Selective...

A reminder that our full moon is in full force for the next couple of days.  If you haven't felt the pull, just stop and look around.  Maybe you'll find a friend in need.  Melt downs and overwhelmed feelings with life. The reminders are all over social media. So many of us in the grind of life just trying to get through the pull.   It's the time of month that is just that. It's a pull.  I've watched this cycle since I was a teenager.  As an adult I tend to be more aware.  As much as I sound and look like a hippie, it's my belief. 

So today, and tomorrow, all the way through til Friday.....Breathe people, breathe.  Text a friend, or go sit and listen.  Let things go that are withering up your spine.  Stay away from the negative.  Go for a walk. 

Sit alone, and read.  Find something positive to look up to.  It's there I promise. Pray, or meditate.

Be selective in your battles.  Sometimes PEACE is better than being right.

I read this today.

Breathe in and breathe out. 

I promise, every little thing is gonna be alright. (Unless it's shark week for you, like real legit shark week, well...then you're screwed. jk)

Big love, and PEACE to you.

Go spread smiles, and kindness- I promise it will ease your own soul. Even when a human is rude.  Try hard to hand back kindness. 

ps.  My Kali is 1000% overwhelmed with a summer Algebra/Calc class she is taking, and it is taking every grain in her soul to get through it.  This morning was no different, just a little more tense.  

I made her a favorite salad, topped it with a note, reminding her today when she pulls into her one and only safe haven "home"...that everything is gonna be alright.  She'll get through it. I just know it. 

This Mama Lisa

The Hardest Chapter.

One year ago.  Today.

If you've said good-bye to a loved one, this hits close to home. 

It was hard to muster up words to Bill about today.  

But I did.  

With a picture...

She's missed by many. 

I hope to say I will see her again.  Along with the many other awesome people we've said "so long" to.

Life is so fragile. 

Call your loved ones. 

Never regret the fun while you can. 

Live the life you love, and love the life you live.

May peace be with you all.

Lisa

As They Say.

"You entered our family at my Mother's side with wisdom and patience, though of your flesh I was not conceived, you cared and filled an empty need."

  I will be the first to tell you, we are a family filled with love yet made from hard work and years of working together. It's been that way since the day he landed on my nest of three. I'm sure our blended life wasn't always easy for this fine man.  As a matter of fact, I can remember many moments with a truck full of boys, as Kris was allowed to take a friend or two to the lake, and the energy alone could fuel the truck. My busy boy bouncing from one thing to the next.  I would watch Bill through my sunglasses with sheer amazement.  I was most certain he'd finally toss the towel in, and just run.

Or the moments that Kali would embark on a melt down.  Tears flowing because her hair didn't come out right, or her clothes "hurt"-  Or when he would ask her to not touch something while out, and she would most definitely touch it the second he turned his eye.  He'd catch her, and the circle of frustration would go on and on. It was those moments that I would shiver with nervousness.  Again, just waiting for this bachelor dude to pack it up and bail.  And yet, he stuck it out with me. With us.  

I can remember one time so well--We pulled into pick up the boat at the river.  Two boys, and a little girl. It's 110 out, and despite my promises of ice-cream all the way down Rice Road, it was all I could do to keep them calm enough for my bachelor lover. He never ever peeped a word. Some way, and some how we all just managed. Each trip.  On this particular day as we pulled in to town, I made the request to stop at the liquor store for well deserved popcicles.   

The look on his face as Kali stood there with her little braids, and orange and green slime from a push-up dripping down her little arms. Kris and Cody standing there armed with huge Sponge Bob gumball laced eyes ice-creams.  All arms, all faces, covered with ice-cream. I will never ever forget the look on Bill's face. At that point I couldn't muster up any words. Bill included.  Again, he never peeped a word.

Of course I carried wipies, along with extra everything you can possibly imagine.
I kept my bag of tricks in check.  At. All. Times.
There was another time we drove on a Friday evening all the way to Carmel for a wedding.  9 hours players. NINE.
Kris started reading the first Harry Potter book, well over 300 pages.
Finishing as we returned home on Sunday.
I had those trips all figured out with those little people.

The sum of all these explanations is this man never complained, and never left.  He has more patience than I have had in my entire life-time.  He just does. 
 Bill walked my walk. With me. 

The weeks, months and years turned into where we are today.
He's the man with a title that organically turned to "Dad"-
His notion that if "mama is happy, everybody is happy" is a great mantra.
He's always made me feel loved.

I truly couldn't wait for the day that both kids would feel free to call him that title.  I never knew if he truly wanted to hear it, or if it would appear organically. 

And throughout the years I've come to know this man as my best friend.  My true soul mate.  And my confidant.  Even when I have a double chin in pictures.  He loves me. So lucky me, right?

Kris, Kali and I have been lucky enough to have him in our nest. 

Bill, I love you. 

The kids love you.  Fathers Day never felt so good.

And we thank you for sticking it out with us.  More than you may ever know.  Even when I tell you just how rad you are.  Often.

You really are.  

And I am still madly in love with you.

Cheers to the weekend kids!

LLS

The Simple, Yet Busy Days.

Each time I open up an old picture folder I am reminded how simple our days are now, in comparison to braids, bows, car seats, strollers, tired legs and melt downs.  Applying sunblock to the little cheeks, while hearing about how bad it burned her eyes. How she wanted to watch Matilda over and over and over again.  

The days of which were long, yet so short when I flip back through the chapters. 

How I used to look forward to her naps.  She'd suck her thumb no matter where we were, and no matter who was watching. She simply did.not.care. It kept her zen in zen mode, that's all there was to it.

I always wanted her to grow to be strong, and most important..independent-  That is a virtue that I hold dear to MY heart, therefore I've always hoped for that trait in her. A simple reminder that we all must take care of ourselves first.  With that trait, to never expect another human to be responsible for your health, happiness, and financials.  Period. A firm reminder from a dear friend of mine (Kyoko)-"One can have many things taken from them, but you can NEVER have your earned college degree taken"

Just last night we had a very long discussion about things that are lingering over her head. About life. About relationships.  About love.  About friends.  About goals, and where she wants to be.  Her number is 26.  I don't know what it means, or what it will prove, but the number 26 is so important to her.  She's a very hard working student.
As I was getting ready for work on Tuesday, I was having a hard morning due to a sleepless night.  If you know me, I will most always smile and give love to my kids, even when the tides are pushing me.

I always show and give love, unless you're an asshole, well then you deserve to be treated like an asshole.  Tuesday was no different. Only this time she looked at me and said-
"Mom, what's wrong"-

I looked at her and said..."I'm just tired Kali"-  She knows all too well.  She will have to push through this life.  Working  hard like her parents. It's life.
She will make a path that she is responsible for.  She's taking a summer class to help the process of school later.  She gets me.  She gets things.

Kali, I hope you dance, and most certainly hope you remember your roots.  I hope you give love, and receive it like it's suppose to be. I hope you can always remember the love you felt.  Not the material.
You are a gift.
You are a miracle.
You are our daughter.
You are a sister.

You are important.

Remember your roots.


Happy Wednesday!

Spread kindness, remember this world needs you, and your smiles-

Lisa Lynn

Slices Of Love and Sunshine

Well another weekend in the books.  This one felt unusually peaceful. Funny how the celebration of Fathers Day made my day feel that much more relaxed and peaceful. Maybe it's because in my earlier days I kind of felt like I took on the role as Mama and Dad.  Although we showered Bill with all the deserved glory, I basked in the ray of sunshine just as much. 

I called my Dad on Sunday morning, and it took everything in my being to not get a knot in my throat. I purposely called while we boated over to Gaylord's to feed him breakfast so the motor would drown out any knotted throat. Dad, I miss you and just a good long hug.

My sister and I had dinner on Friday night, and we reminisced about our childhood, and especially the wild antics our Dad created in our home.  Don't get me wrong, our house was filled with more love than I have felt from anyone, or anywhere since.  (Except you Bill, you show me a different kind of welcoming love, but we all know this, right? good.)

I inherited my unconditional love for many things.  I inherited my talent for turning up the music when I drink alcohol induced drinks.  I inherited my lack of patience for bullshit.  I inherited the desire to spread kindness when and where it's least expected.  I inherited his desire of knowledge.  Especially the need to soak up nature, and it's beautiful angles. 

Our Dad is a strong Dad.  He's a wise man with stories of wisdom.  He loves his family, he loves music, and he loves loves loves our Mom. 

He loves animals more than I think we all really know. 

I wanted to post this picture on Instagram on Sunday. I love it because it's so raw.  It's so him.  It pretty much sums up my Dad in a huge sea shell.  OR how bout' we call it flowery goodness-

I am constantly reminded that life is fast.  Love while you can.  Give where you can give.  And don't ever take the life of another for granted, because we see way too often just how fast they can be gone.  Many times throughout my day I thought of the many people that don't have that chance to call their Dad anymore.  

Stay grateful kids. Stay grateful. 

I'll be sure to contribute my next gushy post to Bill.  We had quite the lovely Sunday with him. 

As they say--  Gotta tilt your hat to a man that walks into a woman's life with a nest of her own. 

But more on that later....

I love you Dad.  Hope your gift arrives soon, because I am so flaky and sent it on a Friday, and you know how that mountain timing works. Dammit-

Love to you all-

This Mama, and Daughter Lisa

ps. little trivia about my dad...he texts' me and refers to me as #2, and in serious conversations will end them in LOL, which he thinks means "lots of love"- This combo makes me laugh out loud each time. Like a whole hearted chuckle.  I am referred to as poop, and he's laughing out loud.  HAHAHAHA! I know I shouldn't spill the beans, because when he reads this, I'm sure the lol's and the #2 might get re-nig'd.  farts.  Dad, please don't stop. ever.

Sights. Sounds. Smells. Of Summer.....

It all starts with the signs and warnings of Summer- Wedding, graduations, 4th of July decorations and summer celebrations. We hear the sounds of lawnmowers on a Saturday morning....

Just last night as I was watering my plants out back, I smell the aroma of burning wood.  Each year our neighbor must light up a chiminea style bbq type thing filled with real wood, and let me just say, if they only knew the fuel it feeds my summer lovin soul....
What they also don't realize is that aroma I smell each year is a reminder of many things.
From long days, and warm nights to flip flops and ice cream cones. 
It means sitting on our porch longer, and basking at the end of the dock just a little longer.
It's dreaming and wishing right along with the tides.

This weeks Wine Wednesday at the Yacht Club was a little more sunshiny. 

 The vibe was everything "hello Summer"

It yelled from the roof top "WELCOME SUMMER"

You see it was THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.....

Even as an adult, I feel the excitement for them, and for the responsible peer to all those kids.

And to be lucky enough to spend the afternoon and evening at the YC with this slide blasting you into the pool, well it's just that--- Lucky. 

Clean out those back packs, or toss em in the trash.  Lunch pails put in the bottom cupboard for maybe, just maybe some summer use.  Sunblock out in full force.  The dodging we did while at the pool without anymore little kids in our nests...it was all too familiar.  The chatter of happiness could be heard for the entire time us Mama's sat poolside.  It was all too good.  The occasional tired melt down as a mama would escort them to a chair.  

We enjoyed our wine. We enjoyed catching up like we do.  We enjoyed our same spot, yet different new year. As each one of us pulled in from our long day at work, it was comforting to know summer is here.

What signs remind you of summer? 

For me, it's water side with friends, watching the sun go down. It's blessing each cheer with a...

"Everything's gonna be alright"  It's reminding myself that it's okay to stay out on a weeknight. That it's okay to ride our bikes to dinner.  And maybe even stopping at our local dive bar for a cold one.  It's bbq and good salads.  It's fresh fruit, especially watermelon.

Its waiting to see the moon.

Its friendships.  Hey Shelllllll!

Hey Sandy!!!

Hey Maria!!!

And a big fat HEY RUSS!  Hope the wind in your sail was just enough -----

It's being extra thankful because the last few nights have had a bank of fog greet us just off the freeway...

It's wrapping your jacket over your shoulders, soon putting it on...

It's Southern California Coastal Summer, kids. That's what this is. 

SUMMERTIME

"Here's to the nights when the sand is your seat and the waves kiss your feet"

Some of best memories are made in flip flops...

Happy Weekend Friends....

xo

Peace to you.

Lisa Lynn

Love, Cake, and Ink....

On Saturday we celebrated my little cousin London.  

Chapter Five.

 Listen you guys, she was just born. 

How could she be 5--

After arriving at some place called Jungle...something, tucked away in an industrial park, we'd walk into Arena One.  Where the bounce houses were of abundance, and the childhood energy could be felt, and heard. Family soon approaching us with hugs and kisses.  Love could be felt, which is the best part of gathering. Anywhere. Even Jungle places- But that cake up there?  Oh. Man.  I'm embarrassed to admit, I had to ask what the little animals are called. Like what's the new theme up in here these days.  I was seasoned in the Ninja Turtle phase, mixed in with the rear popularity of Dora The Explorer. 

 What I am NOT proud of, is my lack of photog skillz to get this chica to look my way.  And don't be fooled, she knew I was trying to snap.  Little booger. 

 And so I got this. (hey I think that doll is staring my way though...so..)

 Oh the innocence. 

 And this.

And this sweet one.  Ava darling....

The cuteness overload, was on point.  I mean, these little kids, sitting patiently. All well mannered. Celebrating this sweet sugar.  One thing she is, is adorable..London, your personality is unlike any other. Your witty tone is just what the world needs.  Don't ever look back you little star.  I hope you shine bright for many many many years to come.  I love you so so much.  We all do. So much.  

What an honor to celebrate FIVE years with you. And I can't wait to share the many pictures I failed to get of you one day.  You just wait.  

From cake, jungles, braids, and bows to- INK

This was Ink-N-Iron's last year in LB. 

I planned to go Friday to rock out to Pennywise.  However after arriving home from work on Friday I decided a night in was exactly what my mind, body and soul needed. My work days consist of answering many questions, many phones, along with the seasoned surprises that pop up in daily work living. 

It's all part of the chapters.  But some-day's....I'm like...nah. This girl needs to chill.

Bill and I just had the discussion about this last night how we love to 

get away. Especially alone. I truly believe it's because

we both row in the same business boat. 

Don't get me wrong, I put a premium on good times. 

Punk rock, or any live band for that matter, sign me up. 

Is it Chapter Forty Five pinching me in the butt? 

Maybe yes, and maybe no. 

Anyway...

 Both days, Saturday and Sunday Bill and I had lunch at Yard House.  Saturday we dined, and I dropped him off. Poor dude would get home at 1am, and back up to head over again.

 Sunday, we arrived back at YH- As we walk in, two seats left open at the full super full bar.  Um, two Cadillac Marg's with salt on the rocks, please-and thanks. 

 As we walked into the last Ink-n-Iron I felt this overwhelming feeling of peace.  As though the phase reached its peak.  The natural fruition in clothing of this sort is coming to a respectful close.  The cars will always rock my world.  The punk live music will always draw me to the stage.  I don't even care who's playing.  I am captivated.  I love the feel in my chest.  The sound of drums, and bass, and amplifying.."whatever"-  I love it.  thanks dad. 

 Imagine cruising side by side in this beauty with yo lova- I mean....really. 

Look at those custom headlights...

 S.E.X.Y.

It's been a good run with Fatal, and Ink-n-Iron. We've built some amazing memories there.  With friends, bands, drinks, people watching....bacon wrapped hot dogs.  ha.

I did say people watching....right?

 If any of you follow Bill on Instagram, he posted a picture on Saturday of a healthy gal by his truck.  I died laughing because this BIG FAT SAUSAGE sign was above.  Don't know why the sillies catch me at the worse times.  (ps-public clause: Bill has an employee that moderates the IG account for Fatal, in case you think it's him that is so on top of the "hot" section of this world-he's not-so you can sleep better family)

Oh the memories! We've climbed those stairs many many oh so many times heading to The Upper Deck Bar in search of good drinks, awesome views and good company.  To all of our friends, Kris' friends, our family, and memories we made there.  Cheers!  

Some of my other favorite shows were the Burlesque shows.  Full bodied beautiful women dancing so beautiful for the crowd.  That, I will miss.

 There is a definite Kulture Klash. But that's what made that place so rad.  The uniqueness.  The don't care, just wanna wear this to this place and listen to this music, and get tatted where ever, and when ever who cares type of thing. It's all good. And I will miss it.  Especially with those we partied there with. 

Sean, Jerry, Danny, Kris, and ALL his fun friends...Those were the days.

As the evening was coming to a close, and Bill and stood up above finishing our beer.  We just stood in silence.  This is it, I said.  Thanks for the memories you beautiful mother ship. 

 He said "hun we'll be back"---

Not sure I will.

"We don't remember days, we remember moments"

BIG FAT CHEERS INK-N-IRON, MOTHER SHIP QUEEN MARY AND TO ALL THE VENDORS WE'VE MET THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.  You were so good to us. And we will forever be very grateful.   Well, except for the shuttle lines with drunk folk, we will just forget that part, now won't we.

Happy Tuesday kids-

Keep your eye on the prize, and don't look back. 

xo

This Mama Lisa