“Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by, the doubling of our joy, and diving of our grief;” — Joseph Addison
One of the best things I’ve done is make lots of friends. I was quite shy when I was in kid and there wasn’t too many kids that wanted to talk to me. I was a bit of loner but, eventually, I grew out of it. There were a few kids in grade school who chose to be my friend and I still talk to them to this very day.
With the ebbs and flows of life, many people have come and gone. Some remained acquaintances, many were made friends, and a select few became family. It’s not always about the quantity of things; it’s the quality. These friendships are everlasting.
Having quality friendships speaks volumes overtime. It’s a fullfillment and consistent type of reassurance to have good people in your life you can count on but also reciprocate back. My long-time dearest friendships span 10 to 30 years. I cherish those friendships.
The best friendships I have, no matter how old, are filled with lots of love, loyalty, respect, laughter adventures, and seems like a lifetime of memories. Most importantly, I can be myself around them. It does wonders for my soul: It’s healing, comforting and safe, keeps me motivated, inspired and happy. I am grateful. ❤️🙏🏼
#friends #friendship #love #laughter #memories #happy
Love is...
“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt
That is exactly what happened to me. I have a long work history with children of all ages but never have I ever had a child run up to me and into my arms at the first sight. It happened in 2017 during my first visit to @catherines_kids_rosarito orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico. A little guy named Carlos ran straight up to me and into my arms! He was almost 2 at the time and had just learned to walk. I picked him up and gave him a big hug. And while my heart melted, he stared at me with his big eyes and the cutest smile. He is one of many children in this world who don’t have parents. There are many others who have been abandoned for many reasons, the ones I visit, are special needs and have disabilities. When we visit them, we bring them gifts, food, and lots of love - and they are the happiest. I can’t wait to see them again.
#kids #orphans #mexico #loveislove
We ✧❤️✧ our National Parks (and our growing community)! This stunning reel of @calistacoffeeco stargazer (our 5-star customer favorite instant coffee) under the stars during a incredible golden hour at @joshuatreenps by @nikdans 🎥🤙🌺🤩☕️✨
@calistacoffeeco ‘the star of your day’ ☕️✨™️
✧ small-batch roasted specialty-grade coffee ✧
📍: southern california | 📦: usa
#calistacommunity #calistacoffeeco #coffee #goldenhour #FindYourPark
From a gorgeous sunrise wedding above a winding river in the mountains of Tennessee to a sunny day among wildflowers in the Hundred Acre Wood… life’s sweetest chapters keep unfolding. 🍯🌼
It’s a girl!! A little hunny is on the way. 🌸💕
It was such an honor to design and host my little sister’s baby shower, creating a day filled with love, laughter, and the excitement of welcoming a new little life into our family.
Our hearts are already so full, and I cannot wait to meet my beautiful little niece.
The sweetest adventures are still to come. 💛🌸
15 years later… My dad is probably snowboarding the tallest mountains, surfing the biggest waves, and playing Final Fantasy 50 if there was such a thing, living his best life on the other side.
When I was really young, I was always curious about his need to cruise up and down PCH, stopping every so often to get out of the car and stare at the ocean. I just went along and copied him. I had no idea who or what we were looking for but I knew it had something to do with surf.
When I got a little older and many surf seeking missions later, I understood but then, I asked him how to read sets and all he said was, watch for threes, you will start to see the pattern(s).
At the time, I thought that was the most vague dad answer ever. Three what? Three waves? Three minutes?Three dark lines on the horizon? He never really explained further. He just stood there, hands on his hips, scanning the water like it was speaking a language only he understood.
So I watched and did the same.
Eventually, I began to see it. Two smaller waves would roll in and then the third would rise taller and hold itself a little longer before folding. Sometimes, three stronger sets would come through before the ocean went quiet again. There was a rhythm to it. A breath. A pattern.
Now thinking about it, it was never just about surfing.
It was about patience. About standing still long enough in observation until the obvious is presented. About trusting that something bigger is coming even when the surface looks calm. About knowing the lull is not the end but simply the pause before the next wave.
Now when I drive PCH and feel that pull to stop, I do. I get out of the car. I stare at the horizon. I watch for the pattern(s):
In waves.
In seasons.
In people.
In life.
When you slow down enough to notice the rhythm, when you stop forcing and start watching, things begin to line up the way they are meant to.
That is the pattern.
And every time something aligns just right, it feels like a gentle reminder that life moves with intention. All we have to do is be patient enough to see it, and brave enough to trust it.
If you were given a view into my collective memory, it would not begin with answers.
It would open in motion. Life still happening. Days passing. From the outside, nothing would look different. But underneath, in some of these memories, something began to shift.
It was one of those seasons where the weight was still there, but no longer unquestioned. There was a moment when curiosity asked what it might feel like to loosen the grip on some things I had been holding on to... Not all of it. Just enough to breathe.
And then, it began. There was no plan. Only small choices. Energy being pulled back and placed more intentionally where it felt steady and meaningful, not because it promised clarity, but because it felt honest.
The people mattered. They were the like-minded. There was connection without agenda and I leaned more towards alignment rather than expectations. Time shared felt real. I showed up to where it felt right, even when there was no outcome attached.
As space opened, the weight shifted gradually.
The present became fuller. Not everything was understood at that time, but it was ok, because peace began to take place and somehow, slowly, the healing began.
My first @foofighters show somehow ended up being Dave Grohl’s birthday bash last night at the Kia Forum, benefiting three incredible charities serving the Los Angeles homeless community: @hopethemission , @thelamission and @hopeunitedmission 🖤🎂🎸
What a night!
Saw friends, so many familiar faces, and got to celebrate Dave - a true rock ’n’ roll legend. Someone who genuinely loves giving back to his community, is incredibly kind and super laid back, and has the funniest stories.
Happy Birthday, Dave!! Thanks for the music, the heart, and all the laughs. 😎🤘🔥
#FooFighters #DaveGrohl #RockAndRoll #BirthdayBash #Legend
Love you Long Beach 🤍 We don’t always all get together but we did for the Annual Naples Christmas Light Walk in memory of the friends we lost. Lots of love, hugs, laughs, tears, memories and, of course, shenanigans in honor.
RIP @heidijohannabananarama@thefatpirate and @jerryjohn We love and miss you guys so much!
Reunited with my Coachella Backstage Dream Team: @wendylynellis , @sarahashleygarcia , @catwirtz and former alumni teammate, @david_eves at @frankarmy ’s Kraksmas! #iykyk
Also, got to see some of my fav peoples, friends and many familiar faces. It was worth the 2 hour drive through LA traffic to NOHO after work during the peak of holiday season. I’d only do for you guys… Love seeing everyone!!
