Truth.

Happy Humpday!

This Mama Lisa


Hey, remember these?

Before social media and smart phones.




And this fine feller.

Short Cuts On Hot Days.

It's so easy to throw the towel in on these hot days, arriving home after a long day of work to simply just want cereal.  But then you realize you DO have items in the fridge you can toss together.  OR, you can grab these little tid-bits and get-ta rockin a quick yummy meal. 

My personal go-to when I don't want to rally an actual dinner for us, is Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.  I sprinkle my bread with dry Italian seasoning with the butter. Gives it that extra little pep.

Hope some of these help you decide on what to cook this week.

Trader Joe Quick Dinner Hacks

This song came on today and boy did it take me back to a young Lisa at the age of maybe 10...riding in the back seat of my late Aunt Arlene's light blue VW beetle.  She was a beautiful lady.  Sang this song as loud as can be as I stared from the back seat. 

Her birthday is coming...maybe it's a reminder she's out there staring down at all of us.

Well, day two of the week.  

Hope everyone is keeping that chin up. 

I was a little weepy this morning.  I know I say this over and over again...but I am exhausted.  My soul. My almost fifty year old body.  My entire being, is just tired.

One good night  of sleep. One shitty night.

Forge on. 

Sail On

So much to be grateful for....

xoxo

This Mama Lisa

Lisa's Public Safety Announcement

Last week one of Kris' friends was almost abducted/kidnapped in Lakewood, CA in the Pavilions Grocery Store parking lot.  

If it wasn't for a nearby dude that stepped in and stopped it, she would have been gone.

We hear these stories all the time on the news.  In the paper, and across social media accounts.  But I will tell you first hand, I've been in some weird situations very close to this, and years ago, in that same store, I was followed by a man (I ran to the store at 9pm to get a poster board for a school project) and noticed this man following me, and stood in a line at the next checkout watching me over the gum.  Because I am such a vigilant human, I told the checker and she noticed it too, and had them slow his line, and the manager escorted me to my car. 

I've never been back to that store, or any store late at night or after dark unless I am with someone.

My point is, and I will say it a thousand times to my daughter, and any female I know.

STAY VIGILANT!

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS PEOPLE!

Get off of your phone while at the gas station.  Get off of your phone while walking to your car from the mall.  Get that extra pep-in-your-step to your car. 

The world is just this way.  You could end up over the border, or tossed into some hell-hole as a sex slave.  Or raped and killed. 

LOOK AT ME----- STAY VIGILANT!! 

She's been traumatized and in hiding now.  Something that most likely changed her forever.  

This life.

The evil that lurk in the cities. 

The creeps that walk among us. 

Share with your daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, best friends.  Guys can be snatched too, but women and girls are at the highest risk.  Freaks me out! 

Your call can wait, don't walk and chat.  Unless you pack.  lol

This ends my public safety announcements-

Carry on...

Hope your Monday was decent...

I slept so good last night....

Miracles do happen!

I'd like to give a huge round of applaud to Russell Turk for the most amazing dinner.  This guy....

Six Packers For Life!

I love our story.  Our friendship.

The pages we fill-

My nose looks smaller here, but wth is going on with my belly.  #liferollson

Exit stage left. 

And keep on walkin' Laysa....HAHAHA!

Lisa Lynn

May You....

May you enjoy a sunrise.  Or a sunset.  Or a long walk.  Or a hug from someone you love.

Or a cuddle with a kitty.

Or a good funny text with a friend.

Or a call with someone you love.

May you just enjoy sleeping in....and being cozy.

And rolling fitted sheets into a ball and into the cabinet!

Happy Weekend friends...

All my love,

This Mama Lisa

*Rant----

Why do stores need to put out Christmas stuff this early?  Can't we soak up the rest of summer first?  And then maybe soak up the beautiful days of Fall?  No bueno!  Keep that Christmas stuff locked up, and bring it out when the time is right, and AUGUST is NO TIME for that!  Pffffttttttt!

It's There.

I had a friend point out that I shouldn't poke so much fun at my big nose I am so self conscious of...

I shrugged my shoulders softly (not literal, but mentally, because she is right)

And then one of our besties sent me this.

Add in cocktails and you'll be doused with a flaming red big nose. 

You're welcome.

And would I get a nose job? probably no.

Would I get a face lift?  probably a big hell no.

But I will continue to laugh at the honker for all the rest of my days.

Have a HAPPY Thursday!

May you laugh this hard, and sip a good dirty!

Or howabout you run after what you need.

Maybe that means a dirty, or maybe a dip in some water.

Or maybe just drink water.

Get crazy and add lemon.

Summer is slipping out of our hands here kids, hold on tightly.

Or maybe a long walk with no one but yourself  (my fav, hallelujah praisethelord.org)

Cheers to big noses! 

And red faces! 

Most of all, laughter.  

Keep laughing...

The big nose is there. 

And can we all just look at Bill's face here.....

K, bye....

This Mama Lisa

ps. And Kali when you read this post some day--do you have these earrings, I can't find them! hmmm

All The Laughs.

This made laugh harder than it should.

Hope you're all having a great mid-week moment.  As for me and my big nose, well, we're truckin' along.  Doing what most grown-ups do and work my tail off, spinning the dollar wheel, takin calls I truly don't wanna take, but have to take.  Typing emails faster than a popcorn machine pops popcorn, and counting down the hours until Friday.  My silver lining is finally making those tacos tonight with those 65 thousand dollar avocado's, because last night we thought it would be a grand idea to go to taco Tuesday with friends, then realized on the way home that us homie's can't play $$$$ like that on a mid week dinner, so this home girl must get-ta making her own tacos tonight.

First up, some sweet small kisses from Buckie and Skippy and a sweet hug from my boy Kris!

Hope you're all hangin' in there and your wifi is blazing fast!

Grant & Kali in Coeur d' Alene Idaho last weekend at a wedding-

And here's me a few weeks back locked in a room at a historical building setting up at a bridal shower....and if you ask if I started to panic?  The answer is yes.  yes i did.  Panic city. 

K, byeeeee...

Love, Peace and chicken grease. 

Wait, what. 

Lisa

Try It.

Little challenge today.

Even if you're a cactus. 

Or feeling like a cactus.

While out and about today, offer random compliments to strangers. 

Nice makeup?  Tell her.

Nice hair? Tell them.

Something you like about their outfit?  Tell them.

A good set of manners?  Tell them.

A nice smile? Tell them.

A Veteran wearing their proof?  TELL THEM THANK YOU.

This world can soften just a little bit and it starts with us. 

I'm the queen of compliments out-n-about.   Manners too.  

Even when it's shark week and I am feelin' rather beyatchy.  I still spread that shiz like it's confetti. 

Try it. 

Because you know what?  It makes you feel ten times better inside.  Watch their face light up.

Taco Tuesday-  In our case, it's chicken tacos from home!

Because I bought AVOCADO'S for $65,000.00- And they're ready-

Game on.

This Mama Lisa

Monday's Mantra

Tis' a good little quote for a Monday.  

And if you have a back yard swing like this....well, even luckier..HA!

Funniest quote I heard this weekend over a conversation with a friend- 

"You know sometimes she acts like a damn cactus while we're out having fun" (referring to her friend whom pokes at others) HAHAHA!  Good one....

Hope your Monday morning started without a hitch....

I tossed and turned all night, but let's just give a round of applause to my good friend RED WINE.

Taste sooo good, bites so hard at midnight!

Thank you to those who sent Kris the beautiful birthday wishes....xo

This Mama Lisa

Thirty Things.

My oldest birdie turns 30 tomorrow.  Born at 5:45am on a Thursday morning.  Staring down at his little face. Lip quivering staring back at me.  The ripe age of 19.  Felt like I was 29.  An old soul, if you will.  No other choice but to buck up and be the mom I promised him I would be for those 9 months in my belly.  Every evening my lower shirt would be a tad bit dusty from my hands rubbing it.  Feeling his elbows and knees move around.  Not knowing the boat we'd sail off in together.

Leaving that motherhood harbor with just my husband.  My parents weren't into the nurturing part of teaching me the ropes of it all.  I figured it out.

Boy did I learn real quick.

Still learning.

I've been a little wallowy (not a word I know just go with it) this week.  Feeling disappointed in myself for not having this huge ta-doo for him.  Maybe the universe wants me to just keep celebrating his new birthday. Maybe the date of August 17, is just a day for us to love harder.  His mom loving him the most, forever.  The hardest, and the most.

30 things about Kris.

• He LOVES all animals.
• He is the strongest, most bravest dude I've ever had the privilege of knowing. 
• Is so into gardening and cacti right now.  I can see pure peace when he's surrounded by plants.
• Was a freak as a child with socks. The line had to go over the top of his toe NOT the front. Gawd-
• Is a proud American. 
• Is teaching himself about God. And religion in general. 
• Can argue a person dry. HA!
• Is strong willed.
• Is a mama's boy. 
• Is not OCD like his mom.
• He gets chewed up by mosquitoes. 
• Didn't like sweets as a kid.  LOVES em now.
• Is very VERY intelligent.
• He's a Leo. 
• He has his dads hands.
• He also has his demeanor. 
• Loves fishing, but it does bother him killing them. 
• He doesn't like to have his feet rubbed or touched. 
• Tried to teach me about caring for a lawn. Big fat LOL
• Again, will try to argue a person dry.  JUST NOT ME. 
• He loves "Oldies" (music)
• Has a bigger shoe collection than any person I know. 
• Watches too. 
• Has hazel eyes.
• Claims to not like bbq'd food.  hmmm
• Eats super slow and by the time he's done it's cold. But he doesn't care. #stopandchat
• Still loves rap music. 
• His sense of clean, is not my sense of clean. 
• He has a very organized garage.  His room? notsomuchsorrynotsorry
• He has tons of friends.  

All year long I watched several of his friends turn the pages to Chapter 30.  Someone told me years ago that when you turn 30, it just goes way too fast from there.  I won't argue that.  It's true.

I pray he's able to see the sunshine of the world.  

I pray every single day and every single night that his body is able to give him what life deserves.

My heart wanted to have a full blown party. Again.

Another part of me is very tired. 

I know he knows how much I love him. The compound of loving someone for 30 years.  Watching them evolve.  Learning more about them as the years go by.  Time can be an asshole.  One moment we can't wait for it to pass, like the newborn stages.  Then you walk through the teen years, wishing the same.  Adult hood comes, I see a few scattered grey hairs on the top of his head.  

Chapters.

Happy THIRTIETH to Kristopher Michael.  

I love you.

The most.

My song to you.  Remember when I made you sit and listen the day you graduated high school?

Forever Young

No words can ring truer. 

May you grow to be proud, dignified and true.....

XO

This Mama Lisa

And a big exhale from Le' Full Moon?  Did ya toss and turn?  Did you bite someones head off?  Did you feel extra anxious?  Ya...me too. 

Enjoy the weekend....Let love land first. 

Truth.

More good words from Seth-

Words that matter

Discipline, rigor, patience, self-control, dignity, respect, knowledge, curiosity, wisdom, ethics, honor, empathy, resilience, honesty, long-term, possibility, bravery, kindness and awareness.

All of these are real skills, soft skills, learnable skills.

But if they’re skills, that means that they are decisions. A choice we get to make. Even if it’s not easy or satisfying in the short term.

These skills are in short supply sometimes, which makes them even more valuable.

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

I hope you're all hangin' in there...

I've been juggling my world of work, loving and serving my family as needed.  Mostly just in the rat race to keep on top.  

If you know, you know.

And if you don't...well you're lucky.  Remember that. 

I see more and more moochin' off others rather than turning the wheel themselves.

It's life!

Keep swimming, and don't give up on good hard work.  Mostly, don't give up on manners, love, and kindness.

This Mama Lisa 

Enjoy YOUR Weekend....

Without further ado, I'll leave you with this beauty-  One of us still has those white sunglasses, one doesn't.  You guess.

Have a great weekend!

In a blender, combine the watermelon with the lime juice and a handful of ice. Salt the rim of 4 glasses, if desired, and fill each with ice. Pour the watermelon lime juice into the glasses and stir 2 tablespoons of tequila into each glass. Garnish with the lime rounds.

Love and PEACE.

Give your body some rest.

Most importantly, your mind.

It's my plan....

Kris and Kali, I love you and am so incredibly proud of your strength.

Forever.

Cheers to FRIDAY!

This Mama Lisa

Golden. 

Truth.

Happy Thursday--

Plus, there's always squished grapes to help everything. 

kidding.

not really.

but kinda.

do remember....

This current discomfort is not permanent.
This current discomfort is not permanent.
This current discomfort is not permanent.

This Mama Lisa

Conversations With Baby Bird

Each day I secretly wait for Kali to call or text me that she's leaving work and if I am free to chat. Most days I am free.  With the exception of my schedule, and hers, we talk almost every day.  (Her commute sucks nuts) Although last week we went a few days without chatting.  My general rule, just do what makes you happy. If it's catching up on her favorite podcast, or chatting with Grant on her way...I get it.

I think as a mom, I just want to watch her soar.  I want to catch the glimpses of the goodness's, and of course the fuel for encouragement if needed.  

Motherhood.

 

A few weeks ago her company took part in a fundraiser (rather large must I say) for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  A fundraiser she propped up onto her Instagram page.  And the ever-so-kind donations rolled in.  From high school friends, middle school friends, college friends, sorority sisters, neighbors, family....

I remember reading each note of gratitude she gave back 

What her work family didn't know (with the exception of a few) was just how close this hit home. 

How her entire family is still affected by this horrible disease.  

The ripple effect.

She was the one in the background.

How her voice trembled the day she had her final interview and her two bosses asked "so tell us a little bit about Kali".

She shared her brothers journey.

The journey that started with her brother, and ricocheted through her mama, and her dad, and most especially, HER.  

The one away in college.  Trying to keep it all together as her mom rented a truck to move her furniture because her mama couldn't move her.  The many phone calls left sobbing because she didn't want to cry to her mom.

These things that knock down the entire nest.  

Fast forward 4 years later, and she's asked to share her story.  To her colleagues.  During their morning meeting one day this week.  

She does not want to.

As she shared this with me yesterday, she said "Mom it's so hard to talk in front of crowds, yet to keep it all together". 

I know.

Good gawd I look like a giraffe eating if I try to talk and cry.  no bueno.

They asked her "how is your family doing, and especially your mom".

She shared her belief about her mom.  How her mom handles it. How her mom easily crumbles but has no other choice but to stay standing and keep the troops up along with her. 

You can't unsee things.

You can't shake pain.

You can't shake pain.

You can't shake pain.

You can't shake what you've seen, smelled, felt, witnessed. 

You cannot.

But you do.

There is no other way out, but THROUGH IT. 

Little did I know the effects it had on her.

On Bill.

You can encourage the family and hand them nourishment and care, but you can't take away this journey.

You know your daughter suffers from anxiety and anxious ways--hello-she's Lisa's daughter-

But we all have no idea how it tackles each family member.

Had dinner with Kris last night, and just watching his love for life is remarkable. 

Extra ranch dressing for his fries?  Bitchen!

A blink from his dog and a kiss on the cheek? Even more bitchen!

A cactus with a flower bloom?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME! bam!

LIFE- 

His nose still covered with a band aid is absolutely NOTHING in comparison to what he's walked through.  He's walked through fire, and still smiles at the littlest and most simplest things (sure he's stoned most of the time lolz, but that's okay, because whatever rocks his boat).

By the way,  you guys...his nose looks amazing underneath le' bandaid---

(I always send Thank You notes to doctors and nurses who deserved to be told so, and I laugh because I said "thank you for saving my birdies beak! HAHAHAHA) 

Kali, when you read this, I want you to know from the veins that pump blood through your moms body, I am proud of you.  I am sorry you've been asked to share a story that was and is painful. If it's not painful now, maybe it's the triggers of hurt you endured out in college. I think we were all robots at the time.  Maybe it's what gives you the flame to stay on top.  Maybe it's in your veins to help another human someday.  To know that they can get through the thick of yucky stuff. 

You won your office competition for a fundraiser and yet no one there except those two bosses knew YOUR journey in this book.  The pages you silently wrote in San Marcos.  YOU, my dear, are amazing.The circle of friends you have carried around in your tote of life is obviously unshakeable.And to them, I say "THANK YOU"-I hope this disease is tackled down once and for all one day.If they ever ask you how your mama is doing again, you just say "she's good, because she's raised two amazing birds"-  Well, maybe don't use the word bird, because they might think we're straight out of the jungle.Well....we kinda are, right?

Womp womp.

Cheers!  Congrats on your win, with money and tickets to see the Angels!  

Booya!

Tell your side of the story when you are ready ...

xo

You are the wind beneath my wings.

Donate Blood And Platelets

Love,

Lisa

Everywhere.

Everywhere we look.  Hurt. Assumptions. Anguish.

Wish there was a stairway to peace.  A stairway I could recommend you take to find the peace we all search for.  Truth is, I don't think it's here on Earth.  Sure we can escape to some tropical paradise, or desert oasis if that's your jam, but sooner or later we have to pack it up and head back into reality.  And the reality that all of us suffer through, (sooner or later) can be health, good or bad.  It can be financial strain.  It can be heartbreak. It can be loss.  It can be crippling depression.  

This life.

It's so hard, but can be so good.

The moments of cheering glasses sitting on a dock laughing across your bestfriends.

It can be the sound of hearing your newborn cry for the first breath. 

It can be slow dancing and long kisses with a new blossoming love.

It can be watching your kid graduate (well, minus the long ceremony-sorry gag me).

It can be hugging your child as they've accomplished a great game.

The turn of events can be sideways real quick.

I am sorry to those hurting.

I wish I could wipe away the tears and take the pain away.

I can't.

I hurt too.

I see families destroyed over monetary.

I see appointments that give me the fucking jitters even though they're 30 days away.

I see anxious kids as they navigate in this new world.

I see homeless that are outright, sick. Mentally destroyed by drugs.  Something I don't see changing anytime soon.

And like you, sometimes I want to pack up and move to the hills of Idaho.  I want to run from greed and hurt.  I want to heal my children with a wand.

I want to be happy just like all of you.  And yet, just like all of you.....I will sit under clouds waiting for the sun.

We can do this.

Even if today doesn't feel right.

Even if today you feel like the hill isn't going to flatten out.

Even if today you are numb. 

You will get through.

You may be a different person. But you will!

Maybe hormones or menopause will change you forever.  f word.

But you know what?  There will be good days.

Broken heart because love is broke?

It will heal.  Not all the way. But it will.

Just takes time.

Don't throw the towel in. 

DO. NOT. THROW. THE. TOWEL. IN.

*you can throw the fitted sheet in. but not the towel. lol

After all, you're in the dog days of summer. 

Soak up whatever you can.

And you see a neighbor, friend, Facebook, Instagram human portraying a perfect life?

HA---------HAAAAAAAAA.  

Don't fall in to that. 

They shit, and deal with shit too.  It's their life in filters.

Peace,

This Mama Lisa

The Good Ol' Days.

Was driving to work this morning and heard a song come on that took me back to the late 70's.  Back when I'd watch my mom sing from the back seat.  Her long blown out black hair.  Sliding around in that big back seat.  Sometimes next to my sister, sliding purposely back and forth as our mom turned corners. 

Everything is so different. 

Kids attached to video ipads in their laps. 

Humans of all ages scrolling through their phones.  Look at those around you at a stoplight (and then get back to your text-lol).  And I am talking ALL ages.  Light turns green, we move on. Red light, chin back down again.

I am guilty of this too.  Only thing is you'll catch me pushing my sunglasses up so I can see, and pulling back so I can too.  LOL!  

I am digressing.  

Anyway....

Life is blazing by.  

Traditions change.

People fading out of our lives.  New people coming in. Or back.  Family included.

Politics grinding in between folks. 

Greed and entitlement highlighted more than ever.

The days of simplicity for all of us......gone.

Remember these? 

Remember when going to a shower would be as simple as showing up with your gift.  Playing games and sipping sherbert punch?  Don't get me wrong, because Registries are the jam for keeping thing inside the lines. For me, it's the vibe of change.

What happened to the days of yelling out "CAR" as we all made our way to the side. Red faced, dirty hands and a slender body because we played. 

Street lights coming on were a bummer, that meant get home.  Or hearing my dads whistle. 

Skirrrrt skirrrt.

The new generation.

Creativity is gone.

Convenience placed in front. 

Delivered groceries.

A point and click, and boom our kids will have their babies new pacifier delivered.

I look at the path of our kids and hope they choose to stray away from the change, and yet it's most likely they won't. 

They can't.

Check in at the doctor? Click right here.

Obesity at it's highest here in our country.  Because of simplicity.  convenience.

The music my mom sang all those years ago replaced with techno and digital.

It's becoming more and more astonishing to me just how fast this life is. 

Someone said, "once you hit 30, it goes way too fast".

YOU GUYS.

If we can just let the hard moments go by, holding on to the precious ones.

Let the folks that have no place in your life go.  If it's not meant to be, it's not.

Soak up today.

Sing out loud so your kids can see you.

Don't hand them an ipad.  

Get outside. Touch soil.  Watch a sunset. 

Hug that person you love.  Hugs feel good.  We all need em.

Trust your gut. 

Keep your chin up, because someone out there has it way worse than you.

Don't be jealous, because EVERYONE shits, and everyone deals with shit.

Hope your weekend is sweet. 

Dive into nostalgia.  Dive into old songs.  Tell your kids just how much they mean.

Things can change in a blink.

I've been hardened these last few years. Something I am not proud of.  It's not me. 

I live to make others happy. Maybe it's the Aries in me.  

Another part of me is broken.  

And yet, I will try to look at the better side.

I hope you can too.

May your dreams stay big, and your worries small...

My Wish

Happy Friday.  We made it!

Because Monday is just around the corner!  HAHAHAHA!!!!!

This Mama Lisa

Facts Of Lisa.

Let's get to know Lisa a little more today....

  

I still despise TWO door cars. Like, why.  unless it's a Ferrari. Or a work truck. No bueno.

I am very impatient.

I do not like my curly hair.  Straight all day every day.

I have anxiety to the max as a passenger in a car.

My dream vacation is to Majorca Spain. Second, Florence to see Kali's stomping grounds while "Studying".

I have a hard time keeping my clothing drawers organized.

I am obsessed with fabric softener. 

Still CAN'T STAND the _ UNDERSCORE symbol.  Oh, it hurts my soul.

I sleep with a fan on full blast for white noise.

I am not afraid of spiders or snakes. 

I am still losing massive amounts of hair. So when I am bald in 2021 just wave hi.

I don't like limes in my drinks.  Lemon all day everyday,  lime grosses me out if it's hangin in there too long. 

Still love a good dirty martini.

I chuckle every time I pull fitted sheets out of dryer because I roll that shiz up in a tight ball and laugh.

I want to fix hurt people.  But learning I can't. 

I am fixated on my double chin, sliding cheeks, in pictures lately. AWFUL.

I wish I was a better runner.  I Jalk. haha.  Unless someone looks scary behind me, then I run. Fast.

I have OCD disorder. No I can't sleep if the slider screen is not closed all the way BILL, THANKYOUVERYMUCH.  

I am obsessed with the Jason Aldean song Rearview Town.  Good gawd i love it. 

Have been thinking about visiting a Spiritual Medium to seek answers.  Past and future.

I can whistle like a dude super loud with my fingers in my mouth.  #truckdriver

I love Almond Joys. Been known to slide the whole candy bar down on the way home from store. lol

Still can't stand cologne or perfumes.  ew. 

Remote controls gross me out.  #somanybuttonssodirty  

I have two strong birdies.  

I don't like to swim in cold water. 

Petrified of heights still.

Well, you can all sleep much better knowing these facts about me. LOL!!!!!

Happy August!  

xo

Happy Thursday!

This Mama Lisa

Shoutout to my sweet baby birdie Kali.  She's pushing all those big mountains around.  It's not an easy task.  She knew it wouldn't be.  She is focused and she is real.  What she doesn't understand right now in the grind, is that it's building her future and hustle-zone for building what she went to school for.  She's off to Georgia this weekend for a little recognition from her peers.  

Not her most favorite place to spend the weekend, but it proves her hustle is shining bright!

Grateful for this dude- She is so lucky for his love and support- THEE BEST BOYFRIEND--

G.R.A.N.T + K.A.L.I