For the last few months, most especially during the holidays, our type of business takes a punch in the gut. Back in the day the most natural way a consumer would find us would be by magazine.
Hot Trucks, Truckin', Mini Truckin just to name a few would adorn the newsstands and book shelves. Folks would get their monthly subscription, and the calls would roll in. We'd attend shows with high intentions of really showing off the newest and fanciest.
Fast forward 20 years later, and the world is knee deep in an affair with social media. The life of trees would be saved as the world became dependent on that shining little computer or phone in their hands.
No more magazines.
No more displays in every corner "Kustom Shop".
We'd have stores all over the USA, along with Australia, and all throughout Europe. I can so perfectly remember my favorite customer in Italy.
We still sell and distribute all over the world, don't get me wrong.
There's just many different avenues and rivers one must take to get there.
For us, it's shows.
I won't lie to you and say it's super fun getting up at the crack o' dawn to flat iron my frizzy hair, so I can cruise down the freeway in 45-degree-cold-morning weather with no windows in my lovers custom truck. At 7:00AM. Because really, I'd prefer to sip coffee and saturate my own self with that little screen of light in my face.
However, there is something about the vibe of the show. The kind hearted ol' car and truck lovin people that arrive. With their groups, chairs in a circle. EZ Up's and ice chests. The smiling faces of yet another "National Anthem" playing while we all stand in salute. The many war veterans I witness each time. Their hats as a trophy.
I never miss an opportunity to give my thanks as I pass. The wives that are there because they've endured many many chapters together.
The shiny cars with fancy wheels, and sometimes not. Because hey, different strokes for different folks.
The oldies but goodies that play in the background. The food trucks that serve everything from snow cones to garlic fries. (I had garlic fries)
The raffle tickets sold by the many people whom run the show. This particular show held at a church in Whittier. Proceeds from this particular show would go to the fallen police officer that was murdered by that creature last week. I mean, what the hell was he? Creature of slime from the sewer.
There was a bounce house and face painting for the kids, for free.
The one event coordinator "Bob" that continued to make his way around a show with close to 800 cars, and every time I'd hear him greet people with sheer love, "hey good to see you, thanks for coming out" it made my heart melt even more. Every corner I'd turn, I'd see the holy cross. And each time I'd keep thinking...."signs Lisa, signs".
I know I've digressed. A whole bunch.
But this show was good.
And while we're out trying to survive and push business and keep our name out there, think of us as you hear of someone lookin' for a fiberglass piece.
Just ask, if it's not listed, we do custom work!
As I sling my flyers in and out of old trucks, I keep reminding myself....you are your advertisement. Get out there girl. Go.
Here's a few of my favorites.
The sticker says it all.....
Tina, remember going to the movies and fighting over who could have the speaker closest to them? But not before playing on the playground because mom and dad "wanted us to go play" LOL
Now this thing....I mean, come on. Teal top, and all white. S.E.X.Y.
VW forever and ever amen. This thing was all original. I couldn't help but stick my big nose in the little side window to get a whiff of the original vw leather seats. I can remember being scrunched down with a surfboard over my head as a little girl. Holding my brown bag filled with a Laura Scudder's peanut butter and honey sandwich cruising down PCH. Which is now dog beach.
All too too good. MEMORIES-
Gaylord told me one time....."you don't want one of those, that's a rattle box" HAHAHA!
This paint job was one of my favorites. And I'm not an orange type of girl...but this thing. dang
One of my favorite classic cars in general.
Who cares if it rattles......
Just turn the music up a little louder...who's with me?
How was your weekend?
Our Saturday night rolled into catching a friend Lowel play at our local watering hole.
Nothing like huggin our six pack and listening to some classic rock and roll.
The best part is we didn't party hard which meant for a good Sunday filled with mama's homemade soup- I did substitute pork sausage for spicy turkey sausage.
My plea to have Bill watch the Oscars with me worked but I fell sound asleep at 6:30pm last night and didn't wake until 5:15am this morning. First time in 2 years you guys.
I was so thankful this morning I actually teared up cruising over the bridges on PCH this morning.
Little hills of victory. Little things in life we all take for granted.
Moments like that where I felt 100% relaxed. Safe. Cozy.
And I knew my kids were too.
Happy Birthday Regina Rosas! 21!! Can I get a woop woop!!
Happy Birthday Riki Lynn! 17! Where'd the time go?
I wish you good health, good moments, and lots of peace. Most especially health you two beautiful birdies. We love you!
To the rest of you, keep going. And never stop working hard. Even if it's for peace. For you. And for the world. A smile goes a million miles deep. In someones heart. Even at first it's hard to get them to break it back to you. Eventually they will.
NEVER GIVE UP!
This Mama Lisa
ps. My oldest birdie has been in Texas for the last 4 days for a truck show. To say he's experiencing all the little beautiful things life has to offer is an understatement. I say, go live. Go heal. Go learn. Go spread love. And good times.
pss. My littlest birdie is learning the ropes of work, school, quizzes, love, life and friendships.
With an amazing boyfriend at her side.
Our latest and greatest is her request to study abroad. In Florence Italy. For 4 months.
My last words, let's talk about it.
Because just yesterday she was a freshman in high school.
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