My Blog

how does one go forwad when tradgedy strikes?

Lisa Ann — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:55:15 GMT

I know none of us are suppose to really have the answers, but how do you move forward when someone loses their child at 16? A friend's nephew just 16 drowned in a pool at the families reunion. What do you say? there are no words just emptiness, and loss, no answers, only sorrow... My heart feels so painfully for this family... It is a part of life, and yet we never know just how many gifts in days we have left. Do everything today and now, tell everyone you care about how much you love them, live not with regret, for our time here is only moments, and when we are gone that is what we will have is the moments that are forever etched in our minds...

San Francisco

Lisa Ann — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 03:07:55 GMT

On Saturday after picking up Travis from student orientation from UC Berkeley I decided a detour to San Francisco and the bridge was long over due. We went over the Golden gate, the weather was ideal and clear and beautiful. We ventured up to Point Bonita on the other side of the bridge. we saw the lighthouse, and breathtaking views. I am astounded at the beauty, and once again reminded how fragile we all are, and that if we blink we will miss all that surrounds us. There is beauty in nearly every space around us, and it is ours to behold.

Bittersweet

Lisa Ann — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 05:33:58 GMT

So many years, some happy some sad, so many memories that flood my mind, that seem they can't have been that long ago... But tomorrow my youngest graduates High School. I wish I could say it was easy for 18 years, I wish maybe I had slowed down spent a little more time enjoying the simplest moments, and not having to have trudged so helplessly frustrated through the obstinate times. I miss the little boy who looked to me for all the answers, and yet I revel in the fact that he now most likely can solve the impossible. I miss that little toothless grin who was delighted each morning just to see my smile. What a wonderful gift to have a child that you get to watch and grow and change into such a wonderful human being. Though he most likely will be having his own adventures without me from now on, and making great strides throughout his life, I will relish in the fact that I must have done something right, a Salutatorian of his graduating class giving a speech, his picture in the newspaper, and he got accepted into Colleges most kids didn't have the things needed to even apply! I am happy I know he will do well in life, he is stubborn, he doesn't take no for an answer. He is so gifted musically, and there are so many facets to his soul. He knows he was put here for great things, he knows he is different from the rest. I just hope he will find his way without too much turbulence, and remember in the end it is about love, people, the planet, compassion, and the connection we all have to one another, and that life is fragile, and our time here is short, Living each day being the best you can, and recognizing the miracles that are all around us. I will miss the child, but look forward to the man he will become. love, Mom

Pescadero Marsh Hike

Lisa Ann — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:01:13 GMT

Today Justin and I hiked at the Pescadero marsh. I had not yet experienced terrain like this first hand other than passing from a distance. it was quite an experience. The trail was really overgrown with many kinds of plants, and a little white tail bunny crossed the path just a few feet from us. I think not many people know about it so it was a tranquil little piece of space and time, with only our thoughts and the sounds of nature all around us. We made one mistake and it was quite and adrenalin rush, the farther we went on the trail it became more dense and hard to pass as the shrubs were as tall as us and unfortunately with that comes insects crawling, of the tick form! Yes we never ran so fast before to get back to the clearing to shake off the creepy critters! Lets just say we need a different kind of bug spray for these guys and I never care to see them that close again! The trail starts at the beach and then ends at the top of a hill looking into the marsh, and it was well worth the adventure.

great encounters

Lisa Ann — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 05:04:22 GMT

Why do we end up where we are going each day? It started as an errand run, only we did not find the things we needed to finish the building project we are working on (Justin's electronic music desk workstation) I then suggested we stop at Rhythm, and with hesitation Justin agreed. We find inside after a two year absence as Justin was living in Long Beach, Dror, and Rick. Justin picked up a bongo and started to play, when the owner then recognized him from a few years ago, (Justin use to work there) and he said "wow listen to you, sound great" A short while later Rick Walker started talking with us about a strumming technique Justin was doing on a pandero. This brought about a great conversation on percussion, and life and encounters. The best part was that it inspired Justin and reaffirmed how much he has learned so far musically in College, and that it is possible to continue on with his passion and dreams. One thought, one chance moment, and then a well spent hour of conversation and inspiration! How great is that!