So Frustrated

I think I've hit a road block. Everything I am making is turning out horrible. I have a crafty block! I've lost my mojo! AGGGGGGGGHHHH! Has this every happen to you? I was so frustrated the other night that I threw my stitching into the fire. OMP told me I was having a hissy fit, but slowly backed off when I told him he was going into the fire next.

I've decided to take a little break from stitching and concentrate on other crafts, baking and gardening. Never fear, I will be back at it in a week or so-probably sooner cause I can't stay away for more than a day or two.


Have you lost your crafting mojo before? What do you do to get it back?

On Hold....

Apparently the DMV can hold a 22 year old grudge if you paid a parking ticket  two days late. Let's just say I know this first hand and leave it at that. So, in honor of the wonderful DMV and their workers, to whom I wonder when they lost their passion for their job, I am featuring other driving scofflaws. While you are on hold for the next available customer service representative, enjoy these great movies.

I love Robert Mitchum. He was an outlaw during a time period when straight and narrow was the way to be. In Thunder Road he plays a bootlegger trying to outrun the revenuers. Not only does Mitchum have to contend with the revenuers but also with the mob. It's just another typical day in the southern hills (again, I wouldn't know much about that).

Oh goodness me, I'm gonna have to do it. Another Burt Reynolds movie. Now, you know I love Smokey and the Bandit but Cannonball Run is right up there. Roger Moore, Dean Martin and Dom DeLuise-how can you go wrong? Quit laughing! It's a great movie! The storyline is very simple. A bunch of people race across country for a large sum of money and yes, it is very illegal. The only thing better than Cannonball Run is Cannonball Run II. I said, quit laughing!

Finally, one of OMP's all time favorite movies. The Blues Brother. OMP can quote every line from this movie and expects me to know the comback line for his quote. I am not kidding one bit. EVERY LINE! Anyhoo, Jake and Elwood decide to go on a mission from god and put the band back together. Car chases and incredible music ensue (Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway) and the brothers are up for the adventure.

Well, my wonderful friends, it looks like we are still on hold. I suggest filing your taxes, getting a root canal and popping in another movie while we wait. It will only be a few more minutes.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

My dogs seem to have a problem with manners. They love to stick their tongues out. Rude guys...you know I've taught you better than that.

I guess it could be worse...

MMMMM.....Gooey...

In the Pacific Northwest, we have a very scare beast called the Geoduck (pronounced Gooey Duck). Today's recipe IS NOT in honor of that scary thing. Its so disgusting that I'm not even gonna post a picture. You can thank me for that later. Nope, today's sweetness is all about the Gooey Cake aka Gooey Butter Cake.

Those of you in the Missouri area know exactly what I am talking about. This pudding-y, cakey goodness is so sweet but so addictive that you just can't stop eating it. I am warning you, this cake is EXTRA sweet. I might be committed blasphemy here, but I think it would be so wonderful with raspberries or blackberries and I plan on making it again with summer fruit. I wonder if you can freeze it? It would be so good in pop form.

Now, without further adieu, I give you the Gooey Cake

Ingredients
Crust

• 1 pkg yellow cake mix
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
• 1 egg

Gooey Butter Filling

• 1 (8oz.) pkg cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 (1lb.) box confectioners sugar (roughly 3 3/4 cups - 1 pound of confectioners sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla
  

Mix cake mix with 1 stick of butter and 1 egg (DO NOT FOLLOW CAKE BOX DIRECTIONS!)
Pat mix into a 9x13 ungreased dish
Cream together cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla. The batter will be of a thick icing or cake consistency.
Pour over cake mixture and spread to the edges.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, until you have a nice light brown crust on the top.
Let cool and dig in. Traditionally the cake is dusting with more confectioners sugar, but I left mine all naked.

This cake is a wonderful compliment to coffee or a nice strong tea. Trust me, once you try this, you will be hooked!

Feel Good Friday!

I am SOOOOOOOO happy it's Friday! You have no idea! Seriously guys, this week has kicked my butt! Wait, do I say that of most weeks? I should start taking karate out so I can kick back.

Easter is just around the corner and these cross stitched eggs are just what the bunny ordered. How absolutely clever of kokoleo to think these up. She always creates adorable dolls and monsters.

I have been obsessed with Aunt Peaches blog. Her tagline of Making Sunshine on a Shoestring is just too perfect for words. The blog has wonderful tutorials, beautiful pictures and just all around greatness. I heart her.

I'm pretty sure I see this book in my near future.

Oh yeah, I did it. You know you want to squeal in delight at the computer. I want to kiss that little nose. 

Oh man, I wore myself out! I think I need something sweet and a nice beverage to wash it down. I'm gonna grab my babes, my OMP and snuggle in for the night. Life is good, no, let me correct that. Life is great.

Building a Bridge

I'll admit it, I've been blue lately and neglecting this wonderful blog and your wonderful people. I'm really sorry, no, I am. I love coming here and chatting it up with you guys.

I think last night was the final straw for OMP and my bluesy feeling. He looked me square in the eyes and said...

Get down off the cross, we need the wood to build a bridge so you can get over it.

Then he flashed that perfect smile and those wonderful eyes lit up. And I giggled then I got angry, cause I hate when he's right. To make matters even worse, he made me make a list of things that make me happy and made me print it out so I can carry it with me at all time. So whenever I'm feeling sad or anxious or angry, I can pull out this list and look at it and remind myself to smile.

Did I mention I hate when he's right?

Anyhoo...Here's my list. You can borrow it if you want or make up your own. Cut it out and carry it with you everywhere. We all need to be reminded of happiness.

Things that make me happy:
1. OMP and my pups (that's a given. I'm not sure OMP or my monsters will make you equally as happy, but   you can still use it)

2. Singing my favorite song

3. Fresh flowers

4. Candy

5. My friends

6. Crafting

7. Laying in the sun with a glass of ice tea and a magazine

8. Baby animals

9. Fart jokes

10. Cowboys and rodeos

But...I'm not finished...OMP also made me make a list of things to do when I'm sad. A little pick me up reminder. Did I mention that I hate when he's right?

So...again, you can borrow from my list

1. Hang out with my pets

2. Stitch up something

3. Bake/Cook (I think he may have added this one)

4. Dance and sing

5. Call a friend

6. Get in the car and go for a drive

7. Watch a silly, scary or otherwise pointless movie

8. Help someone who needs it

9. Dress up

10. Shower OMP with kisses (I think he may have added this one too)

I hope this sparks a smile. It has definitely helped me. Now, if you will excuse me I must shower OMP with kisses. A girl has to do, what a girl has do to.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

See this little man....he is a mess and he is all mine.

He can try to ignore the tough love I am about to bestow upon him, but it won't work. Do you hear me Pete? The kisses are coming.

Oh, I'm glad I got your attention, the snuggling with commence in 5, 4, 3, 2,1....KISSES!