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Lisa Leonard

Wisdom From David

david, hope, inspiration By June 30, 2017 66 Comments

David, fifteen years ago we held you in our arms and cried. You weren’t what we expected and we were grieving. I didn’t expect to have a baby with a syndrome, heart defect and only two fingers on his left hand.

I cried tears for me, what would my life look like now that I had a child with special needs?
I cried tears for you. What would your life look like as you navigate living with special needs?
From the moment I saw your sweet face I loved you. I was your mama and I would do whatever I could to protect and nurture you. But I worried about how other people would treat you. I wished you could run and play and be silly like other children.
I feel silly saying this now, but I wished I could change you.
I felt pity for you, I felt pity for me.
I didn’t know it then, but sweet David, you were born to do big things.
You are a world changer!
My pity has turned to pride.

My worries have subsided as I see you soak up life and give love to those around you.

Everyday you teach us how to live with well.
You have helped us stretch and grow our hearts to make room for more joy.
You have shown us what it looks like to love with your whole heart.
Now my wish is for you to be YOU.
You are one of a kind.
You are a light.
You inspire me.
Today, for your fifteenth birthday, I wrote down bits of wisdom you have taught me.
What follows is how you live, how you love.

Happy birthday, my love! I’m so incredibly thankful you’re my son.

***

Wisdom From David

Come over
Settle in
Sit down

Snuggle up

Let yourself relax
Let yourself enjoy
Let yourself let go

Let yourself be loved

Make friends
Make music
Make messes

Make memories

With open hearts
With honesty
With happiness

With your hand in mine

Let’s dream
Let’s explore
Let’s learn

Let’s be brave

Today holds newness
Today holds adventure
Today holds beauty

Today hold hope

We are us
We are you and me
We are each other

We are family

Slow down
Breathe deeply
Be quiet

Let your heart speak

Listen closely
Feel your feelings
Think outside the box

See with new eyes

Forgive
Forget
Let your heart

Be free

All is right
All is known
All is safe

All is well

No shame
No fear
No hiding

No worry

You are precious
You are seen
You are loved
Be grateful
Be curious
Be gentle

Be you

One of a kind
Three words (I love you)

Forever, for always

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hello growing up

hello monday By June 26, 2017 2 Comments

Hello friends! We had a lovely weekend with the perfect mix of time outdoors, time with friends and time relaxing. Yesterday we had lunch with our little friend Bella {and her amazing parents}. I adore this pic of her and Matthias! It seems like yesterday Matthias was that little. I love watching him grow up and love on little ones–the way people loved on him.

It’s a brand new week, how about some hellos?

Hello Matthias and Bella. So much love!

Hello slow days of summer and staying in our PJs until noon.

Hello July right around the corner.

Hello getting ready for David’s 15 birthday! {15??!}

Hello watching this show. It’s sweet and funny. Have you seen it?

Hello reading Dr. Seuss with David. He loves it!

Hello listening to this audio book. She inspires me.

Hello working on some new pieces of jewelry to share with you. So fun–my favorite thing!

Hello loving this new shampoo and conditioner–not cheap but so hydrating for my curls!

Hello drooling over the amazing baskets in this shop. Gorgeous, right?

Hello eating endless amounts of m&m’s and then wishing I didn’t. But they’re so yum!

Hello listening to all the albums from high school and college. They bring back so many memories–Madonna, George Michael, Police, Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Hello saying I’m sorry a lot lately. I get grumpy with the boys and then have to apologize. Summer brings more time together and sometimes more grumpiness.

Hello to you! It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found, What are you saying hello to this week?

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cut off jeans, cut off jacket

what I'm wearing By June 22, 2017 8 Comments

Last week I popped into one of my favorite thrift stores and everywhere I turned was something amazing. The thrifting gods were smiling. I sifted quickly through a rack of clothing and came across the MOST awesome 80’s leather jacket. It was totally radical {if you’re an 80s kid, you’ll get the joke–if not, you think I’m a nerd–which I am.}

So I fell in love with this jacket. it had huge shoulder pads and ridiculously puffy sleeves. It looked a lot like this…

image source

I bought it for $4, brought it home and immediately cut out the shoulder pads and cut off the sleeves. And I love it! I feel like Cindy in Can’t Buy Me Love. I love that movie.

I didn’t know I needed a short sleeve leather jacket. So glad it found me.

I cut the hem off these Levi’s too–most of my alterations are done with scissors.

These sandals took some breaking in–but now they are so comfortable!

Outfit details: Leather jacket, thrifted. Levi’s, {I cut these off too}, Amazon. Tank, Old Navy. Sandals, Frye. North Star Necklace, My Shop. Boho Wallet, My shop.

What’s your favorite 80’s movie?

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Hello stuff of summer!

hello monday By June 19, 2017 2 Comments

Summer is officially here–I mean, I don’t think the calendar is calling it summer yet, but the boys are out of school so it’s official! It’s like the weather got the memo and suddenly got much warmer. We’re moving slow in the mornings and staying up past our bedtimes. We’re outdoors more and making time for ice cream. It’s summer–hooray! How about some hellos?

Hello AMAZING popsicle painting my sister Chrissie created. Isn’t it incredible? I love it. I screams SUMMER!

Hello eating breakfast outside. It feels so fancy and fun–even though it’s just three feet from where we usually eat breakfast.

Hello long days. It’s not getting dark until 9pm–I love it.

Hello celebrating Father’s Day. I’m feeling thankful for my dad and my husband who is an amazing dad.

Hello reading and reading. I have three or four books going right now. This one is SOOOO GOOOOD!

Hello making french toast casserole. It was delicious–and everyone got hot french toast at the same time. Yum.

Hello watering the plants more often.

Hello making time to write and sketch and think and write some more.

Hello to you! It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found. What are you saying hello to this week?

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You’re The One

father's day, steve By June 13, 2017 31 Comments

A few nights ago, I had a very dark dream. I dreamed there were a group of middle school boys picking on a young boy. They were carrying him by the arms and legs. As we drove by them, one of boys started putting a plastic bag over the head of the young boy. Steve pulled over the car as quickly as he could and ran toward the crowd of boys. I woke up shaking and couldn’t fall back asleep.  I had so many thoughts running through my head–but the most important was this–if we were ever in a situation like the one in my dream, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Steve would jump in to help the young boy.

It was the middle of the night and I was wide awake, so I wrote down these words…

***

When you asked me out on our first date, I wasn’t sure. But soon I had no doubt; you are the one.
You are the one I want by my side, for my whole life.

When I wanted to start a little jewelry business, you are the one who said, ‘Yes! Go for it. You can do it.’  You are the one who saw the vision of what it could be. You are the one who spends countless hours dreaming, working, inventing, reimagining and building our business.

When our boys were little, you are the one who could cuddle them for hours on end. You are the one who would take an afternoon nap with them on your chest. You are the one who was first to comfort a scrapped knee or bruised elbow.

When we disagreed with David’s surgeon, you are the one who said, “We’ll get a second opinion. We’ll fight for what is best for David.” You are the one who will go to any length to protect our boys.

When we saw one of our vendors mistreating an employee, you are the one who stepped in. You were the one who said ‘No, I won’t stand for this.’ and ended the relationship.

When we were on vacation and saw a man mercilessly beating up another man, you are the one who immediately intervened. You are the one who began yelling and running to break it up. While everyone else stood around watching, you are the one who didn’t hesitate to fight for the one in need.

When Matthias has thoughts, hurts, dreams, ideas, you are the one who listens and affirms and encourages and builds him up. You are the one he looks to for support and boundaries. You are the one who has helped shape him into a confident thirteen year old ready to take on the world.

You are the one who took up cycling again after twenty years and excelled. You are the one who joined Gymnazo and soon became one of the strongest and fastest. You are the one who took up guitar lessons and acting lessons. You are the one who bravely steps into new things.

You are the one who pursued a doctorate–connecting deeply with your professors and cohort in a way that changed not only your own faith, but helped mold mine as well.

You are the one who went to Onsite and counseling, then The Meadows to heal your hurts and love yourself. You are the one who bravely engages to live fully and love with your whole heart.

You are the one who speaks honestly.
You are the one who tries new things.
You are the one who loves deeply.
You are the one who believes in big dreams.

You are the one who’s showing our boys what it looks like to be, not only a good man, but the best of men.

You are the one who will do whatever you want to do.
You are the one I want by my side forever and for always.
You are the one for me.

Happy Father’s Day, sweetheart. I am so glad you’re my partner in parenting, in business, in creativity, in dreaming big, in LIFE! I love you!!


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hello summer {sort of}

hello monday By June 12, 2017 3 Comments

David is DONE with school–hooray! He’s no longer an 8th grader {Boo! We absolutely adore the teacher he’s had for the last three years}. Matthias has a couple more days and then we are officially in summer mode.

How about some hellos for a new week?

Hello ready for slow mornings–it’s my favorite part of summer. Until around 11am when I get frustrated we’re still in pj’s and I feel like a slacker.

Hello walking and hiking and being outdoors. Feels so good!

Hello windy. Ugh–I don’t like the wind. Steve loves it–I think he’s crazy.

Hello date night this week. I can’t wait.

Hello loving this TED talk from Anne Lamott. It’s worth the 15 minutes.

Hello feeling incredibly relieved that our sweet pug, Louis, found his way back to us. The wind blew our side gate open and he went for a stroll. An incredibly kind stranger posted his pic on Facebook and one of our friends saw it. We are so thankful he is home safe and sound!!

Hello Wonder Woman. It’s sooooo good! We all loved it!

Hello Lord of the Rings marathon. The boys idea–not mine. I’m trying to be a good sport.

I haven’t been sure about the off-the-shoulder style, but this jumpsuit has such rave reviews. Fingers crossed!

Hello celebrating David’s 8th grade graduation with friends and having such a fun evening!

Hello reading and loving this book.

Hello to you! It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found. What are you saying hello to this week?

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linen, levi’s and leather

what I'm wearing By June 6, 2017 3 Comments

I am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans–it’s like some insatiable thing. Right now this pair is my favorite. They’re Levi’s and they have a great vintage feel. I love the high waist. This linen top is a summer staple and these sandals are easy and comfortable. And of course the bag–love it. Details below.

Levi’s sizing can be all over the place. I bought my regular size in this style–size 29.

This easy linen top with be on regular rotation this summer. I also wore it in Paris last summer–it travels well.

These little sandals have a low heel which makes them wearable all day. The older I get, the less I’m willing to suffer with uncomfortable shoes. I thought the price was reasonable. too.

This bag feels so good. It’s nice medium size and the color is perfect. I am so happy with the way it came together!
The North Star Initial necklace has been around my neck every day. Hand carved initial on the front, Braille constellation on the back. Love the meaning! You read about it here.

Outfit details: Jeans, Anthropologie. Linen Top, Sundance. Leather bag, Leonard Lane {our new shop!}. Sandals, Sundance. North Star necklace, My shop.

Welcome summer!

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well hello there

hello monday By June 5, 2017 3 Comments

Hello friends!

We are all WELL and not sick and feeling very thankful! David has his last day of middle school this week {hello high schooler!} and Matthias finishes school next week.

Hello summer! It’s right around the corner.

How about some more hellos for a new week?


Hello fun door mat that welcomes us home every day.

Hello celebrating David’s promotion to high school with cupcakes and tacos. Yay!

Hello clean house that will probably be messy again in a few hours.

Hello pups who need baths. They’re shedding their winter coats.

Hello feeling grumpy and not knowing why? I think I need some alone time.

Hello sprucing up the spare room for guests {I say sprucing, but really I need to clean out all the junk that ends up in that room because I don’t want to deal with it!}

Hello reading this book and loving it! So honest and funny and insightful.

Hello wanting to try a new recipe for skirt steak tacos. We had the most DELICIOUS tacos ever at this fun spot.

Hello toting this bag around. LOVE!

Hello finding a few fun gifts for Father’s Day.

Hello to YOU! It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found.

What are you saying hello to this week?

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hello corner refresh

hello monday By May 29, 2017 7 Comments

We had a painted corner shelf in this spot since we moved into this house eight years ago. I found the piece at a garage sale before we were married {almost 18 years ago!}. I felt like I wanted to lighten and brighten this corner. So I sold the corner shelf at a garage sale and added some plants and paintings. And I love it!

How about some hellos for a new week?!

Hello bright space. I’m trying to find ways to update small spaces and refresh our home. It feels so good to give a little corner new life.

Hello Memorial Day. We are grateful for those who have served our country. We honor those who have lost their lives in service.

Hello pneumonia. David had a cold that turned worse and he’s having a hard time kicking it. We’ve got lots of good meds and we’re making time to rest and cuddle. Sometimes his immune system has a hard time fighting off bugs that barely bother the rest of our family.

Hello nebulizer breathing treatments and setting my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night to check on him. It makes me nervous when his breathing is so labored.

Hello watching HGTV and eating a bowl of cereal in the middle of the night because I can’t fall back asleep.

Hello messy house and just letting it be.

Hello having my purse stolen–with my wallet and everything–even my journal! Hello feeling thankful I can easily get a new wallet. I chose this one. {And it’s on SALE too!} Now I need a new driver’s license, atm card and everything else that usually fills it up!

Hello thankful for a day off school and work.

Hello SALE in the shop!

Hello to you! It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found. What are you saying hello to this week?

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hello pipsticks!

hello monday, san luis obispo By May 22, 2017 1 Comment

An ADORABLE boutique shop just opened in our little town of San Luis Obispo called Pipsticks. It’s full of stickers and cards and colorful pens and paper and did I mention stickers?! It’s a bright, happy spot–sure to inspire! I took pics to share with you.

How about some hellos for a brand new week?

Hello Pipsticks!
Hello fruit pouches to hold pencils {or make-up!} I think the watermelon is my fave.

Hello scissors that want to snip the perfect stickers. All the stickers!

Hello pens in cups. One of each please.

Hello rainbow of happiness. Seriously I want it all.

Hello perfect wrapping paper.

Hello succulent stickers. I need these!

Hello washi tape! Did you know it’s the best invention of century?

Hello Pipsticks. So glad we have a shop like this in San Luis Obispo. Come see all the color and cuteness at 1239 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo.
And if you’re not local, no worries–check out Pipsticks.com.

Hello watching this new series on Netflix. Cute and inspiring.

Hello ideas. My brain won’t stop–which is super fun and sometimes overwhelming.

Hello trying to kick the cold moving through our family.

Hello carrying this little beauty with me wherever I go.

Hello sunshine and making time to walk and hike and be outside.

Hello meetings by phone, meetings by email, meetings in person and follow-ups by text. We have a lot of meetings lately!

Hello eyeing these cute clogs!

Hello last couple weeks of the school year. Summer is coming!!

Hello brand new week with beauty to be found! What are you saying hello to this week?

PS Pipsticks is having a GRAND OPENING celebration Saturday, June 3, 11am-2pm. Come join the fun at 1239 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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