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

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

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

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/