Welcome Bob to the CC Family

The stars have aligned once again! I want to welcome Mr. Bob Marshall to the ChopCult family. Bob's an avid motorcycle enthusiast, land speed racer, traveler, Stampede racer and the author of the book American Road Runner. Click here to read about his Chopper Race against Charlie Weisel (@charlietravelingchopper). Welcome to the team Bob!

It's hard to get my head in the game when my heart is 3000 miles away. I find peace knowing my father gave his brother one of his giant hugs, and Uncle Eddie is pain-free once again. I'm sending my grandmother, family and cousins thoughts of strength and love during this difficult time. See you later dear friend.

Chopper Fest Update

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the California wildfires. Please take a moment to read Tory's thoughts and help spread the word.Thanks!

Three years ago.........

Three years ago I lost my father who was my best friend, my cheerleader, and my hero. I was in a fog for more than a year and struggled to move forward. Many people helped me through this journey, but many chose to hit the unfriend button. I guess they saw my mourning as a weakness but what's the sense of using social media if you can't be your real self. Was I weak? Hell yes, I was. Do I continue to have days that hurt like hell? Yes, I do. Three years later my mind still wanders from time to time, and I still have moments of sheer depression. But I also have days filled with laughter and happiness so I'll take the good with the bad.

This morning I was greeted to texts from my immediate family giving each other strength. We were always a tight knit family, but today our bond is stronger than ever. I'm thankful for each one of them. I am also thankful to those who remain present; I am a better person because of you. Your friend, Lisa

Happy Father's Dad to my Dad and to all. 

There's not a day that goes by that my heart doesn't yearn to hear his voice again. See you on the other side Daddy, much love and respect!

Olin Lane

When I celebrated my birthday a few days ago my only wish was for Mom and Dad to get stronger and become pain free. Talking to Dad on Wednesday morning  he sounded tired but his old self. I got off the phone believing my superhero was going to kick Grim Reapers' butt and start living his life again. Only part of my wish came true, he's finally pain free. I don't hate many people but Mr.  Reaper, you're not a nice man at all.  

Two weeks ago was an absolute blur but so rewarding to watch my parents profess their love for one another. Mom and Dad constructed a street for all of their children to walk upon. We call it Olin Lane. Please take note that this street abutts a rotary of many generations of streets, roads, and avenues attached. Our forefathers raised their children with a steady income, hard work ethics and love. 

On Olin Lane  you grew up with understanding the importance of love, honor, respect,  kindness,  unselfishness, truth, and faith. Over the years,  the road has become worn from the never-ending  foot traffic from our extended family . My heart is full  to see how each one of our nieces and nephews have grown up.  Looking  into their eyes,  I know in my heart that Olin Lane will never go away. The only time you can achieve  generations of like- minded  individuals is that the leaders had to do it right from the beginning.  This inner strength we all feel at this moment has the same goal:  Making  sure we take care of Mom has Daniel T. Olin written all over it. Personally, I want to crawl in a hole but I know it won't help anyone.  So I keep telling myself that no matter how dark life gets over the next few weeks,  it will get brighter. 

To honor Dad's legacy and for the outmost  respect  for our Mother, I will continue to walk this earth as they both did. Always looking up and taking one day at a time.  Yesterday creates our memories,  be present today and focus on the tomorrow's.  I wish I could turn back time and make this pain go away for everyone and have Dad,  Danny,  son,  brother, Grampy or Doofus at our side once again. 

On my recent  trip home,  I noticed what was once the strongest man I knew had become quiet frail. His walk was slower,  his hearing had diminished but his sense of humor was ever present . I went back and forth about crashing their lovers week.  That wasn't the case at all,  I was welcomed with open arms and the tightest hugs a parent can give their child.  Lori,  Mom,  Dad and I sat at the kitchen table reminiscing  for many hours. I happened to look at Dad and said " Dad you look really tired. Go rest and I'll  be here when you get up. His face lit up and said  'No honey,  I'm just gonna sit here and stare at you for awhile. I'm so happy right now.'" 

It saddens  me when I see families torn apart for one stupid reason or another.  I look at  my family and wonder how someone would give up this type of love for spite?  I have a true sense of love from my first memory.  This has never gone away, its only strengthen me over time. A parents love doesn't end when they're children go to college,  start a family of their own,  or spread their wings and move 3000 miles away.  I always know that no matter what, my parents and siblings  would help get me through anything. 

To Tommy, Tracy, Manny, Deann,  Lori, Markus and Duane,  I thank God that you're all in my life.  Ashlee and Wayne,  my heart is full and am completely humbled of the young adults you have become. Toni,  Paulie,  Catie,  Cassie, Owen, Chloe,  Dylan,  Justin,  MacKenzie and Sydney; I might be far away but I'm  just at a text or call away. I'm honored  to be your Auntie Lisa.  

To Uncle  Rick,  Aunt Charlene,  Aunt Linda,  Uncle Alan, Aunt  Pat, Aunt Mary and my concert partner,  Auntie Deb,  thank you for loving me like one of your own children. I'm  a better persontoday because each one of you. 

To my cousins, also known as my best friends, thanks for making sandcastles on the beach, going to Ashby,  Ferndale  Acres, Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee. Those were the best days! 

To Nana and Uncle Eddie, what started out as a family of four,  has transformed into a smaller  group. But please understand that you're both surrounded by family and friends, not just today  but always and forever.

To my dearest Mother, you're not alone and will never be. It's now time for you to start focusing on you. Your siblings, children, and grandchildren will continue to make Olin Lane the best street anyone wants to live on.  

On this day, I'm  requesting a different  wish. I wish my family love and strength. Over the next few days, do something  for yourself that makes you extremely happy. I call it 'Giving it to Danny '

Much love and respect. 

Lisa

Good people right here

It's been a pleasure to work with Tory and Dave. 

Our working relationship has blossomed into an awesome friendship and I'd rather poor and take the latter. 

Much love and respect!

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Thanks Mom!

 I was always fond of  Mom's and Grandmother's Confetti Melamine mixing bowls as a child.. Nana has a full set and Mom just had one large bowl from Memere's collection. If the recipe called for a mixing bowl, I would always grab the confetti one, which was gray and had specks of color running through it.

It became a running joke at Christmas time to try and walk out with Nana's set. I'd stuff them in my shirt but Nana would make me put them back. Sadly, my grandmother passed away in October and my Mom sent me these bowls. She found them online and knew they would make me happy and keep Nana in my heart. 

I'm sure you are reading this and thinking, really a post about bowls? The answer is simply,  yes. 

Live life to the fullest, take nothing for granted and may your table be bountiful!

I would like to wish you the best for 2013

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My hometown

 I'm not a big fan of Bruce but the song "My Hometown" has been playing in my head for the past few days. Here are some photos I captured during a recent visit to Lowell, Mass, my hometown. Many generations have worked in the textile mills, hospitals, supermarkets, local paper, firehouses, restaurants and warehouses. Like many cities, there is good and bad areas but I believe we lived on the right side of the tracks. Family values are very important to us, it's all we know.

 

BBQ at Wil's

It's an honor to have great friends like Wil and Na"Kneetra. After working endless hours building his Born Free bike, they opened their home on Sunday for their annual cookout. Duane and I drove down to Seal Beach with our buddy Josh. We took the scenic route over the Ortega and hit the ocean. It was a GREAT day and we loved the friendly welcome, great food and hospitality!

THANK YOU!!!!!

More on the way...:-)

Da Plane

We visited the Pima Air & Space Museum during our three day trip to Phoenix. I spent the day shooting while the Three Stooges~ Duane, Darin and James~ sounded like Rainman,,,,,yeah yeah, this is a blah blah blah built in the blah blah blah by blah blah blah. Thank God for Diet Coke and the sun, just kidding, this place is very cool to visit but I can’t image being very busy during the summer.

 

I would get lost in shooting so I just looked for their legs.. Really Aunt Lisa, how many more pictures???? If you’re interested in the planes, check out Duane’s blog