Some days.

 I would like to crawl up here. 

And just stay. (except, I'm so petrified of heights I couldn't stay long, or look over)



Here's some advice I try to follow.

"Don't promise when you are happy, don't reply when you are angry, and don't decide when you are sad".

The don't reply when you are angry is the hardest part.  For me. 

Words to live by.  Seriously.

Happy Friday.

Have fun playing in the sunshine.  

Be good.  Or be bad.  Just be kind to animals. 

And spay or neuter your pet.  It IS necessary. 

boom.

If you stay in, make these little treats for you family.  After bbq, summer time yummies.

I don't like S'mores, I know I'm a freak.  But these look delish! 

Graham Cracker S’mores Candy

1. Graham crackers (12+)
2. 3/4 cup unsalted butter
3. 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
4. 3 cups mini marshmallows
5. 4 Hershey bars, broken into pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang over the ends, and spray foil with cooking spray. Line graham crackers up on the foil evenly and cover the bottom of the pan.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and mixture comes just to a boil (about 4-6 minutes). Remove from heat and pour evenly over crackers. Bake 5 to 6 minutes, or until bubbly.

Remove pan from oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate bar pieces over the graham crackers. Return pan to oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until marshmallows begin to soften and puff up.

Cool completely. Lift from pan using foil edges. Cut into bars to serve.

Treats of Summer

Although the peek of strawberry season made it's debut a couple of months ago,  they can still be found everywhere.
Always try to buy organic when and where possible.

I'd like to share this yummy recipe.
Simple.  And enjoyable to bring along to your next gathering.
This is sure to be mixed well with any fresh fruit. I am very sure...

1- 8oz package of cream cheese (softened)
1- 7oz jar of Marshmallow Cream

Mix together well, and boom.  There you have it.

It's that perfect "sweet"-   Plus with fresh fruit, you can not go wrong.


I still think this cake is pure awesome-ness.

 

Fun facts for the day....

Fresh cranberries can be bounced like a rubber ball.  (haha, guess we know what will happen at Thanksgiving this year)

Dolphins sleep with one eye open. 

The "high five" was introduced by a professional baseball player in 1977- (Kali can't stand to high-five- *pet peeve)

Eleven of the 50 US States are named after an actual person.

The only food that does not spoil is honey. 

Children grow faster during Springtime.

They also tend to be clumsier too. 

Heavier not bigger lemons, produce more juice. 

Frogs cannot swallow with their eyes open.

Popcorn was invented by the American Indians.  ( for you Bill...)

And that my friends, are some fun random facts.

You are welcome. Sleep well tonight. 

Cheers to you all, SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING. 

How's about that weather in the desert?  125 in Havasu-  No thanks. 

Jazi and Trev stay cool you little sweet birdies. In the water you go! 

Almost time to celebrate our FREEDOM-    boom. 

A few vegan recipes for my vegan friends-

Vegan's for Healthy. Happy. Life.  

Grand plans for the 4th?

Ours is simple. 

But full of the little things. 

With people that make our hearts full. 

How about you?

Whatever you do, stay safe.  Don't drink and drive. 

And remember to plan for your pet if you live in a noisy loud area.  

 Big love, 

 This Mama Lisa

Love is Love.

Congrats to my loving friends on this day. Especially you Californian's.  boom.

Hate is hate.

Love is love-

Love wins!


That's all I have to say for today......


Long live BIG love,


xoxo
= for all.

Lisa

Current living.

Life lately-

A happy house.
A dirty house.
Dirty kitchen floors.
Laundry baskets filled with towels. 
Sand on the wood floor next to that said basket.  Kali, you will wash them sweet busy girl.
Sunshine that awakens me early, and sets me down much much later.
Sometimes this combination can be a challenge. 

Work.
Sunsets that melt me.
Watching and listening to baby birdies begin their adventure away from the nests.  Swallows under the dock walkway.  Beautiful little ones.

Recipes to try.
New baby on the way. (Congrats Dom and Janine!)

Street Fairs that bring out the happy in people.
No books on the kitchen table.
Just fruit.

Sandals line our front door.
Inside and out.
The sprinklers are connected to our hoses at all times.
Flowers are in full bloom.
Lime trees being prayed over. And groped often.  By me. So excited.
Vegetable plants receiving the same prayer.
All plants that wave at Bill to water them. 
Grass begs to be watered by the kids. Or anyone for that matter.
Found this St. Francis.  Reminds me of my Dad.

The aroma of bbq's fired up late into the evening while families dine outside.
The countdown for 4th of July.
Celebrating our FREEDOM.


New fun projects.

It's a guarantee that what you see will involve many good times.  Sunshine.  Friends.  And happy moments.
This is just the beginning. 

How's your summer coming along?
Plans made?
Dresses worn?
Favorite shorts?
Drinks?

I hope you all have enjoyed it so far.
90 days until Fall. 
It's gonna be a hot one this weekend...
Plan that new bbq recipe.
Stock up on ice, and all things cool.
Prepare to shade that certain side of your house.
It will be needed.
Wipe down your bike, and use it.

Go down to the waterside.  Have dinner.  Or lunch.  You will not be disappointed.
Plus the full moon is gone.
Tension has left.

Plan your trip yet?

Remember to keep love alive and get away.

The kids will be fine.
The house will be even finer.  ha.

Those dirty floors can wait.
Those spider webs can wait.

This life is flying.  Go out and enjoy it.  Plan ahead to save money.
Tips are Expedia and Trip Advisor, trust me they work.  BOOK AHEAD and get away.

Just be kind to those in need.
Even a smile.
Watch how a smile can change the moment.

Try it.

"If you ever feel like giving up, remember why you kept holding on"

Love big, and forgive when needed.


Happy Summer kids.

L

Beach Bums.

The weekend went something like this.

Friday while I worked.
The Chapter 17 girl drove her 3 friends out to The Warp Tour.
They broke down on the way.  Miss. Jetta is shouting from her sun-roof top "Mama I'm tired".
No worries though, Chapter 17 girl handled it well.  No other choice.  Her Mom let her make that call to AAA.
And soon they'd call a cab.
Experiencing and learning are the only strong attributes to this thing called life.  #secondchildsyndrome 
With VIP tickets for you and all your friends...you just make it work.  #thanksdad  #hookedup!

 

After work, I headed to my comfort spot.  On the dock by the bay.... With my lover.  This is after my 3 1/2 hour salon hair cut, and color.  Do you all know how much I hate to sit in a chair, and confined? It's torture.  Pure torture for me. 

I do leave feeling like a rockstar though. 

And while we awaited The Super Moon...we enjoyed watching the tide rise.  

Plus listened to bad ass boats pass by.

On Saturday, Bill worked this amazing Fatal event, I had to wash my cat, and scour my bathroom...because I just can't deal with Chris Brown or Tyga..?  Yea.  No thanks. 

Because I had to prepare for taking pictures of this beautiful girl.   Words from her "Mom, like, seriously, please no pictures, we're all haggered".    ha.  Sorry, not sorry. 

Oh, maybe a little sorry. 

Just trying to capture these days. 

While we can. 

Even if it's just her bun.  

Or the running away from me across PCH.  haha. 

Why are my lips the most wrinkled she asks?  Well. There you have it girl. 

After making my home-made salsa, and hand delivering them by water vessel....to the famous Gaylord...we made it back. 

And hung out with these fine fellers too. 

By the waterside.   Those summertime walks. 

With the kids.  Always my favorite place to be.  Kris rolled by after shopping, and a few friends followed him there shortly after.  Soon these two sweet peas would join us.  It was an unplanned afternoon that turned out to be the best Sunday afternoon. 

Remember those "No plans are the best plans"?  Things just work themselves into perfection.

After blogging this morning.....I decided to change my heading picture.  Only to delete this entire post.

Therefore....if you caught it earlier....yea, it's different.  Bummer. 

At least I have a yummy recipe for you....

Watermelon Pico de Gallo....yummy!

Work hard, play harder-

Love big,


This mama lisa.

xoxo

One word. Summer.

Longer days.
Sunshine fills all the windows in the house.
The sprinklers are a blessing.
Popcicles are sliding out of the freezer faster than the bread on the table.
Trips to the oceanside become a daily norm.
Friends stop by to share wine, or good iced tea.
BBQ recipes are in full force.
Laughter lingers from house to house.
Or tears from little ones that missed a nap.
Summer is here kids.

 Senior Year is whispering in their ears.
 Pools are soaking the beautiful bodies.
 Stops at Nektar become the regular.
 Salads and all things healthy become the topic.
 Their territory by the pier in Seal Beach aren't one to reckon with.
 These friends that have held each other during some of the best days.
 And of course during some of the toughest.
 And saddest.
 They've held on tight.
 Giggles and tears.
 They have.
 

 Summer is here everyone.

 And this little sweet angel celebrated her birthday on the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

 Compliment to me.....She calls this her "Cousin Lisa" skirt.   awwwwww.



  Happy Birthday little Miss. Summer.    The sweetest little sugar.


  Plans for today?

  Try this recipe.

  Grilled peaches over ice-cream.

  Enjoy.

  You're welcome.

  P.S.
  Remember...."Your worth is never defined by what others think about you"

  Live your life the way you want.

  Live well.  Eat good.


  Happy Sweet Saturday little ones....

  This Mama Lisa


 Who's over the whole Kardashian Kanye North West nonsense, raise your big ol hand!
 What has our world evolved into? Poor sweet baby North........West. ? 

Exhale a little....

If you are anything like me and love the weekends, then Friday is probably a super favorite day too.
There is something about the air on Friday.
It's like the countdown to really exhale.
The mood in the air.
Your lover might be home.
The music gets turned up a little.
Summer nights lend us longer bare feet. 
Sunshine kisses our faces just a little but longer...

It's exciting, and a mystery all wrapped in 72 hours.

Sometimes we have plans, and sometimes we don't.
Bill, the kids and The Fatal Crew are here today. 

 

I do enjoy punk rock, just not alternative punk rock. 
Unless I have a few brews.  I'd rather water flowers.

Or sit here.  And listen to waves, the wind and happy people.

Or here where the only existance is sand, water, and us.

.....Happy Friday sweet friends.

Get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Or plant flowers.

Or lay around.

Just be kind along the way...

Always kind to animals.  They are without words.  

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
                                                                                          Oscar Wilde.


Peace,

Leese
Lee
Mama
Honey
Hun
Hey

Messages.

This morning while I fumbled around my house getting ready to leave for fiberglass land, I received a message from my little sweet cousin.
Her tip off about my favorite artist coming to town.
This guy.

And those fellers have created a lottery to watch this fine man. HOTTIE-

I have faith I will make it.

Why wouldn't the stars line up for me...

New music.  yes please.  You fine feller Jack.  Andrea, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I will stalk and pray and search and hope.  For all of us.  "From here to now to you".  Bad-ass.   (Nikki, ARE YOU READING THIS!!!!)

You see, my fine feller took me to HI to catch Jack.  Tour didn't happen...but Maui, you were good to me though.  In all good deeds you were good. And...that snorkel gear?  

Super good.

I mean snorkeling with my main squeeze on this boat, will forever be a memory that lights me up.  Cold dark brew and a burger?  Even more bad-ass. 

Maui Four Seasons, how I miss you.  

And then I get this email from a friend.  That is good stuff.  

Happy Thursday!
I think I'm done rambling for today.

Jack, come to us baby.


Over and Out.

Peace, love and beautiful day to you....


Leese
Jack Stalker.

Age.

During the past couple of years I have noticed things about "Age".
How it is affecting me more on the daily, vs. the yearly.
Things change quicker and move a little more different.
Not on a vanity level. Because those that really know me, know, I like cute sweet things instead of plumped lips filled with whatever fills them to that extreme. I prefer wicker and straw over glitter any day.

In my twenties, it seemed as though I floated along as a young parent, and fun little spirit.
I enjoyed my twenties.
Heck, I enjoyed my teens. Late teens. 
Soon enough we all gathered around a table while I blew out thirty candles.
Just like that I landed in my thirties.  They were good years too.
Almost a little more enlightened on things.
Still I tried hard to spread peace.  With friends.  With family. 
Stronger, and wiser too.  As they say.

And again...the years flew by....soon I blew out forty candles. ..my hair has grown more gray.....my nose seems to get bigger, ha. My smile filled with more history...The skin around my neck is more...well, loose.  I have wrinkles.  More around my lips than I've noticed anywhere else. It's like staring at yourself in the mirror becomes a little more serious.  Trying to figure out where the years went.   How to get creative with what I have.  Borrowing Kali's clothes on the norm to keep up with the days....

My sister often worries about age.  And the ways of change. I try to remind her, not to worry. 

Recently, I have noticed my body change.
Bill and I both are. Although I think he rocks the age of fifty.   
We notice it.
We chuckle about it at times, but in all seriousness, it's real. 
For me at least. 
Yes, we are wiser, stronger..but definitely changing.

Lately I've noticed the tides pull me in and out.  Moods shift quicker.  My body feels fluffier. I know when you see me, and think..wha, she's thin.  That is all portion control and choice of eating.  
Some days are full of zest, while the others are a little altered.  I feel it.
There are days where tears fall a little more easy. Tempers seem to flare during the toughest moments.
I fight it.
Sadness jumps in front of me somedays.
I fight it.

Do I enjoy my age? Yes.  I actually do, and have never ever shied away from telling my number.
It's exactly that.
A number.
I love my life.  I love this life.
But my hormones and body are changing.
And that is the shits. 

Thanks for your understandings.  Especially those days that seem rough.  Or tough.
Or blue and dark.
They happen. 
More than I'd like to admit.  They do.
A little more often too.
Do my friends go through this?
Hell yes they do.
Are there cures?  Probably.  But for me, it's time. It's also gardening, and being around animals.
It's walking through the process.  In my robot mode. I do it.  Always have.
Getting through it.

Together. 

Full moon this weekend-  Be careful little soldiers.
And keep on fighting.
For this life.
For what makes you tick.
And keeps you happy.
Simple.  Big. Small.  Keep on fighting.

And carry on sweet friends.

Guessssss whattt day it is?  Guess. what. day. it. is......
HUMP DAYYY!  Allll dayyyy.   hahaha


xoxo
L