We are back from our weekend adventures, with tales to tell too. However, I am going to save those for next time, as I came home to find something fun to share!
The Summer 2011 Issue of Where Women Create...
The exciting news is that I am in this issue, in a section called
"The Business of the Studio."
(The pages are much more clear and lovely in person, my camera was in weird light)
This is so exciting, however, the most fun is the reaction from my family. As you know, I spend 95% of my time looking like a dirt mouse. I am always in the garden, or covered in paint. My life is a whirlwind of country house chores, running my own little business and never ending things to do. These days are far from the seemingly glamorous life I once led ;)
(Last night I was trimming mass amounts of a huge mesquite tree, with a hand saw, for pete's sake. Haha!)
It's quaint and work filled, but full of love and goodness.
So, when I get a call from my sister, who is screaming in a paper store in New Mexico because she just glanced at this issue in a rack in said shop, and had no idea I would be in it...
Well, it is the most heart fun thing ever.
I truly believe that sharing with people who care about you, is the best part of the whole thing.
It is a wondrously surreal feeling, to see yourself published anywhere.
It is really heart thumping and whirlwind twirly feeling.
And also, it makes me feel sort of, shy in a funny way.
I am not shy.
Or maybe I am, in a round about way?
Nah, my family would teeter on saying I am overbearing and loud ;) and maybe even, pushy?
Eeeks.
But, there is also a part of me that hides in closets at certain parties...
So maybe I am? I dunno.
Either way, I am delighted to get to share some snippets of the issue...
My behind the scenes is pretty buzz busy all the time. I know it seems like sometimes it's a hair quiet. But tricks and treats are always brewing. And if they aren't, then by golly, we'll brew up another potion to keep the fun going ;) (right now we have a heck of a busy behind the scenes, with mass projects to finish up)
The entire issue is pretty snazzle razzle dazzey!
I am entranced reading articles, and peeking into studios.
Isn't that so much fun?
So, if you would like a copy of your own, lots of grocery stores have it in their magazine section. Safeway has it for sure (if you have a Safeway grocery store), and you can order it from Stampington online, or check into most craft and book stores.
I am a thankful girl, who doesn't want to take one morsel for granted.
I hope you can sometimes hear me, whispering a thank you your way, for being my friend via the ether-net ;)
Want to hear a funny random tale before I go?
So, about 15 years ago, some boy gave me a bundle of orange lilies.
They dried up in a vase in my house (the city house), and so, I took them outside and plunked them in a pot, for lack of knowing what to do with them.
The next year, they grew and bloomed in that very pot, all from those dry stems.
I was floored!
THEN...
My sister would tell me every spring or so, that the flowers would bloom in that same pot.
Fast forward 14 years later (last year), to a dry pot, with nothing in it but old dirt, that I went and picked up at the city house, and brought to the country. I put some new soil in it, on top of the old stuff (stirred it around), popped in some seeds and began watering regularly.
I had forgotten about those lilies.
I mean, why would I think that in dry old soil, 15 year old lilies would turn up again?
But they did!
And bloomed yesterday...
In a curiously magnificent shade of red.
I am speechless.
Who knew such a thing could happen?
Like I really needed something to further fuel my garden obsession?
In the last two weeks I planted a bunch more, two trees, 6 shrubs, and a partridge in a pear tree!
Sunday, my granny and I dug up things in her garden for me to bring home. 3 tiny trees, violets and more.
I look at it as adding to the future of my garden.
And, helping the earth in my own little way.
Am I delusional?
Do you see a hedgehog cloud?
I better be off, I can tell I am in a veering mood, and I might end up with some long wacky blog post ;)
Love, V
ps: You can peek at more photos of the studio, and more of my living spaces, here...
Well Congrats Ms. Vanessa!! You could fill that magazine with all of the interesting aspects of your art, life and studio:) Can't wait to check it out~in fact maybe I'll pop on over to the art store and see if they have it yet. It is fun to share some surprises with family isn't? Your garden looks great~we are just now getting plants for our garden and I'm going to try and get this mess of a house cleaned up so I can go out there this week and get my hands dirty.
Congrats and have an amazing day!!!
p.s. I relate to the unglamorous bit...paint in hair and unbrushed at that :)
Posted by: Christine | May 10, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Yay!! Congratulations! I was just reading and browsing through my copy of the magazine yesterday. It's one of those issues that I can keep going back to for inspiration!
I've been in the garden myself lately. My patch of "naturalized" Sweet Peas are blooming crazy purple blossoms that smell like Heaven. The newly planted seeds from this year are coming along nicely....maybe about 5 or 6 inches high. I dosed them with some Miracle-Gro and I'm expecting they'll be offering blooms within the next 2 weeks!
Any more information on your mystery plant? Any blooms yet?
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Posted by: Kim | May 10, 2011 at 11:52 AM
What a wonderful post... a beautiful story, Love it all!!!
Congratulations! :]
Really enjoyed the studio tour.
Many blessings your way.
Posted by: April Cole | May 10, 2011 at 12:13 PM
How exciting to be featured and your talents widely displayed! I love the story about the lily plant! Mother Nature is some kinda wonderful. You know I started my veggie garden this past weekend - inspired by all your garden goodies - and the nice man at the nursery gave me a free pack o' pumpkin seeds! I'mo plant them in the ground this week, cross my fingers, and wish for the best!
Posted by: Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams | May 10, 2011 at 12:28 PM
i'm all butterflied for you!
your magical mood is especially contagious in this post- thank you for uplifting my day :)
Posted by: mermaiden | May 10, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Oh! Congratulations! I am so happy for you, and what an incredibly fun way for your sister to find out.
I also love the story of the lily, I had no idea they were so resilient, or maybe it's just part of your magic.
Posted by: Lynn | May 10, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Oh Congrats!!!! I'm so happy for you! How wonderful it must be to see yourself in print. I'm going to have to look for that magazine!
Posted by: deb | May 10, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Congrats, Vanessa! I can’t wait to see the magazine! I will be grocery shopping at Safeway today!
How wonderful you and your Granny sharing time and plantings together and carrying on family memories from the garden. I have great memories of my grandparent’s garden. I really miss the numerous large swallowtail butterflies they would get and I wish my kiddos could see what they looked like. The large tree in my back yard, my Gramps, no longer living, helped to plant and I swear part of his spirit lives in that tree, and I do admit to hugging that lovely tree every now and then. I think your lilies are truly amazing and what a gift. Wow! The color is just the most beautiful red! I am glad you took pictures and posted them.
Ok, now I am headed out to my garden to look for some clouds and to see what magic lies out doors. Can’t wait to hear about your weekend adventures later on! Good luck with you all your projects! <3 <3<3
Posted by: Kelly | May 10, 2011 at 01:24 PM
Congrats, Vanessa! I know the thrill that you are talking about. I usually feel it when a newspaper picks up one of my tips articles and again when I had an interview I did published in a new magazine. While I'm not getting any major recognition, I'm quite happy with what I have gotten!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | May 10, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Ooh!!! This is exciting indeed!!!!!!! But then we could hardly NOT expect to see you show up there some time some how. For you are the most creative little Elfling imaginable!!!! But What FuN to See yOu in PriNt agaIn. I'll have to pick up a copy and read it on my way to Bisbee, where I'll be in less then three (days that is). I'll be sure to wave to you as we pass by your magical mountain hideaway!!!!
Congratulations, Darling Vanessa!!!! You deserve the recognition ;-).
Much love from me to you <3
Posted by: Cori G. | May 10, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Post Script,
I really want a closer peek at that yummy white skirt you have on ;-). Me thinks it looks like it may be to die for ;-O!!!
Posted by: Cori G. | May 10, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Yay! Congrats! My mom bought this for me and I didn't even know you were going to be in there!
Love it!!!
Posted by: angie | May 10, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Congrats on the publication. As to the lilies, I think we can all agree it is because you're magic and it infuses everything around you :)
Posted by: Jessica | May 10, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Congrats! I actually read the magazine yesterday (I get copies of all arts and crafts related magazines at work--and Where Women Create is one of my faves!!) Loved your images---so whimsical! What a great memory for you too!!
Posted by: Caroline | May 10, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Ooh... that magazine looks fantastic. I am totally going to have to get my hands on a copy. Congrats!!
Posted by: Betsy Bailey | May 10, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Oh, congrats once again to the talented and sweet Miss Vanessa! I do love your studio and home. Magical and inspirational. I enjoyed hearing about your surprise flowers, too!
Posted by: Linda Diane | May 10, 2011 at 08:20 PM
I picked up the magazine a few days ago and was so happy to see the feature on your studio (and told the publishers so on their facebook page, hehe)!
Big congratulations!!
♥ Carolee
Posted by: Carolee Clark | May 10, 2011 at 08:28 PM
A weekend thread linked to a memory,
Of a moment a wee lil seed.
It was was for real,
Waiting in quiet the stop to reveal,.
A turn quite right and a little north,
Led a streaming with a lily torch.
A flash of glamirt and plantsity,
The princess arrived momentarily.
Her sister saw her in a moving book,
Stirring with every look.
Oh the spring it is full sprung,
And summer it nestles round V's thumb.
Of green gold peach and paper delights,
Awhile seeming banners floating bye..
Posted by: GG Pinkster | May 10, 2011 at 08:50 PM
i have just ordered the issue!!!!
so happy for you!!!
Posted by: eleni | May 11, 2011 at 12:07 AM
How very exciting Vanessa! I have been out of the loop for so very long now....I just posted a new post on my blog....and I have A LOT of catching up to do reading my bloggy friends blogs! I just picked up the new Artful Blogging magazine yesterday in hopes of finding a some inspiration.....so I will go out today and pick up Where Women Create to read about you too!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Celia | May 11, 2011 at 08:01 AM
I've been to the bookstores 3 times to find that issue. Got it last night:) So happy to see such a nice article about you in there. I know your family was excited to see an article about you, too.
Love your gardening tales. What a great story about the lilies. I love them, mine aren't blooming yet but will be soon.
I love seeing what comes back each year. Its like a present to myself. The other day I found a sweet pea that started from last year's plant.
Posted by: Renee | May 11, 2011 at 08:48 AM
I am so very happy for you Miss Vanessa, Congratulations!
I also love your surprise lily story. Only Mother Nature knew all along that they would grow again.
Posted by: Miss Linda | May 11, 2011 at 10:07 AM
The best part of the story for me was your sister finding this unexpectadly!!
Congrats Congrats! Always fun to peek into others studio and home spaces...yours is always filled with magic,
like a lily magically blooming from an old pot...stuff of fairy tales.
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | May 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM
No, I don't see a hedgehog, but it definately could be dog poop! Once you've been bitten by the garden bug forget any future sanity.....I sometimes go to Home Depot and just "hang out" in the garden center since I can no longer garden outside......If I ever had a daughter I would want her to be just like you. You are a delightful young lady and deserve the best.....congrats on the article. (I think you know who this is!)
Posted by: Jackie | May 11, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Oh, i just got my copy yesterday and was floored with all of the wonders, but so good to see a familiar face and space ! Congratulations!
Posted by: Kathleen | May 11, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Wow! Vanessa it's so pleasant to see you still making magic, I just want to let you know your inspiration makes me feel good about who I am, and that I am truly not alone with my passion driven eccentric style. Congrats on your publishing, very amazing;0
Posted by: Nelly Ferra | May 11, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Hi Miss Valencia! How wonderful for you to be in the magazine:) I am so happy for you. You deserve it. You are so sweet and so creative.
What a wonderful story about your dried pot. I have one here on my porch, and I am trying to work something with it, and now I know its possible. I will get new soil and mix it up with the dry soil and see if I can bring it back to life. This might sound strange, but ever since she went dry, I have felt guilty.
Or I can bring her to you, it seems like you have the magic touch:)
Take care!!!!
Posted by: Kim | May 11, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Left gobsmacked. That's how I felt after seeing your red/orange lily.
I am so thrilled about your magazine article!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!
♥
Posted by: Victoria Sayer | May 11, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Miss Vanessa,
Congratulations for being highlighted in 'Where Woman Create'...that is indeed an honor. I will definitely try and find that issue as soon as I can. I know Borders will probably carry it as they have many Stampington publications available. Wow~! And your beautiful lily after 15 years decided to bloom! It must be celebrating with you...
I often wondered if I ever get published in anyway, would I let it go to my head? It would be hard not to be smug about 'being' somebody. I was thinking about that yesterday. I am sure it is something celebrities have to deal with all of the time. I think about crazy scenarios like that. But I know you are humble pie and fanciful at the same time with stars twinkling in your eyes while you work your behind off. And I think it is the hard work that keeps us from thinking too much of ourselves. I think those who are kind, will always be kind and won't let life change them. I like simple things but I also love adventure and fantasy and books that take me out of this world. I relish the creative side of life.
Anyway, keep creating and being yourself...we all love you for who you are.
Cheers!
Miss Teresa
Posted by: Teresa in California | May 11, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Dear Vanessa, I bought my copy last week and was delighted to see you in it, congratulations... I just LOVE these publications and now that I Blog I often see people I have connected with in the Land Of Blog, which makes it even more exciting! And your Lily story is wonderful! I too saved old Easter Lily bulbs... and they've come up every year, though they tend to bloom later than those in the Stores... mine will probably bloom by next week. My Uncle was the one who told me that all bulb plants will keep coming up if you don't discard them... who knew... I certainly didn't... and lamented on how many I'd probably thrown away over the years before being informed that it is their life cycle to do so!!! The Color of that Lily is spectacular now, the Orange was pretty, but the Red is unique!!
Dawn... The Bohemian
Posted by: Bohemian Valhalla | May 11, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Beautiful pictures in the magazine. It was great to see overlooks from your studio. You sure are planning for the future and environment planting a pear in your garden.
Hugs /Therese
Posted by: linnea-maria | May 12, 2011 at 08:19 AM
OH!!!! Congratulations!! I'm over the moon and doind cartwheels for you!! Hooray! AND! HEDGEHOG CLOUD!!! Now, how often in a lifetime does THAT happen!? How splendid, indeed! Thank You for your vivid and bright world, Dearie!! :)
Posted by: Marjorie | May 12, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Congrats on being featured in Where Women Create, Lady V. I enjoy looking at your beautiful garden. I dream of having a small patch of earth too.
Posted by: Shell | May 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM
I picked up that magazine last week and was thrilled to see your studio in it. I do so love it.....I dream of one day having the space and light that your's seems to have! LOVE love love it!
Posted by: Tracie Hanson | May 12, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Stayed up late to read the magazine...cover to cover...and spent a little extra time on your article. Complete. Greatness.
Posted by: Stacy Ross | May 12, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Oodles of congratulations to you, Miss Vanessa! I can't wait to pick up the magazine and see the article up close for myself. Such a magical occurrence for a magical person! :) Your happiness is contagious - I'll join you in a virtual happy dance! xoxo Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | May 12, 2011 at 04:56 PM
The story about the 14 year old plant blooming made me cry. It gives me such hope that we always have a chance to grow and bloom. Thank you.
Posted by: Heather Azarmehr | May 12, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Yay for you! I'm ordering a copy!!!
I love that you are such a bright *spark* that you can grow something from nothing! Dry soil!!! I'm amazed and awed by your talents.
You have yourself a wonderful weekend with Mr.Lovee.
xoxo!
Posted by: gillian | May 12, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Oh, V!
Congratulations! I love that magazine. You are so well suited for it. One of my all-time-favorite things to do is check out other people's work spaces. In particular, foofy artsy lady spaces. What I love about yours is that it look GREAT and feminine, yet it's still a workhorse of a studio. You can really DO things in there. And everywhere in your place.
It's fun to see your life---thanks for sharing it with us!
Love,
Laura
Posted by: Laura | May 13, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Beautiful Vanessa,
I was so happy to see you in this issue. I always buy it without peeking inside first, I like to wait until I get home. You and your studio space, as always, are delightfully inspirational.
Hugs,
Janet
Posted by: Janet | May 13, 2011 at 09:09 AM
yes
yes
yes
this issue came whilst you were gone
and
i did see it in my own hand
in my own home
and thought to myself,
""self, that is one smart cookie
of an artist!"" meaning U of course!
:-)
as if we did not come to expect
this--->
'''tricks and treats are always brewing.'''
you crack me up,
sometimes, missy!
'''tricks and treats are always brewing.'''
is like
your middle name(s)
or
something...
Posted by: somepinkflowers | May 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM
It's a little scary that you can be published without your say-so. However, good job for taking it in stride and embracing it.
I've enjoyed reading your blog since last fall (yummy pumpkin food!) Keep it up!
My goal is to get my house/spirit to that level of living with intention as well as being free spirited like you!
Posted by: Tricia | May 13, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Oops, nevermind. I went back and re-read and realized that it was your Sister who didn't know you'd be published! Silly me!
Posted by: Tricia | May 13, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Vanessa, it has been so long since i visited - but congrats on the superb article, both you and your home are awesomeness ++++!!!!
Love from rainy England,
Lou xxx
Posted by: louise/Artandghosts | May 13, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Dear Mizz V, Sending a BIG Congratulations your way...when I saw the article it just blew me away...I always wished that your studio/home would bee in the magazine one day...totally awesome! and wayyy too coolllll...
OMG..on the lily ~ It puts a smile not only on your face but in your heart...to make you realize never to give up on something even if you think that there is no hope...if you beelieve, have faith, then you will receive it in some way...
A little happiness came my way too I was in amy power's "Inspire Co's Happy Birthday Issue" her online magazine..my trophy birthday flag was in it, too cool...
Well I'm off to sleep...Have a honey of a night ~ sweet dreams! May sweet things come your way! Marlene aka mIzZ hONeY bEe ;O) xox
Posted by: Marlene | May 13, 2011 at 09:19 PM
You never fail to amaze! Congrats on the magazine feature!
Posted by: Christy | May 14, 2011 at 03:10 AM
Oh Congrats Ms. Vanessa! I snagged this at the bookstore to look at while the kiddos played in the kids section and just smiled ear to ear when I saw your article. You are such an amazing person and so deserve to be published, you go girl!!
Hugs,
Jamie :)
p.s. amazing story about the lillies!
Posted by: A Forest Frolic | May 14, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I think you are a fairy and you ride a unicorn to work :) and i think we're soo lucky you found the internets because life would be more than a bit ho hum without you :) and SAY maybe you're an introverted extrovert, like me!
your flowers they are so prreeeeeteeeeee-and clearly also magic :)
congrats, u truly deserve to be front page news-in a good way!
xoxoviixoxoxox
the roostah
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | May 14, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Look at you! Congrats lovely lady!
~Meliss
Posted by: Melissa | May 14, 2011 at 06:54 PM
In tough economic times it is hard to splurge on some of our favorite things. You have justified my search for WWC magazine. (I may even order it direct.)
You know I have to come back and snoop around your studio time and again. You always inspire me to make something better of my space. Your story of the Lily encourages me to give a few hardier plants a try as well.
Congratulations on this major publication. I used to get a thrill seeing my name published as assistant to the people whose names go on publications. You know, in the type that was so small no one but ourselves noticed it.
Posted by: DogsMom | May 15, 2011 at 04:39 AM