I wasn't sure how this tale began, until I started typing. Then I remembered, it was the gremlins invading my printer and computer this week, that sort of stirred up some magic. Go Figure.
You see, for the first time, instead of kicking and screaming at the gremlins, I tackled the squirting ink and crashing computer in a sound and calm manner, and then walked away for some soul time. It was such a peaceful gesture, and felt really good to keep calm and carry on as they say... Who knew?
I decided to put on a pretty frock and have some one on one time with my favorite creature. I was composing a little tune, when thoughts started floating around.
Thoughts regarding a coincidentally common topic I have been having with my girlfriends. The topic being, Spark.
More specifically, a person's inner spark.
That gorgeous tingle in your soul. That space where you feel love and joy and bliss and creativity, and more.
Do you know where your spark is? Is it with you now, or is it on vacation?
One thing is certain regarding spark. I heard this from a viable source. Losing your spark is not possible! Isn't that great news? It can be hidden, but not lost. And even better news for the day, it can be found! This can even happen several times in a lifetime, with no negative effect upon your spark. I know, greatest new ever!
So, as I thought these thoughts I strongly came to feel that my spark is intertwined with imagination and creativity and kindness and love. I feel my spark tickling me when I am painting, or even when I am chatting happily with a stranger at the grocery store.
I even feel my spark come to life when I find a penny, or help someone out. My spark gets its strength from many sources.
Sometimes, even a little reminder that there is whimsy and hope and goodness can make my spark glow. In many ways, it's that spark that makes us feel alive, and reminds us of who we are. Don't you think?
As these thoughts continued to swirl, I went about my week...
A little idea kept tugging at my heart strings as I was strolling around the garden.
How could we share a little of that spark with others? A little bit of that whimsy and magic? I set out to find the answer...
It was then that I spotted a tiny bit of moss in a vast desert landscape. Green fuzzy lovely moss.
I bent down, and touched my fingertips to the moss. Delightful.
And that is when I saw the oddest thing. There was a key on the ground, right beside some tiny pots I made years ago.
Only, I had never seen this key before. Ever. Honest.
I knew then that, whatever it was that I was searching for was near...
The sun became brighter and brighter as I strolled along.
Bees buzzed around, and that made me feel that lovely feeling of spring time mixed with hope.
The sun seemed to get brighter and brighter. I had to cover my eyes...
I walked past one of the old workshops, and continued down a path, where I came upon exactly what I had been in search of...
A message. A wish. A reminder. Maybe even something to liven that inner spark?
What was it exactly, you ask?
Well, it was a Wish Ticket of sorts. Something to keep for yourself or share. That's what it says ;)
See -
I decided to pass some on. Maybe even, leave some to be stumbled upon. Roll it up, Crinkle it up, snail mail it, tack it to a wall. Here is what I did with some of mine...
Car Windshield...
Hidden...
On an old Truck...
On a gypsy wagon...
On someone's gate (who I know will just love to receive this)...
Oh, and in a cafe too...
If you feel compelled to share some of these wee wishes yourself, please please do so.
Click on this link for a FREE PRINTABLE PDF of 3 wishes per sheet, from me to you. Print as many as you'd like.
I sent one of these to my Mombie Mom and she said, "Where did you get this? I am so excited, what a great reminder!"
I replied. "Twas the fairies..."
And it was ;)
So, that's the 411 around here. Much more on the horizon, or at least hoping there will be if I can get all my clay fired and my paintings completed ;)
See you sooooooon!
♥,V
ps: Yummy February Anthropologie Circus love Catalog.
Oh you made me cry, my rimmel is ruined :D So many beautiful gestures. Thank you so much for your gift positively charged, thank you so much to let me remember that moon, clouds and spark are here. I need to pass on the wish ticket in Paris now ;)
Posted by: Alex | February 05, 2010 at 03:28 AM
How lovely!! Very true about the spark, I think.
Posted by: Maria-Thérèse | February 05, 2010 at 03:57 AM
Sincerely - you have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. I've been so depressed about things, thinking that I'd lost my *inner sparklie*. That's always been a saying I have about myself and that I ADORE sparkly things and people. So you understand when I say "I've been in a FUNK" involving soul-searching, painful stuff.
Anyways, this entry is sublime - like Key Lime Pie kind of delicious. Thank you for the tickets. Next week I'm having a special Valentine picnic at the Botanical Gardens for friends and I plan on passing these out as gifts. (YAY!)
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | February 05, 2010 at 05:29 AM
Vanessa you are the queen of magical thinking! I will print lot and lots of these and pass it out there in the world.
Thank you so much. You are an inspiration!
Posted by: Christy | February 05, 2010 at 05:53 AM
pffftt glimmer glimmer swuickle squickle zrrr fzzz zing pop pop sparkie sparkie sparkie
BOOM!!!
♥ You rock.
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | February 05, 2010 at 06:44 AM
Ah yes, the spark. I've been so happy cavorting with mine lately! But spreading wishes too, love it! Thanks for the printable, this is a beautiful thing!
Posted by: Maggi | February 05, 2010 at 07:15 AM
My spark hid all through January. It finally popped back up this weekend. Apparently it was playing a game of hide-and-seek and forgot to tell me.
I'm just happy it's back.
This is an adorable post. Thanks you so much for it!
PS- Your shoes and stockings are so cute! Where did you get them?
Posted by: Princess Crystal | February 05, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Oh this is just perfect! Maybe I can find my spark now that I know it isn't gone, but just hidden away! I'm going to print out several of those sheets and maybe by sharing the wish tickets, the fairies will help point me to my spark!
thank you, V!
blessings
~*~
Posted by: laura | February 05, 2010 at 07:23 AM
What a lovely little gift you're sharing today! Thank you thank you!
That Anthro catalog is just full of gorgeousness...
Posted by: Cassandra | February 05, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Oh Beloved Magical Muse, YOU are my major spark! First, you are a Master Photographer and The Queen of Photoshop. So much beauty captured by your magical eyes it makes me dizzy. And being You, The Fanciful One, you gift all of us with new eyes to see the magic. Have I told you lately that I adore you?!?! Ms. V! What a simply splendid idea, such a De-Lovely gift-Wish Tickets! I am printing out 6321 and taking them on my walk tomorrow. OOOoooo I can't wait. Pure Magic you are, I tell ya girl! **blows kisses** **nearly burst into flames, my spark is so renewed** Deb
Posted by: Deborah | February 05, 2010 at 08:45 AM
Oh a wish ticket just for me! Thank you ever so kindly. I believe I have been needing one of these desperately!!!
Dearest Beloved Fanciful One you are the spark that has created so much creativity in so many of us (me). You forever sparkle and shine, whimsical, magical lady divine...oops! I think you've just moved up the ladder to goddess sublime.
xoxo cori
Posted by: Cori. G | February 05, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Oh, I love the wish ticket! I'll have to print these out--it can be so much fun!
Posted by: Ivy | February 05, 2010 at 09:21 AM
V. What a wonderful little ticket to have..and give and reread over and over. It may also be a lovely thing to tuck in with Valentines, no? Happy Wishing today...and thank you ever so much for the timely reminder.
Posted by: sadira | February 05, 2010 at 09:47 AM
My spark has turned into a flame these last few days and I can hardly contain the joy and creativity that if flowing from me!!!
Thanks ever so much for the wish tickets! I will definitely put them to good use.
Blessings dearest one....
Hugging you
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | February 05, 2010 at 09:48 AM
You're truly sweet, I loved that :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Rhiannon | February 05, 2010 at 09:50 AM
Thank you(-:
xo
Posted by: Samantha (-: | February 05, 2010 at 10:17 AM
How lovely, Vanessa! Thanks very much. It was a nice surprise to open up, and I will definitely pass it along to others. :)
Sincerely, Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | February 05, 2010 at 10:55 AM
how fortuitous your message and lovely tickets...
saved just in the nick of time!
Posted by: tina | February 05, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Oh! Gosh! You are so inspiring!
I was giggling the whole way through this post. Yes! Yes! I believe! That inner spark can be reawakened...sometimes it is just sleeping, waiting...but the embers are still alive and glowing strong.
Sigh...I love your Wish Tickets...and the gremlins were at work here too...my paper just never, ever gets stuck in my printer and it did! So I fought those gremlins back and got my paper unstuck and printed out those lovely wishes and I am passing them on today! And the Anthropologie circus theme catalog is to die for! Scrumptious!
many XOXO's coming your way...sprinkled with fairy dust
Posted by: Teresa in California | February 05, 2010 at 11:17 AM
test
Posted by: Amada Lebel | February 05, 2010 at 11:41 AM
hi my dear vanessa! you are so lovely!you have made me cry many times as i was reading you... i'm going to put your wish on my blog! i hope you dont mind!!!
Posted by: a pink dreamer | February 05, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Thanks Vanessa for your lovely tickets...
Sometimes I find my sparkle in sky's drops, in misty morning dew, in the eyes of my three cats, in the smell of old english roses, in the birds songs...
Posted by: Mirabilys | February 05, 2010 at 11:53 AM
And to think, 10 minutes before reading your post, I had tears in my eyes due some unfortunate events that have wormed their way into our lives and refuse-REFUSE!- to go away! So, your Wish is ever dear to me now, but I do know that the real secret is to Pay It Forward, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear sweet Vanessa!
Posted by: Kristal | February 05, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Oh Vanessa, you always know how to make a girl smile! Love the wish tickets...I think I'll hide a few around the house this weekend for my girls to find, they will love it! We are having a 'snow day'...no school again. We are supposed to get over 2 feet AGAIN, ugh. Oh how I can't wait to see beautiful flowers and bees again soon, tee hee.
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | February 05, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Amazing how this spark flies around....I am reading Wayne Dyers book 'The Power of Intention'...
I have been thinking of this spark, the kindness, the love, the beauty...
your wish tickets are a wonderful way to spread the love...
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | February 05, 2010 at 12:17 PM
I adore your posts...
I love to make the time to just be relaxed and take in your words. They inspire me!
If you'd like and I think that possibly you would~ I have a traveling gypsy caravan blog. If you'd like to stop by.
http://www.travelinggypsycaravann.blogspot.com
: )Pattee
Posted by: Pattee | February 05, 2010 at 12:53 PM
You make my world magical and sparkly! I love to read your posts and see the incredible photos that you share. We all need to remember our 'spark' and keep it going.
An incredible gift ~ Wish Tickets!! Thank you so much. I can only imagine how many of these will be going out into the world, spreading the love and magic with others. I am printing as I type and just cannot wait to share them!
xoxo
Posted by: Pat | February 05, 2010 at 12:59 PM
OH! You are a GENIUS! I know JUST what to do with these wish tickets, thank you so very much, you've made my day, and I expect you'll make some other people's days too :)
Posted by: Meghann | February 05, 2010 at 01:13 PM
Dear Vanesa, do you know where do i often find my inner spark? In your sweet, beautiful and magical words and photos.
I find my spark in tea times, cute films (last one Chéri), music (Kate Nash), Beatrix Potter illustrations and tales, and you know what? I always ask, when I send one of my little fairies, do you believe in fairies?
Because you are right, I want to be sure that my fairies are with someone who still believes...
Have a lovely and magical day,
Tamara
Posted by: Casiopea | February 05, 2010 at 01:54 PM
You absolutely made my day!!! Thank you soooo much. I am going to pass them along.
Cheers!
Tracy M.
P.S. The gremlins have been in my computer the last few days as well.
Posted by: Tracy Martinez | February 05, 2010 at 03:36 PM
I love this wish letter. I'm going to pass them along, maybe leave some in the train or the bus on Sunday. Some weary passenger can get a treat...you are full of creative spark!
Posted by: Shell | February 05, 2010 at 04:27 PM
I love these! Such a wonderful story-teller you are...you have such a gift. As someone who refuses to 'grow up', I adore my visits here...keep on sparkling x
Posted by: Tina Gates | February 05, 2010 at 04:41 PM
How special! Your post has made my day. I am definitely going to print out these wishes and leave them in very special places around the house to remind me to look for the magic in every day.
Posted by: Joyce | February 05, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Wow thank you, how perfect i would love to receive one and i know several others who would be glad of them too :)
Posted by: Kerridwen Niner | February 06, 2010 at 03:19 AM
funny how things come at exactly the right time....not sure if i have shared this with you (my mind is muddled at the mo) my BIL has been diagnosed with his second lot of cancer which has sent our little world into a spin...it made me realise that life is too short which has led me to resign from my teaching position to become a stay at home mother and perhaps persue my crafting side. the thing is my spark has been out for quite sometime and now that i have made that decision i feel it flickering...
peace and blessings to you
xx
Posted by: ittybittyandpretty | February 06, 2010 at 03:47 AM
(in a whispery voice...)
ok V...I was just sent a little fairy and am sure she'd love to go on a mission with me.I will let you know when the mission has been accomplished...
shhhhhhhhh...
Posted by: Papillon Bleu | February 06, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Dear Vanessa,
What a lovely message, and I love that you left them around. Makes me think that I would like to do the same. I found these tiny little bottles the other day and thought what would you put inside. A fairy Wish of course.
Perhaps you have started a Fairy Wish event.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | February 06, 2010 at 09:09 AM
Lovely, sparkling as always. How lovely to be back here :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | February 06, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Thank you for the wishes...
they will be left for serendipity to deliver.
Love it!
Posted by: gemma | February 06, 2010 at 04:57 PM
What a wonderful gift! I'll be spreading the wish ticket love in my neck of the world!! I know it will make people smile!
Posted by: Tracie Hanson | February 06, 2010 at 06:03 PM
Gremlins indeed I must proclaim. They have hijacked my computer as well. But! Fear not - I go on and indulge in those quiet times between the storms.
Thanks for the thought provoking post and the peace it has brought me.
Hugs,
Amada
Posted by: Amada Lebel | February 06, 2010 at 08:07 PM
I love wishes.... and what a lovely gift to us you give... Makes my inner spark glow to know there are people like you in this world..hugs and hugs
Posted by: waterrose | February 06, 2010 at 10:35 PM
This is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Mama Zen | February 07, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Whenever I need a little magic in my day I know I can come to Vanessa and get a big dose! Thank you! Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | February 07, 2010 at 09:10 AM
I think I shall print those out later. They're so cute! And, yes, what you said of sparks is very true. My spark likes hiding from me when I'm writing, and I can be rather frustrated with it, but I felt it glowing when I donated fifty dollars to charity. So, pretty much, a spark has ups and downs.
Also, your photography is fabulous! I adore seeing the magical pictures you post. So pretty...
Posted by: rebecca | February 07, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Thank you so much!!!
I SO needed to hear that today ... that my spark isn't gone, just perhaps taking a vacation, which means when it comes back it will be rested and rejuvenated!!! :)
Posted by: Lucinda Keller | February 07, 2010 at 05:30 PM
Awww, thank you Vanessa! Printing off the wishes for my kids lunches RIGHT NOW. xoxo
It has been far too long since I've visited and now I feel as good as new xoxoxoxo!!!
Posted by: Gillian | February 07, 2010 at 07:15 PM
I've been losing a little light myself...so my spark is renewed after reading this post!! I'm off to spread some wishes. Thanks for this.
Posted by: cinnibonbon | February 07, 2010 at 07:40 PM
It's me again! Just popped back to tell you I have spread some wishes...slipped one into my daughter's bedside table, and another was strategically wedged into their bathroom mirror - such a lovely gesture to be able to grant wishes, but, oh, the hugs I got in return - even more special...thankyou Sparkly One x
Posted by: Tina Gates | February 07, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Greetings Miss V! It seems I am not the only soul desperately in need of this ticket and beautiful post today! Thank you soooo much. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
Posted by: Trish | February 07, 2010 at 08:31 PM