Friday Flotsam

FRRRRRRRRRoopy doopy loopy!

WHOA.

GUYS.

So last weekend in Stories I made a strata reference from a Christmas movie. You know the one – The Family Stone. But this is the thing, about 1/3rd of the poll submitters (submitters?) didn’t know the movie! And there were thousands of submitters! (submitters cannot be right) Which is fine. I’m not mad. (only a little) But aside from that, this was also brought up by many, many of you. And as the question arose in my DMs I thought and said out loud to no one, “Oh this is going in Flotsam. It’s war.”

Are you prepared for this? Because once these words are out there’s no going back.

In a fight (I added that part), who would win? The Family Stone vs. Love Actually.

THIS IS TRICKY.

Let’s break this down::: Both movies are (ahem) made for adults. Both movies have a similar pace to them. Both are studded with A-listers. Both showcase a bit of discomfort, a bit of humor and healing, a lot of warmth. And both have stellar soundtracks. But like, which one is better? What’s the better movie?

Also while we’re at it, I’m going to admit to you that I’ve never seen Love The Coopers, which is also holiday and also Diane Keaton and also dysfunctional family drama set around Christmas Eve. I’m so embarrassed. Making it happen. (Does it hold a spruce candle to the others, though? Be honest.)

Look it is Thanksgiving weekend EVE-ISH, we’re allowed to talk like this, okay?

(I would also like to state the fact that there is NO scene compared to the brilliance of Emma Thompson when she gets the Joni Mitchell CD at Christmas. Nothing. Absolutely nothing will top that. Her face, the way she straightens her dress and pats the end of the bed. Devastating perfection.)

The end.

How do you open a lawn bag?

Let me back up. I, I know how to open a lawn bag. A leaf bag. A leaf lawn bag. I’m asking how you open it? As in, what’s your style when it comes to opening a lawn leaf bag? Because of the nature of its long rectangular shape, it can be quite tricky to open. One must navigate strategically.

Want to know mine? My lawn bag opening style? (admit it, it’s like a car crash from which you cannot look away.)

WELL, I open the mouth of it (sorry) and then stick my entire torso into the bag to where it falls around my body. Then I take my hands and pound the bottom of the bag this way and that, which is now on top of my head, to open it completely. Make sense? Or did you just block this website?

Never mind.

But tell me yours. I cannot be alone in this.

The other day Natalie bounced into the living room on the verge of combusting and yipped, “GUESS WHAT I GOT TO DO TODAY! YOU WILL NEVER GUESS! IT’S SO COOL!”

Us, “What? My goodness what? Tell us!”

“I GOT TO SIGN A CAST. A REAL LEG CAST. AND IT WAS PURPLE. AND OTHER KIDS SIGNED IT, TOO. IT WAS THE BEST AND I’M SO LUCKY!”

Dudes, her little body was hinged forward at her toes and her eyes were bugged out of her head in absolute disbelieving joy. Neck strained, hands clasped, subtle foaming at the mouth, the whole bit.

This is a hard reminder that we all need to severely lower our expectations and standards. And now.

I just want to take good photos of the moon. Is that too much to ask?

Weekend plans?

I guess it’s technically the holiday! Sort of. Kids are out of school next week, I’ve got a fancy lunch with my birthday bestie tomorrow, A farm party Sunday evening, a basement to deep clean and hall closets to reorganize. I’m swamped. (said like Princess Bride) (oh, I DID get my pantry cleaned so sound the trumpets, y’all.)

From this week, in case you missed it:::: French-Inspired Chicken and Dumplings! Luxurious but also simple. Just like we like it. And the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Skillet Cake! A few of you jumped on this and made it yesterday, which of course give me giddy pants. Make both next week. OR ELSE.

So right, are we Team Stone or Team Actually?

Tread. Lightly.