Bumpkin On A Swing

Remembering Lisa, Three Months

2010-11-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

Hi friends,

Hard to believe it, but it has been three months today since Lisa left us for heaven. I've been thinking alot about her lately, and how much I miss her, and I know so many of you do as well. She brought such light and joy to all she touched in our blogging community. She loved her blog friends dearly, we were like family to her, ladies she could share her heart and spirit with (and of course her token male readers whom she loved as well!)

The lovely Gi Gi at Going Glam with Gi Gi published the most beautiful post last week here. Breaking the Wordless Wednesday rules - she would love it! Please take a moment and read it, it will make you smile.

We all miss her spunky spirit, her beautiful taste in fun and fashion, and most of all her kind words and comments. I thought this might be fun...check your emails and come back in the comments section here, and leave your favorite Bumpkin comment. You know you had more than one that had you in stitches with giggles, or made your heart smile on a day you needed it most!

I think it would do us all good to read them and celebrate our dear friend.

What do you think - will you join us? :)

Hugs and love always,

Trish

xoxo

P.S. I think Lisa would entitle these photos, "Fly, Fly, Fly!"

One Month.

2010-09-08T16:00:00.003-05:00

Dearest Friends of our Bumpkin on a Swing,

Today it has been one month since Lisa left us for heaven.

I know we all miss her terribly, and feel a huge sense of void in our lives and in our hearts. The outpouring of love and tributes that you all posted were such a beautiful testimony to the precious and kind soul that Lisa was and always will be. Captain John absolutely loved and appreciated the words, pictures, thoughts, quotes, and stories of Lisa that so many of you shared.

Lisa held such a special place in my heart. Not a day goes by that I don't miss picking up the phone to call her, to girl talk about anything and everything, or to tell her about something I saw that reminded me of her that day....a fabulous pair of shoes, a beautiful sunset, a special ladybug that crossed my path or a field of "wish and blow" flowers...she especially loved those. The song playing today, "Free" by Zac Brown Band...this is the song that Lisa and John were going to have as their first dance as a married couple. I get chills every time I hear it.

My heart and prayers continue to go out to her beloved Captain John and her family and friends, especially her beautiful nieces and her "Back Porch Crew." If you're still reading this, I am eternally grateful that I got to be physically there with Lisa in her last days, to see that sweet twinkle in her eyes and hold her hands. I am happy I could have been there to hug, cry, and remember all that made her so wonderful with each of you during the days after she passed away. Thank you for making me feel at home among her relatives and "chosen" family, as she referred to her closest friends.

We know Lisa left us all too soon, to a horrible disease that I pray we will find a cure for. Her dear friend Lori from Wildflowers published a wonderful post last week. After reading it and speaking with Lori, I thought today, on the one month anniversary of her passing, it was all too fitting to re-post it here.

"Color Me Teal" by Lori, Wildflowers

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,
and the color that represents Ovarian Cancer is Teal.

Ovarian Cancer, known as the "Silent Killer," is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2010 and about 13,850 women will die from the disease. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms. Until we have better early detection tools, all women should be educated about the disease so they can achieve early diagnosis and successful treatment. A woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67. Listen to your body. Do not ignore symptoms.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) teamed up to spread awareness of the four symptoms of ovarian cancer, and the flyer can be seen here.

Here comes the fun part, and how you can help! Lori alerted me to the organization, "Teal Toes," which promotes awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

From the press release:

"Women - and men! - are painting their toenails teal during September. Why? To raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer in order to save lives. Teal Toes encourages people to paint their toenails teal, the color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness, during September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

"Painting toenails teal, the Ovarian Cancer color, starts the conversation about the signs of this whispering killer," said Carey Fitzmaurice, founder of Teal Toes and a four year survivor of Ovarian Cancer. "The conversation can save lives. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a later stage. Fewer than 20 percent of Ovarian Cancer patients are diagnosed early."

We know how Lisa was so passionate about causes near and dear to her heart, and I think that she would just love this one. Lori got the party started by getting her toes painted teal over the weekend, and I went for my teal pedicure yesterday afternoon, and dedicated my Wordless Wednesday to all things teal today.

Join us, won't you?
Become a fan of "Teal Toes" on Facebook, where you can post a picture of your own teal toes as a tribute to Lisa, and help spread the word!

Special kindness to Lori for the beautiful inspiration for this post,
and love to all of Lisa's family and friends;
she is truly forever in our hearts.

We love you and miss you angel,
xoxo
Trish

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven,
where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us."
-Unknown

My toes are teal in support of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

Wordless Wednesday Linkup

2010-09-08T09:35:00.001-05:00

This week's linkup is below...

...check back later today for a very special post for our Lisa.

xoxo,

Trish

A Giveaway Honoring Lisa

2010-09-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

(Image by Robyn)

Our dear friend Robyn from Life by Chocolate,

who posted a lovely tribute here,

is hosting a giveaway in honor of Lisa.

As Robyn so beautifully said,

"Lisa was completely unselfish. I think she’d like this. In fact, I think she’s say: “Tink!”

Here’s hoping to lift spirits, and raise cancer awareness, in support of those afflicted by this horrid disease."

Please take a moment and visit her thoughtful giveaway here.

We love you Lisa,

xoxo

Trish

Wordless Wednesday Linkup

2010-09-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

As always, link up below for a wordless toast to our dear Lisa.

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday: Always in Our Hearts

2010-08-25T07:01:00.001-05:00

As Lisa adored Wordless Wednesday, let's continue to celebrate in her honor. Link is open below for those who would like to participate. We love you and miss you angel. You're always in our hearts.

xoxo,

Trish

(Button courtesy of MCW)

In Loving Memory

2010-08-13T16:00:00.003-05:00

On behalf of Lisa's family and friends, thank you so very much for all the emails, calls and comments after her sudden passing. Your words and kindness have been such a comfort, and the memories and tribute posts created in her honor have been so touching to read. I've added a link below; if you could please link your post, so that the everyone, especially John, can click through and read them, I know it would be appreciated. I've been asked to share her obituary below, which includes contribution information to a local charitable animal rescue fund, which Lisa and John founded years ago.

***

Lisa Gaye, 40, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010. She was a resident of Ocean Springs, MS.

Lisa was accomplished at many things in her life, and loved very much by many. She had so many talents, passions, and special abilities that affected all that knew her. Most recently Lisa found a knack for writing, and had a blog that had many followers from all over the world.

She also was passionate about animal adoption and saving animals from the Gulf Coast Oil spill.

Lisa had many jobs throughout her life, but her talents with leadership, organization, and compassion for others is what ultimately made her successful in any endeavor she pursued.

Lisa was special to so many people and was a very influential and loving person. She loved John, her “Captain”, very much and they shared many wonderful years together. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Lisa's family and friends celebrated her life in a private gathering at her request. In lieu of flowers, please donate any contributions to the “Alvin Flowers Fund” via the Ocean Springs Police Department.

Ocean Springs Police Department

c/o Animal Control Division

Attn: Alvin Flowers Fund

503 Dewey Avenue

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

***

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them."

- Louisa May Alcott

***

Family and friends gathered at the couple's home Wednesday evening for a Memorial service to honor and celebrate Lisa. John made sure that everything was absolutely perfect, even a crystal chandelier in the backyard tent, fit for a queen. There were some tears, but as Lisa would want it, there were plenty of smiles and hugs in memory of her joyous spirit.

I personally met Alvin Flowers at Lisa's Memorial, the man for whom Lisa and John created the animal rescue foundation mentioned above years ago. Alvin's selfless work in coordinating rescue efforts, particularly for dogs in the greater Gulf Coast region, has resulted in less than 1% of the animals rescued by the Police Department to be sent to animal shelters.

As you may or may not be aware, John and Lisa lived with their "20 Paws of Love," five rescue dogs that melted their hearts daily, and this cause is one that they both passionately supported.

Captain John is staying very strong, and has promised to keep in touch. He would like to personally thank each of your thoughtfulness, friendship and support of Lisa and her blog.

It is so obvious the number of people whose lives Lisa has touched. I know I am not alone when I say that I am humbled, honored and above all extremely fortunate to have been known such a wonderful lady and amazing friend.

We will continue to celebrate our angel in heaven, and will forever keep her memory alive in our hearts.

Love, kindness and peaceful wishes,

Trish

Obituary written by Lisa's nieces Sara, Teresa and Amber.

(Images via)

***

"Gone From My Sight"

2010-08-10T05:30:00.028-05:00

Dear friends,

Trish here posting again on Lisa's behalf.

I have to share some news with you,

that to many will come as a shocking surprise.

(pictured above: Lisa's swing)

Our amazing Lisa has had to endure a fast yet courageous battle with cancer.

A very aggressive ovarian cancer that took over her body in under three weeks.

I had to say goodbye to our sweetheart Sunday; and along with John, family and friends, we watched her transition into her heaven. I am so very grateful to have been by her side for the last few days of her life. I talked to her for hours, cried, and told her how much we all loved and appreciated her. She passed away gracefully and peacefully, just as she wished.

I know I am not alone in grieving, and instantly missing her incredibly passionate and loving presence. She had so many gifts that she shared with us, and wanted to be able to tell you this story in her own words. We will always remember her laughter, her beautiful posts and comments, and her ever-present sunshine. I know I am not alone when I say we will miss everything about her.

There is so much more to be said and shared in the days and weeks ahead.

I read this poem the night before she left us,

which beautifully captures Lisa's transition into her new life.

"Gone From My Sight"

I am standing upon the seashore.

A ship, at my side,

spreads her white sails to the moving breeze

and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.

I stand and watch her until, at length,

she hangs like a speck of white cloud

just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone..."

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight.

That is all.

She is just as large in mast, hull and spar

as she was when she left my side.

And, she is just as able to bear her load

of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me - not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"

There are other eyes watching her coming,

and other voices

ready to take up the glad shout:

"Here she comes!"

And that is dying.....

- Henry Van Dyke

***

We love you, our angel.

Thank you for everything, and for allowing us to share in your wonderful life.

We know you are swinging in the heavens now, and will watch over us forever.

With eternal love, your BFF,

Trishy

Please keep John and the family in your prayers.
I will have an update shortly with information for those interested in donating to a special cause benefiting animal rescue, founded by Lisa and John.

Music: "Imagine" John Lennon

Images via

More hugs for Lisa

2010-08-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

Our dearest Lisa needs some special hugs today, please join me in sending her some love...

See you soon my sweet friend.

Love forever,

Trishy

Wordless Wednesday~For the Captain's Girl

2010-08-04T06:00:00.009-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Trish here, hosting Wordless Wednesday again on Lisa's behalf. She's honestly still not feeling quite up to par, but certainly appreciates all the well wishes. I know she misses each of you, and will be in touch as soon as she is able to. In the meantime, keep sending her love, it means the world to her. You know she's in the best hands with Captain John, that's why this week, I am dedicating this post to our Captain's girl!

Don't forget to link up below!

We miss you Lisa! Come back soon!

With love always,

Trish

Playlist: "Sail Away," David Gray; "Don't Wait," Dashboard Confessional

Images via

Wordless Wednesday~ Another one for my girl

2010-07-28T06:06:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Trish here again, hosting Wordless Wednesday on behalf of our sweet Lisa. I need to ask a favor. She's not feeling great...could you be so kind as to send up a little wish on her behalf today? It would mean a lot to me. Here's my sunshine for Lisa this week....

Don't forget to link up below...

And as Lisa would say, "Mwah, now turn, and another on the other!"

With love always,

Trish

(Images via)

Playlist: "Smile" Uncle Kracker, "You are the Best Thing" Ray Lamontagne

Wordless Wednesday~Let's hear it for the Country Girls!

2010-07-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Bumpkin's bestie Trish here from Pink Preppy Lilly Lover, honored to be hosting Wordless Wednesday for our dear Lisa, as she is super busy this week!

Have you joined the linky list below? If not, please consider joining in the fun! Indulge your creative side, and seek out images for a blog post that portray your wordless feelings, and link up below. I know many of Lisa's current WW participants would agree, it's becoming a favorite weekly post!

Did you ever meet someone, and know instantly that your lives were meant to impact each other in a significant way? That's how Lisa and I were...just like lightning, a brilliant special effect. She is such a genuine, special lady with a heart of pure gold. Just wait until you feel one of her electric hugs; she's a mover and a shaker, and a force to be reckoned with!

I had this post planned on my end for today; but looking back, it couldn't be more perfect if I tried for our dearest Bumpkin. Without further ado, please enjoy today's Wordless Wednesday, and leave Lisa some extra special comment love; I pinky promise she'll appreciate it!

***

Can't wait to finally ride the swing with you Lisa!

xoxoxo

With love always,

Trish

Looking For Me?

2010-07-16T10:35:00.002-05:00

I'm the last guest blogger over at The Pink Preppy Lilly Lover, while Trish is living it up in Mexico. Come and visit me there by clicking HERE.
Friday Favorites will return next week.
Love,
The Bumpkin

Cajun Meatloaf

2010-07-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cajun Meatloaf

1/2 Stick butter or margarine, melted
1 Cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 Cup green pepper, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic. finely chopped
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp ground pepper
1/2 Tbsp cumin
1 1/4 lbs ground chuck or ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
3/4 Cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 Cup Catsup
1-2 tsp Lea & Perrins
3/4 Cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a skillet with butter, add next 7 ingredients, cook until vegetables are tender, stirring often. In a bowl, combine meat, egg, oats, 1/2 cup catsup, Lea & Perrins and cheese. Blend in vegetables. Form into a loaf in a 9 1/2 x 4 x 3 inch loaf pan. Bake for 20 minutes, spread top with quarter cup catsup, bake for 40-45 minutes more.

* Recipe from "Bon Appetit: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!" The French Club Cookbook, pg 75

Wordless Wednesday~For Elle

2010-07-14T12:05:00.001-05:00

Turn it up readers!
Sometimes when I want to be nearer to God, I wait until 11:05am on a Sunday morning, and I pull up as close as I can get to the Macedonia Baptist Church in my hometown, and I roll the windows down in the car, and just listen...Now that's as close as I have ever been....This is one of my favorites.
I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but I would still like to dedicate this post to Elle, from Completely Preppy. Elle has flown the nest, and is literally on a road trip to the rest of her life. She has an exciting adventure awaiting her, and is fearless on her quest to fulfill her dream. I am so excited and proud of you Elle, keep going girlfriend, and don't you dare look back. I wish you all the best!
I hope every single one of your dreams come true, they do sometimes ya know? I love you, and will keep you in my prayers daily! This one is for you, now shine your little light!

Paula Deen~I Love Your More Than Dumplings

2010-07-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Krispy Kreme Bread Puddin'
Only in the South!
INGREDIENTS:
2 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
2 (4.5 ounce) cans fruit cocktail (undrained)
2 eggs, beaten
1 (9 ounce) box raisins
1 pinch salt
1 or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Butter Rum Sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cube donuts into a large bowl. Pour other ingredients on top of donuts and let soak for a few minutes. Mix all ingredients together until donuts have soaked up the liquid as much as possible. Bake for about 1 hour until center has jelled. Top with Butter Rum Sauce.

Butter Rum Sauce

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 (16 ounce) box confectioners' sugar
Rum, to taste (This does not mean a little rum to drink while you are making the puddin', save some for the sauce.)

Melt butter and slowly stir in confectioners' sugar. Add rum and heat until bubbly. Pour over each serving of Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding.

Now this Ladies, is really Thigh Voo-Doo at it's best!

Love,

The Bumpkin

Goodbye Guilty Pleasure

2010-07-13T11:00:00.001-05:00

Sniff, Sniff, The Hills are coming to an end tonight. How will we live without the drama of it all. I watched the marathon this weekend, so I could be all caught up for tonight. Every episode I could possibly squeeze in to my weekend of concrete. Bottom line, not one paw print, but the stress, a whole other drama!
Heidi, and Spencer, OMG, he's completely off his bipolar rocker....I worry for her, I expect their lives to end in a murder/suicide scenario. The plastic surgery was really bad, had not gotten so into the details, until the most recent episodes. Surgery hug anyone? Kind of grosses me out, actually.

The thing I'll miss the most? The fashion California style of course, and well, then there's this:

I act like a school girl over this guy...Oh Justin Bobby, the heartbreak of every season.

Why is it the elusive bad boys make our hearts beat faster? Race with excitement, fuel our fantasies, make us long for.......sorry I was stuck in the moment.

I have always liked the bad boys, never fails, they are always my favorite. A man without kahunas, makes me nauseous. I mean come on' who wants a wienie for a mate. I'll pass!

I was very mad at Justin Bobby when he did this to Audrina.
Ya know, pull your men's leashes a little tighter Kristin Cavallari is in town. I hate a man stealing Hussy, worse than anything. I truly hope her five minutes is up. Karma owes her.

They aren't through yet....Is she getting her own show? Audrina, I mean, has anyone heard a rumor to this effect? This love saga, and yes I said saga, will be the meat of it if she is.

Speaking of bad boys, have I told you about Captain John's new toy?
He went and bought himself one of these babies. This is a 2003 Harley Davidson V-Rod.
Harley's 100th Anniversary Collector's Edition (are you swooning yet Ladies? Took me a bit too, to get it) complete with a 14k gold key. Now just because it's a 2003, don't think used. Brand new assembled out of the box, from the owner of our local Harley Davidson dealership's private collection. 8 miles on it, and he said those were rolled from place to place. He almost fell over from a heart attack when Captain John drove it away. What's the point in having something like that, if you can't ride it?

If you know Harley's here is an excerpt from an article written by an Australian, that was the deciding factor on this bike. Men, you'll love this! Click HERE to read the whole article.

Say hello to the V-Rod, the Harley-Davidson that thinks it's a Ducati. Forget any back-handed compliments like "good power for a cruiser" or "sophisticated for a Harley," the new V-Rod's 1,130-cubic-centimeter engine is a marvel. As soul-stirring and powerful as a Ducati 916 and as well behaved as a Honda VTR1000, the V-Rod sports the most powerful V-twin cruiser engine in the biz.

But then, Harley never meant for the V-Rod to be a tourer.
What it wanted was the biggest, baddest power cruiser on the market. And it got it. And so did he after reading this article......

I haven't rode it yet, still working up the courage, and I can not seem to forget that my Mamma will roll over in her grave, the first time I take off the back of a Harley.
She never approved of those "motorcycle" people. Some of the best folks I have ever met actually.....but I think she remembers, our Captain's "brotherhood" is the United States Marine Corps, and that's one thing that won't ever change!

Say an extra prayer for him please!

(PS. Do you hear George talkin' about making Mississippi Girls squeal?) (hmmmph!)

Love,

The Bumpkin

Friday Favorites~

2010-07-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Ya'll

Shoegasm of the Week: My favorite fall work suit, is black with gold buttons, and I "need" these Miu Miu's to go wiht that suit!

Fashion Orgasm of The Week: Thank You Olivia!

Favorite Tumblr Picture of the week: Play with me at Tumblr, click the pansies on my side bar!

Favorite Dustjacket Attic Photo:

Quote of the week:

Favorite Recipe of The Week: Kitchen Belleicious and her Spicy Alfredo Pasta Frittata. the Captain will be having this for breakfast on Sunday, Click HERE to get the recipe. Cajun Belles be sure to see what she's cooking up today, as well!

And to leave you with a laugh this week: Do you read Slynnro? I have lurked over there a long time. Click

HERE

to read a post that's hits home to me. I think we all have an bounding acquaintance like this. In my group of friends we call her Miss Mary F*cking Sunshine. Hilarious Slynnro and her hubby Ole Waxy. Two of my favorites for a good hard laugh. She doesn't hold anything back, so if you need a warning, consider this it.

Ya'll have a happy weekend. We are pouring concrete in the laundry room, and the bottom floor of the barn this weekend. No hot water for a day or two. I feel the Marriot in my future, I just don't want to deal with this equation.

5 dogs AND lots of new concrete. Can you see the free stamping I am gonna get out of this deal yet?

Love,

The Bumpkin

P-N-G Thursday~Adios Se Vaya Con Dios Amigos

2010-07-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

As most of you know, Our Trish and her Matt are heading to Mexico for 10 fun filled days. We are so excited for them, and wish them the vacation of their dreams.
We will miss you guys, but we hope you have a lot of time and fun with each other. Every couple needs some time together, away from the world, in a tropical resort, with fabulous food....well, we might just be a little jealous!
The Bumpkin is sure gonna miss The Dish! I can make it, I can, have fun girlie, I love ya....Crank it up you two let's get the party officially started!!!!!
Let's send them off in true Pink and Green style readers!

Just a little check list, we want to make sure you know how to live our lifestyle......It ain't easy, but somebody's gotta do it.......giggling and chuckling might we add....

We highly suggest overindulging, on anything and everything....

This looks like a good start you guys!

Got it, check, check!

Make some new friends, this guy looks like fun!

Trish, these should be blooming like wildflowers, take lots of pictures for me, you know how I like it. At dusk, bokeh please and thank you! My favorite are the Himalayan Blues, you'll know them when you see them. Get a step stool, shortie!

Coooooo-coooooo-nuts. Some tasty dishes with coconut, are in your future.

Perfect backdrop for date nights: We suggest one of these a day!

Give these guys a big smooch for us, while snorkeling you can get really close, just move slow. They move slow, so they aren't afraid of other things that move slow.....

Matt, The Captain says take note of the good ones......

Hope there's some ooooo la la in your plans!

We bet she finds one in pink Matt, we just bet she does!

Here's to a sandy connection or two....

Directions from The Captain before you go....

Our favorite words,

DUE SOUTH! DUE SOUTH OUR FRIENDS! HAVE SO MUCH FUN!

You are officially unplugged!
Love to you both!
Captain John and his Bumpkin On A Swing

Wordless Wednesday~Screen Vixens

2010-07-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Fashion Quiz~The Answers

2010-07-06T22:00:00.003-05:00

1. To be considered Vintage, clothes must be dated from before what year?
Some say 1980, true vintage folks say 1970, and consider 70-80's Retro.

2. The modern era of perfume began in 1921, with the launch of what perfume?
Chanel No. 5...Tell me you knew this one right?

3. What youngest awardee of the Coty American Fashion Critic Awards first started out designing coats? What is he known for designing now?
Calvin Klein is now known for designing blue jeans.

4. What pocket crazy designer is known for the creation of The Little Black Dress?
Coco Chanel

5. Christian Louboutin shoes had one other color soles than the well known red. What color were there, and what was their purpose?
For a short time, some Christian Louboutin shoes were available with baby blue soles. Intended to provide the "something blue" for brides-to-be, ...

6. What is the rule for a guest wearing a black dress to a wedding?

It should be an evening wedding starting after 6pm.

7. Regardless of what the season, what designer sends a classic red dress down the runway of each show?

Valentino ~Kate, I can't believe I stumped you on this one. I stumped My Fashion Diva ya'll......

8. When is it appropriate to wear white regardless of the season?

While aboard a yacht or boat. Also a bride does answer the question accurately, good point everyone!

9. Who was Britan's Model of The Year 2009? Who's her Mamma and Daddy?

Georgia Jagger, is the daughter of Mick Jagger and Jeri Hall. Did you guess Jade Jagger?

What city is considered The Fashion Capital of The World?
Americans answer this as Paris, France....Europeans say Milan, Italy~So we'll call it a tie.

This was a lot of fun! We will have to do it again sometimes.
Love,
The Bumpkin

Fashion Quiz~ What do you know?

2010-07-06T11:55:00.007-05:00

Thought this would be a fun way to lighten up today! I made this one easier to start out with. I think in the future, I will test your knowledge a little harder. Some of these you should know.

1. To be considered Vintage, clothes must be dated from before what year?

2. The modern era of perfume began in 1921, with the launch of what perfume?

3. What youngest awardee of the Coty American Fashion Critic Awards first started out designing coats? What is he known for designing now?

4. What pocket crazy designer is known for the creation of The Little Black Dress?

5. Christian Louboutin shoes had one other color soles than the well known red. What color were they, and what was their purpose?

6. What is the rule for a guest wearing a black dress to a wedding?

7. Regardless of what the season, what designer sends a classic red dress down the runway of each show?

8. When is it appropriate to wear white regardless of the season?

9. Who was Britain's Model of The Year 2009? Who's her Mamma and Daddy?

10. What city is considered The Fashion Capital of The World?

No cheating, what do you know? I can't wait to see your answers.
I have the answers scheduled to post at 10pm CST tonight. Don't forget I have international readers who are sleeping now.
Love,
The Bumpkin

Americans, Let's Roll!

2010-07-04T11:59:00.007-05:00

When times are tough Americans pull together, and get the job done. That's what I am celebrating today! In honor of the infamous words of Todd Beamer, his last words, aboard United Airlines Flight 93, on September 11, 2001. "Let's Roll!"

This day is a celebration of the men and women who have fought for us. From My Daddy in Vietnam, who flew helicopters, to the man beside me at work everyday who leaves for his 3rd tour in the Heat in August. Thank You, just isn't enough.

They fight everyday for our Freedom. A hat's off to all our Armed Forces, and a special Bumpkin salute to all those Marines out there, especially My Captain! Semper Fi brothers and sisters, Semper Fi!

The Captain just called and wanted me to tell you, that he has two special crew members today. Two Mississippi Wildlife & Fisheries Officers who have given up their day off, and asked the Captain to let them on his little boat to go and get some birds and turtles they couldn't get to in a bigger boat they saw yesterday.
The Captain said to tell you, they got em'!
He said what a way to celebrate today! Let's keep rolling America, let's keep rolling!

You haven't forgotten right?
"And we lit up their world like the 4th of July"~Toby Keith from the song An Angry American
Love,
The Bumpkin

Friday's Favorite~Red White & Blue Extravangaza

2010-07-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

International Readers, I love you all, but please allow me a brief moment, to show how proud I am to be an American.

Favorite New Blogger Find: I love her blog, well blogs, but I really love the woman who writes them. Georgia from Simply Smile Photography aka Gigi from Going Glam with Gigi.

Same lady, She Rocks, ya'll She Rocks! I call her Gigi, fits her to a T, let's bring her tightly within our circle, she has been so supportive of The Captain and I during this challenge we are facing, and also knows just the right thing to say. Fashion anyone, we made a pact for today, and she's joining me in the Red, White, and Blue Extravaganza over at her fashion blog. Click Here to check out what she came up with, here's a sneak peek to get your curiousity flowing..
Told ya, get your booties over there..........
I didn't first find Gigi through our love of fashion, she's one of the crazy women who has two blogs......here is her photography blog, that's how I find her. Click here to visit Simply Smile Photography.
Trish and I were talking on the phone a few weeks ago, about Gigi, and what a jewel she is, she just fits right in with the rest of us, ya'll get over there and visit her won't you...Click those follow buttons for her too!
Some of my favorite photo finds (steals..teee heee hee) this week.

I have learned this week, I was stronger than I thought I was, and that I can push myself way harder than I thought. Sleeping 3 hours a night on average, not counting the crash last night.

Can you name them? I can't on the white, and it's driving me crazy, do tell readers.

Lurrrvvvvveee this one.

Could I offer anyone a Shoegasm today?

How bout a little Friday Fashion Fix? Red, white, and blue for you.....

Poppies, Here's your sunshine! By the way did ya'll see here Wordless Wednesday post, she's getting good. I better tighten up! Click Here for a Vintage Fashion Orgasm.

Sexy girls what do you think of this? Gentlemen?

The Captain is coming to see you all this weekend! He misses you, and wants to give you the scoop! He's working so hard, and I am doing nothing but homemade meals for him this weekend!

Chanel anyone?

Ooooo La La!

Gigi mentioned earlier this week a way we could still have fireworks this weekend. Great idea, Gigi......

I'm trying, thanks again for that attitude adjustment Trish. You were right my sweet bestie.

Favorite Dustjacket Attic Patriotic Images: Like I'd leave DJ out of this extravangaza, even though she's an Aussie, she fits right in. I spend hours in her archives.

Love the shoes.

I think this is my all time favorite DJA picture, well maybe top 3, it's so hard to narrow it down.

This is me tomorrow readers: R & R is a must this weekend need to rebalance a bit. I even have a new outfit for those B@TYC (Biatches at the Yacht Club). They need their own show, now you want drama Ladies, they can put on the drama.
Friday Leave You With A Laugh:
Eclipse Lovers, this laugh is for you....Today I'm leaving you with The Blog O' Cheese, with his Open Letter from Jacob the Werewolf post. Click Here!

If you're celebrating our freedom this weekend, I wish you much joy! Don't forget the ones still over there protecting it!
Love,
The Bumpkin

Sending Much Love From Mississippi!

2010-07-01T16:37:00.002-05:00

Wearing my knees out for Brent and Megan.......I believe there are angels amongst us.
Love,
The Bumpkin

Thanks Alot Alex!

2010-06-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

Love,
The Mississippi Gulf Coast

Wordless Wednesday~I'll Miss This Sunday

2010-06-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

See For Yourself, Feel What We Feel!

2010-06-29T12:00:00.002-05:00

Turn it up, ya'll, this is the song we play every morning before we leave.

Get em', get em', get em' Captain!

Closed up tight. No seafood, no livelihood.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words...........she's crying, poor baby.....

Soaking it up.

From behind a skimmer, you can see how it works in this picture.

These water spouts are making it extra dangerous for the clean up workers.

Your love and prayers have us wrapped up safe and sound.
We love you all!
Captain John and his Bumpkin On A Swing

Day 69~Our Day of Doom

2010-06-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

The oil completely inundated our Coast yesterday. It even filled our bays. Captain John, and all the boats were sent home yesterday as this was happening, due to some red tape error in the location of the decontamination station. Poor planning, lack of execution, lack of education, lack of determination, I could go on, and on, about the problems, but what good would that do? I would imagine he has already said what needed to be said to the proper people this morning. It's a different feeling when it's washing in on our beaches, than some place even miles down the road. We lost, and that's not his style.
He was beside himself every second he was onshore yesterday. He wanted to do something so bad. He couldn't believe we had 69 days to prepare for this, and he was doing nothing as it came in.

Many Coast residents are very curious to know what this is? They are so secretive we want to know for ourselves. Where would you get something like this tested? Anybody have a clue. Alarming to say the least. Can you believe I still saw kids swimming in the water yesterday on Biloxi Beach, the closed Biloxi Beach. I think their parents should be arrested for child endangerment, playing with the oil, pretending it was suntan oil.

WARNING WARNING

THIS IS THE ONLY ONE I AM POSTING, I KNOW THIS REALLY UPSETS SOME OF YOU, BUT I WANT YOU TO FEEL IT FROM YOUR SOUL. CAN'T IGNORE IT, GOTTA KEEP THE FIGHT GOING! YOU KNOW IT'S STILL PUMPING LIKE OLE FAITHFUL OUT THERE, THIS ISN'T THE END!

Booms failed miserably. Silk ones, fancy ones, cheap ones, they all failed. The seas will be really rough for the next 48 hours due to Tropical Storm Alex passing below us. Big waves will only make this work. We need a new game plan, and new leaders to implement the game plans. Enough red tape. We all may know a Captain who went out this morning, madder than hell, with a lead, follow, or get the hell out of my way attitude. He doesn't like losing.

This little guy is freaking out, you forget about the little ones...

and what this is doing to them.

Picture taken Friday, there is still hope. We can pull them, we just gotta get to em'. They are hard to catch.

Let's end this post, with a brighter moment why don't we. Do you see him in the picture below?

Now living it up on his way to Seaworld..

Doing what we can do, is all we can do. Keep it going for me please, they are still out there.
Swim, Swim, Swim, Fly, Fly, Fly.............
Pray for My Captain.
Love,
The Bumpkin

An Update On Our Lives~We Love You All

2010-06-25T15:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everybody, I missed you guys. I am really busy right now, and I know I haven't been here like I should, but I'm really trying. Let me explain: As of this past Monday morning at 6am, our boat and Our Captain were hired by BP. Through the Vessels of Opportunity Program, a way they are compensating the Captains for lack of fishing, and it took them awhile, to finally get it that no one will fight this battle harder than our local Captains. Out of towners have been sent back to wherever they came from, and Our Captain, and all his buddies, are fighting it tooth and nail.
Assignment name? Are you ready? Are you sure your ready?
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okay here it comes
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TURTLEBOAT! You got tears in those eyes yet?

That's right BP hired our Captain for animal rescue.
There's a reason we haven't told you yet though....nothing yet, just recoveries ( you understand the difference right, I'm sorry, ya'll but we tell the truth here remember). He's really trying, he wanted me to wait to tell you until we have saved at least one, but I can't hold it in anymore.
Our small vessel is camouflage think (Marine Corps to the max), and the sea turtles, as I have mentioned many times, come right up to it. They think it's a bed of seaweed floating, that contains food. Our hopes are way up there that this will work.
Today is day 5, nothing yet, but you can bet your bottom dollar, there is not a soul on this earth that would try harder than he is.
Long hours, before dawn, till after dark. Here's how it will work. John sees a turtle, bird, dolphin, otter, anything, and he contains it, rounds it up, you follow me, and IMMS comes and gets it, rehabilitates it, and then moves it to a choice of lots of aquariums in the nation. Pulling them out, yep! Say a prayer for Strike force 3 and the Turtleboat tonight.
Swim, swim, swim, fly, fly, fly.....to Captain John, to Captain John...
They are a lot of rules to this: I have to make adequate food to have on board for a full day for the crew, shade, sunscreen, first aid, lots of id badges, light clothing in color and weight. This is a small boat, with no ac, and the heat index today on the water is 110+. They check this all too, for example if they catch sunburn men on the boat, or no Gatorade, water, sugar, food, we are done, and The Captain is responsible. It's a lot of work for me too. Sometimes from 5am till 1 or 2 in the morning, because I work, and I can't do my stuff until the guys are in. I can do this, if we can just save one or two, or maybe three, or if we could find that pod of 200 could you imagine? The grocery shopping and toting alone can be tough, I mean I only have so much refrigator, so I have to go about every other day or so.

Rewards are plentiful, though My Captain is spoiling me rotten.

They also went around, our Captains, who know what they are doing here in these waters, and fixed all the booms, but ain't no tar balls anymore, it's rolling in again. I can hear the helicopters right now, must be close. Did you see the waves in Pensacola? That area, and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Perdido has taken a hard hit. Jimmy, Kenny, and Zac (Buffett, Chesney and Brown) are holding a Relief benefit concert there next week. Will you please dial in for those folks, their lives are devastated.

I also want to take a moment to remember Captain Rookie Kruse. There was no depression, drugs, alcohol, financial problems (yet), regardless of what the article I am about to link you to says about demons. The only demon was that our Gulf is dead. No kidding, dead.
Captain Rookie, was the one of the best Captains, and Fisherman, to ever walk the docks of Orange Beach, AL. He will truly live on forever in the memories of every passenger of his boat. Captain John and I are heartbroken, and I just want you guys to understand how real it is to these men. Due South, Captain Rookie, Due South! If you don't know it click HERE to read the story.

You know there's one thing about luck, good or bad, when it rains it pours.

Thankfully, our rain is a run of good right now. Guess what ya'll?

They called 7:30am this morning, and they offered him a permanent Captain's position on the boat he worked on a couple of weeks ago. Our lives have changed in a moment, from despair to elation. I am so proud, they gave the crew aboard the boat the option of who would be the new Captain, and they picked ours. So, I will officially say it.. I support the Oil Field, because it supports me now. Naysayers, save it, don't even waste your time. What would you do? We have two weeks to get a Captain trained for the Turtleboat, and we already have a few in mind, men that haven't gotten work yet? Guaranteed he will be from our waters.

I love you all, and I will squeeze time in to visit you all really soon, I miss being a part of your everyday lives, every single one of you!

This is suppose to be a really positive post, but there's just one little thing sticking in the back of my mind that I am worried about.

Not now, please not now? Next year, we will deal with it, but this year, we are a little busy. Okay, Thanks!

We love you all,

Captain John and his Bumpkin On A Swing

Friday Fabulous Favorites

2010-06-25T14:10:00.001-05:00

I didn't want to post these with the personal post I made a few minutes ago, but here, you go readers.
Favorite Photo of the Week: OMG! Takes my breath away. Perfect in every little way. I need a huge print of this...bad in the worse way, for my new boudoir'.

Favorite New Blog this Week: Meg and Kate at Meggasus Peggasus and Katie Lu, their profile says: We are identical twin sisters who believe that life is one chic editorial in Vogue. Nuff' said right ya'll? Click HERE to visit them.

Favorite Quote of the Week: from Juliana at A Blonde Walks Into A Blog. Love Juliana, she's a peach!
So Bumpkin, So Bumpkin!

LouShoegasm of The Week: Tahiti in Ivory. ummmmmmmm, ummmmmmmm, uh... Sorry, just channeling the shoe Gods for a second there......

This week's Handbagasm: Only available in the UK, dad gum it! Dishy, it comes in pink too!

Favorite Recipe of The Week:
From My Fashion Diva Kate @ elefantitas alegres (happy little elephants)
Click HERE for Chicken & Summer Vegetables Tostados. Kate A Texas Belle, knows Fashion and Tex-Mex like no other. She's hilarious, and one of the first blogs I ever read. Make sure to follow the directions carefully, concerning the dribble of green salsa left on the outside of the jar. Just go, you'll love Kate. Check out her wedding archives, wedding stuff lovers. Now that's style!
I bet her Chef's hat is Lands End Canvas. Color? Bold Sun!

And to Leave You With a Laugh: Jenny Mac, kid you not, if I need to giggle, she's one of my go to gals. She gets me everytime! Click HERE to read the post titled Apparently I Will Get Naked for Prada. Yeah, me too, Jenny, but in a different sense, think about it Ladies.
Ya'll Have a Good Weekend, The Captain promises a Sunday Jam, as for me I am going shopping. Serious shopping going on, Summer Clearance sales will have me set up till at least November, before the cruel Mississippi humidity, lets us breathe, and wear a 3/4 sleeve. Ya'll will be freezing your nibblies off, and I will still be wearing my breezy dresses. Nanna Na Na!

Love,

The Bumpkin

wordless wednesday~Summertime Is Here

2010-06-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

Current Fashion Obsession

2010-06-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

Captain John and I had a great weekend. Hope is floating right up on us. I took a much needed blog break, but I'm coming to get caught up, right now. See you in a few. How was your weekend? It was hotter than the day Sherman burned Atlanta in South Mississippi this weekend, and with today being the start of summer, I just have to get one of these.
I just love this image, and I have become obsessed with floppy hats because of it. I am stalking the perfect one. For once, I am glad to have long super curly hair. Great look for this hat

This is the one I want, everybody keep your eyes peeled for it please. Great click, great click, someone just out of the frame is dropping the hat straight down, and the photographer caught it at a perfect time.

I really like this one, not floppy enough though.

Prairie Style?

Hamptons Style?

Some notorious floppy hat images, you will recognize the next 3.

Love the crocheted camisole, the lace parasol, and oh yeah, the straw hat's not bad either.

Rugged, but chic, do you agree?

Love the canvas style one's for the boat, the beach, and other fun in the sun.

I want a big bow on mine too! I am going all the way.

Floppy hats first made their appearances in the 1930's.

So adorable on the baby girls, so adorable.

Kudos to the makeup artist at this shoot.

I jus' have to say, she's rocking My Mamma's lipstick. She never went anywhere without it. I call this Ole' Lady Pink, that flat finish makes it even worse. I remember as a little girl, I would sneak some on, then it would stain my lips and face, and I would be busted every time.

Which style is your favorite? Do tell readers, do tell.

Love,

The Bumpkin

It's Finally Friday & We Have Something To Celebrate

2010-06-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

My Captain is home, this is not the celebration I speak of. The Captain he replaced got a release from the doctor to return, but the good thing is, it went really well. A fellow Captain on the boat over said he's one of the best he's seen. The guys out on the oil rigs, were really pleased that he could hold the boat super steady while the guy with the crane loaded and unloaded. Usually they use tie lines hooked to the boat to do this. Our Captain can do it without the tie lines. Impressed the heck out of the guys on the rigs. He has also been labeled the Docking Master, by the other Captains, he can back it in on a dime. The other Captains, pull in sideways, and bump the boat around in the spot. The guy who owns the company he worked for called first thing this morning to tell him to stay packed and ready to go, he would hear from him asap.

So on to our celebration. Guess what. Guess what.
When he got in the truck at the dock last night, this is what he said:

"Baby, Baby, Guess what? It was about 5am this morning and I was about 5 miles east of Mobile Bay. I was just chugging along, drinking a cup of coffee, and enjoying the morning. I look about 1/4 mile off the bow, and I see 8-10 dolphins all in a line like a football team riding a wave headed straight for me. When we passed they turned around and rode my wake all the way out to the rigs, feeding off the fish I stirred up. In total Baby today, I probably saw 250-300 dolphins, playing and feeding, and I also saw 8 big green sea turtles, swimming around the boat at the rigs. All I kept thinkin' was Swim, Swim, Swim, Fly, Fly, Fly, it worked, it worked. We have to call the bloggers, do you have their phone numbers?"

How cute is that? He was ecstatic. Big ole' tough Marine Sniper, that excited to see his dolphins, really pulled at my heart strings, and the little part about them following his wake, I love it.
Apparently after more discussions, he determines, there was not much oil seen yesterday, although for the last three days it's been a lot of oil, but the currents changed, and were heading the opposite direction. We are sure hoping, that they have figured out to move away from the oil to stay alive, as I told you before, when the oil was surrounding us, we saw none for days, noone did. This is fabulous news and gives me hope. He again stated the sharks are really bad right now, and if any of you are in the waters near the spill, please don't forget this warning. He couldn't have brought me better news, so let's keep praying and wishing okay everybody. Swim, swim, swim, fly, fly, fly.

Did ya'll see the riot on CNN at the local job center over the jobs that are available with the oil spill. It was ugly, Robyn Meade showed it this morning. This happened about 10 miles west of the Captain and I, people are desperate for jobs right now, it was already bad enough, and now these people are getting really mad. They better stop trying to steal the jobs from the mad locals. It could get real ugly. Mississippians don't take kindly to being kicked when we are down.

Alright on to this weeks favorites.

Favorite New Blog Find: Lemons and Laundry, adore Marcie, she's such a lovely blogger. It's one of those happy little places to hang out in the bloggy world. She takes great pictures, like this one below. Now this is my idea of doing laundry. Make sure to click HERE to read one of my favorite posts, titled Trash The Dress, click the follow button, and tell her The Bumpkin sent you. Another thing about Marcie, I love, she started a spark in me last week for........Kate Spade Summer 2010 collection

Favorite Beach Tote This Week: I thought instead of a Handbag, we would do a beach tote this week. Kate Spade, this is so Bumpkin.

This Week's Shoegasm: Love these, also from Kate Spade.

Favorite Fashion Photo of The Week: Love the dress here, and the editing makes her so mysterious to me.

Favorite Recipe This Week: From Paris Pastry, Lemon Butter Cookies, in French known as sables. This is going to be my Sunday morning project this weekend. I have to bake early (4am ish early), or the oven will run us out of the house in this heat. Click HERE for the recipe.

Favorite Dustjacket Attic Image This Week: I hope to get a little of this in this weekend.

Favorite Animal Photo of The Week: I just can't put it in to words, what this picture does to me.

And to leave you with a laugh today, from a Robyn Alana Engel's blog Life by Chocolate. A fellow 40-something blogger, who is single and still trying to find her prince charming. At our age, it's gets a whole new spin, the dating dilemma does. Need a really good laugh? Check out the eligible bachelors for Ladies like us by clicking HERE. Robyn, a social worker, has a serious side too, she can reach out and grab your soul, with her stories of what she sees daily in her line of work. I love me some Rawkn Robyn.
So what's on the agenda for you guys this weekend? I have the little pool party to attend, spend some time with The Captain of my Love Boat, and guess what I'm not doing, poop scooping. Thank you to the powers that be, for that one.
Love,
The Bumpkin

Squeal Worthy Pink and Green

2010-06-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

I love Dragonflies. Mammy, my Grandmother, a full-blooded Creek Indian, use to say that they were our elders who had passed on coming to peak in on us. She would talk to them. I never forgot it.....

Did you all see Trish's Wordless Wednesday post yesterday? Click HERE if you missed it. She had me squealing with all the wildflowers. Sometimes a blogger just reaches out and grabs you by the heart, sometimes by the soul. I love you, Trish, Thank You, it made my day! I figured out how to do the Blog Hop, sort of. Alot of people played yesterday, you guys are getting good with the pictures, digging hard aren't you, sneaky? I'll get a button made too, ya'll

I've had to get back to gardening with John gone. I love this idea.

It's hot here in Mississippi, and The Captain is melting on the water, flash fires out there burning the oil, making it twice as bad. I have been wearing the least fabric as possible, and still be professional. Like this, great little dresses to encourage breezes flowing through them.

Did you see this one over at the attic? Perfect for today!

Do I even have to tell you how much I love this photo. I have to admit, I have loved having the me time lately, a few minutes of peace, just me and my thoughts. Yes, I miss him, but I also realize I was missing me too!

The funniest thing has happened ya'll, I was doing a little investigation for this post (okay stealing pictures), and I ran across this blogger, who lives in LA. Something caught my eye, on her sidebar. It's says I'm a Mississippi Girl. Really cool. She likes pink, and the name of her blog is Beautiful Things To Share. Well, she actually has 4 blogs (and I am certain no free time), but the pink one just happened to be where I found her. It's another little pink paradise over there. Of course, I was going to tell her hi, and then I started reading about her.
Charmaine likes Jason Mraz. Remember my 100 things long time readers? If you've never seen that post, click the About Lisa button on my sidebar to take you there.
Are you listening? Is this not a perfect song for The Captain and I? The Jimmy Buffett of today's younger generation, I love Jason.

She likes Christian Louboutin shoes. CLous Ya'll? Today's Shoegasm.

and Louis Vuitton
(thanks Jen, you get to explain it to The Captain)

She's a stickler about stealing pictures from her blog. She wants her linky love, and I'm all about the linky love. I stole the three after this one from her, but this one's on her sidebar and it's been in my trusty ole' Secret Pink and Green file for ages over at Tumblr, I won't even let Trish in on that one. Nope Trish, still no. You ain't gettin em', a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do for the Pink and Green.. I should go ahead and say it right now, so everyone is clear. The official rule is, if ain't stamped fair game sistas, fair game.

I'm remaining a bit of a mystery for now. I am gonna sneak up on her after this post is up, and well, invite her over. Ya'll play pretty now for The Bumpkin. Does anyone know her?

She apparently likes Tumblr,as well. Tumblr girls have great pics. Jus sayin'

Guess what else she loves? The rounded edges to the image below should give it away.
She's a fan of Dustjacket Attic. I am silly giggling now.....really? How about that ya'll? I don't think I should worry though, we know who DJ's #1 fan is..giggling a little harder now......
You know what I call a coincidence? A Ca-winky-dink. Whatta Cawinkydink? We really do have a lot in common. Moving on.....where were we?

Got a pen?
Wait, did you really read it? It's a good one, read it again, it's a really, really, good one.
Details, details, details, notice the color of the wines.

Let's all take off, and do some of this? Whadda Ya Say?

Squealing yet?

She's beautiful. Anna Maria Jagodzinska. This click, stuns me.
The embellishments are over the top, but still not overbearing.

Forget the dress here for one second, do you see the blur of the double image? Great editing, makes it so dream like. Did you notice before I mentioned it? Don't just look, see.
Now, look at the fashion...........marvelous Yes? I found a new little place to hang out, stop by and meet Liz at Le Passion for Fashion. (Yeah? Me too Liz!)
Made through another week. Whewwww......folder's empty now, back to it!

Love,

The Bumpkin

Wordless Wednesday~You Loved Em' You Got Em'

2010-06-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

Dress To Kill

2010-06-15T11:10:00.002-05:00

I have all these pictures of dresses that I love stashed in my archives here and there. It's hard to get them all out there, but they are images, I believe you guys will love, so we are going to start a new series here called Dress To Kill, kill for it, is what it boils down to. Here we go.....Sometimes a girl has just got to sparkle.

Shoes anyone?

Something so sexy about white......What's the look on her face? It's like she's saying, I'm scared but please sweep me off my feet, and ravage my body. Odd?

The model is just a form to hang the dress on here, rarely happens like that, but oh yes, this dress is the spotlight.

My, my, my, sigh........

Very bumpkin, yep, yep, yep, very Bumpkin. My girl, Poppies and Sunshine threw this one out there last week.

I wish I could tie a scarf like this, never comes out the right way, though. When you have curly hair, a hair day like this is considered a masterpiece, right Curly Girls? Love the bohemian feel in this dress.

Glamour sunglasses, and great hair to compliment this lavender lovely here.

I just love this picture, great click, and editing ya'll, look close. Here's the amazing part. You can see the street inside the globe perfectly, how did they do that? What a great click.

Raining pretty hard today here, makes me worry about that Captain of mine. He woke me up this morning with a phone call, I loved that, first thing I hear is the sound of his voice. Their pattern and schedules have been thrown for a loop by Obama and his no fly zone over us right now, some men usually don't have to take the trip on the boat in to the rigs, they fly. Everybody's a sailor with Obama in town, so Captain John is a busy man. He sends his love to you all.

Love,
The Bumpkin

An Update on Us & Some Nautical Summer Fashion

2010-06-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

I'm doing fine, it's takes a bit of adjusting, but I'm getting there. I scooped a lot of poop yesterday morning. I'll never run the Captain off permanently, anyone to help with that task, is a keeper. 5 dogs, remember? Big ones too! Ewwww enough of that. Guess what else I did? I mowed the grass with the John Deere all by myself. I just couldn't go backwards, so I got myself in a pinch once. I was quite proud of myself, couldn't start the weed eater though, oh well, I'm still proud! I read online how to operate the John Deere, climbed up on it, and off I went. I went a little too fast once, but I learned my lesson about that quickly. It was hot, my goodness was it hot.

Your not going to believe what I did yesterday afternoon? I indulged in a little Toddler's in Tiaras marathon on the big screen. Shhhh don't tell he'll never know, but I like actually watching what I want for a change.

I need something to bake, that I can throw in a Ziploc, and send out to sea. Something that will last for a couple of days, a little token of what he's missing back home. Send me some links baker buddies, won't you?

I have just spoken to our Captain, he says actually as far as 60 miles out, there is hardly any oil out there. It's not nearly as bad as he expected, he went through a patch about 5 miles long, and 5 miles wide, and that's about it. He is currently located 10 miles south of Fort Morgan, in Alabama waters. He says it's hot as hell out there, and I should get to see him when he comes in for groceries on Wednesday, but only for a little while. I'll take what I can get. He is replacing a Captain hospitalized with a heart attack. Of course I wish no harm to him, and have sent my prayers up, but I am still crossing my fingers and wearing out my knees that this will be a permanent gig for our Captain. It would be life changing for us. He sends his love to all of you, I am printing out comments so he can read them all, when I see him for a bit on Wednesday. He's getting the big head about all the love and affection, but again, I'll take what I can get, big head or not.

Some of my girlfriends are planning a pool party for the weekend. Can't wait to get out and visit with them. I hate My John won't be home for Father's Day, but me and The Boys will save it for when he is home.
via Dustjacket Attic my favorite from last week
As far as the oil spill, if you are reading words like tar balls, and oil patties. Let me tell you exactly what I see. Every 10 or so waves, there are two or three waves of oil, so thick it rolls on the shore. (Now after talking with John, I must have been there at just the right time for a plume to wash in, I don't know though ya'll it was quite a bit of oil, and I am certain it was oil. ) There are people there immediately scooping and removing, and putting down new sand, I'll admit I was impressed with that portion, all on BPs bill, so again, please don't boycott them now. You aren't hurting the stockholders, you are hurting me, Captain John, and our friends, neighbors, and little gas station operators. Some of you got this when John said it recently, think about it, and someone from the boycotts explain to me, the person who is living this nightmare why this makes sense.
The helicopters woke me up at 5am on Saturday. Seems their turn around spot was right over my house. The dogs went ballistic when the house vibrated each time. I actually got a little annoyed with it. I have heard rumors of big sharks, 15ft or more close to shore, disorientated and hungry, they were speculating closing the beaches, but the Tourism Commission had a cow, and I haven't heard more about it, they have however put up warning signs all over the beaches in the area. I'm not getting in the water, the Captain gave me specific instructions, and I don't usually anyway unless we take the boat out to the islands, which some people are still doing. They're oblivious to the fact that less oil spotted means more dispersant being used, as we all know it's pumping more from the leak than ever before.

Here's a little clip of an article in my paper this morning titled Here's Our Story Mr. President.
This will explain how we all feel right now, from another point of view.
Here's the link, if you want to read the whole thing. The whole tarballs and oil patties bulls**t again is included in this article.

The worst natural disaster in U.S. history. The worst economic recession in generations. Now, the worst man-made disaster in U.S. history.

The people of South Mississippi have often been called “resilient” — a reputation hard-earned after Hurricane Camille in 1969, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and repeated often in national media reports. That resilience is being put to the test.

“I had a bank examiner in here the other day, and he asked that same question, ‘How are things going?’” longtime Coast banker Chevis Swetman (Chevis Swetman is the authority on banking in Biloxi, MS)said. “I told him, ‘Well, you know, we had Hurricane Katrina in ’05. In December ’07 the national economic meltdown started, then about 50 days ago, this oil spill started.’ I said, ‘You know, I’m just looking for the plague of locusts to show up next week.’ He said, ‘You people are pretty resilient.’ I said, ‘We are pretty resilient, but the question is, how much more can we take?’ I know we’ll weather this. But heck, at some point it starts to seem like piling on in a football game.”

Casino executive Keith Crosby calls it “another sucker punch.” But, he notes, “We’re getting used to them, and we’re getting pretty good at playing over our head.”

Hurricane Katrina showed South Mississippi communities, churches, volunteer agencies, local governments, business leaders, state leaders and congressional leaders have an uncanny ability to work together when push comes to shove. But then, we know hurricanes — how to prepare, how to dig out and, as Gov. Haley Barbour put it many times in his Yazoo drawl, how to “hitch up our britches and get to work” on recovery.

With massive oil leaks — not so much.

“Nobody really knows who’s in charge,” Harrison County Supervisor Kim Savant said. “I guess ultimately it’s BP. We’re told to send things up the chain of command — I say chain of command but it’s really more just a progression — and BP is supposed to tell us yay or nay. That all works fine, except we don’t get a yay or nay from BP ... It’s unlike anything I have ever been involved in.”

You never know what life brings you, and I am relying on the theory that everything happens for a reason.
Found this quote this morning HERE: Nailed my thoughts this morning.

Love,

The Bumpkin

Captain John's Sunday Morning Jam

2010-06-13T12:17:00.004-05:00

Mornin,

Ya'll holding the fort down? I'll tell you what we'll do today, lets break up the hum drum a little.

Let's just pretend for a little while that we are all boarding the little boat, pina colada's on board, some fresh boiled shrimp and crawfish ready for the taking. Let's head DUE SOUTH to Horn Island, get a little sun, catch a coupla big ones from the holes at the end of the island, kick back, and enjoy life. We can watch the dolphins at sunset on the way back in, throw the pelicans a few bait shrimp, and live the life we dreamed of.

This song is dedicated to all of you who are dishing out the love to me, via comments, tweets, prayers, and phone calls.

A special shout out to my buddies and biggest fans Trish & Matt. You guys are the best, dinner at The Praline Connection or Adolfo's, on me, soon agreed?

Got Bulldog?

Semper Fi,
Over And Out,
Captain John

A Message From Captain John~Big Oil Spill Update

2010-06-11T12:00:00.002-05:00

Morning Ya'll,

I scored a great gig yesterday in the oil field. Fantastic pay, great boat, 12 hour shift from 12:00am-12:00pm is my slot (It's cooler at night). This boat transports containers from the dock to the oil rigs, and looks alot like the one above. The Bumpkin is writing all this as I drive to the dock. They say 14 on, 7 off, but they have already asked me about hitching for 28/7. By the time you read this, I'll be well under way, heading 30 miles south of Dauphin Island, Alabama to the red (it's blue on the map below) zone. Now we are going to know the real deal. Can you believe we forgot the camera? I'll be pulling in and out of port, every few days to drop off and pick up, may not get to leave the boat, but I can call the Bumpkin from the cell, and keep all of you posted, she'll run the camera to me first thing too.
Are you following me on Twitter, this is about to get good over there? I'll get all the other Captains to start feeding me information too! The truth is going to have a hard time staying hidden, with your Captain there first hand.
I have left a list of Sunday Jams (these are important), and I'll be feeding the information to My Bumpkin, who will keep everybody updated.

Let's get our bearings straight, so you know where I am.

Don't forget now I gave you a big island map on Sunday, Click Here to go back to it!
The oil is taking over Petit Bois island as we speak, and the word at the dock is that the leak is gushing worse than ever, but there's lot of media around so that should be broadcasting soon.

Please ya'll keep me in your prayers and thoughts while I am out there. The Bumpkin too, it'll be a little rough on her, but I think I got most everything covered with a few friends, and of course she'll be busy shopping with all the money, I'm leaving with $20, what am I gonna buy, and where? (The Bumpkin is excited about this part, Mamma wants a new car, without a payment book.)
Alright, I'm outta here, heading where? DUE SOUTH YA"LL DUE SOUTH! I'm actually gonna miss you guys, I'm sending my thoughts right back to ya!
Ya'll take care,
Semper Fi,
Over and Out,
Captain John

Note from the Bumpkin, when he started to board the boat last night, he said, Captain John requesting permission to come aboard, there were a few cheers. They said they needed him bad. Captains are needing a few breathers right now, literally a day or two not to have to breathe the oil. This looks like it could be a really great thing for us, keep your fingers crossed. Thank goodness he's on the water, he was about to drive me crazy.
The papers say we will be inundated over the weekend with the oil, and I am glad he missed this:
Click Here for an Update on our Sea Turtles
Swim, Swim, Swim, Fly, Fly, Fly...

Love,
The Bumpkin

CMT Awards~Our Picks

2010-06-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot begin to tell you how hard it was to get My Captain to tune into this, in lieu of the Stanley Cup game in which The Chicago Blackhawks pulled out the win. Thank goodness it went in to overtime, or I may have been sleeping in the barn tonight.
I told him that Laura Bell Bundy was wearing gold hot pants at this show, and well it worked like a charm. He watched it from beginning to end, for those ever elusive gold hot pants. (Tee Hee Hee) In my defense she did twitter a spoiler to this effect. Thanks Laura Bell, now Giddy On Up, outta here, you have served your purpose!
My Fashion pick of the night: Carrie Underwear (as The Captain says). This dress is to die for: She also gave me quite the Shoegasm, do you see them? Valentino I think.

I still can't believe I picked a pink dress.

My Captain's Fashion pick of the night: Hayden Paniettere, he said he likes the lace in this dress. He's learning ya'll, good job Captain.

On Taylor, loved the dress, HATED the hair. She really has to pratice her poker face, she did not do well when she lost to Carrie Underwood for Best Video. I was shocked she didn't win anything in a fan based award show.

I loved Julianne Hough in this yellow dress. She has stunning down pat, yes?

Looking freshly romped in some awful dress that's all the wrong cut for her, is Adulteress (with Eddie Cibrian, so I can sort of sympathize, or celebrate), Leann Rimes. She is sporting that label in my opinion. One lean to her front and it's Whoo Ha for everyone.

Click Here for my favorite performance of the night. I lurrveee this song, and this band.

The Captain's Favorite Performance of the night:
He's says to tell you, red panties 3 times in a row wins every time!
Click Here to see the girl who showed her panties, but can you guess?

So all you Chicago Blackhawks fans, sheeeshhh uh, really made us sweat it, but it was in? Barely, but apparently that counts in Hockey. Congratulations Chi-Town, The Captain sends a big Hoorah home.

Love,
Captain John and The Bumpkin

Pink And Green Thursday

2010-06-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Fabiana Semprebom for Elle Greece May 2010

The cameraman is Dimitris Skoulos.
Great shoes if you are celebrating the 4th of July, here below in this image.

Can't decide what I like the best, the hair or the skirt in this click.

Big floppy hats make me silly happy!

Love the short shorts with the palm trees in this one.

Today's shoegasm? Here you go!

Short and Sweet today, just the good stuff, no fluff!
Love,
The Bumpkin

Wordless Wednesday~We Are Lost Without It

2010-06-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

Life Happens

2010-06-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, How's everybody doin?
Welcome to all my new readers and followers.
Captain John and I would like to take a minute to thank you all for your sweet comments, links, and love that you are sending our way. As the Captain said on Sunday, it gives us more strength than you will ever know. The above picture is of The Biloxi Lighthouse. You may remember the pictures of it from Hurricane Katrina days. It has long been our sign of strength, here on these beaches. It stands for all of our hard work, and our commitment to always bounce back, no matter had bad it is. It is also, literally what brings both My Captain, and the many others home.

We've been working hard doing what we can do. Our days are some of the longest we've seen in awhile. I'm thinking the Captain is changing clothes 12 times a day, but I am trying to be as supportive as possible. The laundry is overwhelming, and being on standby 24/7 is exhausting. We pack the clothes, then he goes through them in a hurry flings them everywhere, wears them, and I wash them AGAIN, and then repack them. Next day, same game. Keeping the marine electronics charged (including the never ending search for which bag he put the freaking charger in) alone is a full time job, coolers washed cleaned and packed, another daunting task. I always try to make sure he has a good meal in him, it could be a long time till his next meal if he hits the water, so I worry. Incidentally, let me share a bit of wisdom with you. No matter how oily the clothes are, never ever under any circumstances put even one little tiny drop of Dawn in the washing machine. Do. not. do.it.

We are going to try and squeeze a post in tonight, would you believe he's been on the phone with engineers from BP today. He has an idea, I know, so does everyone else, but we are surprised how welcoming about the idea they are, and how many people express sincere interest. You know how many phone calls they must receive each day of this nature?

We also have some concerns that the dispersant and oil is evaporating into our air, and our typical afternoon showers are raining it back down on our shoreline communities. Rain puddles usually don't have an oily rainbow sheen to them. They do in our yard, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Did you see up there by my Twitter button that Captain John has his own Twitter page now. You can also click HERE to follow him. It's just easier that way, as I still want to talk a little about fashion, shoes, and the CMT awards tomorrow night. I love that picture of the Captain's wheel. Great click.

Many, many, years ago, I guess maybe 20-25, as a young girl on the beach, I met surfer dude just hanging out on a hot summer day, on MY beach. He was about my age, and really the only thing I remember about this day is the odd question that he asked me.
He said, "What's your favorite quote?" I felt embarrassed that I didn't have one. He shared this one with me that day, and started a spark that has lasted. It took me forever to find this, but I just had to today.

If you like to have the bigger version, just email me, I'll shoot it over to you, as quick as I can.

Just to remind you, please buy BP gas if at all possible, 60,000 franchise operators are struggling due to something they have no control over, but simply due to the sign in the parking lots of their livelihoods. As unfair to them, as to us, besides we desperately need BP to have enough funds to get us out of this mess they created. Our lives depend on it, Thank You!

We'll talk again soon!
We love you all,
Semper Fi!
Captain John and His Bumpkin On A Swing.