I know there is a real world out there. I know there are many serious things going on. I know tax season is looming. Trust me, boy do I realize all of this. Thing is, I don't wanna think about it. Not today. Not now. And, I gather, neither do you. So, c'mon, let's get outta the real world for a little while... We all deserve a break.
Today, it's all about ruffles, swings & sunshine.
It's all about giving yourself a little push...
Propelling your imagination to great heights...
And allowing yourself to drown in it...
It's about having the support of those you love, to fly - unhindered...
It's about, the ones you entrust your heart to, offering up a bit of sweetness when you least expect... (these were totally unplanned, and actually in his hand as he approached me on the swing)
It's about, that hand, the one that clutches yours - inherently knowing when you are sitting still...
And you trusting enough, to fall back into it, and let yourself be gently pushed to other levels within...
Once you reach that special blissful place, of inner thoughts and dreams - the place noone in the world can access, not even the person who really knows you- it's about jumping off and catching it in your ruffles.
It is about, giving yourself permission, to be the person you hold in your mind's eye. It's about, letting the magic in. It is about losing the negativity, and misconceptions people want to box you into about who you are. Because really, the only opinion about you that matters, is the one you have of yourself...
It's about holding on to that tight. And loving you, inside of your life. With all its quirks and imperfections. Because, that is what creates spectacular character...
It was a very sad person who invented the idea of being too old for this or that. Of being too skinny, too tall, too short, too fat, for this or that. It was a very sad person, who blurted out mindless thoughts, that too many people listened to. Thoughts that set boundaries for centuries. Thoughts that had no meaning. No bearing. Just mindless thoughts of one negative person, that took off like wildfire. And because for some reason, it is easier to buy into negativity, we did. But, we don't have to. We never did...
Just close your eyes and put this on. It's magic, I tell ya...
Now, I best be off to unpack some "supplies" I stopped at my house in town to get this week. I promise, they were necessary supplies ;) that I really wanted with me at the country love shack. I own two of lots of things. Shoes, Shampoos and soaps and perfumes... But, there are vintage loves you couldn't possibly have two of... Unless you were an Onassis of course. And even then, you couldn't find two of certain treasures... You just couldn't...
Mister Lovee is always urging me to get a little clutch bag for when we go out. So I don't have to bring my needlepoint monster. I always look at him, like, a little clutch? I don't need to buy one, I have 400 of them at the house in town (not really), but you get my point. And then, I raise an eyebrow and think, what the heck does he know about little clutch handbags?? Haha!!
But I listen. Don't I? I do ;)
Oh, I forgot, silly me. On the art front - I have two new Charming Silhouette prints on canvas, in my shop...
The Treasure Collector- Charming Silhouettes - (AFT watermark does not appear on actual images)
And-
The Seamstress ~Magic Maker ~ Charming Silhouettes
Now - I have to run because I can hear music notes trickling out of Mister Lovee's workshop...
And I just don't want to miss a beat...
♥♥♥♥, V
ps: Why does time go by so fast? This week whipped past me like, I dunno. The only thing I ever wanted to have in common with this song, was being 15 years old, and being strapped into a standing spinning tilting swirling rocket at a carnival, and having this blasted into my ears, as my guts hit my brain cells, and dropped to my feet... ;) I didn't want time slipping by to be quite so literal. Sheesh ;)
pss: I made this exact baked hungry-girl.com recipe this weekend!! With original Fiber One cereal, ground in the blender as breading - with a little garlic seasoning mixed in. Yummmy, and so much better than fried, which we like to avoid... Oh wait - I didn't use egg beaters. I used 3 brown eggs...
Tonight - my special custardish Jewish rice pudding recipe for mister lovely, oops I mean Mr. Lovee, tee hee ;) Tenderly cooked in a lovely bain marie... See you sooooon! (sooner than last time)
It's always a joy to stop by your blog. I love all your colelctions of stuff and that skirt reminds me of a cloud~
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 25, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Thank you for all the great reminders in this sweet post!
Posted by: Laura | January 25, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Wow - well said. How sad that the world has become such that negativity has become the norm instead of words of encouragement, happiness and joy.
Thank you for being you!
Posted by: Carolyn Lynn | January 25, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Vanessa,
I just love this post it is so true. I am loving your shoes and beautiful skirt. This post just made me want to be a better me. Thank you! Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Posted by: Bobbi Jo Nichols | January 25, 2009 at 04:49 PM
I LOVE THOSE SHOES!!! My husband's nickname for me is Imelda....could it be because I have so many shoes? But I can't help it! Both my mother and my birthmother have a thing for shoes.....so whether it is genetic or environment.....it's ALL about the shoes!! And it has been passed on to my daughter....go figure!! The great thing about shoes is that if you gain 10 pounds, your favorite jeans may not fit anymore but your favorite shoes will!! :D Hugs from Texas.....
~Allie
Posted by: Allie | January 25, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Isn't it amazing what a pair of completely impractical shoes can do for your spirit! The winter-y-ness around here eats my shoes so I am stuck lugging my feet around in such unfashionable and perfectly practical ugly-ness. I cannot wait for signs of spring, which include perfectly pedicured toes and outrageous shoes (of course, you have me beat on the festive-ness of your footwear!). Enjoy the day, sweet friend! You have made me smile :-)
Erin
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | January 25, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Your photos always brighten my day! Love the shoes!! I make a lot of recipes from "Hungry Girl!" The fudge with canned pumpkin is one of my favs...Have you found their "Better N' Butter?" It's pretty good stuff! :)Mendy
Posted by: Mendy | January 25, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Oh Hellooooo Lttle Miss!
I don't know why or how time speeds up but it most certainly does :( It use to nip by at a fairly good clip before I was living my dream 24/7 but now!! Now that I've been given the gift to completly live my dream it literly is zipping by. Ah but never to fast to make beautiful memories ;)
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mexico
Posted by: Pattie W | January 25, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I needed ruffles and sunshine today. Thank you, Miss V.
Posted by: Shell | January 25, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Those shoes, oh those adorable shoes, how I love them. Love all your sweet bling as well!!
Posted by: stephanie | January 25, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Hello Miss Vanessa,
This is such an awesome post...
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela Delworth | January 25, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Oh how I would love a closer look at all those pretty little petticoat layers and the shoes are just TOO DARLING FOR WORDS!!!! Do you think Miss M could model them for us? Who is Miss M you ask? Why she's your mannequin who donned the lovely frock made of bounty paper towels. You said they didn't like the "M" word so I gave her a name.
I hope you've had a wonderful weekend...Jewish rice pudding...that sound intriguing!
Posted by: Cori. G | January 25, 2009 at 07:12 PM
I enjoy stopping by to see how ya doing. I love ya bracelet! Hope ya having a wonderful day. Hugs~
Posted by: Poetic Dreams | January 25, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Oh, my beloved little Magical Muse! Such a lovely post of course...hubby came in the room as I was enjoying my visit with you and asked, "Whose shoes?" I replied, "Guess". "AH, your little New Age Hippie", hubby said a little too quickly. Between you and me, I think he already knew.
**blows kisses** Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | January 25, 2009 at 07:30 PM
Ha, yeah...I remember those spinning swirling thingamajigs at the carnivals when i was a kid....one of my fav's! What a great memory, hehe! Time does fly doesn't it?
Love that you got some nice swing time in with your pup and what lovely treats Mr. Lovee gave you, how sweet! It was actually a beautiful, sunny day here on the East Coast too...and my dogs were lovin' that too ;-)
And I'm lovin' those magical shoes & vintage goodies...can't wait to hear what you'll do with them V! Have a great week (that hopefully doesn't go by so fast this time).
Hugs* ~ Jamie
Posted by: Jamie | January 25, 2009 at 07:35 PM
I wrote about the week and weekend flying by in my blog tonight, too! You have such a fun blog...I can escape here and share a little of your sunshiny world! Love your turquoise bracelet...that's what I'm wearing right now! I think my ring matches your bracelet! heehee!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | January 25, 2009 at 07:38 PM
I posted a photo of my ring! I hope you get a chance to hop over and visit tonight!
http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | January 25, 2009 at 08:03 PM
ohh dear Ms. V...I love stopping by your blog..every time I feel blue, I stummble arcoss a post of yours, and instantly (like sunshine) it makes me happy..I started getting in that "common real world" mood..and its a horrible feeling..and behold..I stumble across this post, and it changed my thoughts and mood..I love it!!! :)
Posted by: kristinguillory | January 25, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Ohh Miss V~ I missed you so! Great shoes!!!! I hope this message finds you in a spectaclular state of mind! The petticoat is to die for! I shall be dropping you a personal message~ Look out for it!
Hugs~
Miss Ann-Denise
Posted by: Ann-Denise Anderson | January 25, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Ohhhh, I swear I am doing my best to NOT think of horrible things this whole weekend. That was the goal. My husband and I actually got home from a gig late Friday night and danced in the living room. It is has been far too long since I have danced. There is so much going on that we forget to have fun sometimes. But I put it all aside for the weekend and I am feeling better than I have felt it a couple months. Ya just have to forget the terrible sometimes ... and forget how time keeps slipping, slipping ...
Posted by: Kandes Lee | January 25, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Ah, Mr. Lovee is a sweetie for sure, with or without sweets in his hand. Your blog is my music and sunshine today. Thanks, as always. Happy
Posted by: Happy | January 25, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Very sweet! It looks like a lovely afternoon.
Posted by: tattingchic | January 25, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Ah, dearest V, love the shoes, the ruffles, the swing, your philosophy (hope you won't mind if I borrow it in a post later), the hearts (what a thoughtful man he is), the jewelry, the beaded clutch, the prints, the music, the food - bliss! Lots of love to you, mi amiga! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | January 26, 2009 at 05:06 AM
Hola!!!
Un post maravilloso como nos tenes acostumbrados.
Los rosas hermosas.
Los zapatos magicos con brillos multicolor.
Besos
Posted by: Jorgelina | January 26, 2009 at 05:32 AM
"the only opinion about you that matters, is the one you have of yourself" So true! I need to remember that.
How could you NOT be happy while wearing those shoes? Those are happy, joyous shoes!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 26, 2009 at 06:25 AM
Wow, I loved this post! I have been feeling alot of negativity lately just about life! Like you want to make your own magical world and stay in it! Isn't that sad! It's hard to ENJOY the REAL world!
I enjoy your world so much, just brings magic to my soul!!!!
Take care doll!
Posted by: Carrie~LoLaEnChAnTeD~ | January 26, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Have a told you lately? You are so marvelous.
Posted by: Liberty Post Editor | January 26, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Oh i just wanted to say how wonderfully your sight is like an array of dreams. Soo frolicking in paddocks of sparkling flowers & long lost treasures that glitter in the sunlight. & a wonderful thankyou for your kind help when i accidentally emailed you.
how beautiful you are!!!
Posted by: Chenoa | January 26, 2009 at 07:58 AM
I absolutely love those SHOES and that SKIRT! and yes, it looks like you are dancing on clouds! Beautiful, just beautiful!
Enjoy your week!
Cheers
Posted by: Michelle Schafer | January 26, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Oh, Miss Vee, thank you for putting me in a swingin' mood! Between that swirly skirt, and those FINE espadrilles, (and a view of a nice strong man willing to push), I want to come out there and join you!
And, I can't go without mentioning that FAB Indian bracelet. Is that Zuni? Or Navaho? What a great piece.
Enjoy your sojourn from reality a while longer. There's time yet...
xoxo,
Kate
Posted by: shibori girl | January 26, 2009 at 09:04 AM
I totally agree - you are never too anything, you can do as you please as long as no one gets hurt. Love you ruffles by the way.
I would love to hear your rice pudding recipe - I LOVE rice pudding.
Posted by: Di Overton | January 26, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Oh!!! I must have those shoes!!! They are wonderful. The ruffles are cool too!! The sun is shining and the birds are calling, it must be time for me to go out and play too. Just lay in the grass and make cloud animals!! How fun!! See you later!!!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | January 26, 2009 at 10:50 AM
As usual Vanessa, a beautifully written post on loving and being yourself. It is hard to do sometimes when you live with other peoples negativity.
I love your new prints especially the first one!!
Kris
Posted by: Kris | January 26, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Wonderful girl, thank you for this post.
I am jettisoning *alot* of that negative baggage right this very instant, cleaning cobwebs and letting go...thank you for the positive reinforcement as i strip myself down to the bare buttons :)
Posted by: Amanda Button | January 26, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Oh So Very Lovely (and the perfect amount of ruffles,too!) :) Happy Monday to You!! : )
Posted by: Marjorie | January 26, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I always love escaping into your blog!! It's always so fun! Love the button, bangle, bead bracelet!! Very pretty!
Posted by: Jenny S | January 26, 2009 at 03:02 PM
I love the shoes and bracelet!! Have a lovely week!!
Posted by: Kylee Ward | January 26, 2009 at 04:57 PM
What a lovely song indeed...here in this post, with the prose of who we are deep inside...
Posted by: sadira | January 26, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Well look at that strum-thumbnail. Sure sign of a guitarist. Is that a word? anyway, I tear my nails all the time. Can't get strong enough nails, and have to get extra callouses on my fingertips. Good thing I'm not a pro!
Your sentiments about self-love are so right on. We trust so many other voices than our own. We must embrace ourselves!
I'm just watching a program about Ed Fella, and seeing him make his fun drawings with a fat, four-color Bic ballpoint just put me in the dirt. Would I think to do that? NO!
Thanks for the ruffles!!
Posted by: Chris | January 26, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Oh, you have to share those shoes! It looks like someone glued all of those tiny candies to them. I think Scarlett Ohara had the right idea..."I'll think about that tomorrow..."
Posted by: waterrose | January 26, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I SOOOO needed this post. Thanks.
Posted by: Lori Anderson | January 26, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Yes! I love this entry. And of course all of your stunning photos. (Especially the one of the candy hearts in Mr.'s hand!!) You lose yourself in the day to day mundane-ness(is that a word?) And it is nice to play, sing, laugh, dance, share and dress up. Like that book when we were young "Free to be you and me." Thanks for a great start to my new day! xoxo Suzy
Posted by: Suzy Pierce | January 27, 2009 at 10:40 AM
I LOVE YOUR ARTWORK. I AM ALSO GOING TO CHECK OUT YOUR ETSY SITE.
Posted by: JUDY | January 27, 2009 at 01:19 PM
YOUR STYLE BRINGS JOY TO ONE'S SOUL!
Posted by: TAPESTRIESOFNATURE | January 27, 2009 at 01:23 PM
What lovely photos! So magical. Love your new art pieces-you have a little bit of everyone wonderful here!
Posted by: merle | January 27, 2009 at 01:45 PM
I danced right over after reading the quote from your blog at Paris Parfait. Tara has introduced me to lots of sites, but yours, full of permission and fancy pretties, is the most uplifting yet!! Why, oh why do we buy into limitations? I would love to sit down in one of those peely chairs and rock back and forth with my face to the sun - which is sadly missing in my Texas locale today. You gave me the sun I needed!
Posted by: Rebekah | January 27, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Tra-la dear Ms. V. What a wonderful world it is with you and Mr. Lovee. I can almost hear the music and see you twirling about. One of my favorite quotes (don't know where I saw it)
"Can you show me the way to escape and I'll follow you?!"
You showed me and I'm a-following. The calliope tune is playing, the air is clear and I am SO there!!
Thanks Vanessa - Kathy in Chicago (where our governors make our license plates)
Posted by: Kathy in Chicago | January 27, 2009 at 03:20 PM
What a beautiful post, and quite splendid soul laughing shoes! I made your quiche the other night and it was amazing, but we got carried away and forgot to take snaps. I'll just need to make it again x
Posted by: Laura B | January 27, 2009 at 04:30 PM
oh you can never be told enough...your posts are always so lovelee...so enchanting...so beautiful!!!! I am sad it's been a while since my last visit..I have been missing out!
Posted by: Kellie h | January 27, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Hi Sweet V,
I should be packing for Phoenix...but I am lost in wandering threw your beautiful post!!!
Enjoy your serenading from Mr. Lovee's guitar;0)
Have a wonderful week creating!!!
Hugs,
KayEllen
Posted by: Kay Ellen | January 27, 2009 at 05:43 PM