A Fanciful Twist

Petals & Banana Cream Pudding

It's a mysterious Saturday.  I don't know why.  I can taste the air.  It smells like the air smells in a different place when you are on vacation.  Have you ever noticed that?  Do you ever go outside and say, wow the air smells and feels like...

I am trimming fresh flowers and making old fashioned banana cream pudding (first time).  Nilla wafers and all.  (I needed a tiny break from editing and sculpting and all that fun stuff)

        

Growing up in a culture thick with Mexican and European traditions, you don't really grow up with Banana Cream Pudding.  You grow up with something more like Capirotada (unreal buttery, fruity, cheesy bread pudding), empanadas, pan dulce, baklava and crepes.

   

Mister Lovee grew up in the Midwest and in New York.  The Midwest and Banana Cream Pudding were a whole new world to me when I met him, and so, I am in love with both.  When I met Mister he took me traveling around Arizona and I found it to be like a whole new adventure.  Amazing, the places we haven't even delved into in the neck of our own woods. 

Did you know that Arizona isn't just a great big desert?  We have forests and woods, and green beautiful little towns, and lots of snow up North.  In fact, adorable Prescott is one of my favorite little towns in our state.

I was raised pretty Americanized, but still, a tiny Mexican border town is very different from Middle America.  It might as well be another country. 

Growing up we traveled to places outside the US, so I never really got to realize what a beautiful and diverse country we lived in until I was an adult.

I love that when I think of America I think apple pie, fourth of July, parades, barbecues, folk music, tiny towns with root beer signs, down home cooking and of course, so so much more...

         

I love it.

I think wherever we are from, those traits that are country specific are beyond precious.  I would love to know what you think about when you think about the country you are from? 

   

Anyhow, I just meant to pop in and say hello, but there I go waxing nostalgic.  Silly girl.  Best get back to work, I am editing some fun photographs to share asap.  

Do have a beautiful day, won't you?  I know you will ;)

Back super soon, 

♥,V

ps:  Last photo borrowed from - open.salon.com/blog/procopius

pss:  I am also making cream of broccoli for the first time, in individual bread bowls.  I am using this recipe (with real butter), wish me luck ;)

A Little Fairytale...

As you all know, old fashioned fairy tales aren't all cherries and scones.  They are actually equipped with a hearty dose of witches, magic, things going upside down and inside out, tears, woes, toads, evil mother in laws (oops, I mean step mothers), sleeping under a 100 year spell, waiting for Prince Charming, poison apples and all sorts of things that add depth and drama to a tale. 

Actually, now that I think about it, if any of us has ever wished for our lives to be fairy tale-like, why, perhaps the wish has in fact come true.  That is, if one looks at what a real fairy tale is all about ;)

   

If everything was always perfect, life would be utterly boring and meaningless.  Don't you think?  Plus, perfection is relative.  But, that's a whole other topic.  For today, I think we should simply share our fairytale lives.  Give them depth and dimension...

So, with that, let me start the tale telling, then you go next ~

Once upon a time, in a far away desert, lived this girl who skipped around happily.  She talked to birds and furry creatures and even deer.  Sort of like Snow White, only, well, the animals ran from her and didn't talk back.  But that was okay, because she pretended they did, and she was easy at convincing herself about hearing voices.  So, all was well....

Anyhow, one day this girl had a beautiful visitor, who accompanied her in a giggly walk in the garden by night, while they marveled at the enormous ring around the moon...

   

The girl was delighted to have a friend visiting her, but didn't notice that two furry creatures were running around madly behind her.  

The largest and strongest (and she is very big and strong) of the furry creatures ran full speed (not on purpose, and nothing happened to the creature) into the backside of the girl, with a great blow.  In a split second, the girl flew up into the air and then harshly landed on her back on the ground so hard, her front teeth slammed together, her head went numb and then dizzy, her derriere had no feeling and she was stunned, wondering what had happened...

   

Granted, she had a little more padding here and there than the girl in the drawing above, which probably was her life savior against broken bones.  Yes yes, of this we are certain!

So, the lesson is to make sure you have some pie today, if not sooner!  Pad your bottom with desserts, in case this very thing happens to you ;)

The girl was given ice packs right away for her wrist.  She felt fine for a couple hours after the toss up (until reality + pain set in), however, the girl was most concerned because her front tooth felt a little loose and sore...

   

Her beau told her not to touch it or wiggle it, and all would be better in the morning, and thank heavens, it was!!

   

Anyhow, here is where the story turns to wonderful.  She got to be babied by her beau, and good thing she loves to wear black, because she is more than a little black and blue, and the second day lent really sore ribs too (ouchie).  But, a magician gave her a magic spell pill in the form of 800 mg of Ibuprofen, and she lived happily ever after...

Oh and, it doesn't hurt that she has an amazing fairy-blogfriend that sent her sooo much delicious yarn (thank you Miss Lovely LORI, I am beyond over the mooooon!!) -

   

   

That any pain went right out the window, as she was mesmerized and able to spend the entire night making treats, right in the comfort of her own bed.  Perfect timing too because her yarn stash was getting low.

        

So, it seems life sometimes finds a way to slow you down, no matter what.  Mister delivered parcels to the post office for me in the rain and cold, and I have been bringing more faces to life whilst getting back to 100%.  Which I am very close to.

   

So, that's the 411 in my neck of the fairy tale forest.  What about yours??? 

♥,V

ps:  I saw Bright Star, it was good, but oh so so so sad.  I also saw Grizzly Man, sad too but I could not get over the fox love.  Such precious foxes!!  I can't wait to watch Hachi, The Young Victoria (so many of my favorite British actors in one film) and Extraordinary Measures.  I have been meaning to go watch The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, but have yet to do so.  Have you seen any good movies lately?

I Vote that we go Positively Mad for the day! What do you say?

It's the perfect day to go mad, don't you think?  Everyday should be a Mad Tea Party.  In fact, my Mom and Granny and Auntie gather every afternoon for Mad Coffee.  Isn't that fun?

And, while we are at it, why don't we have Catherine the Great host?  I can't really think of a better hostess.  Maybe she will bring her flowers and butterflies, and red velvet curtained stage?

I am delighted to get to finally share her.  This is a custom digital collage piece I did a few weeks ago, for a delightful project, which will now be offered for sale in my online shop ~

        

She is available in both canvas print and card form (single sided).

Since Catherine the Great is going to be our hostess for the day, and we have all agreed to go positively MAD, then we should commence with only the delightments that a true Mad Tea Party can bring...

In the form of more treats, of the Mad variety (all available in my shop)... 

A formal Mad Tea Party Collage (finally, per your requests, available in my shop in print and card form)...

       

The back of the postcard looks like this -

   

Also, I whipped up some optional invitation stickers that fit all of my cards -

      

And, because I can't be controlled (even by myself), below I have an outpouring of a whole lot of explosive Mad Tea Party Love, in the form of cards.  I hope you like these ;)  They are scrumptious in person...

Mad Tea Party {The Cupcake and the Bee} 

front

   

back

        

Mad Tea Party {Sweet Treats}

front

   

back

   

Mad Tea Party {Mad Bliss}

front

   

back

   

Mad Tea Party {Of Toadstools and Sweets}

front

   

back

   

Mad Tea Party {Tea & Milk}

front

   

back

   

So, that is a bit of the Madness I have had going on around here.  Makes me want to throw a party asap ;)

And now, I really need some tea, and maybe just a slurp of french liqueur.  Oh did I say that?  Although a slurp would affect me like 4 tablespoons of Nyquil.  So, it's best I don't go down that path ;)

But tea and milk would be quite divine indeed!

So, off I skedaddle to pop all of these treats in my shop.

More super soon!  Pinky Promise ;) 

♥ ,V

ps:  No matter that the holidays are over, I am spellbound and going to make this, perhaps even this evening.  If you can, wait for the end of the video, and see how she decorates it, oh Nigella bliss!

pss:  There is also a set of assorted Mad Tea Party cards in my shop ~

   

Oh me, oh my & Valentine's I spy...

I have so much to say, that things to say that have become backed up in a long list.  Some my brain has even expunged and others that tickle the soul, but require great attention to be told correctly.  And, my clay is waiting for me to come back from my break, where I have escaped to say HELLOOO to you, whilst sharing a nature silhouette or two...

 

And by the way, have I told you lately that, you rock my toadstool?

        

Oh and, I think the fairies are messing with time you see.  For I look at the clock at 8:00 a.m., then glance a few seconds later and it is a quarter past three, and then a short time after that it is midnight, and in the shadows I catch a glimpse of fairy wings in mid flight....

   

And, the outdoors have been more that splendid, with cold and snowy mountain tops...

   

While the sun has held mysterious tales, yes yes indeed...  And doesn't it look like the cloud on the front left has morphed into a man floating towards the heavens?

   

Oh and, did I tell you about how I was transported into another land through a miniature secret keyhole that lived in one tiny perfect rain drop?  Go on, go in and see for yourself...

        

Alas for now, I must skip off while I clutch things to show you in the future, along with MAD (I mean Mad) tales for the next post ~ which I will compose very soon, maybe even this afternoon.  But for now, I must tend to my clay right away.  You see, the window of magic is ajar, and waiting for me...

But, please don't be sad or vexed that this post isn't as long as a mile or three - for I have a wee present waiting below, just for thee - 

Yes, yes indeed.  Those fungi lovin' Valentine's that I made for you back when, are Free and still available by clicking on THIS printable PDF file RIGHT HERE.

        

Because, I like you.

It's okay if you think I am silly or weird, or wacky or even slightly rotten ;)  But then again, perhaps you find me angelic (ya right), but horned all the same.  All that matters is that you meet me here to play a few games.  I can't handle serious or sad or negative and bad.  Although, that depends on what you define as bad and sad?  Because I would be happy to write you a sick note for work, or come to your house for a food fight or pie throwing contest.  And truth be told, I might even cry with you watching Somewhere in Time or something like that.  But I am guessing, if you are here right now reading this, it means we are slightly kindred, right?  Or maybe even more than slightly, with whipped cream and cherries?

        

Oh and, did I tell you that my black horse has a name?  I think, all the names are beyond wonderful, so it was ever so hard to choose.  But, I thought, why not turn my black beauty into a saint that will protect the herbs in my garden?  Like Basil and such?  So why not choose, Basilio Von Vivant, suggested by lovely Joelle Dolce Bebe (please send me your address;), because I do love that name!  Now -Whimsy, Pegasus, Paladin, Midnight and Massala Chai (plus all the others) tugged at my heart strings as well, cos you all are more than swell at naming creatures.  But, Basilio Bon Vivant seems quite good in this case, don't you think?

        

Now I am babbling nonsensically (and you can tell I made our coffee too strong), and the window for clay sculpting is closing, so I must vite vite!  Ruuuuun....

See you sooner than sooooon!

 

♥ ,V

ps:  Whipped cream photo borrowed from Country Living Food

I got me Some Horses, to Ride On ~ to Ride On...

So, let's see, what were we talking about last time we met here?  Was it Horses?  Horses horses, everywhere I turn?  Horses and Zebras too! 

      

I am either being gifted horses or painting horses in abundance these days, although, not riding horses.  You remember my tale of my head trauma avec life long vertigo and horses that I shared a while back, perhaps?  Although, a miniature pony could warm my heart over the moon.  Or even a miniature Zebra.  I think I saw large Zebra's at my neighbors house the other day.  No one believes me, but you do right?  I knew you would, I know I can count on you ;)

I have to tell you, I am so happy to finally be here.  Little did you know, I have been trying to get here since late Wednesday night.  But the winds, oh the winds, they had a force unlike I have ever experienced ( I took a video).  They had substance, they whipped and howled and tore things down.  There were fires and missing porch roofs on houses, and more.  Electricity off and on (20+ times), left almost no play time in the virtual world for this girl...

   

Alas, our little shackling was spared (knock on wood), we shall see what tonight has in store (more winds are scheduled).  In a place where the forecast is always Sunny & Dry, all this rain and wind is wild.  Fun too, as long as it does not cause harm.

Oh how rude of me, I was going to offer you something warm to sip while we chat, but I got carried away.  Twinkle tea anyone?

        

Or perhaps some magic brew?

        

Pick your potion and gather round my campfire, for I have a tale to tell - yes, a tale about a name for a horse-boy.  As I read through all of your suggestions, all wonderful by the way, I found that three names clicked like a puzzle for me...

There was something said about Saffron...

        

And, I do believe there was something said about Dabloon, which I like the spelling of more than Doubloon.

        

And there was even a first name that was perfect, so I tried to write a song about it while lollygagging in the dirt, whilst putting on a little concert...

   

But as you can tell, I was playing to a very ahem, challenging audience... (plus Mister was laughing madly, and Matty wanted to be on top of my hat)

        

Anywho, the 1920's horse-boy has a name!  A name put together from 3 of your suggestions.

Please say hello to...

   

   

Atticus "Saffron" Dabloon is just perfect, don't you think??? 

Although I have to say, all your names were brilliant (sooo hard to choose from all the name goodness), and in a perfect world, I would have a giant yellow horse, that you all would visit by being transported here in the ship of dreams, and then you would sign the giant horse with your name of choice.  Yes, that would be a perfect plan, no?

Thank you over the moon to Laume for Dabloon, to Melanye K for his first name - Atticus, and to Nicole for Saffron!!  (If you gals e-mail me your snail mail addresses, I will send a little parcel to your mail box ♥)

But wait, I didn't tell you something.  While I was driving to another little town to adopt Atticus a couple days before my birthday, Mister lovely (oops, I mean Lovee) was gift wrapping a huge box, that contained...

        

A black lovely galloping creature.

So, I ask, are you in the mood to help me name another horse friend?  Oh how I hope so!

If you feel like playing again, leave a name idea, and I will send a wee parcel to the folks whose names I choose.  I promise I will let you know this horse's name in the next post ;)

        

Now, it's time to quit horsing around.  Sorry, I had to say that, no matter how silly it makes me seem.  But then again, I can be really silly, especially when I get in the silly zone.  There is no stopping me, purple pie man dance moves and all.  You know who the Purple Pie Man is, don't you ;) ?

Eeeks, lights flickered again, must hit save ;)

See you sooooon!

♥,V

ps:  I borrowed this post's title from this song ;)

Nature Boy & Other Tid-Bits...

I gave my heart so easily, to a Nature Boy.  A fur laden, precious boy.  I secretly said to him, "Here is my heart, I give to you..."  Never thinking about anything else - lost in that googley eyed, wild abandon, heart flutteringness syndrome...

        

Then this past week, my wee furry love boat boy got sick, and my heart was scared.  I was a very very worried fur baby Mama.  So, in the midst of a super busy work week (I have hand cut 1200+ stickers), I got caught up with the vet and monitoring my baby, who is feeling much better (hence, the reason I was MIA).  It was almost like he had a really bad cold, or some bronchial thing.  Hopefully not valley fever.  But we will know more in a week or so...

He still isn't 100% (maybe 80%), but he is more like himself - (growing tooooo fast!!)

        

Plus, the other half of my heart, Matty's sister Baby, had a weird eye thing going on.  She has never ever had any ailments in the 8 years we have had her.  But she is much better too...  Oh these furry children of mine.  How can I love them so?  I didn't grow up with pets, so I had no idea that my heart strings would be wrapped around and invested totally in the love and care of my creatures.  But, oh, how they are.

So, it's safe to say that things are getting back to normal.  The sky shared some stellar clouds when we got back from the vet, one day last week, and I was ever grateful for such a sight...

   

        

        

And, my beau met me in our garden, to help ease my worry wartedness for my pups...

        

Such a nice Lovee manboy...

        

He actually can be really rotten because he is so spoiled, believe it or not.  But 90% of the time he is ever so lovely, so we'll keep him around ;)   (I am sure he thinks the same of me, tee hee)

Anyhow, I am happy to have my wee family feeling better, frolicking in the garden. 

        

My Dad got me some emergency shoes one night, when we were on a luminaria nights walk around some village shops this past December.  My heels were hurting, and there was a fab little vintage boutique that had one pair of 7.5 tennis shoe thingies for $5.  I have been meaning to tell my Dad, those emergency shoes have become my fave garden shoes.  They are so sturdy and cushioney, fancy or not.  Funny how that works, isn't it?

   

It was such a beautiful week, warm and sunny.  A week to reflect and try to send all the good vibes one can muster to folks all over the globe right now (and always really), that are facing mind blowing difficulties...

  

It is so nice to be able to find hope in the skies.  Do you ever look up and feel that way?  Like the sky has gifts for you.  Silent tremendous gifts of peace and hope...

   

Under that pink sky I played with my beloved fur babies, and I felt its magic floating around us...

        

Yep, Nature Boy is definitely starting to feel better ;)

        

Happy fur babies + sky painting = bliss

   

  

On the day that we got back from the vet (you should have seen Matty at the vet, wrapped around Mister Lovee, literally holding on with legs around his neck and waist), and I was feeling more calm about Matty, I took a stroll to the mailbox, past the sunflowers...

        

And found a parcel from a dear friend, Miss Teresa in California...

   

It was a total surprise, and made my day big time.  First of all the calendar is full of crochet work photographed in Annie's Victorian Village (including a feature month for one of Miss Teresa's pieces).  And then, in the back, really super wonderful recipes...

I already tried one, and boy oh boy, it was more than good. 

Pecan mini tarts, a huge huge hit!  The brown sugar and butter caramelized to perfection, and the tarts were incredibly wonderful...

       

After you use a fork to blend the dough, use your hands to knead it together... 

  

I used a hand mixer on my filling, so it created air that caused my pecan tarts to rise instead of sink down.  If your filling sinks down like a pecan pie normally would, don't be alarmed.  Mine are actually a little off looking, but beyond delicious... 

        

   

Make them.  You will be delighted.  

So, there you have it.  That is where I have been.  And might I tell you, your horse names totally made my week.  It was so delightful to have names being left by you, to make me smile.

I almost have Mister Horse's name chosen.  It will be long.  I am picking from several names.  I will let you know for certain in the next blog post, I promise!!  I need to be sure about this name, you see ;)

Now, the moon is calling...

   

And, my chipmunk self needs to go get into some mischief!

        

Thanks to McDonald's happy meals, that help me get happy by putting adorable chipmunks in as a treat ;)

More very very very soon!

♥ ,V

ps:  Custom Silhouettes (like the first image in this post) can be found in my shop and can be ordered any time, either from the shop or by contacting me via e-mail.  I can make them of any family member you wish, furry family members included.  I am working on a parrot and a cat right now.  Feel free to e-mail me if you are interested in more info. ♥  VanessaValencia@aol.com