as some mama's have moved onto other sports.  Other commitments.  We still think of eachother and send notes. Van on the far right was the mama that welcomed us into her home on cold nights while the girls practiced.  Wine was had. Appetizers were shared.  Small chats about life, kids, partners, work and home went around as we laughed. Yet held on to eachother.  Mary, the blonde was my walking partner in crime.  We'd walk, and walk, and walk while the girls practiced.  Sometimes we'd end up at Straw Hat sharing a small pitcher of a cold brew.  Hot summer evenings are perfect for that.   And we all know Kyoko, she's the friend that will shape me into place when I start to crumble.  Or vice versa.  Sometimes I reach out to her when I'm pms'n and feel like knocking the knees off people.  She'll reach out with "Aww, YOU CAN DO IT!"- Or we can laugh about the same related things. 

 Back to this girl.  The goalie.  Different teams, different coaches.  Different girls.  We remained together. 

 I've always rooted for Team Sickler.  Just as her Daddy has. 

The time came and went way too fast. 
I am proud to watch them grow, and blossom.

This dude will keep us on our toes, while keeping our spirits alive. He will keep us young, yet age us a little too.  He's Mr. Sickler.  Mr. Spirit.  He makes us proud.  

These fine ladies will still sip good wine.  Laugh at the funnies.  Smile with the freaks.  Party like there's no tomorrow, yet remind one another that good days will come and wipe out the bad. 
That traveling and playing will be the common bond once these kids grow and move on.

"Family....where life begins and love never ends"

Have a super Tuesday fellers. 

Be good, and slow down the clock, will ya?  

Peace to you all and BE READY for all the changes- They come sooner than later. 

Lisa

Hello, March

Can you believe we have flipped the calendar yet one more time?
Friday night we spent it with this birthday girl.  She turned one.

See those blankies, and pillows?  Well, they adorned our little bodies as we sipped wine, and.........wait for it.......dined on the home-made Italian Wedding soup she made for us!  It was the perfect night to settle in and laugh a little, while we celebrated another year of this beauty. 

Can you spot a black kitty on the blankie by the fire.....on his back. boom.

Bill and I had no plans for Saturday.  And if you ask me, no plans are the best plans.  I went for a jalk. (jog/walk) And did so in a hurry before the next storm hit.  This girl had blow dried hair, and she ain't got no time for wet frizzy hair.
Kali sent me this pic of Gio and Bucksie. They had breakfast by the water side, and spent the later hours on the sand with little homie. Side note:  Gio and his team shaved mohawks as a Senior Varsity tradition.
This curled Kali up into a tizzy all week.  By Saturday she soon realized she was acting like a knucklehead.
It's not bad.  And hair grows back. As long as the hat stays on she says. ha! 

After coming home to breakfast served by my king, we went on with our plan-less day.  The most perfect rainy, stormy, thundering day.
Soon, I'd receive a text from my Dad.
It said, "Your boy"

And "BOY" he was.  And this boy LOVED to climb trees.  Any tree.  Any where.  I often encouraged it.
Most always asking him to remove his shoes.  

The next one from my Dad.  These two young lovers.  Mom and Dad.  1993-  It's one of my favorites.  Framed in my house.  It's truly who they were.  Who they are. 

Next up a text from my Mama-  "Young Dad"-  I have an old creepy phone.  It works for me.  The picture size is super tiny.  Forwarding them to my email or ipad always opens my eyes a little more.
About life.  And it's clock. And the moments that we didn't know were all that important.
The day he walked me down the aisle.  The day he stood with me at the ripe age of 19.  We were both shaking before we took those long but quick strides down the row of family and friends staring at his baby  Lisa.
The Dad that made her strong, yet worried about her fate. He tells me so now.  He knew I was a strong girl, but always worrying about the life long weight that I would bear.  And bear I have.

Oldies, but goodies.  Mrs. Duggar.

This is straight into the nineties.  Anything neon, and mixed matched?  Well sign me up.  Dear bajeezles.  Why.


How was your weekend?  Full of fun?  Did you adorn your favorite rain boots?

Hair dried straight?

Good food?

Those Oscars though.  Ohh those Oscars.  I don't watch many movies. But when the Oscars roll around it's like a  little holiday for me.  I. LOVE. THEM.  I love the dresses.  The hair styles, the smiles, and happiness that covers that red carpet.  Most of all, I love new actors gleaming in sweet glory as they swipe a much well deserved win.  Most of the speeches make me cry.  The host Ellen makes me laugh until I cry.  All of it.  LOVE her!

Good stuff.  Super good stuff.

Happy Monday kids.  It's been one heck of one that's for sure.  Business is busy.  Phones are ringing.
People are here.  The sun is shining.  My flowers and lawn leaping up and down.

I love Springtime, but I love me some good rain storms too.


GO GET AFTER IT!

One foot in front of the other.  Remember, bad days don't last, but good people do.

You can do this.

Kindness is Power.  Don't forget that.

Big Love,

This Mama Lisa