Back to School!

Ah, summer is winding down, the air is getting a little crisper and the school bell is ringing. It's that time of year again when the little kidlets head back to school for some higher education. Now there are a MILLION school movies out there so it was hard to narrow down the "school" genre I wanted to focus on. Sure I could do inspirational and you already know I love a musicals but the thought of a miserable little teenagers out there brings a big smile to my old bitter face.

Okay class, let's begin with Rushmore. This is a movie that people either absolutely love or absolutely hate (which is the case with most Wes Anderson's movies) This is a very dark comedy about love and after school activities (Not those kind-get your mind out of the gutter). Max Fischer is a precocious 15 year old trying to make it through Rushmore private school. The only problem is Max is exceptional at writing plays and bee keeping but horrible in actual learning part of it. . Throw in a crush on a teacher and Bill Murray and you have a dark touching comedy.

Now for all you misunderstood art class dropouts, I have the movie Heathers. Remember when Christian Slater was cute and dark and the next big thing, yeah well, it never happen. Oh and Winona Rider was totally kick ass-remember-I miss her smart ass humor and big doe eyes. Why? Why? Why? did they have to have such egos...oh wait, we are talking about movies here...Veronica is surrounded by her "in crowd" of Heather 1, 2 and 3 but isn't 100% sure she fits in. This is where JD shows up and the Heathers start dropping like flies. This is another dark comedy that has a lot of sass and great one liners. It was a great contrast to the other 80's feel good teen movies that were coming out at the time.

Last, a little indie movie that burst onto the scenes and quickly won over the mass market without destroying it's indie street cred. Napoleon Dynamite. I will fully admit that I love this movie! It is so painfully awkward that you can't help but to giggle and cringe at the same time. The one thing about underdog Napoleon Dynamite is that you didn't fall in love with him at the end. He was still somewhat of a jerk through and through. You knew nothing was going to change at the end of the movie yet, you were okay with that. Napoleon is a social outcast who goes through his daily life lying about hunting wolverines, catching delicious sea bass and helping his friend try to win the student body presidency. It is a very sweet awkward movie that spun out of control with t-shirts, dolls and lunchboxes.

Well there you have it class, three little indie movies that will get you that cute little indie boy or girl's phone number and maybe even a date to the local filmfest. You can thank me later that night when you write you daily diary entry.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

 

Mo

As I sit and watch the girls sleeping beside me I realize how lucky they are. They have a wonderful loving home, enough food to eat and parents that love them very much. It's definitely a give and take relationship, I give the treats and they take them. The girls give us more love than we could ever imagine. They lift our spirits when we are down, love us unconditionally and force us to take care of ourselves. I can't imagine life without them.

 

Pico

They are lucky, they have a good safe life, but there are millions of furry babes out there that need loving homes. Now I'm not going to play that completely sad ASPCA ad that makes me cry EVERY time I see it or try to sound like a Feed the Children commercial. I'm just here to tell you about a few places that help you adopt a friend. 

 

Honey

One of the best places to check out online is Pet Finder. I have spent hours upon hours at this site just looking at little ones that need loving homes. The best thing about Pet Finder is that you can enter the type of animals you want and they will find it for you. Maybe you don't want a dog but want a goat instead. Just type in the perimeters and you'll find a goat in your area. It's one of the quickest, easiest ways to find a new buddy.

 

Matilda

There are several options if you want something closer to home. The Humane Society and your local animal control shelter are great places to check out. You can cruise your options online or head down to the shelter to check out the animals that are up for adoption. If you are looking specifically for a no kill shelter, the website nOkillnetwork.org has listings in your area. This isn't a complete listing. I found others in my area by googling "No Kill Shelter".

 

Rosie

Now let's say you are interested in a specific breed, there are even adoption places for that! There are wonderful agencies out there that rescue and save animals from horrible backyard breeders. Again, google the breed that you are interested in and you will come up with dozens of places.

 

Mildred

Adopting a pet is a serious commitment and just like any other relationship should not be taken lightly. Pets need us to take care of them. If you don't have the time and devotion it requires to take care of a pet, then please reconsider adopting. There are other ways to get your fuzzbutt fix-babysit for a friend, volunteer at a shelter, support organizations that help animals. If you are ready for that commitment and are looking for a new friend,consider adoption. You will make a difference in a little one's life and I guarantee they will do the same.

 

Piglet

*All the animals pictured today are looking for loving homes.

Feeling Good Friday!

Blech! I know, I know,,,what a great way to start Feeling Good Friday but I have been sick this whole week and I have managed to get OMP sick which is NEVER good. I apologize in advance to being the carrier monkey, and getting  anyone else sick. Even though I am feeling like I got hit by a Mack truck I can still find wonderful things to be happy about this Friday.

Fall is just around the corner, which means Halloween is not far behind! I LOVE fall weather. It is my favorite time of the year. I get excited watching the leaves change, the air get a little crisper and settling in for an adventurous winter.
I love this piece done by Sew Sugary Sweet. It is so sweet and the stitching is amazing!

Even though I don't have children, I always get excited about school starting back up. I love the thought of getting school supplies, new teachers, meeting new friends and having crazy adventures. I came across this blog and it was so sweet to me. Sparkle Power! is a great blog about life, love, family and being connected to those around you. Oh, and handmade treasures! It makes me happy that there are ultra cool hip moms out there making a difference and being positive.

Speaking of Making a difference!  I just found out that you can donate your old electronics and computers to the Humane Society. How cool is that? Check out MyBoneYard.com for all the details. This is a wonderful way to help out a great charity and get rid of those gadgets hanging around your house.

Oh my goodness how I love Black Apple! Emily Martin's  art is so adorable and yet somewhat creepy.  Did I mention that I LOVE it? You can find her on etsy and different handmade/craft shows. If you don't have a piece of her art work yet, in any form-go get it NOW!

Ah yes, and because I can't resist making list. Here are my 10 happies for the your viewing pleasure.
1. Always at the top. OMP and the pups
2. My friends, I may not be able to tell them on a daily basis how much they mean to me, but they do. I love you!
3. Knowing that I can make a difference in the world.
4. Fall is almost here. So long summer!
5. Knowing that I have people in my life from every different background and from all around the world and know that we can come together in peace  and respect.
6. A good cup of tea
7.Learning to do more than just survive.
8. Singing bad songs at the top of my lungs.
9. Watching the pups heads move side to side when I am singing at the top of my lungs
10. Vanilla

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
       - Leo Buscaglia

Crystal's Sad Eyed Beauties.

A lot of you have experienced some of my collections but I want to introduce you my friend Crystal. Her sad eyed painting collection is beyond belief! When I was looking through her pictures and saw she had an actual Keane, I think I almost peed my pants. I'll let her tell you a little bit about her collection.

My mom actually got me collecting these pieces.  She bought me a really cute Lee piece (that I've since lost in a move or something) gosh probably about 15 years ago or more. From there it just grew.  I would buy one every time I saw one in a thrift store which wasn't very often.  It seems they never charged very much for them back then and I've gotten several of these for $1.  I hardly find them in thrift stores anymore.  I always look but usually never find any so I really haven't added to the collection in a while.

The last time I found one at a thrift was last year.  I found two really great Maio pieces in great looking frames and they were $5 each.  Of course they are all over ebay but the sellers want a lot for them--usually more then I'm willing to spend.  Most of my ebay purchases have been small pieces.  So if you want to start collecting them ebay's a great place to start and know your artists--Keane, Maio, France, Eden, Lee, Idylle are some of the main ones you see.  There are plenty more artists of the genre out there too--not to mention Gig who did the Pity puppies and kitties if you like sad animals.

One of my faves by the artist Eden.  I love this because I'm an artist and I have a cat. Another great score I got was a Maio. I got it at the flea market for $4.00! It is a bit different because it shows a more adult person and not a small child. I love how beautifully it is painted.

My absolute favorite of my collection is this Keane painting.  Margaret Keane is the grand dame of the genre.  She has a definite style and her pieces are usually filled with such emotion and are almost always sad or depressing.  I love thin one about 2 runaways.  The long alley really gives you a sense of loneliness.  

Hanging them all together really gave me a sense of how many I actually had and I have!  I love looking at them and I love the hunt for them.  That's half the fun of collecting anything really--the hunt for them.  Because I don't see these in thrifts much anymore when I do come across one I get so excited!

Crystal's collection makes me excited! I love that I can geek out with her when it comes to these sad eyed beauties. Thank you so much for sharing your collection with us, it is amazing!

It's Sewsew-a-Gogo!

I'm still a little under the weather but one thing that definitely makes me happy is Sewsew-a-Gogo! She is the sweetest person and I can't get over how unbelievably talented she is. She has two of my favorite qualities, cute and sass!

What's the real story with Sewsew-a-Gogo?
Ha! There's not much of a story here. Most of my projects are produced from boredom. I've been a stay at home mom for the past five years so crafting is one of the only things that keeps me sane. Plus, It gives me an excuse to lock the door and demand that everyone leave me alone. "I'm busy! Go away!" is my favorite saying.

I love everything you do-it's all so cute. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Actually, I just love anything that's tacky. I come from a long line of still-life paintin', sock monkey sewin' crafters so kitsch is in my blood. It just comes naturally.

Do you have a website? Where can we find all your cool stuff?
I do actually! 2 years ago I opened an Etsy store and then totally forgot about it. I just remembered it about a week ago and opened it back up! www.23skidoo.etsy.com It's the hip place to be.

What advice would you give to the masses?
Advice? Hmmm... Okay, here's a smart little gem for all those crafters who have trouble finishing projects. Always remember that the project that's taking you forever to finish may make you want to pull all of your hair out, but you WILL finish it one day and it WILL be beautiful! ( Do you hear me Epic Punch Out project? I will finish you!!!! )

I love your tattoo, is there a special meaning behind it?
Why thank you! No special meaning... I just thought is was adorable. It's actually a graffiti piece by an artist named Mademoiselle Kat. She's awesome!

BONUS QUESTION!
What song describes your life?
The Smithereens Blood and Roses... because I'm tough.

Sewsew-A-Gogo is awesome and is definitely one tough cookie! She can be in my girl gang anytime!

Tie One On Tuesday with OMP!

So apparently people are reading this and actually are trying the drinks. I say this as Kittykill has received a request for some Tequila recipes. Tequila is basically know for two things – shooters and Margarita’s, neither of which will be seen here today.

Now I am a rum guy if you haven’t picked that up yet by reading all the previous installments. I will do my best to give you a brief overview of my knowledge of Tequila.

Tequila: It’s origins are traced back to Mexico, Yadda yadda yadda. Agave plant. Yadda yadda yadda.  Famous song in the 1960’s, Yadda yadda yadda. Pee Wee Herman and big white shoes. Yadda yadda yadda.  Sammy Hagger’s Cabo Wabo. Yadda yadda yadda. Bad drinking experience in College. Yadda yadda yadda. Haven’t really touched it in years.

So there you have it – my knowledge in a nutshell. Now onto the drinks (plus a little surprise at the end)!!

Juan Collins: the Southern take on a classic cocktail

3 parts Hornitos Plata Teuila (or any other Silver Tequila)

1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp simple syrup

6 parts club soda

Combine all ingredients into an ice filled Collins glass EXCEPT for the Club Soda. Stir/mix the contents until blended. Top off with Club Soda – enjoy! The drink could also be shaken, but care should be taken not to “over shake it” and water it down.

 Paloma: (thanks to our friends over at www.drinkoftheweek.com)

2 oz. Blanco (white) or Reposado (or aged) Tequila

1 oz. Fresh squeezed lime juice

4 to 5 oz. Grapefruit juice or Soda (that would be Squirt people!)

a pinch of salt

Build the drink in a tall glass. Pour in Tequila, lime juice and a touch of salt. Mix up and add the grapefruit juice. Garnish with a lime wedge. This will cool you down on a hot day – or any other for that matter.

Now as an added surprise. I am going to tell you about a recipe you need to seek out (space does not allow me to reprint it here). It was published in the May/June issue of Imbibe Magazine. If your not familiar with Imbibe, you need to be. It is a great mag published out of Portland Oregon that deals with all things drinky!! Beer, Wine, Liquor, Coffee, soda, etc….. Occasionally they give some baking tips with said liquid refreshment. This recipe came from Joanne Weirs book “Tequila: A Guide to Flights, Cocktails and Bites. These sound delicious - Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes!! Kittykill and I will be trying this mouth watering recipe VERY soon.

So there you have it, some simple “Ta –kill-ya” recipes and I didn’t even get sick from the smell. Until next time – That’s all!!

She's A Beast!

I'm not really sure what kind of crud is going around but man do I feel it! I feel like a BEAST! So in honor of me feeling like, and I'm sure looking like something that stepped out of a horror movie, I give you lady monster movies.. Oh yeah, don't expect these movies to make you feel any better- it's more of a "Dear Lord, at least I look better than that broad" kind of moment.

The first on the list is Daughter of Frankenstein. In this fine film we have Dr. Frankenstein's grandson making a monster that's part sumo wrestler, part smushed green pumpkin face, but 100% all woman.  The story is pretty much the same as any monster movie. Man creates monster, monster goes crazy, monster smashes, man dies. This is a grade "B" movie that is on par with anything Ed Wood ever did.

So you survived Daughter of Frankenstein and now it's time to move on to The She-Creature. I'm not 100% sure you can even get this movie in the US but it's still worth mentioning. The smoking hot assistant to a hypnotist has no idea that she is a descendant of a horrifying prehistoric female sea monster or "She-Creature". I'm suspecting that's not something they bring up when you are doing a search on ancestry. com. The evil hypnotist uses the She-Creature to do his bidding and go on a killing spree. Can you guess what happens next? That's right, monster goes crazy, monster smashes, man dies.

So your eyes have been beaten to a pulp and you want more?  How about Invasion of the Star Creatures? Not so much in scary department, more of the big chested space beauties, slow witted armymen department. Two bumbling soldiers are sent to investigate a crater. They encounter a scary plant like monster and two alien ladies who plan to take over the Earth. What do you think happens next? Well, monsters smash, but man doesn't die. Instead man discover to save the planet he must love up the aliens. I know, I was kind of hoping for these guys to die but love's okay too, I guess.

So I still have the creeping crud even after watching these three films. But I take solace in the fact that I can't possibly look as bad as these three ladies did. As a matter of fact, I hope no one ever looks as bad as these beasts. Yowza!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

When Texas came for a visit last year, I instantly fell in love with him and  he almost fell into our pond several times. He is the sweetest silliest pup.I love his laid back attitude.

Just what is Texas all about?
I'm a pretty laid back guy. I really like having maximum touchitude with my mom and dad when they are chilling on the couch or in bed. I guess my life philosophy is ride waves don't make them. I'm pretty good about following that rule unless I have accidents in the house. That tends to create a wave or two.

I heard that you have a crush on someone?
Well there is this one lady in Portland. She is petite and spunky and has some really wild hair. *sings* Lola. Lo lo lo lo Lola.

What are some of your favorite things?
My most favorite thing ever is my blue bunny but I also really dig walks to the park and car rides where I get to ride in the front seat. The back seat is alright but the front seat is way better. My dad also gives the BEST ear rubs and I love sniffing stuff, its a beagle thing.

What's your favorite holiday?
Halloween! Last year I was a hotdog and this year mom is trying to get me to be Zero from "The Nightmare Before Christmas". We both have a thing for Tim Burton movies.

What's the meaning of life?
Thats a hard one! For me its always finding the best spot on the deck to sun yourself, remember that if you bark at the birds and cats they run away and you can't enjoy watching them anymore, and always kiss your humans goodnight. Do those things and life is pretty swell!

Oh Mr. Texas! Could you be any sweeter? I don't think so.

Feel Good Friday!

picture courtesy of isofoto

This week has been trying for a lot of my family and friends which really got me thinking. What does everyone need? What do we really want in life? The only thought that kept coming back was love. Love for our family-both related and unrelated. Now don't worry, I'm not gonna go all "wind beneath my wings" on you, I won't have everyone join hands and sing kumbaya. I think by now you know that's just not me. Good grief, if I had to do that, I'd probably kick my own butt. Now where was I, oh yes, love. Love is what drives us, it makes us feel all warm and snuggily. It provides us with the passion to make this world a better place. It allows us to write silly songs divulging our emotions. So, for all my friends that had a rough week, hell, even if you didn't have a rough week. This silly little love song is for you. You make my life complete.


Okay, you can wipe that tear from your eye. It's time to kick off your shoes and dance around the house. My friend Lori turned me on to Minnesota's NPR, more specifically The Current. This radio station is AMAZING! All you guys in the Twin Cities already know this. You can hear everything from Johnny Cash, Tom Waites to David Bowie. Lots of really good indie music from today and yesterday. I love the fact I can hear The Replacements and Grand Master Flash in one day without changing the station. The Current brings me back to my teenage years, growing up in a college town with great music.


I was cruising around the interweb yesterday and came across the cutest site. Superkawaiimama.com is just adorable. Candice DeVille is so sassy! Her style is amazing and she basically loves everything that I do, so she has to be great, right? Sunday is her birthday so go on over and wish her a happy birthday!


I love the way Rectangel describes herself on Flickr, "Chaos hating. Rule enforcing. Curmudgeon.". Hey, at least she doesn't beat around the bush;). Anyhoo, she is a beyond belief amazing stitcher that does beautiful work. I love her pin up girl. The lips are so perfect. She can whip any craft swap into line with just a bat of an eyelash. I gotta respect any lady that can herd cats.

picture courtesy of sleepyneko

Finally, my friend Eva requested a list of 10 things I am happy about. Here goes the short list.
1. Mark and my puppies
2. My friends
3. Even though my job can be rough, I still have hope in the world.
4. Cheerwine
5. Cooler weather
6. The color pink
7. My friend Kelsey and I laughing about having matching Christmas sweaters.
8. Barney Frank
9. Getting my crafting mojo back
10. You!

What's on your 10 list for today?

Super Kawaii!

I Love little foods, wait let me rephrase that. I love all kinds of foods but when it comes to collecting, I love little Puchi Petite foods by Re-Ment. They make cute little "toy" foods that are do die for.

I am not the only person who loves these. There are Flickr groups and Re Ment forums all around the web.

The sweets are my favorites.

They really do make everything, right down to chopsticks, whip cream, dried squid. There are little pickles in the pickle jar. It just makes me giggle!

They also have clothing, animals, household goods- everything to channel your inner child.

Even better than the actual toy in the box is the packaging. I believe that they are all blind boxed (you don't know what you are going to get) but I may be wrong. If someone knows how to tell what you are getting, please let me know.

I know that it is disgustingly cute but I can't help it! I love them! They take me back to when I was a little girl and I would play with my dollhouse so they make me happy, so there (that's my inner child coming out)