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

[Sharon]

howdy~~
I absolutely love your valentine gift story. I recognized it as a window latch but that fact that you can use it as a bottle opener is fantastic!! great repurposing! Happy Spring!

[Krista]

That party hat is absolutely lovely! Hmmm..it may be time for another party soon..it is springtime after all...flowers and teacakes and frosting on cupcakes (oooh and fairy dust too) I adore your parties, they're divine!

If you see a sparkle of confetti in the corner of your eye..that's just me!

[Britt-Arnhild]

What a beautiful post. The language of flowers. Wish I was with you. Still more snow falling here.

[pam aries]

hooty hoooo!!!! Here i a m...peeping from behind some flowery flowers! spring is sprung across the land! your posts are always a treat to read. what happened to my capitals??? alas! they have disappeared.

[Melanie]

Hi There!

Loved the keys...I have loads of them - something I just can't seem to resist.

Too funny, just watched Grey Gardens (again) on Friday night. I love a staunch character, don't you? :-)

I've watched the Warhol documentary several times, too. Have you seen The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo? An excellent film by Amy Stechler, narrated by Rita Moreno http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446733/

Thanks as always for your lovely site- it's a source of inspiration and encouragement.

Melanie

[kelly]

Howdy there spring chicken! Love your blog and love the hat! I look at your pictures everyweek and think this woman is like a bedazzledly feminine Tim Burton creation or something! Everything is always so enchanting!

[Gretchen]

I just gave a tea party for my daughter's brownie troop. I hung dozens of butterflies from the ceiling and chandelier, loaded up cakeplates with tarts and cookies and tiny cupcakes, Set out several toy tea sets, and decorated the table with vintage tea cups which the girls got to take home (along with their feather boas and self-decorated tea hats). Well. Now my table looks empty. A party hat would certainly perk it up!
Thanks for your charming world!

[Patti Gramza]

Hello and Howdy Ms. Vanessa! How are you? I wanted to tell you I just yesterday got some beautiful black frames for the prints that I won from the OWOH. I cannot wait to get them in there and up on the wall and I will show you when I do! :0) SUPER FUN!
I also wanted to ask, about the rubber stamps....I am thinking that you stamped on the envelope you sent. They are your drawings right? Do you sell rubber stamps too? You etsy does not have them! Anyways, I just wanted you to know I think the prints and stamps are fabulous!!!!!
Soon I will get you a picture of your artwork up on my wall! <3
Thanks again! Huggies,Patti

[tattingchic]

Happy Spring! Lovely and creative post, as always! :)

[Jillie D.]

Howdy and thank you for all your fancifulness!

[danielle]

Happy Spring to you! Lovely pics as always! The new "bottle opener" is so handy!
Can't wait for the new springtime picture goodies I'm sure you'll be sharing...
ta!

[Ariane Cagle]

Oh, I so miss spring in Arizona. I miss seeing the wild poppies, lupines and clover. So beautiful to see. So I totally understand your quick trip from the car to pick flowers. Happy Spring... and spring cleaning and gardening.

[Emma]

Hee--I'm still laughing about the window latch ;)

Happy Spring!
xoxo,
e

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

Happy spring . Let's celebrate spring. ...let's celebrate la vie en rose , let 's celebrate blossoms and renouveau ....let's have party

[JD]

Everything about your blog posts is always so enjoyable. Not a single one passes me by that it doesn't brighten my day. I love color, bright beautiful color and you always treat us with that...color, and a great imagination, too.

JD

visionquest2020 at msn dot com

[Michelle Schafer]

Happy Spring...doing the happy dance...lalalalala I thought they stop making Orange Crush Soda? What's up with that? Boy I'm thirsting just looking at the pictures here... great gift from Mr. L...good job Mr. L Have a beautiful, creative week...will continue my happy dance when I get home...whooohooooo
Cheers

[Kris]

Happy Springtime Vanessa,

I have been doing exactly what you are doing. Pulling weeds, raking pine needles, and leaves watching my Tulips and Cala Lilies come up...getting ready to plant some more hydrandras...I just love hydrandras.

I'm so sore, I need a lift to get up when I sit down as I stiffen up. HAHA

Please included me in your drawing for the party hat...it is toooooo cute.

Hugs,

Kris

[Angela]

I am impatient for it to get warmer here. Things are just starting to turn green, but the wind is still screaming "January" at the top of its lungs. Enjoy your gardening weather, we won't be far behind!

[carolee]

What wonderful spring photos! I'm sooooooooo looking forward to planting my herb garden and tomato plants (but can't safely here until after Mother's Day)....

120 in the summer?! Yikes! I start to melt around 90, hehe....

~ Carolee

[StampinMom]

What a lovely hat Ms. V, count me in please! Sorry I'm so late visiting, I had a nice visit out of town to visit my family. I've got some great pics to post soon, one I think you'll appreciate, hehe. Hope that lawn mower gets nice a shiny and in better working condition...and funny about the window latch. I love a good spring breeze too, mmm!

Jamie :-)

[Tracy M.]

Oh I LOVED Australia, I don't know why it didn't get good reviews. Must have been totally unromantic critics that just can't stand something to just be escapism.
Have a great week !

[Debb George]

I stop by to say hi and love your drawing of you . I really like the flower bookI have 3 flower garden I couldn't keep up with them last year may just have one big one I love my flower garden.

[Ann-Denise]

Miss V~
As usual, I loved the post! The pics always remind me of my childhood back in AZ! If you're going to make the jam use real cane sugar and a hint of rose water...you'll see:) Happy Spring and glad the candies were dandy, next time I'll send you the necklace...ahhh!
xo, Miss Ann-Denise

[marjorie]

Happiest of Spring Times to Youuuuu! :)

Oh, and We had latches like that on our windows in the house we rented in Asheville a few years ago....it had the most dreamy windows....the sort where there are blurry bits in some of the panes....like little pools! And.....perhaps you have a new up-cycle invention there....Vanessa's Shabby Chic window latch bottle openers!! Tee hee!! Love it~!! :)

I love all the Spring time loveliness you have complied here!! :)

[chelsea Ann]

Hey girly,
Oh your post was dreamy... and honestly I mean a dream because the weather and beauty around you seems hard to image. In Oregon it is always green but seldom sunny. I actually told my hubby I wouldn't mind moving to Sunny California! Well A very small town in Cal that is. My mother wants to move there and buy a big big piece of ground and start a vinyard and a compound as she called it. Everyone can build their own house. Like my grandparents and other family members who are struggling to live at the moment. If we did this I would want to put up a big red barn and make my own blue prints and live in it. It would be a great addition to my mothers dream. Well I've got to be off to work :( but I'm glad I stopped by and I hope you have a lovely lovely day.
Chelsea Ann
p.s. I hope my little package made it your way?
I've been naughty and have bought quite a few things online and so each day I get pretty things in the mailbox too! YEAH!

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

Darling Miss Vanessa-
You are so very fun. A party hat indeed. But more than that it is an explosion of eye candy to see your pictoral treats. I imagine you put smiles on the faces of everyone you meet whether through your blog, in your fanciful keyhole imaginary world or with your riding lawn mower neighbors!
{Wink}
Enjoy the day!
xox
Erin

[Gloria York]

Just found your site - it's great!! Would love to get that adorable party hat!! Happy Spring!!

[tiffany]

What a lovely hat!

[Laura]

I don't know how I missed this post, but I'm glad I caught it - love the spring flowers!

[babelfish]

I love spring, it's a little awakening for everything around us (the sun and warm breeze makes all the difference). Your botanic books are beautiful!

[Lori Anderson]

Oh wow, those KEYS! I'm on a charm exchange group and they recently had a key charm exchange, but all my keys are too big. I have to go rummaging and exploring to find some small ones!