Boom, just like that.

Warning: Long Coffee filled post, so pull up a chair-

Another Friday upon us kids.  Hopefully all of your hard work has paid off.  Or most important a tad bit peaceful for you, because you made it. For me, my entire week was full at work, yet peaceful at night. It's funny how I plan out my week to roll out one way, and yet if I just let the days unfold the way they should, the outcome is most often in my favor. Many thanks to Mr. Full Moon, for passing us this month. Thank you thank you-

I've done more organizing. More purging of "things" in cupboards that I've had a hard time parting with. My hoarding ways are usually sentimentally guided. Hello-all the school paintings, papers, elementary, high school- Hello old birthday cards, love cards, Christmas cards from years past, that still melt me. I mean, is it even hard for you too just toss these things in the trash? Not to mention I have Christmas cards from friends and family that show them on a beach, or on a pier, or nestled up on some tree stump, that spell "sweet and happy"- How do you just toss em?!  I sat there with the most adorable painting Kris did in elementary school of a fish. The whole scene was underwater. It's actually really beautiful- Part of me wanted to frame it for him. He can use it in a living room, or he can use it in his son/daughter room one day.  Then that painting was moved over to my "lemme figure these out"- I drafted more paperwork for my littlest-All college related stuff.(Which by the way she's already swimming in mid-terms-One last Thursday she fretted would be a D or slightly better- Today's morning text to us " PSYCH test 90 " Proving again, her hardest class might be an ace in the hole.  So big fat boom there.  So between trying to purge and actually cleaning are coming together.
What to do with her crown?

They gave her two.  They are beautiful, and they are packaged perfect.  But what to do?  

What about this Del Taco Congrats note?  Trash?  Scrapbook-

In my closet research, I've been able to re-label my craft bins.  Bye-Bye to any and all room-mom duties, and sports related help stuff.  (Shout out to Kyoko who is knees deep in kickin ass in that dept, they are lucky to have you-GO GRIFFINS!)
I now have an organized method of sending birthday, anniversary, get well...etc cards.  So that's awesome.
Don't be too surprised if you get a card from me.  It's my new happy hobbie- ha.

Bill and I balance a week full of many things.  Sometimes I look back at our weeks, or the month prior and think "wow" I am amazed of our strength, and determination.  I really am.
Many mornings we begin them with a tight hug and "you've got this honey"-  Usually we do.  And even if one or the other is fighting a shit storm, one is strong enough to remind the other.  So that helps.

I've been missing my parents again.  A whole heck of a lot.  It's funny as you get older and nurture your birdies that you soon look back at your parents and their path.  It's makes you scratch your head that you don't visit as much.  Or if I'm keeping it real, they don't visit us.  I get it. It's who they are. There are plenty of things that keep them up there, and me down here.  But I miss them. One trait I inherited from them-----Independent. 

Anyway, fell off topic here:   I just miss them.  And sometimes texting, and phone calls are just not enough.

These two love-bugs are still the best of friends- Bucks and Marley-

So with that, I dedicate this song to them. Not for the words.  But it takes me back to camping at Seven Oaks, as our Dad played the loudest music in the entire camp ground.  He was the "coolest guy" at camp.  We just didn't think so.  But this song.

Boy oh boy this song.

Silver Blue Gold-

Dad, this song brings chills on my arms.  It reminds me of you playing your guitar and singing it.





Praise this verse to your littles- Especially high school age.  Shit is real.

Joan Didion------

“I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.”
― 1975 commencement address at the University of California, Riverside

To think this was 1975- When our kids are enveloped with social media nowadays-


Enjoy your wet weekend and go dance in the rain--

Be safe, and be true.

Lisa-

Ready for some rain kids?

Last weekend they lightly tossed a rain forecast up in the air for this coming weekend. I instantly got all giddy- There's something about the rain, on a Saturday morning.  Wait I take that back- TO WAKE UP TO RAIN ON A SATURDAY WITH NO PLANS SET IS AWESOME! My gut told me that the 20% forecast would "hopefully" turn into something more.  And so it seems I will get what I am wishing for, and the rain rain rain will come down that beautiful sky.

When the kids were little they'd prepare gutter boats early.  Gear up in all their glory and run and play outside. The corner of our street had the most rain gathered.

And so I wish you all a wonderful Saturday filled with rain.

We will celebrate this fine chick tomorrow night:

Get out your best baking recipes, and get to bakin'-  Or sipping good wine and cuddlin'-

I plan to get my yoga on.  My wine sippin' skills on.  And my coziest sweatshirt wearin skills on too. Hope my lover is "all aboard"- ha.

Happy Thursday night you little lovers.

Be kind, and spread smiles, they move mountains-

Cheers-

Leese

Before the rain came falling down...

Last weekend Bill and I had a Saturday morning filled with appts, and errands.  Soon we'd land back home with our groceries to stuff into the fridge/freezer.  We decided at one point that a Yard House run sounded pretty good, because those Moo-Shoo rolls were calling our names.

And so we headed toThe LBZ-

We stayed there until we felt like heading home-lol- 

My view on the way home, before we stopped into a couple other little "fun" places.

While we ventured out like two little youngins' our littles were off doing this:

Kris-- Lake Tahoe

Pretty sure his new camera has some sort of bad ass something or other to filter just a tad bit more. wow

But snow up against the water?  AWESOME!

Kali and Tori-  Terrenea Resort for a quick hike and lunch-  (don't know what's going on with Kalis mouth here....maybe she's trying to say hayyy mom...?)

I love this picture of Tori.  I love you Tori Lynn. So proud of you.  Your strength and determination. It will pay off, I promise you. 

Sunday we kept ourselves nice and peaceful.  Bill tended to Gaylord.  I tended to my kitchen and laundry- Preparing a nice hearty Organic Mexican Style Chicken and rice soup- Soon we'd blend our worlds again as I waited anxiously to see "Red Carpet" attendees....All the cute dresses. Amazing hair. And best of all the smiles on all the faces.My heart was wrapped up in the Oscars. More for the beauty of the winners.  I've always loved to see people shine with happiness. Bill on the other hand was itchin' to put on the drag races. lol

I was a little taken back by this years Oscars-

Ellen was far more fun. 

That dude coming out in his tighty-whities was just....weird. I mean, folks of all ages sit front row- Who wants to see a glob of glob shoved in there like that.  ew.

Anyway.....I fell asleep well before it was half-way over, leaving Bill completely thrilled. He had that channel flipped to Top Fuel races in 2 seconds flat.

The last two days have been busy at work, which is just a kick-ass thing- 

Busy-ness means business-  Business, and busy-ness means a light at the end of the tunnel. Big fat BOOM!

I hear that flu is still stingin' people in the ass, so you better wash yo hands and hide yo face. jk

No, seriously, wash up kids. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE! 

Hugs,

L

Who Saved Who

Often times while driving down the road when I spot a dog leaning out a window, or at a light next to me and you can see sheer happiness from their furry face, I beam on the inside.  The kids and I will often send each other pictures of dogs.  Happy dogs.  Lucky dogs.  There is nothing more beautiful to me and my family, then to see a happy dog running around on the beach, to and from his owner.  You CAN see their smile.


During the years that your kids start to lean in their own direction we -meaning myself-found a new love for taking care of something.  And in my case, it has been "Bucks"
I have my cats, but they really don't need me. Well, I take that back, they do.  I see the light beam through their eyes when I give them love.  Or talk to them.  They get it.  They love our time on the porch.  Or snuggled in my bed, or next to me on the sofa.  There is love.

There is nothing like the love between this fine feller and Grammie-

Some of my toughest days can end sitting shot gun with him, and all is good in the world. My world.
There is no doubt that he loves me too. I can't count how many times I've shed tears after a hard long day, and soon he jumps up to me, almost like he knows.  As if he wants to say "it's all gonna be okay grammie"-

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY TO MY GRAND DOGGO BUCKSIE-

There were times during the early years that we all second guessed Kris' idea to bring him home.

There were many times he'd steal our underwear and run through the house with pure disgusting delight.

There were times Kris would have girl "friends" visiting, who'd soon find their cute Rainbow Sandals completely chewed through.

There were times he'd find lady sanitary items in the bathroom and scatter them around the living room for all company to see.  Especially a boyfriend named Gianni-

There were times we'd find him trying to eat cat poop and everyone would chase him around the yard.

There were times we'd all re-arrange our schedule so that he wasn't left at home alone too long.

There are many beds, in every car, just for him.

There are blankets fluffed in the dryer just for him. He will follow you til' it's put down so he can rage in it.

There were moments we picked him up from the vet a day early because we trusted ourselves with his recuperating versus them.  Still hold true to that.

That recuperating of his nuts being taken off was the best decision this mama made her boy to-

Funny thing happened, our panties, pads, and strange chewing of goods has subsided. 

We've shared his story to many.

We've all sat in a room covering him with so much love that our hearts couldn't give any more.

He's the only dog  we've ever known that will not kiss you.  Weirdo, I know.  It trips Bill our more than us.  I don't like dog kissies actually.  Unless your a puppy, well then....

He's the only little dog that made me like little dogs.  I always thought they'd smell like poop-butt.

He's save me more than I could ever imagine.

He's six today, and I am hopeful to spend another many many six times whatever with him.


Happy Birthday Bucksie, you sturdy little dude you.

We love you,

Grammie and Grampie
xoxo

Keep Em Coming Mama-

Throughout the week I was receiving random surprising texts' from my Mom.

Some were just words of encouragement, while others were filled with pictures.

On Friday afternoon  I received this.

I can only reply with- "Mom, thank you, thank you, thank you"-

A few years ago I had asked all, and any family member of mine to please find any child hood picture of me and PLEASE send them, or let me make copies. Cue: *crickets*  I've lost many memories of a wild childhood, but man....to look back at little me, is one treasure I will take to my ashes filled into an urn.

FAMILY. 1975- When love held us together.

Although it seems my Mom's missing part of her forehead, I can only assume this oldie but goodie was sent through a spare bedroom ringer. 

Mom, keep em coming. 

Happy Saturday.

ps.  She's wearing that famous shell necklace my Dad gave her from Seal Beach, many moons ago-
Not to mention she sat under her hair dryer for well over an hour to get those luscious locks so pretty. 


Big Love,

Lisa

Happy Friday!

Well, we made it kids.

Putting one foot in front of the other was sure worth it right?  No?

For me it was.  My week was a mix of work, life, kids, animals, and love.

I hope you all enjoy your Friday, and Friday night.  I think you all deserve to go out to dinner. 

If you live in the Southern California area, try our favorite little love shack food heaven of a place. 

Sunset Pizza and Pasta-Sunset Beach, CA.

Order the Chicken Rustica.  And a Caesar salad. I promise you won't be disappointed.  No corkage on Thursday which is a double winner winner chicken dinner, because we all know how awesome Thursday nights are.  Or, heck, go tonight. This place is one that knows us as we walk in.  Loved by name.  Our food starts cooking before our wine is even poured.  We always try to send people their way, and they always gain  new friends sent by us with love.

Happy Friday and all that-

Be good, or be bad, just be safe. 

Love and Peace-

This mama Lisa

I think it's safe to say....

Someone's starting to feel like himself again.

After kicking the flu shot in the ass, and wrestling it down to the ground, we are now just down to a sore arm.

This is pretty good considering just how terrible the last few months have been.

I'm ready for this guy to chase me on his bike with those fart noises he makes like a race car.

I'm ready for him to uncover the boat and fire that little engine.

I'm ready for him to dive off the end of the dock like a crazy duck.

I'm ready for him to dance with me again, like in PS. Best night evva.

I'm ready for him to make yummy egg and veggie scrambles again, with all the little veggies cut so perfect-

I'm ready for him to act like the car is breaking down, making me want to shit my pants so he can laugh.

I'm ready for him to smile and laugh again, and really mean it.

I'm ready for him to swoosh all those healing herbs into the drawer for good.

I'm ready for him to blurt loud woop-woops with this fine tan feller, but just not in Cha-Bone's-

Black and white, white and black-

I'm ready for that picnic we talk about riding our bikes to on this cliff, sharing that amazing bottle of fermented red grapes that make us do silly things.  To eachother.  what'd you say lisa? sorry mom and dad, I'm totally just joshin' around.  silly head.

I'm ready for you to sleep on your tummy again, because both of us can't sinc our snoring game.  Especially when I act like I'm watching tv, but then my eyes close, and well...end of story.  waking up with all kinds of regret. lol

I'm ready for you to head back out to the gym before day break, as I watch you grab all your stuff thinking I'm sleeping, but I'm watching you.

I'm ready to celebrate this fine fellow's birthday tonight.  Happy Birthday Randy!

And Happy Birthday Markie Mark!

I'm ready for Spring and Summer!  I'm ready to have my dude back-

I hope you all have a great Thursday, because tomorrow is the raddest day of the week, therefore tonight we can celebrate, right?

Right.

Be Grateful.  Be Kind. Love one another.

Peace,

Leese-

Their Chapters.

When Gianni and Kali can make their long roads meet after a couple weeks away, or at times even a week away from one another, all is good in their world.  Between school, AXO, pronounced by her mama as Ackmed haha- and his baseball season in full swing, it's a challenge.  Bill and I like to think she makes her trek home because she truly misses us, and home.  We know her heart is intertwined with Gio's.  They celebrated their official 3 year anniversary on Valentines Day.

They are most happiest riding.  Alone. Here.  She rides "Six" and his horses' name is "Travieso" -

Is it me, or do these horsies even look in love? --

Riding on Valentines Day/Anniversary with a picnic-

Just hearing their stories of where they venture off to is nothing short of adorable.

I won't post the other picture, because they are kissing-ha. Her Dad's eyes popped out when he came across one on IG, but he still "liked" it.  Because love is love.  Their paths haven't been the easiest, especially with this distance thing.  But they are working hard on what they committed to. We were blessed with their presence on Friday night while I made a yummy dinner for us all. xo

Most of you know that Kris is way into fishing.  He is over indulged in the sport.  So much so, that I started researching places for him to sell ALL this fish he catches.  It's no laughing matter when I open my freezer and packaged fish falls out at me.  Not to mention the grizzly pictures of so many dead fish caught on his boat.  Don't get me wrong, I am stoked that he is stoked.  I get it.  Completely. As my Dad said "Leese, be glad he's out on the great beautiful ocean versus in some bar"-  He sent me this picture while we basked in the sunshine out in Palm Springs.  He spent his morning out there.  If you look closely, the wind is catching up to him, and pulling this fog blanket just over the top of them.  Scurrrrry.  

So if any of you are looking for some good Yellowtail, Halibut, Lobster, hooks, lines, hats, fumes, guts, glory, blood, more lines, and more hooks-  Call me.
jk.


No seriously, if you love fish, call me.

Happy Humpday kids.

Go easy.  And be kind.

KINDNESS IS POWER-

Lisa

And to my parents-

Well, it's quite the honor to wish these two a "Happy Anniversary"- 

Forty seven years is a long time.

Sharing love. Life. Loss. Happiness and sorrow.

They've seen it all.  And yet they continue to love each other.  Through it all, through thick and thin, they'd stand up and conquer the world to protect the other.

I love you Mom and Dad-

And Mom, thank you for sending US your amazing caramel popcorn that I think you should sell.

Double thank you for sending ME this today on YOUR special day-

The bottom middle picture is Kindergarten.  I can clearly remember buttoning up that frog shirt like it was yesterday.  It was my favorite.  Top right? I wore an Avon pin that was an owl, and you'd open the little cap and perfume was inside.  Shout out to the 70's!  Middle top is laced with all things eighty.  Top far left?

Aqua Net + Gangsta = Enough said.  Bangzzzz for dayyyzzzz and dayyyzzzz

Happy Tuesday my little lovers.  Make the rest of this beautiful day a great one. And wish my parents a big

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 

Happy Anniversary Mike and Pam! 

Big LOVE,

Little Lisa Lynn.

Metal, Music and Motels-

First off, I'd like to say that this Valentines Weekend will go down in our history books as THE BEST-

I woke up on Saturday morning to coffee, and a little slice of sunshine. Bill ran over to his Dad's to cook a sweet little breakfast while I enjoyed some quiet time.  Hair, makeup, and a little time to read on the patio. Just me, and no "rushed" schedule.  Just the perfect start to a perfect day. 

Soon he'd return back home, and we'd be on the road to Palm Springs.  Landing here:
Dr. George's Car Show-  Over a thousand cars.  Covered in sunshine, with grass at your feet.  A nice crowd, with oldies playing in the background.  Stella beer in hand, and off we'd go---

We've been to many many car shows.  Some super big, and some super small.  This one will go down as a favorite. Look at this bad ass Merc!

Hey pretty girl!

Once a favorite, always a favorite- VW for life baby...

Big wet kisses baby...

slick dude right there...

Yes, please.

Holla!

This blue is one of my favorites...

Picnic basket in the back filled with wine....

You can guarantee that we are headed back next year.  With our truck.  Until then, man...cheers to this event!

Proud to be an AMERICAN!

LOVE these gangsta cars.  Melt my soul. It sure melted that dudes soul. 

You often wonder how people feel that sold their cars back in the day to see them flourish again now.  How many people have kicked their own asses for letting some of these go. 

Love this clean color.  A reminder of a friend of ours that had one of these, only a fleetside, and popped his oil pan in Havasu at our gate.  One of the best laughs that weekend-for US.  When outta no-where a street sweeper would make his way through our complex.  We've NEVER seen that sweeper again since. HA! 

I'm laughing out loud right now just posting these!

And just like that, these dudes show up. 

 Anyway, moving on....Hey Mellow Yellow-----

Kristine Y., this was a tribute to "I Love Lucy"- Made me think of you....

The main idea of this little quick trip was a surprise from my lover-  Bill booked us out there for a concert to see "BAD COMPANY"-  We've never stayed out there, and he figured it would be the perfect little get-away.  Thought this last aisle was a real reminder of my LOVE for Bad Company, and just how much fun the next few hours would in fact be. 

Yes, Bad Co. We are comin' for ya!

This couple looked so cute cruisin' out in this sexy beast.  Swoon.

I can't wait to head back next year.  For any of our car and truck enthusiast friends, this show is a must.  Trust me- To walk around on fresh grass, cruise along under the sunshine....bliss!

We've always wondered what The Yard House was like in Palm Desert, and well, Steele, it was pretty good! Service was stellar. Those margarita's that fine dude made us, well..whew.

The entire week before heading there, Bill kept mentioning how when he was trying to book the room there was "nothing" else, and all the rooms were booked everywhere but here.  The Quality Inn. Motel--- So, of course me the hotel snob started freaking out.  Whatever you do, if you are a hotel snob, don't trip advise a motel or hotel of this magnitude.  You will have the weezies all week.  I didn't take my own pillow that goes with me EVERYWHERE.  I line the bathroom floor, I take wipies for the door knobs, and faucets.  I. AM.A.FREAK.   When we arrived, we both knew.  I just decided to NOT complain.  That little bottle of Hennessy on the bed was a perfect concert starter.  We go big! HA!

We also wondered if Paul would play any and all of Bad Co. songs.  

He didn't disappoint.  Being front row will always be the way to my heart.  HA! And lungs.  Even though the guy to our right asked the girls next to us to "please sit down"-  

Who in the hell on this Green Planet would EVER sit their butts down AT A CONCERT!  A Bad Company concert.  Where the entire place was singing and dancing.  WHO?!  Freak.  He needed to return back to the library.   Bye Bye Felicia.  Bye!

"I'm ready for LOVE"  

 BEST concert honey, THANK YOU!  After the concert that night as we headed out back into the smokey casino-ew- we pass by this venue night club that we hear our dance music from the eighties.  Immediately I made a sharp turn to my right and landed at a seat for two.  Where we ended our night dancing until 2am. HA!  Don't worry kids, we'd soon be at Jack-n-the-box ordering tacos, fries, cokes, burgers. Double HA!

Here's where silly gets silly. For those that know me, "hello Kris and Kali" know that I have an extremely silly smart ass side.  But more silly than smart ass.  As we arrived back to our ghetto shelter for the night, Bill turned to close our door, but the door wouldn't shut.  After several attempts.  Shoves, pushes, slams, and finally a swift kick- THE.DOOR.WOULD.NOT.SHUT.   So, I decide to call The Front Desk.  As I start to explain "um, hi, we're in room 226...then blahhhh hahhaaahaha"  I couldn't finish.  I started laughing so hard that I tried to hand the phone to Bill, who is laughing with me.  Long story short, of my laughter induced call that had to finally just hang up and chalk it up as "that lady is crazy in room 226"-
We slept with JUST THAT LITTLE METAL CLAMP THING TO KEEP IT CLOSED!  We are on the second story right where the ghetto stairs meet the top.  In Indio people.  I.N.D.I.O-  Asleep at 3, and awake at 6.  We hightailed it home.  To our own big ol' bath tub, and cozy bed.  Life would be much better in two hours.  As of yet, the manager hasn't returned my call.  Don't worry -  I haven't got to the bottom of that yet. Although that laugh will go down as another freak move on my part.  Just look at that door!  HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Thank you Bill for such a fun day and night away.  Partying with you will always be my favorite.  The few things we love in this life is music, metal, and making out. jk.  totally just kidding- well not really, but man what a weekend!  I hope you all have a great week.  Do what you love, and be true to YOU-

ROCK STEADY KIDS!

Book a concert, and go DANCE.  If you sit, we can't be friends-

Big love, 

This Seagull who flies...and got stung by cupid- boom.

xo

Leese

And remember you CAN survive in a motel, especially with me and laughter. 

PS. For any of my Bad Co. friends, guess where he's playing next?  Doheny Music Festival on May 16! (Michelle Ramirez, in your hood girl!)

I say, let's saddle up and GO-  come on you little shooting stars!