Honor.

To those that have served. Are serving. Or plan to serve.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And Thank you again.   Land of the FREE because of the BRAVE.

"Sometimes compassion is the greater part of honor"

In other heart breaking news:

Any one out there able to foster or adopt this sugar pie?

It's a sad typical story, her family is moving and they do not want her anymore.  She's 6 years old. Fixed, shots, and I'm quite sure a good girl with that age.  Her name is "Samantha"- She just needs a forever home.
If you are interested shoot me an email  surfers4peace@aol.com   -  or comment below with your info. 

Also featuring "Lucy"-
Here's her story-
Dear friends,
Here are some updated photos of Lucy.
Lucy is less than 1 year old and weighs about 45 lbs. She is shy at first
but warms up quickly to people. She was found weeks ago as a stray along
train tracks in downtown. She was pushed around by some homeless people who
said she lived around there since she was very small. Lucy is now in
boarding and has been vaccinated and spayed.
She likes other dogs and is a gentle and sweet girl. She will make an
excellent friend and family member.
Please share Lucy with friends and family and post on facebook. Please help
her find the home she deserves. Thank you so much.
If interested in fostering or adopting Lucy, Please contact us-

On behalf of myself, and my family, we'd like to wish all Veterans, a day of honor and most importantly respect.

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Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear— not absence of fear. Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.  — Mark Twain

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Now that the cooler weather has landed upon us, have you pulled out your boots?  Long socks? Sweaters?

I did.  My boots are torn on the side. My sweaters stink.  And my socks have holes in the big toes. 

Love and Peace to you all,

This mama Lisa

 

Another weekend in the books.

Friday night we dined with Kali and Gianni.  Sushi, smooshi.  Twas quite a good night.

Saturday morning we worked on home repair stuff.  New bathroom sink knobs for the win! I easily become obsessed with the little things in life.  And man, because they have cute little white handles that read Hot and Cold? I melt.  ha!
And while we worked on the house, Kali and Gianni went riding-

Those of you that know me, will say she keeps it pretty simple.  You also may know I carry my camera EVERYWHERE I go. 

Lately....something is happening.  I just have failed terribly in this department.  Like super bad. 

Thank goodness my kids now share the love of the lens.  Because I present to you:  Pieces of their weekend, sent to Mama.

Boat ride to Catalina 2014

This picture makes my heart so full.  When your kids come to join for dinner.  All of them.  It's something only a mama can describe.  I made fish sticks from Kris' catch, along with rice, and veggies...

On Sunday night as I made my way home, tucking myself away for reality that would hit sooner than later.
I receive these pictures from my cousin. Way up in Oregon, just a "get-out-of-town" moment.  They would drive to end up at a hotel right on the beach.  With this view. 

My little cousins....

We did find this guy on our cruise in the harbor. 

Even if I didn't notice the shark until I uploaded the pictures.  Awkward. haha!


Happy Monday beautiful friends....


May your week be filled with nice people, and kind souls.

Hand some out while you're at it....

Peace,

This Mama Lisa

Some Saturday Stuff.

Thought this was interesting....


Did you know....

Adorable

 

Happy Saturday....enjoy the day. However you spend it. Just know you are worth every second.

Remember to spay or neuter your pet.  Save a life and adopt.  Animals save our lives.  Think about that for a second.  In  more ways than you may know.

Big Love, and Aloha!

This Mama Lisa

I'm parked up the street....

Me too.


And after those moments that we sat across one another trying so hard to restock in the catch up department. The last few weeks have been rescheduled, changed, hoped for...due to being under the weather.  Schedules. Life....

We covered all the bases in life.  Kids. College. Love. Marriage. Friendships. Bullshit. Happiness.
Laughter. Planning. Sipping good wine.  Heart ache, and good times. Laughing more.  

We were able to meet, finally.  Kyoko and I. 

For dinner at our favorite little hut on Main St.  Thai On Main.  Delish!

I always say it's best to meet one on one.  Only because our attention isn't divided.  The chapter you left off on becomes filled up again.  You pick up where you left off.  You can laugh at stuff you've intimately shared, and you can tear up about your deepest fears, or shit storm you walked through.  Together.

I have a few friends I can do this with.  I also have a few friends I need to sit with soon.  Schedules, work, health, time, younameithasstepped in front.  We are due.  And you know who you are.


Kyoko and I. We went there for one thing.  To catch up. 

My favorite part?  As we walked out of the restaurant, into the warm evening....

I asked, "where are you parked"?  ---Right up the street, by Walts.

"Cool, me too". 

Guess what?  We were parked right next to eachother. 

Main St.  Five o' Clock on a Thursday.  Rare. 

Happy Friday afternoon....enjoy your weekend...

The wind will blow, and the wind will be warm.  The sun will shine, and the days will feel crispy.

But guess what?  It won't last for long.....

Go play, eat well, and love the one your with.

xo-  I dedicate that to you Kyoko!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

L

Cup Of Smiles

It's those moments when you receive a text message.

From your kids.

A picture fills that text.  Along with a little note. Most always filled with love.

Here's a few that recently melted me.

From Kali- "All time favorite picture Mom"

From Kris- " Getting some"

From Jenn- "Little Rufferee"

"First dance Freshmen year in High School, now roommates as Freshmen in college together"

...If I had to choose between loving you and breathing, I would use my last breath to say I LOVE YOU...

Happy Thursday Friends! Grind these last two days out. 

You CAN do it- 

Leese

Mom, you and your moon.

Yes,  Kali.

Tis is true about my love affair with Full Moons.  Or lack of love, if you will.

I really can't stand them.

As much as I try to fight the natural rhythm of them, they become real and in my face fast.

Last night after work, I tucked myself in for the night and began to have a pity party.

That pity party consisted of out right stubbornness of this daylight savings biz.  I mean, what's it all about?

Talk about messing with your psyche'.  It was all I could do to bring my trash barrels in.  It was also all I could do to make a little dinner.  I just wanted a hot shower, and my bed.

Not to mention I have felt out of shape lately.  Along with age creeping up on my shoulders.  Grey hairs. Little circles under my eyes.  A puffier belly.  Unmanicured toes, and nails.  Just kind of all of it.
As I went through my check list of why I should be happy, and feel beautiful I sat back on my bed, and melted onto my pillow.  I meditated.  As I do. Some tears shed.  My body felt tired. My body felt proud.

I am alive.  I don't sleep real well. It's a constant battle.

Last night I blame it on the full moon.  He's here kids, and he will be here until Friday.

So, Kali...yes I do believe the Full Moon is a challenge.  Maybe not for everyone.  Most certainly for me it does.  The tension rises, I know it's path.  The tension fades, and I bow to its departure. 

I read a quote on one of my favorite blogs last night.  It rang sweetness to my ears-

So, I dedicate this to you, especially my girls out there. Feeling a little down about yourself?

It doesn’t make sense to call ourselves ugly, because we don’t really see ourselves. We don’t watch ourselves sleeping in bed, curled up and silent with chests rising and falling with our own rhythm. We don’t see ourselves reading a book, eyes fluttering and glowing. You don’t see yourself looking at someone with love and care inside your heart. There’s no mirror in your way when you’re laughing and smiling and happiness is leaking out of you. You would know exactly how bright and beautiful you are if you saw yourself in the moments where you are truly yourself.



May today and the next couple of days be peaceful to you all.

Remember when the tension gets tight.  And the rude become ruder.  And things explode that shouldn't.

Blame it on the moon.

Love and PEACE to you. 

YOU are beautiful. 

xo

This Mama Lisa

ps-Little brag moment--------->Kali has the highest grade in her public speaking class, with the highest grade on her mid term paper. now, that's a big fat boom chaka laka.  The one class she feared, she has grabbed by the horns.  GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WORK THEIR ASSES OFF AND NEVER GIVE UP. 

This month.

Things I love about this month.

November, you have my heart.

I love the cool crisp air in the morning.

It keeps the enemy of frizz away.

I love the way it rises, and I love the way it sets. 

I love the way it shines in a different way.

I love the displays of pumpkins and cornucopia.  Devynn's Garden, you are simply the best. 

I love the scents of cinnamon pine cones.

I love warm coffee on a cold morning.

I love sitting around a fire.

I love the anticipation of Christmas music.  That I can only handle for 2 weeks. But still..

I love cooking casseroles and heart felt dinners- Especially this amazing day.  

I love Havasu sunsets.  It will take your breath away.

I love leggings. Not jeggings.  There is a huge difference- LOL

I love pulling out my coziest blankets.  Some are lined with family heritage. Patchwork quilts- Melt my heart.

I love driving up the coast on Sunday morning.  A sleepy town minus crowds and cars.

I love pumpkin candles.

I love horsepower on Thanksgiving Day at the river.  It's something you can't describe.  Get there and try it sometime.  Even if Kali thought we were WT the first few years.  We've tilted her head a tad more straight, so no need to worry kids. 

 

I love this road.  #Desertbar

Nothing better than his kisses.

I love my right to vote.

And if you haven't registered.  Do it.  It's your voice that needs to be heard.  For whatever you stand for.


Educate yourself.  Stand up and vote. Yes, it does matter.  YOU matter.



Happy Tuesday!

In mere hours, we won't have to hear Jerry Brown's scratchy voice....along with the banter and slander back and forth with every.single.commercial.
Not to mention the paper and political signs will finally go away!
That's the most frustrating part to me.

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

Are you prepared?

For some reason I have had this little itch of worry about "Disaster" as of late.

In this day and age of social and general media, we seem to get updated, for anything and everything.  Even things we really can care less about.  #selfies.  ha.

One thing I would always remind my little's when they were little, was "the plan" in the event of a disaster.

The game plan for us, was who to call-  Now it's texting (an out of state family member)- and most importantly what to do.

We knew where to meet, and how to get there, type of thing. I think most importantly was the fact that we discussed it.  We made little plans over dinner.  We'd randomly talk about them again during our car rides to school. It was basically just their Mama hosting little meetings into their ears as I drove, and they listened. Ha.

 

However, lately...and I don't know why- I have become concerned about disaster.  Earthquakes, fire and the ever growing fear of terrorists.  Our family is spread in different areas now. I should let most of the worry go, I know.  But keeping it real, it's still something that needs a plan.  
The more prepared we are, the better.  Not that we can control some of the dangers.  It's just being prepared for the ones that we might be able to help one another.  Most importantly our kids, pets, and family members.

Here's a few tips for your family:

Emergency Planning

Keep in mind while the kids were in school...one in high school, and the other in elementary....I had a meeting spot for both.  Close by their schools.  I told them to get there. Some way, and some how I would get there to that meeting spot we spoke of.  If it wasn't me, it would be a family or trusted friend member with our "code" word.  More on our code words later.  I also knew that having them leave the premises would most likely screw things up, but I also couldn't trust the system either.  So there. ha. 

Many times I have laid there awake with fears of a Tsunami.  The alert systems are put in place, but have we been properly trained to hear them?
Most importantly we've registered with the County of Orange for cell phone alerts.
A few test texts' have proven their worth.
Live in the coastal Orange County area?  Register your number.  Trust me-

Register this way...

Let's start our Fall Season off with some planning, ok folks? It's all about being prepared, players.

The better we are equipped, the better our lives might be in case of a true disaster.

Our babies, kids, pets, and elderly will turn to us.

Happy Monday you little lovers.

Guess what we did all weekend?

Nada.  Darn camera hasn't been out of hiding for 3 weeks now. 

Well, we paddleboarded.  Had dinner with Gaylord. Lunch at Jan's in HB.  Dinner at Sunset Pasta.  And pretty much held a couch down again.  It's all about food, and being in the lazy mood, duh.

What. is. wrong. with. us??

Go get after it kids.  Don't be lazy like us-

Be smart. Play safe.  And go make a plan with your fam bam.

I'm sure you'll be happy you did.


Cheers *clink*

Lisa

ps.  Code words: When K & K were young, we came up with "code words" to be used in situations that required our immediate return, or a pick up if they weren't comfortable. Nowadays, the kids have cell phones.  Even though they exist, what doesn't ever go away is the chance that your kiddo will be somewhere i.e. sleepover, play dates, etc and NOT be comfortable.  This could be for various reasons, but reasons I would never ever question.  Kali never wanted to spend the night places.  In fact, she'd go to slumber parties and ask that I make arrangements to come back by 9-
Creepers, and scary folks do exist in this big world, so it's just our choice to make our kids understand that their body is theirs, and their safety is ours to protect. 

Example:
Code words for us were : Jake the snake - for Kris-  Abbie girl- for Kali.

Better safe than sorry. 

And trust me, kids won't jerk your chain, just to jerk your chain.  Life gets real, fast- Listen to your gut and listen to your kids- You will never be sorry.  

This is her.

She's tall.

She's wise.

She's silly.

She's beautiful.

She's nineteen. Today.

She has the longest fingers and toes.

She's witty.

She's brave.

She's calm, yet a tad wild.

She loves milk. And she loves cereal.

She's held on tight to Kali.

And yet, had to hold on loosely.

They always reach for eachother during their darkest hours, or toughest days.

I stood in the room as she entered this world.

And I was sure she was a boy.

As she was presented to us, tears fell like rain.

Because to have a girl enter the world, when our stars shined down on a boy named Kris.

Soon she would be 6 months older than our girl.  Something we all didn't grasp until they grew. 

She's partying at a Rave this weekend.

Something we all fear, yet know it's her cup of tea.  It's what she loves.  She loves eclectic people.

She's an open soul.  She's a loving soul.  She's patient and she is kind.

I am proud to stand in your corner.  Rooting you on.  Keep on working hard Tori.  Better yet....Tor Tor.

We want to watch you fly, and prove to the world your worth.

Happy Chapter Nineteen little one.

I love you, and wish for a safe fun night.  As your Mom and I toss and turn all night. ha

xoxo

Big big smootches!

Love and peace to you little free bird,

Auntie