She dreamed she lived in a house with a turret. She had had this same dream since she was about 6 years old. An old Victorian house, filled with secrets and doors to other worlds...
She even thought she could see herself peeking out through the window of a house with a turret resembling a perfectly proper witches hat...
Turned out her friend Miss D (the lovely actress), had the same dream swirling in her head. One day, they found themselves at the lovely house with the turret. They looked up, longingly. Like two little girls in pigtails dragging tricycles, staring, mouths agape. Just wishing to play in the magically interesting abode...
Luckily the two girls were easily distracted by a train depot.
It beckoned them, enticed them....
2 tickets to anywhere my pretties? asked the old woman at the ticket booth. Oh no, not today said the girls. They looked at each other wide eyed.
Quickly their attention was again distracted. But this time, it was by Maynard's Kitchen. Come in, come in it said to them. Miss D had tasted the food of the Gods, or should I say the dessert of the Gods, at Maynard's and thought that I too should be so lucky...
They didn't have the special dessert that day, but what they did have was even better as far as I was concerned...
Salad with taste bud bursting flavors. Figs, prosciutto, hazelnuts...
This was supposed to be a half portion salad, fancy that. Followed by pizza unlike any I have ever tasted. Seems the non-pizza eating girl is changing her ways. This is just my kind of pizza. It was unreal, delicious, one bite and you could faint.
Thin and light but super flavorful. Arugula, goat cheese, sweet caramelized garlic, meaty & dark grilled mushrooms... More than enough for two.
The house with the turret was quickly fading from the desire pool.
The train whistled by and left its charm dangling on the tracks, for us to absorb, as we munched away...
So much shopping had taken place before the tasty treats. Treasures a plenty were found at a favorite antique shop. The Tumbling Tumbleweed, soon to be known as Antiques Etc.
As they rested from shopping in the heat, lunch hit the spot. But, a cappuccino truly refueled the soul, because...
The girls hit the pavement big time, right after a few sips. 108' degree weather and stores with no air conditioning had nothing on them...
There were hippies and gypsies -
All on 4th avenue...
A Popcycle Shop had -
Hundreds of art treasures made from recycled wonderment...
A little trip to Mexico and beyond happened right in a corner shop...
While underwater creatures were just about everywhere...
Then they both peered into a shop that had been intriguing the painter girl for 15 years but was never open. A mysterious stripping and refurbishing shop...
Down 4th avenue they roamed in platform heels and heatwaves. Until they came to How Sweet it Was, a beloved vintage clothing store...
This is the shop Mister Lovee found gifts to knock the girl's socks off. Like those super vintage heeled boots from posts long ago, and shoe clips for tweed heels. Yep, that's the brownie points shop...
The charming dressing rooms tried to beckon them in, but the heat, the heat, kept them to hat modeling instead...
While the actress girl tried on hats, the painter girl made a discovery of the vintage Mexican variety.
Oh swoon. It was one of those precious peasant gowns, perfect for roaming in the Gypsy Garden ...
It tickled her soul. The mere thought of a night in the Gypsy Magic space tickled her soul...
So, she purchased the wee gown and then sat in Antigone bookstore, in blissful peace, where she found fairy tinkling bells as she was leaving. Funny, the things you find in a bookstore...
It was a beautiful, charming and memorable day. Driving to the country house, the sky twinkled and glimmered, as the thought of the house with a conservatory and a turret seemed to disappear with the moving of the clouds...
She arrived home, to a place where the vintage Mexican garden gown was all the joy...
Puffy sleeves with little embroidered flowers, yippee yay!
She loved the trim around the top. What a find, she thought...
She realized the house with the turret had vanished from her mind. A visit to the Victorian house, once in a while in her dreams, would be more than enough...
She hung her dress amongst the paper flowers, and continued the sole process of getting her office finished and packaging orders.
Office walls were done two years ago, but the place slowly filled up with junk junk junk...
Sooo, she placed 2 sheds worth of "stuff" goodness knows where, just this week. Now, don't open any other sheds on the property, things will just tumble out. Finally decisions were made. And white, dreamy white, won out...
That little door leads you 7 steps to the gallery.
One little part of the office was starting to come along. The bathroom still under construction and the little kitchen area and the desk space (hidden for now) needed to be done, so she chug chug chugged along...
One day soon, the painting door in the studio would lead to a perfect little bright office. Just what the doctor ordered for a cheery disposition :)
Special floor stuff, in a white to match the walls. That was the decision for now. Easy, painless, get it done. For one year she hemmed and hawed about wood floors, tile floors, concrete floors and on and on. In the end, concrete paint won. An Ulfert Wilke has patiently waited to be hung on the wall for ages...
As she stood on a ladder and painted a corner, her mind started to make a wish. "How I wish for that Victorian Turret hou...." Then the other part of her brain stopped her and said, "if you think this is work, you have no idea what you might be getting yourself into with an old Victorian abode..."
So, she smiled and said out loud "Beware of what you wish for Vanessa..." A house with a conservatory and a turret? You best be more specific about the details, you girl...
As she realized how her wish could end in less than a fanciful twist, she decided she was more than happy with what she had. Her current project was more than enough, thank you very much. Plus, nothing beats good friends, no stress, vintage frocks, gypsy gardens, and elves ;)
Unless of course, the perfect Victorian house........
♥,V
ps: I have parcel LOVE to share next time and thank the senders for profusely. Those who send me parcelettes seem to know me so so so very well! Thank you over the moon!!
pss: Last photo is the William Livingstone house, borrowed from - detroityes.com/news
I think I could just follow you around town - you like all the same places I do :-)
Although I haven't tried Maynard's Kitchen yet and I haven't hit Tumbleweeds in a long time.
I guess I know where I'm going when I get a little free time!
Posted by: KarenLouiseM | July 16, 2009 at 09:15 PM
What a wonderful day out!! I must admit it's been so long since I've taken a day off, I'm living vicariously through your blog, hehe...
LOVE the vintage garden gown - all that gorgeous embroidery!
Thanks again for another magical post. Just what I needed tonight....
♥ Carolee
Posted by: carolee | July 16, 2009 at 09:40 PM
new places to explore in Tucson...looks like I need to plan a trip down there very soon.
xoxo
~k
Posted by: karin y | July 16, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Hi Vanessa,
THis sounds like a great day! I love the look of that popcycle shop! Your dress is lovely and your studio sounds like it is coming along well. Happy painting!
Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | July 17, 2009 at 01:27 AM
Yay! NOTHING BEATS ELVES!
Posted by: Maria-Thérèse | July 17, 2009 at 02:20 AM
What a fun post! The first house is lovely- I would love to live there! And that pizza looked so yummy!!
Posted by: Kristen Sara | July 17, 2009 at 04:20 AM
What a great post. I absolutely loved all of your pictures. Looks like it was such a fun and magical day.
Posted by: YSLGuy | July 17, 2009 at 05:25 AM
~*Perfect ending!*~
That was a lot of fun to see Vanessa, thank you for sharing your insight and your adventure in such a cool looking town!
Posted by: ~*Amber Dawn*~ | July 17, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Lovely!
I know all about the mad desire for a Victorian turret house. And all about the disappointment that comes with finding out exactly how much they cost...
You're far better off where you are, most likely.
Posted by: Carrie | July 17, 2009 at 06:35 AM
What a lovely day out...and super shops...phew too hot for me,and in one of your photos a man seems to have a warm top on...is he maaaad...lol x
Posted by: Sue Twigge | July 17, 2009 at 07:34 AM
ps...I too have dreamt of houses with turrets...the nearest i got to having one is on a fairy house in my fairy collection x
Posted by: Sue Twigge | July 17, 2009 at 07:36 AM
I'm exhausted now! Quite an adventure you had my little Magical Gypsy. I must take a drive down there. Thought: The tourist center should pay you for the publicity! I am loving your office...so dreamy. Great idea for the floor. **kisskiss** Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | July 17, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Thank you for taking me all around town.
What a wonderful time you had…
I just love your new/vintage garden
gown. It brought back memories of when
my closet was full of just such frocks and tops.
And it reminded of the day that I boxed and gave them always.
Who knew that in just a few decades that wonderful style would be back
and labeled vintage.
Posted by: Louise | July 17, 2009 at 08:33 AM
So dreamy Miss V
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | July 17, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Oops!
What a magical adventure you both had. Your find is magnificent and perfectly perfect for you.
I just went on a little daring adventure myself and blogged about it. There is something special about taking a trip and discovering fabulousness. I did just that, but it was with me, myself and I (and a little troll - teehee!).
I really like the ephiphany you had..."she decided she was more than happy with what she had"...I just had the same thought on my blog none too long ago.
Great minds must think alike :-}
x's and o's to you!
e
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | July 17, 2009 at 11:14 AM
it's nice to see photos of my little town now that i've moved 6000 miles away... :)
Posted by: lexi | July 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Your outing sounds lovely Vanessa...what a wonderful treasure you came home with too! That popcycle shop is right up my ally, fun, fun. And I do love the Victorian style homes too...one day maybe!? So glad your office is coming along too.
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | July 17, 2009 at 11:37 AM
ooo, I always wanted a huge Victorian with a turret and conservatory too! Except now I'm 46 and I want a ranch with no stairs. :-)
Tracy M.
Posted by: Tracy Martinez | July 17, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I love all your pics, but especially the first several in the post. They remind my of an 'I Spy' book :) ~ER~
Posted by: Elizabeth Rhiannon | July 17, 2009 at 12:00 PM
V~
Oh my goodness...turrett houses (beautiful), pizza, shopping, antique shops, peasant gowns and a sweet popcycle shop....oh my oh my!!!! So much fun...
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm recovering from a bout of food poisoning me thinks...
Kylee
Posted by: Kylee Ward | July 17, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Oh...hello 4th Avenue!! How perfectly wonderful to run into you here...I am currently sipping a iced mocha (made with dark chocolate syrup...from the organic coffee shop next door...it IS restorative indeed...mmmmm) Turrets are beautiful...but currently I am looking for a home with a magic bed so that I can finally sleep (which has been eluding me for some days now)
Posted by: sadira | July 17, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Sigh...what a wonderful day you had. Thank you for all of the lovely details. Have you heard of the 'Fourth Tower of Inverness?' It is an audio book by Meatball Fulton, made back in the 1970's. The fourth tower in a mysterious mansion only appears to those who believe in it. It is a Jack Flanders adventure, quite entertaining. I don't know if it is still available, but it will tease your senses for that dream house that you want with the turret... and then some.
Happy dreaming...
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa in California | July 17, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Me again. The Fourth Tower of Inverness can be found at audiobooksonline. Six compact discs.
Hee, hee!
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa in California | July 17, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Awwww poor little Slumpy, the turret that is no more :(
Turret...that's a weird word isn't it? Turrrrrret. If you roll the R, it sounds like something a cute enchanted grasshopper might say! ☺
Anyhoo now i *know* for sure that you are a magic fairy princess, because only a magic fairy princess could get the beautiful dream of a white white gown with vivid incredible embroidery (at an extraordinary price) and wear it in a desert gypsy garden and not get it dirty! eeeps! I have been known to get white skirts dirty just by hanging them up-and my house is pretty cleanish most days! (Maybe i am pigpennette!)
So that all looked like fun, but i gotta say, i am eyeing and eyeing and eyeing that salad....yummmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
Cant wait to see the office reveal!
Happy day Ms Lovely V!
xoxoxoxoxvivvivvixxxooo
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | July 17, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Oh 4th Avenue is calling calling calling!!!! I used to love to shop there when I was in town. I do hope it hasn't changed much...please tell me it hasn't changed!!!
I too always longed for an old Victorian with a turreted room to house my claw foot tub and a fireplace beside it...not the fireplace beside the house silly girl, next to the tub, beneath the turret, surrounded by lovely windows ;-). But I'm thankful to dwell in a cottage floating in a sea of roses.
108 degrees O Fanciful One? Yikes-a-roo! How did you ever do? I would have turned into a human waterfall...eewww!!!
xoxo Cori
Posted by: Cori. G | July 17, 2009 at 10:47 PM
What a wonderful and fun day with a sweet friend! Loved the story.
Posted by: Jeanne | July 18, 2009 at 12:18 AM
What a wonderful adventure you had! The popcycle shop is right up my alley and the pizza looks delicious.
I'm not sure where i'd rather be, in the gorgeous house with a turret or your beautiful gypsy magic space.
Beki xxx
Posted by: beki | July 18, 2009 at 02:41 AM
funny you should talk about turrets... we have just found a gorgeous park that is a series of turrets joined together by little bridges, so much fun and well spaced.
lovely photos as usual
%*_*%
Posted by: icantsew | July 18, 2009 at 03:57 AM
Mmmm...what a lovely adventure! And now Im hungry. I love that dress, so beautiful!
Posted by: heather | July 18, 2009 at 06:14 AM
Loved your story! Thanks for sharing your adventures in such a colorful way. :-)
Posted by: Marcia Collum | July 18, 2009 at 09:21 AM
What a lovely day! The shops, the pizza, the gown...swoon.
Your studio looks very bright and cheery, I can't wait to see the finished product.
Thanks for sharing
~Lynn
Posted by: Sidereal | July 18, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Ah, a perfectly blissful day, with a beautiful gown to take home! Lucky girl! xoxox P.S. When I come to Tucson, I want you to take me to that place to eat, please! :)
Posted by: Paris Parfait | July 18, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Hola!!
Que tiendas mas bonitas y coloridas,es para comprar todo.
El vestido blanco con las flores bordadas esta hermoso.
Besos amiga.
Posted by: Jorgelina | July 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM
ooh I loved this post! (well I love all of your posts but especially this one) Me and victorian houses go way back...*sigh* a love/hate tale...but more love than hate. They are so amazing but all that dusting to do...those shops you visited look like such fun! There's nothing better than finding a unique shop..especially the ones that are kind of hidden, like treasures waiting to be uncovered.
xoxo,
~Krista
Posted by: Krista Komis | July 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
What a fun little spicy jaunt! You've shared so many treats for all of the senses! So glad that I could virtually tag along. ;)
Oh, I've been away for so so long. I've missed out on so much fanciful goodness and even the Tea Party celebration. How sad for me.:( Well, my computer seems to be back to normal so I'm hoping to do more blog visits. Take care my friend! Deb
Posted by: Debbie Egizio | July 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I so adore when you take us on your adventures with you.... such fun to be had by all....The food looked deeeelish...the shops deeeeevine...
And that vintage gown... nothing better than to bring out the gypsy in you....
I must say I shed a tear when I read about that gorgeous house slipping away.... especially because it was due in part to the poor attempt to move it...
Alas a beautiful part of history gone to make way for progress??
HUGS
JO
Posted by: JO | July 18, 2009 at 01:46 PM
That house (in the first photo) is awesome looking! Yes, I'd love a Victorian house (in good condition) with a Turret and a conservatoire! (Sorry, no French accent on my keyboard). I SOooooo know what you mean about being specific about things that you desire! LOL! Gosh that photo is making me want Pizza for dinner...maybe I'll order out...does Sammy's Woodfired Pizza deliver?? LOL!
Thank you for entering my giveaway! Good luck to you!
Posted by: tattingchic | July 18, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Vanessa,
Thank you so very much for your very beautiful post! I was lucky enough to visit Tucson for the first time in March and I just adored all the little shops on 4th Avenue! I found so many lovely treasures in those shops and my dear husband and his friend were so patient! Your photos were just like shopping there all over again! The dress you found was so sweet!
Wishing you a very happy night!
Betty
Posted by: Betty - The Gossamer Tearoom | July 18, 2009 at 06:49 PM
As usual, beautiful photos and a wonderful story to accompany them. Tucson seems grand, I hope to visit it some day! I love love love that photograph of the house that is falling apart, what a magical looking house it is!
Lots of Love.
danielle
Posted by: Danielle | July 18, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Oh, My, Missy Vee -I must come to Tuscon one day soon. What a fabulous, eclectic town you have there! And congrats on the beautiful peasant-frock-find -it suits you.
I think your choice of a concrete floor was a smart one: it'll stay nice and cool in hot summer, and when you spill paint on it, just paint over it (or leave it Jackson Pollock-style to impress your friends!) :)
dream your dreams - they are never the same if they happen to come true.
xoxo,
Kate
Posted by: shibori girl | July 19, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Brings back memories...
There was a house with a turret - I hadn't even known what you called them - that stood across from my elementary school. I'd pass by it walking to and from school every day and just look up and wonder about it now and then - what it might be like inside... It really did give the house a magical feel, especially from a child's eyes.
Posted by: Paul Maurice Martin | July 19, 2009 at 08:05 AM
That last house! How I love it, and would love to illegally walk through it and explore (darn the floors falling through!). One day I need to tell you about exploring old houses....
You do live in an artistic city. If only I didn't wilt in the heat.
Posted by: Lori Anderson | July 19, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I gotta say...that first picture of one of my favorite I have seen in a LONG time. Beautiful!
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | July 19, 2009 at 02:01 PM
I cannot believe that your office space is so clean and white!!! It was so colorful that last time I saw it! Good job tackling that project!
Posted by: Bobbypin Bandit | July 19, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Thank you for a wonderful shopping trip. I am totally satisfied!! LOL!! And again, I love pizza!!
Oh how divine!! A clean white space just waiting to be occupied. I would love to sit it in just as it is....clean and white and bright. Dreamy!!!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | July 20, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Hey there girlie...missed your entries & am catching up/back reading.
I just finished an epic move into my new apartment. The days have been spent lugging crud up and down a flight of stairs (also in the heat. ugh.) Wondering where I will fit it all? Then you go and tempt me with magical stores full of goodies that delight and make me want to go shopping. Gah/Hahaha! ';)
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | July 21, 2009 at 09:47 AM
::sigh:: ohh dear vanessa...my heart soared when I read this post..you have managed to put all of my favorite objects in life, into one post....I have a HUGE fascination with trains and railroad tracks, I love love love antique stores, and I adore gypsy style clothing..hehe...I love this post so much..you brought a smile to my face when I truly needed it..:D
Posted by: kristinguillory | July 21, 2009 at 02:34 PM