I am so glad you decided to stop by, come on in...
Through the arbor, which by the way, this photo is not enhanced by me, and into the Gypsy Garden. The camera took this photo on its own - moon, orbs and all. I am telling you, I think there is a cloud of magic right here in the desert... That or space ships!?!
I have been attached to the Gypsy Garden with billions of thoughts and ideas swirling. Plus, I decided to show some much requested wider view photos of the Gypsy Garden. By the way, in my right hand sidebar, under CATEGORIES, there is a section purely dedictaed to the Gypsy Garden, called "Gypsy Love."
As for my ideas - they are exciting ideas that include you!!
But first, let's get cozy...
The Gyspy Garden, which is located in our front garden, is so perfect right now, I can't pry myself away from it. The nights are dreamy, temperatures are good at night for a few more weeks.
Days are hot, but nights are cool. Anyhow, like I said, my Gypsy Garden, is in the front yard, not the back. After the party week before last, I took this photo for ya. This is what we see from our porch...
Behind the swing there on the right, are some huge oleanders, walls of them in fact. They split our front garden in half and separate our house garden, from my gallery and my office entrances.
I cherish our little space madly. I don't mind a humble little country house with the love the trees bestow upon us. Don't you just adore trees? They are characters all on their own...
I love losing myself under the trees (when you live in Arizona, trees are major) When I first came to the country house almost 10 years ago, I fell in love with the place and a curly locks, and I just never left... My heart attached itself to this wee parcel and those wee curls, and that was that...
From the west side of the property, facing east, the Gypsy Garden sits tucked under the canopying trees, and kissed by the mountains... (the tree in this shot, is just feet away from another big tree that covers the Gypsy Garden)
Don't worry about dancing in the Gypsy Garden, this is all you see from the gate entrance, plus it is a tiny street with few souls, and everyone already knows a crazy lady and a mad-man live here...
So come through the arbor, passed the dancing ladies...
Under the moon...
Through the leaves...
Amongst the trees...
In a place safe for the soul, unpretentious & encouraging for you to be the you, you see in your mind's eye... The true you.
Music trickles out of a garden pump organ. Laughter emits, birds gather as guests...
While immersed in this place I had a realization...
I didn't celebrate my second year blogiversary in December, nor did I celebrate my 300th blog post a dozen posts ago. But that aside, it's time for something. I can feel it in my bones...
This is where you come into play.
You see, the secret keyhole is calling. Calling for you to find the key for what I have up my sleeve. You have to guess...
Take as many guesses as you want. There is a super special treat for whoever guesses correctly first (and maybe more). So, let's see, where is my idea book... And how to find the key that unlocks the secret?
Hmm, where could the key be?
Are these the keys??
Wait, perhaps this is the key...
Nope, not the right one...
Oh no, so many keys to choose from. How ever will we unlock the secret to what I am conjuring up?
Let's see, how about some hints you ask?
Okay, but you have to promise not to make fun of the fact that my fingers don't fit these gloves. I have munchkin fingers, I know, I know. I need an inch more on each finger ;)
So a hint you say. A hint for what is brewing... A hint a hint.. Okay, here's one...
And another one...
Go ahead...
Choose one...
You need another hint??? Okay, one more. But only because, he can't wait to see you...
So, try a guess, what's up my sleeve? Oh so exciting a sleeve!!
While you are guessing, I am going to make some treats to celebrate my sister's graduation celebration weekend. She received her Master's and is soon off to University of New Mexico for her PHD. We are sooo Proud of her!!!
If you have a sec or two - while you are guessing - Take a peek at a special card pack I put together for Stampington and The Shoppe at Somerset. It is a postcard pack I do not carry in my personal online shop, and has a little bit of everything in it. Hope you like them ;)
I also made a little banner with my cards, to give you an idea what you can do with your own cards. A way to use them in your own home ;) Click here to see...
I also, want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in my last post. It means a lot to me. I really love the space we share in the blogosphere. It's as close to having you over as we can get ;) I just ♥ U. Truly!!
I captured these for you. They have hopes and dreams sealed in each one. There is a limitless supply... Take as many as you need. And remember, the secret fun, includes you and the other lil' hints... Can't wait to hear your guesses + spill the beeeeaaans!! xoxo
♥,V
ps: Saw Iris and Nothing but the Truth, loved them both... Oh yes, I saw Frozen River too, good (a tad stressful).
My guess is a Tea Party in the magically dizzy Gypsy Garden!
Posted by: Yvonne | May 14, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Hmmmmm.............reminds me of "Alice in Wonderland" a wee bit. Mad Hatter Tea Party in the Gypsy Garden with all of your wonderfully magical friends.
Can't wait to hear what you're up to :)
Denise
Posted by: Denise | May 14, 2009 at 09:12 PM
UMMMM, my guess is you're going to make rose petal jelly?? Yeah, my mind is always on food. Well, I don't care if I'm right or wrong...it's all about the journey with you! Love and hugs...Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | May 14, 2009 at 09:13 PM
I'm guessing a Midnight Mad Hatter Tea Party Soiree complete with dancing and treats and twinkling lights under the canopy of trees in the Gypsy Garden!!!
Posted by: Kim | May 14, 2009 at 09:17 PM
I think it's going to be the key that unlocks the old arched wooden door that's been camouflaged by ancient vines and ivy.... Creeeeaaaaak as you push open the door and as you peek around the corner... what else but the Secret Garden!!!
Posted by: Chrissi | May 14, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Oh my! So much magic! I love it all! I am so very bad at guessing things, but I love the excited and mystery you have going on! I love the gyspy bath, the keys, the gloves(they look lovely on you!) the roses, the tea, all the faerie sparkles too! There is a lot faerie mischief and magic going on! I love your new cards all hung together as well and Congrats to your sister! I thinking there is just so much to celebrate and why not make it fanciful!
Posted by: merle | May 14, 2009 at 10:44 PM
The pictures look magical! You have outdone yourself! I am not good at guessing sorry! I would do anything to organize a party with that design!
Posted by: ClubVip | May 15, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Hi!
I am imagining a summer night garden party in the gypsy garden-like a lot of your other commenters I think! I love your collection of keys-I have one too but they are not stored anywhere near so prettily!
Love all the pictures. They just evoke a perfumed balmy summer night so well. Especially love the one of the moon.
Congrats to your sister too!
Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | May 15, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Ooooh, I pick the beautiful golden key that lays on the teacup saucer.... it will unlock a magical Alice in Wonderland teaparty for sure :)
Posted by: Moonfairy | May 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
i have only been following you for the past year and was involved in your halloween party but you have shown snipetts of your mad hatters tea party so i guess my girls are in for another crazy adventure. they had so much fun helping with the halloween party this will be a hoot.
did you ever visit my second blog to see what i have done with the post cards i have? here is the link, you might have to scroll down a bit to find it.
http://icantsewcreations.blogspot.com/
smooches %*_*% rosey
Posted by: icantsew | May 15, 2009 at 01:57 AM
Alice in Wonderland type tea party? Can't wait to see!
Posted by: Christina | May 15, 2009 at 03:32 AM
Hmmm, a tea party with Mr. Curly locks? Congrats to your clever sister. Bravo for her accomplishments! And congrats to you for your lovely cards and the idea of stringing them as a banner - wonderful! I love how you are always full of surprises. xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | May 15, 2009 at 03:43 AM
I know! I know! You are going to have a giveaway. It's going to be a bath in your gypsy garden tub, right? Am I right? Did I guess it? hehe :D
Posted by: Frankie Kins | May 15, 2009 at 04:02 AM
I think you're going to give everyone the incentive to make their own gypsy space and share it in a gypsy camp soiree. This is the answer that the magic twinkling lights spelled out for me. Great idea miss v. Love your gypsy garden. Lets dance!
-Junie
Posted by: junie | May 15, 2009 at 04:05 AM
*sighing with bliss*
WELL, since you know I have Mad Crush on Mr. Teal Boots, and since my birthday is this Sunday, I'm going to guess that Lovee and Dovee and Roo and Mr Hatter are having a double date high tea in the gypsy garden.
Hee. (Dont tell Cowboy, he'll be quite miffed)
Ok maybe not
I'm thinking Chrissi up there in that post got it right with Secret Garden (I hope she's right!)
or...a Midsummer Night's Garden Party (tea & "a rose by any other name"????)
Whatever it is, count me in!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox Rooooooo
Posted by: Rhonda | May 15, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Have you seen "Happy Go Lucky" yet? Loved it. Every post you do is a treat! :)
Posted by: Candice | May 15, 2009 at 04:25 AM
Oh dear, I'm so horrible at hints and guessing.....but I like the rose petal jam one earlier!! So I'll go with that!! tee hee!! But I think it might be something even more exciting and delightful!! Yes, indeed!! Or could you have possibly found a portal to the mid 19th century!?? Hmmmm.....
Whatever could be up your glittering sleeve!!??
OH!! And I'm So over the moon for your Somerset collaboration!! Hooray!!! How lovely and exciting!!
Posted by: marjorie | May 15, 2009 at 04:38 AM
As always, your gypsy garden calls to my soul. I'd love to be your neighbor -- share a cup of tea and a few laughs underneath the canopy of trees & twinkling lights, while dipping our toes in your garden tub. Pure delight.
P.S. the Sufi flag hanging near your tub is very pretty and it goes perfectly there -- since you are also an artist-poet and true lover of the heart path.
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | May 15, 2009 at 04:40 AM
Orrr...
tea + key = tikki..maybe you're building a tikki hut?
OH! Gypsy fortune telling reading palms and tea leaves. Baths extra.
Um....we're the keys?
Key opens the door to our imagination? Hearts? Minds? Life's passion?
I'm sticking with Chrissi's secret garden.
Until you call me to come to Arizona.
xoxoxoxo Roo
Posted by: Rhonda | May 15, 2009 at 05:13 AM
Loved these last posts of yours. Wonderful warm spring thoughts are so very magical, aren't they? Is the key your blog? It would take a Fanciful Twist to open the door? Ahhhh...alas, I'm not much good at guessing games. It's always a delight to stop by and sit around your gypsy fire sipping tea while you spin your tales. Tra-la! - Kathy in Chicago
Posted by: Kathy in Chicago | May 15, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Another tea party ...in the Gypsy Garden ...maybe some freshly painted elves will join in???? I love your stories and photos ...there simply isn't enough time to tell you how much I appreciate your blog ...you have put a smile on my face when none was to be found ...a million *Thank you's* & *Fairy Dust* from ME to YOU!!! Have an awesome weekend ...I know I will ...tomorrow is my 30something B-day ...I'm trying to loose track of my age, but my children keep reminding me. ...where did time go??? ...hmmmm... better go before my comment turns into a blog post...hehehe
Posted by: Marilyn | May 15, 2009 at 06:20 AM
The books are the keys to all knowledge! We're going to have a book club! lol Love your beautiful posts and all the fun we have here! Congrats to your sister! Coincidentally I went to the University of NM! I lived in NM years ago! I love that part of the country! Have a fabulous day, sweet friend!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | May 15, 2009 at 06:22 AM
I know a Gypsy Tea party...so obvious...and you will show us your Gypsy Wagon...one of those keys was definitely to the door of a Gypsy Wagon :)
I adore your, I believe post...I wanted to tell you how much it means to me and how you touched the very core.
I have been a busy little care taker for the last few days, so my time has not been my own.
Posted by: Mo'a | May 15, 2009 at 06:25 AM
A gypsy circus with dancing bear, a fortune teller rubbing her brow puzzling over if she should tell you the tea leaves read something foreboding. Contortionists deftly twisting to match the mangled tree shadows, baskets of ribbon sold for luck, it is bad luck to refuse a gypsy's gift, resting amongst strange plants escaping even stranger containers. Do those red cap mushrooms grow from the crown of a human skull? Me hopes not. Tales of the old country warp and weft into the trilling sounds of quiet guitars strumming their own stories. Voices whisper through the trees and a wind takes the man with the top hat's colorful hat, what's that nested in his curly locks? Why its another key!
Posted by: Amanda Mariel | May 15, 2009 at 06:45 AM
Oh it looks like a mad magical tea party in the gypsy garden. I can't wait!! Will the faeries be serving limequat curd and Mister Lovee be acting as Matra'de (how do you spell that word anyway)? I have a lovely recipe for rose and pistachio scones...YUM!YUM!YUM! OOoohhh!!! Iced rose water is divine under the hot sun. I'm jumping up and down with anticipation and squealing with glee!!! I simply cannot wait!!!
xoxoxox
Posted by: Cori. G | May 15, 2009 at 06:46 AM
Once again, I could get lost in your photos, but why can't I step into them?
Posted by: Cori. G | May 15, 2009 at 06:50 AM
So many keys! So many pretty lights! So much magic!
Posted by: Cassandra | May 15, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Right up there in the top ten of the most magical posts I've ever read - and such exquisite photos! I wish I had seen it all in person - but the photos are so enchanting, I doubt "real life" could be an improvement!
My guess is having rose hips tea at an Alice in Wonderland tea party ... though I really have no idea. I'm looking forward to the correct answer!
SpArKle! ShImMeR! GlImMeR! GlEaM!
Posted by: Tristan Robin Blakeman | May 15, 2009 at 07:09 AM
I think we are having another tea party! Hoorah!
I saw Frozen River too. I was very nervous the whole time, but it was good.
Have you ever seen Kamikaze Girls? Oh! It was wonderful!
Posted by: Laura Bray | May 15, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Oh! I know!!!
I'm waving my hand in the air a la' third grader style.....
A GYPSE ROSE TEA PARTY complete with foofy, fluffy, ruffledy fancy gypsy queens down to the sooty, grimey, slicked back ne'er do well gypsy violinist men with tiny pencil moustaches. All SORTS of gypsies!
Everyone will arrive on a red carpet of velvety rose petals and be treated to a full, decadent tea, Vanessa Style. Then we'll dance the night away to tarantellas and much stomping and clapping will abound.
Am I close? A little tiny bit close?
If not, it's still fun to guess. I'm off to my first 'play group' with other mommies. I feel dorkishly nervous. It's like the first day of school or something. I've already changed clothes three times. Didn't want to look all 'Eager Beaver Mommy'. Perhaps I should start my own 'Slightly Mad Gypsy Painter Glittery Mommy Group'. I don't think anyone around here would join. *sigh* I guess I'll be the only member!
Toodles!
L
Posted by: OohLaLaura | May 15, 2009 at 07:36 AM
As always, love getting swept away in the magic when I visit. My guess appears to be like the rest - a magical tea party with just right right Fanciful Twist!
Posted by: Laura | May 15, 2009 at 08:08 AM
i just wanted to say that the arbor photo is breathtaking. all the gypsy garden photos are beautiful but that one especially. you might consider offering postcards of your photos sometime. they represent magical places that most of us only dream of. it's no wonder you went there and never left. it even came with its own prince charming. :) the city has nothing on your little piece of heaven. this and your last post remind of a post by a favorite author (hehe) Dr. Seuss
"Be who you are and say what you want, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Posted by: francie | May 15, 2009 at 08:35 AM
My guess is some kind of tea party, maybe to include us online? You know we love tea parties. No matter what you have up your sleeve it will be special. I think you should write a book. With your pics, art and your words... it'd be a best seller and gorgeous!
Posted by: kris | May 15, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Another Mad Hatter Tea Party in the Magical Gypsy Rose Tea Garden?
Posted by: Tecu'Mish | May 15, 2009 at 08:52 AM
PS CONGRATULATIONS!!! to you and your beautiful card set at Somerset Studios and to your sister for her master's!
Posted by: Tecu'Mish | May 15, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Okay, this isn't exactly the most original guess, but along with everyone else, it's a hopeful one! I'm thinking a Gyspy Garden Tea party?
I do hope so, anyway, hehe!! Perhaps I can attend in the fairy tale caravan I've been working on this week (how serendipitous would that be?!)
Your home in the country is just magical, and it's easy to see how you fell in love with it. It seems the perfect place for an artist and dreamer, and obviously inspires you. :)
Congratulations to your sister on her graduation, and congrats to you too on the card packet for Somerset!
Waiting with bated breath for the answer to whatever it is you have up your sleeve....
~ Carolee
Posted by: carolee | May 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Well of course it is a Mad Hatters Tea Party where we will play hedgehog croquet.
Love Renee xoxoxo
Posted by: Renee Khan | May 15, 2009 at 10:41 AM
V~
I see that I am late to the guessing game
:-(
However, your pictures of the Gypsy Garden are wonderful. I love the 4th picture down where the light illuminates the tree. Too pretty!!
Have a lovely weekend Miss V!!!!
p.s. I see I have a few movies to add to my list...You always recommend such great movies/documentaries!!
Kylee
Posted by: Kylee | May 15, 2009 at 11:18 AM
What a lovely Gypsy Garden Vanessa! I'm guessing another Tea Party too! Checked out your card set, that's awesome and CONGRATS to the sis for her Master's...what a big accomplishment!
Thanks again for helping me out with the headers, you are so kind!
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | May 15, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I can give you a few inches off my long fingers Miss Vanessa...let's see a gypsy tea party of some sort under a full moon? Have a great weekend!
Martha
Posted by: Martha | May 15, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I have been thinking and thinking and thinking....hmmm
Tea + Roses + Keys + MadHatter = argggggggg....I just don't know :-P
This is fun!!
Kylee
Posted by: Kylee | May 15, 2009 at 12:22 PM
My guess would be the key beside the teacup. I just love your stories and thanks again for the info you sent me. Many Blessings to You.
Kelli Lusk
Posted by: Kelli Lusk | May 15, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Could it be.... Could it possible be another blog party?!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carrie~LoLaEnChAnTeD~ | May 15, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I hope its another Mad Tea Party!!! There is a certain little elf-baby that keeps me away from real life Parties, I could use a blog-o-sphere soiree. I'll bring the elf-baby and home-made treats!
Posted by: Kat | May 15, 2009 at 02:32 PM
I'm terrible at guessing so I'm just going to lay down in the gypsy garden and absorb the magic, if that's alright with you.
Ahh it's wonderful out there :)
Oh what a lovely card pack!
Posted by: devil mood | May 15, 2009 at 03:23 PM
I spent an hour last night going over past posts I missed.... the last one took my breath away...it was stunning..... and I love the free spirit that you are....
So today I came back to leave a comment about all those posts and lo and behold... I find...
tea roses and
tea keys = tikis along with a mad hatter and no clue on what it all means...
I am going to anxiously await more possible snippets about what looks like a magic carpet ride through a gypsy garden in the moonlight while lovely ladies dance the night away ...
What fun it is to come to this magical land that is all things Vanessa
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
Posted by: JO | May 15, 2009 at 03:48 PM
"Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made of solid glass; there was nothing on it except a tiny golden key, and Alice's first thought was that it might belong to one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the key was too small, but at any rate it would not open any of them. However, on the second time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and behind it was a little door about fifteen inches high: she tried the little golden key in the lock, and to her great delight it fitted!"
....
"Alice opened the door and found that it led into a small passage, not much larger than a rat-hole: she knelt down and looked along the passage into the loveliest garden you ever saw"
This is it~ We are going to the garden!!! Your beautiful gypsy garden for another wonderful TEA PARTY!
Posted by: chelsea Ann | May 15, 2009 at 04:00 PM
A Tea Party! Yay! I missed the first one and when I read about it on other blogs I was soooo sad!
What lovely ideas can I come up with?! Oh, boy!
Posted by: Pixie | May 15, 2009 at 04:05 PM
I think....I think.....a lovely tea soiree in the Gypsy Garden? With dancing, perhaps?
Posted by: Sarah Townsend | May 15, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Hmmm...i think it is the lil golden key perched up on the rose flower tea cup next to the wood hand...a lovely gypsy garden tea party perhaps???
I would love to come and "lose myself" in your gypsy garden, it looks so very "healing"! You are sooo mystical and magical...reminds me of myself in earlier years :0)
Take care doll,
Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany | May 15, 2009 at 04:53 PM