A Few Minutes with bee listy or Holy Mother of Pearl-It's Steve McQueen!

When I first saw bee listy's work on Craftster, I was blown away. Who was this woman and wait-did I just see a Steve McQueen cross stitch? Holy mother of pearl! I knew I had to see what she is all about!

Who is the real Beelisty/Becca?
The real bee listy is a thirtysomething, single radical queer in minneapolis who spends her time bitching and moaning about political shitfuckery and insanity.

How did you get started stitching?
i saw the Irony is not Dead piece from subversive cross-stitch several years ago and was like "ooh, fun!" my grandpa and mom were both needleworkers... and i have OCD (or CDO if you will)-- i'm a counter! this is a great outlet for that.

You do such amazing portraits-which one is your favorite and why?
Thank you-- my favorite portraits ever are my grandparents. It's my favorite because i love them so much and it was the last gift I gave my grandpa (the stitcher) before he passed away... he loved it and was so moved and proud of it...

What kind of advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Well, be careful that you're not stitching copyrighted images or slogans... i've had a few people contact me in really rude ways about accidentally using their words or images. Ugh. Be patient-- it gets easier. Do what you want, but don't copy other stitchers-- i don't find it flattering.

Do you have a website or a shop?
I have an Etsy shop and a website. etsy seller name is epeolatry and website is www.beelisty.com

 What does the future hold for you? What's the next chapter?
I have SO MANY IDEAS but i keep accepting custom commissions, so i haven't been making time to sew for myself. My next life chapter is going back to school for my PhD so i may have less time to stitch for the next few years...we'll see. :)

Are you dying yet? I told you! I love her work and she is an amazing person. Her passion for activism is equal to her kind heart . She can whip out some quick wit and educate you about the trials in the world all in one breath-and that is why I like her so! Keep up the fight and keep up the stitching!

Tie One On Tuesday!

Alright already, I get it, it’s October, the Halloween month!! I also understand that you have all been clamoring for more drink recipes to try. Okay my little twinkies – lets combine the two ideas above and I am going to give you some Halloween drink recipes to test out. Now we are not going to delve deep into the makings of such classics as the Zombie – lord knows I only have a small amount of space to write this in and the complex fixings for the undead cocktail would take up this space alone. I think I have told you this before, the first one I ever attempted to make caused my friends to not only act like Zombies but groan like them too from the over mixing of the booze.

So, lets get started with something simple. A shot consisting of a few ingredients and FIRE!!!!

Pumpkin Pie Shot (this version is from The Tavern in Albany N.Y.):

-          2 parts Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)

-          1 part Bailey’s Irish Cream

-          1 part Goldschlager

-          Ground cinnamon

Combine the Kahlua and Baileys and pour into shot glass. Float the Goldschlager on top and carefully set on fire. While burning, sprinkle a little Cinnamon on to the flame and watch the fireworks!! Great for parties but don’t light anything aflame please. Now – either blow out or wait for the flame to go out naturally and then shoot it. Yummy warm Pumpkin Pie that will get you snockered!

Returning to my Tropical drink roots, I present:

The Banana Banshee:

-          1/2 oz. Crème de Cacao (preferably the white variety)

-          1 oz. Banana Liqueur

-          1 1/2 oz. Cream

Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain and serve in a cocktail glass. Plain, simple and sinfully delicious! Now – you can make this drink a SCREAMING Banshee If you add a 1/2 oz of Vodka and reduce the Banana Liqueur by 1/2.

This last one has a long list of ingredients, so get to stocking your bar:

The Blue Ghost:

-          1oz Crème de Cacao (white)

-          1 oz. Blue Curacao

-          1 oz. Banana Liqueur

-          1 oz. Coconut Rum

-          1 oz. White Rum

-          1 oz. Triple Sec

-          1 oz. Vodka

-          4 oz. Cream

Plop everything into a cocktail shaker and proceed to knock yourself out. To take this drink to another level you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream in place of the cream, you just have to shake a little longer. This recipe will make shots 10 shots or 3 or 4 small sized sipping cocktails.

So, there you go, three different spooky drinks to try out before the BIG night. I will be back next week with a few more brain numbing concoctions for you to try. Until then, please get off my lawn!  

Don't Go In The House.

Your house is your castle, your sanctuary, that is until some evil ghost decides to take up residence. Modern cinema tells us to watch out for things that go bump in the night, to check behind those doors, to lock the windowsbut does it work, of course not and we are greeted by some ghoul telling us to "Get Out." and do we do it, of course not, why, because we are morons. This week I'm going deep into the basement and dig out some favorite Haunted House flicks.

William Castle gives us our first tale of ghost, 13 ghost to be exact. This is the original and not the total gore fest hack that came out in the early 2000's. The story centers around a family inheriting a haunted house from a distant relative . The house comes with 12 ghost (I won't spoil it by telling you who the last ghost is) that you can only see with special goggles. William Castle was a master at gimmicks and this one does not let you down. Castle incorporated a technique called Illusion-O, which allowed only the brave to see the ghost while the weak only saw the actors. The ghost were tinted in blue and could be seen with special "goggles" that were sold at the theater.

Another William Castle favorite is The House on Haunted Hill with Vincent Price.  Price plays an eccentric millionaire who plans a "party" for his wife with several unsuspecting strangers. As the night progresses there are disappearances, murders and ghost. This time William Castle's gimmick was floating skeletons on pulley that came down and flew through the audience. His gimmicks made this movie and other movies a huge success.

Getting away from the campy gimmicks and for a real scare, we have The Innocents. The story starts with a governess who is hired to take care of two orphans. She slowly finds out that the children have a abnormal hold on the staff of the house. Disturbing manifestations, ghosts, and suicide have the governess second guessing her new surroundings, is it all in her mind or is it reality. If it is real, what kind of pact have the children made with evil and thus a struggle ensues with a devastating ending.

Okay, getting back to my campy self, I end our little tour with pure raw silliness and the movie House. A Vietnam vet moves into his dead aunt's house to work on his memoirs and strange things start happening. His child goes missing, he ends up in Vietnam again, strange zombies attack-all the things you expect when going for a little visit to auntie's. House can be kind of gory but is certainly ridiculous and over the top. Just do me a favor and DO NOT watch  House 2.

I hope I haven't scared you too much kiddies with these tantalizing tales of homely terrors. Pleasant dreams, don't forget to plug in your My Little Pony nightlight, oh,...and don't forget to check under the bed. Did you hear that? Did that just come from the basement?

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I know it doesn't come as any surprise that I am a fan of Jack Russell Terriers. They are little beast that can win over your heart in a matter of seconds. So, when my friend Joleen told me about her JRT, well, I just had to find out about the little guy.

Jack, is it true you are a bad boy? I think you might be a little
misunderstood
I'm not all that bad... I just really want to make sure that my domain
remains secure. If that means that I need to lash out at someone to put
them in line, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. I really didn't mean
to bite that guy, he was just getting a little too close to my mistress.

What's the deal with skunks?
I have killed one and scared off at least 2 more that I know about. I also cornered a giant woodchuck (it was the size of a large beaver) and killed a possum. I don't know why they keep coming in the yard. But Jack is ON IT!

Are you a momma's boy?
I try to make her happy. I watch the house. I do regular perimeter checks.
I eat the bugs when she screams at them. I make sure the garbage doesn't
get too smelly before it gets taken out. I alert her to the comings and
goings of our 'hood. And at night, I keep her warm and safe.

What's your favorite thing in the whole world?
At the end of a long day,if I have been a really good boy, I get to sleep on the bed instead of in my crate. When she finally falls asleep, I crawl under the covers where it is warmer and dream about my next adventure.

Bonus Question
Life is better because...... I love.

Jack, could you be any sweeter? You are a wonderful little protector who makes everyone around you very happy. If you don't watch out, Lola might just give you a little smooch.

Feel Good Friday!

 

martin luther king jr. quote, originally uploaded by jerm IX.

It's time to get your bootie shakin'! It's Friday and that's always a good thing!

So, I don't want OMP to get a big head but he has excellent taste in music. Every time he has me listen to a new band I usually say I'm not that interested but then I listen to it a few more times and BAM! It becomes my new favorite. For example-The Hives. At first I was like, "yeah whatever" then OMP  made me go to their show and now they are probably my favorite band. This also happen with 44 Long. They are a local band from Portland who have an infectious sound-mixing Driving and Crying, The Replacements and Wilco all in one. They don't play as much as they use to but when they do, GO SEE THEM. You will not be disappointed with the music or the banter. Once again, OMP did not steer me wrong.

For all you bird lovers out there. You should really check out The Fat Finch. They have everything for your bird needs. Right now I am loving the vintage bird dish. Hint hint....it's not to far from Christmas...helloooooooo,.....

Speaking of the season. October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness month. Make sure that you or that consenual close friend are having and giving home breast exams. There are so many little things that you can do to promote healthy safe lives. Get involved with something in your community or help out at PWCL's 700@ 7 campaign. Your $ 7.00 a month will help save a life, provide safety, and give that person a compassionate  to listen (that's where I come in!)

I love this little guy. This is just a little sample of the amazing and super duper cute embroidery that Kunderwood does.

So, normally I put 10 things that make me happy here, well, I don't want to bore you this week so instead I'm giving you 10 things you can do for yourself without ever needing a reason why.
1. Take the day off
2.LAUGH
3. Celebrate how fabulously brilliant you are.
4. Take a chance.
5. Love, accept, and respect yourself exactly as you are and understand that your opinion of you is the only one that counts.
6. Treat yourself to something that can be described with one or more of the following words: sparkly, yummy, divine, rich, adventurous, adorable, posh, sexy, beautiful, fun and exhilarating,
7. Realize that demand can be an okay thing for you to do.
8.Spend time with the person who matters most in your life.
9. Dance and sing
10. Be a brave, brilliant and beautiful inspiration.

Ahhh,.....I'm ready for the weekend. Have a happy Friday and an amazing weekend. Of course, cause I can never resist.

Trader Pup and Genna's pup. Thanks Elicia

Let the Halloween Fun Begin!

It's October 1st! Only 30 more days until Halloween! YES! I am so excited! It's one of my favorite times of year and really starts my holiday season. My husband and I have an enormous collection (well, mainly OMP) of Halloween goodies. He has been collecting Halloween stuff for over 20 years.   This week I'm starting with some of my favorite plastic candy containers.

The above snowmen are probably my very favorite. They are from the 1950's and made by Tico/Rossbros. This company made Christmas figures and used the same mold but with different colors and stencils. 

The witches are just too cute~ I love the one on a rocket. The witch on riding over the moon is a topper for a cake or maybe came with some candy.

These little pumpkins are also from the 1950's. I believe that they are from Tico also, but I may be wrong.

The cat with the stipes came in several variations as did the big eyed kitty.

These containers are the same but with color variations.

The majority of the containers that you will find are hard plastic so they will have cracks and missing pieces. I personally go for the cute factor and who cares if you are missing a piece here or there. They are fun to look at and great conversation pieces.

Hanging around with Alisa!

When I first met Alisa, she was volunteering at the agency I work at. I knew from the first minute, we would be instant friends. We would craft between calls and chat about our love of movies. Alisa is such a rock star!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

By day I am an assistant in an elementary school classroom, by afternoon I work in an after school program teaching elementary school kids how to make, package, price, market bath and body products, and sell them in their etsy shop Sunny Bubbles.  By evening  You can find me either upstairs in my studio sewing, or making a big mess with paper and glue or on the couch with my embroidery or knitting. On the weekends I am hanging out with My husband and our dog  Luna and  kitten Seth.

What projects are you working on right now?
I have recently been reunited with embroidery. I love using old vintage pattern' from the 30's. 40's and 50's. I cannot draw, or paint to save my life, however having the ability to shade and define with thread is something that really amazes me. Next up on the hoop are some vintage pin up transfers I just found on line.

Who/what is an inspiration to you?
 There area few things that have inspired me to be brave and try everything that sparks my interest.The first is  a quote by Pablo Picasso
"I am always doing things i can't do...that's how i get to do them"  
This give me carte blanche to buy a lot of supplies and make big mess, all for the pursuit of trying a new technique or project that may or may not turn out all that well.
Another  huge inspiration is the creative people in my life that make time to  deal with the chaos that life can bring others, be it working with or advocating for adults, children or animals that are displaced, disabled, abused or forgotten , and then are able to come home to their own lives and produce amazing pieces of art  as a way of decompressing.
And also my husband Mark (the best guys are always named Mark) is a ceramics artist by night and has some of the best whimsical sculptures that make me smile.. He's also pretty damn funny!

You do so many different types of crafts-do you have a favorite?
I am quite the crafty magpie, aren't I? Of all the crafty things I do I think the one I do least is my very favorite. I love to collage old Mannequins.  I like the idea taking something that was produced to show women how to fit a certain mold  and turn them into something that  I feel is beauty.  I do admit my studio can be a bit surprising to folks who have never seen it before with all of the headless torsos stuffed in the corners.

BONUS QUESTION
Favorite sound?
 I love to watch old  movies from the 40's and 50's and the sound men's shoes make when they running on concrete is one of the reasons why.  Think the Third  Man when they are chasing Orson Welles through the sewers.

See! Didn't I tell you she's the coolest ever! If you are lucky enough to meet her in person, than you have met a true friend. Her infectious smile and good humor  will always stay with you.

Tie One On Tuesday! Quit Yer Whining!

OMP is a little tied up at the moment trying to find all of our Halloween decorations. I think they may have come to life and attacked. I'll keep you posted. So, in his absence I'm taking over for the day. Today's lesson will be about a good bottle of wine under $15.00. Now I'm not talking about Boones Farm Strawberry Hill or Thunderbird. Give me some credit, I'm a little classier than that, not by much.

I am not much of a white wine person but I know some people are so let's start with Alice White Chardonnay 2006. The $7.00 price tag just can't be beat. It's best with shellfish and white pasta. It has a tropical fruit taste and an unusual dose of acidity.

Mark West Pinot Noir is a great bottle of wine for $11.00. It goes great with chicken and spaghetti dinners. It has a nice cherry, spicy strawberry taste to it.

Lan Rioja Crianza is another great bottle of red wine for $12.00. It goes great with lamb or sausage and has a wonderful earthy taste to it with a hint of cherry and vanilla.

If you are looking for something with a stronger more interesting taste, go for the Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 for $14.00. It has a sweet beginning but a bitter chocolate and licorice after tone to it. It would be wonderfully paired with steak or red meats.

If you are looking for something a little bubbly to celebrate that special day. Well, I have you covered there too! Freixent Cordon Negro Brut is a wonderful sparkling wine at $9.00. Domane St. Michelle Brut is $ 12.00. It is a little sweeter than the Negro Brut. Both go great with smoked salmon and chocolate cake.

If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, Charles Shaw or as all the hipsters call it, "Three buck Chuck" is a nice cheap wine that will do in a pinch. I recommend the Shiraz.

Now, back to the Boones Farm. It goes great with the back of a 1980 Camaro and a randy stud with a mullet. If that's your idea of class then you are in luck. It comes in multiple flavors such as Green Apple, Strawberry Hill and Sun Peak Peach. If you want a little sparkle, definitely try the Tickle Pink. All bubbles and twice as much troubles!

Watching your pennies doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste. Try a few less expensive brands and see which one is the best for you and your favorite dinner. Now, I think I better go check on OMP..he's been in the basement for a little too long.

Sorry Guys!

Okay, So I was going to start my Halloween movie montage this week but I have just worked 8 hours then had a 2 hour meeting so now I'm gonna eat some crappy tacos, curl with with OMP and the pups and crash. I promise extra scary movies in the coming weeks. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to collapse. Good night guys!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Budgie, Budgie, Budgie! Is it possible for one little dog to have such a big personality? I say YES! I love how this little man can charm the pants off of you one minute and then be all grumpy old man the next (I'm sure when he barks, he is saying, "GET OFF MY LAWN!").

I thought Budgie was a bird, but you're a dog...care to explain?
It's not because I'm flighty, that's for sure! I'm named after a guy (Budgie the drummer from Siouxsie and the Banshees, my dad's favorite band) who was named after the birds. We look a lot alike, don't you think? It's the blond mane and big eyes.

You are the tiki scrappy dog ambassador, what's your favorite drink?
Whatever drink my mom or dad has is my favorite! But I like a Three Dots and a Dash , because I like honey a lot. I sneak a little drink from the glass whenever mom leaves her drink unattended. I don't like beer at all, I am strictly a cocktail dog.


Your favorite outfit?
I like my red sweater the best in the wintertime. Otherwise, a little sailor collar is a nice touch, subtle and classic just like me!

 

I have also been known to dress up when filled with the Christmas spirit:

Your favorite thing to do during the day is?
Sleep! I have my fancy bed and the blanket my mom knitted for me. I don’t mind that it is pink; I am manly enough to handle a pink blanket

When life hands you lemons you.....
Put them in a cocktail! If you’re speaking metaphorically, I believe in making the best of any situation. In fact, there is a short documentary about my life philosophy and how I was able to turn my life around from bad to good:



Oh my goodness! Is everyone else crying at that video? I am so glad that Budgie turned his life around and has a good family now. Not only is Budgie a fashion icon but he is also an inspiration to all of us. Thanks Budgie for making the world a better place.