9/11 12 Years Ago Today

Every year as 9/11 rolls around, we all reflect back on that terrible, fateful day. We can remember where we were, what we were doing and feeling the horror of those devastating moments all over again. But this year, I have a whole new perspective. You see in April, I visited the actual sight for the first time. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go at first. It was my very first trip to New York and after taking in the excitement of a city so alive and full of energy, I struggled to decide if I wanted to visit those very real emotions of sadness at the loss of so many lives at the hands of such evil.

 

After wrestling for a while, I decided to go. As I rounded the corner, the first thing that struck me was the close proximity of the fire station to the actual sight.

I couldn't believe it was directly across a small street. It is no wonder that those brave men and women rushed onto the scene, it was their neighborhood, with thousands of people they may have crossed paths with on a daily basis.

We stood in front of the fire station as I snapped some photo's. There was a heavy police presence keeping people off the streets surrounding the sight where the new tower was being built. A girl stepped off the curb onto the street to snap a better shot of the fire station when she was immediately surrounded by police telling her to get back on the sidewalk. Startled and embarrassed she quickly moved back into the crowd. I found it amazing that with the amount of people surrounding the fire station and the memorial wall...there was a very respectful silence. I stood looking at the pictures, reading about the heroes and trying to hold back the tears as the emotions overwhelmed me. Knowing that on 9/11/01, 12 years ago, it began as just another day for those firefighters, everyone in the twin towers and the surrounding areas.

My family and I stood staring in silence, words were not needed, we were all feeling the same thing. I took a moment to silently pray for all the family members of those lost, knowing that a piece of their heart was taken that day.

So today, as I remember my visit to ground zero, I also want to reflect on how we all came together as a country, complete strangers, caring, sharing and lifting one another up in unconditional love in their time of need. What an incredible reminder of the resiliency of people when they are surrounded by love.

MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

Dedicating This Post To Picture Time

Laguna Beach, CA

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA

I'm currently two birthday posts behind...my hubby's on July 12 and my son Josh's yesterday on August 1st. My birthday posts seem to take me forever because I want to say just the right thing to express my love for my family, along with sharing some fun and interesting memories/facts about them. I also have to find the perfect pictures to go along with it. This usually means digging through my picture boxes aka (huge plastic storage containers that are not in any kind of order whatsoever=story of my life.) So I get a little overwhelmed and continue to procrastinate. I've just been posting pictures on my Facebook page and neglecting my blog.

With that being said, I decided to just dedicate this post to some scenic pictures that I've shot lately...I've been quite the little traveler, which I LOVE! I would spend every single day on an adventure if work didn't ruin my fun!;/

Join me on my escape trips! My visual paradise...

Huntington Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Bel Air-Los Angeles, CA 

Newport Beach, CA 

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA 

Brooklyn New York

Newport Beach, CA

Central Park, New York

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Brooklyn, New York 

Costa Mesa, CA

Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA 

Victoria Beach- Laguna Beach, CA

Huntington Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Victoria Beach-Laguna Beach, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

Huntington Beach, CA

I'm On a Mission!

Day 1 in "Operation Drop 7!"

I'm on a mission. It's not well thought out...but it's an attempt. I'll be leaving for New York in a short time, less than a month for my sister-in-laws wedding, (I've never been before.) I'm pretty excited to get the chance to be there for their special day...not to mention I'll get to spend time with my son, Jullien who's been living there since he was 17 modeling (21 now.)

So, what's my mission...drop 7lbs in a couple of weeks & get in shape. This is very typical of me, everything is always last minute (I tell myself, "That's when you do your best work, under the gun!") When I was younger (before 40) dropping weight was easy. I usually never carried too much extra lbs. and the little I did have just came off quickly with a little exercise. Well now at the age of 40+ things are a little harder. The first problem is my apparent lack of will power. I love my sweets and my midnight bowl of cereal. But in my mind, if I exercise and cut back on my dessert, I should lose it right?

Well, we shall see...I'm walking the dog and doing 30 minutes on the stair stepper each night & floor exercises (not enough will power, time or energy to go to the gym yet.) All this as opposed to the nothing I was doing before. Let's go weight...I need a miracle!lol!

It's Back

Last week I started to feel that same low back pain that prompted me to go to the doctors 1 year ago. It then led to that TERRIBLE surgery that caused my intestines to become blocked, tube down my nose and unbearable pain as I laid throwing up in the hospital for a week. The cause of my severe back pain before was from an accumulation of scar tissue from previous surgeries I've had. The doctor cleaned it all out but warned me that it would probably come back.

Well...it's back and I'm really struggling, especially because I really want to start exercising again to get in shape before our first trip to New York in April for my sister-in-laws wedding. I can barely walk or move quickly because it kills me! It's SO frustrating...I feel like a little old lady or something. I absolutely refuse to go to the doctors again though so I think I'm just going to try to stretch (a lot), get a few massages and pray that it goes away.

We'll see.....

Back To New York

JULLIEN HERRERA @ Jalama Beach, CA - photo by: Lisa Petrarca

Tonight I said goodbye to my middle son, Jullien. He headed back to his home in New York and straight to Fashion Week castings. I felt very lucky to have him home for a whole 20 days! It was definitely harder to say goodbye this time because I actually had more time with him than in the past. Usually on his short trips home he's always gone so it's almost like he's not even here on vacation. But this time I had him around a lot...AND we didn't even argue. Yes...we used to argue quite a bit because we're too much a like. We are both strong willed and like to have our own way. But with age comes appreciation and understanding of our similarities along with personal growth and change.

Today I was able to hang out with him all day. He had an appointment at the DMV, so he did an early morning final surfing session.

Newport Beach, CA

I took tons of photo's (of course) and tried to get a video with my phone...it's a little far away but I think you can tell he surf's really well.

Surfing @ Jalama Beach

I'm grateful for the family time I've been able to have this summer! There's nothing better than creating lasting memories.

Flaunt Magazine-John Varvatos

Here's a few more pictures from the recent issue of Flaunt Magazine that my son (Jullien Herrera) was in.

The editor of Flaunt magazine, Long Nguyen pays tribute to the incredible designer, John Varvatos in this cool, layed back shoot.



photos by Kevin Amato

Jullien Herrera in Flaunt- John Varvatos

Just an update...

jullien herrera (top left & black & white photo)
double click for larger view

Here's the latest issue of Flaunt Magazine (photographed by Kevin Amato) with an article on John Varvatos & pictures of my son Jullien Herrera (Red Models), on Models.com.

He will be turning 19 next month (November 14th) & I'm hoping he'll be able to come home but I'm not holding my breath...the life of a model (sigh).

I Won

So I have to admit, I have a guilty little pleasure that I still indulge in...not financially of course but via the internet...

Back in the day I used to be sooo into fashion, buying the latest cool things. Going to Melrose Ave. every weekend to find a cool outfit to wear out to the hottest L.A. clubs. Even my work clothes were high fashion.

Unfortunately, as you get older you have to tone down the style or you look like an old lady trying to be young (yuck). Okay, I'm not that old...isn't 40's the new 30's?

But another issue is, Beach Living. When you live by the beach it's all about casual, layed back fashion. Even on those nights out...jeans & maybe a dressy shirt & strappy shoes or boots. You show up somewhere too dressed up & people look at you like, "What is she doing? Who is she trying to impress? Doesn't she get it? IT'S THE BEACH! Put on your flip flops and relax!"

I guess it's nice when you're on a budget...you never have to invest in high $ fashion.

But I can't help getting a little envious of places like New York, Paris, Milan...the clothes are to die for!

When I need to curb my cravings...I often indulge in Fashion Blogs.

I LOVE Fashion Blogs.

Recently I began following Bravegrrl's Blog. Stop by & check out her fashion...she is so adorable & edgy. I love people who are "their own person"...they do their thing & it looks cool.

She had a contest for a vintage purse. I loved it!

And I actually WON!!


I can just picture this purse going to New York with me to visit my son. It's versatile & will look perfect even with jeans & a dressy top for those nights here too.

So once I get it, I'll post some beach fashion pics...with my new vintage purse of course!

THANKS BRAVEGRRL!

Don't ya love it?!