It's Spring today - they say, they say...

Today is the day you choose a key...

   

A little keyhole, opens the door to a new season.  They say it's spring and with good reason...

         

There are wildflowers everywhere.  Now, if it is still chilly where you are today, and you wish you were here, just remember to hold thoughts of me near, when it is 120' in summer here, and extra lovely there...  For I'll be wishing I lived in your neck of the woods for certain...

Alas, it is lovely here today, a tad overcast.  A treat for this sunny place.  And wildflowers are the topic everywhere you go...

        

Why just yesterday, I was faced with a great wildflower decision.  I sat at a stop sign in my car, a hill to the right, filled with such colors, and I tried with all my might - to enjoy them from afar.  But, flower power compelled me, to look in my rear view mirror, and make a split second decision...

Bolt out of the car in heels and skirt, and scale the little hill for a batch of flowers, or drive on?

You guessed right, the flowers won.  And just in time, as a car came, and wondered what was up, with this girl insane...

     

Spring cleaning has taken hold, as bags and bags emerge, from this little country shackling, filled with all manner of things unneeded and absurd...   

Organizing has left us feeling ever peaceful.  Gardening every afternoon has filled my week.  Washing winter away is always a treat.  Piles and piles of all that has passed go away, and trays of new flowers and herbs galore, wait to be planted.

   

I am relocating giant sized aloe and all manner of gardening things.  I love the soil.  I love doing things outside.  Which leads us back to the lawnmower topic.  I really want to be the one who goes out and mows the madness.  I love the exercise while tidying up the garden... 

So Mister Lovee has agreed to have his monster of a gas lawnmower polished to new, the one whose string pulling dislocates my shoulder :) and if after, it is still too hard to use, then a new one is in store...  Although, I might not get a rideable one, because then the exercise part goes out the window...  The guys who help us year to year, will be here to do the big jobs...  So you see, I suppose I am happy as a clam could be on that front...  And if things don't go as I see planned, I'll have to work on my neighbors, as some of you suggested ;) (oh and did you notice - the cheeky Mister left his first comment in that last blog post)

Soooo, let's see, where were we on the Spring talk?

Oh yes...

Mint green eggs make me happier than ever (although, I dropped this one right after I took the picture - silly me - but I saved it, as I caught it and it cracked in my hand, phewey)

   

Reading and drawing and listening to records with the windows open by evening is such a treat. A gentle breeze is one of my favorite spring things...

         

    

    

    

As I draw and put the finishing touches on clay.

   

    

I watch all manner of movies while sculpting or sketching.  Mostly of the documentary variety.  I watch, Grey Gardens often, & stories on any artist -  Frida or Alice Neel (love her work), Georgia O'Keeffe & Alfred Stieglitz, the list is endless.  I just love artist's stories.

I learned of Grey Gardens when I was a girl of 18 - and have revisited those two Edie's often over the years.  Now a movie about them looms on April 18th - HBO.  We'll see how that goes...  It is always a funny feeling, when you grew up knowing about certain artists or topics or places (like growing up with Frida all around you in Mexico), and they are part of your upbringing, and then today are super popular with movies etc. emerging...  It's so exciting!

I saw "Dear Zachary" which was a toughie (topic wise).  And I saw "Ballet Shoes," based on the children's novel, cute for young girls.  Goodness, I have seen so many movies in the last two years, I am running out of things to see ;).  I liked Australia...  Oh yes, the docu on Sally Mann was interesting to watch as well.  You might find this funny, but I enjoy watching anything on Warhola and the factory people...  Have seen this dozens of times...  There are all sorts of lovely docu's to watch while working - and I don't know why, but I definitely veer towards non-fiction. 

Speaking of veering - did I veer there or what? ;)

I have wanted to show you the funnest lil' thing for the last couple of weeks and keep forgetting.  You see, Mister Lovee gave me a few peculiar Valentine's Day gifts - one of which I think I made perfect use of...

   

What is it you ask?  Well, I immediately thought it was an old fashioned bottle opener.  But since we don't ever drink soft drinks - I don't like them at all - I promptly went out and bought some, to use with my new tool.  Which I mounted in the studio...

         

         

I made Mister Lovee drink them (he doesn't like them too much either).  I am a water, black coffee, sometimes fresh juice kind of girl.  But a few sips as an excuse to use my dandy tool, is fun once in a while.  I don't know why, soda's make me feel rotten and head-achy. 

Oh, and later, after I showed Mister Lovee how proudly I used my little piece of metal, he informed me, it was an old window latch, hahahaaa!!

Well - it worked for bottle opening too ;)

This afternoon I am going to harvest some chamomile.  There is so much growing it is unreal, every where you turn you see it...

   

I am also trying to make limequat jam.  I have done my research.  But I am not sure I am quite on track.  Maybe I should just make tarts?  If you have any important jam tips, feel free to clue me in ;)

         

And because you have read this entirely wacky blog post - I think we need to have a little Spring Pizzaz fun - so I am going to send this Party Hat from last years Mad Tea Party, to one of you ;)  A little Spring Fever giveaway - just say Howdy and I'll drop your name into a hat... 

   

         

         

You always need a party hat.  Always ;) ;) 

Sooooo, the next time you see me - I'll bring a few friends and creatures to say hello...  This is an interesting little group of characters.  Oh, they all are into spring - talking about plants and flowers and roots...

    

Soooo, for now I say, see you real real soon friends!!   I've been on a wee lucky streak - so I will show you some parcels that have made me swoon, very soon ;) ;)  Fine chocolate and a beautiful creation found their way to my mailbox...

Why are parcels so darn wonderful???  I love mailbox treats!  And, enjoy sending them out too ;)

Happy Spring!!

♥, V

Comments

[Marilyn]

Howdy...Happy Spring Day, right back to ya...looking forward to your clay creations!!!;o)

[Stacy]

I read the entire post but admit to going back to the first picture with all those marvellous keys! Where did you get them all! They are simply fantastic!!!

I have that book "The Language of Flowers" and you've reminded me I can use those images to try sketching some too!

Love your blog always!

[Sheri DeBow]

Miss Vanessa Your package is mailed away and headed to you.I hope you are as excited to see it as I was excited to see yours!You gave me so many inspiring Ideas and I am still blown away of more similarities,I loath T.V. but I devour movies.And I spent all day today painting flowers and I just sat down here and read your fun post about flowers!
There is a scrumptious recipe for lemon bars on if you google"bestlemon bar recipe" I think it is a Betty crocker and it is buttery, melt in your mouth ,rich, goodness!

[sherry goodloe]

Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy HOWDY!! Boy Howdy would I love to be the lucky recipient of that lovely Party Hat! oooooohhhhhhh, it is scrump-dilly-icious to say the least!!

[Chrissi]

Hi little "Princess of Spring"... You always make my day!!! XOXO Chrissi

[Poetic Dreams]

I am so rolling with laughter over Mr. Lovees present! I knew instantly what it was. Reason being I grew up in a house which had those latches. I have been in search of the glass handle doorknobs as a memory of my favorite home. I never thought to find a window latch instead. I'm quite jealous! lol
Please enjoy ya new latch/pop bottle opener. Have a Beautiful weekend Sweet Vanessa.
Love & Hugs~
P.S. Please tell Mr. Lovee he gave ya an excellent present!

[Tecu'Mish]

Thanks for the beautiful pics and story and the hat is fabulous!

[michelle filer]

If you and Mr. Lovee ever need a summer escape to N.Y. (1 hour from the city) please stay at our country house with us!!!!!!!!!

[Trish]

I must admit, I am a bit jealous of you and your gorgeous weather. I'm aching to get my hands in the soil! But, it is still rather cool here in good ole WI. However, as you suggested, I'll feel for you when it is 120 there!!

Happy Spring to you Miss Vanessa!!

Trish

[Tristan Robin]

What a fabulous post!!! So many wonderful photos and inspirations and informations!

Love the pale green egg - the outstanding party hat! - the Language of Flowers (which I also have!) - AND another fan of Grey Gardens here! Watched the documentary a bazillion times - saw the off broadway musical once and the broadway version twice - and now can't wait to see Drew and Jessica chew up the scenery!

Have a wonderful weekend!

[Lavender Dreamer]

What a delightful post! Love the wildflowers and sharing a little of your world...very different from mine. But what's funny about that, is you would probably enjoy some time in my world and I know I would have fun in yours! And since I lived most of my life in Texas....HOWDY is my greeting to you this morning! Have a wonderful weekend!

[SpOOky CK]

Happy Spring V!

Spring has SPRUNG!!! FINALLY!!!

XOXO

SpOOky CK (-'

[Rhonda]

YAY Vanessa! A win-win situation is always best!
Lookit all those lemons life handed you! ;0
Proof that the old saying isnt exactly accurate...it should be, when life hands you lemons, take gorgeous pictures and share with your fellow blog princesses and then make treats!
xoxoxo ROOOOOOO
VIPS. OhmyohmyohmyOHMY! A magic hat from MY HAPPY PLACE! My virtual sanctuary when the workery world and negative nellies get me down! A possibility that i could covet and cherish in my own corner of the universe an actual piece of the tea party to ward off naysayers?
Oh, i hope my kizmet is in order. I hope hope hope the random generator is kind!

[Janel]

I just lovee me a party hat! Pick me pretty please!

The limequat jam sounds devine! A nice Camembert and fresh loaf of french bread, mmmmm......

[Kerry Bogert]

howdy...

on wednesday, while waiting for the school bus with my boo girl, we raked the garden. it was almost 60 here!! then the very next morning... we had a fresh two inches of snow. oh boo was mad that she couldn't wear her jellies in the snow. but tis the weather in western ny. 60 one minute, 30 the next... and it'll go on til almost may. I wouldn't trade it for anything though.

happy almost spring

[Cori. G]

Howdy! Minnie Pearl style!
Greetings O Fanciful One and HaPpY SpRiNg DaY!!!
Tis such a lovely morning to awake and see your face...or a new post from my sweet fanciful friend.
But alas there is no key for me for mine would have a tinge of pink, but wait, me thinks there's one buried beneath.

The hat is simply truly divine...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make it mine!!!!!!

Ydwoh!! Howdy spelled backwards...just for good measure!!

I hope you day is extra special and lovely!!!
Oh, I never did see Mr. Lovee's comment. Could he have been M.L.?

xoxoxooxoooooxxxxxxxoox

[RobinB]

Happy Spring! There is nothing better after a melt-down day then having a warm cup or tea & reading your thoughts & being memorized by your photos. as always my thanks to your amazing spirit!
spring blessings of love,
robin

[Deborah]

Oh my Magical Muse, you've heard the expression in regards to an exceptional singer, "You could sing the phone book and make it sound great". Well, YOU could photograph the phone book and make it look magical. So many gifts and talents you have, little one. We are all so blessed that you don't choose just one. OH! I choose the key in the bottom right hand corner...the key to the Fanciful Room, just over the rainbow, where all my troubles melt like lemon drops. **blows kisses** Deborah

[Melissa!]

A window latch as a bottle cap opener? Perfect! Love it! I'll bring my calistoga sparkling juice right over! ;)

[Cyberdelia]

I can't wait to see the new creatures! I just adore the postcards I bought from you, and I'm looking forward to putting a real elfin next to them on my shelf of goodies. :-)

I envy you all that wild-growing chamomile...what wonderful tea you must make!

[Diane]

Happy first day of Spring!!! I am waiting on baited breath to see your shop updated. I love, love, love the raspberry party hat. I used to know of a field that bloomed with the most beautiful sweet peas every spring. We used to pull over on the side of the road (my husband and I when we were just dating) and run up the hill picking the most luscious and glorious sweet peas just like you and your wildflowers. We got some funny looks, but the bouquets were always worth it. They plowed over that field to build condos, like they always do in Southern California, but the memories remain. I guess we're kindred spirits in the wildflower sense! Thanks for the wonderful read!

[Rhonda]

er, limequats I mean...when life hands you limequats, take pics and share with bloggedy princesses...
(sigh)
I need coffee! (AND a paty hat!!!)
xoxoxo roo the embarrassed

[amber leilani]

you can never have too many party hats, in my humble opinion!

[Kimberly Wlassak]

I simply adore having a peek into your garden. Although we live in different states, you in Arizona and I live in the desert of Southern California, our gardening tasks seems to be similar.

Wildflowers are waking up along the roads and freeways here as well. Just yesterday, I saw a lovely patch of Texas Bluebonnets and orange California Poppies.

Oh, and may I veer for a moment? You mentioned making limequat jam. Oh how that brought back memories of my mom, standing in front of her old O'Keefe and Merritt, (in the hottest days of August, I might add) stirring and stirring her fabulous Plum jam. We had this magnificently gnarled old plum tree in our backyard, and every year my mom would make luscious plum jam. What a treat.

Thanks for bringing back that memory:
Kim
Garden Painter Art

[Kylee]

V~

Happy Spring to you too!! I think I'm definately going to have to watch Grey Gardens. I can't wait for the HBO version. Oh and that pop opener/window latch gift from Mr. Lovee had me crackin up...It was too sweet!! I hope you have a lovely rest of the weekend!

Kylee

[Sarah]

I am so excited it is the first day of Spring. We just managed to get our Spring label up on the class tree display to take over from WINTER-hurray! I loved reading about your gardening adventures. Then I went and did some work but half way through(it was worthwhile but boring) I was overcome by an urge to visit the Garden Centre. To be among lots of lovely possibilities of new hope and to but one of my very own. I bought a beautiful Hellebore with green petals and dark maroon markings which is gorgeous and will go in the tiny garden tomorrow. Happy Spring to you!
Sarah :)

[Sarah]

For 'but' read 'buy'!

[Sarah]

Hi Vanessa!
I am not sure if I am going mad or not but I have posted two comments and they have disappeared, unless you do the blog owner approval thing now which always fools me so apologies if I am repeating myself!
Happy Spring to you! I am very excited it is now Spring, even though I love Winter, there comes a time when Spring seems the most imnportant thing in the world. I paid my first visit to the garden centre today and bought a beautiful Hellebore with green petals and dark red flashes. I bought wild flower seeds for school to plant with the children. We do it each year as if it is magic(which it is!) and then cross our fingers that some of them will grow!
Oh-I love the party hat too!
Sarah :)

[Paris Parfait]

That's quite a collection of keys! And lovely flowers - I would have stopped to take those photos too. That's funny about the "soda opener." I remember Orange Crush from childhood and I do like a Coke once in a while. For a while, I drank Diet Coke and Coke Zero (I don't drink coffee at all) on practically a daily basis, until I read an article listing the horrors of aspartame. Now I drink mostly tea and water.

[Gioncarla]

A big ol'Howdy to ya Miss V.!
I just love that hat and would love to wear it to usher in spring here in the desert of New Mexico. I found your blog during your wonderful mad hat tea party and can't seem to stay away even if I wanted to. I know I've said it before; and I'll say it again and again I'm sure-I love reading your blog as much as I love seeing the photos you place in it perfectly... its all just scrumptious eye & soul candy for the whimsical at heart. Thank you!

[Velvet Brick]

HOWDY! Okay...sweet and funny and charming about the window latch!! I love it when things find a new meaning! It even made the orange CRUSH look yummy! Enjoying spring from up here in the valley as well...lemons, flowers, butterflies...oh spring! : )
VB

[amanda]

~howdy howdy~

i can't tell you how much i love that you jumped out of your car for wild flowers. sometimes you just have to go for it! couldn't agree more about docs (esp. artists ones), i adore them. love love Grey Gardens, i feel so voyeuristic when i watch it.

[Erin]

Could it be the food dye in the soda? Food dye gives my husband and son head-aches. I, personally, LOVE soda. It is my happy spot even though I know it is not good for me.

Love the party hat!

Erin :)

[Kathy in Chicago]

I'm laughing my derriere off that Mr L. commented on your last post. I read that one. I love reading everyone's comments. I thought to myself, that was odd. Last time I thought that very thing I hadn't read correctly. There he was. Furry Mr. Lovey posting about you doing yard work. Hee-hee...
As for the window latch, I was thinking, too, why is she using a latch to open a pop bottle? Then I thought, "Well, shoot! Why the heck not?!" Happy spring to you, dear heart. I so enjoy reading your blog.

Kathy in Chicago

[jennlui]

ooooohhh happy happy spring to YOU miss vanessa!!! YAY!!! i absolutely adore spring and the promise of beautiful lazy summer days ahead!!! yiipppeeeee!!!

and you are SO right!!! a gal never has TOO many party hats!!! what a fabulously awesome giveaway!!! i'm in i'm in!!! crossing my fingers and toes once again and doing a lucky happy dance... well i'm hoping it's lucky!!! tee hee!!!

i can't WAIT to see your new little wee creatures, they are always such a treat to peek at and hold so much magic!!!

have a very magical spring beginning!!!
hugs to you miss v!!!

xox

[SueAnn]

What a wonderful hat! I am sure it is full of stories and will fill my place with the greatest of tales. Are you sure your shoes can bear losing one if it's muses?
I have been very busy healing and gathering color and music around me. It has been rather breathtaking. What a wonderful ride!
Today I have been in the studio organizing and throwing things out as well. Feels so good! I love purging...so refreshing and my space seems to breath so much better.
Happy digging!
Hugs
SueAnn

[Karen Young]

After reading your wonderful post, I have decided to go to my treasure trove of keys and choose one for spring. I will fancy it up and hang it near the door. I just love the idea of a key for each season. Also, I had never heard of limequat, I will have to check out the grocery store to see if they carry them. I'm sure your jam will be so very good.

After I mended a special heart last week, I have decided she needs a weekly little treat in the mail for the next little while.

take care,
Hugs karen

[francie]

oh that hat is just too cute! and who knew a window latch would make a bottle opener?! i'll have to mount one in my kitchen now for ice cold beers. :D

[Sara]

Happy spring! I am so jealous, not of the temperature there, but rather or the flowers, Hamilton is just looking so gray right now. Although the snow has been gone for nearly a month, and it's been pretty sunny, we still haven't got any sprouts, and the trees are just barely beginning to put out there buds. But I'm dreaming of blossoms and blooms! So I am glad you got out of your car to pick some lovely stems! Enjoy your spring, hopefully mine will be right around the corner!
-Sara
PS. Pick me!

[Johanna]

quite envious of your stash of keys! wherever did you find so many!?!

[elizabeth of course]

There's nothing quite like opening up the garden the first time of the year and the burst of inspiration that comes with it, seeing possibilities, finding little things the winter has left behind.....

[waterrose]

Today is the first time in a little bit that I've had time to stop and say hi. When I opened your blog and saw the keys...I laughed. I think there are times when people are somehow on the same wavelength. I just blogged today and I think you will find it amusing.

I'm so happy that the trend is cooler weather this coming week....love it!

[shibori girl]

You're so cool as The Princess of Spring... I declare myself the Countess of Summer. Waiting patiently - these temperatures are entirely too cold for me.

When you are done with your Spring Cleaning, would you mind stopping over here and getting me started on my own? Please? I'll make muffins. :)

xoxo,

Kate

[michelle]

Oh you have me so in the mood to dig in the dirt! Can you believe we have to organize the dirt first? Hubby's list is so long I don't know when it will happen. I hope before it is too hot for me to want to do it anymore!

[Shell]

Yes, here in New York it was chilly. I don't care. It's spring to me. I wear my pink jacket and bag proudly.
The mint egg is sweet. I never knew that is what chamomile looks like when it grows. There is a whole bunch where I live! Now I can't wait to see them again.
I'm glad your on a winning streak. I love winning things too. So much better than getting bills. I love the hat. You always need a party hat!
Hugs and Kisses to you. Yes, one day I know I'll get the Baklava. It will come out of the blue.

[Cait]

Oh I love the old flower book! It's so beautiful and picturesque.

[i cant sew]

guess what day SPRING happens to be...? my curly girl mias birthday is the 21st march and my father who comes from croatia was so happy when she was born because it is his favourite day of the year. in his card to her he wrote... 'mia rose who will always bring to me a breath of far away spring' so there you have it who better to have your party hat than my little mia? visit my blog and wish her a happy birthday if you get the chance :)
%*_*% rosey
you totally rock for getting that bunch of wild flowers.

[sara]

haha how creative of you to have used the window latch as a bottle opener!

the flower book is so lovely.
i am excited for spring so much, it's been so sunny and warm(ish) here lately. a treat after all the mountains of snow we have!

[two crazy crafters]

I love your interesting use of the old window latch! Too funny! I don't like sodas either! Have a wonderful spring. Looks like you are off to a good start! Twyla

[Kristal]

Not lucky enough to own the land (we are renting) but I did purchase a small tomato plant yesterday which I have a beautiful old strawberry pot that will love to give it a good home. And today I will buy it some very good soil to plant it in and maybe a few other pretties at the gardening center. I would love to try a few herbs too!