Of Spells and Incantations...

There was once a girl, who slept on a heap of leaves, in a garden filled with curious enchantments...

      

One evening, a particularly haunting moon loomed over the little secret garden...

        

The girl thought that for certain, such a moon, was sure to bring voyages through dreamscapes.  So, she cozied up, upon her heap of leaves, and drifted off to sleep...

Not soon thereafter, she felt a little flurry of butterfly kisses on her brow and nose.  She slowly opened her eyes and found herself not in her secret garden, but in a dark vast landscape that was covered with unusual trees...

And in the distance, a golden light glimmered through the trees...

 

What could it be she thought, as she peeked through shrubs in the darkness...

   

Such beautiful lights glimmered and glowed, and entranced her inquisitive spirit...

   

It looked like a wagon with canopying trees hovering above it.  Could it be?

   

She crept closer, unaware of what she might find.  She searched for a sign of people...

 

She was certain she could hear music playing.  The sound of a record turning, and song seeping through the darkness, called her name...

       

What was this place, she asked herself?  Then, she caught a glimpse of a sign...

   

How intriguing...

    

  Oh my!  The sign read "Spells, Herbs, Miracles & Magic..."

 

She thought that perhaps she should run away as fast as she could.  But it was too late...

        

She had been drawn in by...

        

Magic itself.

        

An old woman, came out from what seemed like nowhere.  She said, I know just what you need my pretty...

You need...

Love.

Quickly the girl replied, "Oh no, I don't need lo--..."

But before the girl could finish her sentence, the old woman had taken a wooden bowl, and thrown in a dash of this and a pinch of that into it. 

And just like that, a dashing man walked towards the girl, bathed in the glow of the moonlight . He took her by the hand, and twirled her in dance, without uttering a word.

      

They danced for hours and hours, and just when the girl thought she could dance no more the charming fellow vanished.  As did the old woman.

The girl was confused and tired.  She decided to find a cozy place to rest her head, just until morning.  As she was certain this was just a dream.

The next day, as the sun slowly emerged over the mountains, the girl opened her eyes.  It was then, that she realized...

 

She had not been dreaming at all.

 

She stepped out of the little bed she had slept in, and felt strange.  Quite strange indeed.  Perhaps, even more than strange...

      

She felt a bit warm, and thirsty.  Her ear itched tremendously.  Standing was quite strange also.  She tried to rub her eyes but she couldn't.  She felt as though, she had been transformed into another creature...

It was then, that she caught a glimpse of herself in a glass frame.

She was stunned beyond words.  She tried to speak, but she couldn't...

She had been turned into...

      

A dog.  

A furry friend.

What ever would she do?  She ran outside, and searched for someone.  How could she even ask for help?

 She stood outside, still shocked when...

 

I rode up on my bike.  I was looking for some herbs for a love spell of my own.  This blonde pooch came up to me, wagging her tail, running all around.

What a curious pup I thought.  And went about my business... 

Hmmm, what did this witch's apothecary shoppe have for me today??

A giant bowl of herbs straight from its own garden!  Just what I needed...

      

I put my giant wooden bowl of goods in my bike's basket and rode off...

  

As I was working on my own edible delights that would be infused with love and magic, I couldn't help but think...

      

That furry pooch at the herb stand, sure did have a human aura about her.

 

So you see, if you happen upon said wagon.  Beware.  You just might find your self tailed or even winged ;)

Have you ever met an animal, that you are certain could understand you?  That you feel has something about him or her, that is just a little unusual...

Who knows?  The creature may have had an encounter of its own with...

   

If you have a furry or winged or even a reptilian friend with a personality that exudes, do tell.  What would their human form and character be like, if they could be anyone?

My friend has a dog named Max.  I am quite certain that Max was a snobby, super fab food critic, once upon an enchanted moon... ;)

~ As you can tell, I am still playing with my potion labels (big time).  I had the most wondrous magical evening last night.  Too bad you weren't there to twirl under the moonlight with me.  It was beyond words lovely and breezy and enchanting...

But wait, I made you a silly rotten little video, so you could get a feel for the night spells.  Nevermind my deadly backwards steps at the end. 

I think I need a little more video practice.  It's the thought that counts, as they say ;)  The music was a record playing on my record player, and it wasn't playing loud.  Wild how you can hear it so vividly... (Barber Violin Concerto, second movement - Louis Kaufman )

 

See you soooon!  And, super duper thanks for being so much fun!

♥, V

ps:  I hope you know that this is just a bunch of nonsense going on in my front yard.  I am not really casting spells and such.  ;)

pss:  Lots of Halloween treats in my shoppe...

psss:  A bit of Mad Tea Party 2008 Love.  I love those memories!

Comments

[Ann]

as always, just lovely!!

[louise (art and ghosts)]

youre back!
oh how i LOVE that video, more of this please!
just warms my soul xxx

[Shell]

The music fit so well with the video. I did enjoy your enchanting post.
Personally, I feel animals understand us quite well, they just act like they can't to reassure us.
My Mabel has human ways. Especially the way she likes to tap me with her paw to get my attention. Or caress my face to show affection.

[Theresa]

The video was quite fun! It complemented the story and photos just perfectly. I loved the music - thanks for letting us know who it was. :) Sincerely, Theresa

[vivian]

you have a remarkably creative and fun spirit!
have another lovely evening!
vivian

[sadira]

What a lovely video...it was like being there...I even picked up the cat and did a little twirl around the room!

[Cassandra]

I wish I lived across the street. I'd be sneaking over to frolic with you for sure.

So absolutely gorgeous, all of it!

[Alix]

Crunching leaves in the video! Yay! It's really happening.... fall is arriving!

[Lynda]

I love your blog so much that I told my friends on Facebook about it...even posted your link. 255 people now know about you, lol :) Keep the magic going! hugs!

P.s. Do your neighbors look at you weird when you are doing these awesome things in your front yard? I would totally love to have a neighbor like you!

[A Fanciful Twist]

Welll ;) My neighbors are far apart, and I only have one on one side.
Annnnd, they are all single men, so they probably think I am just insane and
don't much care. Good thing they can't really see me through the trees and
bushes ;) tee heee... Or so I think, eeeeps!

[Marrissa]

How intriguing, enchanting and just plain AWESOME!! I l o v e your imagination and creativity! Thank you for sharing these lovely places with us!!

[Tina Gates]

For some reason, my silly computer wouldn't play your video, but your photos were magic enough for today...Vanessa, you are truly an enchantress, and you constantly remind me of the need to nurture the playful child within us all. Blessings x

[Paris Parfait]

Completely magical and enchanting! (Just watch out for fires, with all those candles). :) ha ha. Love the way you think, darling V. And thank you and Mr. Lovee so much for the helpful suggestions (just realised I forgot to write back). xoxox

[icantsew]

oh the magic just makes me feel so good, i see that the potions have already sold in your little etsy shop... someone is going to be having lots of fun mmmwwwahhhaaaaaaa. i have had some time to post about my parcel, if you get some time head here
http://icantsewcreations.blogspot.com/
thanks vanessa
xxrosey

[Lesley]

You may not think you're doing real magic, but you are. You create a whole new world for me. I'm disabled, but in my dreams I'm dancing with you beneath the moon. Thank you

[Christina]

Aww, what a cute doggy!

I've known quite a few human-like animals. My best friend has a beautiful white german shepherd that has the soul of an old mama. I have a cat, with the aura of a dog. (Figure that one out!)

[Maggi]

What a fun post to read this morning, I was enthralled! I have a girl cat named Crickette who I am convinced was a posh lady of some consequence. Very regal and likes to lay around all day. Demands to be petted, that sort of thing. :P

Love the video!

[rochambeau]

A enchanted incantation you have cast Vanessa~
A spell of love~
And secret potion labels, so now all can create their own special magic.
Just in time for the holidays too.
Your youtube's divine, as the girl behind the camera.

Love,
Constance

[Louise]

Enchanting story you have told …
A little magic sure can be fun…

We had a cat many years ago his name was Gatsby.
He was very big with a thoughtful handsome face.
We had always thought that he may have been a knight
in the past. He guarded our home as if it was a castle.
And no one got past with out his ok…

Louise

PS...wonderful pictures and video...

[AForestFrolic]

And if you were right there in your front yard casting spells Ms. V...I'd have no problem with that, tee hee...maybe I'd join ya, I could think of a few I'd need to work on ;-) Thanks for the video, that magical wagon of yours is just marvelous & hmmm, let me see...if my pup had a previous life as a human, I think he's be a silly ol' kiddo that loved to play jokes on people. Now if he was another animal, I'd swear he was Eeyore (voice and all). When he looks at me with those droopy boxer eyes, all I hear is Eeyore's voice, hahahaha. Thanks for the wonderful story as always!

Jamie :)
p.s. love the Halloween treats, will be hitting that up sooooon
p.s.s. love the Mad Tea Party Love (even if I only picked up on a few words, tee hee) That 3 years of Spanish did me no good I tell ya ;-) Now, my husband...he might be able to read it to me!

[Martha]

Thanks for sharing your enchanting tale Miss Vanessa!-the video was great fun to see.
Martha

[Sally]

One of our cats--the calico-- frequently looks at you just SO. And you swear that she's got things to say and is simply choosing to not say them. The other cats are just cats, but no less precious for that.

I love your stories and photographs.

[Chris Klingler]

Popping in to say hello & enjoy your weekend! :-)

Chris

XOXO

[Deborah]

Oh you little Enchantress! You have cast your magic spell once again. Let me pick my favorite photo ... hmmmmm ... all of them! The Gypsy Wagon is devine! You have really outdone yourself. No, wait, you really have become MORE Vanessa!!! What a treat you are. Such an artistic genius. Perfection.

You are my Joy! **kisskiss** Deborah

[Erin]

Oh, I enjoyed the walk backward, while it was a little bouncy, I think it had just the right effect!

Erin :)

[Jane]

What a great video. Thanks for sharing.

[Tracie Hanson]

Oooooh I swoon with delight! Beautific!

[Cori. G]

Mes Ami,
you have captured the Gypsy camp BEAUTIFULLY!!! All your lovely potions and spells, dripping candles and puppy dog tails...I'm just thankful there's no jar of snails, EEKKK!!!!
For snails are gross little slimy things and if placed in potions, bitterness brings. Butterfly kisses are more to my taste, while placed in a potion happiness makes.
xoxo Cori

[Wendy Sice]

There is something so welcoming about candles, something magical. Watching your video, I felt I was walking into the fortune teller's caravan on the set of the Wizard of Oz. We hold onto things from our childhood, don't we? Wendy xxx

[Lynn]

How fun. I always love to get a glimpse at the gypsy wagon.
You are such a gifted lady!

[Debbie Addie]

You are truly full of Magic....Practical

[Kylee]

V~

Oh my goodness!! The gypsy wagon is DIVINE!!!! Love the oodles of gypsy magic and especially that cute lil' doggie :-)

My head is lost in gypsy madness :-) :-)

[Cyth]

"Nonsense" you say.
Me thinks to reply "Nay".

You are too fun to think it nonsense.
You weave Magic and perhaps don't even know it.

[tristanrobin]

don't be absurd - your posts always cast a spell! This one was absolutely enchanting - and a video to boot!

loved my visit

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

You may not think you are casting spells, but to me you are......MAGIC!

Email coming your way for our little project!

Enjoy the day!
Erin

[Lori Anderson]

Lovely story! I wish I had a huge book of all your tales and photos -- hint hint (get to it!)

Soon, when my bank account loves me again, I'm going to get your labels and some vintage bottles and make some potions. I just added a new shelf in my office that needs things on it!

[Misha/DawaiOser]

I agree with Lesley's comment above, "in my dreams I'm dancing with you beneath the moon." How lovely and yes indeed - we all are. You make us lighthearted.

Your video was beautiful and that gypsy wagon feels as if it could be out the 1930's film "Dracula" with Hungarian actor Béla Lugosi.

[Amada Lebel]

Vanessa,
I couldn't stop reading and I was totally transported to your wagon. I agree with another reader, I would love to have you as a nieghbor. I live on 7 acres and I am always the one decorating and photographing. My nieghbors think it's fun. You inspire me to dream. Please never stop!
Amada

[Lavender Dreams]

What a wonderful story and very neat video! I want to sleep there and have sweet dreams! Do you have a sweet dream potion? ENJOY!

[amy faldet]

Ahhh... to tell a story, to spin a yarn. Gifts you give with each post dear kindred gal! I love the previous post with the bottles, I will go gather some in the next week and start my collection. Thanks dear, brilliant and fun are they!All blessings.

[JESSIE LAVON]

Hi darling, Just passing threw and love your spell bottles/stickers.wish you would do dome to sell.Have been on a long extending vacation from on child to another.Then I went down to the beach for a few weeks and stayed at my sisters. I have another grand baby on the way!

[Jennifer Swan-Hopkins]

Hello,
I am doing an organic visit to wish my friends old and new, Happy Saturday!

What's an organic visit'? It's one that takes a natural course through an almost viral form. I'm visiting people YOU have had visit, and then visiting people they have had visit, and so on! Great way to reach out and talk to people.

Your post was delightful,

xJ
MaidenShade.net

[Elizabeth]

You are such an amazing photographer. Do you do the art direction as well? Avid reader of your blog, its so inspiring, we are still trying to settle in to the blog world, finally found the right home for us.

Peace and Love.

[Rhonda Roo]

Veeves you are gonna get me in T-R-O-U-B-L-E with these lovely gypsy posts! Oh those candles! oh the story, and the video adds a whole new dimension ~ i didn't even have to imagine the cnadles flickering!! After this one, i went outside to see if i could figure out hot to convert our john deere into a gypsy wagon full of light and maigc.. Now Cowboy is stalking me in fear for his tractor's safety hahahohoheeee

Oh animals definitely have peeples in em...like Buddy the Wonder dog, who loves fire works and stories and sleeps on his back and snores-for real! And we had a cat once, Kitty, who would come in every night at 6pm and meow meow at the TV til we put it on peter jennings!
come to think of it, maybe its the other way around, there's a little animal in us.......they are so civilized. Hee.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXVIIIXOXOX ROOOOO

[Laura]

What a great post, Miss V!!!!!

I hauled in a Big Bowla Herbs very similar to that from my garden yesterday, too. Adam and I are smoking turkeys (I could eat Thanksgiving food all year long) and we crammed a bunch of rosemary and sage under their ugly naked turkey skins. Miam!

Your fur baby is super sweet. Her eyes! Oh, goodness, her big eyes!

My silliest pet is General Melchior Muzquiz (Mooskies MOOSE keys), my chihuahua/minpin mix. Being half Mexican, we've determined that he has a LARGE extended family. We delight in inventing fictitous cousins for him. So far, we have:

-Nunez, who drives a jumpy lowrider and has old English letters on everything with his last name and tons of Virgin de Guadalupe stickers. He even has a tattoo on his little chihuahua forearms of Jesus and Mary. (Oh, the sacrilege-we're going to burn!) Nunez is very devout but sort of a gangstah.

-Sprue, his Danish cousin with digestive trouble (sprue can mean a machine with a spout that spits out liquidy things....gross, but we were talking about a sprue, which is how the naming came about)

-Brewskies and Cheeskies ----the twins from Milwaulkee. They're drunkards, not very smart and a bad influence. We don't like him to visit them very often.

-Trotszkys----he's from Russia. He's the philosophical sort, all dark and brooding. A lover, not a fighter. And quite dashing, but on the trim side.

There are more, but that's all for now. Maybe in a letter, perhaps.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!
XOXOXO
Laura

[bobbypin bandit]

I love that you have a gypsy wagon....although, it still bothers me that you used to tell me that our parents bought me from gypsies. THEN, you got to have all the cool "Where the Sidewalk Ends" books and you used to tell me the gypsys from the "The Gypsies are Coming" were going to come back and take me away. There are some cool gypsy wagon photos here, too http://www.flickr.com/photos/gipsybazar/250690680/in/set-72157594304254712/

[bobbypin bandit]

P.S. Douglas likes blondes and I think he has a new crush on Baby.

[LuLu Kellogg]

I have loved catching up with all your wonderful things....I just adore the new labels!

Love to you and Mr. Lovee and the furry one,
LuLu~*xpxp

[Sarah]

Hi Vanessa,
I love your story and the video is lovely! I loved the sound of the crickets in the background and the music went really well. I know just what you mean about how animals can understand us and how they have their own personalities. When I think about all my cats over the years, it is like thinking about friends. They are all different and with very distinct personalities.
Have alovely weekend in your magical country home.
Sarah x

[Ann]

My favorite are the crickets in the video, but it's all just beautiful.