It was one of those mornings, where waking up feels like you are being catapulted through a time warp between dream world and real world. And all the while, your brain keeps asking itself, What day is it?
The sun only begins to peek over the mountains, but there are signs that today is a special day. A sort of day you'd like to capture in a memory jar...
I quickly splash in warm water, and get dressed -
Ruffles upon ruffles seem suitable for today's costume. Have you noticed ruffles everywhere you turn these days? I sure have, from bedspreads to bathing suits, it seems to be ruffle madness out there.
Still, an enormous wave of ruffles seemed to work - with the help of several safety pins to keep the gigantic ocean of ruffles skirt from swimming around my ankles. No need to frighten the birds ;)
I was in a rush, as to not miss one speck of this beautiful day! My washed hair-weeds never get any products to make them extra pretty (I don't quite enjoy styling products in my hair at all, ever) and I only blow dry with a round brush when they beg me to straighten them.
So it's hag lady-girl for today. But I am not a total hair meanie, so the hair-weeds get a few bits of lace, gold thread and stars tied in amongst them...
I bolt for the door, grabbing my picnic blanket as I rush outside...
There has been so much busy girl stuff around here, plus a behind the scenes huge project, so a few hours of outside frolic and fun is just what I needed.
Now, to find the perfect picnic spot in our garden...
It was one of those days, where the sun is warm and the breeze is cool. Where you just close your eyes and drench in the gloriousness of the air. With that, I spotted my picnic place...
A day of pure bliss, I tell you. The shadows from the trees danced in the breeze. It was absolutely incredible. Dreamscape land indeed...
Green bits surrounded me...
Basking in the moment is so important, don't you think? Just filling yourself up with the freshness of nature...
I was getting light-headed, and slowly felt myself slipping...
Fading, fading, fading into a space between being asleep and awake...
Until, a familiar tongue snapped me out of my dreamscapade, and notified me of a tune pouring in through the trees, ever so faintly...
I sat up, and reminded myself about March 5th, why it's the date, the date! I certainly hope it does not disappoint.
I have my own Alice in Wonderland movie in my mind. My brother (you may remember he made me some music?) says he will film it for me if I come up with the millions it will take to make it ;) I best start counting pennies...
I would love to hear something like Mike Strickland's Circus Waltz, or something to that effect, in parts of my own version...
But I veer -
You see, as I was thinking the above thoughts during my mid-morning picnic, I heard a curious little tune, which hypnotized my attention towards the eastern winds. As I glanced in that direction, I was taken aback by an intense sparkle in the distance...
I quickly scurried over to see what it was???
OH MY gooooodness. Could it be that the Mad Hatter himself was near? Oooo, I get goosebumps and shiver in a twist of excitement and fear...
I approached the familiar hat and gulped as it twinkled with magic...
It wasn't so much that The Mad Hatter was scary, but that he was/is so vastly unpredictable, you see.
Why several weeks ago he altered my out-going voice-mail on my home message machine, permanently. Don't be fooled, he likes to mask himself as "The Frenchman."
Don't believe me?
*Careful, it's Loud* Take a listen for yourself - (give it a few seconds to load)
So you see, he simply can not be trusted. He is pure mischief. Mischief with a hat. But, let's get back to my story -
So, much to my amazement he was nowhere in sight.
In a fit of pure spontaneity, I scooped up his beloved hat...
And then, I ran off with it as fast as I could...
Whilst urging my shadow to pick up the pace...
There was magic literally bursting off of the hat. I wondered if taking it had been the wrong decision?? What do you think?
I ran over to my picnic spot and tossed the hat on my blanket, while landing in a ruffled heap myself, trying to catch my breath of nerves...
After a few moments, the hat stopped twinkling. I listened intently for any hint of a sound...
Nothing.
No Mad Hatter?
So, I decided to do as I had intended, and lollygag my morning away, while delving into some serious wonderland wonderment!
I am currently reading The Mystery of Lewis Carroll by Jenny Woolf, as well as Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin...
I love these images from The Mystery of Lewis Carroll...
I can't wait to let you know how the reading goes. I am told to be prepared, eeks!
A reading picnic and a stolen hat. What else shall today bring?
I will let you know what havoc is caused by my "taking" of the Mad Hatter's Hat. I bet he was running around and dropped it? We all know what happened last year when I "borrowed" the beloved hat, don't we?
The rabbits just told me that he knows I have his hat, and that it doesn't look pretty ;)
So, I guess I better go take off in the gypsy wagon for now, with a hat that keeps falling down to the bridge of my nose...
There's a dose of absolute nonsense ;) for ya...
Can't wait, Alice in Wonderland, out tomorrow, I hope it's wonderful ;)
♥ ,V
ps: I will be announcing the next Mad Tea Party very very soon. I think we will leave the date alone, as Spring gets way too hectic. Are you inclined to agree? Then we can focus on it solely in June... (links to the last two Mad Tea Parties are in my left hand side bar)
pss: Thank you for the wonderful shop update support, and all the new creature love. I am ever so grateful for your friendship. Oh and, I have already started on a bevy of new faces ;) Ooopsie, must get to the post office right away... See you soooooon ;)
some of your images brought to mind Stevie Nicks in Wonderland. love it :D. Oh, and that is *mermaid hair*...and i have it, too.
Posted by: mermaiden | March 04, 2010 at 05:08 PM
Beautiful! I needed to be taken inside the looking glass today! Thank you!
Posted by: Lesli | March 04, 2010 at 06:35 PM
Loved your blog post! I just sent you an email too! Oh, you absolutely must see Nancy Wiley's book 'Alice In Wonderland' with her created dolls in a picture book. Go to her site and she has a wonderful video of her setting up the dolls for the book. Gosh! She is good at what she does! The book is available at Amazon and her figurines, replicas of her creations, are available as well at very high prices! That is why I am making my very own Alice and Cheshire Cat!
Cheers...it's tea time!
Posted by: Teresa in California | March 04, 2010 at 07:01 PM
Lovely!! I can't wait for the Mad Tea Party!
And I can't wait to see Alice in Wonderland either!
xoxox
Posted by: Nicole | March 04, 2010 at 07:03 PM
sorry I meant WATCH (not see) .. oopsie ;)
Posted by: Nicole | March 04, 2010 at 07:04 PM
Yes, it's true V...your locks are as lovely as a mermaid's ;) All this Wonderland talk has gotten me all giddy! I'm hoping to take my oldest daughter to see it tomorrow night, yippee!! Can't wait for the announcement of this years 'Mad Tea Party'...I've already got some ideas flowing around, tee hee.
Jamie :)
Posted by: A Forest Frolic | March 04, 2010 at 07:08 PM
I think I may need to read those books, Vanessa! They both sound very interesting! A Mad Hatter tea party in June and mentioned in an Alice in Wonderland-ish post ~ hmmm, my daughter and I have been discussing her baby shower to be held in June and the theme? An Alice in Wonderland-ish Mad Hatter tea party!
She does read your blog, so I'm sure she is getting a kick out of this, too!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | March 04, 2010 at 07:09 PM
V~
I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
Posted by: Kylee | March 04, 2010 at 07:11 PM
*Ooooh* you're reading "Alice I Have Been". That's been on my MUST READ list for months but I haven't made time to visit my library. Ack, naughty me. Do tell us what you think after you finish it.
The shadow picture is GORGEOUS and so inventive...just like you. :)
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | March 04, 2010 at 07:31 PM
I am sooo looking forward to the movie. It is a special event since it will be the first date for me and the husband since the birth of our baby! I have been planning this as our first outing without the little one since before he was born. I have been a huge Tim Burton fan since, uh ... Pee Wee. :o)
Posted by: kandes lee | March 04, 2010 at 08:15 PM
My beloved Fanciful Friend, thou has not seen the magical movie yet? Alas nor has I, but come tomorrow morning I'll be there with bells on my toes. Ooh, maybe we can adorn ourselves in ruffles and go to a showing at the same time. We can imagine we are there together...what fun that would be!!!! OK, I'll tell you my favorite part if you tell me yours. Oh and don't forget to bring your beautiful carpet bag your Mombie brought back from Denmark!
Oh how I've missed you, but I promise I won't stay away again.
Much love, hugs, and kisses!!!
Cori
Posted by: Cori. G | March 04, 2010 at 08:39 PM
Oh how I've missed you, precious little Miss V... If ever there was an Alice incarnate, it's surely you, and of course such a perfect Mad Hat wearing, curly locked, Frenchman such as Mr. Lovey, just completes the vignette exquisitely!!!
Posted by: Chrissi | March 04, 2010 at 08:43 PM
Saw the movie here in Australia yesterday. Sadly, for me, very disappointing in all areas. Will be interested to see what you think....
Posted by: Chrisy | March 04, 2010 at 08:59 PM
I have missed you, dear friend.
Must get back a bit of fancifulness in my life.
I have been thinking of you and your Alice tendencies quite a bit. I am sure that the movie will be a feast for the eyes. I wish that I had plans to rush out and see it. But I need to go with someone who will appreciate the magic and the mystery.
Enjoy the day, Miss V!
Erin
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | March 04, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Goodness it seems forever since I have been over to visit or chat via email! We have just returned from taking the kids to Disneyworld. Some great new Alice displays there! I hope the movie is really great too. Now you have me in the mood for ruffles! Let us know about the books! hugs!
Posted by: michelle | March 04, 2010 at 11:52 PM
What a delightful way to spend the morning or indeed the day.
Can not wait for the date....haha rhymes...for the next Mad Tea.
My guest list is ever expanding as is my waistline if I keep taste testing tea treats. Oh but live is too short to worry about that sort of thing!
Off to lick the icing spoon ( before the kidlets get to it)
Kiss Noises Linda Lilly C
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | March 05, 2010 at 02:46 AM
Oooooooo that Lewis Carroll book is intriguing! I can't wait to see the movie! Also cannot wait for another magical Mad Tea Party! :D
Posted by: Maggi | March 05, 2010 at 05:53 AM
What a great post! I can't wait for the Tea Party. I guess after seeing the movie we will all have such GREAT ideas this year.
I am defintely going to see the movie, perhaps Sunday, in 3D. Can't wait!
Posted by: YSLGuy | March 05, 2010 at 07:07 AM
Gorgeous evocative, magical photos. I am loving you with your dancing shadows. Wonderful! x
Posted by: Emma | March 05, 2010 at 07:31 AM
Ah! The magical hat...so filled with promise and mystery. I would have picked it up too just to see what it would bring to me!?! I too am looking forward to Alice and hope it doesn't let me down. Sigh! That would be so sad. I just downloaded the music for the film and it is fantastic!! So that is encouraging!
Enjoy your day and the film!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | March 05, 2010 at 09:20 AM
Oh, now I'm Really in the mood for Wonderland! I think June sounds perfect! Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | March 05, 2010 at 09:59 AM
This is was magic. Just adored it. I read the Alice I Have Been this January when on art retreat. So hauntingly told. Love to look forward to the Mad Tea! You can count me in. Blessings dear.
Posted by: amy faldet | March 05, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Hello Vanessa... oooh, what a lovely way to lollygag the morning away... your photos always amaze and delight me... your ruffly skirt looks so pretty, I am seeing ruffles everywhere I look and I sooo love them too! My three fairies are all settled in and I love them! As always, looking forward to everything you post... xoxo Julie Marie and "the girls"
Posted by: Julie Marie Vicknair | March 05, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Hi Vanessa! What a pretty and most magical post!!! Very dreamy and ethereal - just like Wonderland itself. I've been a wee obsessed with it, lately. I also have the same book, "Alice I Have Been." I cannot wait to read it. And I was poking about that bio of Lewis Carroll just the other day. It read very well. :) I cannot wait to find out details of your Mad Tea Party...I would love to take part, if I may! :)
Have a wonderfully creative weekend!!!
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | March 05, 2010 at 01:03 PM
I can't wait to see the movie (and I love your Mad Hatter's gorgeous hair!).
Posted by: Lori Anderson | March 05, 2010 at 03:47 PM
This post was simply wondrous. I am so excited about you Mad Hater Party in June. I have started preparing.
I can't wait for the movie...This week-end is sold out here, but will see it soon.
Posted by: Linda | March 05, 2010 at 05:39 PM
what an adventurous day...how fun!!
love yur hair....but then I am partial as i have the same crown of 'wildness'...luv it :)
am hoping to see 'alice' next week
and the book "alice i have been'
must check this out at ye olde library :)
cannot wait until the tea party!
Posted by: tina | March 05, 2010 at 07:46 PM
another incredibly fabulous tale and post!
love the little audio touch ...
if you get any more fabulicious, you may float off on a cloud, never to be seen again - except for the occasional sprinkling of glitter, of course ...
Posted by: Tristan Robin | March 05, 2010 at 08:25 PM
aahhhh....
i am Still In Bed
on this saturday morning
surrounded
with ruffle
this
and ruffle
that...
looking for a reason
to jump up
and go make the day my own
but first---->
must go to my library Online
and round up
some Alice books.
thanks ever~so for your suggestions...
i want to read them all
Right Now
but
time
time
time
it IS always about Time
{{ i'm late, i'm late... }}
:-)
now
do NOT get me started on hair ♥
Posted by: somepinkflowers | March 06, 2010 at 06:44 AM
I totally agree with you on hair products...although from time to time I use hair spray...especially when I have straightened my recently curly hair and it is humid outside.
I loved this magical outing with you.
That Mr. Lovee is a hoot in a hat :)
Mr. and Mrs. Hatter send their love xoxo
Today is Mrs. Hatter's 87th Birthday.
Posted by: Mo'a | March 06, 2010 at 06:56 AM
Okay. It's official. I am madly in love with you and The Mister. Absolute enchantment. Pure delight. You, little one, are my JoY. The photos are amazing...the story so sweet, and the French Man...OOOooooo so darling. It's a wonderful world. All my love to you, on the wings of a desert sparrow. Deb
Posted by: Deborah | March 06, 2010 at 11:43 AM
I can't wait for the tea party! I have been away from home and that's on my list to do when I return: party planning! Yay! I had a blast at the halloween party so I'm excited.
Posted by: pixie | March 06, 2010 at 04:50 PM
hahaha I hope you don't mind, I had to use "The Frenchman" for my voicemail greeting!!
Posted by: Domestic Witch | March 06, 2010 at 06:08 PM
You made the right choice taking the hat. How many times do we get to have a magical hat especially from the Mad Hatter!
I'm looking forward to Alice too.
I can't wait for the Mad Tea Party..
Posted by: Shell | March 06, 2010 at 06:12 PM
What wonderful pictures and a great blog!! I adored your "take" on images from my book THE MYSTERY OF LEWIS CARROLL - they were presented in such a pretty way (I bet LC himself would have been enchanted - he loved fairies and magic)
Posted by: Jenny Woolf | March 07, 2010 at 12:07 PM
you are so creative - i love it! The shadow photo is really cool and your hair looks fab in the photos. Can't wait for the Mad Tea Party..
Posted by: mjd | March 09, 2010 at 09:06 PM
Nancy Wiley's book and Alice dolls are at www.WonderlandBook.com
The dolls are afford-ably priced and the book is awesome.
Posted by: rob obrien | March 11, 2010 at 07:33 PM
i like this part of the post:"Still, an enormous wave of ruffles seemed to work - with the help of several safety pins to keep the gigantic ocean of ruffles skirt from swimming around my ankles. No need to frighten the birds ;)" is very good
Posted by: generic propicia | April 27, 2010 at 08:57 AM