Unfolding the wind-up....

Here's a quick recap of the week before Christmas, along with the flurry up to...

On Saturday, the week before, Bill decided to take "White Fin" out with the Fatal Crew-
It was a fun night...and filled with good laughter, and of course beautiful lights in the harbor.

It was a fun filled night.  I ran around all morning, and of course each day up until.  The next evening we had plans for dinner at our friend Larry's house for a holiday shin-dig. And shin-dig it was. 
During the craziest weeks leading up to Christmas, it's the perfect time to have friends grab you by the hand, and heart. 
Reminding you to slow down, and enjoy eachothers company.  To toast to good food and awesome wine.
All with the help of Larry.  "Larry the Sailor" is quite the host, with the mostest. 

See...

Although you could feel the zing of the season as we gathered, it was soon calmed by laughter, and just being together.  Sharing our stories of planning, whereabouts, and who's doing what.  Larry our host was soon flying off to NY to be with his girls.  We of course had our hands full, and the other four pack were hosting dinners themselves.  So....it was a nice, quiet, and VERY relaxing way to close out Sunday night. 

Larry was over the top with cute detail.  Good food, prepared for us.  Tucked away here.

Couldn't have been a better way to count down for Santa.

Happy Tuesday kids.  Stay tuned for much more-

How do you plan to spend NYE?


Our plans include the ocean, and an island. 

Happy New Years Eve lover faces.

Lisa

What I see.

I see nineteen seventy something.

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."

I see organic. Organic e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. 



I see a land of farms and natural beauty. 

I see those memories of our lives out there on that farmland.

I see my life as a little girl.

Long hair.

Never trimmed.  

I see Toby, our first dog. The best dog.

I see camping in the best places.

I see camping in the worst places.

I see the love in our family that was true. Hard, but true.

I see strength.

I see music.

Sometimes loud.  Real loud.

I see a guitar in this man's arms.

I see a gun other times.

I see wisdom.

And beauty.

So much beauty in this picture.

The kind of picture that stops me in my tracks.  I stare. 

And I hold it close.


I see this man that I call Dad.

A simple man he is.

Loyal.  True.  Loving.  Smart.



I love you Dad.




ps.  Wonder where I've been? Me too.
There has been alot of exhaling, traveling, cleaning, organizing and enjoying good food while sipping good wine.  Falling in love over and over again. With my kids and my lover.  Laughing where I should, and crying when I feel like it.

I'm so happy the holidays are wrapping up.  How bout' you?  One more shin-dig and boom, it's a whole new year kids!




Make this day count.

PEACE and LOVE,

L

Well....

We are so close guys!

Everyone all done? 

I am super close and it's December twenty third.  boom.  How's that all my type A friends?  ha!

Working hard to not work hard, is a mental jam.  That's for sure.   


I am trying to grasp the sense of Christmas.

The weather is perfect today.  It really is.  California Christmas' are something to discover if you never have. 

I hope you all enjoy the next few days.

Enjoy good food, and nice company. 

Take a deep breath when needed.
 

Find your happy place, and don't let that slip away.  No matter what.

And if you start to feel overwhelmed, just take a second to breathe.  Look around.  Slow down, and just enjoy the moments.  Of course we are going to forget things, and of course planning won't be perfect, and roll out perfect.  The best plans, are no plans.  Just roll with it.  (Note to self...ya hear that Lisa)

May all your days be merry and bright. 

Cheers to you all.

Peace out for now.

This Mama Lisa
aka Santa
aka Elf
aka Maid
aka Wrapper
aka Shopper

If they start young...

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do....but how much love we put in that action".
                                                                                                           Mother Teresa

This note left in my coffee cup for an early morning rise this week.  Kali-coo-coo, you lover you.

And if YOU start leaving notes for THEM while they are young....the cycle just keeps turning.  From us to them, from them to us, and someday to their children and spouses.


Leave a note tucked away for a loved one.  Doesn't have to be a spouse, or lover.
Our children, young and old soak this stuff up.

I know mine do.


Start em young.

Even a little note with a heart, or gosh goodness if you can draw...do something silly.

Remember to teach kindness and respect while out in public places...- Pleases and thank you's can never be enough.

And to NEVER, EVER litter.


or spit.  lol.

and to close toilet seats.  yack. 

ps.  I also stand to believe that if one must stand up for themselves; That is a chosen taught necessity too. 
Trust me on that. 


Ho Ho Ho.

This Mama Lisa

Peace to you.

A little Christmas love from our family to yours.

One week kids.  One week.

Have you wrapped your gifts?

Baked all your baked goods?

Organized your world?

Have you started shopping?



No? 

Don't worry, you aren't rowing alone. 


Count down has officially begun. 

Big fat boom.

Love,

This trying to stay calm elf.

Good, simple and kind.

Another whirlwind weekend.  Here it is Tuesday, and I have just begun to think about this bloggo of mine.
Not that this is a bad thing, but just real.  And each and every moment, I am freaking out that it's one minute closer to the big event. 

Of course, our weekend...busy it was, rolled out simple in more ways than you can imagine.  Yet filled with goodness.

Friday night was a stay in and stay focused, because senior littlest had testing.

Although her and Mr. Gio went to a nice cozy dinner, this Mama stayed in, with plans to rise and shine early for a sweet brain breakfast.
After she left, I figured it would be good to jump in my cozy attire and head out to do a little shopping and take on the world.  Twas quite the good idea, because all the little city was fast asleep, and I was in and out before they awoke.  Pure bliss. 
Our evening plans rolled out in the OC.  So on the way there...this was our view.

Catalina, you beauty you.

This was my date.  Love.

For those locals, or even those that have moved away...here is the cliffs.  Where as a child we'd slide down with our brown sack lunch.  Where the life of dogs become a little more sweeter as they run through the water, and slide in the sand.  HB, you will always own my heart. 

A little slice of love at the home of Tilly's.  A small holiday party.  Cozy, warm, and full of babies, kids, and good people.  My favorite kind.

"Tilly" serves under privileged children, and women in need.  She serves homeless children, and those unfortunate through their upbringing.  I can go on and on, but she is truly a master piece of "serving" those in need.  She's kind, and loving.  She isn't pretentious, or flaunty.  She's humble and true.  Like crazy humble.  There I go, going on and on.  Not to mention she started one of my favorite "shop and dash" stores.  Tilly, she's amazing, yes she is.  Her heart is full, because she spreads her wealth in more ways than material.  When she hugs you, you feel it.  When she smiles at you, or anyone, it's felt.  Tilly....you are a beautiful masterpiece.  

Although we were in a mega mansion, it was small, and intimate, it was warm, and of course full of good red wine- jk.  It was so fun.  The kids had a visit from Santa, and us adults had thee ol' gift exchange. 

We wrapped the night up with lots of laughter, and good food. 

Sunday morning we spent it double checkin this mamba jamba out.  She's up for sale.  And for any of our friends that have had the privledge to ride in "White Fin", over to the island, or around the harbor, will understand the bitter sweet end to this era.

So we took her out on Sunday for a little cruise to clear her lungs-

The day could not have been better.

With highs at 80.  It was perfect...

It was what we all needed.  

Put us by water, and together.  Total bliss.

With these two birdies, even better. 

"White Fin" gave this girl more memories than she can count on two hands. 

It warms my soul to know of the chances she had.  The moments together as a family, in the wide open seas. 

As she jumped into the cold water in the early morning hours at nine years old, on the back side of the island.  As Grandma Shirley tremored at the very sight.

That same morning as we pulled away from the harbor almost nine years ago, we witnessed something that we will take to our ashes.  A killer whale and her baby...along side the boat, came up, showed her presence.  Warned us of the danger we posed to her.  It was nothing short of amazing.  The perfect birthday gift to Kali and Gaylord.  There was no time for cameras.  There was only time to shout it to eachother, and off into the distance we all went.  I am glad Kali was old enough to remember.  For all those with us that morning on the boat...I hope it never leaves their memory. (It was one of the last times Gaylord was able to climb the stairs and drive up above.)

And as my littlest took pictures of her Mama as I skippered and Dad checked out the boat....it was all I could do to contain my sappy teary self.  Just remembering, and knowing the days are numbered with this big ol' mother ship, and us.  The many memories, and good times that Gaylord soaked up right there.
The silly moments, the sea sick moments, the sunny happy moments.  Amazing. 

We kissed the ocean good bye, one last time in her.  Kali and Gianni fed the birds, and we smiled our way back to the dock.  "White Fin", you are an amazing vessel, you beautiful lady you.  We thank you for all the many safe voyages we were able to enjoy.

It was the perfect ending to our weekend.  While Kris worked on his little Whaler boat, we soaked up our beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon.  We sent pictures back and forth. 

I soon had to jump back into reality.  Dinners to prep, lunches to plan.  Kitties to give love on.  Mistletoe to snuggle under. lol.  (My friend brought over a bag of mistletoe....and again I was reminded of the simple sweet things in this fast life. Not the fancy wrapped ones.)  Erica, you shiny gem you. 

Brandy and Eddie had planned an arts and crafts afternoon at her house for our birdies.  The finished product would blow you away.  How.  Cute.  Is. This? 

Super star boyfriend of the year.  No, seriously, he is.  His parents raised one heck of a dude.

Guess who's tree just got decorated last night?   

Happy Tuesday Tinsel heads.  

The above decoration adorning my tree made from love by my friend Laura.  

Do you all see the trend of simple love, crafts and goodness?

Settle back into your seats, and buckle up to the finish line.  

Smile, and keep on keeping on.  

You are important and you are beautiful.  

Love and peace to you and yours. 

Lisa Lynn

ps.  Remember without all the gifts, those friends will still love you the next day.
Enjoy this season.  Enjoy the food, the wine, the hugs, and the laughter.  Because THAT is what will be remembered. 

Those simple moments.

Celebrating a special day for a good friend-

Happy Birthday Russ, you fine young man, you.

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand"

Mother Teresa-

Happy Saturday little lover faces.

Be good.  And remember those less fortunate.

Life is hard, but so good.

Love,

L

Is it the music?

I know I have shared my innocent battle with "The Month Of December"...as I like to call it.
No right reason to taint this beautiful holiday, while many celebrate the birth of sweet goodness.
It's just my personal battle with December. 
For some reason, things cut deeper.  Instead of sweeter.
Tears fall easy, with out reason.
Tension and insecurities get the best of me, unlike I've ever been before.
A fake smile and demeanor takes a whole new meaning in my life during the month of December..
For those that truly know me, will say...she's the happy one.
She was the happy baby.
And the planner, and the lover.
I can feel it tap on my shoulders in November. Although I smile, and laugh to hide the creepy pain.
It's the scariest feeling in the world, because I simply know what is happening, and what will undeniably unfold.

And so I am here.
I am by no means asking for an ounce of sympathy.
I am by no means asking for a shoulder to cry on.
I am by no means asking for anyone to try to figure it out.
I think I know.
The one person I reach out to right now, is the girl I shared a delicate childhood with. My sister.
She was the one that also pushed me to find the strength in my twenties to make major life changing decisions.
We haven't shared a perfect road together.  My Tina, she's a delicate flower, and I am a leader of the pack.

My lifestyle is upbeat, and most always filled with fun. I am surrounded by some of the most bad-ass loving friends around.  I am.

I see suffering all around me.

I smile out in public. I will always offer a compliment, with a smile.  I help where I can.
I work hard, and have an increasing stressful job, with more responsibility than you can imagine.
Although I remind myself, I have a job. 
Some mornings as I wake, I pray with all my heart to get through this day the way I need to.
With trust, and love.  With praise and good deeds.
Heading out the door, with a smile.  Sometimes that smile doesn't come easy. 

It is hard.
If I am absent from this little space of mine for a bit...just be patient.
I am here.  I am fighting it like a little fighter.
I am NOT asking for pity.  So please don't reach out.  It's just more space, and sunshine I am looking for.

Sometimes I sense change.  Sometimes I beg for change.  Sometimes I pray that only a God above knows the plan for me.  And for my children.
I remind you, as always, to stay true.  Stay true to what makes you happy.  Even if it means altering someones expected needs. 

One last thing I'd like to share with you today.  It happened to show up in my little pantech phone this week while driving to my place of work.  And couldn't have landed at a better moment.
It was a text from a long time friend that lives not far, but close in spirit, and always just an email away.
Kristine, you little slice of sunshine.  Thank you. 

It read: Good morning. This verse gives me such hope and peace during this season.  I felt moved to share with you. Hope it does the same for you.  Isaiah 60:20 Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. 

We all know I am challenged with religion.  I just am.  I wish that I didn't have to admit this.  Because most of the time, I feel that God has helped, and given me EVERYTHING I am today.  In material, and life.  I do.
But when I see struggles, and evil, and hate around me.  Not to mention religious hypocrisy.  Oh, don't get me on that tangent. So, I am "the questioner", if you will.

Here's the thing...when you receive things like this, during the toughest moments, it lights a candle in me.
God, I know you are listening.  wow.

However, if I can get it through my thick head, that this season is beautiful. It's not the fancy things, or the list of gifts my daughter has so precisely left on the table.(Some items on that list, crack me up.)   It's not the fancy wrap, (which those that know me, I prefer burlap, and plain brown paper over glitter) It's not the biggest gift one can give to the other.
It's slowing down in the season to feel the magic.  gag me. jk. ha!

I have made a choice this season to take a step back.  Standard traditions that fall around me in different cities, with different people I call family, will be different.  I will help make magic for those less fortunate.
I will feed and clothe those less fortunate.  And I will remember to count my blessings of great, healthy and safe kids.

I will wipe my tears, and crack myself up in the pity that falls upon my lap this month.

December, you little stinker you.

Merry Christmas to all of you.  Through the best and the worst days, let's try to find the little things that make us happy.
Remember to take the time to speak what you mean.
Write a letter to a long lost friend, or loved one.
Or better yet, get your coziest blanket out,and curl up with a good read.


Take a step back if you need to.

I know I have.  

Happy Birthday Min....You are such a beautiful girl.....and Mama.



Now it's time to decorate the tree we finally picked up.  Decorate a little more.  Make a list, and not check it twice.

Live for today, and try to let it be good to you. 

I will stay close to the water.  I will stay close to those that are kind, and loving.

Maybe it's the Christmas music?

Better turn that shiz off.  ha!

Holla!

Love, peace and sweet hugs to each and every one of you.

This Mama Lisa.

ps.  I promise to check back when I feel like it...otherwise, hang tight.
I've got lots to take care of. 
How many days until Christmas?  Shooooooooooot.

pss. Offer one compliment a day. While out and about...find it, say it, and watch the smiles blossom.  Trust me.  It makes your heart fill with more goodness than one can describe.

BOOM.