Mais, Oui Maggie

Early Bird Special

2009-08-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

Julie & Julia

Maybe the most comedic part of this movie was that when I walked into the theater, everyone was over 60. Maybe that fact that we went to the matinee had something to do with it... This theatre was not sparsely seated either; we had a lot of company. Well, there was a sliver of the under 30 demographic, but, that rare representation was either me and my friend Lou, or a grand-daughter accompanying her grandma. And it was funny to see these husbands dragged along with their wives to see a chick-flick on date night. Not even age can change that ritual. I felt very honored to share that moment with such a wise generation. I also felt very prompted to be on my best behavior, as to present the best reflection of my own generation.

Regarding the movie, itself, Meryl Streep is still the best thing since sliced-bread. The woman is genius...I love what she comes up with for her characters...all the mannerisms and little things. I am trying to think of a time when she has disappointed me... and actually, Momma Mia comes to mind... but besides that, she has an incredible record. A Prairie Home Companion kind of left me scratching my head too...but let's not dwell on it. Paris...Paris had some showtime in this movie, so that also made it pretty easy for me to love.

On the other hand, I could not appreciate Amy Adam's character. Maybe it was because Meryl Streep was so amazing... Most of the time, not all of the time (but still most of the time), I wanted to walk out on Julie, like her husband did (it only lasted a day, don't feel too bad for her...). That is harsh, but she was frustrating to watch. And I am a big fan of the Bell Jar and Girl, Interrupted, so that right there says that I appreciate intense emotional breakdowns. Not in this case though. And Amy Adams should have double checked with someone on the pronunciation of boeuf, because she got it wrong, and then repeated it 100 times throughout the movie. I will say that I was glad that in the end she found herself and her confidence...probably because I wasn't around telling her how pathetic she looked when she rolled on the ground in chicken stuffing. Mary Lynn Rajskub (that name is almost as wild as Mariska Hargitay) kept my head in the game though. She was pretty funny....and if you happened to see her interview on Conan O'Brien the other night, she looked like a downright foxy lady...and that is how I am going to put a positive twist to this ending.

goodnight

Match Made in Late Night Television Heaven

2009-08-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to realize that Jimmy Fallon could make me as happy as Conan O'Brien...and I don't know why this is at all shocking when I reflect on his past work. His impersonations melt my mind they are so good.

Newsflash!

2009-08-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Anthro just did a great service to humanity and came out with a gazillion beautiful new colors for their latte bowls. I am frantic! Seeing as I am going on a mission...I do not have a whole lot of reason to buy these latte bowls, but I am the youngest child in my family and we babies are impulsive, addiction prone, terrible bread winners and rebelious by nature - just ask science. So really, one impulsive purchase of idylic latte bowls wouldn't be so bad, compared to that line up. I'd be doing pretty well compared to the rest of the crack smoking youngest siblings out there in the world. And...Is it wrong to buy the most beautiful thing you have ever seen in your life?! I say nay.

They now come in: Plum, Pine, Sky Blue, Lime, Currant, Ochre, Orange Motif, Teal, and Indigo -- I love every single one of them. And did I mention I already have a set of Cherry and Baby blue ... 'cause I do. Another reason why I could really hold off on the purchase....Go check it out.

www.anthropologie.com

as if you didn't already know...

Did I tell you lately ---

2009-08-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

Provo...I don't mean to get awkward, and I never thought I would say this...but I kind of miss you...

XX

Seattle -

2009-07-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

- Was awesome.

The people seemed a bit funky sometimes, mostly those in the older crowd. It must be because they have extra narrow streets or something...I don't know what it is, but they seem a little bitter about something. However, the city, itself, was beautiful. JK, BK, AK, EK, and I all had a picnic at a park overlooking the P Sound. It was great and there was a homeless man playing his newpaper like a flute in front of me so that was pretty fun...cool guy. We also went to Pike's farmer's market, which was awesome!! One of the best I have ever been to. There were homies throwing gigantic fish to each other, which was a really popular show. I didn't get why everyone was so into it...but it was entertaining, I guess.

I mostly liked rooting for the crawdads attempting to excape from these big barrels. I wanted to free them, but the fish throwing homies on guard looked pretty tough. Also, there was a jam/preserves stand that let little AK taste all the different flavors of jam that she wanted, so I thought that was pretty rad. And, I wouldn't ever say that I am a true-blue flower person...I don't really get the whole dozen roses thing, but I am a sucker for peonies, and then when you wrap them in that brown industrial paper, like Meryl Streep in the Hours - whew baby , I am down for the count. And this farmer's market had the best looking peonies arranged in just such a manner for only $5...rediculous. I was in heaven. I wish I had my camera on me at the time because the whole place was full of color and interesting things and people.

As far as my B-day went, seeing the K crew made for the best anniversaire ever. The day started off hot, with us getting our blood pumping to Carmen Electra's workout video. I even got to see Harry Potter. It wasn't easy, but we got the job done, and I wasn't dissapointed. The film was a little crammed and rushed at the end for my taste...but let's be real ya'll, those books are super long. Then, to top off the B-day week, Jana made me the best dinner surprise ever! The meal for the evening was Cafe Rio burritos...delish. She rocked it. And it even came with a cupcake topped with 21 candles. Not actually 21 individual candles, because that would have been a lot for a cupcake to hold, but a "2" and a "1" candle which, when joined together, make the number 21.

Two regrets on the trip, though.

Regret Number One: I ran out of time and we were unable to do the Underground Seattle Tour. That sounded pretty wild. It is a city...under a city. Like a lost world...

Regret Number Two: I fell asleep at around 4 pm or so on the last day I was there and I am pretty sure that AK tried to wake me up about 4 times to come play, and each time I was like,
'Holy smokes little AK, what are you doing? Auntie M is trying to take a siesta!" Not cool. And when I awoke, realizing what I had done (because I had been in a very groggy state), felt like the worste aunt in the world. Hopefully she forgives me.

I wish --

2009-07-12T21:01:00.001-07:00

Every night was SYTYCD night.

It is a full on addiction now. Phillip, I am going to miss you...Jason...you look like you are twelve. One of my regrets right now...I am going to miss the next season, this fall, and probably a season or two after that. Insha'Allah because I pray that the show will carry on for many moons. I am so happy that Jana was so blessed to have met Dominic and at the same time, I may never forgive her for it. Did anyone see that Argentinian Tango?? Oh man! Steamy. Janette is awesome. The only thing is...I really wish that she would stop talking to everyone like they were a dog or a baby. Has anyone else noticed that? Everything she says goes: "Oh, you danced that incredibly, yes you did!!...I thought that was beautiful, oh yes I did!...We loved every minute of it...yes we did" It bothers me more than the shreiking, but they both aren't my favorite. If anyone wants to have SYTYCD parties, I am down.

P.S. I can't stand Evan. Each week that he is still on makes me die a little because all he can do is Broadway. I am sure he is a nice person, but definitely not my fave...

P.S. --

2009-07-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have been called to serve. As of September Second I will be putting on the badge and reporting for duty to the Houston, Texas (South) Mission. I will be speaking Espanol, so French, I will miss you, but this is the way it has to be. That means for 18 months I will be gone to the state that loves to talk about being it's own country...be real with yourself Texas. Don't get carried away.

So I am super excited

I will always have Paris

2009-07-08T16:05:00.001-07:00

It is hard to blog when I live at home because I know that my main reader, my mom, is sitting in the same room as me while I blog...and she already knows about anything I would blog about. If anyone else does read this blog, you should leave a comment so that I don't feel as lame. I feel like the 40 year old living in the parents basement and it makes me a little depressed. This is my one grasp out to the world... and world, I hope you grasp back. Since I am house sitting at the moment, I am not at my parents house, and that put a tiny bit of life back into my blogging motivations. But, if I wake to find that my mom is the only one to have acknowledged my cyber existence, so be it.

I have returned to my motherland. The U S of A is once again my residence. Right now I am at Teaz Me, Tea Bar in Chico for the free WiFi. Somethings new about me that you might be surprised to find? I haven't combed my hair...since I left (over 2 months ago). It's super rad. Now I am sporting the dreads...but it is not because I got euro-lazy, I just wanted Chico to welcome me back with open arms. It worked like a charm.

Right now my summer job is baby-sitting sheep, on Sue Rueser's Cormo sheep and wool ranch, with a few dogs, siamese cats, and goats thrown into the mix. My favorite part of the gig - her blind cat Purl hurled on my car last night. Sue said if she eats to much, she tosses her cat cookies, but I gave her the advised amount (one fist-full of cat kibble) and she still could not hold down her meal. It should be annoying, but every time I repicture it in my head, it makes me laugh. Thank you Purl for some comedy in my life. My second favorite thing about the job, there is a goat named S'more...she's a total snob, but I love sass. She, relatively recently, was weaned of her kids. This means there is still milk in the tank. I just came back from France, where I was able to eat delicious chevre (goat cheese) and it became my cheese of prefrence...It is seriously to good for words. So lets put two and two together here people, I have a goat with milk and I have a love for goat cheese. Goat + Heart for Chevre = me milking this goat and using said milk to make my own goat cheese! I kid you not. I already won the goat over by giving her nose scratches. I actually attempted the milking process this morning...turns out milking takes technique because I had my jar ready, but try as I might...I could not get the milk from teete to jar! ... I think I'll look up the ins-and-outs of goat milking on wikihow....

Other things...Harry Potter. Can I tell you how excited I am, because I am like I little kid on Christmas. Jana and Ben, I am so happy to share this important moment in my life with you. It's is going to be the best birthday ever. I think if it ends up being terrible, I will be pretty crushed, like rehabilitation type crushed, like I eat Ben & Jerry's and cry as Rhett tells Miss Scarlet "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" crushed, like depression hurts everyone crushed. That's probably taking it a little to far, and I am expecting there to be some disappointments, but please David Yates, do us, J.K, and her baby book some justice...don't make people fly that aren't supposed to and don't let bad actors ... be bad actors.

And I hope it is ok, but I think I am going to end this post with a shout out to a special someone very precious to me -- Paris, I miss you.

Let's close with a few of our moments together.

---

CDC fo' eva' -

Our Madame an

d her daughter told us to do anything in our power to not have to go watch this play with our class..."Say there are children in the home who got you sick!! Say anything...and if all else fails...take a video ipod." Her husband said - "No it's a classic!!" and she retorted "Just because it is a classic, doesn't mean it's any good!!

" ... It wasn't half bad and she thought we were crazy.

Give peace a chance Kylie...just give it a chance.

The Dublin 5 in Giverny Gardens. Home to Monet and his many works of art...I couldn't get Laura Veirs' song Rapture out of my head.

Wild golf cart ride with the ladies: Kylie, Kristen, me ... and (not pictured) Emily.

Versailles has to be one of the best places on earth.

The very sad moment in the middle of a very good day. Earlier I had been canoeing down the same river which Johnny Depp had played the role of a gypsy in the movie Chocolat and enjoyed tanning and visiting a castle that was used in the movie Ever After...such a dream right?? Since it has been such a great day, I am feeling like "Danger" is my middle name. It's like I have drunk Felix Felicis or something. So I think what the heck...I am going to pick the craziest named gelato...bad news, it ended up being some sort of strong liquor and in my distraught taste I spilled it down my shirt.

Les patisseries that made me gain my Paris 15. I love them, even still...

Best Day Ever

2009-06-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

A perfect day in Paris starts with a perfect nap in the park. This is one thing Kylie and I are super good at. Give us a soft patch of grass and we will sleep like a homeless person's drugged cat. But to precede the napped, we needed to pick the perfect place and the perfect baguette. We found both in front of Invalide. We also went to the open air market that morning and bought the best strawberries of all time. While finding the best strawberries, we stumbled across some really nasty smelling fish. No thanks.

I have absolutely no use for spices out here, but I wanted to buy some from this man because he rocked the display.

So the picque-nique in front of Invalide consisted of cheese, une baguette and strawberries.

Perfect...then we slept for a few hours and woke well rested and sun burned. My sunburn has already turned into a pretty awesome tan. I wish I could say the same for Kylie. All I am going to say is Barcelona is going to be awesome.

After nap time, we realized it was too late to go to Invalide and see Napoleon's tombe, so we walked to a different park instead. This time the Tuilerie gardens, our frequent stomping grounds. The goal was to get some homework done... Kylie and I pretty much just held our journals open in our laps, but I think the fact that we just made the effort to get them out at all, made us feel pretty accomplished. However, we were really just passing the time checking out EuroHotties and enjoying the sun. Due to a series of unfortunate events and lots of things blowing into the foutaine, the EuroHottie from across the way from us decided that 2 seconds of eye contact was an invitation (typical french) and came over to talk with us. Only, unfortunately, EuroHottie was a EuroNottie. Somehow that small distance from across the pond made him much more attractive than he really was... so that was disappointing. Fortunately we needed to meet some people for a play, so we had an excuse to get out of that one. EurNottie was not great, but he was still no competition for the crepe stalker of the Bastille. I'll still be looking for you on facebook Mr. Fyfe, the picture with your scarf held seductively over for face... who know to which one I am referring.

After leaving EuroNottie, I was walking down the Rue de Rivoli and ran into Napoleon Bonaparte, so I had to take a picture with my favorite imperialist. He was a saucy one. He started off by asking if I wanted to take the picture with his clothes on or off? ON is just fine Napoleon.

He was from Argentina, so his Napoleon gig is only temporary, but I think he did a pretty good job. I am sure Napoleon was pretty cheeky himself. In one letter to Dear Josephine he wrote, "I'll be home in three days...don't bathe." What a dirty little bloke.

But Surprisingly Upbeat

2009-06-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today was visit Frances largest cemetery day. Père Lachaise if you were wondering. To make things extra dreary, they were having the memorial services for AF 477 at the Notre Dame. Very tragic, but cool to able to be here and see it.

So to make sure that everyone was in good spirits before heading to Père Lachaise, we went to get some of the best gelato... known to man

me.

I love Amerino's. It is such a tender mercy in my life. If you get it in a cone... they make it in the shape of a flower!!

Not only does their gelato taste amazing, but it meets all my other needs.

Free water: Check

Clean bathrooms: Check

Seating without extra charge: Check

Ascetically Pleasing: Check

so good

At last, we ended up at the cemetery.

(Kylie, Ryan, and I)

Talk about a ghost town... har, har, har... ah kills me. I am too punny for my own good.

I live on the street named after them... so that is the relevance of this picture. Kylie and I had to show our respects.

And then Oscar Wilde... where would I be without all his witty quotes? That definitely is les bises worthy.

This tree was bleeding. The tree was BLEEDING, PEOPLE!!!

Oh, you could cut the tension with a knife.

This one was just funny. It reads "Finally Alone".

This tomb was open a little bit and I wanted to see what was inside... It was a lot deeper than I expected.

Here we have they Bigot family...I am sure they were really popular.

This cat, I don't know where it came from or what agenda it had... but it really creeped me out. Maybe it really did just decide a sieste in a cemetery is just as good as anywhere else, but I never see cats just walking around Paris unless they are drugged up, sitting next to a homeless person and this one was just lounging next to Chopin's grave...very curious.

So emo... So Pere Lachaise...

The End

So French, So Roland Garros

2009-05-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today, two beautiful things happened:

#1 Hyper cool thing - The Pompidu Modern Museum of Art

They had posters by the Guerrilla Girls. I loved this.

When I have kids...they will only be allowed to play with cool vintage things like this.

This horizontal urinal was entered to the New York Society of Independent Artist 1917 show by Marcel Duchamp. It is titled - Fontaine. His motive behind it was that he wanted to test a modern art committee (of which he happened to be a member of) that said they would accept anything as art for their show. So to trap them...he tipped over this urinal, signed his name (with the code name R. Mutt) on it and entered it into the show (He and Jackson Pollock would have definitely been friends). They refused to accept it under the grounds that he didn't actually make the urinal itself and therefore he could not take credit for the piece. It has had a large impact on modern art, making it so that artist did not need to be responsible for the complete creation of their finished product...more just the person behind the thought and manipulation. ... And it all began as a farce.

This is just a cool art video projection from the Pompidu. It is nearly as cool as in Gossip Girl, when Serena sets up the projections of trees for Dan's Christmas present...almost.

#2 Hyper cool thing - I went to the French Open!

Some years ago, I went to many a tennis tournament with Kristin Panarra and enjoyed absolute displays of sport etiquette and manliness. I have been missing those days, and after seeing the creme de la creme in tennis, I do not ever want to go through another tennis tournament drought.

Just look at that beautiful tennis pirate...

Fate has set me living, no more than, 3 minutes from the location of the French Open, so today I went and experienced it first hand. It was incredible. First, we had to wait in line for a very long time. Then, when they finally released the line to go get tickets, there was a literal stampede and I heard screams of pain and horror coming from the front...but I really wanted to see some attractive tennis players / pirates, so I was not deterred. When I first walked into the complex, guess who was there to greet me ... Maria Sharapova, herself. She had just finished up her match and was looking glamorous. I was unable to get a picture of her because my camera did not open quickly enough and she had just finished her match so she was heading out, but it was still pretty cool. And can I just say that she is really hot...because she is. I had initially planned on seeing Sharapova and Nadal (they played in the same stadium), but by the time we got in, Sharapova had already won and Nadal was half way through slaughtering some poor soul. So we decided to go to the main stadium and watch Safin (Russian stud) vs. Ouanna (the pride of France).

Venus was supposed to play after them but there game was so incredibly long and intense, it was already dark by the time her turn came around. I was so bummed I did not get to see Venus. But no need to worry because when we started to leave the stadium, who else walks by? VENUS WILLIAMS in the flesh!!

Again...I was not quick with the camera, so she is kind of in the distance at this point, but you can still see her. She is center stage in the white visor. And I am not saying that Venus or Sharapova ever came off as ugly or anything...but they are even more beautiful and fit in person.

This is a video from the match. I don't think you can even really see the ball on this small version, but whatever. It was just so intense. It lasted about 3 1/2 hours and they were still hitting the ball at up to 206 km/h. So many cool plays went down. And I am telling you, if you ever want to see the French get sassy, go to Roland Garros. I wish I had a real video camera and could have recorded all the mind blowing plays, but my little powershot (which Sharapova endorses, by the way) made due.

And if anyone would like to spot me 32 euro, I would love to have an excuse to buy a Roland Garros tennis ball ... that is the size of a basketball. I saw a lot of 5 - 14 year olds running around with them and I was really jealous.

At the end of the day, It's another day over

2009-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at le train blue.

On the menu... du petit pain chocolat.

By lunch we were at chez Victor Hugo.

This is a table Hugo had made with a place dedicated to each of the four best writers of the time. Of course, he included himself. I love romantics.

Much Needed

2009-05-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today I took a long overdue run in Le Bois de Boulogne. Very pleasant experience...

The woods are conveniently close to my residence so it is a pity I have not been going more often. Before my run I discovered that my socks were M.I.A., but I put my shoulder to the wheel and just ran sans socks. When I ran St. George, I saw a man running without shoes or socks, so really, I was doing pretty well for myself. However, the trails in Le Bois are sand...and pretty quickly the sand was in my shoe and the blisters were on my feet. Then towards then end I caught the sent of weed and I knew it was about time to clear out before the prostitutes infiltrated the place. The park takes on a new life when the sun goes down...

Besides trodding through the streets of Paris, my only other exercise adventure was a bike ride in Versailles Gardens. Best thing to happen to me since I heard Britney was back. It was very liberating.

I saw Marie Antoinette's house and hamlet, which I was unable to experience on my original Versailles excursion. M.A., you may have had your children stolen and been sent to the guillotine, but still... you were one lucky B. The Petit Trianon is pretty much the classiest pool house you could imagine. The Grand Canal, a cross shaped lake where Louis XVI used to entertain himself with live naval battles, was hosting a rowing competition, so that was fun. ... The picture below is, as you might notice, not the rowing boats, but boats we were unable to enjoy because of the rowing competitions priority to the lake. They were still photo worthy, though.

Benedictions

2009-05-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today was Bring-Your-Most-Pungent-Cologne-To-Church Day. I don't know what the deal was...but every male on the metro formed a pact to wear a whole bottle of cologne. This has never happened before. Usually they have a pact against using any sort of deodorizer. It made my nose burn. Also, there was a lady who sounded like she had Gollum inside her throat. Paris, you should probably cut back on the cigs. It's a real problem.

To pass the train time I turned to my playlist titled "Holy of Holies" and listen to great religious numbers like Homeward Bound (by MoTab, not Simon and Garfunkel), Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Ella Fitzgerald, and Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing sung by Sufjan Stevens (It made me think of Andie. Anyone who ties Sufjan into Relief Society gets beaucoup de points from me). Church was classic and lovely. I love the ward. It's an international ward and I am pretty sure every language is represented by at least one person in attendance. Also, I like that the women in Paris are very sure, strong and opinionated... and it shows at church, as well. Other things I like about the church - it has a ping pong table, a bathroom, and free water (the last two being nearly impossible to find elsewhere...I guess I haven't seen too many ping-pong tables lying around either).

Usually on Sundays, you will find me napping here in the Tuilerie Gardens, but today, I went to a concert at L'Eglise Madeleine instead.

And so now I am ready to get some Sunday Zzzz.

Happy Sabbath

Au revoir

Chapeau!

2009-05-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

I may be in Paris, but that doesn't mean I don't deserve some wind-down activities at night. It may sound like all fun and games, and maybe it is, but a lot of fun and games can be tiring. So to relax at night, I like to watch an occasional episode of The Office or Gossip Girl (don't judge me). So you better believe that, just because NBC and Hulu shows are blocked in Europe (online), I didn't miss the Office Season finally. I just want to say ... I loved it, but hated that it was only a half-hour. Big mistake. You never do that with a season finale! NBC...You've got some explaining to do. But even still... there were definitely some scenes that I have been replaying over and over in my head. America...you may generally have bad chocolate, bad style, and bad table manners ... but you still make me laugh.

FYI

2009-05-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that not everyone is aware of the existence of Fainting Goats. That's rediculous. Educate yourself:

Wikipedia informs me that fainting goats are annually honored at the "Goats Music and More" in Marshall County, Tennessee. Be sure to keep your calendars free for October 9 - 11.

Once Upon A Time, In An Irish Shire

2009-05-13T01:04:00.000-07:00

You have all been wondering what lies behind the unique and colorful doors of Ireland...and I am here to tell you. The answer is *magic*. Spending some time in Irish countryside is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. It was beautiful...and there were lots of sheep (LOTS) so I felt right at home. Kara, Kylie, Kristen, Emily and I flew into Ireland on Thursday evening and we flew out on Saturday evening so we had to get down to business right away. This was made easy because our hostel was right in the beating heart of Dublin. I will also note that this was my first hostel experience. It was interesting. My conclusion is that men in Europe smell just as bad before they shower as they do after, probably worse. It kind of made me sick to my stomach, but I didn't let it ruin things for me.

The first night, we went and watched live Irish dancing, fo' free! What a gold mine. Those dancer were out of control. And sweaty. One of the male dancers had so much junk in his trunk! He totally rivaled me, so that was pretty shocking.

Some advice from me: if you ever make it to Ireland, definitely visit some pubs. There isn't much else to do, anyways. This is especially important if you ever have a case of the blues or are feeling unloved, because that can easily be cured by taking one step into an Irish pub. This probably would only work for those of the female gender, but I promise you that in 5 seconds flat your self-esteem will increase ridiculously because drunk men love girls, and drunk Irishmen love girls even more. And they love for you to sing with them... so go for it. I have never been hit on my so many men (ranging from 20 - 50). One time, I was scoping out the landscape, searching for some strapping young men and as I looked over the heads of people, trying to see across the room and around a wooden pillar, I suddenly noticed that a very aged and wasted man was in front of my face, moving in line with any direction of my vision. When we made eye contact he smiled really big and raised his eyebrows. At that point, I just stopped looking.

We took a tour to Glendalough, it is a small town / village where there is an old monastery (when I say old, I mean medieval old) So we hung out in a Celtic grave yard and saw some ruins. The best part was making videos in the graveyard...no regrets. Along the way to Glendalough, we stopped at lakes and movie locations (think Braveheart and P.S. I Love You). We also learned a lot about Irish history... so if you have any questions, I am your girl. The tour guide informed us about current Irish events, as well. Apparently, Ireland has been hit especially hard by the economic crisis and is experiencing a 20-30% unemployment rate (ouch). They will probably be calling in aid from the IMF next year and are on the verge of being third-world status! That's enough to make a man cry in his Guinness, so say a prayer, make a wish or find a four leaf clover and dedicate it to Ireland.

Lucky Lucky (Twice)

2009-05-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just some photo's to catch up on ...

This is me and the band in front of the Opera House. I did what felt natural and played the air flute.

Photo shoot in front of the Arc de Triomphe. Sometimes looking like a tourist is unavoidable.

I promised a special someone (you know who you are...i hope) an image of the Champs Elysees so here it is.

Pretty classy stuff..

Ciao

Je Blague

2009-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Combien des boulons sont dans la Tour Eiffel? (How many bolts are in the Eiffel Tower?)

Just un bout long! (Just one long point!)

An old man in Le Jardin du Luxembourg told a group of us that joke. He loved it. He was just dying laughing. Aah...it kills me. I love the French. I don't know what people are talking about...they are hyper (pron. "ee-père" et pas "Hi-per".) cool.

I'm telling you, they are very, very nice. Maybe on the inside they think "stupid American"...but even still, they are kind enough to keep it to themselves and I appreciate that. B

ut really, absolute strangers will go out of their way, even if they're obviously in a hurry, to stop and help you. I've seen it many a time. Je blague pas, and I have only been here a week. One time I was in the metro and there was a girl having trouble with her metro pass. There was also a lady who passed through at the same time and you could see in her face she was in a hurry. The lady was absolutely torn between whether to help this person get into the station or reach her deadline. The lady paused three times to check and make sure the girl was ok, and on the third time, she turned around and helped the girl, who was clearly a tourist, get into the metro. It wasn't her job to help at all and she was not bothered to do it either. Afterwards she gracefully said "Je vous en prie" and was on her way. I was very impressed.

(Notre Dame - It didn't click that Notre Dame means Our Woman until I came here. I guess I'm not always what you would call quick.)

Also, I am very grateful for how patient the French are with people learning the language (i.e - ME). They are very encouraging. If you don't know or aren't sure how to say something they say, "Well, just try". And if you don't get it right, they correct you, but in a kind and respectful way. So what I am trying to say is the experience is certainly worth it, even considering the pee filled subways and dog dropping filled streets.

Aux Champs Elycees

2009-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wishing you...

were here...

New Idea For Theme of Wedding

2009-04-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of friends who are getting married at the moment and so I have read my fair share of wedding magazines and I have been checking out what Martha has to offer. Maybe I even made a log in for theKnot.com and registered at Pottery Barn (It was fun). But, of course, it was all done in the name of friendship......This post was really not supposed to get this personal. ANYways, after mulling over wedding themes...I discovered the perfect one.

ALBINO WEDDING

I'll just leave you to think about it...

Yamagata Update

2009-04-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Apparently 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski (AKA Jenna) was also at City Winery for the Rachael Yamagata concert. I did not see her...but this means we breathed the same air.

I did not see very many celebrities while I was in New York, but I must have some underlying psychological connection that drew the people of 30 Rock to me because I also saw "Frank" walking down 5th avenue. And I strolled by 30 Rockafeller several times...soooo if that doesn't prove that I am destined to be best friends forever with Tina Fey, then I don't know what does. It just makes sense because we are both SO funny...ahem, joke. But really Tina, Amy & Maggie. Sounds good. So many great monikers...TAM, ATM...then MAT..that would be the slightly less attractive model. Stanger things have happened.

From the words of Ms. Yamagata - "Permission to Obsess"

2009-04-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Don't file a restraining order just yet...but still, as much as I liked Rachael Yamagata avant the concert...that love has grown exponentially post concert. She made my New York. I know...most of her music is dark and dreary..but her personality is certainly not. She was charming. I was charmed. She was witty, flirty with the audience, interesting...everything you could ask for. She was completely comfortable making fun of herself so it just made for an enjoyable, at-ease kind of show. It is always fun to hear the stories behind the songs and she was really light about the whole song development process. Her songs clearly pack a wallop, but that's where she seems to put it, into the songs. When she was describing the evolution of "Elephants" she joked about it along the way for the sake of keeping things from getting too deep and awkward (just a little bit deep)...and then concluded, "I don't know....It could be a load of s--- anyway. You tell me." And really...if you think "Elephants" is beautiful and moving via recording...you should experience it live. It was incredible. You will be changed, and that is a promise. I wont go into detail for fear of entering realms of clique-ness..but I will leave you with on word -- "raw".They did some incredible instrumentals, too. They incorporated a mini-trumpet, clarinet, cello and did some funky work with the guitar that I really liked.

Co-preforming was Dan Wilson. Never heard of him previously, sorry to say. Apparently he recently earned himself a Grammy, so go him. He was pretty funny as well and his music was not too shabby. For the most part, since the concert I have been listening to his song "Sugar" on repeat. The lyrics are grand.

So, to say the least it was a very intoxicating experience...both because of the exceptional music and the thick smell of wine in the air. Not complaining about either.

Sealed w/ a Kiss

2009-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I leave for NYC. Thank you life for kicking my trash right up until departure. I needed that.

Top of the To Do List:

1.) SNL (mon rêve) / The Daily Show Tapings
2.) Yankees vs. Cubs Game (new Yankee stadium)
3.) Shopping (anywhere)
4.) Museums: The Frick / The Met
5.) Eating? (See #3)
6.) Rachael Yamagata
7.) Broadway showing: TBA
8.) Buildings: 30 Rock/ Empire / Chrysler
9.) Running in Central Park (weather permitting)
10.)Easter Mass as St. Pat.'s.

It's gonna be BIG.

Water March

2009-04-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

I may not be Catholic...but this year I pretty much did lent...just minus 9 days and the religion part (but I not saying it was not a spiritual experience). For the month of March (you should note that March is 31 days..not 28, 29 0r 30) my amigos and I opted to nix all liquids besides water. I threw in no cereal w/ milk as well, just for good measure. Cereal is one of my loves (your Vanilla Special K (w. bananas and rasberries) is my heaven) so to make it extra challenging, I decided the serious sacrifice needed to be made.

My friend Tim suggested that I continue the tradition, but dedicate future months to other liquids...for example Hot Chocolate. As much as I like a challenge (and strictly consuming hot chocolate in the month of July would certainly be the greatest challenge of anyone's life. I don't care what you've been through.) you can just assume that that will not happen in my near or far future.

Anyways, finally April Fools rolled around, but there was no funny business. We broke Water March at Cafe Rio (where else?). On the menu: Me - DP, Andie - Diet Coke, Renee - The hard stuff. Raw Coke. It was overwhelming for my palate. So much flavor. Afterward, it was like Forrest Gump when he goes to the White House for the first time after he is an All-American football player. He drinks 13 Dr. Peppers and when he meets the president he says "I gotta go pee"...very similar.

So...that's all I have to say about that.

Paper Raped

2009-04-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that my friend Renee Bush has officially been published. Location: Urban Dictionary. I am not surprised, it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. You are lucky to have her UD. She has been honored for her canonization of the phrase "paper raped". We are all very proud of her and a certainly support all her endeavors, in urban literature and otherwise.

This is the product of her labors:

1.	paper raped	1 thumb up
	it is a situation one finds himself or herself frequently in college, when two or more papers are due in different classes in a short period of time. This results in staying up late, putting off everything else, and writing paper after paper until you feel like quitting school. How to use this term: You: "Sorry man, I can't do anything this week. I have two papers due today, one tomorrow, and one the next day." Me: "Dang, you are totally getting paper raped right now." You: "Yep, it sucks..."

I gave it a thumb up...you should too.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=paper+raped

xoxo
- M

You Can't Always Get What You Want

2009-03-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

My MUN partner posted this video and I thought it was really funny so...I stole it for your enjoyment.

It's Like Trying to Clean the Ocean

2009-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

I am pretty...bothered (to put it lightly) by the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians. In the words of Molly Shannon, "Don't get me started. Don't eeeeven get me started." I will keep myself tempered, but I will still say that what Israel is doing to Palistine is wrong and disturbing.

Here is a completely long and monotone lecture by Mearsheimer, a popular political scientist, but it is informative and pretty unbiased.

Ensuit....there is this emotional documentary (propaganda included), but it has good information. It's the entire documentary, which means it's really long, but you can skip around. You can especially skip the first 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, it's an inspiring 5 minutes of intense music and pictures, but not the most important..

Or WORSE...EXPELLED

2009-03-06T12:30:00.001-08:00

Learning French pays off beaucoup. One of the best ways is when you are reading a journal ("jour" means "day" in French) article or a book and it has French words. Immediately makes me feel brainy. Well, yesterday in my French class, I learned some tres cool info about one of the most important literary works of our time: 'Arry Potta'!

Apparently He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has been going by a French title all this time, while I was completely unawares. It fits his very sneaky nature. Let's break it down. Vol*de*mort.

Vol = flight

de = of

mort = DEATH

Put it all together, Voldemort = Flight of Death! (DUM, Dum, dum) Absolutely shocking!

Another French root in Harry Potter comes from Harry Potter's own Hogwarts alma mater: Griffindor. Or should I say "griffin d'or", which means "golden griffin". Brilliant JKR.

P.S. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince comes out just after mon anniversaire. If anyone wants to take me, I would say "yes". And if said person wanted to go to the midnight showing, I would, again, say "yes". If you think that you are too cool for a night with Harry, watch this and maybe you will change your mind. I am sure you will.

I'm A Mac

2009-03-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am finally back on the scene. Thank goodness. My old PC (that really wasn't old, but turned out to be a piece of ruddy rubbish) went on the fritz so it has been a rough few weeks without my personal PC, but my life was made whole when the FedEx man came and brought me my new digital baby (AKA: MacBook). If I had answered the door when he dropped it off, I probably would have given him a BIG fat one (That's a kiss). I was just that grateful. Now all I need is to find a way to get all my precious music of my iPod, so if anyone knows of a program that allows you to do that...you should let me know because I will begin to seize if I find out it is all permanently lost. Reloading (forgive my passive voice) music is the worst because it takes 59 years to do it and then all the essential info, like play counts, is lost. But then again, it allows you to wipe away the stains of the past...so if you ever went through a sinful JoBro or Hillary Duff phase...no worries...it can all be washed away and your Top 25 record will be made as white as snow. It's like a musical repentance; something we all need every once in awhile.

PS: Mac guy does great in He's Just Not That Into You.

So if you must faulter be wise

2009-03-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Rihanna girl, I hope you know what you are doing...

30 Going on 13

2009-02-09T02:07:00.000-08:00

Paris wore this to the Grammy Awards and um....the dress from 13 Going on 30 anybody? Just in purple rather than teal.

Call me crazy, but that's kind of weird...

And not Grammy appropriate. Seriously Paris!

Got Me Tucked up in Your Pocket

2009-02-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

I usually don't consider myself the romantic. People hate watching chick flicks with me because I make fun of everything. I am not a fan of roses. Fairytale undertones bother me (unless we're talking Pretty Woman). But recently I watched He's Just Not That Into You and I didn't regret it for a second.

If I had to rate myself, I would say that I am about 33% girly. That's puts me just a little bit over a quarter...that sounds about right. So if you are a guy who considers them self around 33% girly, this movie would probably work out for you, too. The feminist in me would like to say that everything in the movie is built around cliches and exaggerations. We are not that pathetic and helpless. Everyone has something to work on, and sometimes there's a bad egg...but all in all, we are a little more self-empowered than that.

That being said...Ginnifer Goodwin was about the cutest thing to happen to cinema. Her wardrobe was great. And I don't care what you say, I still love Jennifer Connelly...pig-tails, stiff personality, and all. Her knock-out performance in the Labyrinth makes me a forever loyal fan. I want Scarlett to get the whole singing thing out of her system...and someone needs to tell me what the Wiccan at the wedding reception was all about. The other problem with the movie was the heavy female population which meant a lot of gasping at the romantic or surprise moments, and that...I could have done without. Otherwise I accepted it, even the cheesy parts. For any takers, I am ready to see it again.

But I Want, Want, Want to be Your Love

2009-02-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me, "Maggie Jean....who do you consult in a time of crisis? Who is your life coach?"

I would tell you...without out hesitation, "Oh. That's easy. Handsdown, 100%, blinkin' Lincoln, easy-peezy-lemon-squeezy. That person would be Rachael Yamagata."

So you can imagine my delight when I found out that Rachael will be playing in New York the same time that I will be there. Everything about it is perfect. She is playing at a small winery: intimate. Tickets are cheap: VIP = $38. Location: Close to my hotel...

However, everything hits the fan after that because she is playing at a very inconvenient time. I am going to New York for the National Model United Nations Conference (very excited) and we will be in conference for an indefinite amount of time each day...possibly keeping me from the best concert of my life. So here is my dilemma...do I buy tickets in hopes that I can possibly go or accept reality and let the dream pass me by?

New York...you're breaking my heart already.

You're A Wolf

2009-02-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today I saw someone who was sporting a Spiderman backpack and a mustache.

.
.
.

Guy or Girl?

.
.
.

WRONG - It was a girl.

She must be a fellow Portugue, but still girl...clean that mess up.

20 Interesting Things About Moi

2009-01-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

1. I'm on the third day of my cleanse diet. All I have to do is drink maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and water for all three meals. Um, I just bought some bikinis online too so.. I'm gonna look amazing.

2. I lie every second of the day. My whole life is a sham.

3. I love babies. I think they are beautiful in all sorts of different ways. I try to pick up and hold a baby every day, if possible, because it nourishes me.

4. I don't vote Republican or Democrat. Choosing is a sin, so I always just write in the Lord's name.

5. Sometimes I download pirated music onto my work computer.

6. I've been involved in a number of cults. Both as a leader and a follower. I had more fun as a follower. But you make more money as a leader.

7. I believe most Scottish cuisine is based on a dare.

8. I'm petrified of nipple chaffing. Once it starts it is a vicious circle... you have sensitive nipples, they chaff, so they become more sensitive, so they chaff more. So I take precautions.

9. When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered, that I had resorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby.

10. Society teaches us that, having feelings and crying is bad and wrong. Well, that's baloney, because grief isn't wrong. There's such a thing as good grief. Just ask Charlie Brown.

11. A few years ago my family was on a safari in Africa, and my cousin Mufasa was trampled to death by a pack of wildebeests. We all took it really hard, all of us kind of in the audience of what happened.

12. I knew this girl who, like, had this crazy freak out because she took too many behavioral meds at once and she like ripped off her clothes, and dove into the fountain at Ridgedale Mall and was like, "Blagh! I am a Kraken from the sea!

13. I come from a long line of fighters. My maternal grandfather was the toughest guy I ever knew. World War Two veteran, killed twenty men and spent the rest of the war in an Allied prison camp. My father battled blood pressure and obesity all his life. Different kind of fight.

14. Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: “Mankind”. Basically, it's made up of two separate words—“mank” and “ind”. What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.

15. Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she fell on me? Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny.

16. Children need encouragement. If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess. That way he develops a good, lucky feeling.

17. I'm personal friends with Obi-Wan Kenobi

18. I love gentiles. In fact, on of my favorite activities is Protestant spotting.

19. One day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. My Momma always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on. And I think that's what my running was all about. I had run for three years, two months, fourteen days, and sixteen hours.

20. So, here's some advice I wish I woulda got when I was your age: Live every week like it's Shark Week.

Diamond Dogs

2009-01-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce Cornwallis....sometimes know as Wallace by the sensitive, patriotic crowd...and sometimes WALL.E by the Pixar Animation fans (you go Kate!). It does not really matter what you call him, he pretty much comes by whatever. The day before Christmas my parents adopted Walls, and thank goodness. The boy was seriously hurting for a home and we are on friendly terms with the K9 kind so Walls and the Beasley fam. made a great match. He is very smart and I attribute his savvy to his gypsy upbringing. His old owners were homeless, I am sorry but I can't compete with that, and they raised him right. His manners are impeccable. I am telling you this so that you will 1st) Adopt from the pound and 2nd) Try to get one raised by homeless people. No joke, homeless people take excellent care of there dogs and are always with them so what else do they do with their time...train them. And naturally...when you are living nomad style...you get really well socialized with all kinds of crowds. So Walls loves to be loved and give love. He comes when he's called, sits, stays, lays and best of all when you says "shake"...he roles over. Someone played a sick joke on him and he doesn't even know it.Walls is clearly what I like to call...an awesome dog. He came from a shelter (Red Bluff) that euthanizes the animals when things get crowded. Unfortunately, it is one of those times where the shelter is crowded and a few other really awesome dogs are on DEATH ROW...the worst, I know... so I am going to give them a plug and hopefully they will not meet a terrible fate. Seeing as I don't live in CA at the moment...all I can do for the dogs is guilt you into giving them a home...or adopting them and then transferring them to a no-kill shelter...which I don't encourage...but might under certain circumstances.

But here they are...in all their man's-best-friend glory:

This belle dame is Carmen. She is a Pharoah Hound mix. I saw her at the shelter when we picked up Walls and she was as neat looking in person as she is in this picture. She was cool as a cucumber even though all the other dogs were peer-pressuring her to throw herself at the sides of her cage wildly and bark madly. She is 41 elle-bees (AKA lbs.) and she likes to chase tennis balls. What kind of dog doesn't? I guess that makes her "the dog next door" type.
Then to the right we have HOMER. I don't know much about him except that he looks really, really cool. He also weighs in at 69 lbs and he too like tennis balls (GET OUT! followed by Elaine Benes shove) Red Bluff pound reports that he, "wiggles with happiness." Now, and be honest with yourself, can you say "no" to a dog who wiggles with happiness? Don't deny yourself that satisfaction.

Enfin, here we have Jimmy...he's a 60 pound package of what Red Bluff pound says is a "fun loving, springy step, goofy boy" and he likes to "frolic". Their words, not mine.

If you are wondering where the Red Bluff pound is, I have that information as well. It is located right in between, and in the same parking lot as, the Mental Health Center and the Juvenile Detention Center. You will find that Red Bluff is a go-get-'em kind of town that really likes to multitask and part of the multitasking is grouping together all life's misfits into one parking lot...they are easier to manage that way. And since I am part of the trophy generation I don't wont to hurt anyone's feelings so I will add, "Don't worry. We are all misfits...and this world is our parking lot."

And if you think I am making up this despair, you should note that in the pictures, all the dogs are wearing the same leash. They can only afford one leash! Breaks my little heart...and Jimmy is the only one with a collar because he was surrendered with it. Too sad...

The Granny of the Century

2008-12-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

She's officially 100...this time it's for keeps.

G is for Grinkles, and Grinkles is for Granny Wrinkles. But you don't have many.
G is for Ganster, because you live in a place that is scary at night...and sometimes in the day, too.
G is for Give Me Some Sugar...your wish is my command.
R is for Reese's Pieces Cereal...because you like candy for breakfast.
A is for anemia, thank goodness for California peaches.
N is for nail biting tornado ride..but not for your cousin because he was too chubby.
N is for Nickelodeon and a good southern breakfast. You made my childhood complete.
Y is for Yodeling...I like it when you sing

Bonne Anniversaire!
Granny Beasley

I LOVE YOU BUSHELS

All I Want For Christmas Is....

2008-12-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Andie's Christmas CD: CHECK

The Soundtrack and DVD to Les Choristes:

It's a beautiful story about troubled orphan
boys who are saved through the inspiration of music.
Especially one boy...who has the face of an angel,
but the character of the devil!

Gateway battery charger:

I bought a new one...it was faulty. It's really frustrating
to try to type while you have to hold the battery cord in. Spare me...

We were fated to pretend.

2008-11-24T13:44:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

This little girl is a complete Dominic look-a-like and she speaks french. It doesn't get much better than this people. Plus, I can not say that I have ever heard such an interesting story from a kid before.

Check Moi

2008-11-23T18:58:00.001-08:00

Têtes à claques

This is totally a month late, but worth the wait.

Even if you don't know French...I guess their faces are still kind of funny.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

PostSecret

2008-11-23T12:39:00.001-08:00

SHEEPAREFOREVER

2008-11-16T17:15:00.001-08:00

Maggie's First Weekly... PostSecret

It's a sleight of hand, a white soul band

2008-11-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

I'm not a perfect person. I have my vices. One of these vices has been a long uphill battle and there is no end in sight. In high school a friend even dubbed me "Patches". For a nick-name, it really was not so bad, for two reasons. #1 Pirates are hot and the nickname derives from the great pirate patch accessory. #2 I have always been in love with 101 Dalmatians, so I consider it a privileged, really. One of my trials is that...when I am concentrating really hard...I blink with one eye. Just one. And it's kind of a slow one eyed blink. It was not brought to my attention until high school, but the persecution that followed was devastating. Just a lot of people saying, "Wait a minute. I think...did you really just blink with one eye?" The answer is YES, and is it really such a crime? I was beginning to doubt myself. This blinking disorder was really getting the best of me...until I found out my long time hero also has a bad case of the one eyed blink! So what does that mean? It means the one eye blink is the new black. SO who is this fellow Patches? I'll give you 3 hints:

1. Rick, Rick, Rick
2. Can I just spray a little PAM down there right before the baby comes out?
3. This is feirce! No tranny! No hot mess!

Ding, Ding, Ding! Amy Poehler!
I couldn't find a picture of her actually doing the blink...it seems slow to the human eye, but it's quick enough that no camera can capture it. So do your own research, next time you are watching her being her awesome self...look out for it.

Let me assure you friend, Every day is ice cream and chocolate cake

2008-11-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

This is one of the things that I co-made for baby E (my artisan father helped). It's debut has been a long time coming because we finished back at the end of August, but not everyone was on the ball (me) and some stuff hit the fan (I left it with J, but forgot to take a picture), and seeing as the painting is in California and I am in Utah, it took some time to get proof of this fine creation. So yup, I did the most contributing parts of the painting (the blue sky, cotton candy clouds and green hills. I done good, right? Well, sure. Then I handed it over to PopPop and he made the real majik happen. He finished her off in one evening. I knew that I wanted a hot air balloon and humanized rabbits, but the man took it a step further. Really brought it to life one might say. So if you love it put in your order now for a Beasley-Beasley original. We also do bronze casting, playground installations, and the occasional miniature house replica.

What's the use of being young and beautiful...

2008-10-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

...If not to keep a man waiting.....

This year for Halloween I decided to fashion a headpiece for myself Winona Ryder style, like in the movie Autumn in New York. So...I decided to be a bird's nest...but I was mistaken for a pixie, a nyph...and a tree. Pretty much I was different aspects of nature, mystical and otherwise. Renee and Andie were Ralph Lauren models...pretty classy stuff. They played it well.

Muddie, I Love You Bushels

2008-09-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, I understand that I am posting a lot about things that happened back in August when it’s now mid-September. What’s up with that, right? The problem is I have not been living in the 21st century these days…the heart of the little computer down at the corner of my screen has hardly been beating. No sign of internet life. Comcast was suppose to come bless my house with the gift of cyberspace, but they completely forgot about us. Thanks again dude for leaving me waiting all Friday morning… But anyways...that's not what I am here for. What I really want to say is that the tea party wasn't the only reason I took a visit to Chico. I had other agendas well. For instance, Granny Beasley’s 100th Birthday (everyone gasps and spits out a few “Oh MYs”). Crazy, I know. It was quite the occasion. Granny is the gift that keeps on giving. We would be bored, less kind, and less sugared without her. She’s the best of treats. For Granny’s birthday bash, family came from all around. Granny enjoyed bragging about her amazing life, that I am so jealous of, and we got to hear her stories one more time. It was the best. Did you know the lady has been picked up by a tornado! Seriously…blows me away every time. The fine lady of the hour received some flashy presents of the gardening genre (right up her alley), a Benjamin (one hundred years of hard earned cash), candy (which is more like a restock of groceries for her), and a new bottle of her favorite “smell-a-ma-good” (aka White Shoulders perfume...paints a great picture, huh). We also played a game called Who Knows Granny Best?. You had to answer questions on the ins and outs of granny’s life. The winner of said game won the rickety wooden ladder that was bribed away from Granny after she was caught using it to prune her pomegranate tree (much taller than your average pomegranate “bush”) . She’s a live wire. Anywhoo...I just want to use my blog to give Granny B a shout out. I love you bushels! Just so you know who you're dealing with.

Give Me Your Milk

2008-09-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

C'est encroyable! Je peux gouter l'hostilite! Les enfants sont impressionnants.

By George, I do Declare it's Tea Time

2008-09-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

The end of August went down smoothly, kind of like a warm cup of earl grey tea...Speaking of tea, the last days of August brought us the eagerly anticipated Aunt Maggie's Annual High Tea, held in honor of my cheeky nieces. Invitations were sent out prior to the great event, of course, to get the little nieces pumped with excitement, it worked. I read up on tea parties before hand and it was clear that invitations are mandatory in tea party etiquette. I hand-made the invitations, but I didn't snap a picture so just imagine the most grand card you can think of, (insert image here), and consider me an amazing craftswoman. So the day of the party came on the 25th of August. It began with the baking of pastry delicacies. On the menu for the great event? Eclairs, Raspberry Cake, Strawberry Croissants, and Sugar Cookies. So I slaved away making these "sugar cookies", which weren't really your conventional sugar cookie, just a cookie with a lot of sugar. They have chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and a lovely surprise of caramel tucked in the center. The fine people of Raley's slaved away making the rest of the afters. We also had loads of chocolate covered strawberries, who can go wrong with that. Grandma Sousa's decadent China finally got some show time, a great addition to the ambiance.

Honey (my mom's grandmotherly title) got the girls all dolled up and they got to come down the stairs like little debutantes. While we were finishing the food preparations, the girls indulged in some present opening and games. In the gifting department were some new clothes, paintings and necklaces. Here's the shirts I finished for E, so my first go round at baby making apparel is complete. I did a little painting for K, too. Coal Umbrella also was selling skeleton keys that caught my eye, so I nabbed some of those and made little necklaces for the girls. They were supposed to be magic keys, turns out the are. K's a believer after she managed to locked D's bedroom door with it. Then for games, we opted for the obvious choice of croquet, not as obvious as cricket, but still very respectable. A took to croquet like a Brit takes to fish n' chips. The fun escalated when D started up some musical games. She is a pro at those. Some took these games more seriously than others. Then the girl sat down for tea after this, but the tea was substituted with chocolate milk, obviously. They even practice proper lingo like "mademoiselle". Then when tea time had commenced they moved on to swimming and painting. And of course, everyone knows I would never throw a party without some psychedelic trip, and that's where the bubbles came into play. Seriously, it's impossible to look at this picture with K and her giant orb bubble and not think, "Donny Darko, how existential...". All in all, it was a smashing day govna' with heaps of fun. So, don't be ashamed, I know next August you'll all be anxiously hovering around your mail boxes waiting for a High Tea Invitation like you waited for you invitation to Hogwarts when you turned 11. I understand, but like Howgarts, all the best things are exclusive.

And Z wants to let all those foxy ladies out there know that he is single and looking, but he makes no promises. All he asks in exchange for his snuggles is some assistance in the hygiene department, an offer no one can refuse.

The Lovers, The Dreamers, And Me

2008-07-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

So here is the Lullaby CD I made for E. My musical mixing capabilities at their finest.

The Rainbow Connection: Sarah McLachlan
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
The Greatest: Cat Power
Such Great Heights: Iron & Wine
One Love: Bob Marley
A Rainbow: G. Love & Jack Johnson
Love And Some Verses: Iron & Wine
Honey And The Moon: Joseph Arthur
Wild Horses: The Sundays
Somebody Loved: The Weepies
See You Soon: Coldplay
Corner Of Your Heart: Ingrid Michaelson
Dear Prudence: The Beatles
Moon River: Henry Mancini
Nightingale: Norah Jones
Julia: The Beatles
Bookends: Simon & Garfunkel
Où vont les fleurs: Charline Rose
Hallelujah: Imogen Heap
Elle s'en va: Camille
You Are The Moon: The Hush Sound
Sea of Love: Cat Power

On a Bed of California Stars

2008-06-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

I just arrived back in Utah after spending an wonderful week with the Poole family. A week away from Provo was greatly appreciated and the company was very well, as usual. It made me miss California and my sister more than ever, both are fabulous. So the weeks itinerary went something like this: 12 mile run with Adam Saturday morning, lots of shopping in Huntington, Newport (where I saw dolphins for the 1st time), and Irvine, chiropractic adjustments (having a chiropractor for a brother-in-law definitely comes in handy), trips to the park with the kiddies, and bursting water pipes that left us relocating to a hotel. Adam compared it to the Suite Life of Zach and Cody. I thought that was hilarious, but it really wasn't so sweet. There was also many breakouts in song, generally preformed by K. She was born with pipes and she is always obliged to share...if only the water pipes in the house were as strong. Then, we would never worry about leaks. We also sang along to the great Edith Piaf's Rein de Rein...just slipping in some culture. Mostly the singing involved Ariel and Gwen Stefani, which I didn't mind. K also impressed me by using words like disgusting and reprimand. She even spelled "park" and she is only two and three-quarters. I am already collecting Harvard brochures for her. No doubt she'll be there in 15 years. One thing I learned from my stay was that raising kids is hard. Dana said it was like I was on that new show where they give teenagers babies. It's their attempted to shake that desire of early parenthood right out of unaware teenagers. It was like that show...only I'm not 16 with my boyfriend and convinced the next move in our relationship is towards the delivery room. But, even still, consider me shaken. I don't know though. By the end of the trip I couldn't even hear babies crying. Either way, my sister is amazing.

Other important news. I have finished the final piece in the Z clothing line. It received the best reviews of them all. It was an embroidered monkey stitched on muslin. I would post a picture, but I forgot to take one before I gave it to Dana and Adam. Maybe I can get them to take a little snap of it and send it to me. Now I am on to E's pieces. One involves birds and the others is yet to be decided, but I have some pretty good ideas to choose from. It will probably involve embroidery...

Oh...and also, my nails are growing out, so I am pretty happy about that. There's nothing like a beach vacation with la famille to set the mind at ease. I'm still trying to organize a Beasley family reunion to the great north coast beach haven, Fort Bragg. I am dying to drive through a redwood tree for eleventh time and relax with the hippies of Mendocino. Unfortunately, I don't have a personal picture of the tree with me, but I thought this would help you understand the legend of the Chandelier tree. If you ever journey up north, definitely include this stop.

Summer Delectables

2008-06-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Good News! Sweet corn is on sale at target: 40c a piece. I jumped on that and bought 6! Had one for lunch today. It was huge, delicious, and sweet!

Leave me your star dust to remember you by...

2008-06-04T00:52:00.001-07:00

These are the baby lullabies mixes that I made for the little ones...they were made with a lot of love and, well, I think they are adorable. They are good lullabies for adults, too. They cure even my insomnia sometimes. Feel the love...

Z A:

Godspeed: Dixie Chicks
Going Whichever Way The Wind Blows: Pete Droge
Mother Nature's Son: The Beatles
Lullaby: Jack Johnson
First Day of My Life: the Bright Eyes
The Past and the Pending: The Shins
Forever Young: Youth Group
Something: Jim Sturgess
Each Coming Night: Iron & Wine
Lullaby: Dixie Chicks
Across The Universe: Jim Sturgess
Passenger Seat: Death Cab
Three Little Birds: Bob Marley
Crosses: Jose Gonzalez
Shoot The Moon: Norah Jones
La ou je suis nee - Camille
Boats and Birds - Gregory and the Hawk
Kathy's Song - Simon & Garfunkel
Can't Go Back Now - The Weepies
Forever Young - Bob Dylan

Oh man...that took a lot out of me. I will save E's CD for later. Before I go, I do want to bring attention to the Weepies newer song Hideaway. It makes me a bit giddy. Believe me, it has inspired a new mix...the beat goes on.

Two Drifters, Off To See The World

2008-05-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Je te present, mon nouveaux niece et neveu...

This is Z A...he is pretty charming for a newborn. Usually newborns look pretty sickly, kind of alien-like, but not this little guy. He came out a heart breaker. Watch out!

K is absolutely loving this new big sister gig. I'm sure she will do an excellent job and teach him all the important things, like every word to "Part of You World" from Little Mermaid and the ins-and-outs of Dora. That's really all anyone needs to know.

Then we have E as the other addition to the family. She weighs in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. and takes up 21 inches of space (These weights and measurements are entirely fabricated, but they are probably pretty close). She is also quite attractive for her early stage in life. A is also doing a good job satisfying the duties of elder sister. However, she does find the baby crying slightly alarming, but who can blame her. I find it alarming, as well. You can see concerned look expressed in this picture, which I think is adorable.
Another important update is that I finished another piece in the Z A Collection. It is a flashy number...a show stopper, really. This shirt is especially appropriate for Z A because K has already given him the nickname Sharky. Also, his dad is a regular on the surfing scene who has had a run in with a shark previously. A dramatic story for another time, fortunately Adam Sr. is still with us. There are still 2 more pieces that will be added to the Zach Adam Collection, so stay tuned - the best is yet to come.

I Think We've Hit Rock Bottom

2008-05-05T00:26:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been scouring the internet for unique indie and/or vintage craft ideas that I can steal and use to make adorable outfits and art for my soon-to-be niece and nephew. I have come across some great fashion and decor, but there have also been low points. I would say this very possibly is the lowest. Like with any mistakes we make, we should learn from them. The lesson to be learned here: Stupid is never pretty. In this case, blonds DO NOT have more fun.

If you feel the erg to adorn your cat with a headdress, please opt for a less humiliating style. I would recommend dressing you cat as if he were from the docks of Limerick...

2008-05-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Next time we make pancakes at 2 AM, I want them to look like these. Well, preferably not just like these because the lady is pretty creepy. I couldn't make myself eat her, but you get the idea.

The Long and Unwinding Road

2008-04-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

The end of the semester sent me on another 11 hour road trip back to California. The only difference, this time I was leaving at 7 PM unaccompanied after my dead-beat brother abandoned me. So how was I too keep myself stimulated enough to not fall asleep driving on the very deserted I-80? Along with turning every song into a Broadway musical, I also followed the lead of the book Sean and David's Long Drive. I decided to rate each town I stopped at. First stop....

Pit Stop #1: Windover, NV

It is mostly known as a mini gambling mecca. It draws in all the wayward sons from across the Utah border. That is its appeal: it is the closest casino convent on East Nevada border. It is not a classy place. I gambled here once, but an old man kicked me out. Apparently the gambling age is 21. I’ll be taking my business elsewhere. I was pretty tired so I took a cat nap in an 18-wheeler parking lot. The flashing lights from a David Spade Comedy Advertisement and the big rig traffic hindered my sleeping a bit, but I managed some shut eye. Afterwards I went to the Flying J for gas and a bathroom break. There was only one clean toilet…and it wasn’t that clean. The door didn’t have a lock either. There was a bonus though. When I purchased my energy drinks I was hit on by a rotund trucker. It was 11 PM. So, all in all, I left Windover with a full tank of gas and my self esteem increased tenfold. I’m making this a reoccurring stop.

Pit Stop #2: Battle Creek, NV

Another stop at the Flying J where the gas is cheap and their bathrooms are cheaper. This one had electric purple stalls…I liked that. I didn’t like the dilapidated toilets, though. You can’t blind me with your exciting color choices…I know dirty when I see it. They also had a dispenser in these bathrooms…but it wasn’t for feminine hygiene products. I think we all know that we don’t want to share a bathroom with someone so desperate they are willing to buy protection out of an electric purple bathroom. I’m curious why this transaction needs to take place in the bathroom...it seems like you could just as easily buy them with the migraine medicine they have stocked in the gas station. I’m concerned about this…but let's move on. Battle Creek = Gross

Pit Stop #3: Winemucca, NV

This Flying J was everything it should be: there was a homeless man outside that made me feel uncomfortable, it had Starbucks Double Expresso shots, and a clean bathroom. The best part was the mirrors made you look thinner. I bought gum, expresso shots, and a Dr. Pepper. They now have come out with light expresso shots that have half the calories. I jumped on that and bought two…so total I got the same 140 calories, but double the jolt. And believe me…it was a jolt. This was the point in the trip where I entertained myself by turning any song into a Broadway musical. I was fantastic. Tickets will go on sale June 1st.

Pit Stop #4: Truckee

I was pretty tired of Trucks by this point. I had been driving/sleeping in one for the past 10 hours and now I had to stop in a town called Truckee. This was not an intended stop. I was so involved in my musical performances, channeling Jack Black and Sir Andrew Loyd Webber, that I drove through Reno without making a desperately needed fuel stop. Big mistake. Right after I got out of Reno I noticed my gas light on…and I was driving up hill, in my dads uneconomical truck, in the middle of no where with rain pouring, by myself, with my cell phone battery near death. I miraculously made it to Truckee. Gas was $4.10 and it was snowing beaucoup. I am never coming back....

That pretty much covers it. Lesson learned. Drive up 70 and do it in the daylight.

So Good To Be Here

2008-04-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am officially in on the blogging scene. It's probably the best decision of my life. I am starting off slow so this blog doesn't have very much substance yet. It's not that I am not uber creative and witty, because I am both of those things, but I just really don't have the time to blow your mind today. Soon enough I'll be covering this blog with all sorts of stimulating conversation pieces. Until then, keep yourselves classy and I'll do the same.