If ever there was a reason for guys to visit my blog, this would be it – a whole slew of items for the girls in their lives! And the perfect place to start is treats for the bath – simply run some water, add a treat or two, and the cares of the world magically disappear …

Click here to visit the This n'That main page

Click here to visit the What a girl needs main page.

Click here to visit bath treats.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

On this date, some 57 years ago, Disney released Alice in Wonderland. Even today this animated film overflows with whimsy and wonder – a world where nothing make sense, and yet it’s all exceedingly clever. So in honor of this grand occasion, a few words …

Cheshire Cat: [singing] ‘Twas brilig, and the slithy toves / Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: / All mimsy were the borogroves, / And the mome raths outgrabe.

Alice: Now where do you suppose...?

Cheshire Cat: Lose something?

Alice: [turns around to find just the Cat's smile talking to her] Oh my! oh, no no, I was just... uh never mind.

Cheshire Cat: Oh, that's quite all right. One moment please.

[two eyes drop down on top of the mouth and the full cat form appears] Second chorus.

[singing] 'Twas brilig, and the slithy toves / Did gyre and gimble in the wabe

Alice: Why, why you're a cat!

Cheshire Cat: A *Cheshire* Cat. [starts to disappear]

All mimsy were the borogroves...

Alice: Oh wait!

Cheshire Cat: [reappears] There you are! Third chorus...

Alice: Oh, no, no. I was just wondering if you could help me find my way.

Cheshire Cat: Well that depends on where you want to get to.

Alice: Oh, it really doesn't matter, as long as...

Cheshire Cat: Then it really doesn't matter which way you go.

For those few and faithful readers of Magpie and Muttonfly, you may recall my post on Veritas Fine books and Coffee house.  Well, as of Friday, July 26th, Veritas has closed its doors.  And I am unusually sad.  

True, I count Jared and Mandi among my friends.  But it's more than that.  They did such an amazing job putting the business together.  It wasn't your typical, stinky used bookstore.  It was a perfect place to sit back and enjoy time with friends - or maybe discover a new one within the covers of a book.  And the coffee!  The coffee was the best EVER.  I will never be content with Starbucks or Moxie again.  Sigh.

I also find myself a bit angry.  I'm angry with the economy - with the stupid people who waltzed into Veritas and tried to rip Mandi off by sharing a refillable cup of coffee - with my job for not giving me the raise that was promised or the two freelance jobs that never paid, so I didn't have the money to spend at Veritas - with friends, family members, acquaintances who kept promising to visit Veritas "someday" but never did. 

I know.  I need to let it go. And I will.  I also know that sometimes we must release our dreams, before they can truly take flight.

Until then, those of us who loved Veritas will be thankful for the memories it bestowed, even as we tearfully say goodbye ...    

EXHIBIT B: Kit wrapping paper ... now, if only we can catch them in the act of doing something useful like cleaning house, or making dinner

I finally got all my donated items to ARC.  Well good for you, you say.  Actually, it is quite good.  Much more impressive than it may seem.  You see, three times we have hauled our junk ... I mean, donated items ... outside; three times we have dutifully taped a big ARC sign to said items; and three times we have come back to a note on our door informing us ARC was sorry to have missed us.  That's right folks, bags and boxes left for charity were actually stolen.  Who steals from the handicapped?  I don't even want to know.  Sigh.  But yeah for us, today the donations made it unscathed (at least they made it to ARC)!

A mother. A daughter. Three possible fathers. Take a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Comedy-romance-musical

Verdict: Take a chance on it

The gist: Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) lives with her mom (Meryl Streep) on an idyllic Greek island. As her wedding nears she has one thing on her mind – finding her father so he can walk her down the aisle. And then it happens – she comes across her mother’s diary from the year she was born. But instead of one fling that summer, her mother had three men she … well … dot-dot-dotted. Three possible fathers. So Sophie does what any irrational young person might do - she invites them all – Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), Sam (Pierce Brosnan), and Harry (Colin Firth) – figuring she'll recognize her father in an instant. Aaah, if only it were that easy, it would not be nearly as much fun.

Based on the play by Catherine Johnson, based on songs by ABBA.

My take: Mamma Mia! is a lot like taking a 2-hour-mini-holiday.  I did not anticipate this mind you.  If the truth were to be known, I wasn't sure I wanted to pay full-price to see a musical ... ABBA music or no.  But despite my misgivings, I'm fairly certain I had a stupid smile plastered on my face the entire time.  Of course really, with ABBA music how could you not?  Yeah, I don't know either.  Much like the music, the film should not be taken too seriously.  It was obvious the cast had a great time making the movie - including Julie Walters and Christine Baranski who played the mother's bffs.  If you sit back and take it for what it is, chances are, you'll have fun as well. 

The one drawback: it’s really, REALLY hard to stay in your seat and muffle the urge to sing-a-long at full-lung capacity ... Voulez-Vous – a-HA!

An aside: This is most definitely a chick-flick. In a theatre predominately inhabited by females, there was laughter, a few tears, and at the close, applause and cheers. As the lights came back up pure revelry abounded – animated chatter, singing, dancing. And then I turned to see the guy behind me. Poor fellow. Pale and drawn, he was obviously in a state of shock. If he made it out of the theatre before throwing up, it was probably a miracle. So here’s the thing – if your husband/boyfriend/brother/whatever does not enjoy chick flicks LET HIM STAY HOME! Seriously. That’s just cruel. Of course, if your guy is one who refuses to let you out of the house without him then good enough for him!

For those of you who prefer good old fashioned modes of keeping in touch with family and friends (I know you’re out there … I can’t possibly be the only one), this section is for you…

Last, but certain not least [insert angels singing here]

 Seriously ... I think I'm tearing up ... pretty sure ...

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

Click here to visit Keep in touch.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” Perhaps that’s what’s just so great about an old friend. Even if you rise above and learn to carry yourself with grace and aplomb, they know the truth. They know who you are way down deep. One such friend was passing thru town and I met her for lunch. We’ve been friends for nearly 30 years. THIRTY YEARS. Some may say that’s amazing. But we’re thinking more along the lines of terribly unnerving. Anyway, we went to a burger joint (yet another good thing about an oldie, but a goodie – she will never look at you in disdain when you want real food). In the course of our convo I got to chatting about my single life. She was saying how it’s much better to be single than to marry some loser out of desperation. I nodded my head in solemn agreement, as I munched on my burg and fries. Just as she was saying, “At least this way you’ll retain your dignity” I went for a bite of burger – half of which missed my mouth. We stopped, looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Classic. And just another reminder of why we’ll have to be friends forever … she knows way too much …

As usual, we chatted much too long after church ... then we were hungry ... and much too lazy to go home and make ourselves lunch.  So, rational individuals that we are, we opted for the drive-thru.  We had just rolled up to Window Number 1, and held out a twenty when the kid looked at us and smiled, "Oh no ... " he said, and handed back the money, "the lady in front of you paid your ticket."  [insert blank stare here].  "It's paid for ... the bill ... "  I looked at the car in front of me, then back at the poor, exasperated kid, "You know," he shrugged, "just to be nice."  Just to be nice.  In a day of high gas and food prices, someone paid the lunch of someone they didn't even know, without so much a smile or thank you.  I was so discombobulated I just took the money - not even thinking I should pay it forward ... or backward, as the case may be, and pay for the person following.  But I won't forget it.  As a matter of fact, I'm kinda looking forward to when I can pay for that of a stranger.  Because I can tell you now, it certainly brightens a day!

I stumbled upon the “You’ve been left behind” site. For a paltry annual subscription fee of $40, you can inscribe a letter and maintain an emailing list; then, upon rapture – after you’ve been taken up to heaven – this amazing little service will automatically send your communications to friends and family left behind.

No. I did not make this up.

Oh, and did I mention they accept all major credit cards? You might even want to include your creditors on your mailing list … that would be a nice touch. You know, a Sorry I wasn’t able to pay off my debt. But I do hope to meet you at the pearly gates at a later date sort of thing.

Of course, users beware. It may backfire. After reading your letter, those left behind may remember why they never liked you to begin with. They may choose hell to avoid spending eternity with you.

That said, perhaps it’s best to forgo the whole letter writing scenario. Perhaps, instead, you should do something radical. Something like walking in the footsteps of Jesus – living a life that mirrors the One whom you want to introduce. In other words, do more than preach the words, live the life. Then, should the rapture take place in our lifetime, and loved ones are left behind, they will know without a shadow of a doubt where you went. All because of the life you led. And because of the words you spoke, and the example you set, they will seek what you had.  Even without post-rapture-communications. 

And in the meantime you can pocket that $40 a year – or, better yet, give it to someone who needs it more.

Aaaah, a little bit of this and a little bit of that – what could be better? Yeah, I can’t think of anything either. This week we’re highlighting the first section under This n’ That – Tea Time. Have a look-see … maybe order a thing or two … and then invite your best girls over for a long, laid-back visit! Garden party anyone?

I LOVE this tea.  For the record. 

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

Click here to visit Tea Time.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

Rating: G

Genre: Family – Comedy – Drama – Mystery (yes, you read correctly … there is a wee bit of intrigue)

Verdict: L-O-V-E-D it.

The gist: Ten-year-old Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) lives the good life in Cincinnati, Ohio. While the rest of the world struggles in the Great Depression, Kit’s concerns include little more than keeping the Treehouse members in line and becoming a bona-fide journalist. Then everything changes. After losing his job, Kit’s father (Chris O’Donnell) boards a bus to find work elsewhere. In his absence, Kit’s mother (Julia Ormond) takes in boarders. And the boarders are anything but ordinary. There’s Miss Bond (Joan Cusack), the traveling librarian – Miss Dooley (Jane Krakowski), the dancer – Jefferson Berk (Stanley Tucci), the magician – and the uptight Mrs. Howard (Glenne Headley) and her son Stirling (Zach Mills). Kit, her friend Ruthie (Madison Davenport), and Stirling also make friends with a couple of young hobos Will (Max Thieriot) and Countee (Willow Smith). Together this rag-tag team seek to find the best of the times, proving that if you stand together and don’t let the bad get you down, you may very well end up on top.

My take: This is one of those rare films that may never receive public recognition – and yet everyone associated with the film deserves nothing less. The story/script (Valerie Tripp – Kit Kittredge stories/Ann Peacock) is smart enough to be loved by children and adults alike. Patricia Rozema directs the film with a gentle touch. Giving the Great Depression a face, she brings the life and times alive with remarkable clarity … without being overly drab and despairing. And the actors! All the actors – young, old, main, minor, human, animal – were wonderful. No matter the time spent on the screen, they breathed life into their characters. Just like a good book, we were afforded the opportunity to suspend the world in which we live – and live the times and adventures of the characters before us. We laughed, we cried, we laughed because we cried … overall it was some good times. In short, I imagine it will become one of my all-time favorites.

An aside: Okay, I’m gonna come right out and say it – I think the hype surrounding American Girls is a little outta control. I have no little girls of my own – and, quite frankly, if I did and they pleaded with me to splurge on the “Late Night at American Girl Place” package, I think I would be creeped out. I mean really, yikes. That said no one is more surprised than I that such a precious movie could come from such a franchise. Unfortunately, I’m afraid there are many who may skip the film altogether simply because of preconceived notions such as mine. The thing is this movie is for everyone. It speaks of a time when America was in turmoil … many lost all their possessions. And yet, they clung to self respect. They did what they could. They stuck together. Yes, there were bigots – those who turned their nose to the less fortunate. But they did not stand for everyone. If anything we should all watch this movie – young and old alike.  And if the movie mirrors the books, maybe we should read those as well; for it shows us what we should be, in good times and bad. Because when it comes down to it, there are times I wonder if we still have it in us …

Who says you have to have the real thing? As long as it adds joy and personality to your home, a print will do!

Click here to visit the Welcome home main page.

Click here to visit Prints.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

Well, the 4^th of July has come and gone. For many of us, we kicked back and enjoyed a nice, long weekend. We gorged ourselves on hot dogs and potato salad, apple pie and rootbeer floats. We enjoyed the company of friends and family, witnessed patriotic parades, and stood in awe as the night sky alit with fireworks. We even whispered a prayer or two for those who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom.

Perhaps now is a good time to give back...

Throughout the world men and women give their lives in Special Operations. For most, we do not know their name or from whence they came. We do not know their mission, or the terror they fought. That’s why they do it; so we will never have to. They pay the highest price. And, in many ways, so do the families they leave behind.

Special Operations Warrior Fund is committed to “work diligently and unselfishly to preserve the legacy of our fallen Warriors …“ How do they accomplish this mission? By offering college scholarships to the children of fallen heroes in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp SpecOps.

Interested in this charity?

SOWF received an overall rating of four stars on Charity Navigator. Click here to learn more.

Or visit the Special Operations Warrior Fund website at http://www.specialops.org.

The wedding was held at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon... 

Troutdale, for those of you unfamiliar with the area, is near Portland.  McMenamins (named after Mike and Brian McMenamin, the brothers who started it all) operates more than 50 pubs, microbreweries, and restaurants, as well as 7 historic hotels in Oregon and Washington.  Nine of their properties are on the National Register of Historic Places.  Edgefield, a former Multnomah County poor farm, is one of them.   

The key ingredient to McMenamins is fun - at Edgefield it's evident throughout the grounds.  You just never know what you might discover meandering about the 38-acres.  You can take in a live concert, witness a glass blower work his craft, watch a movie - and even have pub fare and spirits delivered right to your seat.  You can also golf, spa, or take advantage of the photo ops available throughout the gardens.    

And don't forget the artwork ... The walls, doors, and pipes are full of whimsical artwork.  It's some good times ... even if the pipe face looming above your bed is a bit unnerving. 

We ate lunch at the Power Station Theater & Pub.  The atmosphere was laid back and relaxed.  We sat there chatting and laughing with the fam - munching on fish and chips ... I mean, fish and tots ... and sipping Ruby Ale. The Ruby was MOST delic, I might add.  I'm not much of a beer drinker; but this ale was so smooth I wasn't even tempted to make a face as it went down.  Trust me, this is impressive.  

For breakfast, we walked down the hall to the Black Rabbit Restaurant and AIR CONDITIONING.  It was a beautiful thing.  The Black Rabbit chef and staff use organic ingredients, harvested from Edgefield's own gardens.  You can tell a difference.  The cuisine is so fresh, it nearly makes you giddy.   

If you choose to stay on the property take note:  most of the rooms are European style - that's right folks, you share a bathroom.  If you would like to bond with strangers even further, you may want to consider a hostel bed.  Even the suite with a private bath does not include a bathtub, television, or air conditioning.  But I'm here to tell you, it was near 100 degrees F. and I lived.  It really wasn't bad at all.  The hallways and restaurants are air conditioned, so you can always find reprieve.  Not to mention, there's so much to see and do and be a part of, it's doubtful you'll spend much time in your room anyway. 

So in a nutshell, I would recommend a day trip, at the very least.  Stroll the grounds, take some pics, kick back, enjoy a brew, and have some fun.  I'm pretty sure that's all the McMenamins would ask.     

Interested?

If you're planning to be in the area, or just want to check it out for yourself, visit their website at http://www.mcmenamins.com.