New Site Up and Running Smoothly!

Hello Muffins:

It has been quite some time since I last posted here. That is because I have been working diligently to launch the new site and I am happy to report that it has been live for quite some time now.

If you have this site bookmarked please change it to http://www.heres-margie.com/.

Join me at the new location with a talented team of contributors dedicated to bringing you sexual health information, gossip, Gay and local news for the Twin Cities Metro area in Minnesota, National and International news links to stories about HIV and GLBT rights, etc.

We've added a new feature or two as well - including P's Sexy Sin-ema - where we will bring you what's new hot and sexy in the world of Internet Video. If you are an aspiring director of You Tube feel free to send us your latest and greatest. mailto:mrspederson@gmail.com

New writers include Mrs. Moisha Lipshitz (Gossip Gal), Mrs. Jerri Sue Dawson (The Original Desperate Housewife) and of course the gifted and talented Xochial Crash, Xochial is also taking on the job of shop girl and we will be bringing you an online store soon!

Make it a great day and join us in our new digs!

Kisses,
Margie

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Hello Muffins:

I know I promised to have the new site up on the Ides of March and I obviously did not accomplish this task. I am working hard to resolve the issue and am hopeful that I will be able to do so in the next couple of days. Please be patient. In the meanwhile, keep checking back here to find out ways that you can stay involved in our community.

Make it a lovely day!

Margie

Martha Martha Martha!

Muffins:

I wanted to just take a quick moment to tell you about a project I am planning for the new site. I caught Martha Stewart on the David Letterman show last Tuesday (3/11/08).


She was witty and energetic. She spoke of the traveling she will be doing over the next week. With her daunting schedule I started thinking we should have a formal activity intended to help us all keep track of her globe trotting ways. Here's the deal! If and whenever you see Martha Stewart, take a time and date stamped photo of her and send it to me along with the location of where the photo was snapped. I will be compiling these into a little online scrap book with a twist. Stay tuned to find out what the twist is. Photos can be sent to either mrspederson@gmail.com or to mrsp@heres-margie.com. I look forward to getting started with this new project. The best line Martha had the night of the show was when she was giving Dave the names of her favorite cocktails. She saved the best for last. Martha, being a true blue New Yorker said that all time favorite cocktail recipe was a white wine "Spitzer" - Oh Martha - how very clever of you ;)

FYI, the clip is almost 7 minutes long and the bit about the cocktails starts up around minute 4.

Hugs,
Margie

Please respond!

Muffins:

I just received an email from the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Smart Brief. It was an alarming and candid attack on GLBT people by Republican state Rep. Sally Kern.

Please take the time to read this post and then to respond by signing the open letter.

Taken from the post hosted by the Victory Fund

"Friend--I am speechless. I just heard a tape of a truly hateful speech made by an elected official. It is astounding what they will say when they think we are not listening. Check it out at http://www.victoryfund.org/listening. Equating the movement for LGBT equality with terrorism and toe cancer? Come on. It is so ridiculous that it would almost be humorous, except that she is deadly serious, and people are listening to her behind closed doors. We will not let this one go by. We need to make sure she knows people everywhere know what they say when they think we're not listening by visiting http://www.victoryfund.org/listening."

If you do just one thing for equality this week - consider doing this! Sign the letter!

Hugs,
Margie

Happy Heart Day all!

Hello Muffins:

Well what would the day be if I didn't have a chance to say I hope you all have a happy VD! For those of you without a special someone to spend time with today remember that you can always bring some cheer to others. If you haven't special plans maybe it would be good to bake up some heart-shaped cookies and run them over to the nearest nursing care facility (or just go buy a few dozen from one of the brilliant bakers we have in town).

Remember that you can always bring cheer to others and in so doing are also bringing joy to your own heart. I hope you are all well and enjoying the day.

Cheers!
Margie

In bed and OVER Will & Grace and the Golden Girls?!

I was...

Muffins, be careful what you catch this cold and flu season. There is some very tenacious crap out there. I caught a bit of a cold a few days ago and have been coughing continually ever since. As a person with Asthma, I of course pay very close attention to the signals my body sends me. It is for just that reason that I unplugged from my typically over-committed life to rest (and take every possible over-the-counter remedy imaginable)! Now, as a result, I am way more than full with my share of leftover television.

It still amazes me that with hundreds of daily viewing options being re-run, there still is very little that will capture my attention. I guess I would rather be out with people in the real world but my health will not allow it right now.

Therefore, I turned to movies mid-day today and was able to watch one that I will highly recommend to you. The film is "Two Weeks" and has a wonderful ensemble cast with the headliner being none other than Miss Sally Field.

The film has the feel of an Indy in large part because of the way the charachters are introduced. The eldest son is a film maker who is videotaping his mother's (Field) final thoughts for posterity. The film is a humorous and touching look at how siblings respond in the face of a parent dying. I have embedded a link to the trailer of the film in the screenshot of the DVD cover in this post. I highly recommend this film. Especially if you have ever needed to care for someone who is terminally ill.

That's all for now, I am back off to bed with a cup of hot tea. I do hope none of you end up with this crud. If you do, hit up the drugstore for some zinc and vitamin C but most importantly drink plenty of clear fluids and keep up on your rest!

For more information on the common cold and on pneumonia click here:

Click on the images above for info on the common cold & Pneumonia

XXOO

Margie

Hooray For West Hollywod!

Hello Muffins!


I t seems that both me and my laptop may have come down with a virus. Never worry, I am not inclined to write much today. I would rather you take the time you may have endulged my random musing, to watch a recently released PSA produced by none other than the Fabulous Chi Chi Larue.

Please click on the image of Chi Chi above to go directly to the video. The truth she speaks is so important and relevant. Please feel free to share!

Also check out the Web site www.safesexishotsex.com

Now - back to my tea and comforter.

Cheers!
P

Some cold weather blues clues.

Hello Muffins!

Well I am not really paying too close attention to the temperature outside in Minneapolis today. I just know it is darned cold. With below zero temps many of us take some time off and just snuggle in to complete the neglected projects around the house. I am no different. I have committed to a few catch up tasks that I hope will elevate my spirits for the upcoming doldrums of winter.

This is that glorious time of year where the rush to get things done for holiday entertaining and mad party hopping is over. And in come the blues... Post gift spending and extra pound dragging as a result of too many Cups O'Cheer can really influence your mood and bring you down a notch or two.

That is precisely why I am sharing a list of some ways you can take care of yourself.

Firstly, drink plenty of water. Our bodies dehydrate quickly in the winter because of the dryness in the air outside as well as the inside environments of heated spaces. It isn't just your skin that dehydrates either, your brain needs plenty of moisture to function properly. So make sure you drink your 8 - 8oz glasses of water each day and replace each oz of caffeinated or alchoholic beverage with the equivalent of H2O in addition to the 64oz in the plan.

Here is an excellent article on the importance of staying hydrated.

click on image to read article

Diet is another thing to pay close attention to as you wean yourself off of what probably was a richer than usual plethora of goodies. Quinoa is a perfect grain for this time of year as it can be made into a lovely Tabbouleh and the grain itself is the only one that boasts being a complete source of protein! Keep the Bulgar but try Quinoa as a substitute at least once then share your experiences with me.

Learn more about this fabulous food at:

here are some additional resources:

a sacred, super crop
the world's healthiest foods
Wikipedia description

For nutritional tracking, diet and exercise tips and great recipes and meal plans - all FREE go to a website I have been recommending to folks for some time now is:

Well that is all for right now. Time to get busy on those projects. Stay warm and hydrated and most of all happy.

XXOO
Margie

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Hello Muffins!

I know you've heard that before, but I hope it is true of our relationship. Even though you have not heard from me lately it is not because I have forgotten about you. I care for you as much as ever.

In fact, I think about you each and every day!

I have been very busy behind the scenes getting ready for what comes next. I cannot give it all away in one post though.

Rest assured it will be fun, sometimes irreverent, often informative and sometimes directive. You guessed it - P is going to launch a site.

Look for emails in the next few weeks telling you of more details. The common theme will be faerie dust so also look for this symbol...

Until then, enjoy this magical time of year and bundle up!

Margie

what a beautiful day!

Hello Muffins:

I hope you are all enjoying the dog days of summer. I have just finished a fabulous dinner al fresco in my own back garden with my dear neighbor Tom. I (like many of you) have begun the process of slowing down a bit as we enter the most glorious time of the year. I love the autumn! The harvests are coming in and the air is nice and crisp in the evening but still temperate during the day. I am most thankful at this time of year! I am thankful, in particular, for the bounty of good friends and fabulous opportunities that have come my way over the years.

Enough of that though. Don't want you all to think I am just an old softie. I am, but that isn't what today's quick post is about.

I would like to challenge you instead. Here it is. I challenge you to do one of the following and then report back to me.

1. Volunteer your time and talent to a charitable organization.
2. Give items that are no longer of use to you to someone who is less fortunate.
3. Call a friend or family member you have lost touch with and make their day!
4. Let someone else pass.
5. Bake!!!!!! This time of year is a great time to bake something even if you don't eat baked goods. There is, no doubt, someplace like a daycare or a foster home or a nursing care facility nearby that would love to have some home baked goodies.
6. Smile at a stranger.
7. Lavish a lover.
8. Play!

Okay, now if nothing on the list I have provided you inspires you, do something else and write me to tell me about it.

Be good to one another kids. Life is short and you never know when your kind words will make the difference in somebody's day.

I am off to go for a beautiful walk and enjoy the sunset and hope you can do the same.

Peace!

Margie

What a lot of fun as the summer closes...

Muffins:

It has been a bit since I have sent something out to you so here is a little something to tide you over.

Yesterday I had a chance to grab a quick lunch and then chat with Wanda again on her show. If you would like to have a little listen here's the link:

http://www.lavendermagazine.com/wandawisdom/2007/08/29/lbr550-bits-pieces-with-mrs-pederson/

Enjoy and I will bring you news from the north land after Duluth-Superior Pride Celebrations this weekend!

Kisses!

Margie

Hello Muffins!

Well it isn't very often these days that I am able to sneak away to the neighborhood Cineplex for a show in the middle of a busy weekend. But today I was and I was so pleasantly surprised by the film that I just had to write something immediately. I saw Hairspray with a dear young friend, Marissa. We laughed and tapped our feet to the catchy numbers and marveled at how you can take a cult classic - throw some Hollywood tinsel on it and make it almost "Disneyesque".

The show was resplendent with special effects, glittery gowns and CAMP!

At one point in the film Wilbur (played by the immensly talented Christopher Walken) leans over to kiss Edna (played by another actor who has more talent than dozens of the newbies combined - Mr. John Travolta) and just as you think this is the highest grossing same sex kiss ever - Wilbur careens to the left and blows out the candle in the Chianti bottle bringing the screen to black. AND SCENE!

Or was it - well not for me... The woman (who was obviously a fellow Edinaite based solely on the layers of scent and Chicos(R) she sported) seated directly behind me said - and I quote:
"well at least they didn't have to kiss!"

WHAT!? Why was this woman at the show??? Was she weightist and fearful that if Wilbur kissed Edna he would catch a few extra pounds?

Or worse yet! Was she actually daring to comment on two men kissing? Get over yourself sweetie! Either way you win Mrs. P's rotten tomato of the day award.

How can you go to a film that is all about diversity, respecting one another and embracing change and societal progression while locked up in your own provincial little mind?

I would have loved to scene end with a kiss. Edna had captured my heart as a simple yet tender and wise woman and was lucky enough to have had a man who appreciated her. I loved that her attitude was fueled by not seeing color of skin and certainly not locked away in a world that could not accept the beautiful light that cultural diversity sheds on the world today. Take your homophobia somewhere else if you do go see this film because it really has no place in the audience. The film is based on two great entertainment icons (John Waters and Broadway). Both of which would not be what they are if it were not for a huge GLBT following. You don't care for queers and drag queens and boys kissing boys - move to an island!

As for the rest of you - go see the film! It is one of the best I've seen in a good long while and will be buying the DVD as soon as it is available.

That's all for now muffins.

Kisses,
Mrs. P

Another Day, another flipping dollop...

Do a dollop... do a dollop of Daisey! WHAT? What the hell does that mean - I mean really WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?

Do you tire of being brainwashed in the regulated time in between your show. It used to be that commercials actually served a purpose - I know - I am old enough to remember! I remember when the Burma Shave signs at the side of the road served the purpose of keeping the kids quiet in the back of the car.

I also remember the PSA (public service announcement for those of you not familiar with the lingo) where the Native American (at the time we still referred to such individuals as American Indian) who was shedding a tear because he witnessed the murder of a duck from a plastic ring holder from a six-pack of beer.

I remember how THAT single image was enough to inspire me to snip all of the rings of the plastic holders that would cross my path so they couldn't choke birds.

What's my point - simple it's this...

There is no longer any substance to advertising. The images are all the same - they are plastic and uniquely American. We sell to the lowest common denominator. Unfortunately that is not to high on the food chain right now. I know that sounds demeaning and BITCHY.... Yes, perhaps it is so.

Once, however, you think about it and go back to watch an hour or more of mainstream programming you will agree.

I don't have any answers - I wish I had. I NEED your help readers. Send me comments! Let me know your thoughts about the stupidity of American Advertising. I Dare you!

Til next time Muffins - turn on the TV and go to sleep - that's what it's there for...

Mrs. P

What is Love???

Hello again Muffins:

Remember the lyrics to the song... what is love? Baby don't hurt me - don't hurt me - anymore...

I do - and how! Seems as though it has been my mantra of sorts. Not that anyone in particular can lay claim to being the cause of such injury - only me. My willingness to look at every individual I encounter as a kind, generous and loving soul until proven otherwise seems to be just enough cause for the dilemma I seemingly have inflicted upon myself. Wow, As I wrote that I realized how calloused it must have sounded.

Truth is - we all go forward each day with expectations. Depending on our path, who we meet - what events occur - what challenges we face, each day will colour how and to whom (and how) we respond.

I fall in love! Doesn't take much either - seems the kind words of any gentleman these days will make me swoon. I guess I am a believer in LOVE! You know - the kind of emotion that used to sweep people away - we used to write songs about it - it was even the object of a US Postage Stamp series.

I am not ashamed of the fact that I do (fall in love). I find it curious that now just as much attention is paid to falling out of love, and what it is in the first place, that we have all but lost the emotion entirely. I am about to rant and that, my dear ones, would not be good at this hour.

Instead, I will leave you with a question to ponder. Without it (LOVE that iI where would we be? It is not so existential that we can't bring it back to a single expression - KINDNESS and thinking more (or at least as much) of others as we do of ourselves.

I LOVE each of you! I truly do!

Unconditionally!

That isn't to say that you may piss me off sometimes (talk to my children about that). But I believe we were each put on the planet to co-exist, and for my part I choose to love. It is so much easier than to condemn, hate, cast judgement or any one of a number of other expression of emotion.

If you choose not to accept it - unconditionally - I give it to you freely anyway!

Here's to a love-filled day muffins...

Take that!

:)


Mrs. P

Sister Dottie navigational error

Oh well Muffins - a day simply insn't complete without some correction being necessary. Troy (Sister Dottie's Producer) has informed me that the best way to reach her broadcasts is through the website www.krcl.org or you will also be able to catch her at www.nowqueerthis.com
very soon. Thanks for getting those corrections off to me right away Troy (you delicious and hard working man). Sister Dottie is fortunate to have you in her tribe!

Oh My Stars!!!

Yesterday was such a fun day muffins. I had the typical house full of interesting characters and we did have some excitement! I took a little nap in the late afternoon on Saturday and by the time I woke up I realized that I had missed the liquor store run and the house was DRY as a bone.

Never fear as a quick call out to Richard and to Chad saved the day and brought a couple of bottles of wine and a few beers to the all but parched party.

We had our traditional gathering of homosexuals and their allies to celebrate the roots of the no fabulously popular Christian celebration of Easter. We like to remember that long before that celebration emerged there was the annual celebration of re-birth and fertility. In honor of the day we also have a little crafty activity (of sorts). I ask several of the guests to prepare for battle and invite them to complete the scene of the "Peep's Day Massacre".

The event begins with a red velvet cake (blood soaked earth) topped with green icing and green coconut (to resemble the killing fields). Next comes the dead - dying - and bloody Peep Bunnies and Peep Chicks who have been warring selfishly to gain new territory (sound at all familiar). This year there was only one Peep standing and that Peep was badly injured. My question each of you, friends, is when will the warring end. We were not set upon this planet to destroy it, and each other in the vain conquests of man. We are here to learn and then teach love and tolerance.

I have included some pics of the war that ended so tragically with too many casualties and will end with this final thought. You can dress them up in Easter bonnets and finery, but in the end - if a war is caused by one person forcing there morality on another, the war was fought in vain. The conqueror most likely had more power to begin with and the resulting re-distributing of power and wealth is anything but moral!

so until next time... remember the Peeps!

Sister Dottie BROADcasting out of SL,UT

Hello dear ones:

Much time has passed Muffins and for that I truly apologize. I have been one busy woman and have found it difficult to keep up with the routine of getting something out there for you to peruse.

So I am writing this post just hours away from my flight home from Salt Lake City, UT. This is my second trip to the fine SL,UT in just a couple of months. Why Salt Lake you may wonder? Well, the first visit was to explore the world of Harm Reduction at a conference held in the fine capital of the state that is home to the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The second was to return for a visit with a lovely gentleman I met during my first visit. Although this state boasts some of the most conservative values I have encountered, it also is the home to a wonderful friend of my new acquaintance – Sister Dottie S. Dixon. Sister Dottie is a bit of a local celebrity and is quite an outspoken individual in her own right. In fact, she is on the local public radio station monthly and is a delightful presence on the airwaves here in the West. You can catch her at KRCL 90.9 "Radio Free Utah". Sister Dottie appears on a program entitled “Now Queer This" and is quite delightful!

Like me, she is a bit opinionated (well – you know – you get old enough and you can say just about anything because half the world thinks your wise and the other half thinks of you as inconsequential) and she is also a voice to be heard.

I cannot give you specific times and dates for when you are able to hear her on the air – what I can tell you is that she is well worth the listen if you can catch her. Another option is to go to http://www.kcrw.org/ and keep one eye open for the program. The next time Now Queer This broadcasts is this upcoming Wednesday (4-4-07) at 1 pm.

I hear tell that Sister Dottie will soon have a website and I will certainly point you to it as soon as it launches.

Until then Muffins, look for her and all other wise women whom know that the only sin associated with homophobia is the unnecessary judgment so many cast upon the GLBT population.

Here’s wishing for a peaceful future that embraces all diversity and supports equal rights for all citizens.

Hey, if a couple of old crazy broads can "get it" – why don’t y'all give it a whirl?

Until next time, eat cookies and smile – life is too short for anything else.

Hugs!
Margie

No One Said There'd Be Months Like This...

Hello again Muffins:

Good things often happen in pairs. Bad things in threes. Why is this? Are these simply old wives tales? Are old wives tales simple truths (cause let me tell you this old wife could add a few to the list), or are they best ignored?

Here's a thought. The next time something bad happens to you - write it down (with the time and date of course). Put it somewhere where you can conveniently just add to it with more scratchings of the good and the bad things that occur in your life. I chose my cookie jar (since I still cannot find a good low everything recipe that would cause the jar to be brimming with treats. Once a month, quarter, year, decade (you be the judge) go to the stash of memories and sort out the good and the bad. Organize them by date and which side of the coin it represents.

You may well find that the truth is good does travel in pairs and bed as a pack. You be the judge. You may also find that - in the midst of a seemingly bad time in your life, the good is simply overshadowed. You may also find that the bad can often be forgiven and overlooked if you dwell on the positive in your life at that time.

I am not writing this to show how innately "Polly Annaish" I am. Rather, I am stating that - even in our most difficult personal times, there ought to be something to pull us through. My new lifeline is the knowledge that:
A) My cookie jar has a new and important job
B) I have new found power to evaluate my blessings and curses just by pouring a cuppa Joe in the morning and sitting down to have a look see.

Recently I discovered I have a whole lot more of the good in my life than the bad. I consider the folks in my life to be gems. And you know, a girl can never have too many of those.

Just a little coffee musing today... off to do the good deeds that make our community a nicer place to reside.

Enjoy!
Mrs. P

Recent podcast on Wanda Wisdom

If you like to listen to campy,

fun and informative

shows - then regularly

go to Wanda Wisdom at

Lavender Magazine

Hello Muffins!

I am sooo excited about a new friend of mine, Miss Wanda Wisdom. She is quite irreverent and funny. I am in a bit of a rush today so this poet is short. I just want to give you a link to listen to the show.

If you can, take a moment to take a little break and listen to us dish.

Enjoy!!

Here's the link

http://www.lavendermagazine.com/wandawisdom/2006/11/21/lbr385-bachmann-butt-sex-with-mrs-pederson/

keep our kids safe

Last night my dear sweet son made a suicide threat while on a call with his brother. His brother called me right away (smart thing to do) and I was quickly back on the road from a lovely party a little North of the city. As we approached the city and I saw the rushing water over the dam at St. Anthony Falls I was overcome with grief at the thought that my precious child may be in the river somewhere. That was his plan. He was going to head to a bridge and jump. I took his threat very seriously as he has been despondent and dealing with issues of unemployment as well as problems with his housemates.

I walked into my home and he was in the kitchen, casually checking his email. I blew up at him- asking if he knew how scared that made me (and others) and how many people were out looking for him!?

He stormed out of the house and across the park. I tried to get him to stop and he just swore at me telling me he was really going to do it. I called 911 and the police quickly arrived on the scene and took him to the hospital. I have been worried about him for quite some time lately. He had been dating a woman whom I had always felt was a negative influence.

She was dark and brooding and manipulative. I had written a post about her some time back. I want all parents – of minors and adults – to know that it is important to know with whom your children interact. If you have any influence over this – take it, use it, and keep your children safe!