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.