Take a deep breath...Harvest Moon....

Here's an opinion from an offspring of hippy parents:
As a child I was told during some "Full moons" people and animals experience tension and extra un-needed aggravation during the full moon. We seriously do. This week...let me just say...whether it was Kris anxious over his classes...or Kali stressing over school, sports and coaches advice... our sweet Hannah kitty being attacked by a neighbor dog (jerk dog! jerk owner!)... it's just there. I see it, I feel it...I watched that big ol' full moon top the peak of my neighbors houses...staring at me as a reminder..."This too shall pass"- Then you have the ever so famous...and you ALL must get this....Everything Bill and I discussed was completely not in sync. It's those moments where we both feel frustrated. We both want to be right...I want him to give in...he won't. haha. It's been one of those weeks. But I CAN and WILL assure you this has passed. Tonight and the weekend will be much better...I know that for sure. I look forward to dinner at Madera's Steakhouse..(highly recommended to those that live close by...it's on Katella in Los Alamitos-super super yummy) with some good friends...a nice cabernet...cheered to Bill, while I will look at him cross eyed and silly putting a truce to our week. CHEERS....let's enjoy this quick stop in the "pit" to refuel, relax and remember what means most.....Be thankful for good health, and what we DO have...that many many do not have.....
REMEMBER...LIFE IS HARD. BUT IT'S GOOD.

Loving the crispy cool mornings...

This quote sign could not be more appropriate for Kristopher this week....He's got his hands full with school and work. And it's the daily reminder to him as he's either coming or going tired or otherwise...that "This is life". To continue his path of schooling, stacking his chips...preparing for his big long life ahead of him......Follow your dreams....because "When there's a will..there's a way..."

I was amazed this week, especially Saturday morning....the clouds rolled in...the thunder scared the sky...and the temps dropped. The smell of Fall is in the air....The only thing I've noticed and leary about....? The big creepy spiders that fall at dusk from the trees outfront...be careful to all that attend practices...take walks....they drop and eat at dusk....Remember they don't want to bother us...and we certainly don't want to bother them either....sigh

One of my favorite quotes.....During the Full Moon, you will notice tempers tend to come undone easily. I've always watched the moon for the rude spectacle at work. The wierdo's call. The rude folks minus manners come out...and visit. But I wait.....and I watch....for the Big Ol' Moon to simmer down....and notice the calm fall over the town.....Call me a hippy. Yes it's true. BUT I will NEVER regret anything that makes me smile. That's for certain.

I love love love this picture. I love kisses. I love the thought of getting and giving kisses...This picture seems so Fall....so much LOVE....the art of the kiss.....

and of course finished off with a big hug.....sweetness.

A quiet...very simple weekend...missing my little Sage.....

Kali had her first Soccer game out in Macarther Park...deep in the heart of Los Angeles. Funny to think we live so close, yet feel so foreign when we arrive in that town. Parts of LA are very pretty. So much history. So much architecture. Which I love. It's the "not knowing" where we are....and what to do part that intrigues me. Saturday morning was not much better than Friday for me. I was still a sappy mess. Any song, any belonging of Sage. Just her blankets...the soap I washed my hands with...everything. Bill and I went furniture shopping for a bit in the morning...and I felt like I was dragging a tail behind me. Just not me. It was nice to be spoiled and catered. He took me to lunch...giving me big hugs throughout the day....the sweet touch on my arm...assuring me tears were ok. As we prepared to leave, Bill drove, while I sat in the back seat...lol- (I'm a horrible shot gun passenger...and THAT'S why I drive us to EVERY game...it just works that way for us.) On this day...I just let him get us there....There was this kind of quiet bliss between all of us that day. Something that will go down in our.....well...."Remember when" MOMENT- In the distance you can see the Getty Center....the skies were full of fluffy clouds, and a beautiful breeze....pretty sweet after waking up to rain...and thunder. Sage must be having fun in Heaven. She was so afraid of loud noises...that's all I kept thinking...Thank goodness she didn't have to hear this.....

While arriving at the game site, Bill said..."Hun, let's eat somewhere different while we're out here" So he left it up to me to pick a place....Well..I called my ever so smart buddy Maria...who travels into Westwood weekly...UCLA is her home account, and so that's what I did. She said "Campagnola"on Westwood. So....after the game we ventured over...before the crowd....underdressed I'm sure...parked right out front by Valet, whom moved my car back 10 feet and put a couple quarters in the meter....LOL!-

I opted to sit outside...just to be away from crowds...and to not offend anyone with our under dressed Soccer player wearing her Rainbow sandals and jersey.....not to mention I had hardly any makeup left on my face from crying...still! lol.

And so I enjoyed a wonderful glass of wine. Well, actually 2 glasses. Bill and I shared the Butternut squash ravioli's with a white sauce covered in Pine nuts....I had an amazing ceasar salad...topped with Anchovies...and wonderful bread with olive dip-More than anything...I loved the moment....keeping our weekend on the low...weather was just perfect...counting down the moment to get home into a nice bubble bath and back in my bed....Thank you Bill for making my weekend so sweet by all the extra hugs...the special moments when you would hug me when you knew I needed it. You will never know how much that extra sweetness means. Sometimes it's not words. You have always had that gift. I guess after all the years together...you just know. You just know.

Missing Sage. I wonder how long mourning takes for a kitty. For me, I hear songs, I see reminders around the house....I miss her. Have a great week everyone. Mine is full. At least my kitchen table is every night....Kris and Kali both studying...Kali frazzled over Chemistry...while Kris is preparing a speech for tomorrow's class. He's frazzled over his accounting class. (I must admit, some of his Accounting Topics are well over my head..and I view this stuff daily) I watched him sit in the kitchen yesterday morning...all day...figuring it out for himself. A bit frustrated. A bit proud. But most of all....doing it. Keeping that drive. Salt to the earth. Going for it. Yes. He WILL do it. I am so proud of him...and I tell him daily. I will offer moral support...and yummy healthy snacks surrounding both of them while they are frazzled. lol! IT'S ALL PART OF LIFE.......

May PEACE be with you.....Nine Eleven...Eleven

This day marks a very sad day in history. It will forever keep a bond with Americans. Sharing a common thread of what America stands for. United.

My wish today is that the American people find peace in this day. Some way or another...

We will certainly NEVER Forget what those monsters did to our Country. This Country is too strong to let the weak change our PRIDE. We will remain vigilant. We will remain proud. We will be thankful for our Military personel that give us the right to sleep soundly at night...and the right of FREEDOM. Peace be with you today friends. This is the day. Let's make the most positive form out of it.

On a happy note: Happy Birthday Beautiful Lexi! Big 16! Soak up the love today sweet sugar plum!

Saved And Given Everything

Most of you know I rescued a sweet kitten at 1 week old from the shop. A fiberglass parking lot shop to be exact. The night I brought her home she suffered seizures. I continued on with my nurturing...I gave her fluids, love and comfort. The next morning she was alive and alert. From that day forward, I fed her, I helped her potty, I gave her EVERYTHING. We gave her everything. She traveled with us back and forth to the lake...as she got bigger I realized there was something wrong. She just wasn't the normal kitten. She wasn't going to be adopted out very easy. This special needs kitty needed more time to get better. As we'd progressed through the weeks, we realized she was blind. I researched beyond what is comprehendable. She would walk in circles and bump into things...all along happy as can be. She started having seizures again within the last two weeks; last week peaking at the worst. I took her to 3 vets, (2 were quacks) while the 3rd evaluated her as a brain trauma, blind, with a neurological disorder. She grew worse each day. I gave and received many many kisses, I talked to her daily, I whispered in her ear how beautiful she was...how much we loved her. I cuddled with her every day all day long. She went everywhere I went. I was looking for any sign that she would get better. I was holding onto selfishness. I had to make the biggest decision yesterday. Deciding her brain couldn't function any longer, preventing more suffering...I put her down. I sat in there while watching her exit my world. I have been a very strong girl my entire life. I have been through stuff that would amaze most. But let me just say....Yesterday ranks one of the hardest days of my life. I miss her. Bucks misses her. He has continued to look in the room for her. Looking for her box. I cry throughout the day. I laid in bed all day yesterday. We all miss her. I miss her kisses, her cuddles...the looks she gave us. Her sweet smell. I miss her. Sagie-doodle bird I miss you. Thank you to all my friends especially Carmen and Lori for their support. The amazing Dr. she linked me with. Dr. Lynch is amazing. Compassionate human being. Thank you for the friends that understand the love of animals. I can't post my latest pictures yet, as it's too hard right now. Love your pets, love every minute you can hug them. Give and love the helpless folks. We are all they have. Run free little Sage. I love, and we love you.

We will NEVER forget.....

This entire week I've viewed different respectful tributes to 9/11 and the families it so horribly effected. The Firefighters, their families, the Police men and women that so couragously approached a horrific scene with calm and dignity. I have watched with awe. I lay solemly in complete shock still. I do shed tears...Tears of sorrow, and tears of how lucky and proud I am to be an American. We are a strong Country. Thanks to our Founding Father's...we've been taught that FREEDOM isn't free.

Of course I think we should give PEACE a chance....

I am a strong believer in PEACE. A PROUD AMERICAN...who will always remain vigilant against those enemies that want to harm us. I will always support our troops. I will always remember 9/11. I remember that morning very clear. Very perfect. Very scared. I was in shock. Knowing there would be more retaliation. I love the BEAUTIFUL fountains they've built honoring all the lives that were lost in New York. 2,573 to be exact. Each one of their names etched inside as the tears of water flow by.....built inside a small forest of Oak trees. I read an article last night about the children of those lost. They will never feel a hug from their Dad or Mom.. This day marks so many different feelings. The interviews of people that survived, and their experiences of the people that helped them do so. It just amazes me. It makes me know the true meaning of being an American. I am proud to be. God Bless America. Almost Friday folks. Finish it with something positive for yourself. Reminding yourself all along...Life is hard. But it's good. Especially considering...someone ALWAYS has it worse than you.

Kayak races...Friends...and YUMMY food...Good-Bye Summer 2011

Before we started our Kayak races..the closer to the end of Happy Hour seemed....Welllll...somewhat cold, and maybe not worthwhile.....so we started doubting our Kayak races....LOL.(Above is my fav appetizer at this point in my life.....Smoked Salmon aboard a Flax Seed cracker with cream cheese and capers! This picture makes my mouth water just looking at it.....)

As we boarded our little boat to cruise over to Randy and Carmens...I couldn't help but smile at this cute afternoon family outing....these Gondola's are a bit pricey...and they ALWAYS crack me up to see the rowing skipper pushing along against the tide....with a boat full, enjoying their cocktails, or the lovers bound under a blanket...he's got the task...and he works so hard to make this trip special. These folks seemed to really enjoy that BEAUTIFUL afternoon.....They made me smile inside.

Our friends.....

Are we ready?

I gave commands while my rower was blindfolded. We won too! Guess I'm good at bossing around? lol!

I have to say at this point I was a little worried....not so much about us losing, but about our friends dunking or crashing into us! haha! My shirt spells out THUG. haha!!

Bringing in the win......YEAAA!!!!! Notice Randy to the left...nice and peaceful and DRY on his paddleboard.

Russ and Jodi. Our sailing friends that race as a hobby...of course took the rest of the wins...!

Larry and Bill decide to take a round....

Goodtimes.....

Buddies for many years...Randy and Bill

It took something rude to get Randy in this position on his board.

Yea...that longtime friend named Bill?....Rudely snuck behind the peaceful paddleboarder and knocked him off! LOL!

Good laughter for dockside!

Girls...."Go get em!"

Carmen, Jodi, Brenda and Cheryl

This is where you soak after coming out of the cool harbor water....into a 101 temp Jacuzzi....awwww......

An amazing dinner shared by our group. Longtime friends...coming together, breaking bread...toasting to the end of Summer....Thank you Russ for the amazing BBQ'd meats...the salads by Brenda and Vicky were amazing....The always perfect hospitality The Reynolds give. Carmen always makes the atmosphere just cozy and warm enough. Their beautiful place.....The perfect night........growing old together, keeping eachother reminded of what's really important. Bonds. Friendships. Family.

JD, Vicky, Larry and Cheryl.....and of course the other silly's in the background that you can't see too well.....Ohh, that'd be me!

My buddies...Carmen and Brenda. Both share the love for Helping the helpless, homeless and abused animals.......3 Big hearts scrunched together there.....

The wild bunch down yonder......look at that sun kissed sky......

These two lovebirds were celebrating their 3rd Anniversary with us.....Bob and Brenda..Happy Anniversary.....!

And THIS folksssss....is WHAT you get WHEN you mix Cocktails and dessert. I guess you can't seem to find your mouth with your spoon. Is he sotally tober? HAHA!!! Fun afternoon and evening with friends...along the water....with big cheers to the sunset.

"Good-bye SUMMER....Welcome old friend AUTUMN....."

My pictures out of order...ughh! But it perfect because it's my sister and niece....beautiful night....!

Goodbye summer...welcome Autumn...! My cousin decided to make one last trek to the ocean with the girls before summer comes to a close...and as always we were super excited to have her and the girls....Ava just wanted to paddle board schmaddleboard....

As she is sitting here....she's plotting her next move.....

Which is to manuever her way through Kali's legs....soo funny watching Kali try to balance during this....

And SHE DID IT! They both did it actually! hahaa

Her little towboat Ava.

Explaining my gameplan....always planning......lol!

Family unit.

Appetizers and wine before our adventures....

Sweet sugar enjoying her water....

Jumping jumping jumping...in and out of the water...over and over again.....so cute-

Summer plunge!

And so we are off for our little harbor cruise...and poor sweet London must wear this....THING we MUST WEAR....the baby lifevest. She WAS NOT happy at first...and if you look this thing has straps everywhere...a head holder...just looks miserable...but we sang...changed the subject....gave her cookies...lol!

AND then the RAIN CAME DOWN....in buckets on us out of no where....We woke up to very sunny skies...beautiful crisp morning...to clouds that were rolling by. As we're cruising someone said "look it's raining"...and boy did it rain. HAHA. AVA loved it! Well...us girls...(Mom's) trying to keep dry and make sure we had enough warm stuff for the little ones....It was soo funny. Memories for Ava to remember forever....

And then we took her to the beach where she remembers most...just to frolic in the water....search for more clams....jump in and out with Kali...and she managed to find a cool sea snail.....

Meanwhile this little cookie monster, who so miserably had to sit with this contraption on....would shreek with frustration every once in a while....between teething...and all THOSE STRAPS....we would hand her anything that made her smile. And so if it meant the whole sandwich. Here you go London....you can have it. As my belief goes...anything material can be washed or replaced.....

Tori is ever the 16 year old now. I have to say...this was the first ocean day that I didn't see her jump in her suit....playing in the water....instead she opted to stay warm....just waiting for the car drive home...."So she can drive mom home"- The Permit The Permit! Where'd our babies go?!

And so after our water fun in the boat, and paddleboards- We cleaned up for dinner across the street and a quick jaunt over to the mighty beautiful ocean to catch the sunset...the girls got her ready. Can you say Toddler's and Tiara's.? She actually has eye shadow, mascara and lipstick on- LOL! Sorry Lonnie :)

London is happy now....

London and Bill

And so the silly's start.....

While Andrea is making all the Toddler & Tiara hand signals I could barely compose myself. Well...actually not at all. Good laughter is good for us.....

Oh man that was soo funny!

First cousin...second cousin.....

Well Ava...let's say good-bye to summer......1st grader. 10th grader.

Peace and Love...

Surfside September 4th....2011

I was observing her running in circles along the shore...tired as ever....but loving the fresh ocean air....and as I watched her...I imagine...someday she will look back on these nights and remind us of the fun we had....the memories we made... the end of summer going into 1st grade.

And we all prepare for summer to end....for Autumn to peek into our world....

As these Egret birds started to approach I was reminded of their graceful beauty. The free things in life that you get the chance to observe while out by the water...my favorite place to be.

As they flew on I was reminded of what a nice summer we had...the many fun times we shared with friends and family. We've all stayed healthy and safe....I welcome Autumn with open arms this year....for some reason (might be an age thing) I really am looking forward to all things Autumn...the smells...(I already stocked on Bath and Body Works yummy candles and handwashes...-Tip: Smore...& Oatmeal Raisin Cookie...Candles..amazing! ) I've already witnessed the change of the sun at the beach...the sun sets differently on the dock. The sun is shiny on the fading green trees...the ocean has a different glistening effect in Fall.... and I simply love it....Have a great week everyone...go make something happen. If not for yourself, for someone in need. Even if it's a smile to a stranger in need. Cheers! P.S. Happy Labor Day! I'm laboring with the ever so popular Laundry. Lunch menu. Dinner prep for the week. Soccer Rosters. We ALL know the drill right? A prepared and organized mom...is a happy mom. At least in my house.