Spreading The Word.

For those of you who've been in the fight, are in the fight, or know someone who's fought the wicked C word, you know just how important blood transfusions, platelets and the need for blood supplies are.  

It's life saving.  

City Of Hope is in dire need of PLATELETS.  It's the thickener of our blood.  It's also what drops the most while in chemo treatment.  

If you can donate, here's the link.

Donate Blood/Platelets at City Of HOPE

Thank you, from all of me-

Lisa

Sunshine And Saturdays

Here's to another week in the books.  On the shelf.  Written for history.  

I hope you can love like you've never been hurt.

I hope you can smile through the darkness.

And mostly, I hope you can breathe when the air gets too thick. 

Happy Weekend to you folks.  As for me and my exhausted body...well...I'll wrestle with sheets both day and night.  I'll plan my meals. I'll sort whites from our colors.  I'll wipe and scrub.  I'll reorganize and purge.  Mostly, I'll keep on keepin on. 

You can watch these beautiful bald Eagles on their nest in Big Bear California.

Something I find so bitchen *did I just type bitchen, yes I did---

Bald Eagles Live In Big Bear CA

And listen to this tune...

Society.....

Best of all, I'll be with those I love.

This Mama Lisa 

The Songs That Move Me.

Well, here we are...Friday Eve. Friday= The most precious day of the week.  Closing out another long, fruitful, hard-worked, paper slangin', phone call riddled week. 

Thursday.

A had a couple rough mornings this week. For me, after a toss-n-turn night, I wake up pondering on the worth of my self in this life.  All the hard work that has brought me to the moment in time. 

Grogginess can do that to ya.  It can filter the bad from the good.  It can make us stare off to space in a fog.  Trauma in this life has a wicked way of creepin' back in.  At moments and nights you'd least expect it.  The middle of the night rollercoaster panics.  The stupid what-if's.  

Knowing full well, I have no control-

And so I just pray.

I pray we can all ride in this fun bus one day.

And laugh our tails off.

I pray that Heaven is a better place than, at times, here on Earth.

Counting my blessings of an amazing partner in my life.  Counting my blessings for my girlfriends.  My bookends.  Counting my blessings for two amazing kids. 

Counting my blessings for the able body to manage to "continue to swim" even at times I want to plop out of the water and quit. 

I hope this week was good to you kids.  These white fluffy clouds passing by surely make me remember Spring time and it's beautiful value.  The green grasses we pass by.  The smell of that cut grass.  The flowers in bloom in places no one intended for them to be.  

Text messages from friends afar (Kerri, my homie in Oklahoma whom is currently transporting life saving Stem Cells as I type this blog post) I know first hand how that family feels.  Anticipating a road they never wanted to go down, but had to go down, and now they praise that bag of cells.  With no guarantee of what tomorrow brings, and yet the anxious waves come and go. 

Thursday.

I hope you gather with those you love. And if  you can't gather with those you love, I hope you can find small glimmers of happiness in something.  Flowers.  Wine.  Food.  A good book.  Or songs that move you.....

Happy Thursday ---

Great song-  

Listen To The Lion

And all my love come down
All my love come tumblin' down
All my love come tumblin' down
All my love come tumblin' down
Oh, listen listen
To the lion
Oh, listen listen listen
To the lion
Inside of me
Oh, oh, oh

And I shall search my soul
I shall search my very soul
And I shall search my very soul
I shall search my very soul

For the lion
For the lion
For the lion
For the lion
Inside of me
Oh, oh, yeah

And all my tears have flown
All my tears like water flown
And all my tears like water flown
All my tears like a water flown

Always listen to the lion kids....

This Mama Lisa

Truth.

In this day and age I tend to judge in the Customer Service Dept. more than ever.  And the reason behind this is simple and real.  I serve customers. I am front-n-center each and every day. I serve a clientele of humans that demand a quality part for their truck that is something more important to them than other articles in their lives.  

When you step into the Classic Truck arena these animals are true animals when protecting their "babes".

Today I chatted with one of my favorite customers.  "Stuart".  

Stuart lives down in Carlsbad with his wife whom he speaks so highly of (makes me love him even more).

We've serviced him a few times throughout the years.  This last time was merely a repair.  A "Facelift" so-to-speak on his Ford truck. 

He called me last month of news that his truck was stolen. 

A truck that served his family throughout the years.  Taking their prized boat to and from Lake Tahoe for an annual family trip.  Something he felt the kids grew out of, but went along because they must have sensed his sentimental value in it all. 

The first thing he mentioned, and the reason for his call was to let me know if anyone shows up with his truck for repairs, parts, etc, to call him immediately.  

I nodded, and heard him out.  But mostly felt his sad violated loss.  He remembers watching a guy casing their home around Superbowl Sunday.  The guy carried an Ipad, and later found out after the police informed him it's the new way they're breaking into trucks/cars.  They can copy the codes and somehow get them open. 

One of the things I loved while talking to him, was his demeanor in appreciating our customer service.

Instead of feeling "entitled" (wowza do I see this more than ever these days...) He shared recipes with me.  We talked kids, we talked gardening, and we talked family.  

He thanked me, and later sent me by US MAIL, some recipes.  Both I will cherish forever. 

A lesson I learn year after year is receiving back the love you give. 

Stuart Bailey is one heck-of-a customer and although I won't be servicing his truck any longer, I can say he's got a friend in me for years to come- He's turning 75, had to sell their boat as that truck was the only thing that would tow it, and it's not worth investing in a boat at this point (SAD!) - He said he'll stop by sooner or later.

I certainly hope so.

I read this post and it shines bright in my eyes.

Hope your Tuesday is filled with Taco's or Tito's.  Or a tall glass of iced water and lemon. 

As for me and my soul, I am exhausted on my no-sleep train....

My girlfriend Cindy Dutton said to me over the weekend that it really never gets better, you just learn to deal with it.  

 F word.  

Pictured : Me at 2am fixing the world.  Or at least helping my little family--

Peace to you.

This Mama Lisa 

Caring is free

In the short run, of course, not caring can save you some money. 

Don't bother making the facilities quite so clean. Save time and hassle and let the display get a little messy. Don't worry so much about one particular customer, because you're busy and hiring more people takes time and money.

But in the long run, caring pays for itself.

Caring is expensive, but it also generates loyalty and word of mouth.

In the long run, an organization that puts in extra effort gets rewarded. 

Not to mention that caring makes us all more human. Worth it.

Natural Happy.

A Boy And His Chicken

So So Cute....

The second video cracked me up, wondering if that Rooster was gonna womp on him. HAHA!

Hope your Monday is good....

Peace,

This Mama Lisa

Compassion.

If you feel the desire and CAN help this dedicated animal family, it's worth every penny if you ask me.

Compassion Without Borders

A partly cloudy weekend. Such is the pattern of life these days.
And just like all those we've stepped through, the sunny, and sometimes hot and warm ones will pass through soon. Sooner than we may even expect.
So soak up the cloudy cooler ones.

Cuddle bug jamboree-

Happy Saturday~

This Mama Lisa

Fri-nally.

Happy weekend kids. 

Hope you are basking in the tiny bit of sunshine that has been rolling through.  Even with cooler temperatures, find that beam of light, and go stand in it--

I am exhausted. 

I am able.

But I am mentally exhausted....

I know when to hold em and I know when to fold em. And this weekend might be my weekend to just fold em....

I just won't be foldin' any fitted sheets. HAHAHA

Roll that shiz up. 

This Mama Lisa

Happy Birthday Evelyn....

xoxo

Hang on tight to the forties rope, it's slipping away faster than we ever thought it would, right?

Good luck to my cousin Mike in the LA Marathon!

His story is one worth admiring.

Recovered addict, kickin' ass n' taking names, and loving the best parts of his life.

His family. His body. His soul. His work.

YOU, my cuz, are moving mountains in the best way.

love you, miss you.

Favorite Season.

A few months back I purged like a mad-woman.  Clearing out my old hutch, closets, and some desk drawers.  Stuffed into those pieces of furniture were years and years of holiday decor.  I had an abundance of Halloween goods. (now that my kiddo's are grown, I didn't put anything out)

I have had St. Patty's, Christmas, etc. 

And then there was Easter.  I donated a handful of my stash. 

Feeling the regret this month.

Easter has always been my favorite. It's a fresh season.  The sun in shining a little longer.  Everything is green.  The sights and smells of Easter are just beautiful to me.

The whole thing about Lent has always intrigued me and yet I've never given anything up.  Just admire those who do.  Especially those who give up wine.  *take a bow to you.

Can we just stare at his ears a little longer?

 My taste has changed a tiny bit, but I do regret my favorite little candy dish that both kids would snatch the jelly beans from.  

Like why didn't I just keep it?

I hope today is better for you all.  The full moon energy sincerely kicked my ass.  Shark week is on my radar, as the pimple on my forehead is in clear view.

My lower back is falling off.

I will eat you if you stop long enough for me to take a bite.

Actually if you're not salty or sweet, I most likely won't.

Stay loyal.  Stay true.  To you.

And sip good wine.  

Hard work deserves good wine.

Forever and ever amen. 

This Mama Lisa

[Go back and look at that baby's ears one more time.  You're welcome. K bye.]

Am I More Than Just A Sum Of Every High And Every Low.

Here's another thing about me. 

I often speak my mind, and dwell on my words later.

Best thing that comes with age, is you tend to move on pretty quickly.

When I post on my blog, I do it from my heart.

I've been to Hell and back a few times throughout my almost forty nine years.

And my soul is just beaten down.

I try to be the kind one.

I try to love the hardest.

I've been this kind of human since I was a little girl. The peacemaker in our home between both parents and my sister. 

I would, however, stand up and take no shit as a kid, and still don't. 

Kris said last night "Mom, it's all good we've been apart for 2 years"

And I get that totally.  

My point is, the weirdness of social media and the need to share things so quickly with others really whom either could care less to see, or don't need to see. 

That's all. 

We don't follow her for that reason.  New boyfriend she went back to.  Happy for her. 

New baby on the way, happy days for her.

Kris and the family have moved on.

And yet, I still love her!

We share some amazing memories together as a family.  We used to dream of them getting married, and having babies..

Time moved on, life moved on, hearts changed stations, and chapters closed.

Good ones will continue to open...

The dogs would lay/sit with Kris for days at a time while he was weak, or not feeling well.

I never want to come off rude to any of those I love.  Can we just group hug and understand the ripple effects of social media?  Of the little things in this life we can filter and just not share?

That's all. 

I LOVE YOU!

I just can't take on more bullshit.

Cheers?

CHEERS! 

I'll just keep dreaming of sunny days at the lake.  I'll keep dreaming of hugging my dude while watching a sunset.  I'll keep working my ass of to afford the opportunities we deserve.

Even if just playing "My car-your-car" on a roadside somewhere.....

Summer time is coming.  Good times with good friends.  

 What I've learned in these Forty Nine years.....

Early Thirty Something Year Old Lisa  #whiteglasses

This song is one of my favorites right now.  It's a Christian song.  It makes me feel happy every time I hear it.  I hope you can enjoy it too.  

"I've taken all I have an laid it at His feet"

Happy Wednesday!  Did any of you get rain? 

This Mama Protector, Lover and Teapot of a human-

Lisa Lynn

You Say

You Say

Lauren Daigle

I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe

The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity, (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
Oh, I believe

Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at Your feet
You have every failure God, and You'll have every victory, (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe

Oh I believe (I), yes I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
Oh I believe (oh)

Gentle Reminder.

Another reminder for you humans out there. 

This rolls right along with text messages. 


The universe will eventually present what is needed.....

Right?

I love my family.  And I love my friends.  But if it's not useful, don't send information about an ex-girlfriend to my kiddo, or myself.  

That's all folks. 

Not being rude, just being me. 

The water that has passed through on this river of change for all of us, is gone....
So let's let it be. 
And if you texted me, no worries, I still love you...it was just some salt on a cut after watching him stare down at the picture sent to him by a "friend" this morning as he filled his medicine tray with hundreds of life saving pills. 
I kept thinking "why would someone send him the picture of her standing in the ocean holding her belly" (He's been wanting a baby for years...)

#thislife

#movinon 

And you're welcome for the reminder.

Hope it saves you some minutes the next time you want to send a message-

To anyone. Not just me.

Think reallll hard before you send a text.

ps.  By the way, Kris' ex-girlfriend Jen (whom I will always love for the days and nights she endured taking care of Kris while at his worse) is pregnant.  Not shocking, but not really expected either.  Is it our business? no.  Is it useful to send pictures to Kris for a reaction? no.  

Is it useful to send the gossip to his mama? no.  

The very last thing we all need is extra hurt, am-I right?

I'm too busy working my tush off moving mountains in this wild life. I hope you are too.

Thankyouverymuchgotthatoffmychest. 

K, bye!

Full Moon Madness

And if you think I sound like a beyatch today, that's okay, I wallowed in tears and had to walk away from my desk as I realized Bill accidentally ate my leftovers for lunch today. 
You know, sometimes life just gets weird ....
I'm a giver and lover...and sometimes things just don't seem fair. 

And it will turn beautiful again soon enough...


This Fired UP Mama Lisa

Arranged PEACE....

My wish for you is a weekend full of funny texts' with those in your tribe. Laughter at things that make you laugh.  I have one Instagram video I watch each week, and literally roar each and every time.  I wish for cold brews for you beer drankin' foo's and good wine for you grape lovers.

I hope you know when to hold em and fold em (for example, fitted sheets lolz)-- Try that new recipe you've intended to "figure out"....

Remember your worth.  

Be kind to animals. 

Keep facing north kids.  And keep on swimming....

This Mama Lisa

Life's Pages.

Such is the pages in this life that can flip and flop daily.  Each week.

Things can change.

Kali's bout with Salmonella poisoning was an eye awakening little experience. (Also, side note-The County Nurse paid a drop by visit to our home, and stalked Kali down by phone calls until she could write a report of when, where and what Kali ate. We believe Kali undercooked chicken bought from Trader Joes) I was impressed by their action. Unimpressed that the lady was super hard to understand with a language barrier. Insert emoji with eyes rolled. #mamaspetpeeveforlife 

Pain so bad in her gut we both didn't know what was going on.

And yet, the tough little cookie she is, she forged through with a mild smile at times for mama.

And then days later she and Grant would be atop the most amazing view in Cabo for Grant's birthday.

Sending us this picture, all I could think of, is just how good God is.  And medicine. Ha!

Pages in this chapter.  A week ago they'd take this picture.  

Happy Weekend friends...may your days be filled with sunshine, soil, wine, or good smiles from those you love.

Pass out those smiles to strangers.  The world needs it more than ever right now.

This Mama Lisa

*Disclaimer for those top pictures, if I come up missing it's because she took me down to the river-side and dropped me in.  Kali, you'll always be beautiful make-up free.

pss.  How bout' those Hollywood parents buying out the college professors, coaches and admissions staff!  Pieces of shit covered in glamour fake BS.  Whew.  Got that off my chest.  

To think our kids bust their asses to get to where they're going.   GREED!

Truth.

At times I am guilty of blaming my childhood for my decisions as an adult.

Truth is, someone always has life way worse than we may feel.  And that same human is WILLING to get up and make something out of the mess.

I hope you can find your reason for doing good to others as you'd be proud to see in another do to you.

Hang tough.

Hang tight.

Peace,

Does my nose look big?
*Lisa's famous last words

This Mama Lisa

Food For Pondering.

Was gonna type Food For Thought, but then I remember a teacher in high school (Math, my least favorite subject) would say this before drilling us on these timed sheets each morning. I loathed that man.  He actually scared me. LOL 

YO-- Mr. Douglas, was a stern fine feller...

So, we'll use Food For Pondering.

This caught my eye this morning...

Words of truth, and words to chew on.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You made my day”

When your day gets made, how long does it last? A made day–is that different from a normal day?

Perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a made hour or, if we’re going to be quite truthful, a made minute.

When something bad happens, we can revisit the humiliation and anxiety for months. But the good stuff, if we don’t work at it, can pass right by.

We get what we remember, and we remember what we focus on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth's Blog

Often times I come across words of wisdom from the world wide web, and I enjoy his perspective at times.

I hope you can find pieces too.

Happy Wednesday!  

More sunshine and blue skies...

Hope the procrastination party is coming to an end, thankyouverymuchcloudycolddays. 

Love,

This Mama Lisa

Sunshine On My Shoulders.

Raise your hand if you're tired of wearing the same jacket, vest, socks, boots, parka, snow shoes, windbreaker, beanie, and all that applies to the last 6 months....

I literally fiddle through my closet each morning fooling myself that the sun dresses just might make me feel happier.  But then I look down at my white legs, with speckles of unshaven hairrzz and think, NO WAY, even with a heater at my desk. No.  

And so, the famous black vest comes back out.  The black long sleeve.  Or my white puffy jacket.

You hear my routine, right?

And I'm quite sure most of you are on my team.

It's like Team Bundle-The-F-Up each.and.every.day.

BUT.....

This morning......

THIS morning, I walked out the door with a lighter long layered blouse...

Feeling a tad bit more chipper.  I grabbed my sunglasses, my juice and down the road I went.

With sunshine in my face.

It feels so good, guys.

It feels amazing.

If there's one thing in this world that helps a soul out, it's sunshine. 

I hope the changing of clocks wasn't so bad.

I was wonk city that's for sure.  My Sunday nights are already delicate.  And Monday mornings are simply a wrestling match, but I made it.  WE MADE IT! haha.

The wind is blowing today, which means weather transition (warm weather!)

My birds are both feeling better, and this sunshine on my shoulders make me happy...

Especially after all the clouds in my way....

Love,

This Mama Lisa 

Happy Birthday Joni, and Happy Birthday Reesie....xoxo

Happy Weekend Vibes To you.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends...

The sun feels so good....

In celebration of Women's Day...

May we know them, 

May we be them, 

May we raise them. 

 I mean, am I right?  HAHAHAHA!

  Toodles,

This Mama Lisa