Sex Bob-omb!

image credit

I know I'm a little late on this whole Scott Pilgrim vs. the World thing, but my, my, my. It was fan-tas-tic. My dear cohort, Ari, and I can assure you all that it was well worth the wait.

Bryan Lee O'Malley and Edgar Wright are totally my heroes. How can you go wrong with a comic turned action romantic comedy with an amazing cast, soundtrack and chocked full of pop culture references? You just can't.

Did I mention the amazing soundtrack?! Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, Beck, Metric, Broken Social Scene, Cornelius, Dan the Automator, Kid Koala, and David Campbell all had their glorious hands in it, and it totally made the movie. Must. Have. Immediately.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is one of the most creative/quirky films I've seen in years. If you were at any point in time an overly dramatic, angst-ridden, insecure teen that had a crush, dated, got dumped, played video games, listened to music, played in a band, loathed sell outs or swallowed your gum and worried about it's seven year exodus through your intestines...then Scott Pilgrim is for you. It's. Your. Life.

P.S.
My little camping trip into the NC wilderness screwed up the whole NaBloPoMo thing, but I'll still be posting predominantly about various artsy things this month, so come back, m'kay?

Newfangled Contraptions

 

Do y'all know the legend of Paul Bunyan? Well, I had no idea, but today is Paul Bunyan Day!

I realize it may seem a bit odd to be excited about an American Folktale, but I can't help myself. I grew up with this story, and it's part of who I am. Did y'all ever watch the Disney cartoon? Well, you simply must! Even if you've seen it, watch it again.

Part 1

 

Part 2 

The things I read and watched as a child made such a huge impact on who I've become. It's amazing what we absorb, and how we weave it into ourselves, isn't it? Why, after watching this again, I realize that this Disney telling of Paul Bunyan & Babe is where I first heard of the Aurora Borealis, and probably why I've always wanted to see it.

It's things like this that remind me why I want to write and illustrate kids' books. I want desperately to help kids use their imaginations, to think, dream, learn how to express themselves creatively and just be happy. 

What stories have helped shape who you are?

Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat

I'm planning a tea party! It will be a Mad Tea Party, of course, and it will be in celebration of Mr. T's and my 7th wedding anniversary. I think I've mentioned how mental I was at my wedding, so this is my chance to be a calmer version of me, and actually enjoy myself.

It's next year, and I've already been searching far and wide for inspiration photos, and this one is right up my alley. Colorful, but simple. I'm not going for the exact same thing, but pretty similar.

I googled "tea party", and found this image. Can't remember where, and didn't save the link! Not mine!

There will be all kinds of wonderful things, people! I'm going to make Alice In Wonderland themed invites, and "Eat Me" cupcakes. There will be "Drink Me" bottles of something...not sure what yet. It'll be nonalcoholic, of course, so my drinking friends can thank me for that later. I love you, guys! There's just so much, I can't think of it all. Must. Make. Lists.

Which leads me to the guest list. *Insert creepy, intense, impending doom movie music* I'm afraid I won't be able to invite as many folks as I'd like. There were over 100 people at our wedding, and I just can't plan/afford a party that size. After all, I am leaning towards starving artist here.

Another problem with the guest list is that some of my friends don't like each other. They're all awkward. Now, while I respect people's feelings, I want our closest friends to celebrate with us, and if that means they have to put up with people they don't like (SOBER), then that's what they'll do, because they love us. Right? Will that fly? I mean, I'm not heartless. I won't make them cuddle, or invite exes. I just want my very different friends to be cordial. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Moving right along! I now need to sell my house, buy a new one with a gorgeous fenced in back yard (This part is something we've been wanting anyhow, so why not expedite that little task?), and purchase LOTS of funky tea cups, twinkle lights, Chinese lanterns and multicolored tulle. Oh, and put my friends to work.

What a hodge podge of awesome it will be!

Wizarding World of What?!

 Credit where credit is due.

Alright, Mimsians...can I call you Mimsians? I don't think I've ever told you lovely people what a Harry Potter nerd I am. It's pretty bad. I'm slightly obsessed, and by slightly I mean totally. I love it.

I grew up on magicians, wizards and Jedi and learned early on that good eventually conquers evil. I think Fantasia was my first introduction into the world of magic. After Mickey Mouse was introduced as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, I was hooked. Then there was Sword in The Stone, Star Wars, Willow, Legend, The Last Unicorn and the list goes on. Hooked, I say.

Obviously, the Harry Potter series is my cup of tea. Neglected munchkin goes from underdog to chosen one pretty much overnight, makes friends, experiences free will, chooses love and finds his place in the world? What's not to love?!

So...I'm sure you've all heard tell of this whole Wizarding World of Harry Potter gloriousness by now? Oh. My. Goodness. The husband person and I are totally going. I don't know when, but it's happening. It's just a matter of time. I am beyond willing to spend some most all of my hard earned money in order to feel like a kid for a day or two, and a stroll through Hogwarts and Hogsmeade will totally do the trick. A glass of butter beer probably wouldn't hurt either. Squee!

The Sketchbook Project

I mentioned how excited I was about signing up for a project on Art House Coop a few posts ago, and I can't wait to receive my materials. I don't want to blather on and on about it, but it's called The Sketchbook Project and it's going to be awesome.

I signed up last week, so I should receive my wee sketchbook in 2-3 weeks! Then I get to fill it up! Once it's complete, I just mail it in to be put on display with the thousands of other sketchbooks sent in from all over the world. They'll be exhibited in galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country. So excited!

Scottish Manliness

I love this song soooooo much.

 

Travis

What is it about Scottish men that gets to me?! It's not just the accent, is it? It can't be. It helps, but I like them before they even talk. Am I alone here?

Sean Connery

Ewan McGregor

Gerard Butler

All three of these men have made me a little swooney, at one point or another. 

I even met three people from Scotland on a business trip once, and I fell in love with them, too. Danny, Gary and Jacqui.

Jacqui was a cute little freckly blond with a scratchy sort of voice. She was a mother of three, and missing her teenage boys something fierce. Basically, she was the sweetest thing ever, and adorable to boot.

Danny was tall and hilarious, and every one called him Donny. It did sort of sound like Donny when he said it, but I was pretty sure I'd heard Gary call him Daniel. When we ended up in an elevator together, I asked him to clarify. He cracked up, told me it was sort of an inside joke at that point and asked me politely not to tell. Donny it was.

Then there was Gary. Dude was all kinds of attractive and masculine, and he smelled sort of like eucalyptus. What? I wasn't sniffing him. He just sat near me, and I had to breathe. Perfectly innocent. Well, he made the mistake of saying my name. More than once. Like a lot. With that accent. I seriously fought the urge to follow him around like a lost puppy for the remainder of the training. Anyhow, he explained to me all about heather, how it's not a weed, and that Scottish grooms wear it on their lapels to represent love and commitment. Sigh. Luckily, he was old enough to be my father and never once acknowledged the fact that I was a complete mess around him. So polite. It also helped that my adorable husband was waiting for me in the lobby everyday, so his Scottish manliness didn't have a lasting effect.

Sounds like I'm a horrible woman, but I'm not. He was Scottish, therefor I couldn't help it. I just don't know why I couldn't. Any theories?

Oh, The Excitement!

May I ask you a personal question? Nothing scary. It's harmless personal, just something that interests me.

What did you get excited about when you were little? I mean, really excited. I'm talking jump up and down, annoy the heck out of your parents, keep you awake at night with anticipation excited. Remember that level of enthusiasm?

little, curly headed me

 Little, curly headed me got really excited about quite a few things. I jumped up and down about puppies, drove my mother crazy about going swimming and couldn't sleep when my mom told her boyfriend to take a hike. I would get so excited about these things I'd get the hiccups.

I guess that last boyfriend one might need a little explaining, if you're new around here. My mom's boyfriend was not always a nice man, and he needed to leave. Each and every time she threw him out, I believed he was gone for good and it would just be my mom and I. I'd get so excited that I couldn't even sleep. I just knew we were going to spend every day playing games, coloring, letting the dogs in the house, singing songs, cleaning and listening to music together and life would be grand. He finally left for good when I was fourteen. Good things come to those who wait, right?

Anyhow, I'm blathering about all this because I tapped back into that next level excitement yesterday. I came across a link that I simply must share. It's called Art House Co-op, and it's uh-mazing. There are so many rich and gorgeous things to find there, I-I-I just can't contain myself. I've even signed up for a project and am all kinds of stoked. Squee!

What did you get insanely excited about as a little person, and what do you get excited about now? I want examples, people. ^_^

Bippidy Boppidy Boo

We all have things that hold magic for us, don't we? Things that make our hearts go pitter pat, and send our imaginations reeling? You know what I'm talking about, right? I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and wondering why certain things bring me inexplicable joy, so I made a small list.

You knew I'd make a list. How could I not?!

Magical Type Things

Bubbles*

This is one of my favorite photos, taken by one of my favorite photographers. You should check out her blog, Curious Illusion.

Lightning Bugs

I googled and found this image here.

Snow
I googled and found this image here, by W. Child

RainbowsFogI googled and found the rainbow & fog images here, where I also found some interesting posts. I'll definitely be checking this one out.

Somewhere during my pondering of these magical-type thingamabobs**, I realized some things. No amount of knowledge and understanding can take away their enchantment. The things that fascinated me as a child are still the things that inspire me today, and I want to share those things. I want to shout them from the roof tops! I believe that they're all careful complex creations of a powerful, loving God and that just makes them all the more exciting to me.

Every time I get all worked up about writing a blog post, a children's book, painting a portrait or even singing a song at church it's because there's something I feel an uncontrollable urge to communicate. I need someone else to understand what that thing, my burden or inspiration, means to me. I want everyone to understand, to be able to relate or join in on the celebration.

Maybe it's in search of belonging? Perhaps I just feel the need to have validation, to know others aren't missing out? I'm not sure. All I know is that there's something magical about that fascination, inspiration and communication.

What say you, bloggers? Do you believe in magic?

*I thought just plain old soap bubbles were magical, but feast your eyes upon these. Oh, and Wiki's definition of a soap bubble makes me happy. I agree 100%.
**I left out love, in order to spare the brave men that venture here the girliest post they've ever been subjected to in their lives. You're welcome, gentlemen.

Sweet!

I get so incredibly excited about some of the strangest things. At least in my opinion. Maybe it means I'm getting older. I don't know, and I don't care. I'm just anticipating the heck out of a cake decorating class coming up in October. Squeeee!

It's that same excited I used to experience when I was little, and something outrageously amazing, like a trip to the beach, was being discussed. Of course, I was the kid that got excited if a trip to the post office was discussed. It didn't take much. I was just generally happy to leave where I was to go somewhere else. As a matter of fact, I'm still that way. The unknown is full of opportunity, man! :P

Anyhow, I am currently looking forward to a cake decorating class. One of my oldest friends (Annie) mentioned it, and I went berserk. I mean, the potential we have for being awesome at this is pretty high, folks. I'm figuring with our powers combined...we're going to rock this.

What does this mean? What if we are so great at this that it cannot be ignored? We might open up our own little bakery! We could share our awesomeness with the world via things that can make people fat! How wonderful would that be?!

As an artist, this is just one more medium that I haven't tried and I am so looking forward to seeing what can be done.

So, come October y'all better be ready for some photo documentation of my cake decorating debut. I have a feeling it's going to be monumental.

Her Majesty's A Pretty Nice Girl

I think it's fairly obvious to everyone that I have a fairly mild, yet terminal, case of the scatterbrain. Apparently, last month I decided to grace 20SB with my presence, and sign up for a blog swap! Yeah. Totally forgot about it! Thankfully, my partner decided to shoot me an email. Bless him.

His name is Kendall, and from what I can tell, he's quite the character. I've visited his blog a few times now, and think he's definitely worth the click. If you're anything like me, though, you might want to avoid Thursdays. They're definitely TMI. ^_^

Okay. So, we may be drastically different, but since I'm the self proclaimed Queen of Comparisons, I thought I'd give Sir Kendall a small introduction via a List of Similarities.

I know no uncreepy way to do this. So, here goes:

1. We wield the ability to strike up a conversation with a brick wall.
2. We have a possibly unhealthy admiration for apple juice.
3. Our general attire consists of jeans and a hoodie.
4. We share an obviously founded loathe of noodly handshakes.
5. Our childhood inability to write neatly resulted in ocd penmanship.
6. We don't smoke, but love the aroma of a pipe.
7. We do NOT understand the strange attraction most gals have to Edward Cullen, but totally have the hots for House. Okay-he may not totally agree with that last part, but he did say he had a pimped out cane.
8. We ♥ Apple products.
9. Deep healing breaths are part of an elevator ride.
10. We ♥ Princess Bride. Sigh.
11. Our ocd spans out from penmanship to encompass the potty and the kitchen...I wonder if he calls oven mitts Po-Po's? It's only natural. They are there to "serve and protect".
12. You'll find us barefoot more often than not.
13. The day we discovered Stuff White People Like was a good day.
14.We share the belief that everyone should know how to drive a stick.
15.We both have the tendency to wander off during guided tours.

So, he's like my twin...only not short and white! So, tune in tomorrow for his highly anticipated post.

Oh, and I'll be posting over at his place. So, come comment. I need moral support, folks. ^_^

*I know. I'm like the scary internet girl that shows up on your doorstep jabbering on about how "we just have so much in common!". Right?

A Furry Stress Reliever

Today has been an exceedingly hectic day, and I am in need of some relaxation. Seriously. Can I go get a pedicure? I've done that one time, and it was pretty calming. Well, until the soaking part was over and the chick started touching my feet, and scraping hide off.

Anyhow, I don't know what to do to unwind. It's after work hours, and I'm just waiting on a call to head out, but I'm seriously uptight at the moment. I wish my cat was here. I could rough his fur all up and force him to take a straightening bath. And he can't just go part of the way. He's in for the long haul. Which means he'd have to wash between his toes meticulously. Which is like a sedative to me for some reason.

It takes like fifteen minutes of him sprawling out his tootsies, cramming his tongue between them, and purring like tomorrow will not be happening. I know it has to taste bad, but the soothingness of it all must outweigh the grodiness(I'm pretty sure that's not a word, and if it were that wouldn't be how you'd spell it).

Did you know cats take comfort baths? I learned that on Cats 101 the other night. They do it to calm themselves. Just like a bubble bath and some candles. Only furrier and it leaves that hiney taste in your mouth. Ick.

I always thought cats were just little furry obsessive compulsive freaks. Guess not.

Wow. That just turned into a post entirely about kitty grooming habits. Unintentional, I assure you.

What do you do to wind down after a stressful day/week/existence?

Flying What?!

Alright folks, have you ever heard of a flying rod? A friend of mine sent me this cryptozoology link the other day, where I skeptically read a plethora of theories about strange unidentified and extinct critters.

Some people are so ridiculously unintelligent and conniving it's hard to tell what's true anymore, right? So-thinking this stuff is fairly interesting-I do some research on the subject. After a few articles and videos, I decided that wikipedia summed it up best here, and Dr. Who-the dude from the video-yes, that's his name-is probably right.

So, some Escamilla dude threw a big fit over what people had just assumed were some sort of camera glitches. Now there are all sorts of articles about them being aliens and crap. C'mon people.

Why isn't it possible that these are just bugs-neat see through ones-maybe just regular ones-caught on camera? You can see the little buggers on a video...so they're there. Why do all the nut jobs have to come up with theories about creatures from another realm or planet?

Fast bug vs. regular bug. Interesting to an extent. Not an invasion.

Swing Away

Television is a one-eyed monster that will inevitably suck your brain out through your eyeballs. This has been my stance on the subject for quite a while now. I have a tendency to find most everything on television unworthy of my attention. We just don't watch much of it at my house, and that's just peachy with me.

Well, now I have apparently developed an unhealthy relationship with the crime channel, or whatever the heck it is. All those shows about deranged killers and psychopaths. You know the one.

It all started with severe cramps. I was dying on Monday and deemed it a sick day. I rolled out of bed around 10:30, got the heating pad, blanket, GINORMOUS glass of ice water, ibuprofen, one emergency loritab, my current book endeavor and headed for the futon. This would be my place of residence for the duration.

Reading was giving me a headache. So, I flipped on the TV. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Spongebob? No. Animal Planet. There you go. I watched some blue planet thing until a whale beached itself. I cried for the next 30 minutes and swore off Animal Planet.

I finally ended up watching some documentary type thing on this creepy Green River killer dude. Creepy. Unsettling. I want to change the channel, but I can't. It's riveting. Did he get caught? Is he EVER getting out? Who survived and how?

Show after show it's the same stuff. This guy murdered these people because of this. This group of morons got together and killed the whole neighborhood. There are too many evil people out there to comprehend, and you're basically a sitting duck.

Great! So, maybe via this strange interest I have developed, I'll avoid any demon spawn that may be in the vicinity. I don't know. What I do know is that my husband leaves the closet door cracked just a tad every morning, and when I step out of the shower it's the first thing I see.

I now have my Louisville Slugger hidden by the shower curtain.