My Crystal Ball Tells Me...

First it tells me, it's not crystal, it's mercury.  But that is okay, I can still see a message shining through...  Do I see the word Giveaway?

      

Secondly, the magic mercury ball tells me that a bunch of you are getting very very excited for October...  Seems like the broom-sticks are getting polished and the hats are getting stitched...  Spooky season is just around the corner.  I know it is only August, but, in the Arts and Crafts world, October 2007 started being planned on November 1st, 2006.

      

Needless to say, October is one of my favorite months of the year. And, if anyone of you want to invite me to a place where leaves turn and Halloween is a spectacular event, then let me know, and I will start packing my bags.  My poor little soul yearns for big trees and orange leaves... Alas, the desert gives us a very low key Autumn.

Every October, I throw a witches party for girls only.  We get out the fancy stuff and go all out!  It is sooo much fun!!! I just can not wait!!

      

Spooky houses, candy, bobbing for apples... Do you love all that too?  My Halloween fun is all silly and child-like. Carmel and Candy apples galore...  Perhaps I am getting carried away... I mean we have two whole months... EEK, it is soon!!  I had this dream once, of  Halloween, where everything glittered...And so many details, oh, it was wonderful.. I have to re-create it before the memory gets too far away...

               

I almost forgot!! The next post is my 100th. Soooo, I am having a giveaway.  I will include fun things + prints from my "AFanciful Twist" shop, and a treat... All you have to do is leave a comment in celebration, and then promise to send me back a small treat.  Like a postcard or something... Just so I know you received your Giveaway Treasure.  We'll put the names in a hat, and Mr. Lovee will draw a winner on Wednesday...

Warning, Today's Woes:

Soooo, I am off to rest a bit.  You see, a creature stung me last night at 2:38 a.m. In my blissful sleep.  I am sorry to say, it was a dreadful Scorpion.  My first sting was 4 years ago.  I thought someone had broken into the house.  My first thought was that I was being attacked with a sledge hammer, and that my elbow had been shattered.  Thank goodness, that was not the case. However, it was a scorpion sting on the elbow.   The pain, in my case (all cases are different) feels like breaking bones. 

This sting is on my left middle finger left lower side.  I also thrashed my left ring finger earlier in the day pulling weeds around this horrid thing.

Barrel Cactus. Cuts like Bear claws.

          

It took out a wee chunk.  Not to be graffic, but, that is why I am slow in posting, and lazy lazy lazy.  Oh, and if you think wrecking two left fingers in a day isn't bad enough, a skunk crawled onto the roof, who knows how.. And sprayed into the cooler at 4:56 a.m. Can you imagine?  The house was a pit.  It is funny now, but it wasn't early this morning.  I am almost back to normal. Ha. Poor manny of mine.  Taking all the bedding off of my bed in my private suite, only to have me, insist on sleeping in his part of the house, on the couch.  Oh, and as I was going to sleep, I heard a bunch of noise. It turned out, my manny was killing another scorpion. YIKEsss!

Get me outta here!!!

Comments

[tiffany]

That is a yipes! Sorry that you've been bit. Rude!
I adore Halloween so much too and Day of the Dead which is really a beautiful tradition, but you know that. My favorite candy comes out only at Halloween time and I eat them until they make me a little sick every year... Halloween Jelly Pumpkins from the Sweets candy factory in SLC.... YUM! I love them!

[Ky]

Goodness! That's awful! Poor dear.

I adore Halloween as well. Bats are some of my favorite animals, the colors are great, it's a signal of autumn... I have this fab plaster skull that I carved in college that lives in my studio normally, but comes out to the rest of the house during Halloween.

I'd be perfectly happy to invite you to my place; we really experience autumn here in Massachusetts and if we visited my mum in VT, you'd REALLY see some pretty leaves!

[Ky]

Oh, yes. And I might be the only person in the world, but I truly adore candy corn. Mmm.

[michelle]

You poor girl! Sounds like you better flee for other digs! If there is one (or two really)thing an artist needs it is fully functional fingers! Hope they heal fast! And a skunk too, I mean what are the chances? Love the post for Halloween, I love it, especially with my kids it is all about magic and fantasy. And to tell you the truth we usually start planning what they will be soon. I mean if I am going to make them I have to have lots of time! I would love nothing better than to win your giveaway! Wow that is a lot of posts! And I would just love an excuse to send you goodies, you are such a fun girl to send to! Feel better, hope tonight is more peaceful!

[Barbara]

Hey girl,
I want to be invited to your party. Sounds like a spooktacular time!

[eb]

well - you need to come to Vermont where I can make you laugh with my silliness - and Boone's birthday is Nov. 1 - he will be 12...

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

xox - eb.

[sadira]

Oh you poor sweetie thing! And, I thought my mosquito bites were bad...they're just annoying (and painful in the "it feels so good to itch "around" these bites, it hurts!") I hope you feel better soon...

Congratulations on the 100th post! Put my name in the hat...

And silly girl! Don't you know not only do we have the most spectacular trees (sans. Sedona) that turn lovely shades of orange and yellow...plus, on Halloween, Mt. Vernon turns into trick-or-treat central. The Second Hand Man decorates his Georgia Revival home, puts an amazing scene of skellingtons having tea in the front window...and hands out full-sized candy bars! It is the best...although, I have heard rumors that they bus people up here from PHX (good lord) and my neighborhood gives out loads of goodies too...Pack up the Lovee and head on up. I think The Second Hand Man's window is decorated and open for viewing the whole week before Halloween...

[Mo'a]

Oh no!!! not annother scorpion in the house and he stung you...not good and your poor fingers...and a skunk and on top of that sleeping on the couch. That was three it is smooth sailing from now on...that is my wish for you.
The wish for me is to win your contest...I promise to send something in return.
I used to live in Salem, MA on Halloween the Witches of Salem used to march past my house on their way from Gallows Hill...wish I still lived there, now those were great Halloweens.
Congratulations on your 100th they have all been great.

[Stephanie]

Holy Moly...what a night you had...I hope you at least got to see some shooting Perseids stars out there???

We do...usually...if we don't get 3 feet of snow first....have a WONDERFUL fall and Halloween time!! Come on out!!! Crunchy leaves, pumpkins burning...

But I must say I'm not quite ready for that yet...please....lets have a bit more summer??

Congrats on your 100th!!!

[cindy]

oh no! not another evil scorpion sting! hope it feels better very soon. i am so glad there is someone else out there preparing so far ahead and in gleeful anticipation of halloween besides me! i am already planning my halloweenie fun too! it involves cardboard, paper mache and lavender chiffon!

[cindy]

oh yes, and our leaves DO turn here! so if you pack your bags i'll pick you up at the airport! hee, hee!

[flutter]

SCARY! your party sounds like so much fun!

[Pasha Plum]

Yesterday my little one found a scorpion in the shower (where he was showering)--no sting though (thank goodness). Put me in the pot--I promise to send something good.

:-)

(I have a great sea anenome costume I could wear to the party!)

[Catherine]

That sounds so painfull! I do hope you recover soon xx
congratulations on turning 100... put me in for the chance of a treat, i will promise to send nice things back :)

[Donna O.]

Okay, I'm not EVEN going to try and be clever here. What the heck?? A scorpion? Crap, that is not good. I'm so sorry V. (can I call you V? After all, you've seen me in my bathing suit- oops- being clever)I don't know how you even typed this post. No pressure but what about my special order? Are just faking this whole thing to buy more time? Uh- huh. Great- you'll probably paint a white scorpion for me. Oh well...as long as it's not orange. Black and orange is fine, though.
So sorry-feel better!
Cleverly-D.

[Donna O.]

PS- All of your Halloween things are very cool!

[Rachelle]

October...so lovely...and Halloween...so magical. My favorite, FAVORITE time of the year. When I saw Michaels getting their Halloween stuff out I had to stop and call my husband right away. I was Out Of Breath Excited.

[freelisa]

Tell Mr. Lovee to kiss it to make it all better for you! Poor Vanessa- scorpions just don't seem like a lot of fun at all.
On a much happier note- happy 100th post! I have loved reading of your adventures in creating and have enjoyed seeing your world through your eyes. Thanks so much!

[gillian]

Oh Vanessa - that is it - I think you just have to move to the UK - we have rain, small snails, halloween, trick or treating, graveyards, no scorpions, green green grass and golden, red and green leaves, rain, more luscious greens, not many cactii, more rain and I think you would love it!!! I can be highly allergic to bites and ended up in ER in florida after being bitten a million times from sand flies (fleas??) whilst camping. Bleuh. So I feel your pain - you poor thing. But 100 posts!! Well congratulations to you my dear. Of course I would love to send you a wee parcel - postcards of nottingham and robin hood in lincoln green amongst other things!!

get well soon! xxx

[carolyn]

Oh Vanessa that sounds awful hope you soon recover.

[Marjorie]

Oh! You poor, poor darling! To be awakened by the bite of a mean little scorpion! Poor, Poor Dear!
Your bobbing for apples, witchy ball sounds ever so delightful....I adore Halloween....the real, autumny, colours changed, cooler weather, little kids in Dracula masks sort of halloween that I've never experienced ( due to growing up in Florida where it's still in the 90's and eternally summer green). So I can empathize with you on the autumnless All Hallow's Eve!

I think I might concoct myself a little costume this year....even if it's only me running round the house like a mad woman!:)

Hoooray for drawings! : )

[stilettoheights]

Oh I am a big sucker for october and Halloween too...growing up in New England I was spoiled with wonderful Autumns...they are a little less grand here in OH but the ;eaves do still change a bit...you could come here for a visit, stay in my big old house!

I am scared for you and your scorpions....they seem to be seeking you out, is that possible?

for your contest....is it today or tomorrow I have to comment?? I am moving tomorrow and will have no internet...:(

[Nancy]

I live in CT. and I too am ready for all things Fall! Brightly colored leaves, cool, crisp nights, trudging through pumpkin patches in search of the perfect pumpkin, warm apple cider....HALLOWEEN!!

SO sorry about the scorpion and the killer cactus! Get better soon so you can create more fantastic art! Congratulations on your 100th post and count me in for your giveaway....you are so much fun! :-)

[sarah]

You know you are always welcome here. We have changing leaves aplenty and I can find you like 6 different corn mazes and a bevy of haunted houses without even trying very hard. Brian is a big party pooper, so it would be fun to have someone to be a kid with.

I'm glad you posted. I was starting to worry that you were dead. I haven't heard from you in ages! Sorry about your fingers. That's something else you wouldn't have to worry about here. Cacti are few and far between and Scorpions are only at the pet store. And most of the biting insects are done for the year. And on Friday, the temp and humidity are supposed to break, because it's almost FALL! *dance dance dance*

[Tricia]

Oh my deal girl, a terrible ordeal for you! injured twice on the same hand!! I wish you speedy recovery!!! how on earth did you type this post with your sore paw???? bad scorpion, BAD!!!!! I don't know how you desert people can stand all that heat and snakes tarantulas and scorpions, and deadly looking cacti!!!! hats off to you!
So, i am sending you this picture to cheer you up:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75065105@N00/290687759/
Giveaway again!!! Wowza! I love Hallowe'en too! I love to hand out candy to cute little kiddies and i always decorate the house up to look spooky. I have at least 2 jack o lanterns and put green lightbulbs on the porch light and play a cd with moans and groans, i may dress up this year to hand out candy, have to think of a good costume. Last year, a kid came to the door dressed as a robot, completely home made costume, including a kitchen colander/strainer on his head! what a hoot!!!

[Lexi]

Where in the desert are you from? I'm down in Tucson, and although I've lived in Arizona all of my life (phoenix, mostly) I haven't yet been stung (knock on wood). Which is kind of surprising, seeing that I used to find them everywhere!
Sorry to hear you were stung!!
And yay for 100 posts!
<3

[Lisa 'Oceandreamer' S.]

I have to say I would have run screaming in to the night....I told you about me and bugs...so knowing a scorpion was crawling on me in the night AND a nasty-a$$ sting...NO THANK YOU! and skunks?
Come further West my friend...come to crazy California where there is a hint of Autumn sometime in October (just in time). There's the beach and a very silly mermaid named Lisa who is awaiting her black and white striped tights to arrive in the mail this week!! Oh the fun of it all!
100 posts? That means 100x wonderful! Congrats! I looked in my crystal ball and I swear I saw you drawing my name, heehee!!
Wishing you a MUCH better day today!!
XOXOXO

[Emma]

Not only are you nearing your 100th post, but your "Love is Real" print is featured on Etsy's front page--double congrats!!

xoxo,
Em

[Beth]

A scorpion? Good grief!!! That's awful! That's another thing we don't have over here thank god! And yes, Halloween is just the most wonderful day of the year! I absolutely can't wait!!! Take care! Watch out for those mean little creatures!

[Wende]

Goodness! I'm shuddering. I hope you feel better soon...

Congrats on that 100th post! I should be hitting 1000 in late November... and giveaways are a GREAT way to celebrate! :D Looking forward to the next 100 posts. :D

[Blue]

I hope you are recovering from your scorpion sting..ouch!
Congratulations on 100 posts...you have a beautiful blog and I hope you have many many more posts in your future!
Feel better soon.
xo
Blue

[Kim Sherrod]

well, my little cold pales in comparison! I hope, hope, hope that you feel better soon! we have lizards and not any scorpions that I have ever seen- how horriblE!!!!!! EEK!!! is right!!! I love Halloween too- its really my favorite Holiday! Please mend yourself and Happy 100th post! Congrats and all that! Hipp Hipp hurray!!!!

[ambermoggie]

congratulations on your anniversary of blogging:)
I hope you feel better soon
Youa re always welcome to come to England for our Samhain party:)

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Yay...Halloween is coming! I love Halloween too! Ouch about the scorpion...Scarey!! A giveaway? The chance to get something from you! Enter me! Fun!!

[Karen Beth]

Your manny... ha! Does Mr. Lovee know all of the names you have for him. Tee heee... :)

A giveaway! Wahoo! Yes, please enter me into the hat for the drawing and hopefully I will get what I've been planning for so long to you! Fingers crossed.

Take care of you around all of the boogers there. Ugh! I thought scorpions were fatal. Shows what I know. I'm sure glad that they aren't!

xo,

Karen Beth :)

[amanda button]

nasty nasty scorpions and skunks and evil cacti! I am so sorry for all the catastrophe! :( having a hand down is HORRIBLE, as i too am discovering right now. I wave my wand in a healing spell.....

Oh, yes, i am polishing up the ol' broomstick and feeling giddier an giddier about the approach of my most favorite holiday! I love your Halloween photos, and i wish my broom could carry me all the way out to the desert to have a witch party with you, dear heart! Oh the potions we could brew! :) i can't wait to see what kinds of Halloween treats you share with us on on your blog as the day grows ever nearer! :)

[Marilyn]

Did someone say giveaway??? You know I'm good with returning the favor in freebie treats.

You know, New York is just lovely in the Fall once you get out of the city and come up to say, where I live, and watch the leaves turn. Plus (+) I live next to SLEEPY HOLLOW! Yes, there really is a Sleepy Hollow,NY! It doesn't get spookier than that!

[Karen Beth]

I meant to say that I also love October but for the cool mornings and evenings. Actually, Halloween is my least favorite of all the holidays but I do love large trees that are so beautifully colored up in fall colors. Fall is my very favorite season of all and I can't wait until it arrives here and I can soak it up!

xo again, :)

Karen Beth

[Erin Earls]

Halloween Halloween Halloween! I love Halloween! It is the bet time of year, especially HERE! The lovely yellow orange and red on the trees, and the ground. Spiders and bats and creepy little things every where. Getting dressed up, and dressing up the little ones. This year the big guy and I are going to be The Jolly Green Giant and Sprout! It should be fun fun fun. I think this year I will be going a little over board, First Halloween in the new house, I want to make every one else jealous!! LOL (Did I tell you I love Halloween?)
Love Erin~

[Cre8Tiva]

ouch...a scorpion sting...must be awful...i am so sorry, being a scorpio and all...skunks, cactus, scorpions...looks like you need a trip to the beach...i don't have changing trees...but we can drive north to see some...all hallows eve is a fav of yours...i like the treats...blessings, rebecca

[Phyllis]

Thats it!! I'm coming to get you. It isn't safe there.
Now I have a place in the woods all cleared out...a series of paths that will be perfect for a Halloween party. We'll line it with fanciful globes with candles hanging from the trees...and decorate the golf cart for you and Mr. Lovee to ride to the punch bowl at the end...there will be a bonfire down in the field for the smores you know...

[mariyarn]

Hope you are better now.....can´t creative with one paw injured.....congrats on the anniversary. Hugs....

[Christa Z.]

aghhh, reminds me of the last time I was in Texas years ago and a scorpion attacked my friend in his sleep. iggkh! makes me shake to just think of it.
And thanks for reminding me that I indeed do need to be creating my next All Hallow's Eve mini top hat. Perhaps bats, or a frog with a snail on his head...
cheers and happy healing.

[Conni Reed]

oh my gosh! What a night!! I want to come to the halloween party! You must take lots and lots of pics for your amigas in blogland! Looks like sooo much fun!

[rachael]

Sorry about your poor hand - and nose(skunks)!
Arizona is breathtakingly beautiful but I don't know about those bugs. & congrats on your 100th post. Please put my name in - I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I would like to do a giveaway but I don't write on my blog. Not sure how I would go about it.
I think I've just written more here than I ever have written online in my life!
Feel better & hide from the bugs

[Geri]

Poor Baby!! I got sting by a scorpion in 1984 and have been terrified every since. I'll light you a green candle!1 Congrats on your 100th

[Rozine]

Ms.V,
I'll trade you one dried scorpion for a dried bat wing.(Not the one flying in my bedroom!)My son Damon is a Scorpio and would love a dried one for Halloween!
Congrats on your blogging!
Rose (Rozine)

[carol]

Oh my!! I have killed 7 of those nasty little bug-a-boos in the last week!! I have never been stung, but one day my number will be up! Congratualtions on the joyous even of your 100 th post!! Woohoo! I'm looking forward to the next 100! Alas, I am in Gilbert, so no Autumn here...but I am from Ohio and do my best to bring the mountain to Mohammed! : ) Love to you!
VB

[risa]

i looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove halloween. maybe we should have a blog dress-up party????

[Anastasia]

we dont celebrate Halloween here...maybe we should, it looks like so much fun!!!!
a dress up blog party sounds like a FAB idea!!!
i loved Carinval time in Cyprus...what a hoot!! we'd all dress up and roam the streets from party to party!
100 posts! how wonderful!! wooeee!!!

naughty scorpian! how freaking scary though...i dont think id ever go to sleep!