Lisa Stops and Smells the Roses

Bonjour. . .How I loved this episode, we spent many years between France, Monte Carlo, and England so always relish the chance to return. My schedule of late unfortunately hasn't allowed it. The last three years for businesses to survive and prosper we have had to keep on our toes so to speak!

One of the many reasons that I fell in love with Ken was the kindness he exuded. We met when Warren was 15 and I was 21. As he explained he was married briefly for two years at 19, to a young wife who wasn't prepared for the challenging job of being a mother. So he then fought for custody of their only child. He worked many jobs laboring, night jobs, anything to provide for his son, and, with the help of his mother, he raised an educated, well-mannered young man.

Life was hard at the beginning. But with sheer tenacity and some sort of innovative business sense, he created a life for his family (including his parents) that otherwise they wouldn't have had.

Warren is very much his fathers son -- ambitious, incredibly family oriented, and someone to be proud of.

People have often asked me why I would sign up for a reality show as if it was some sort of sentence, but when I view episodes forever documented like this I rest assured that we made the right choice.

I explained how when Warren first met Sue, the 16 year age difference, the secrecy that had transpired, was not something we supported. But I learned a very valuable lesson, when our children make a choice, remember our opinions and influence are pretty much redundant. The intimacy between a couple supersedes the parental relationship and take heed -- it is not a battle that is worth fighting. It took a while, a few years, that with hindsight was a complete waste of emotion. And now 26 years and a lovely grandson for Ken later, we would have to admit we were wrong.

I have to be frank, my family in England have not supported my choice to venture into this world. But there you have it. It has afforded me a plethora of opportunities and a smorgasbord of amazing challenges, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I interact with you the viewer on Twitter and read your blogs, and I will say for the most part you are all incredibly kind, honest, and supportive.

I was happy to see Yolanda back in this weeks episode. I have a similar attitude as her to life, with the fact that being straightforward without aggression is a much better way to communicate. She confronted Taylor with a firm but direct attitude, which we will see more of, and it was an interesting moment, for sure. I understand that Taylor has an opinion about David, which might be a little one-sided as she is close to his ex-wife, but it shouldn't influence her own experience.

We were excited to meet up with the group in Paris and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Marisa's father-in-law Richard Zanuck. I don't know them well but I believe the family was extremely close and were absolutely devastated. Life is so fragile. Just an unexpected heart attack changes the lives of so many. No time for goodbyes. That is a hard hand to be dealt and my sympathies to them all.

When we arrived it was Bastille Day, which is a huge celebration in France. So to see the fireworks across the Parisian rooftops with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower was a poignant experience for me. I have often wondered if my life will one day take me back there. I speak French and have a great love and passion for the French culture -- the leisurely lunches with a glass of wine, the whole month of August set aside for vacation, and their attitude to take time each day to slow down and indulge ourselves in what life has to offer. We should all take a moment to stop and smell the roses.

I noticed upon seeing Kim that something seemed a little off. She was definitely not drinking, but appeared to be almost pixilated, somewhat bemused. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I was aware that she was different.

So I will close off now. Yes I do read your comments, as some have often wondered. It is an exciting week, this week. I hope you all stay safe and well.

Love always, Lisa.