There we were, sitting in the studio, feeling free. Feeling open, heart and mind. Twinkling, glowing, breathing peacefully...
What do you feel? asked Miss Butterfly Mysteriosa, as we sat for tiny tea in my studio...
(Oh, how rude of me, do take a seat yourself ;)
What do I feel, I asked? I feel glee, I feel full hearted. I feel like jumping in a vat of paint. Because, although I had left my old career 1.5+ years ago in practice, I never realized what a heavy weight I was carrying around having my office still sitting there, full of stuff, waiting for me to possibly return.
Funny, how the mind works. The depths of mental freedom it hands right back to you when you let go...
Miss Butterfly Mysteriosa looked at me intensely, and agreed. Imaginary friends can be so darn wonderful. They always say exactly the right thing. Curious creatures indeed...
We both turned to look at Frida, she was having tiny tea with us too, wouldn'tcha know ;)
What do you think about freedom of mind Maestra Frida, I ask? She responded, in the perfect accent...
"Set your mind free, then live -live to paint- wring out every bit of life, down to the last drop, and drink it!" Yes, just what I thought she might say (okay, I just invented that, but still, she might have said that, right? tee hee)
So, that night I went to bed feeling free as a bird in my mind. Thinking about that whole mind over matter stuff. About lifetimes, and paths and swirls and happiness. About how sometimes people drown in their own inventions and drama, and that takes freedom away from the mind as well.
I thought about how the other day, as I was vocally purging and whining (which I think it healthy every now and then) and going on and on about this and that, Mister Lovee started laughing, and I whipped around and said, "there's nothing funny about this, boy..." And he said, oh yes there is. I said, oh ya, and what's that?
And he said, "What's funny is that, this is just part of your own comedy show routine."
I loved that. That he didn't take me seriously, so that I wouldn't take my own nonsense at that moment seriously either. What a moment of looking at things and keeping them totally lighthearted. Brilliant, I thought.
So, that night after tiny tea with the girls, I thought about all of these things. I giggled as I drifted to sleep, and whispered out loud, it's all part of my own comedy show...
Between you and me, this explains why he hasn't moved to Tokyo or Europe yet, to get away from me. He thinks I have some comedy act going ;)
Annnnnyhow. The next morning, I awoke feeling like I wanted to do lots of fun things. I saw my sis, we laughed and laughed. The next day I took my friend who is very ill out to do her fave thing.
Eat Lobstah...
Yes I had one too, and I even tucked a puffy napkin into my blouse for effect.
I had made us a reservation at the Chantilly Tea Room for later. She was so delighted!
We got to pick our own tea cups...
Now to choose tea and treats...
I opted for Irish tea. I am used to it and it always hits the spot...
Yummmmmmmm. We nibbled on dessert ever so lightly because we were too full, and I didn't feel like getting a sugar overdose headache.
But it was sure fun ordering ;)
I shopped in the gift shop and we had a blast. As we left, I skipped along in delightment...
My friend wanted to buy Mister Lovee a dessert, but it was a puddle by the time we dropped it off at the office. I think he still enjoyed some of it.
Needless to say, I dropped my friend off and my party day continued. I met my parents (who were in town for the afternoon) for shopping and other fun. After an excursion to Micheal's we realized I had an almost flat tire. I drove to the closest gas station, and my Dad put air in it, and just as fast as he was putting it in, it was pouring out of this bizarre bubble that had formed on my not so old Michelin tires.
It was 5:30 p.m. and there was a tire company down the street closing at 6:15 p.m. My Dad gets all his tires there, so we rushed over, and lo and behold, per Daddy dear, I left with not one, but a whole new set of tires. Thanks DAD!!
Mombie, Dad and me went over to Borders as the tires were being slapped on my car and had coffee and chatted. Mammie and I went crazy over magazines too...
Isn't it so funny, when life works out just perfectly? Timing and all. I could have been stranded, alone, with a blow out tire. Apparently that is where that weird lump with a hole in the tire was headed...
Just as I drove off with my new tires, and said good-bye to my parents, my curly haired date called and asked "Dinner and a movie?"
All of a sudden it was pouring buckets of rain, but I said, let's do it...
The rain was lovely coming over the mountain behind the restaurant. As I parked, Mister was standing outside of my car, and he had taken his sport jacket off, which he held over my head as rain poured down on us and we ran into the restaurant. It was movie quality I tell ya.
We had the most lovely time. I had a sublime spinach salad. Then we went off in the rainy sunset to a movie...
We went to a late show in the end, and had a ball at a brand new theater down the road from the country house. We saw Public Enemies, it was good. My fave hotel to go to, for the restaurant, in Tucson (Hotel Congress and the Cup) has a ton of Dillinger history in the halls, here's why.
So, that's where I have been. A crazy unexpected week of huge changes ended beautifully, with a majorly action packed Friday.
Letting go of anything weighing you down, even if it is way back in your mind, is more freeing than I remembered.
It's also good to get out and have a little fun every now and then. I can't wait to go through my little purchased treasures...
Now, before I bore you any sillier - I am going to go paint, but first, I must find out what Mister is doing, he is being awfully quiet...
See you sooooon ;)
♥ , V
ps: I promise I will share my deviled egg making details sooooon. And that is not a pie crust promise.
pss: I had this song in my head, which is why I named this post the way I did. Make sure to wish on twinkling stars...
.
Yay- I get to be first! One advantage to living in a time zone that is opposite yours (Bangkok).....I would love to see more of what you bought and am waiting, waiting for those fab deviled eggs! :) Candice
Posted by: Candice | July 11, 2009 at 09:13 PM
You've been a busy girl! And the timing of everything was practically poetic! It's so nice when everything works out like that, and oh, the magazines and books I could buy, and don't even get me started on Michael's, I'll leave with half the store..the employees will punch out early and be mad at me for buying everything..just kidding! But...it seems that way sometimes. (I'm a shopaholic) I always love reading your posts because they make me feel happier and more free-spirited, to just let everything go and be happy! Thank you, V.
xo,
~Krista
Posted by: Krista Komis | July 11, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Oh my gosh...I totally forgot what I was going to write to you...I had a date with my Mr. too and we saw Public Enemies. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. I love Johnny Depp and I didn't like John Dillinger at all.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 11, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Ahhh this week was a perfect week for dates with our loves...we went Kayaking and enjoyed some amazing sun. Sounds like you have been putting things in perspective...missed you and haven't been blogging for awhile..too sunny out..but I love reading your posts and getting a little lost in your world...
take care
anji
Posted by: Anji gallanos | July 11, 2009 at 11:09 PM
That Chantilly tea place looks lovely, but seeing it makes me a wee bit sad—my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE tea shop (and the closes one to my house!) closed this summer! How, I ask, HOW? Ah, well, time to branch out, maybe?
It's so strange to see images of your adventures that take place outside of your magical studio and lovely gardens! And I'm so jealous of your exciting weather...
Posted by: Alice | July 11, 2009 at 11:29 PM
V~
Lobstah and Tea...OH MY...oh..dinner and a movie...too much fun..I say!!
It is 2 a.m. and I can't sleep and am so happy to have had a chance to visit and read and see all your fun-ness!! (Did I just say fun-ness??) I'm glad you got to de-stress from all your drama earlier on in the week.
So, you liked Public Enemies? I have wanted to see it since I first saw the trailer.
Well...I'm off...hopefully to sleep :-) Have a wonderful rest of the weekend Miss V!
Kylee
p.s. I watched the Doc "Confessions of a Superhero" on Netflix earlier and liked it. Very interesting. I also FINALLY watched Grey Gardens and LOVED it. Oh where have you been all my life NETFLIX..hahahaha
Posted by: Kylee Ward | July 12, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Oh that tea party sounds fun! I'm thinking of having one for my birthday at one of the hotels here. They have afternoon tea EVERYDAY in the lobby set with an adorable set of china and tons of food. :)
Posted by: Alexis Lozano | July 12, 2009 at 01:58 AM
I have this weird feeling I need to let something go too but I'm not sure what it is.
Wish we had a tea room here! There is a cosy (VERY American inspired) café open on Sundays though and I'm waiting for my friend's babies to fall asleep so we can go there... Mmmmm cappuccino and chocolate muffins...
Posted by: Maria-Thérèse | July 12, 2009 at 02:57 AM
Sounds like such a perfect day! Thank goodness for wonderful parents coming to the rescue with new tires and a dashing escort keeping the rain off and planning a lovely evening :) xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | July 12, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Oh my, your beautiful posts always make me smile with delight and I dance away from the computer with with joy and inspiration in my heart.
You are amazing!
Sophie xxx
Posted by: Sophie Isobel Designs | July 12, 2009 at 04:29 AM
"About how sometimes people drown in their own inventions and drama, and that takes freedom away from the mind as well".....
Sooooooooo true! It is indeed a blessing to just "let go" of things that weigh us down, and completely immerse ourselves in creativity and magic...
There have been times I've second guessed my decision to live an artful life...times I've wonder if a more "practical" path (and the security it would provide) might not have been the way to go...Then I pick up a paintbrush and it's like an awakening....like taking a big, deep breath of fresh air....and I know I'd never be completely happy doing anything else.
Thanks for another magical post! And your tea and lobster day sounds wonderful, blown tire and all....Serendipity. ;)
~ Carolee
Posted by: carolee | July 12, 2009 at 05:28 AM
Oh I love this crazy, cozy, happy little postlette!! :) Your a Dear, and I'm so glad I popped in this morning!! :)
I sometimes think I'm a little comedy show for my Mr.,too!! tee hee.....He often giggles at my little oddling ways!! ;)
I love your rainy sunset beyond the cars, SO LOVELY and inviting, like home! :)
Posted by: Marjorie | July 12, 2009 at 05:28 AM
owowow...
you have such interesting places
to visit
over and out there
in the west..
:-)
thanks for the link to
the Historic Hotel Congress.
it is easy to see
why you enjoy it as you do.
i bet is is jammed
with yummy & spooky vibes
♥♥♥♥♥ oh happy day for that.....
Posted by: somepinkflowers | July 12, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Vanessa
Lovin' your "Set your mind free" Frida.
I think that's why they called her Free-da.
:-)
Posted by: gemma | July 12, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Action packed and lovely! I want to jump into a vat of paint, too! Setting your mind free is the best thing, ever, and I love your comedy show. =)
Happy Weekend!
xo Isa
Posted by: Isa | July 12, 2009 at 06:39 AM
what a week - what a day - what a post!
Posted by: tristanrobin | July 12, 2009 at 06:43 AM
Only you could take a photo in a rainy parking lot and make it look like magic! Your studio is perfection. So dreamy and just so YOU. You are a very wise little one to have learned so many secrets to life so early. Why is it our nature to have to actually give ourselves permission to be free? Your comment on the MEME made my day start wonderfully! So happy it amused the Mister! You might get a giggle out of "While swimming" a couple posts down on July 1st....Vanessa, I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am to have mysteriously discovered you. One day I will tell you how you helped set me free. **blows kisses** Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | July 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Noticing the timing is such a wonderful thing isn't it? It helps with seeing all the magic too...I was thinking about something yesterday on a road trip, "sort of" mentioned it out loud and was rewarded with an answer and a direction a mere few hours later...so fun! We shall see where this particular direction leads...I also turned my cell totally off so I could lounge around this morning and felt totally devilously delicious!
Posted by: sadira | July 12, 2009 at 09:01 AM
So glad that you had a wonderful day. Mr. Lovee sounds like a wise man.
I popped on that tea house, OMG it is the cutest place. My best friend and I go to a wonderful place called Teaberries, when I visit her. There is nothing like a cup of tea shared with good friends. Have a lovely day.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | July 12, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Thanks for sharing your beautiful day. The photos make it very real --
Posted by: Paul Maurice Martin | July 12, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Lookit that crazy sky behind Lovee in the parking lot eeps)!
Lookit the mountain!
Lookit Frida!
Lookit V being a sprinkling of oh happy day :-)
Yay for those kinda days where it all works out like synchronicity
{{insert Sting jumpin around here}}}
Yay for friends to have tea with (and lobstah if you are into that, dahlin) and family to have coffee with and a shining knight-daddio who used to ask you to talk into the recorder who makes sure you can go go go places on safe tires! (muahh ♥ daddio)
...and Lovee, who recognizes that all girls no matter what they may say, dont mind staring at Mr. Depp on the big screen.
{sigh}
I most **definitely** star in my own comedy..of errors...but the laughter is FRESH not canned!
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | July 12, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Let me just say sweet friend o'mine,
it appears you have had the loveliest of times.
Tires that blow and skies that pour,
but the best is Mister Lovee showing up at the door.
Aren't the men in our lives just grand!!!
Oh Disney was a delight!!!
xoxo Cori
Posted by: Cori. G | July 12, 2009 at 04:13 PM
i love that mask - and what an elegant tea party!
Posted by: Lauren | July 12, 2009 at 04:22 PM
wow, owow, I know u know how lucky you are... you brighten my day dear
Posted by: Carrie~LoLaEnChAnTeD~ | July 12, 2009 at 10:42 PM
What a fun day! I can't wait to see Johnny Depp in Public Enemy!
I am celebrating my 100th post over on my blog for the next few days and am conducting several give-aways. I would love it if you would drop by! You've brought so many smiles to my face!
Erin :)
http://www.fairiemoon.typepad.com/
Posted by: Erin | July 13, 2009 at 06:28 AM
What a wonderfully fabulous day. I just loved the sky behind Mr. Lovee in the parking lot....how beautiful!
Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
Posted by: LuLu | July 13, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Hmmmmmm. Lovely, thought provoking, spontaneous and normal. I enjoy your blog and thought I would say so.
Posted by: Robin | July 13, 2009 at 06:48 AM
A full week indeed you've enjoyed! AND desert rains making things wonderfully sparkly!!
Just keep that comedy show running...it's a good one.
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | July 13, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Congrats again on makin' the move to freedom! You did it! Happy about the tire incident, being "perfect"timing. We had one of those last week THANKFULLY, as we are getting ready for a road~trip next weekend and THAT would have been BAD timing~
Nice new shoes (last photo) or old.
Glad you could bring your friend for lobster and tea. She must appreciate your love so much!!!!!!!!!!!!
xox
Constance
ps
Tonight, I'm gonna wish upon a star for you~
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | July 13, 2009 at 07:26 AM
"Letting go of anything weighing you down, even if it is way back in your mind, is more freeing than I remembered."
Good advice indeed!
That seems to be the hardest thing, no? The letting go when you are trying desperately (unbeknownst to you) to hold on. But when you sever that tie and you fly free you can reach new heights.
Public Enemies was all the rage here in WI when they filmed it. I would like to go see it, and it is good to have your recommendation since you are a movie buff.
Enjoy the day, Sweet V!
xox
E
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | July 13, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Thanks for this good advice, Vanessa, and thanks also for sharing the details of your glorious weekend! Sounds wonderful.
I, too, have been carrying anxiety about unfinished business and other things in the back of my mind, and it weighs on me every day. You've given me the push to just get it done!
JO
Posted by: Johanna | July 13, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Oh Lobstah! Mmmm. Buttery garlicky goodness. I think sea creatures want us to eat them. Not like wishing it upon themselves or anything...but they seem happy to make the sacrifice for our bellies. Like it wouldn't matter if we ate the ocean of lobstahs! There would always be more. (Jumping into our nets!) In my perfect world anyways...
:)
Tori Amos, tea, movies, Frida...Mr. Lovee's appreciations of your comedy show! Isn't it good to be loved so much faults and all? I have a man like that. He is (dare I say) so close to perfect, that I feel incredibly lucky. The other night I waltzed out, feeling misunderstood, feeling down...he rescued me. Literally. Gosh I love that man....oh wow. Annnnyways..... lol
!
I love visiting you because you brighten up my world. You are the best!!! xoxo
(When will Frida be in the shop? Will she be?)
Love to you and enjoy every minute of today! xoxox
Posted by: gillian | July 13, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Woooow, your blog is A M A Z I N G !!
Regards from Agneta in Sweden
Posted by: agneta | July 13, 2009 at 10:22 AM
And the journey continues; experience upon experience, adding to your path of discovery! The depth of a friendship is measured by experience and I am glad you shared this with your friend.
I live 30+ miles from the city as well and you have to go round the mountain to get to me!!! LOL!!
Are you sure we are not neighbors?? LOL
Hugging you
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | July 13, 2009 at 03:32 PM
What a lovely adventure Vanessa...the tea room looks fun, the lobster looks de-vine and I do love how things just work out so perfectly sometimes! You have such a lovely family, I love to hear your stories!
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | July 16, 2009 at 01:02 PM