Midweek Thoughts

I have been very sleepy this week.  

A good fun long weekend hanging with friends, on bikes and on a dock....tilted my soul in a tired but very good feeling this week. 

Getting ready in the morning looking and feeling like this..

Our long bike ride (Total of 1 mile) HAHAHA! 

One stop into Mother's for peanuts (and wine) --- duh.

Landing here like a flock of birds. 

This summer will be marked down as the summer of dock-sittin' ---sip sippin.....and singin' our hearts out!

Love,

Lisa

ps-  And girls, don't give me shit about the way you look in the picture above, because if you had this one sent to you...

Ok?

ok.

Pray for my littlest, as she embarks on some very big interviews this week, and last.

You have this world in the palm of your hand Kali.
It's all you baby.
Dream it.
Make it happen.
Don't look back.

Similar Love

Motherhood.

Not sure if you heard or read on the news of the mama Orca carrying, and pushing her dead baby along.  It's been over 10 days.  Not only is she moving it along, but her pod is helping. Similar to our nurturing souls.  As we do for one another. Between girlfriends and sisterhood.  It's that common bond of holding the other up. Physically and emotionally....

Whales and most ocean life have always intrigued me.  This act of mourning doesn't surprise me, just makes me more aware of their feelings.

Motherhood. 

Orca Mothering

This makes me appreciate their breaching much more when I see them in the ocean.

Wishing you a beautiful weekend.  

Pray for the firefighters.  Pray for the families who've lost everything.

A friends neighborhood.

Surreal.

Take the time this weekend to look around and appreciate the "now".

Grateful for what you have.

Even if its health.

Get up. Shower. Smile.

Love,

Lisa Lynn

No Plans Are The Best Plans

This last weekend, Saturday to be specific, was one of those days that started off perfect, and ended even more so.

Friday night was a wild one...Bill made us a big bowl of popcorn and we popped on Netflix and chilled. (that's what he said)- jk.

Lazy fest. And I was sound asleep by 9pm. Crazy rebel, I know.  A good nights rest to me is bomb.com

My adrenaline had pumped so hard on Thursday, topped with good wine with Rox and Maria on Thursday, I was gonzo the minute my head hit the pillow on Friday evening.  #rockstar #eatallthepopcornbill

Saturday morning Bill and I were up as the sun rose (actually he before me, because I was so so cozy) so we decided to paddleboard around a bit before hitting the LB Boat Races.  A place we both enjoy to our core.

It was our amazing idea to get there when the gates open because this silly mama wanted to save a spot for our big bird from the sun and under an umbrella before the crowds.  #mamahero  #heshowedup5hourslater  #whatever

We were there for a good time....

And that it was.....

We came home with a trail of friends and family following us.  

Those conversations that go something like..."well, whatcha guys all doin', lets just join back on our dock and hang there"-

Before you know it, we had a dock full. 

No plans that were set days before.

Just hours before.

And if you ask me, it's always the best plans.

Was glad to spend some time with you guys!  

A house full of smiles, laughter, good music, guitar playin' while we sang along with smiles you'd catch between others.  The goodness on a warm summer evening...

The next morning, and empty house.  Just Bill and I.  Wiping up a sticky counter, crumbs from the snacks we all just pulled together.  A dock that held over 10 people on it laced with red wine spillage.

The distant memory of John and John strummin' their guitars as we all sang along...

Just like that...it's a memory...

We all go back to life.  To work. To responsibilities and the things we're called to do. 

Mentoring. Mothering. Driving. Working. Sorting.  Preparing.

Last Saturday was a sweet slice of goodness for my soul. 

I'm glad we can share a slice of whatever goodness we can.

Even if it's just a big smile across a white tilted plastic table on the dock, with soggy wet feet and sticky frizzy hair. 

Summer.

Friends.

Family.

Love.

For me, that is love.

I hope you're all doing okay...

Or at least, I hope you're at peace with your decisions.

This Mama Lisa

Breathe In Breathe Out

*Terms and conditions alert- started this post on Wed, finished on Friday.


I was born and raised to "figure things out"- Coming from my mothers womb this way.  Born a natural worrier.  It's just who I am.  From childhood to young adulthood, to as far back as I can remember.  Fast forward to this mid part of my life, where we sprinkle parts of the recipe of wonky hormones that are all jacked up and so some days I feel doomed. While others I feel like I can take on the world. With one hand.  

The worrier. 

So the story goes in the life of Lisa, that each and every single night as she lays down, she wiggles her feet together to soothe away the days stresses.  Most of the time my right arm tossed over my head as a form of relaxation too (also helps me breathe).  My mind races all day.  My hope at bedtime is to let go of most of it.  Middle of the night is a tricky one.  Sometimes too many fermented squished grapes (wine) creates thee most terrible anxiety.  These days I have to toss back just as much H2o as wine.  Just to balance the schmalance.

Life. 

Lisa started her week off with a daughter scrambling to move her stuff back home after just a month ago we moved her into a new house.  And so Mama Lisa took the high tough road of parenting and had to just offer a truck to let her daughter use to move it. Because Mama Lisa works and Daddy Bill works.  Stepping back, with the pride-pages turning super fast with hopes that those she shares this "moving back home" story with won't assume she doesn't have parents that want to help. Truth is she has parents that always always want to help.  The funny part about second child recipe is the parents have learned that being too helpful will only stunt her ability.  ALSO she has parents that are working super hard and cherish the 2 days they get to just be them.  Deep in my heart, I want to do it all.
Deep in my soul, I can't.
But guess what?  Her brother will. And is.
This should be interesting.
All hail to the patience of traffic, tie-downs, blankets, and two humans that really don't share much in common, other than a mama-
 

 The weekend we celebrated all of our birdies safely tucked away Freshman Year Of College

First week away.   2014

Parenting.

I received a text from my auntie Nettie from Folsom (Wednesday).  Hearing the news of a fire moving 10 miles near my parents home.  Neither parent replying to her texts.  Mine either.

Finally my dad answered.  The jitters and anxiety fills his voice.  My mom working down in Sacramento.  He holding down the fort.  Nothing packed.  And no plans to. 

His confidence beaming through the phone, most likely to appease me.
Where as in fact I can hear the tremble in his spirit.
Fires rolling through California like freight trains, with no end in sight.
Parents whom love where they live, but fear the change might eventually have to come.
Still find it ironic how my Southern California born and raised aunt whom is a RN moved with her hubby there a few years ago.  A short stretch of highway from my parents, allowing us the peace knowing they are keeping a solid watch on our parents.  Gratitude 1000%

Family.

Parenting.

Leg and knee pain.

I have watched Kris limp around on his knee for the last month. Something that we can just "assume" is caused by the treatment of radiation and chemo.  A knee that fills with fluid, and bothers him daily.
Along with stomach issues, every.single.day.
I made him an appointment.  Set for yesterday.
A day I would push for referrals, labs and answers.
A day that Lisa becomes a freak while waiting for labs.
Let's just call it, onion-underarms stench day.

The thing about him is he gets up every day, sour stomach, aching body, and still willing.
He wakes with a smile and always willing to chit chat with me even though deep inside he might feel miserable.

The shitty part for the Lisa is that most of these symptoms are the same symptoms that he complained of exactly 3 years ago.  So the lisa-onion-stench-underarm mom jumps to conclusions and paints a really fucked up story in her head and so the process gets twisted beyond where it should.

MOTHERHOOD

Lab reader.

Appointment maker.

Former hand holder to a daughter.

Partner to a lover that gets me.

Chef by weekend trade, because it's what soothes my soul and feeds our working bods all week.

Life. 

Pray.

For me.

And guess what....

LABS LOOK GOOD. 

Couple elevated ones I've shared with him.

The others ring sweet glory praise the lord dot org. 

Love hard, and eat well.

Friday.

Another two days to just be....

Silly!

Long Beach Boat Races Tomorrow!

This Mama Lisa

A Few Roll Their Eyes.

There's a FULL MOON  a'risen kids! 

Dawned on me this morning while on the freeway and a guy was close enough to pull my hair ridin' my bumper and so I checked to make sure my brakes were workin' okay...causing a tall finger in the middle of his hand to fling out the window,  I then soon realized..."hey the full moon must be close"-

July 27th, 2018.  The beautiful part, it's FRIDAY!

Flip me off all you want Broooo, we're all just trying to get this shift shit done and back home anyway!

If you're in the beach area, the grunion will be runnin strong tonight at 9:00pm ish--

The thing about full moons, is some folks believe they cause a raucous and some don't.

Bill is one of those that rolls his eyes at me.  His mama was a sweet believer in superstition and so I often wonder if he's just putting up a front with me on it.  I'm quite sure he's witnessed some assholes the last couple of days.  The question is, does he think of the moon, or just disregard it as just an asshole.  

Wine helps in this situation kids.  So sip wine.  Just don't tailgate people and then flip them off when they wanna make sure their brakes work.  Because, well,  #TAILGATERS SUCK.

Any fun plans for the weekend?  

Tonight, we'll be here.  Bonfires night!  

Guess what I have planned in the morning?  LAUNDRY.   jealous, aren't  you?

Because I've been putting off running the dryer, the love is overfloweth in the towel department. 

And guess what else I will do?  I will go to my besties Garage Band Party.  A place we gather every summer dancing to classic rock jams from Shelley's garage.  It's where neighbors and friends gather. Getting caught up. 

A little highlight of my summer I look forward to.  Simple. Full of goodness.  Good food, good drinks and lots of chattin' with those we love!

We'll probably be out cruising in out hot boat too...

It's my favorite place lately.

Away from so many things...

Have a great weekend kids...

Go pass out kindness.  And if you can't pass out kindness, well shoot for a big smile at a stranger.

Trust me, it works. 

And keep your finger to yourself. 

Love,

This Mama Lisa

Who Sits At A Concert

Another wild (last) week in the books for The Lisa and The Bill.

Tried to blog a couple times, and yet the words all just seemed so blah.  So depressing. 

Last week was one that felt like days justrantogether.  Friday hit, and we both reminded the other of a concert we looked so forward to months ago. 

My love for Bad Company is pretty deep. I seriously LOVE all of their music.  I can be anywhere and hear the slightest tune, and instantly sing along in my head. 

LOVE!

Friday evening proved no different.  

We rolled into the venue at Irvine Five Points (cute, interesting venue) fake grass, corn hole, expensive drinks (tall cans that make you feel like a real dude) and cocktails with a plastic fancy "souvenir" cup for a mere $30.00-

Thank GOODNESS for the Good Ol' Yard House in Irvine.  A place we've always enjoyed. 

People watching, good food, and most important, good music.

I got my wine on there, so all was good about the minute we arrived here.

Sun still shining...not too hot, not too cold. 

As we stroll in after hearing the first headliner...I sit down, and instantly see Paul Rogers make his way out to begin..."walking down this rocky road......."

I look around and NOT.A.SINGLE.PERSON.IS.STANDING.

What, in the actual hell?!

But no worries kids....

This girl stood.  This girl dances at concerts.  Crazy girl.  Or am I?

And I stood dancing and singing until the last song was sung.  

Then Jeff Beck came on, and the crowd continued to sit, and I got ants in my pants, or wheels from my wine, and we were outta there.  HAHAHA!

You guys....WHO SITS AT A CONCERT?!

And Jeff Beck is just guitarrrr, guitarrrr and more guitttarrrrrrrrrrrrr

The crazy part, is I feel disrespectful to stand while those around me sat. 

Do I go to the back?  

Do I sit down, and wiggle my booty in my seat? 

I mean, COME ON.....

Sean Ireland, are you reading this? 

In other news....

Life's been just one big bowl of tart cherries.  No lake time. 

My face- LOLLL!!!!

 No getaways, just hustlin day in and day out.  Cherishing dinners with girlfriends.  Meeting new friends and having dinner with them-Hi Kris and Rick!-

We find silver linings in pouring a good wine at the right time.  Sunsets. Laughter with friends. Listening to one another in a quiet room.  Dreams. 

(Picture taken 3 million years ago when we had time to play at the lake)

I have dinner with my son every Monday night.  Often wonder if the plan for him to come back home was meant to be.  To see him each week. That one night to catch up.  Just the two of us. 

He has a new girlfriend now, whom we adore...

Her name is Rachel

I get caught up on things in his life in a more private, quiet setting.  The kitchen table kind of convo. 

Kali's sourcing out as a 22 year old would.  Anxious as we figured would happen.  Graduating college and figuring out the life plan.  Work. Living location.  Where to work if she does come back here.  Commutes and reality. Asking my opinion, and yet at times, arguing my opinion.  

Closing a phone call last week because we both don't agree with her decisions.  And yet, deep in my mama feathers, I know that standing back and letting her figure things out is the best recipe.  

No one handed me all the ideas, and in reality, it's up to you, and you alone to really soar, fall, soar again and fall again.

Life.

Sometimes mama knows what she's talking about...and sometimes she doesn't.  It's up to the goodness of nature and human nature to figure it allll out.
I have 100% complete faith she will.
All in her plans. 

Right?

This morning I received a text from my mom that Peakie (their peacock) was killed by a mountain lion.

They've taken care of (never really owned, because he found them, and would come and go a few times, venturing across streets(2 lane hwy) in search of a mate, but always, always making his way back to them)

He lived behind my dads truck, using the bumper as a spot to groom and stare back at himself as though it WAS his mate.  He brought many years of happiness to my parents. Well over 10 years.  Feathers so beautiful my mom would send them to our little cousins to sell. 

I'm still in shock of this news.

Mostly just heartbroken for my parents.  They choose to live up there far, far away.  And the choice of happiness they find, is caring for animals. From skunks, to deer.  Peacock, to kitties. 

I am so so sad....

How's your summer going?  

Heatwave meltin' ya down?

Soul searching going good?

Whatever you're doing, I hope it's good. 

And worth it. 

If not now, maybe later. 

JUST PULL UP YOUR POSITIVE PANTS AND KEEP ON DANCING! 

Even if everyone else just sits.  At a concert. 

Don't be that person.

PLEASE.

"Caring about what people think of you is useless, most people don't even know what they think of themselves"

Cheers,

Lisa 

ps. If you pray, Jenny my transplant buddy is in the fight.  Right smack in the middle of the ring. Radiation done, BIG dose of chemo done, and now the counts will drop, and things get wild, for transplant day FRIDAY.

May God protect her.  Her babies, and all of their souls.

Just Keep Swimming

***Fair warning- I don't have a tidy bow for this post.  

Because I'm being a drama queen, I started this post on Tuesday.  We're at the end of Thursday and I'm just posting. #crybaby

I try to expose our real life here.  And most of the time it looks pretty good. And MOST of the time it feels pretty good.  Because in real true reality, after all we've been through, most of the petty stuff is just mediocre bullshit I let roll off.  So our life is amazing, considering. 

Lately though, I am at the boiling point like a teapot.  Bill, and both kids will tell ya when mama is not happy, the world around her is not happy.

Lisa, The Teapot. 

I've always preached to others about avoiding the envious game while watching others enjoy the good things in this life. The sights and sounds of summer. I will always root for those around me out and about enjoying all the beautiful things this life offers. Lately I am completely feeling the envy while watching others take vacations. Not even elaborate vacations, (because we really never do-far away travels aren't our gig) but just to----

"Get away"-  

Getting away to me is sitting in this pool above.  No schedules.  With no where to be. No one to answer to.  No calls to make.  No papers to shuffle. No customer to ease.  No payments to be made.  No responsibilities to care for. No cooking. No cleaning.  Just to be still.
To put our juggling balls down.  {Thats.what.she.said}

I don't even sleep in.

I just need a change of space.
We both do. 

And lately, I am missing a break. 

I am tired. 

I cried at work.*insert crybaby emoji-  Our air conditioning is broke at the shop.  *insert bigger crybaby face. 

Anyone in the Southern California area this last week will tell you, the humidity and heat have been  no joke.  Ya I am thankful for the fans.  Ya I am thankful to be alive.  Ya, yaddity yaaaa yaaaa. 

Don't get me wrong, I love the life I live.  After all, I can remember a couple years back wondering just how much more I could see or take.

But lately?

Suck.

I try to regroup my thoughts.

My self talk is horrendous.
Maybe borderline freakish.

Perspective.  That word I lose a firm grip of often.

And so.

I keep swimming.

And yet...

My first text yesterday (Tuesday) morning was with a friend (I'll call her friend, even though I haven't personally hugged her yet, just keeping in close touch by text)-  She's admitting into City Of Hope  just like we did.  She's of Korean decent and just recently was told she has a donor (which is a huge miracle). She has the same type of leukemia that we fought, and if she doesn't have a transplant, she will not live.  Monday was her long orientation day at COH.  She has a slurry of questions each day.  All of which are so familiar. All of which I promised to help answer.  I can remember those days like they were yesterday.  Such the unknown.   Her biggest fear is radiation.  Part of me doesn't want to be honest with her, and so I only share the tidbits that I know will be helpful.  Also, each body receives things differently. She went on to ask if they had yoga and classes to take at good ol' City Of Hope.
Parts of me wanted to be brutally honest with her and lay that shit out, but the other part of me said, no Lisa, let her feel like yoga might be involved.  Let's let her experience roll out the way God intends for it to roll out.  Let's let things happen organically for them. For her.


Perspective.

She's a mother to two young girls.  8 and 12.  I can only imagine the thoughts flooding her on the daily.  I fought for my son, and yet she's fighting for her girls.  And husband.

She's scared.  She's curious.  She's ready. 

I stepped out of my car after fielding answers back to her.  Mostly filled with HOPE. And encouraging words that I know she needs so bad right now. 

All of my little worries getting tossed into my trunk as I came into my office to start my day.

And yet, here I am.

Knowing full well I will read back on this post someday and think..shit Lisa, you sound like those people on Facebook that complain alldayeveryday and bathe in the reassurance.

I am not.
LOL!
I know life's pendulum will swing.

Pity Partayy----

Ya with me?

Tired?

Hot?

Frustrated and tired of busting ass.  Tired of watching the lazy ones in society take advantage of our system?  Tired of the daily ins-n-out just trying to make ends meet?

Me too. 

Sink or swim, right?

Hope you can keep swimming. 

After all, we really have no choice.

Right?

Keep grinding kids.

Especially you Lisa Lynn.

Sorry I was in lala land for the last 2 weeks.

Just werkin', pushin biznass, and sipping wine with those I adore!

And my server, well...he's smokin' hot and serves a mean martini. 



Check out last nights sunset...

Perspective.

This Mama Lisa

Does my nose look big?  HAHAHAHA!

Givers Of Love.

Do any of you have that one friend (neighbor) you share little sweet surprises with?

Days, weeks, and sometimes a month or two will flow by and we see one another just enough for a wave.

Erica. 

During the big storm we endured of 2015-2016 she was the friend that left food on my porch every.single.morning before I left for City Of Hope.  

She never asked for acknowledgement.  She just left love.

Foot steps so quiet, to and from. 

During the holidays and colder months, for some reason or other, we leave socks for each other. 

Sometimes I'll cut flower sprigs and leave em on her porch, or she'll see something while out shopping (cute vase that says Tweet in honor of my birdies).

We just leave little things when we can.

(she's an amazing cook and appetizer maker, so I get samples)

 Her Carrot Cake is ballztothewallz. Woah. 

Kinda funny, because we have similar taste.  Simple and cozy. 

The other night she walked over with tacos as I watered.  

The next day I'd leave veggies from Kris' garden. 

Small tokens of love, but more the gesture than the offering itself.

She sent me this today and it made me really reflect on the relationship we've had for the past 15+ years.

Watching our children grow.  Watching them navigate the new driving phase.  Watching them go through new dating and heartbreak.  My long tales of heartbreak when Kali was leaving to college to later feel like I sounded like a weirdo. LOL.

It's true with girlfriends.  Neighbors.  Friends. 

The little gestures.

The things we get in one another.

Staring across the street at the lights on in the others home wondering if all is well.

Households hold so many pages.  

I'm lucky enough to share the memories with you Erica.

That street that divides us is all we have.

The rest is LOVE.  

We are the givers of LOVE.

And hopefully, peace.

Lots of peace.

Happy weekend friends. Nother' long week behind us!

Go spread love.  Compliments.  Kindness.  And peace.

Most of all, try to smile.  Even if you're feeling shattered in a million pieces.  Get up and get yourself together.  Take a shower, put on some good pretty lotion, some chapstick or gloss, and get that smile on.  Just try.

"Life is tough, but so are you"

Last weekend of June. Can you believe that?

Love,

Lisa Lynn

Technology

Something happened a couple of weekends ago. 

Father's Day Weekend to be exact. 

It was a Thursday night and Bill was at his dads, as I laid in bed on my ever-so-famous-I-Pad, doodling around like we all do...from Instagram, to Facebook, to some of my favorite blogger sites, etc.  When all of the sudden the Apple Logo popped up, my screen went black, and my whole iPad just shut down.  So, no biggy here, I turn it back on..and it says "Deactivation Mode" please enter your original Apple ID.  AND Password. 

Kris and Kali bought me the iPad back on Mother's Day in 2013.  It has been a most treasured gift. Not for the sake of social media, or the black hole I tend to sink down into when boredom, or cozy-after-work-laying-in-bed moments happen.  That iPad was my life.

You guys.....

I text Kali kinda laughing at first.  I text Kris, I basically went into a mini-meltdown in high hopes to remember the Apple ID ....

Kris set it up back in 2013 and the passwords he used, none of us can remember-

There are small moments for Kris where memory has been completely erased.

When he bought it for me, he went to the Apple Store, set it up, made an email, made an Apple ID and password.  Gonzo.  No recollection. 

All we DO know, is he did buy it in store. 

The next day, this went on all day.  

I was frantic.

That Friday (the day my doctor told me that my hair is falling out because of stress-LOL), Shelley came over, and we both called Apple and TRIED to navigate through their top-notch security, to which no-bueno, they cannot and will not help.  Somehow my Apple ID is lost in no-where land, and to make things even funnier...when Kali was in Italy, our phones linked.

Basically, until I can get Kris and I both into an Apple Store (I loathe stores like that, I double loathe the mall)-  

MY IPAD IS DEAD.

Here's the thing. 

Not only do you accumulate a history with something like this....but you build an archive of pictures. 

Of videos.  Of numerous notes I have from transplant. 

I have notes in there from our cancer journey that I need.

Did I back it up on the I-Cloud? No.

Am I that savvy with those types of things?  No. 

The journey of our City Of Hope and treatment is in there. 

The video of his actual life saving Stem Cells flowing into his body.....are in that thing.

And so there it sits.  On the floor.  Dead.

I have a backup from Bill. One he doesn't use often for business.  And so I still check emails, labs, orders, etc. 

BUT. IT'S. NOT.THE.SAME. 

We have a full weekend coming up again...and so I put off my quest to drag Kris to the Apple store so he can sway them to pry this thing open.  Somehow hack into it. 

Has this ever happened to you?

Another part of me thinks....

Did this happen for a reason?

Is something higher trying to tell me to let go.

To release the old pain.  The many pictures in a battle?

The emails I drafted to family with updates?

IS it time to just let it go?

My cute REAL wood case that I cannot find any longer?

Is it time to let go?

Anyway, thought I'd share this with you. 

Crazy how things happen. 

My week has been filled to the brim, yet again. 

Had dinner with the 6-pack last night.  One that was filled with good stories, lots of laughs, and more wine than we should have on a TUESDAY!  I love you guys!  So much! 

As I said to them all-  We've been friends for 20 years.  Sharing love.  Sharing heartbreak. Sharing loss. Sharing travel. Sharing good food.  Sharing moments that I am forever grateful for. 

Glad we gather...even if it's on a Tuesday!  LOVE!  (and yes we strolled in to a very empty Mother's Bar for some peanuts...because WHY NOT!?)  - Plus we ate next door.  LOL

I hope this midweek is finding you good. Peaceful.  Full of good food.  And mostly, a reminder to get out and enjoy summer. 

I have to remind myself often.  Get out.

And enjoy while we can.

Cheers!

This Mama Lisa

The Friday Light

Another long week coming to a close. 

And just like all of you, we forge through the things that help us survive.  We mesh things together to make a living.  We tolerate things and the moments we must pass through to pay bills.  Also to teach. 

Learn.

And heal.

So the weekend is here for those moments to reset. 

To step back for a moment.

OR....to step forward, and hang with those we love.  

For me, I make the time to cook quietly alone. 

Pondering all the things that make my future worthwhile.

I pray for our daughter whom is navigating changes in her heart. Working. Commuting. Co-living with roommates. Missing her boyfriend during the week, and dreaming back to the college days of "Taco Tuesday", and fun nights together with friends until the wee hours.

Not realizing that college comes to a close and adulting smacks ya quickly and abruptly on the cheeks.

She's always figured things out the right way.  Only now mama is standing back with sweet praise, and lots of "you can do this" vibes.  At times I know she feels lost. And frustrated.

Don't we all. 

I pray for my son and his health. I pray for his well-being and the life he deserves.  

I pray for my best friend and lover Bill to feel good, and pain free in his body and spirit. 

I laugh when I gather with friends whom join me on our dock and laugh until we can't laugh anymore...or we SOMEHOW end up in Mother's Tavern for "just one" which turns into more dancing and music.

We toss peanuts on the floor while forgetting the many little shadows of stress. 

Friday.

The weekend.

I hope it's good to you.

Just be kind.

"You can't pour from an empty cup, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST"

(As Shelley is nodding her head yes to me)

This Mama Lisa

ps.  Speaking of Shelley, look up the song Shelley "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers.

You're welcome.

And I love u. 

xo

Pondering With Age

I follow an account on Instagram called "CHEAPOLDHOUSES"-

Cheap Old Houses

You'll find a 2 story, 5 bedroom, Craftsman Style, wood floor, old Victorian vibe home in like NC for $85K.  

Some marked down to $65K.  Most nestled in strange places I've never heard of before, and yet the home, the yard, the surrounding visuals, captivate me.  They most always need lots and lots of work. So much work that the average person like myself, simply dream, stare, and move on. 

I read an article this morning about a guy whom purchased something similar to this.  

Living In An Old Sea Captains House

After scrolling through his pictures there are parts of me that can handle living with a soiled staircase, but then another part of me would want some paint on the walls and maybe some cleaned up wood floors. 

My only fear.....

Ghosts.

I am a believer of spirits.  I believe spirits linger. 

And so those fears would most likely inhibit a purchase like this....for me....

But.... 

A dreamer can dream.....

A dreamer should dream....

If only we were brave enough to do something like this. 

What's your thoughts on this?

Happy house hunting on that Instagram account...You're welcome!

Happy Summer Solstice!

This Mama Lisa

Bring it on Summatime!