tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35541641067396107572024-03-13T11:16:06.044-07:00Lisa Petrarca's BlogLisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.comBlogger652125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-36440764050078760012018-09-11T17:39:00.000-07:002018-09-11T17:40:59.724-07:00911 ~ ACTS OF KINDNESS IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY<br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">I think we all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing that fateful morning of September 11, 2001. It's etched into our memories as though it were yesterday. And while our hearts continue to ache all these years later, I feel it's important to share the acts of kindness and love that was happening all over the country in the midst of the chaos. I want to share my sis-in-law's memory of that day. She told me her story a couple of years ago while we were in Texas for my son's college football game. It's very moving and speaks to the very heart of sacrificial love, rising up in the worst of times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">I was talking to my
sis-in-law, Chasity, about not realizing I'd booked our flight home on 9/11
because let's face it, this is not a day I would purposely choose to fly on.
While talking, she shared her memories and the horror of the terrible attack
all those years ago. She gave me approval to share part of her story. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">She worked for a large
hotel right by the Dallas Fort Worth airport. Immediately after the attacks all
flights were grounded. She witnessed tons of planes circling overhead,
anxiously awaiting the go-ahead to safely land. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">The aftermath of the
grounded/returning/arriving flights were monumental. People were stranded.
Taxi's were overwhelmed attempting to get frantic, confused and distraught
people to nearby hotels. The airport called all local hotels and asked if they
could send employees in their personal cars to pick people up until their hotel
was filled to capacity. My sis-in-law immediately got in her car and headed to
help. As she reached the airport, she jumped out and started yelling, "I
CAN TAKE YOU!" People swarmed her car, throwing suitcases in the back and
piling in on top of one another. As she drove she was shocked to see people
walking along the freeway with their luggage in tow, trying to get to a safe
place, away from the airport. It was chaos and confusion. My sis-in-law
continued to make trips again and again until their hotel was full. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">This day is etched in
her mind, as it is in each of ours forever. A day when innocent lives were lost
and families mourned the unthinkable. A day when people stepped up to do what
they could. A day when there was no such thing as a stranger, only people in
need and people willing to meet those needs any way they could. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">Friends, on this
Anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget the love and unselfish giving of so
many people right in the midst of our Country's worst tragedy. From the first
responders who gave all they had to give...their very live...to the people on
the 3rd plane bound for another attack, who saved many by their selfless
heroism. Along with ordinary people just like my sis-in law, who saw a need and
acted! I'm thankful for her story and while we will never forget, I pray we are
always reminded to look for ways to be a Blessing to others daily. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">"Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."~Romans 12:21</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">Jump on the Thankful Train...what
are you thankful for?</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-57999675016760272512018-09-06T23:31:00.000-07:002018-09-06T23:36:46.072-07:00Hiking To A Pirate Cave and Treasure Island Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d4DGgs1XObA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d4DGgs1XObA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
I LOVE adventure! When I'm unable to go on vacations, I search for fun and unusual areas to explore around me. On Wednesday, I decided to visit a sea cave I'd never been to in Dana Point, CA. I had to research the tides first because it is only accessible at low tide.<br />
<br />
The route required scrambling over rocks and boulders (1.2 miles round trip). I found myself picking up the pace, worried I wouldn't be able to make it to the cave and back out again before the water began to rise (this low tide was actually higher than normal at 3.65 ft.)<br />
Not to be deterred I pressed on and wasn't disappointed.<br />
<br />
The entrance was narrow and opened into a large cave with a beautiful view of crashing waves. I had the cave all to myself as the summer crowds have returned to school and work. There was an adjacent smaller cave that required going out into the water to get to. I chose to forego that one, knowing my time was short as the water began to pour into the cave I was in. While making my way back, I came upon a mom and her three children. She asked if I thought they could make it to the cave in time.<br />
The adventurer inside me wanted to tell her, "Yes if you hurry!" But I knew that wasn't safe or realistic with her young children. I encouraged her to come back on another day when the tide was lower.<br />
<br />
I then came upon a homeless man named Jeff (I wrote about this encounter on my "Bowl of Inspiration" Blog-click link on right to read).<br />
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I finally reached my car and headed home down Pacific Coast Hwy (which is always a beautiful drive.) While at a stop light, I noticed a sign for "Treasure Island Beach." I'd never been to this beach either, so I made a quick turn and headed down to check it out.<br />
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Woah...it was amazing (as you can see in the video). The cliff tunnel led me straight to the perfect writing spot atop a rock as water rushed all around me.<br />
Talk about inspiration!<br />
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All in all it was an amazing day of firsts. And let me tell ya...adventure firsts are my all time favorite.<br />
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I hope you enjoy virtually exploring Southern California's beautiful coast.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-39230193534339396632018-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:002018-09-06T20:15:57.148-07:00ADOPTION-THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, tree and outdoor" aria-busy="true" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/40457583_10155958216563666_6683945779549175808_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=77c13d9460ca77182f93cbd24e3f098b&oe=5C323D5C" style="background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; display: inline-block; font-family: "helvetica","arial",sans-serif; font-size: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 681px; letter-spacing: normal; max-height: 681px; max-width: 383px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; width: 383px; word-spacing: 0px;" width="224" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<br />
It's been a while since I've posted. In my last post I talked about the struggle of adoption and the unfortunate baggage carried. It's truly heartbreaking to watch the regression, especially when you know the majority of his problems stem from an abusive parent, making it all the more difficult.<br />
<br />
As my son began his Senior year of high school last week, the customary 1st day picture revealed his smiling face, but that grin never reached his eyes...because he still isn't happy. He's been seeing a Psychologist weekly, which has definitely helped, but the sadness, fear, worry, depression, anxiety and anti-social behavior still leaves a big, dark, hovering cloud. Our son's sadness seeps through his often closed bedroom door, permeating throughout the entire house. I try to do everything I can to meet his needs and helping him open up, while providing boundaries of appropriate behavior. He can be very rude to us and other people, but then just as quickly, he can turn on the charm for those he deems worthy/or those who can benefit him in some way. I realize it's learned behavior, especially for kids who have spent years in and out of the foster care system. They learn to "work people".<br />
<br />
So with fear of this turning into a rant of a mother's worry or despair, I grab hold of it all, and lay it down at The LORD'S Feet in prayer. My son needs restoration, healing, and a renewed heart. I know the One who can do this. I know mountains of impossible are moved in situations just such as this. You see, we didn't go out searching to bring another child into our home after our youngest (6th child) had graduated and headed off to college.<br />
No.<br />
We were ready for "our time."<br />
But GOD!<br />
HE brought our son into our lives and heart via a simple email and then parted the way for him to become our son, as we learned to take steps of faith along the way.<br />
All I have to do is remember how are son arrived into our lives and I know The LORD is moving. Even in the hard places of doubt and tears.<br />
Even when my son is still in the midst of the darkness of his past, feeling "different" and alone.<br />
JESUS meets me in this place, reminding that HE makes all things new.<br />
<br />
I pray.<br />
I lay it all down daily.<br />
I learn to trust.<br />
I pray some more and wait on The LORD.<br />
I am strengthened in those moments of letting go.<br />
I'm reminded that HE Loves my son even more than I do.<br />
HE placed him in our lives for a purpose.<br />
HE has a Good and Mighty Plan for him and us.<br />
This current view is not the final picture but only a journey in faith and trust.<br />
<br />
I sigh.<br />
Peace pours over worry.<br />
GOD'S got this!<br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"~Jeremiah 32:27</b></span></i><br />
<i></i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-1423266317903089992018-05-15T23:31:00.000-07:002018-05-15T23:38:49.784-07:00Adoption RoadWhew! It’s been forever since I’ve posted. I think I’ve let social media consume me, posting all my pics and stories there. But tonight, as I sat struggling with some family issues, I realized my blog offered a whole other outlet. It’s more like a diary of sorts.<br />
<br />
So here goes:<br />
Dear Diary,<br />
I have a heavy heart. Our adopted son is in a season of struggling. To be honest I shouldn’t be surprised, it was bound to happen at some point, right? It’s just strange because everything’s been going relatively smoothly the past 5 years since he came into our lives at the age of 12. Obviously there’s been some hiccups and issues to work through, but I thought at 17...we’d made it through any seasons of major trials.<br />
<br />
Well I was wrong. We’re in the thick of it. And when things begin to unravel in your child’s life, you begin to wonder,<br />
“Where did I go wrong?”<br />
“What did I or didn’t I do?”<br />
“Have I failed him in an area?”<br />
“Did I not show enough love or spend enough time?”<br />
You get the point, I can go on for days about the different thoughts and feelings that run through my mind.<br />
<br />
So tonight as we sat and talked at dinner, I decided to ask him. I wanted to know if I’ve failed him in some way, if there’s something he needs that I’m not doing. What can I do to make things better? I let him know that I wanted to apologize if I have let him down, because as a parent, I’m not perfect and make mistakes too.<br />
He didn’t tell me anything specific that I’d done wrong, but that conversation opened up the flood gates. It allowed him to feel safe enough to let out some very difficult personal things (he had a very rough childhood and had been in and out of the foster care system). The things he shared made me realize that he needs more help than I can offer.<br />
And that’s okay.<br />
I can’t be all.<br />
I can’t do all.<br />
And I need to remember...it’s not all about me anyways.<br />
But with the information he provided, I can do something to get him to the right people who can help. I can lift him up to The LORD in prayer daily.<br />
<br />
My son has had it rough. And while I’ve only had him for a short period of time, relatively speaking, I can’t magically erase the past for him (while I wish I could). So I’m thankful The LORD helped my normally closed off, reclusive son, open up (because you know I was silently praying for help to say the right things and ask the right questions.)<br />
Adoption isn’t always smooth and easy. The trials and baggage that come along with these precious children can be difficult. But through it all, nothing is more gratifying than sharing your life and love with a child GOD has placed in your care.<br />
<br />
It’s going to be okay...GOD is in the business of moving mountains of impossible.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-11832123491314601492016-12-20T07:41:00.001-08:002016-12-20T07:41:05.365-08:00What Are You Saying?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpadjGX0RBE/WFlREBHW1nI/AAAAAAAAKaI/H7lw8oChcog/s640/blogger-image-992710680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpadjGX0RBE/WFlREBHW1nI/AAAAAAAAKaI/H7lw8oChcog/s640/blogger-image-992710680.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I was thinking about how words can truly affect lives. Back in the day I'm ashamed to admit that I could tear someone to shreds in an instant with my words and I was actually proud of it. I thought, "If they want to come after me or my family...they deserve it, they are asking for it...and I'm just the one to give it to them. They messed with the wrong person!"</div><div><br></div><div>I'd persistently look for vulnerable areas by poking, poking and poking until I'd find it, then I'd dig in, my words inflicting pain and causing damage. But truthfully..it was a cover up, hiding the hurt, pain and "less than" areas inside my heart. I put a bandaid over it and as the scripture says, "...For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."~Matthew 6:45 </div><div>My words reflected the lacking in my heart. </div><div>I'm so thankful that GOD took the "gift" of words HE gave me, Healing every hurt so that I could be used for the very Purpose HE created me for...pointing people to JESUS, lifting up instead of tearing down... "The words of the reckless pierce like swords,</div><div>but the tongue of the wise brings healing."~Proverbs 12:18</div><div><br></div><div>Friends, words are powerful. Let's truly think about what we say to others. Let's pray for help to be encouragers instead of discouragers. Join me today in asking JESUS to heal all areas that may be causing us to lash out, hurt, retaliate, or gossip. </div><div><br></div><div>LORD, please help us to be the people you created us to be. Fill us with more of YOU...YOUR Words, YOUR Heart, YOUR Love. Remove the bitterness, pain and/or anger that causes us to say hurtful things. Help us speak words of life, reflecting YOUR Redeeming Grace, causing people to bloom. Guide our walk through each day looking for ways to lift one another up to YOUR Glory; pointing people toward YOUR Ever-Ready, Loving Embrace. In YOUR Name we pray JESUS, Amen. </div><div><br></div><div>"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,</div><div>And those who love it will eat its fruit."~Proverbs 18:21</div><div>"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."~Ephesians 4:29</div><div>"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart</div><div>Be acceptable in Your sight,</div><div>O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."~Psalm 19:14</div><div><br></div><div>Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-85467985227915726132016-12-19T23:00:00.001-08:002016-12-19T23:00:05.212-08:00Are You Hiding Sparse Areas?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_W6UBUvYMA/WFjW9G7njAI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/dIyScGNasfY/s640/blogger-image-654205438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_W6UBUvYMA/WFjW9G7njAI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/dIyScGNasfY/s640/blogger-image-654205438.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>I have a very important tradition every year that drives my family crazy...I have to find the *perfect* Christmas tree. This year our hunt was way behind schedule due to our trip to the Packers game. So this afternoon, I got up out of my sick bed so we could find it. As we pulled up to our normal lot it looked like they were tearing it down. The man said, "All trees are $20.00 and you have until sundown, we're closing shop." Woah...we just made it! As I went through row by row of the tiny, sparsely branched trees, I became discouraged, asking one of the workers, "Do you have any large trees left hidden in the back or something?" "No, this is about it," he replied. I continued back and forth, having my son, little Josh, grab one just in case I couldn't find anything better. I finally narrowed it down to three best of the worst, giving in to the tallest one. Once we got home it looked even worse than I anticipated. The hubby tried to console me when he noticed the dismayed look on my face by saying, "It'll look better once we get it decorated." But there were too many bare spots to try to hide. So we rotated it to camouflage the worst parts and shoved it up against the wall. </div><div><br></div><div>Friends, my poor empty branched tree reminded me of what I'd done for years in my own life. I tried to fix the outside while camouflaging the empty areas in my heart and soul that were in dire need of mending and growth. Year after year I put up a great front, but inside I was wilting. All my hiding began to become very apparent to those closest to me. I needed to make some big changes. </div><div>So today because of this reminder I'm choosing to be thankful for this less than perfect tree! I'm thankful that when I decided to stop trying to hide, opening up my emptiness to JESUS, giving HIM access to all of my brokenness, I no longer felt the need to hide my flaws. HE took my less than and filled me with more of HIS Love and Forgiveness, causing growth in every area of weakness..the very things HE already knew I was lacking.</div><div><br></div><div>Friends, are you hiding sparse areas? Join me in continually taking it all to The LORD in prayer. We don't need to attempt to conceal...HE already knows. Let's expose those flaws to the Unconditional, Restoring Love and Light of CHRIST. </div><div>"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."~John 15:5</div><div><br></div><div>Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-41828892521388862312015-08-19T03:56:00.001-07:002015-08-19T04:00:14.027-07:00A Summer Visual Escape<div>
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I went on several adventures this summer and wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.<br />
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The first shot is my very first trip to the Grand Canyon.</div>
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Below...I loved capturing my hubby (who still skates at 50) with our son Adam. </div>
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I stopped right in the middle of my bike ride, walked back to capture these beauties peaking over the wall. Because super-sunflowers like these are meant to be captured!</div>
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Lazy summer days and bubbles at the beach.</div>
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This adventure to Antelope Canyon was on my "Must See" list and I wasn't disappointed!</div>
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"Chasing Light"</div>
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"River of Sand"</div>
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"Beam of Glory"</div>
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This shot was captured on my way out after they told us to put our cameras away. There's only one way in and then you travel the same way out so they want you to be quick on the way out. With my Nikkon in my bag, I was able to pull out my iPhone just in time to quickly snap a shot of what appeared to be an Angel hovering above the crowd. It was a site to behold!</div>
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My hubby captured me conquering my fear of heights at "Horseshoe Bend"</div>
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View from our campsite at Lake Powell.</div>
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One of my favorite local getaways in "Laguna Beach".</div>
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Our hike to nowhere. We never found our caves but still saw amazing beauty!<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love summer days, vacations and even stay-cations that get me outdoors. </span><br />
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-53259843576805811472015-08-19T03:11:00.001-07:002015-08-19T03:17:40.107-07:00Vans US Open of Surfing<div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I usually make it to several days of the VANS U.S. Open of Surfing Competition. This year however, with the wedding and all the family coming into town, I only had time to make it down for one day of prelims. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to capture a shot of the surfer who ended up winning the whole thing, Hiroto Ohhara of Japan during his prelim stage. It was the first time a surfer from Japan has won the U.S. Open. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our son Dillon married the love of his life, Bri on August 6th! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We finally have another girl in the family! WooHoo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was such a special day! </span></div>
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Of course I had a front row view and even though I didn't have my good Nikon with me...I couldn't help myself, the photographer in me just couldn't sit by and not capture it all with the only thing I had on hand~my cell phone.<br />
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So...let me just take you into our big day. You'll have to bare with me because such a special occasion requires <b><i>*picture overload*</i> </b>and a few videos. </div>
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*~*Be sure to watch the surprise Bride & Bridesmaid Dance!</div>
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Before the wedding pics:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ONKxIi8V77Y/VdQdl80I8cI/AAAAAAAAKDc/GMKku_x3ePk/s640/blogger-image--2145231171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ONKxIi8V77Y/VdQdl80I8cI/AAAAAAAAKDc/GMKku_x3ePk/s640/blogger-image--2145231171.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this beautiful daughter of ours will be bringing our first grandchild into the world in December!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My future daughter-in-law!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>THE LOVE STORY BEGINS...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>***•THE WEDDING•***</b></div>
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<b>BRIDE AND BRIDESMAID DANCE </b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nokqs98seec" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<b>GROOM HOIST</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCjIcnoISaY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<b>Family Dancing</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h4oamvCG-Xs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<b>After Wedding Shenanigans:</b><br />
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Thanks for stopping by. I loved getting to share this day of love with you!<br />
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-58823646878474942492015-07-02T17:53:00.001-07:002015-08-18T23:13:36.172-07:00Interesting Beach Finds!<div>
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After having lived by the beach for so long...I have to say, I'm never too surprised by the interesting things I see here.<br />
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So here's a guy cruising around in his Star Wars getup.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then we have squirrels who think they're prairie dogs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A movie crew filming as they pull a parasailer behind a car along the ocean's edge.</span></div>
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To this kid who was running up and down the beach on this futuristic "blade runner" type contraption. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Let's end this post with a very cautious Mod Vespa driver. Someone's obviously heard the famous motorcycle warning..."It's not *if* you go down it's *when* you go down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He's having none of it. LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh beach life in the summer is always beautiful, fun and interesting.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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I worked out and decided to drive down to Laguna for my lunch/writing/reading spot today. I'm glad I did. It was cloudy, windy and cold at first, but soon a bus load of elderly people showed up and brought the sunshine with them. The clouds cleared as they slowly emerged from the bus one by one. They made their way down to the beautiful view overlooking the ocean. I took some pictures and was walking back to my chair when I noticed a couple of late comers deciding to get out and see the view. An elderly man was trying to help a shaky, wobbly woman out. I ran over to help and "Lloyd" and I each grabbed "Joan's" arms as she slowly shuffled along to a cement seating area. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She kept telling me I was going to earn my Girl Scout buttons today!😃 After I sat her down she said, "You better tell your scout master that you helped a little old lady today." Lol! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span>I said, "Oh I think He already knows...my Scout Master is Jesus." </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">They smiled as I said, "Just give me a holler when you're ready to go back." I loved that even though Joan had trouble walking, she refused to just sit there in that bus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Soon she was ready to head back. Lloyd and I were able to get her all the way to the steps when two young lifeguards came by and helped her the rest of the way in.</span></div>
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Im thankful for meeting wonderful people today who still know how to enjoy life in the midst of their trials!</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jump on today's "THANKFUL TRAIN"...what are you thankful for?</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-49137564927264952562015-05-30T18:02:00.001-07:002015-08-18T21:24:43.834-07:00SHARK WARNING<div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZSwaAwH7zE8/VWpduDLoHhI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/Y_DwpUMX9FI/s640/blogger-image-519838376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZSwaAwH7zE8/VWpduDLoHhI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/Y_DwpUMX9FI/s640/blogger-image-519838376.jpg"></a><br><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While at the beach a couple of days ago I came across this sign. It's something I've NEVER seen here on the normally safe OC beaches. A warning. Not just any warning but a SHARK warning. It's been all over the news-13 juvenile Great White sharks hanging around our local waters. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><br></div><div>REMINDERS. There are things that I may need to be made aware of. Whether it's slowing down to look at some areas in my life that I may need to work on/give more attention to...or something as blatant as a warning sign not to go near an area.</div><div><br></div><div>So today I'm thankful for reminders/warnings, mental and physical. For that is when I pause and take notice. </div><div>Jump aboard today's "THANKFUL TRAIN"...what are you Thankful for?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WOW...where to begin? I guess I'll start here:</span><br />
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First of all, we're on the tail end of <b>ALL</b> the paperwork to finalize the adoption of our foster son, Lil J. We thought we were done raising our "Brady Bunch" family when Elijah (our baby) graduated high school (WOOHOO...US time!) But Jesus had other plans for us. I received an email about a young boy that changed everything. It reached deep down into my core. I was unable to shake it. So, after praying with my hubby for several days, we began to move. We took steps of faith, walking it out and waiting on The Lord's will for our lives, our family's and lil J's. </span><br />
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His mom was in hospice, dying of breast cancer. He hadn't been placed in a home yet and had been at the large local facility waiting for the right family for 3 months. As we visited with him (getting to know him and him us), I prayed that if The Lord wanted us to have him in our lives, to please let his mom hang on long enough to meet us and know her son would be well taken care of. </span><br />
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After several visits with lil J, knowing/getting confirmation that he would become our foster son, I asked him if it would be okay to visit his mom so she would know that he would be well taken care of. I just couldn't imagine getting ready to leave this earth and not knowing where my child would end up/who would be taking care of him. He gave his approval (<i>he was 13 at the time)</i>. I sat on it for a whole week. I was nervous and knew it would be awkward <i>(Hi, you don't know us but we're going to be raising your son, as you prepare to go to Heaven). </i></span><br />
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Finally, after work on a Friday, I <i>KNEW </i>it was the day we <i>HAD</i> to go visit. I bought flowers, took pics of our house, his room, our family, and our dog. The hubby and I headed over to the hospice facility. She looked better than I expected and was sitting up. She was very thin, pale, with long dark hair and big eyes. She was so young...too young to be going through this. We nervously introduced ourselves. She stared intently at us for a few minutes, looking, searching...then told us she was really hot <i>(I'm sure she was just as nervous and uncomfortable as we were).</i> My hubby went out to get her some ice for her ice pack. I stumbled over my words...wanting her to know how we came to this point, standing here in her room-preparing to care for her child. I showed her the pictures and explained each one. She took a long time...as though committing each and every picture to memory. After about 30 minutes of visiting, her mom and aunt came into the room. We introduced ourselves to them and then said our goodbyes <i>(it was about 8:30 p.m.)</i> I mentally made plans to come and visit her in the coming weeks so she could really get to know me. </span><br />
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The next day, <i>(Saturday, at 12:00 p.m.)</i>, as we were driving to go visit lil' J, we received a call that his mom had passed away. I broke down sobbing. I thought we would have more time. She looked like she had more time, I mean, we had just been talking to her...</span><br />
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At her services, her family shared the fact that she had been praying for a good family to take her son. After meeting us, she felt she was finally able to let go of her pain and suffering and go home. I took special note of the date, it was December 7th...the day before my birthday. One mother, handing her heart over to another; her gift to me, her greatest treasure, her child...her son.</span><br />
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After 1 year of being in our family as our foster son...we are now making it permanent. Sometimes children are just meant to be a part of your family. God knows exactly what He's doing. It happened first years ago, when I received my three step-kids to help raise and guide. And now we've been given another son, who was meant to be a part of our lives. As we said, "Yes, LORD, YOUR WILL for our lives," He in turn answered a mother's prayer before she was called home. He is always working, as we learn to let go of <i>our</i> carefully planned lives and give HIM room to work, we find our true purpose and joy...HIS WILL. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">My Family...so blessed to add our new son lil' J</span></b></td></tr>
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Well we made it through Christmas and the New Year. It was actually pretty smooth. I had my shopping done before Christmas Eve (miracles can happen!) ALL my kids were with us this year along with their significant others. We went to an awesome Christmas Eve church service. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">My boys gettin' down to the Christmas songs</span></b></td></tr>
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Next stop was my brother & sis-in-law's for dinner and a gift exchange.<br />
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The older kids exchanged gift cards (white elephant style where they picked numbers, then blindly picked cards and could steal from each other.) it's always so much fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">This was a pic I took at my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary...we had it put on Canvas.</span></b></td></tr>
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Then my competitive family headed outside for a basketball game. They peeled the layers of dressy clothes off as the sweat began to build. We take our sports seriously. I loved that the girlfriends joined right in. You better be ready for adventures in this family!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Elijah trying to dribble around his big (little) sister;)</span></b></td></tr>
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We got home by 11:00 p.m. and all the kids stayed the night. We had hot chocolate, popcorn and watched Elf. Then it was present opening chaos first thing in the morning before every body headed off to make the rounds to other family members houses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">And this is my heart!</span></b></td></tr>
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This was seriously one of the most special Christmas's we've had in a LONG time. ALL the kids together makes my mama heart soar. Yes...I'm SO BLESSED!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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It's been a long time since my cousins and I have been together, so I was really looking forward to it. Also, I wanted our new foster son to get to meet the family and go camping for the first time.<br />
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I made my hubby stop several times at beautiful, picturesque spots. What's a trip if you're not looking for adventure along the way?<br />
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We've never been able to spend time with my dad on Father's Day (we grew up in CA with my mom & he lived in Nevada) so we planned to bring him a homemade present from my sister and I. She read an amazing life memories story for him and then presented him with the present...it was a hit!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Stacy and my dad after she read her beautiful tribute letter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE PRESENT!</td></tr>
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The next day it was off to the property. Hiding in the thicket along the road was this mama and her baby. <i>Bambi?</i> I stopped and slowly crept up to get a good shot without scaring them away. It was short lived. <br />
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As we turned down the dusty road, all my childhood memories came flooding over me. What fun and adventure we had here.<br />
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We walked down to the creek (It's become very small from the drought...no more swimming holes.) We walked across logs, rode ATV's, sat around the campfire telling story's and reminiscing about "the good ol' days." We walked down to the lake, watched the kids swim, rowed in the raft, and then returned to camp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new son got to drive all by himself on his 14th Birthday! He said it was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!</td></tr>
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Then tragedy struck.<br />
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My sister went into a full Grand Mal Seizure. I'd never seen one before. I jumped up and held her by her neck and head as her body went stiff as a board. She was now sideways in her folding chair. Panic set in as my sister-in-law ran all the kids into the trailor. I tried to talk calmly to her, but quickly noticed her lips turning black. I began to yell, "is she breathing?" No one responded. Everyone seemed frozen and unsure of what to do. My husband was standing above her and I yelled, "Pray for her!" My cousin had dropped to her knees and was praying. My sister was fading away. I literally watched the color drain from her face, starting from her neck and moving up until she was completely gray. As I held her head, I knew she was passing away. She had stopped breathing. Her now dead eyes were blankly staring at me. I knew that I needed to get air into her. I haven't had CPR training since 7th grade. But as clear as someone was talking out loud, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, "BREATHE FOR HER NOW!" I breathed three times. After the 3rd breathe, she gurgled, sucked in air and began seizing again. It finally stopped. SHE WAS ALIVE! Our prayers were answered. The Lord showed up mightily right there in the middle of our campsite.<br />
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After everything calmed down and my sister was doing okay. I ran into our tent, dropped to my knees and sobbed. I thanked the Lord for answered prayers; for saving my sister. I read some scriptures and let Him fill me up. My hubby took a walk with me down by the creek and prayed that the memory of my sister's dead eyes would be removed from my mind. I couldn't get the look out of my head. <br />
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It was a bitter sweet trip. The family time was incredible. The fact that we were able to leave the campsite with my sister, safely sitting in the backseat of our car, I can't put into word's what I was feeling.<br />
<br />
When you get to carry a true life miracle with you...you realize, there is nothing more precious in this world than family and life.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-3225006079202225182014-07-22T17:49:00.000-07:002014-07-22T22:18:31.310-07:00THE WEDGE-BIG WAVE DAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After my near drowning on <a href="http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-rare-day-moon-coming-out-of-waters.html"><b>Saturday</b></a>, and the passing of Newport Beach, CA. Lifeguard/Hero- <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/07/lifeguard-drowns-rescue_n_5564092.html"><b>Ben Carlson</b> </a>while saving a man's life; I realized how incredibly dangerous large swells can be even for the most experienced. I decided to head to "The Wedge" on Monday to take a few shots. The waves continued to swell to unbelievable heights. To my surprise there were several people actually charging out into the water, speedo's on (which isn't commonly seen in Orange County, CA., but I overheard them saying that trunks always fall off) and fins in hand, excited to ride these monsters.<br />
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Can you say, "CRAZY!"</div>
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Seriously, there were bodysurfers as young as 12-13 chasing these incredible waves. They were obviously very experienced even at their young age, along with "The Wedge Crew" (a group of seasoned bodysurfing veterans.)<br />
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In between the click of my lens, I found myself praying for them, setting my camera aside to scour the white wash waiting for them to pop up from the humongous waves that had just crashed over them. My anxiety level was definitely heightened as I recalled being tumbled, thrown and disoriented under water; losing perception of up or down under waves half that size.</div>
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The crowds excitement and adrenaline kicked in as each giant grew to enormous height...taller and taller. They would gasp and stare in awestruck wonder. Even captivating these three active young boys attention.</div>
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It was definitely something to behold in person. The lifeguards coned off the area to make sure that inexperienced people didn't get too close and risk getting swept out to sea. They stood along the shoreline, ready and waiting to risk their lives for someone in need. I'm sure it was a difficult day for them while still mourning the loss of their fallen brother. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05h0k4MAW7I/U871dvJ24qI/AAAAAAAAJX4/CRhjoXH4wNs/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05h0k4MAW7I/U871dvJ24qI/AAAAAAAAJX4/CRhjoXH4wNs/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
Until you see these waves in person you can't begin to understand the volume of a lifeguard's job.<br />
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I was lucky enough to get there before the huge crowds arrived and found a perfect front row spot. </div>
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To see more pictures from the day or order prints...stop by my website:<br />
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-61290138590235825412014-07-05T19:35:00.000-07:002015-04-21T17:01:47.094-07:00A RARE DAY MOON COMING OUT OF THE WATER'S EDGE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlpAH0zGa_s/U7i2Z1P-1WI/AAAAAAAAJVc/VWeQGe_UITI/s1600/10464176_10152359524503666_367728825213104453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlpAH0zGa_s/U7i2Z1P-1WI/AAAAAAAAJVc/VWeQGe_UITI/s1600/10464176_10152359524503666_367728825213104453_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anthony
saw a rare day moon coming out of the waters edge today while GoPro'ing.
The waves were big and rough when I decided to join him in the
water w/my boogie board while he was filming. I stood at the edge a
little nervous because it</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> looked pretty
brutal out there (original plan to snorkel got instantly cancelled w/the
conditions.) The waves that were crashing into shore were knocking
everyone off their feet & dragging them in, clothes and all.<br /> <br />
Not one to be a sissy, I headed out. Anthony started to film me as we
talked, when all of a sudden we realized a set had rolled on top of us
& we were in the impact zone. I ditched the board to go under. It
was so strong I heard my neck crack & thought, "Hope I'm not
paralyzed!" I popped up only w/seconds to breathe before I was hit again
and sent rolling on the bottom. The waves rolled in...one right after the other, "4" MORE TIMES! I was smashed
over & over again. I thought..."This is it?" I have no more air." As
I prayed under water, "Jesus, please save me," the last wave finally rolled me up, instead of
sucking me back out, close enough to where I could touch. I never even
had a moment in between the waves to try to grab my board. I was lucky
to gasp even a little bit of air while trying to spit out the salt water
I'd swallowed.<br /> <br /> As I struggled to pull my bathing suit up, I
guess I only managed to get the front up because Anthony finally
realized that I was in trouble (he'd made it out of the impact zone
after the 1st wave...every man for himself) when he turned around to see
my big ol' bare butt hanging out as I scrambled for the safety of the
beach! LOL!!! Yep, I was a flasher today. I seriously was so out of it I
had to sit at the edge of the beach to regroup. WOW! I need to listen
to my instincts (rough, brutal, large surf) DO NOT ENTER! </span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsAOSyB_qsZf7FwQbPY9vZ5BvDei29h2M7x1AJfaTe3pC_KdLCPtwcE7rB78Qbl9cQa2EvgsK0r_0oVYPmAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">**Disclaimer: I walked past a group of about 7, 18-20 year old boogie
boarders/body surfers who had been caught in like me & they were
saying to each other, "That was crazy, the only way I got out of there
was getting lucky enough to catch one of the waves in. They didn't go
back in again after that either! I'm not such a big sissy SEE! Just a
flasher!!! Anthony even came in after a while and said, "WOW that was
rough!"</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Hahahhaha my life! </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's my hubby's reaction after getting held under for a while too:</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1iQ_1lr9r8/U7i1D3iwbxI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/Eh83J6pgVq8/s1600/10509710_10152359547838666_8643974074551136592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1iQ_1lr9r8/U7i1D3iwbxI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/Eh83J6pgVq8/s1600/10509710_10152359547838666_8643974074551136592_n.jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <i><span style="font-size: small;">***Check out the war wound on my arm...not sure if the leash got wrapped around me or what?</span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-73463359452788065792014-06-15T22:41:00.000-07:002014-06-15T22:45:27.577-07:00Happy Father's Day to Both of My Dad's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I was lucky enough to grow up having two dad's...my dad and my step-dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Although the years were not long enough with my step-dad, I'm grateful for his unconditional love. When he married my mom he became an instant father of 3. He was patient, kind, supportive, caring and strict (as most policeman are with their daughters.) I was taught the valuable lesson of chores, being independent, and conseq</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">uences for my actions. (I was difficult...very mouthy and stubborn.) One of the most special days of my life came a few years before his passing. He told me how proud he was of me for the mother I was and the person I'd become. To hear those words from a man I admired and respected meant the world to me! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! I LOVE AND MISS YOU!</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">My dad lives in Reno, NV. and every summer we'd fly out to visit him for a month. My dad's an outdoorsman through and through. So needless to say, I learned to love the outdoors...hiking, camping, sleeping on a cot under the stars, baiting my own fishing line and cleaning fish. I even learned how to dig my own holes when I had to go to the bathroom, (Oh Joy!) LOL! Yes I can rough it with the best of them. As I look back over the years...I realize that it was important bonding time. The nights sitting around the fire pit with my dad, listening to spooky stories over the radio, telling jokes, playing dice games, scaring whoever's turn it was to walk down the hill & turn off the generator and walk back up in the pitch dark. Then as summer would end, my dad, (the tell it like it is, rough exterior of a man) had to say goodbye. As he hugged us, a crack in his armor would start to roll down his cheek. Tears of love. Tears of a dad who had a difficult time sending his kids away until next year.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! I LOVE YOU!</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I'm so blessed to have been instilled with the traits of both of these amazing men. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you!</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"BACKSTAGE SHENANIGANS" -<a href="http://soulartistmanagement.com/men/tysonbeckford/all.php">TYSON BECKFORD</a>, <a href="http://www.requestmodels.com/details.aspx?modelid=694849&subid=7982&mainsubid=7982&nav=&sexid=1">JULLIEN HERRERA</a>, <a href="http://www.wilhelmina.com/portfolio.aspx?c=mi&sexid=1&subid=10499&mainsubid=10499&modelid=585770&spec=0">CHRIS MOORE</a> & <a href="http://soulartistmanagement.com/men/broderickhunter/all.php">BRODERICK HUNTER</a></b></td></tr>
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On June 10, 2014, <a href="http://www.amfar.org/inny2014/">AMFAR</a> <i>(a foundation dedicated to ending the Global AIDS epidemic)</i> put on a fundraising event "Inspiration Gala" in New York at the Plaza Hotel. Josh Duhamel hosted, <i>(his wife, singer Fergie, also attended) </i>and Sarah Jessica Parker was a Presenter. This is always a star studded event and raises tons of money. The 80's band, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/neworder">New Order </a><i>(from my high school days...aka "Old School")</i> entertained the crowd. The event also had a fashion show. My son, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3554164106739610757#editor/target=post;postID=5422531664516909978">Jullien Herrera</a>, (Re:Quest Model Management) walked for designer <a href="http://www.thombrowne.com/">Thom Browne</a>. Since most of us (me included) aren't able to attend these swanky gala's...I thought I'd share some pics from the night with you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FERGIE IN CALVIN KLEIN </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TiemposText, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">SARAH JESSICA PARKER IN SCHIAPARELLI</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3554164106739610757#editor/target=post;postID=5422531664516909978">JULLIEN HERRERA</a> IN THOM BROWNE-LAST MINUTE ALTERATIONS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://soulartistmanagement.com/men/tysonbeckford/all.php">TYSON BECKFORD</a> & <a href="http://www.requestmodels.com/details.aspx?modelid=694849&subid=7982&mainsubid=7982&nav=&sexid=1">JULLIEN HERRERA </a>BACKSTAGE<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu88mOgb7i8/U5utaIGcQUI/AAAAAAAAJSE/GrieiR4mlXQ/s1600/amfAR+Inspiration+Gala+Fashion+Show+B_T_c5sm7wWl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu88mOgb7i8/U5utaIGcQUI/AAAAAAAAJSE/GrieiR4mlXQ/s1600/amfAR+Inspiration+Gala+Fashion+Show+B_T_c5sm7wWl.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.requestmodels.com/details.aspx?modelid=694849&subid=7982&mainsubid=7982&nav=&sexid=1">JULLIEN HERRERA</a> (RE:QUEST MODEL MANAGEMENT) FOR <a href="http://www.thombrowne.com/">THOM BROWNE</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oI9K69yIzXo/U5uq2M43pwI/AAAAAAAAJRE/hgT2tx4zLOk/s1600/10478141_10152314604093666_7738794529233337297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oI9K69yIzXo/U5uq2M43pwI/AAAAAAAAJRE/hgT2tx4zLOk/s1600/10478141_10152314604093666_7738794529233337297_n.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIEW FROM BACKSTAGE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xO64GStGU1Q/U5wMsMQPrzI/AAAAAAAAJSk/i54S3Kdvu2E/s1600/photo+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xO64GStGU1Q/U5wMsMQPrzI/AAAAAAAAJSk/i54S3Kdvu2E/s1600/photo+1.PNG" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAND: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw5uUZkcio8">NEW ORDER</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvQqUus0xUQ/U5usVXkps4I/AAAAAAAAJR0/Cb-j8XFLiUs/s1600/photo+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvQqUus0xUQ/U5usVXkps4I/AAAAAAAAJR0/Cb-j8XFLiUs/s1600/photo+3.PNG" height="626" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMFAR PHOTO BOOTH</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTFsvjGmZEY/U5usVioYWJI/AAAAAAAAJSA/fzM1mKI3DyE/s1600/photo+4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTFsvjGmZEY/U5usVioYWJI/AAAAAAAAJSA/fzM1mKI3DyE/s1600/photo+4.PNG" height="392" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://models.com/oftheminute/">MODEL BOYS</a>-<a href="http://soulartistmanagement.com/men/tysonbeckford/all.php">TYSON BECKFORD</a>, <a href="http://www.requestmodels.com/details.aspx?modelid=694849&subid=7982&mainsubid=7982&nav=&sexid=1">JULLIEN HERRERA</a>, <a href="http://www.wilhelmina.com/portfolio.aspx?c=mi&sexid=1&subid=10499&mainsubid=10499&modelid=585770&spec=0">CHRIS MOORE</a> & <a href="http://soulartistmanagement.com/men/broderickhunter/all.php">BRODERICK HUNTER</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpFnfxg28CA/U5wMt53ug9I/AAAAAAAAJTE/m5C-i0ES2TQ/s1600/photo+5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpFnfxg28CA/U5wMt53ug9I/AAAAAAAAJTE/m5C-i0ES2TQ/s1600/photo+5.PNG" height="296" width="640" /></a></div>
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To see more fashion from the event click here: <a href="http://models.com/oftheminute/?p=66201">MODELS.COM</a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-46600597456304459092014-06-05T16:25:00.000-07:002014-06-05T17:49:38.086-07:00I RECEIVED A MIRACLE HEALING!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkgdJJukmGE/U5D8CREUDiI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/0Ddgg97kj60/s1600/10302532_10152286238288666_4200446316788723536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkgdJJukmGE/U5D8CREUDiI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/0Ddgg97kj60/s1600/10302532_10152286238288666_4200446316788723536_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I went to this amazing place to celebrate and thank God!</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> I have to share something very personal. I received a MIRACLE healing. On Thursday, May 29th, I went to see the surgeon to discuss/schedule surgery to remove a very aggressive pre-cancer. It was in an area that could've left me with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. This procedure was recommended after several tests, visits with my doctor and my oncologist. It was decided that surgery was the best option. During my appointment, the surgeon performed an extensive examination <i>(which I thought I was only there to discuss the surgery and then set a date.</i> <i>I was not happy about more examinations needless to say.) </i>That was until...he found absolutely N</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #37404e;">OTHING! It was gone! He told us he could not perform surgery on something that wasn't there. THANK YOU LORD for answering prayers. Once home, I dropped to my knees, praying, thanking, crying. I grabbed my Bible and when I opened it, this is the first thing I saw: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>“Go your way; your faith has made you well.” </b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> Then I read the rest of the verses: </span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road." Mark 10:51-52</span></i></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I started balling like a baby all over again! <i>Faith, me?</i> My faith during all of this was like a roller coaster ride. Some days I'd do great and others I spent crying, stressing, and worrying. This led to internet researching, <i>(which of course led to more stress and worry.)</i> Finally, I'd open up my Bible again to get filled up with truth and immediate peace.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #37404e;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> As I kneeled, crying in gratitude, </span></span><b style="color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;"><i>"Thank you Jesus!"</i></b><span style="color: #37404e;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> My husband walked in. He said, "Why are you crying?" When I told him the scripture that I'd just been given and how I felt, he said, "It only takes faith the size of a mustard seed, Lis."</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="line-height: normal;">"So Jesus said to them, </span><span class="woj" style="line-height: normal;">“Because of your unbelief; </span><span class="woj" style="line-height: normal;">for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." </span></span></i><span style="color: #37404e;">WOW...that's the exact kind of faith I had. It was small. But I tried to remain steadfast in seeking the Lord in the midst of everything. Failing some days and doing amazingly well others. FAITH. What does the Bible say about it: </span><i><span style="color: #38761d;">"</span></i><span style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1. </span></i></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">After this answered prayer...my faith is growing. The Lord chose to heal me. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #37404e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> And yet, while I received this very undeserved miracle...there are others, like my step-dad who was not healed...even though he had amazing faith. During his illness, his spirit remained strong, unmoved, unwavering in the midst of his cancer. He was a light to so many people. He was a miracle by his example everyday to each one of us. So when I talk of faith and miracles, I need to always remember, whether it is a complete and total healing or the gift of incredible faith and strength from the Lord to endure the trial in the midst of the storm. When we continue to seek Him, He always fills us up where we're lacking. Just like the mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds and yet grows to become the largest of trees. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><i>"</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Matt-13-31">Another parable He put forth to them, saying: <span class="woj">“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field,</span></span><span class="text Matt-13-32" id="en-NKJV-23572"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj">which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”</span></span> <span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span class="woj">Matthew 13:31-32.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><b>Thank you Lord...I stand in awe and amazement of your gift!</b></span></span></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-91281486501640466122014-05-21T21:25:00.000-07:002014-05-21T21:29:56.237-07:00I WON-COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_VEN8aG-I/U31vj4yO9gI/AAAAAAAAJKk/2oI5GdKnfAI/s1600/IMG_4270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_VEN8aG-I/U31vj4yO9gI/AAAAAAAAJKk/2oI5GdKnfAI/s1600/IMG_4270.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Jacket:Reversible Mademoiselle Plume, Sunglasses: Gucci</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm the person who never wins anything. I don't enter contests for that very reason. Now you can imagine my surprise when I was contacted via Twitter that I'd won! Huh? How can that be? It must be a scam. I dismissed it for a few days, but when they contacted me again and told me that I'd won via a Fashion Blogger's website that I follow, my curiosity was peaked. I clicked on the site, <a href="http://troprouge.blogspot.fr/2014/02/sunday-oblivion.html"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Trop Rouge</span></i></b></a> and there it was, <i>(be sure to click the link to see how Christina wore it)</i>. I love her laid back, effortless, cool style. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The one day that I just happened to comment <i>(which for those of you who follow my blog know that I haven't been very consistent with my posts lately let alone commenting on my fav blogs)</i> there was a contest going on. My comment on Christina's AWESOME jacket was the winning comment! SERIOUSLY? Me. A winner?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ollqCqUP4xk/U31v1MPSoKI/AAAAAAAAJKw/2jxVmmPAFmM/s1600/IMG_4264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ollqCqUP4xk/U31v1MPSoKI/AAAAAAAAJKw/2jxVmmPAFmM/s1600/IMG_4264.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I went to the website link <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eboutique/t1169-toutes-les-mademoiselles-plumes">Comptoir Des Cotonniers</a>,</span></b> to pick out the jacket. <b><i>FREE</i></b>. My very first jacket from the fashion capital of the world...PARIS! Woo Hoo...YAY Me! <i>(Oh sorry, I was having a little dance party with myself for a minute.)</i> I initially wanted the white w/black...reversible jacket. But the more I thought about it the more I knew that black and red...<i>the exact same one that Christina was wearing on that lucky day</i> was the one for me too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My hubby still didn't believe me and said, "Ya right...they're going to send you a jacket from Paris for free. It's a scam."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"NO it's real...I researched it." I insisted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So a week after I submitted my order my <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eboutique/t1169-toutes-les-mademoiselles-plumes">Comptoir Des Cotonniers</a>- </span></b>Paris - Mademoiselle Plume jacket arrived with this note:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZJqxeMQkFI/U312YPiD5NI/AAAAAAAAJLI/PXPRPdFMgyg/s1600/notephoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZJqxeMQkFI/U312YPiD5NI/AAAAAAAAJLI/PXPRPdFMgyg/s1600/notephoto.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is <i>THE MOST COMFORTABLE</i> jacket. It's light weight, non-restricting and moveable. This is important for me because I have REALLY broad shoulders...which I often refer to as my "football shoulders." I love the splash of unexpected bright red that adds a spark to any outfit. And the most important thing, (other than that it was <i>free</i> of course)...it's so warm. Living by the beach even the summer evenings can get a bit chilly. I now have a year round "go to" jacket.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxudc1-Hy_Y/U312wnyTltI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/fo8MTW06r4o/s1600/IMG_4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxudc1-Hy_Y/U312wnyTltI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/fo8MTW06r4o/s1600/IMG_4256.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Jacket: </b><span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eboutique/t1169-toutes-les-mademoiselles-plumes">Comptoir Des Cotonniers</a>, </span><b>Top: Zenana Outfitters, Jeans: Forever 21, Shoes: Bamboo</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you're looking for a great jacket...head on over and get yours from <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eboutique/t1169-toutes-les-mademoiselles-plumes">Comptoir Des Cotonniers</a> </span></b>and be sure to check out all their great summer fashion looks <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eboutique/tous-nos-looks">HERE</a>.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to visit, follow, and comment on Christina's very cool fashion blog <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><u><a href="http://troprouge.blogspot.com/">TROP ROUGE</a></u></span></b>. You may end up a winner too!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJo3cB5fL0/U314h0mssyI/AAAAAAAAJLg/i9D0zUxWjtw/s1600/IMG_4267+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJo3cB5fL0/U314h0mssyI/AAAAAAAAJLg/i9D0zUxWjtw/s1600/IMG_4267+2.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I had to share a close up of my new flats by</span> <a href="http://www.urbanog.com/search_product.php?keywords=bamboo&ipp=1999&page=1&gclid=CjgKEAjwnfGbBRDlxoHrl6uikyESJAD-nzCFv8A-ruYPkNo2YIcldAk6AVyeZZiyB0qfr2W8saN52_D_BwE"><span style="color: #351c75;">BAMBOO</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;">. I wear them with EVERYTHING! </span></span></b></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-75863571712618732632014-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:002015-04-21T17:00:41.202-07:00Mother's Day...What a Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqV6LLt74tU/U3EpdTC33KI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/ga6IfpUZ4y4/s1600/Lisadownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqV6LLt74tU/U3EpdTC33KI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/ga6IfpUZ4y4/s1600/Lisadownload.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's always nice to have a day just for you. A day when the people who are your heart come together and make you feel special. Yesterday, my Mother's Day was more than I could've hoped for. I was touched, moved to tears, heart bursting...love. My kids, sister, & hubby spent the whole day with me. There was lunch, shopping at the local street fair, presents (lots and lots of presents), and dinner...where my youngest son was working and he served us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoBGLLWUics/U3EwD_beG5I/AAAAAAAAJKU/nxabYbBQjdQ/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoBGLLWUics/U3EwD_beG5I/AAAAAAAAJKU/nxabYbBQjdQ/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time. What a precious gift. It's those moments that make it all worthwhile; fleeting, stand still, breathe in and hold it tightly. Right here and now. Words of love, affirmation and just knowing that this moment is perfect because it is filled with laughter, hugs, memories, and family. God's amazing gift...MOTHERHOOD.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just when I thought this day couldn't be any more special...my new son, my foster son, lil' J, wrote a special note on Instagram for me. It touched my heart to know that even though this child has been through so much with the recent loss of his mother to breast cancer, he's still able to open his heart. Share his heart. What a gift. To give your trust and love to someone who was a complete stranger 5 months ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God is good. He is amazing. He asks us to step up. To be the hands and feet of Christ. He will put things on your heart and ask you to say yes to where He's leading. The hardest part is, "Yes, Lord...Your will not mine." The easiest part is once you finally relinquish to His will...He works miracles. Miracles that you never imagined. A life transformed through Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday, God blessed me with yet another confirmation of His life giving, restoring love. It read, "Happy Mother's Day to my new fun loving sweet mom Lisa. I love you and you do a lot for me and your the best mother in the world to me!!!!! Happy Mother's Day. #funmom #imhappyyourinmylife #yourawesome #yourfunny #iloveyourpranks #bestmother" And this was the picture he posted with it.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Never doubt that Jesus makes ALL things new! I hope you all had an AMAZING Day!</span></i></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Lisa Petrarcahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039206434167948116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554164106739610757.post-39247120354644361992014-05-05T16:25:00.000-07:002014-05-05T16:37:13.632-07:00THE ADVENTURE OF NOAH & HIS DOLPHIN<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">Little Noah pressed his face up against the glass hoping to catch a glimpse of a passing dolphin. He turned, smiling, squealing, jumping...scooting close to me as I bent down with my cell phone camera. </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">"See them?" he beamed. "Yes, they're so cute!" I replied, smiling at his innocent excitement. He turned his attention back to the glass. That's when it happened. Noah met HIS dolphin face to face. They stared in curious wonder at each other. A moment. A boy named Noah and his dolphin. Time standing still in awe struck wonder.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">- at <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=70105691854" href="https://www.facebook.com/seaworldsandiego" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">SeaWorld San Diego</a></span></span><br />
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