What is it that we love about autumn so much? I have been asked many times, what I love about Halloween, and I have to say, I think it is a menagerie of things, but it also encompasses much of what is simply autumn based.
I love that the idea of fall brings certain things to mind, like, hay rides, pumpkin patches, changing leaves, a crisp breeze...
I love the feeling and aroma of baking on a cool day. I love browns and oranges and reds... But, I think it also has to do with that which brings wonderful memories of childhood. My Mom is the master of the festive feeling. She can have a festive holiday all by herself on a plain and ordinary day. I like to think I get bits of that from her.
Oh silly me, I didn't offer you any tea while we sit and chat...
So, my mom always makes a big deal of the changing seasons (which I enjoy so much). And there is always love and laughter surrounding that. I remember the sound of the sewing machine creating elaborate Halloween costumes. The stop and go of my mom's foot on the pedal...
And all of the glitter and sparkle that came with preparing for October 31st, as fall wound its way into our lives. There was also the beginning of baking pumpkin based treats. Collecting big beautiful leaves and spraying them with fairy glitter... So, perhaps that is where the love of Autumn, and then the dress up part of Halloween, began for me...
I chose this day to pick the last of the roses. Scattering them about. Taking tiny snippets of herbs that faintly whispered good-bye, until next summer. I held them to my nose. Memorizing the tingle of lavender as the scent filled my senses. I put up my feet, and drank in the breeze...
And, for the first time, I had a tug at my heart strings, in saying good-bye to summer. My neck of the woods is funny, in that the season changes from one day to the next. 3 days ago, nights became chilly. And that was that...
I have no lovely afterglow tan to watch fade away as the cool months approach, because I have been staying out of the sun for the last few summers. Which will probably be a good thing in the end... But, I remember those tan filled days of my teens... Olive oil, baby oil, any oil!! hahaaaa! Anyhow, I veer...
So, as I sat there soaking in the changing of the seasons...
I was reminded of this dream I had many years ago, about a kind of Autumn Halloween Town, that I wish I could just turn into reality somehow. As the describing of it, does it no justice...
So, if you can put on your dream goggles I will try to bring it to life, with some me-made, and some other artsy-friend-made treasures... (precious house by the talented 58 cherries -I photoshopped in the two rounded windows at top just for Amityville effect, little creatures by me)
Now, this doesn't really look like the village in my dream, but we can pretend. You see, in my dream, there were these trees that were full of fall leaves and blackbirds. But as the blackbirds flew into the sky, all the leaves dropped off the trees, and exposed a hidden Autumn Village. Where sparkles came out of chimneys, and laughter filled the air. Where a carousel went round and round, and let you venture into times of a hundred years ago.
And lots of ghosts and goblins and children in Halloween costume ate great big caramel apples, and violet sparkles dripped out of the harvest orange sky, while stars twinkled and good witches flew about... There was so much color and sparkle. I could only bring it to life with the help of the creator of Nanny Mcphee. (I wish I could say to them, Hey guys, I have a story for you ;)
The little Autumn town I brought to life for this story, has a different twist. You see, there was this really nice witch (made by an outrageoulsy talented sweet friend - Laura of Rhinestone Armadillo - who is kindred to the core, and quite lovely to boot!!).
This witch lived in the lovely worded house. She let a couple ghosts and elves live with her too (blurred on purpose, for dreamscape effect).
She didn't mind, because she spent most of her time on a little hill, overlooking her house.
She was a lovely witch, and had a way about her that made creatures want to gather by her side. (sorry Laura, she borrowed my mascara ;)
As the sun would set, you could be sure she was up to her evening spells and brews, and other things too...
You could even hear her haunting music, rustling through the trees, as she filled her cauldron...
But sometimes, she would get right down to business, and put on her hat...
Because, she might have a guest, who needed to have his or her fortune told...
And who knows, what the future might hold. I for one, don't really want to know, but I still like hearing fortune teller stories. And where I come from, witches are called "brujas" and they tell fortunes and make spells... What about in your neck of the woods?
Needless to say, this was a good witch. And her fortune telling was about planting. Planting seeds of love, planting seeds of herbs, planting good thoughts in your heart and mind. Planting your feet on the ground to dance...
How do you like them apples?
So, that is that. The story about the witch in Autumn Town ends for now... As she is telling me, the future holds a drawing for Halloween Postcards!! And the lucky number is 73!! I used the random # generator this time around... I know lazy me... Melissa Buford!! Yay for you!! Please send me your address so I can send your postcard treasure your way!!
I also have to give a super special thank you to a real peachy girl, who just joined the blogging community not too long ago. She and I have been friendly since way back, before she started a blog, when it was a mere thought. Her name is Jennifer, and she sent me the most amazing surprise package. Seeing how she is the Trinket Treasure Queen and all ;) Thank you Miss J!!
Now, if I could only find my favorite lil' slippers Miss Twyla made me, to show you. She and her lovely girl are so super sweet (they sent me a fun parcel a while back)!! Those sockies help me keep my feet warm, and are currently intertwined in the covers of my unmade bed!! I promise to show you one day!! Thank you girls!!
Now take a treat, and meet me here in a few days for more playing (thriftventure giveaway fun)...
I am about to get back to serious playing again. I wrapped all the parcels, sent them out, and am just catching up a lil' bit... Now I will do my best to focus on the Halloween Party!! It is not too late to join in at all.
Many have asked and the answer is, it is still early enough to sign up. Now late would be, the day before the party. And even then, I am happy to add a few last minute party people!! As I have mentioned, I will put up the list of patiers a couple of days before the party so you can let me know if I got your name and link correct and if you want to be on or off the list. ;)
Yesterday I had a lovely girl day, went to a bakery, shopped a little, and enjoyed life, oh ya, and saw my accountant (eeeks), why is that always scary? Mr. Lovee also returned from a few days away, and that was AWFULLLLL (not that bad, but let me over exaggerate a little)!!! Never go anywhere again Mr. Lovee pleeeease, the elves cried the whole time!!
Why do the trees seem bigger and spookier and the nights seem extra dark when the Mister is away?? I did pretty good actually. But still, no more go aways days!!
This week we are going to Night fall... In Old Tucson. Yikes!! I'll take pictures, I promise!! Oh and if you have not seen "The Fall" you must, I loved it, here is a movie trailer. I am watching it again tonight...
So, I am off! Here is the last beauteous rose of the season... For you...
Oh and Manny sends his love too...
Arrivederci for now!! ♥ V
Vanessa, you always make my day. Love those pictures. You are Awesome!!!!!
Posted by: Lisa-Vet | October 07, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Posted by: Natalie at FLHomeBlog | October 07, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Manny...so cute! I had to comment on this post not only because I love fall and adore your storytelling, but I saw a praying mantis 2 days ago! It was very fun to see and hold. Like a gift from nature. We let her go and watched her disappear into the leaves.
xoxo
~K
Posted by: *~KRiSTa~* | October 07, 2008 at 07:51 PM
your posts are always so magical, thank you:)
Posted by: trish | October 07, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Beautiful. I only wish the story could have gone on longer.
Posted by: Shell | October 07, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I so enjoy getting to be in your magical world via your blog if only for a moment.
Your posts always put a smile on my face and for that I thank you kindly ;)
Denise
Posted by: Denise | October 07, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Oh, the witch looks right at home in VanessaLand! I'm glad you've provided her with a nice cauldron adn let her use the gramophone. And, you know what? She looks a lot better with some mascara-----(maybe it was time for a makeover!)
Ah, the days of suntans. I have given those up, too. And added a yearly visit to the dermatologist for mole mapping. It's weird....they make note of all my freckles and moles-I feel like a breathing constellation map in reverse.
A praying/preying? mantis!!!! I had the evil doppelganger version at my house a few days ago. It was sticky brown and had beady little eyes. It kept crawling around on the ceiling on top of me. Usually, I'm ultra fond of little crawlers, but this one just reeked of bad luck. "Get it down!" I shrieked to my husband. He and the dogs escorted it outside before it could impart some nasty little Halloween spell. I'm glad you have the benevolent cousin.
Posted by: OohLaLaura | October 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Vanessa...I am SO excited that you are going to go RED!!! This is a really great organization for the kids. Have you seen the artists that are signing up!!! wow! Thank you , Thank you, Thank you!
TErisa
Posted by: Terisa | October 07, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Vanessa,
Every time I visit you have fantastic photos and fun! Love it!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela Delworth | October 07, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Oh Vanessa you have such lovely stories to tell:)
Always a pleasure to stop by!!!
Love that last picture:)
Glad you had some fun girlie time.
Hugs sweetie,
kayellen
Posted by: kayellen | October 07, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Your dreams are just superb! And your newest creations are absolutely adorable. Happy Autumn to you!
Posted by: Shell | October 08, 2008 at 01:26 AM
after reading all that i am still trying to work out how you took the photo of you pouring the tea. did an elf help? or perhaps it was the witch *^_^* big kiss noises mmmwwwaah rosey
Posted by: rosey | October 08, 2008 at 03:57 AM
Your imagination sounds like a beautiful place to live!
Posted by: Alyson | October 08, 2008 at 05:36 AM
Um....your posts are - I have no words - grand, mind-blowing, unlike anything else I've seen. They are like taking a hit of acid and going on a magickal mystery tour of a faerie realm. I'd love to see a movie written, directed, and totally created by you. I also think I'd like to live in that world.
We have lots of praying mantis-es (or is it manti?? :) on our property. Just a few days ago I saw one crawling up the side of the garage (he's on my blog).
~Magickal You~
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | October 08, 2008 at 06:01 AM
You ARE a Fanciful Creature, Miss Vee! Loved your story, and those pix with the stars and vapors emanating from your Witchy's cauldron. Was that a love potion?
Fall looks very pretty in your neck of the woods. Someday I might visit - I long to see parts of this amazing country yet unbeknownst to me.
Manny is amazing.
xoxo,
Kate
Posted by: shiborigirl | October 08, 2008 at 07:24 AM
They are called brujas wheres I come from, too, or curanderas, and my grandmother was one. She didn't cotton to spell casting though, sticking to the fortune telling and maybe a potion or two.
I do remember her getting awfully irate when her sister started casting some nasty spells, though. hmm.
Posted by: rowena | October 08, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Oh my, you truly are The Magical Muse. How I adore you!
You MUST read Merry Christmas, love the Mantis Family by everyone's beloved NieNie...it's about half way down on the linked page...Dec 20th...**blows kisses**
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_archive.html
Posted by: Deborah | October 08, 2008 at 08:42 AM
STUNNING. You have no idea how excited I am to go on a walk today and just THINK about Autumn...
Posted by: Rachel | October 08, 2008 at 09:13 AM
What a sweet story and I looove the good witch. She is so neat!! Thank you for the last rose of the season it is beautiful and thank you Miss Vanessa for sending my package. The print is even prettier than in your shop. I love it and so will the children when I show them.
Hugs,
Kris p.s. your postcards are so lovely, I think I may have to frame them.
Posted by: Kris | October 08, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Hello dear!
I am mezmerized today! I get that way after visiting you! You always take me out of reality (which is one reason I love ya) and drop me right into a world that I couldn't even dream up! It's so perfect, charming, and full of warm fuzzies!!! I just never want to leave!!!!!!!!!!!!~
Posted by: CARRIE West | October 08, 2008 at 12:40 PM
The Fall looks like a great movie. The costumes are so rich and wonderful! I never heard of Night Fall in Tucson...sounds like a great, spooky time. Perhaps I can talk hubby and some friends into going down to see ....experience it.
Great dream story and scenes.
Posted by: waterrose | October 08, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Oh, I think I inherited my mom's festive season and holiday gene, too! (Along with all the holiday decorations, Thanksgiving and Christmas china and more!) Stepping into your autumn world at the end of this hectic workday is like giving myself a wonderful sweet treat, with goblins and good witches who tell fortunes! I'm enchanted, joyful and smiling just a wee bit more than I did before!
Posted by: Jeanie | October 08, 2008 at 01:33 PM
What wonderful halloween memories and treats for today.
Does one get the feeling that autumn/fall is a very magic and beloved season in Bloglandia?
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 08, 2008 at 01:35 PM
~I enjoy your magical photos!~ Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | October 08, 2008 at 05:16 PM
YIPPPEEEEE!!! i'm soooooooooooo happy that you enjoyed your sneaky surprise package!!! it's alot of work keeping a secret like that!!! hee hee!!!
i am absolutely over the moooooooon in love with your little halloween village! so very magickal!!! i totally see it as a post card... wishing you were here... i love it!!! and you know i'd buy it. well i'd buy any postcard from you. so strange how little 4 by 6 works of art will have me jumping up and down with excitement...
i'm so inspired after reading your beautiful beautiful autumn post, my favorite time of the year! i also have many fond memories of halloween. even as an adult, it holds so much fun and magic. i'm off now, back to the studio to continue my super spooktacular halloween party surprises!!!
Posted by: jennlui | October 08, 2008 at 05:26 PM
What a truely magical post in Every way and then SURPRISE! I got a mention! I'm glad you like your slippers. They're magical, you know. Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | October 08, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Amazing.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | October 08, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Hi !!!!
Es un placer pasar a visitarte...siempre esta lleno de magia y cosas lindas.
Adoro las fotos...very fun!!!!
Un saludo enorme.
Jorgelina
It is a pleasure to pass to visitarte… always this plenty of magic and pretty things.
I adore the photos… very fun!
An enormous greeting.
Jorgelina
Posted by: Jorgelina | October 09, 2008 at 04:59 AM
"Beautifully worded house"... I wanna live there. I'm going to work on making my home a beautifully worded house!! You inspire even when it's not the plot of the story =)
Hope things have been well for you. I'm sorry to have not been by to visit more often. I love it here! Life has been crazy-busy. All this delicious world of blogs available at my fingertips and I spend my days in my own little world.
Blessings... Polly
Posted by: Polly | October 09, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Aaaaackk! I must say that Manny gave me a fright, as I (close his ears) have a horrible praying mantis phobia. They give me the chills. I'll save that story for another day.
I know what you mean about the pains of the mister leaving. My beau has been gone for the better part of this month and will be leaving again soon! It is sad, but my dog does a pretty good job of keeping me company. He even sleeps on the pillow next to me at night :)
Posted by: Cassandra | October 09, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Oh I always just love your pictures!
Posted by: thrilled by the thought | October 09, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Oh just look at all those mailers and packages!! What treats await those Dears!! :)
I'm in love with your tiny treasures and magical mini-stovlings!! What a delight to visit you each time!! :)
Happy Autumn Dreams!! :)
Posted by: marjorie | October 09, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Miss Valencia, what a creative blog you've got! I'm very impressed :) will certainly come back again....
cielo
Posted by: cielo | October 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I know I can ALWAYS find wonderfully delightful tales when I visit here!
Hugs!
Posted by: Ulla | October 09, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Halloween!
So inspiring!
Edward and I love coming here to visit!
Posted by: Pamela | October 09, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Dearest VV,
Thank you for your steadfast bolgship and remembering to pop by to check on me and say hi. It means so much! Your a good witch!!
Happy Autumn Friend!!
This is a wonderfully creative post.
It makes me happy.
If I can get it together, I would like to be part of your Halloween extravaganza!! We'll see.
Hi to Lovee and Momby.
and all the troupes.
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | October 09, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Absolutely charming. Everyone should be so lucky as I to have found you! The licorice allsort made me smile! Not to mention your well thought out set. Cheers to the Autumn. And to you!
I am awaiting the final rosehip harvest here. Our rosewater brides pinks turned out heavenly. Your rose photo captures what I tried to do with our brides' pinks cupcakes. Again thank you Vanessa.
Lyns
Posted by: Sweet Cuppin Cakes Bakery | October 09, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Manny's winkin' at me.
Cheeky wee lad.
xox!!!
Posted by: Gillian | October 09, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Always lovely to take a trip into your imagination! LOVE those shoes you have on while you're reflecting on autumn!!!
And those roses are gorgeous, too!!
Posted by: Bethany | October 09, 2008 at 09:25 PM
If that little house is any indication of what is going on at all times...well I can see the "writing on the wall".
(I couldn't pass it up!)
D.
Posted by: Donna O. | October 09, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Your posts never disappoint. Always so beautiful!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | October 09, 2008 at 10:16 PM
What a wonderful post, it's was so lovely o hear where your passion for celebration comes from! Those last 2 pics of the roses are beautiful :)
Posted by: Laura | October 10, 2008 at 02:21 AM
Your blog is always so magical! Of course, as a Hallween artist, autumn is my absolute favorite season! Just returned from the Ghoultide Gathering up in Michigan with my head absolutely spinning.....witches and goblins and ghosts, oh my!
Thanks for sharing your dreams and visions. It's always nice to find a kindred Halloween spirit:)
~ Carolee
Posted by: carolee | October 10, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Oh my heavens! Look at all the fall goodness...sigh.
Posted by: sadira | October 10, 2008 at 06:52 AM
GREAT post! Love your colour tights in this post in the sidebar! FUN! FUN! FUN!
ENJOY your weekend!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | October 10, 2008 at 08:47 AM
You are such an enchanting story teller and such a gifted artist.
Posted by: Yoli | October 10, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Your mommie sure raised her little girl right....an imagination as BIG as the MOON!
I am loving your 'added' glittery-ness to your photos.
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | October 10, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Thanks to our beautiful mutual friend Lisa O, I now have your badge linked finally.
(I am a typepad challenged user.)
So, that said, count me in for the Halloween party...!!! Puh-lease!!!!!!!
xoxoxo
These photos are amazing. You could create a whole series of children's books based on these dolls of yours all photoshopped up brilliantly. They would make excellent picture books Vanessa.
!!!!
xo
Posted by: Gillian | October 10, 2008 at 04:47 PM
ooooh I love that witch!!! could i make an appointment with her;)!?? I can't imagine a better setting to have your fortune told:):)
hope you have a LOVELY fall weekend my dear Vanessa!!!
xoxo...jenn
Posted by: noodle and lou studio | October 10, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Yes, yes it't the memories that make this time of year so special. The memories of the past and the memories to come. Halloween is such a magical time and so fun. Thanks for sharing Halloween town. I wish I could step in. So many goodies, and roses too. Thanks for another lovely post.
Posted by: DeeLight | October 11, 2008 at 06:00 AM