Soup Lady, "Cooking from the Heart"

Karen's House Warming

And so as the witness to my friends life...yesterday marked a day of celebration, freedom, and renewal.  She is starting a new chapter in her life.  As with most milestones since I have known her I was able to be with her to march through to the next side.  Friends forever...I love you dear Karen.  I wish you well.  I wish you prosperity.  I wish you peace.  And wherever this path leads...know I will be there to witness you as you journey...

Karen and her "little" man.  Did I say little????

Justin has grown to be a smart, funny and caring young man.  I have watched you grow and mature and I am so honored to know you.  

Me and my friend...

Here come the girls...

 

The guest list...

 

Yummy food...

Girl talk...

Present time...

 

Dog children...

"Moving On"

 I have been a witness to Karen's life for about 20 years.  Through our single life.  Through our married life.  And now, through her transition.  Yesterday, I helped her move some of her items to her new home.  In Redlands.  The area reminded me of where Barbara Gallert lived.  In a quaint little neighborhood with friendly neighbors who came to welcome her!  I am honored to be a witness to this part of your life my friend.  With all that I have within me...I wish you and your family well.  As you all explore your new world.  With love and hope.  Deb

The Bergh's

As I was walking this morning Karen and I were talking.  Updating each other on the happenings in our lives.  Karen sharing with me how Katie met a family going through hard times.  A mother and son who are victims of domestic abuse.  Karen inviting them for dinner.  Katie offering to watch their dog as they entered a program.  

And I realized...how this family has opened up their home to people in need all of their lives - inviting them to become part of their family. When I talk about my home being a respite - it is just that.  For the short time you are here I will open up my home nourishing you with food and "zen" until it is my bedtime...then you are on your own.  While I talk the walk...they walk the walk. The Bergh family opens up their home to people in need.  Not for a couple of hours.  But for  months, years or whatever it takes to get them back on their feet.  Never asking for anything in return.  Giving with everything they have got.  All of them.

I am honored and privileged to know this family.  God bless you all as you journey...

With all my love

Deb

More from Liza Li...

More photos from Liza Li.  Jamie saw her posting on her Instagram about the party where she referred to us as her American family.  Karen and I are going to meet to set up another adventure with the fun crew...

 

Karen

Recently, a couple of people have commented on how special Karen is to me.  I responded to both with a yes - without really taking the time to reason out why.  In my quiet times of late I have been thinking about the people in my life who have defined me and shared moments of their life with me.

Karen and I met in our single days.  All I can tell you is we had FUN!  She introduced me to many adventures...including bike riding.  A trip to Solvang to do the half century, which is 50 miles on a bike.  Me on my mountain bike and Barbie glamour shoes...totally not really understanding what I was getting into...but I finished.  We would take quick trips together.  And shared our stories of the boys we encountered along the way.  She also taught me one thing too personal to share...but I put it here to document the level of trust I had with her as we built the relationship.

As with any relationships there were breaks in time.  A move to northern California.  Building families.  The usual.

But for now we are together again.  I love her easy ways.  No matter how complicated life gets for her she keeps a positive attitude.  She finds her strength in God.  She is not perfect and does not claim to be.  She does not judge people.  She does not blame people.  She finds the good in them...even when they don't deserve it. 

Jamie gave her one of the highest compliments he can give.  One day, me telling him about a situation that happened to her.  Me telling him, "I would be outa there"!  Him looking at me and quietly stating, "She gets commitment".  And she does.  She does not make false promises.  She is true to herself and authentic in every way.  She is honest with herself and does not pretend to be what she is not.  She does not like to be judged (who does) and will defend herself if she had to. And if she needs my help...I am there for her.  Armored up.  Fighting the fight for her if she needs me.  Getting BIG!!!

Today, even with our history we do not focus on the past.  We are very much in the now...with some plans for the future.  We share the day to day activities we are facing.  I enjoy every moment I have with her.

So, when I reason out the question, Karen is special to me...I can respond with a resounding YES!.  She is....and in a recent edited text from her...

Thanks again, for the moral support.

Boss Grill

Karen came by for a visit.  I have not seen her for a while so it was nice to catch up on the "crazy" stuff that life holds.  I had some pork chops out and we were going to use the new Boss Grill my mom gave me from her stash of gifts from Pechanga.  So, I put Karen and Jamie to  work.  They are both awesome Su Chefs.  Although, Karen is an awesome chef on her own.  She cooks just like me.  Tasting along the way and making things up as she goes along.  One of the greatest joys for me is being in the kitchen with friends, cooking away, sharing stories over a bottle of vino. 

Being silly...

Me and my babe...

Dinner is served...

Restorative Yoga.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

Karen, Jay, Jamie and me have been starting to "hang out".   They are "easy peasy" to be around.  We like to eat, play games, and meditate.  Yes, you heard me right!  Meditate.  The first night we went to  shop in Canyon Crest with facilitated mediation session.

Last night we were going to meet for dinner, then meditation.  But, it began to rain...hard.  So I called Karen to see if we could cancel.  So instead we decided to hang out at Casa Whitney for some dinner and restorative yoga. 

Setting the stage...

So I put Karen to work in the kitchen to get the salad together...

 

Me and my bud...

"J" and "J"...

And for dessert...

 

Boys Against the Girls!!!

We got to spend time with Jay and Karen.  A little dinner.  A little wine.  A Little dessert.  And cards...

Boys against the girls.  Girls won.  Just the way I like it!!!

Choices

One of the things I love most about Karen is when we talk out loud a capture ideas on paper.  She is in the process of making life changing choices and we were working out the details.  Folly was with us and got to see us in action.  Truly, the time just slips by.  Good luck my friend...I am excited for your journey.  It won't be easy.  But it WILL be worth it!!!  And remember...

LETU...Be You.  You have worked hard to become the woman you are today.  You are worth it!

 

An Evening with KK

Just me an her...like old times...only we are older, wiser...well...maybe just "older"...LOL!