Oscar Review

Am I watching the Oscars? Am I breathing?

Thoughts from the night:

I've missed only one Oscar night in the last 30 years, but I promise, if it's not halfway decent this year, I am swearing off. I hated the Chris Rock year and Jon Stewart was so boring last year I almost fell asleep. I miss Billy Crystal and Whoopi.Let's hope Hugh Jackman does a better job. I admit being impressed by the opening number. An actor who can dance!--and wasn't Anne Hathaway just adorable?

Did you see Marisa Tomei's dress? Stunning! And if Kate Winslett didn't knock your socks off, nothing will! She is looking so elegant! Penelope Cruz--did you hear that she found this vintage dress several years ago and vowed to wear it someday? When she was nominated, she went back and hunted this dress up to buy--and found it! What are the chances? Do you think Meryl Streep and her daughter planned with Amy Adams what to wear, so they would coordinate and not clash when they stood together? Thank goodness real style is coming back. I really couldn't get into the swan feathers.

Oops, spoke too soon. WHAT were Tilda and Whoopi wearing????

Am I the only person not enamored with Jack Black?

Does anyone know who the hairy beast was with Natalie Portman?


What a unique way to present the Best Supportings and Best Actor/Actress Awards! I hope they continue that--the descriptions were so sincere, (except for Anthony Hopkins--must have been his worst acting ever), and it appeared the nominees were being truly honored for their work, instead of participating in a popularity contest.

Worst hair awards:
Phillip Seymour Hoffman (A do-rag, Phillip? Seriously?)
Christopher Walken
Adrien Brody
Mickey Rourke

Bless Jerry Lewis' heart; the man still keeps going, doesn't he? Battling diabetes, serious heart disease, prostate cancer and now Lou Gehrig's diease--he still exhibits grace and dignity.

Not impressive:
Presenting the nominations for original score. The music all ran together the way they set it up--made the scores seem bland and forgettable.
The selections for Best Song. Only 3, none of which could be sung along with, and which all sounded alike, performed the way they were. Were the songwriters on strike this year, too?

I haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire yet, but is it worth all this, or is it just the novelty? I do love that they brought so many of the cast over for the awards. What a terrific experience for them!

The annual Memorial Collage--Queen Latifah did a fabulous job singing! Wish I could say the same for the cameramen--about 1/3 of the time, I couldn't tell who was being honored, unless I recognized their faces. And forgive me for sounding disrespectful, but do most people know the publicists and critics who made it to the list?

Noticeably lacking (hallelujah!)--political agendas and Michael Moore......
Written before Sean Penn took the stage. Well, we almost made it through.

Oh, and Best Commercial Award--Hyundai. Hands down.

Kate Winslett's acceptance? Right up there with the ones given by Cuba Gooding, Jr, Halle Berry, Sally Field.
She had me at hello.

Did anyone else find the collage of films confusing as they highlighted each movie nominated for Best Motion Picture?

My Final Verdict?
1) Hugh Jackman has my vote for a return visit. He was mildly funny without being ridiculous, was gracious and unoffensive, and held his own in a dance production.
2) Keep the presentation format. Fresh, sincere--I like that they explain why these actors and actresses were nominated. The Academy seems to be returning to its roots in awarding Oscars for excellence in the Motion Picture Industry.
3) Songwriters--the field is wide open.


Feel free to disagree.

Cure for the Blogging Blahs

I've been a delinquent blogger and I need to apologize. Kate of Our Red House kindly bestowed an award on me 3 weeks ago and I am finally getting around to acknowledging it publicly (I did thank her back then, at least!) It's the "Marie Antoinette Keeping it Real Award".


Hmmmm. I wasn't sure what that meant at first, because all I remember of Marie Antoinette is something about saying "let them eat cake" when she was told the poor people in her country had no bread. Did that mean I was heartless?? (Well, only when it comes to picking movies Mighty Mom has never watched.)

Then I read a little farther and this is how she described it:
"I'm not quite sure of the history of this award, but it seems to be for someone who blogs, honestly, 'warts and all'." Okay, THAT I understand! So Kate, this wart's for you! It's my big, fat, procrastination wart, accompanied by a big case of the blahs. I'm sorry I was so long in blogging about it, but I am going to quickly pass this on to other wart-blessed bloggers. (That didn't come out quite like I meant it.)

Pinky of Cheese in My Shoe puts her battles with depression right out there for all of us to see. That takes guts. So does coloring her hair candy apple red. Or purple.

The aforementioned Mighty Mom of My Wonderful Life is a lot like my sister-in-law: in her head, out her mouth. She's nutty, dedicated, a long-suffering mom, and posts heroes on her blog every Wednesday. AND she packs a mean Thesaurus.

Then there's Mandy, who is raising 3 adorable little girls with the love and support of her family, and is getting ready to start a daycare center.

Here's someone you might not have seen me mention: Ellia, of GreenBeanBaby Art. She's one of the first bloggers I ever read, and I don't even remember how I found her, but I love her paper art--it's so unique. She blogs about trying to balance her artwork with raising two adorable kidsters, being an involved mom, and playing video games with her hubby. And this woman LOVES her coffee. Seriously.

Next is an award from another Stephanie, over at Quilting Newbie, who, bless her heart, thinks my blog is fabulous.

(Sshhhhhhh, please don't tell her otherwise. She's going to find out soon enough!)

The rules of this award are to mention 5 things to which I am addicted, and then pass it on to five fabulous bloggers.
I have such an addictive personality, it was hard to choose only 5, so I'll name the first ones that come to mind:
1. Carbohydrates (I'm not selective--any old carb will do.)
2. Blogs. My reader list never seems to stop growing!
3. Bejewelled Twist. I can totally lose 3 hours playing this game and not realize it until I'm nearly cross-eyed with fatigue.
4. Stephen King books, with some exceptions. I don't like the Dark Tower series and I don't like the ones he's written with Peter Straub. But I buy all the others I can get my hands on, even though I am disappointed in some of them.
5. Movies. (Who'da thought it?)
However, I cannot limit fabulous blogs to only 5. Didn't I just say I was addicted to blogs? So count yourself fabulous and feel free to list 5 addictions!

Now, for probably the most fun meme I've ever participated in, passed on to me by Julie of Pragmatic Compendium.

Here are the instructions:

1. Put your iPod (or MP3 player) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag some Moms you admire who could use a laugh and a song.


HOW DID YOU BECOME A MOM?
"Look Away" by Chicago

WHAT DID YOU THINK THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BABY?
"Chi Il Bel Sogno di Doretta" by Sarah Brightman (I have NO idea what this means--can anyone interpret?)

WHAT DID YOU DO THE FIRST MORNING AFTER A SLEEPLESS NIGHT?
"Only an Ocean Away" by Sarah Brightman

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN SOMEONE COLORS ON THE WALL?
"Home" by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH A TODDLER’S BODILY FLUID ISSUES?
"Tell Her About it" by Billy Joel

IF SOMEONE SAYS “Can I have a snack?” YOU SAY?
"Stoned Soul Picnic" by the Fifth Dimension

IF SOMEONE LEAVES THEIR STUFF ON THE FLOOR, YOU SAY?
"(They Long to Be) Close to You" by The Carpenters

IF SOMEONE ISN’T SICK TODAY, YOU SAY?
"Havana" by Kenny G

HOW DO YOUR KIDS ENJOY YOUR COOKING?
"Looking Out My Back Door" Credence Clearwater Revival

HOW DID YOUR KIDS DO IN SCHOOL TODAY?
"Summer Nights" Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHILE SITTING IN CARPOOL LINE?
"Everybody's Talking" Spanky and Our Gang

HOMESCHOOLERS, WHAT IS THE FIRST SUBJECT TAUGHT OF THE DAY?
"Sparrow" Simon and Garfunkel

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS WANT TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP?
"If You Love Me, Let Me Know" Olivia Newton-John

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP?
"Northern Skies" by Dido

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY AS A MOM?
"Legend in Your Own Time" Carly Simon

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE AS A MOM?
"Somewhere Down the Road" by Barry Manilow

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO AS A MOM?
"In Paradisum" Sarah Brightman

HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE REALLY A MOM?
"Lonestar" by Norah Jones

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MOST OFTEN AS A MOM?
"7 O'Clock News/Silent Night" Simon and Garfunkel

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY AS A MOM?
"Lonely Looking Sky" Neil Diamond

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET AS A MOM?
"All I Ask of You" Sarah Brightman and Cliff Richard

WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE AS A MOM?
"Lemon Tree" Chad and Jeremy

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Something Better to Do" Olivia Newton-John

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Silver Star" Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS DO THAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"My Special Angel" by the Vogues

HOW DO YOUR KIDS DESCRIBE YOU AS THEIR MOM?
"Top of the World" The Carpenters

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Sam" Olivia Newton-John

WHAT WILL YOUR MOM OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATE SAY?
"Home is Where the Heart Is" Peter, Paul and Mary

My favorites? My Personality as a Mom (legend, huh?), and toddler bodily fluids! lol

Okay, if you're a mom with an MP3 player, have at it! And please let me know so I can come read your answers!

(Looking over a few of my posts, there's a distinct possibility addiction #6 could be exclamation points.)

One More Day!

(Scroll down for the answer to last Saturday's movie trivia question)

Rough weekend at work! I think what jinxed me was taking the swap quilt to work to hand stitch the binding during "slower moments". Ha! Now I'm happy to be home and participating in a little fabric therapy.

I've found a few more items to add to my birthday/200th post/cleaning-up-the-sewing-room giveaway.

This is a wooden scroll-type plaque ready to paint and place on a wreath, or above a craft display:


Next are two little gold-tone angels, and a 3-dimensional pewter sewing machine, which could be used for embellishments:


The drawing is tomorrow at 10:00am, so you still have time to visit this post and leave a comment. I know it's a long post, but those blogs are worth visiting, as were the blogs I mentioned in a similar post. Besides, don't you want to see all the items I'm going to mail someone?

Good luck, everyone!

Twice the Fun

I'm blown away! Lettie, of Polkadot Pineapple, has honored me with the Arte y Pico award! Yep, that makes me a two-time winner. Move over, Oscars! I've got something more valuable!

Actually, she did this on 7/11, and it was so close on the heels of my first Oscar, er, Artie, I forgot to mention it. That makes me seem ungrateful, but really, I'm very grateful. I'm grateful for those of you who visit my little scrapbox and play movie trivia with me and offer suggestions for my quilting dilemmas and like my photos. In the year since I started blogging, I have swapped Halloween goodies with fellow ghosties, swapped quiltlets with people from around the world, found (and sometimes tried) new recipes, learned new words, sponsored another little girl, vented, laughed, mused, and cried. My life is so much richer with all you cyber-friends in it. Who knew?

So, since I've been doubly blessed, I will do the same. First, the Arte y Pico:


This is what it means:
What is the meaning of the expression: Arte y Pico
Basically, ironically, it translates into a wonderful phrase in Mexico, “lo maximo.” LOL! It will never find its counterpart in English, but if it HAD to, it would be something like, Wow. The Best Art. Over the top.

This is why it's given:
This lovely statue is called the "Arte y Pico" award which was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and talents no matter whether it be in the form of writing, artwork, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogger community. When a blogger receives this award it is considered a "special honor" and, once presented to you, it is to be passed on to at least 5 other bloggers who meet the criteria.

The rules:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4.The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. To show these rules.

Okey dokey.

Here are 5 more bloggers I'd like to send this on to:

Ellia of Greenbean baby. This is one of the first blogs I ever started reading. Ellia does very intricate cut paper work of the cutest cast of characters you ever saw. She is a SAHM to Diego and Isabella who are no doubt the inspiration for her designs, and married to Ramel, an artist in his own right. If you get a chance, check out her Etsy store--if it hasn't all sold out yet!

Julie Stiles Mills (no, not the actress Julia Stiles) has several blogs, but the one I read most often is Pragmatic Compendium. I won my first giveaway from her site--a copy of "Kite Runner". Julie is so very down to earth, funny, and caring. She would deserve the award for this entry alone, but you must read more. One of her posts gives a website where you can figure out how much your donations to charity thrift shops are worth for tax deduction purposes. She's a very handy gal to have around!

I don't remember how I found Wendy of Wisdom of the Moon, but I'm glad I did, if for no more than her worm composting tutorial. What a blast! She has 4 kiddos, "only one of who was raised from scratch", is in love with her husband and is trying to tread lightly on the world. I've only been reading her blog for about 3 weeks now, but she's on my Reader already.

A blogger I found last week is Jessie, of Diary of a Self-Portrait. She has re-started her "Be Brave" movement (check her July 8 entry), and I am giving it some serious thought. Jessie is an artist with a passion for dogs and life. I am enjoying reading her past entries and learning more about her.

Last, but most definitely not least, is Stefani of Blue Yonder. Mom to 3 bright, active, funny little boys, she writes of her and her husband's efforts to raise these little guys into wonderful men. She turns everything into a life experience or memory for them. We should all have such moms. Life is never dull there, and this post will have you rolling in the aisles. Once you start reading her blog, you're hooked. It's a healthy addiction, though.

Well, that's the roster. My Google Reader list is getting longer and longer by the day, and now I'm starting to have to choose between sewing and blog-reading. (I already chose between my blogroll and housework; THAT one was a no-brainer). If it comes down to choosing between work and visiting all my blog friends, well, we might be back on the red beans and rice diet.

Now for the second part of the "Twice the Fun" title, and your reward for sticking with this extra-long post: I'm having a giveaway.

I know, it's about darn time! Well, I missed my 100th post, and I missed my one year blogiversary, but there are always events to be celebrated here in blogland, no?

Sometime in the next week or so will be my 200th post. (Good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise.) Also, it's my birthday. Today. It was at ten past midnight, to be exact, so let the party begin!

First in the package:

That's a yard of 100% cotton, quilt shop quality fabric, from the "101 Wishes" line by Makower. With it is a little box of tiny gold glass beads, suitable for embellishing or other crafts, and a strip of hand-painted silk.


Next is a package of inkjet magnetic sheets:

I don't remember why I bought these, nor why I bought so many, but the package has never been opened, and I'm sure one of you crafty ladies can figure out a use for them.

Next up:

A package of three little brass stencil cards, also never used.

A set of small rubber stamps with symbols for sun, moon, sky, star:

I still love rubber stamping but I have more than I will ever use. (Not that that has ever stopped me before.) These can be used with fabric paint to stamp labels for the backs of quilts, or on aprons, or with regular ink for stationery, etc.

This is a hanging magnetic board with 2 magnets:

I won a giveaway at BooMama's blog, and couldn't decide which of two items I wanted more, so I won one and bought the other.
I have the wrapped canvas hanging in the kitchen above my Hoosier, but really don't have a place for this board. Since I have the saying on a bracelet already, I thought I'd pass this one on to another life-lover.

Finally, remember the little quiltlet I was making for my swap partner that is too small for the requirements? It's such a cute pattern, and I'm already making myself a larger one, so I will finish this little one and include it. But I can't post a photo until I get the swap quilt mailed off.

Other things might find their way into the box, too, being as it's still a week til it gets mailed. You never know.

Okay, how do you win? Post a comment on this entry anytime between now and midnight July 30. That's it. Well, you have to give me at least an email address or a blogsite so I can reach you, of course. I'll write these all down on strips of paper and have J-Man pick one out at random. Now is the time for all you lurkers to show yourselves! Come out, come out, wherever you are!