Ode to All Things Western

In the spirit of The Great Western Drive going on over at Ramblings on Romance, The Misadventures of a Super Librarian, and The Good The Bad The Unread, I thought I'd do a little participation today and list my favorite western things ... 

Favorite Western Movies:

Lonesome Dove 

Open Range

Tombstone

Unforgiven

Two Mules for Sister Sara

Favorite Western Actors:

Robert Duvall

Kevin Costner (supposedly developing a miniseries for AMC or A&E ...)

Favorite Western Authors

Louis L'Amour

Linda Lael Miller

Geralyn Dawson

Favorite Western Romances

Cherish by Catherine Anderson

The Bad Luck Wedding Cake by Geralyn Dawson

One Wish by Linda Lael Miller

Favorite Western TV Shows

Young Riders (is there anything better than Josh Brolin on a horse?)

Bonanza 

Gun Smoke

And where did it all start? 

Carmel Apple Love

In charge of the appetizer for Thanksgiving? Scrambling yet? I have your solution. A five minute solution. A solution so easy, The Husband even offered to do it for me. Carmel Apple Dip. And no, not straight from the tub. This does actually require some work so you don't have to feel guilty about your lack of effort. 

All you need is a tub of carmel dip (16 oz) and a bar of cream cheese (you're already adding carmel, no need to get fat free, go for the glory!). And a bag of apples. I prefer the Honeycrisp variety (btw, there are an amazing amount of websites out there dedicated to apples ... ). 

Heat the cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds, then using a mixer, combine the carmel and cream cheese. Cut up the apples and wa-la! A simple app for not much money or time. The only problem? Getting it to your destination without eating the whole batch first! And even after refridgeration, the dip is still nice, smooth and easy to get on that apple slice.

Next up - Apple Cider

A gallon of apple cider, a carton of Aspen Mulling Company Spiced Apple Cider Drink Mix and a little bit of rum. Just a little bit of rum, so that when you're pulling the turkey out of the oven you don't lose your grip and send that fabulous bird sliding across the floor. I keep the whole mixture on low heat on the stove all day (just make sure you stir occasionally so the bottom doesn't start to burn). Then after the family has returned to the comforts of their own home, feel free to add a bit more rum.

Of course, it's still just as good without the rum, but not half as fun. 

(I did not intent to rhyme. Don't make fun.)

Booking Through Thursday ~ Favorite Literary Couples

In the land of blogging I am learning all about memes. Today I ran across this one compliments of The Book Lady's Blog. So thanks, Book Lady. Anyway, on an occasional Thursday if I like the question (or have something halfway interesting to say about it), I'll post. 

Here is today's Booking Through Thursday meme:

Name a favorite literary couple and tell me why they are a favorite. If you cannot choose just one, that is okay too. Name as many as you like–sometimes narrowing down a list can be extremely difficult and painful. Or maybe that’s just me.

It wasn't hard for me to narrow this answer down. As soon as I read the question, I knew the answer. 

Emily Byrd Starr and Teddy Kent ~ Emily Series by LM Montgomery 

The second book, Emily Climbs features one of the turning points in my reading life. It's the first time I clearly remember where I was (on my white lace bedspread), eating (saltine crackers), doing (petting my cat), and what I read. I was fourteen and the scene hit me so hard because it revealed the thing I most wished would happen to me even though I didn't know it at the time. 

Emily attended prayer meeting on a Wednesday night. It was hot, the summer air thick with the tension of a coming storm. Emily passed the time by jotting down notes on a stray piece of paper found in the back of her bible. The paper slipped from her bible as she left the church and she returned to get it for her notes contained fancies about the people around her. If anyone found it, she would be disgraced. Unfortunately, Emily is locked inside the church and finds that she is not alone. In a panic she screams for Teddy who cannot possibly hear her. He comes though, from a mile distant, and saves her from the church. They sit on a grave stone in the cemetery while she recovers her wits and in time, they start to feel something more and their friendship is never the same. 

"Emily," Teddy whispered, "you're the sweetest girl in the world."

The words have been said so often by so many millions of lads to so many milllons of lasses, that they ought to be worn to tatters. But when you hear them for them for the first time, in some magic hour of your teens, they are as new and fresh and wondrous as if they had just drifted over the hedges of Eden. Madam, whoever you are, and however old you are, be honest, and admit the first time you heard those words on the lips of some shy sweetheart, was the great moment of your life.

My 14 year old heart longed for that moment. I didn't know until I read the words that it was what I wanted most in the world but I read those sentences and I was forever changed. I think in that moment, I started the transformation from childhood to young adulthood. And, as the author entreats, as a "madam" fourteen years later, I admit I still thrill when I read those words again. 

And that is why Emily and Teddy will always be my favorite literary couple. They opened a door for me. 

I think I am a complete sap. 

I have other favorite couples, but none like Emily and Teddy. The first is pretty obvious, but then, I'm an obvious sort of girl. 

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy ~ Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe ~ Anne Series by LM Montgomery

Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton ~ Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Charlotte Gray and Peter Gregory ~ Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things ~ 10/10

My Favorite Book: A Silent Ocean Away by Deva Gantt

 

I can't say its my favorite book since I haven't actually read it but I haven't been this excited about a new book in a long time (without previously reading something else by the author). In the 1830s Charmaine Ryan leaves poverty in Virginia behind her for the West Indies to serve as a governess for a prominent family. What follows is a story of intrigue, treachery, romance and family. I believe its the first in a series, out on October 14. 

My Favorite Blog: Another new one, this from Miss Musing. A 20-something blogger feeling her way into the real world. Her voice is youthful and honest and she writes about things I myself have experienced. Her blog is universal. 

My Favorite CD: Randy Rogers Band's self titled CD.

I've been looking forward to new music from RRB since Roller Coaster. Best Song so far - One Woman. Sure, its country (I love country) but RRB has a distinct voice truly deserving of the label of Real Texas Country. Pop in this CD, close your eyes and you'll find yourself on a back porch in the middle of the Texas landscape while Roger's voice, rough and rugged, sweeps around you. 

My Favorite Pop Culture Moment: TBS has renewed My Boys! The Husband loves Jordana Spiro and since I kind of have a girl crush on her myself, it's OK with me. Last season ended as PJ opened the door for Bobby on the eve of his wedding, only to see Bobby's brother, Jack emerging from PJ's bathroom. WHAT WILL BOBBY DO?

My Favorite Buy:

I have a sort of obsession (I have a lot of obsessions) with rubbery duckies. Behold, Pirate and Cow. Available in the baby section at Target. For anyone else out there just like me. 

My Favorite Picture:

Compliments of wikipedia, here's a trio of Maine Coon Cats. I want one. Jack would disown me, but I want one. Look at those ears! They look like they have something to tell you, if you'd only listen closely enough. Can't you imagine a witch with one of these cats? 

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things ~ 10/03

This week my favorite things list is a little slim. I haven't had much time to pay attention to the world around me because ... well, there are many reasons. But if you read further, past the favorite things stuff, you'll run into a little confession not unlike those made by Becky in the Shopaholic series. 

My Favorite New Book ~ It’s very, very sad. I do not have a favorite read this week. I am reading Sense and Sensibility but since it isn’t “new” to me I don’t feel right in calling it a favorite new read. Just a read.

My Favorite Blog Entry ~ Clever Blog Name Here. Actually it’s not so much as an entry as it is an entire blog. While coasting through some blog rolls of the blogs I follow, I stumbled across this one by Ashley, an awesome photographer who posts various pictures from her daily life and job. The blog is like a crab-leg feast for your eyes! (Because crab legs are my favorite food. Insert your own foods into that description and you’ll be just as satisfied as I am). http://ashleyforrette.blogspot.com/ 

I wish she could have photographed my wedding because let me tell you, I had an EXPERIENCE with my photographers. Half the pictures were blurry, one half of the duo spent the entire time flirting with my sister’s boyfriend, there was a nasty moment when we thought they wouldn’t show up … Anyway, maybe that’s a post for another day.

… and ACTUALLY! I just noticed that the fabulous Ashley commented on my very first blog post. It looks as though we found the other’s blog on the exact same day. So Ashley, if you are reading this, thank you for the great new blog to follow!

My Favorite Pop Culture News ~ Sophie Kinsella's fabulous Shopaholic series has been options and made into a movie starring Ilsa Fisher. I love Becky ~ she's the girl that reminds us that no matter how much we screw up, some way, some how, there is hope. 

My Favorite Song ~ Taylor Swift's Love Song from her upcoming album, Fearless. The song and accompanying video embodies every high school's girls most romantic dream. Listening to it takes me back to all the notions I had of love between the ages of 14 and 18. It's nice to go back. Waaay back. 

And now on to the confession ...

My Favorite Buy ~ Shoes from Charlotte Russe

I have a slight problem. I am not much of a shopper but occasionally I see something that I MUST HAVE NOW. It happens at the most inopportune times too, mostly when Husband and I are trying to keep to our money diet. Or when I get to the store only to realize they don’t have my size. This time it happened with a pair of shoes.

About four weeks ago (this has been going on for four weeks, I am now in a bit of a frenzy, or was since I just got them) I was at a work party and noticed a pair of black suede ballet slippers on the feet of a friendly co-worker. So I asked her where she got them. Charlotte Russe, she said, in Chicago while shopping with her daughter. Down here in good ole Central Illinois we don’t, much to my dismay, have a Charlotte Russe. So I shrugged, knowing I would never see these shoes, and talked about other things. Except, when I climbed into bed that night, IT started to happen. The overwhelming sensation that I MUST HAVE THESE SHOES NOW. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. They looked so soft, so sleek and really, really great with blue jeans. Somehow I managed to calm myself down and went to work the following Monday with not a thought in my head about those shoes. Except my co-worker? Yeah, you guess it, she wore the shoes again. OK, so now there was no denying, I needed those shoes. When I got back from a meeting I pulled up the CR website and waaaaa-laaaa, there they were, front and center for the bargain price of $18.99 and free shipping. Hello shoes! Just for kicks and giggles I clicked on the location link and what do you know? There was a CR in the next town. The town Husband and I were going to on Wednesday for our anniversary. Bingo! I could just pick them up there. I even called and yes, they had the shoes in stock. So, sure I had to wait until Wednesday to get the shoes but better than waiting with drool running down my chin for the mailman every day, right? Wednesday we had a very lovely dinner. The chicken Marsala was delicious. The conversation was witty and fun. Yet it was creeping up on 9 pm when CR closed. So I tried, ever so subtly, to get Husband to finish up his chocolate mousse (OK, my chocolate mousse, I cannot lie, I am addicted to that stuff). Apparently “Honey, are you done yet?” is not very subtle though because he sighed hugely, paid the bill and off we went. Anticipation started to build. In just a few short minutes I would slip my feet into the delicious feel of cheap suede shoes. Black ones. To match the dress I was wearing. We entered the store. My woman-shopping-radar immediately identified the shoe section. I was off. I frantically searched the shelves, pulling down box after box while Husband tried valiantly to help. He even suggested a rather pretty pair that I might have considered earlier. But finally I had to face facts, THE SHOES WERE NOT THERE. The sales girl on the phone lied to me. She lied! Disappointed and now regretting the amount of chocolate mousse I ate, we left for the long, bitter drive home. Before I went to bed I logged on and ordered the shoes from CR. And waited for the mailman with the drool on my chin. Yesterday they came. Sweet, sweet shoes!

But THEN …

I was on the phone with my husband while randomly walking down an aisle in Target. He ran out to the mailbox for me to see if my CR shoes had arrived and they had! I was so excited I stopped short in the aisle. Only to look down and see a BETTER PAIR OF SHOES. I now must have these:

They’re in black and BROWN. And they are lined with warm looking stuff. Again, I tried to tell myself I didn’t need these shoes (even for the low, low price of $14). I went home, put on my new shoes and danced around a bit. This morning I planned my outfit accordingly and happily stuffed my feet into my brand new shoes (trying not to think about the Target shoes). Except … the CR shoes? Biggest blisters ever! And now all I can think about is how soft and comfortable the other ones would have been.

And one more thing. Over lunch, because I couldn’t stand it anymore, I bought these little gel heel liners. THESE might qualify for the best buy this week. I got them at Walgreens for 5 bucks. Ladies, if your favorite shoes rub uncomfortably against your heels, you can’t go wrong with these little adhesive gel strips.

I have blisters. But I won't show you. Not even if you beg. 

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things ~ 9/26

Book: A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson 

I haven't actually read this yet but I have been looking at it on the Borders bookshelf since it was first published. Bryson caught my attention with A Walk in the Woods when I was 17 and its a book I will never forget. Hopefully this will be the same. 

TV Moment: Randy's movie impersonation montage on My Name Is Earl 

I think if you search around the NBC website you can find a video short of the scene. It's amazingly funny. My husband and I had to rewind it three times in order to catch every impersonation because we were laughing too hard. The best? Silence of the Lambs.

http://blog.nbc.com/randy/

Song I play most on my iPod: One Fine Wire ~ Colbie Calliat

One Fine Wire is such a laid back song about a girl who really is losing it. But in a very cool, California surfer way. I didn't lose it this week, but maybe Miss Calliat had something to do with that. 

Pop Culture News: Johnny Depp signs on for a 4th Pirates movie

http://www.variety.com/VR1117992798.html

I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing. I have a problem with sequels. Usually they start to lose steam after the second movie (with a few notable exceptions - Indiana Jones, minus the insane alien thing in the 4th one; Harry Potter, because Harry is better in books anyway; Lord of the Rings, same deal as Harry...). I really didn't care for At World's End ... I mean, seriously, after three LONG movies you're telling me Will and his lovely Miss Swan can't live Happily Ever After? So perhaps the 4th will erase the bad taste left in my mouth at the end of World. Or would the sequel be better without Will and Elizabeth?

Blog Entry: Gray Area by Tia @ Clever Girl Goes Blog

http://www.clevergirlgoesblog.com/2008/09/gray-area.html

I started following Tia about two weeks ago when her blog was featured on Blog of Note

Instant entertainment people! And do you know why? Because her honesty is incredibly refreshing and she has a spicy humor that keeps me smiling throughout her posts. Except this one. This one got me right in the heart. Go on, read it. 

And then the not so favorite thing ~ The Non-Cool Work Item of the Week:

This, gentle readers, is what is referred to as a RAT SNAKE. Yes, a snake. Now listen, I don't know about you but working in a large corporate headquarters filled with aisle upon aisle of cubes, I expect to find weird things. Heck, last week during National Talk Like A Pirate Day a guy on my floor actually dressed up a la Jack Sparrow for the entire day. The buildings are infested with weirdness. Odd things in the bathrooms, strange smells coming from the kitchen, bugs, mice ... you know, your normal large working space things. But not something this strange. 

How strange? Oh, just a RAT SNAKE caught in one of the mouse traps. 

I kid you not. Last week rumors abounded of a snake on the lose in the Cube Farm. I, of course, ignored these rumors (ok, the rumors came from the same people who insisted last year that the CEOs were talking about giving every employee the opportunity to take Fridays off without taking vacation time ... I mean, how reliable can they be?). But today I realized I can no longer afford to ignore the truth. There was a snake. A BIG snake. In a mouse trap. There are pictures, I have seen the proof. And now I'm scared to sit at my previously comfy desk because what if there is a snake slithering around by my feet? They like water too, snakes do. What if I go to the bathroom and find one curled up in the sink? There will be screaming. Because if there is one snake, you can bet your boots there's going to be another. And another. 

And that is NOT COOL.