If April Showers Bring May Flowers....

Remember the old riddle-If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? - Pilgrims! I always told my mom that joke and each time I thought I was pulling something over on her. Yeah - I was a funny kid. I've been getting a little tired of the rain but know that it will help the grass grow green, the flowers bloom a little fuller and provide us with drinking water during the summer time So, to tied me over when it's raining, I watch these enlightening movies about our puritanical friends - the Pilgrims.

The Devil and Daniel Webster, also known as All That Money Can Buy, is a 1941 classic tale of instant gratification, greed and sorrow. A poor farmer makes a pact with Mr. Scratch for seven years of good luck. Although it seems like he  has everything he wants - he is still lost. After 7 years, Mr. Scratch comes to collect on the debt. Daniel Webster steps in to help his farmer friend. A little known fact - there really is a Daniel Webster and he was highly regarded during the Antebellum period. The Simpsons did a parody of this story which is almost as great as the film.

I remember reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter when I was in high school. I was outraged that young Hester was singled out as such a horrible woman. Only the 1926 silent movie version of this book has truly captured the passion and sorrow of our young heroin. A beautiful Lillian Gish plays Hester and does a command performance as the shunned woman in a Puritanical society. It is well worth the watch.

A more recent film is The Piano. This is one of Holly Hunter's greatest roles. She plays a mute woman who has an arranged marriage to a man in New Zealand. Life is very rugged for her, not only the terrain, but also the relationship with her husband. Once she begins teaching piano to a very sensual Harvy Keitel (I can not believe I used sensual and Harvey Keitel in the same sentence) her life begins to change. It is a story of triumph and love set in the 1850's.

So, as I transition out of this rainy seasons and wait for my flowers to bloom, I'll sit back and watch a few of my founding fathers and mothers learn about hard work, break through stereotypical molds and find true love. It looks like not much has change in a couple hundred years-aren't we still learning those lessons and breaking those molds and as for love-we will always be searching for that. Okay-enough with the heavy stuff, I'm gonna see if my joke will work on OMP for the 20th time.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I think I found Lola's long lost twin.

Lola

Her twin Eddy. Now, Eddy really isn't her twin but he could be.

Eddy.......

Lola.....

And Eddy....

The resemblance is uncanny. Let's hope Eddy is a bit better behaved.

Feel Good Friday!

We made it through the week and ready for the weekend! YES! I am so ready for some cocktails and relaxtion! I'm also ready to share some happies with you. Are you ready to have a smile put on your face? Well, let's get to it!

I love cutey things. They put a big smile on my face and remind me never to take anything too seriously. Life will happen, but in the end you have a choice to be happy or not. I choose happy! I also choose to wear a tiara and think that these are good every day tiaras. Ya know-when you go to the store in your sweats or just lounging around the house.   Roxy Creations made these adorable crowns for her friend's children but I think they are perfect for any age.  If you want to find out more about them, check out her blog.

I can't remember if I have told you about one of my favorite websites, Indie Fixx. If I have, then I'm telling ya again. If I haven't-welcome to Indie Fixx! Contest! Pen Pal Program! Free Art! This site has it all. I could spend hours on this site and never see the same thing twice.

Remember early this week when I went to see The Pioneer Woman? Well, I have been obsessing about cooking and food every since. Lucky for me, I found a great site that shares my obsession. Foodzie is a website that sells artisan food and gifts.  It's like having having a farmer's market at your fingertips. There is something for everyone at different price ranges, just don't be like me and surf it when you are hungry-you may end up with one of everything.


I've been told that I must put up animal pictures on Feel Good Friday-one reader said it made her day and I just can't let her down. So, here's an animal for you! This animal also happens to be one of my husband's heros.

Okay all you animals! Get out there and make a difference! Put a smile on someone's face! Shake those money makers! Have a great weekend! You deserve it!

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.~ Buddha

A Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on Roses? Whiskers on Kittens? Are these a few of your favorite things? Wanna know what some of my favorite things are? Swaps! I love a good swap-don't you? Nothing is better than getting a surprise in the mail~ I've decided to host my first Blog swap and the theme is My Favorite Things. So if you want to join, fill out the form and email it to me. Sign up's will be for 2 weeks. PLEASE only sign up if you have time to commit! NO FLAKERS! Everyone will get something! Here are the guidelines:

What: My favorite Things Swap

When: Sign ups-April 21st-May 5th
             Crafting May 5th-June 5th
             Send out by June 5th

Guidelines:
1.Must send 1 small and 1 medium (1 small is 1-2 hours or $5.00, 1 medium is 3 hours or $10.00) You can spoil your partner more but that is the minimum. Please try to be crafty!
2.You must feel comfortable giving your email and address to someone so they can chat with you and mail your swap package to you. I also require a DC# to track the package.
3. Answer the questionnaire and email it to me with the title "Favorite Things Swap". My email is v1313@hotmail.com
4. I will have  create a flickr group for us to post all of our goodies (that sounds so naughty!)
5. THE MOST IMPORTANT! You have to publicly follow my blog.


Okay....Now on to the questions! Remember to email me with your answers-do not post here.

Name:
Real name and address formatted for shipping, with country:
Allergies:
Favorite things-Likes:
Dislikes:
Favorite colors/color combos:
Favorite quotes/sayings/mottos:
Do you collect anything?
Favorite crafts to receive:
Favorite supplies to receive:
Favorite Scents:
Scents you dislike:
Are you willing to ship out of the US?
Please list any other kind of specific extra (not necessarily a crafted item) that would give you happies if you were to receive? (bookmarks, pictures of kittens, whatever)

I am SOOO excited! C'mon and sign up! It will be a blast!

Candyland!

It's no secret that I love candy! Sour candy, gummi candy, chocolate. You name it-I probably love it-except for circus peanuts-those things creep me out. I also love a good cocktail so when I get the chance to combine the two-watch out! I will be on cloud nine for days! Here are a few of my favorites.

Remember Sweet Tarts when you were a kid-the sour edgier brother of smarties? Well, you can now have the alcohol version of it. It is so yummy and definitely has pucker power!

Sweet Tart
1/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz Raspberry liqueur
1 oz. vodka
 Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass. Another adult version of a candy great.

Oh Orange Creamsicles! How I love thee even though you melted down my arm as I tried to finish you on a hot day.  Well, this version will definitely not cause you to be a sticky mess( unless you have too many of them).

Orange Creamsicle
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz light cream
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. vodka
Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Serve in a highball glass filled with ice.

OMP loves Reeses Peanut butter cups! I personally have not tried this drink yet but i think it would be a great after dinner dessert cocktail for all you chocolate peanut butter fanatics.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tbsp. peanut butter
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 oz. coconut rum
1 1/2oz. vodka
Blend until smooth and pour into a cocktail glass. Drink with a straw. This would be a great non alcoholic version for the kids too. Add coconut milk instead of the rum.

Oh my goodness! I'm in a sugar coma from all these fun candy drinks! After a few of these sweet treats, your inner child will be dying to get out and do that little kid dance that you are so famous for.  Bottoms up!

Ride Em' Cowboy!

Oh boy! I just got back from seeing the Pioneer Lady-have you seen her website or cookbook. Well, trust me-she is just as sweet and kind in person. We didn't get a chance to get our books signed cause we were number 344 and well, I was hungry, so to honor The Pioneer Lady, I thought I would tell you about my favorite cowboy movies.

It wasn't until recently that my  husband watched Tombstone. I kept telling him over and over again how amazing this movie was and he didn't believe me. Well, let me tell you-this is now one of his favorites. It  really is Val Kilmer at his finest (unless you count Real Genius and Top Secret). The movie tells the story of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The very very very best part of this movie-Sam Elliot. I do not need to say anymore, except Sam Elliott.
 

The Wild Bunch may be a little violent for most but Sam Peckinpah's epic about a group of aging outlaws looking for one last score is a force to be reckoned with.The gun fights are volatile, tortuous and body ridden but it is one of the best Western films out there. This movie is not for the faint of heart but the story is solid, the directing is beyond phenomenal and it was nominated for two Oscars. 

I'm not a huge John Wayne fan but when I was growing up my dad and I always watched McClintock on Saturday after movies. This film is a western version of The Taming of the Shrew. The mud scene is one of the best and to this day I can quote this movie at any time, any day.

There are a tons more cowboy movies out there and maybe one day I'll do a singing cowboy theme (hmmm- need to put that one in the file) but in the meantime, hop on that Shetland pony of yours and head on down to the hitching post for a few of these tasty morsels. Happy Trails ya'll!

Scrappy Dog Sunday Gardening Tips

Boy did our yard need some work. Mom and Dad decided to build a new raised bed for veggies. Of course we had to help!

The first thing to do is dig out the weeds from the other bed.

I am very very very good at digging.

Pete is very very very good at laying in the sun

You have to make sure that the bed is level, Dad!

Where's the rest of the dirt?

Sure it looks great but I think it needs more digging! 

So, the Pedersen pup's gardening tips? Digging is the key to a good garden! Next week's installment-walking on the newly planted veggies-it adds extra flavor!

Feel Good Friday!

Can you believe it? It's FRIDAY! Oh yeah! Doing my funky little kid dance! I am ready for some weekend fun. I know-I've been MIA for the past couple of days but I have a good excuse. See, I left my job and decided to go on a new adventure. I'm super excited to see where it takes me and I'll be writing more about leaps of faith. Also...and I know you are gonna be super excited about this but I'm working on a give away and a swap! Who wants to join me in a crafty swap? You know you do! Now...on to more good stuff!

I am so in love with these ladies! I really can't decide which one is my favorite. Yalipaz does such cute work and plus-she is GORGOUS (just like her work!)

I am a sucker for anything with ladies sporting the black bob and if there are puppies involved-I will let out a squeel of delight. My Pink Turtle has the most adorable prints and they are having a sale! Check it out!

Wanna know what's awesome-I mean besides us? 1000 Awesome Things~ This blog is now a book and it delivers just what the title says. 1000 awesome things!  My favorite-#948, Eating the last piece of dessert someone left at your house. It's true-it's awesome.

Are you kidding me? This is the most ridculous thing ever! I love it! Such scrap!

Okay! I am out of here-off to enjoy the sunshine! You better get out there too! Sit in the sun, put your feet int the grass and enjoy the sounds and smells of spring. I'm gonna have OMP cook me up a yummy dinner and tiki drinks-wanna come over? 

Southern Comfort

The passing of Dixie Carter seemed to be a  passing of my youth. I remember watching Designing Women with my mother when I was growing up in the south. Dixie was an icon for the southern woman. She was strong, classy, spoke her mind but did it in such a way that the sugar oozed off of every word and you didn't realize that she just insulted you and your mama. To honor Ms. Sugarbaker herself, I'm gonna take a look at some wonderful southern women and movies.

Now, before you judge me-you know that for so many of you this movie is a guilty pleasure-don't hide. Everytime this comes on The Lifetime Network, you know you sit and watch it. Steel Magnolias is a classic for any woman. It is a story of friendship, family and Dolly Parton. It is a wonderful gem that I strongly suggest you watch with a tub of ice cream and tissues.

Another wonderful movie that started as a book, went to a movie and ended as a TV show is The Egg and I. Starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray as a couple who buy an abandoned chicken farm. Their trials and tribulations are heightened by the amusing antics of Ma and Pa Kettle-who went on to make several other hilarious movies. The TV spin off was Green Acres-which you can catch reruns on Nick at Nite or GAC.

If you are from the south and don't know how to shag dance than shame on you! If want to learn this elusive dance, then pick up the movie Shag with Phoebe Cates. The movie centers around 4 friends going to Myrtle Beach for some summer fun. Dancing, beauty pagents and summer love all take place over a weekend. This is a sweet coming of age movie with great music and awesome dancing.

Here's a shout out to my southern belles! You know who you are. Your southern twang and sweet dispositions only enhance your strength, perseverance and grace. You are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Feel Good Friday!

It's Friday and it's awesome! Sure it's a little rainy and cold but HELLO! It's FRIDAY! You really should feel as good as I do, really....

Today is a day of videos. The first one was brought to my attention by my friend Alexz. It has to be the cutest thing EVER!

The Indie band concert-HYSTERICAL!

I just discovered the most thoughtful inspiring woman, Jean Baggott. Her website, book and video The Girl on the Wall will make you cry but in a good way. I am totally in awe of her story and her work. She makes me happy.

I'm in love with embroidery on hankies and Lucy Pearl by Spotted Dog Farms is just too sweet. It reminds me of my old dog Millie.

I really love Alice in Wonderland-I have every since I was a kid. Cart before the Horse have wonderful Alice and Queen dolls. The best thing about their work is the Folk art feel with slight twinges of creepiness. 

Are you kidding me? Could this be any sweeter! I am dying for the cuteness!

 I  want to give a special shout out to all of my friends that have been so supportive this week. Without you, I would be nothing. Mark-you are my world-you bring a smile to my face everyday-I love you. Wow, didn't that sound like an Oscar speech?  I'm good! Have a lazy weekend everyone! I hope it's filled with cute little yetis, lots of stitching and silly animals.

Swiss Miss

Normally I would not be caught dead with any kind of little Dutch girl but lately I have been obsessed with Swiss chic. Cuckoo clocks, cute little chalets-anything "Swissy" I am loving! So, when I came across these adorable little girls, I had to share.

YAHOO! SPRING BREAK!

I hope everyone is coming out of their chocolate bunny sugar coma and enjoying a little spring break. Even if you can't make it to the beach, you can still enjoy these great spring break movies.

I have been dying to go to Palm Springs. I know it's miserably hot there but I've heard the architecture is amazing and it is truly the last old school loungey area in the US. Don't think so? Well feast your eyes on Palm Spring Weekend starring Troy Donahue, Connie Stevens, Robert Conrad and Stefanie Powers. This flick is your typical teen/young adult spring break situation. Boy meets girl, drinks are had, kisses are exchanged and everyone goes home happy. The best thing about this movie, besides Troy Donahue, are the buildings. Palm Spring Weekend is a who who's in movie career beginnings that will leave you begging for more. Who cares if it's 103 degrees in June- it's hip, cool and happening!

On the opposite coast we have another Connie, Connie Francis that is, singing about Where the Boys Are. Connie and her friends go to Fort Lauderdale Florida for a little boy watching over spring break. I remember wanting to go to Fort Lauderdale so badly when I was a teenager and all I got was Myrtle Beach. Don't get me wrong, it was fun but it just wasn't scandalous enough for my teenage mind, now where was I? Oh yes, Connie Francis and her friends enjoying a little boy watching. Once again this film, like the one above does not venture off the path of girl meets boy, they fall in love and then go back to college. Ah....young love!

Okay...so it pains me a little to write about this next movie because 1-I really hate that the 80's are back and 2-this movie exemplifies every bad about 80's party movies, but yeah-it's spring break and you can indulge in your guilty pleasures. I'm sure this is one of them. We are once again in Fort Lauderdale Florida but this time the story centers around 2 boys who find themselves sharing a room with two "nerds" (see, told you it's bad 80's) and the spring break partying begins. Wet T-shirt contest, lots of beer drinking and over the top bad 80's music makes this movie a 12 year old boy's dream.
 
Now, how am I spending my spring break? Finding that perfect bathing suit? Oiling myself up with Hawaiian Tropic coconut suntan lotion? Naw-I'm gonna go find that well used Class of 88' beer cozy, crack open a cold one and watch some classic "bad" movies. Remember to turn so you won't burn!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Happy Easter Everyone! I hope your day is filled with yummy Easter candy. Don't forget to eat the ears off that chocolate bunny! I had a plan to get little bunny ears and put them on the pups but have you ever tried to hold a Jack Russell or Min Pin down? No, well let's just say that hell hath no fury like a Jack Russell in rabbit ears. So, instead of my three monsters, I bring you a calmer, sweeter Easter pup(and cat!)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go lie down....I think I've lost a fair amount of flesh and blood. Happy Easter!

Feel Good Friday!

Oh my goodness! What month is this? We are getting hit with a winter storm and believe me-it's not fun! I'm wondering what I can do to take my mind off of 85 mph wind gust....let's see what I can find!

Even though I have to tether the dogs to the BBQ so they won't blow away, I can still be thankful. I owe it all to thxthxthx. This website not only makes me giggle at her thankfulness. From sweet to snarky-she has it all.  I could literally sit here all day and read every post-you should go over there and get lost in the thanks.

Bunnies kissing is just way too adorable and The Tee-shirt Gnome does it up right! I think I may need this shirt and the Yeti fighting Bigfoot -cause it's cool and not too much of a stretch on my pocketbook.

It's true! I love gin and I love tea! If you love these things then head over to Miso Funky and enter her contest. Hurry up! It ends at 3pm today! Even if you don't get in on the contest, you can enjoy lots of sassy stitching!

After the Easter Ferret appearance  last week, the Easter Bunny's relatives are crawling out of the woodwork for their 15 minutes of fame.  They are a motley crew!

Whoa! I'm not sure if that was Pete, Lola or Jujube that just flew past my window! I better go catch them! I'm off! Have a good weekend everybody-try to keep your feet on the ground!