Painting Days...

I feel funny today.  I can't describe it.  Not funny haha, but funny like curious, strange and unusual.  Perhaps it has to do with being in my studio for days, a little room in the world.  Tucked in there, hidden away, working and dreaming, creating away...

I am not sure, but that certainly could be it.

From time to time I escape from the place where paint meets door.  I run outside, water some veggies.  Then come back.  Put in an eye, an eyebrow, and then run up and bang on my piano.

Then I realize, wait, maybe there is something else that is missing from my drawers (jogged by our last chat).  And it is, so I take every last thing out of my closet, drawers and under the bed (to no avail).

I convince myself there are creatures roaming in the night.

And, I am okay with that, as long as they don't wake me in a fright!!

I put in a few cakes and pies (in paint on canvas)...

Then I escape again, and find myself sobbing into my homemade pizza - rewatching Susan Boyle and Jamie Pugh from a couple years ago.

I get all sensitive, and in my head.

I sob as the winds whips.

Not sad sobs, but sobs of amazement.

Sobs of "Yes! magic can happen!!"

I run up and tell Mister Lovee to rewatch too - then we get caught up in other tales (he and I), and laugh and cry and laugh and cry. (we are quite a pair sniffling about as we laugh as well, sharing the same sentiments about things, mostly)

Then, back to the canvas I go...

It is often, when I am quiet in the studio - that an abundance of tales and creatures and beings find me.  I tell Mister lovee about them all (some a huge part of our lives, in character and song), and he begs me to tape myself telling the tales of these creatures - and playing their tunes.

I say, okay okay, I will.

Then I run off on some other adventure.

So much going on in this crazy brain, so much to share and tell.

But how or when or why?

The other day, deep in sleep, I dreamt I was dying - and I realized, I'd take all my ideas and faces and stories with me.  I was worried, Mister didn't know where the big secret book of characters was (and he is not the best at finding things), and so many other things to get down.  But then, really, does it matter?  As long as they keep me company?

Either way, I woke up - 4 a.m. and decided to stay.

Bizarre deep crazy dreams I have.

My sleeping life is so active, I think I need a break ;)

Oh and - 6 years of a rock mountain of paint has formed on my paint board.  Time for a new one, me thinks...

As day turns to afternoon, then to night, and over and over in this quick cycle that seems to be my days - I run out to the cottage taking hot chocolate, homemade pizza, water and any other treats I can conjure up to my beloved....

As he works to wrap up the inside of the very wee cottage...

I peek out the window - trying to time dinner perfectly for everyone in my little family.

Matty and Miles, and Lovee too.

These days, it's all about the broccoli.

And boy is it goooooooooood!

I realize my time management stinks.

But it's pointless, I can't be controlled.

I can't sit in a little painting room, in a tiny space in the universe, and work and sit still, and enforce my own rules all day.  (although I do try)

I have to break free and run and lose track, from time to time.

But when I come back I have a resurgence of paintbrush - and the eyelashes it is.

Hooray for eyelashes I say.

So, that's where I am, in my head -

Upside down and inside out, and now, the hunt for my jelly belly brooch ensues.

(actually, I think I will give up, and let it find me someday, if I can bear to wait)

Seriously - I think the elves gave me back the coral rose, and took the bee.

I know, you think there is no way.

That I must have misplaced it on a whim.

Tish Tosh I say.

It is not in its glass case, locked away.

So, just this once - I am certain it is elfin play.

I know it.

So, on another note....

What's for dinner at your house?

I love the rhythm of what folks do in their homes, don't you?

Dinner prep and chats and daily lives.

That's my favorite sort of thing.

So, what's for din?

I am not sure here yet......

But, I best get!

 

Love, V

 

ps:  A few months ago I was asked to be a part of Cut out and Keep's Crafty Superstars.  It sounded like a blast, so I said yes of course, and thank you.  So exciting to see it just go up, here is a link where you can peek ♥

Comments

[Kim]

♥♥♥♥

xoxo
Kim
Gerushia's New World

[Norma]

Vanessa your posts are always enjoyable. The dreaming of dying dream was a powerful special gift. There may be a big change in your life coming up. A whole new painting style for example, as the old habits die off. That kind of thing. I walk a lot and when I do (I live in the midst of a big city) I sometimes wonder what kind of food might be made/baked/cooked in a particular house. I play a game and say to myself "That house is probably having home made biscotti and red wine for dessert" or "That house is having home made lemon meringue pie" (why I am on a dessert kick I don't know.) *smiles* Norma

[A Fanciful Twist]

Norma, I LOOOOOOVE that game!! Okay, must play it. For
sure. Lets see, I think my neighbors are having.....hmmm, I dont see
them eating dessert for some reason ;) the other neighbors.... not
either.

I think you are having a 5 tier berry delight cake, of every different
flavor in your house - and sharing too ;)))))

But the house down the bed..... ooooeeeee, I bet they are having pound cake
covered in berries and cream. Ice cold pound cake. That dense kind
you leave in the icebox overnight.... yummmms.

Vanessa
Valencia {A Fanciful Twist}

Website: www.VanessaValencia.Com
Blog: www.aFancifulTwist.Com

In a message dated 3/6/2012 1:34:43 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,

[Linda Diane]

Oh, every time you mention your wee little cottage, my heart skips a beat! Mr. Lovee is "wrapping up" the inside of it? Could a big reveal be somewhere in our future???

I have strange, disturbing dreams sometimes, usually after I wake up and go back to sleep, it seems.

I love the flitting to and fro feeling of this post. I fully relate to that way of doing things!

Well, we are having restaurant leftovers for dinner tonight--for "supper," as I say. ; )

I am up to my elbows in doggies right now. I have my two and my daughter brought over her two. She and my son are running errands for me. Right now the furboys are quiet, but there has there been a lot of mayhem with running and wrestling and barking!

I enjoyed seeing our Vanessa Crafty Superstar when I clicked on the link!

[Queenie Believe]

We're on the cusp of spring... on the verge of newness... on the edge of the edge of diving in... No wonder you're feeling the strangeness in the air. You've caught a waft of fairy dust on the wind and magic is swirling and twriling about your muse and head. Spring is such an exciting time, enjoy the adventure!
About din din... Honey Man is at night classes so its just me and the Delicious... perhaps it will be breakfast for din din... hmmmmmm
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

[natalea]

Your days always sound magical! And how I yearn for my garden! To see your vegetables and flowers...I'm just longing for the time...right now we still have ice and snow (Buffalo!) but my garden is itching to come alive, I can just feel it. For dinner?..yummy quinoa burgers with lentil-cucumber-parsley salad. Happy Tuesday Vanessa! xo natalea

[Jessica]

Well Vanessa, I believe we are either having hot dogs or spaghetti for dinner tonight...not really sure. Lately I feel like my head will explode too--explode from creative thoughts that are screaming to be put on paper.

As a matter of fact, I think I will sneak away now to do just that!

Have a wonderful time creating!

xoxo Jess

P.S. I ordered Entwined, The Forgotten Garden, and The Maze Runner from Amazon last last weekend (February 25) and they finally came! I am so excited to get reading!

[Teresa Cleveland Wendel]

I'm a "Flitter." It's the only way to get a lot done...a little at a time.

[Renee]

Our dinner was hamburgers, I had hamburger meat left from yesterday I needed to cook. Also potato salad from The Fresh Market. I love going in that store, it always smells so wonderful and they have so many things I just want to bring home. I brought Meyer lemons yesterday and had a slice of one in my Earl Grey tea this am.

Your post was so magical, I love the way you and Mr. Lovee share so much.

I have to take breaks from a task, too. I start one thing and think of something else I want to do for a bit. I'm working on a quilt and cutting out and pinning and enjoying it all so much. But I'm also working on a family scrapbook and some smash books:)

Now I go to bed, work tomorrow.

[cynthia]

tonight i roasted a whole turkey, frozen since the holidays. every day is thanksgiving around here, and it was delicious with asparagus and yams.

speaking of dreams, lately my younger siblings - all in their 50s, now - have been appearing in my dreams as children, playing with my grandchildren, all the same age, and i the watcher, the guide... we do fun and playful things in said dreams.

your wonderful paper dresses postcards are so much fun to send to friends, thank you for your works of art and special sharing.

i love catalina from here in the rocky mountains, where spring is a long time away, still... yet i dream of flowers and vegies growing.

[Kelly]

There seems to be MARCH MADness, in the air! I too have felt out of sorts and needed some diversions to keep my mind going.
For dinner: I present Boxed Mac n cheese and sweet oranges picked from our AZ trees.
For dessert: Yummy homemade lemon bars sent over by a SWeet neighbor.
Vanessa,I love the link to the Crafty You and Others, more FUN to follow!
I am LOOking forward to seeing what Mr. Lovee is doing to your cute wee house!
Yes, I do believe Leprechaun Mayhem is what’s going on your way! ;)

[Teresa in California]

I am so happy to hear that you cry and laugh out of joy!!! I have embarrassed myself at times when I will be the only one in an audience bawling my eyes out. When I saw 'Brigadoon' years ago in a Long Beach auditorium, I was in my early twenties. I bawled my eyes out with tears running down my face...people were looking at me like I had had some huge heartbreaking thing happen to me. Oh, well...I did the same thing when I watched 'Titanic'...
And Susan Boyle! Oh! My! Her dream came true!!!
And you speak of your dreams...mine have been scaring me of late...I think I need a Looooong
Break. I think the gremlins have taken over my dreams!
<;) a little gremlin
I am sure you loose yourself in your blissful artwork which is a good thing in retrospect.
hugs,
Miss Teresa

[Teresa in California]

Oh, I forgot to include what we ate!...we had sirloin chopped steak and gravy with sauteed mushrooms, over brown and white rice, with asparagus...and of course I drink Dr Pepper.
Smiles ; )
Miss Teresa

[Teresa in California]

I liked Norma's comment about 'old habits dying off' as I actually jumped off a cliff in my dream the other night and then woke up. I think it was because my niece said when she went to the Grand Canyon with her mom (my sis) that she just KNEW that if she jumped off the rim of the canyon she would be able to fly!!! I am sure lots of people have experienced the same feeling. Hence, the jumping off the cliff dream. I am soooo impressionable!

[Miss Linda]

What a lovely post you've written. Last night I made a spaghetti bake. I wanted something different that the normal spaghetti with salad and garlic bread. Sooo...I mixed up pasta and sauce together then layered 2 different cheeses and more pasta and sauce...then added more italian seasonings and put it into the oven to bake. Myu family said that it was a nice change.
I love all of your creativeness. What a wondrous life. Thank you for the link.

[Pamela @ InspiredByFelicity.blogspot.com]

Just had to tell you my (almost) 2 year old daughter, Felicity loves your videos. We have been having to watch Matty's birthday over and over again because everytime it end she starts crying and then when I start it over again she gets so excited! She likes the dolls too.

-Pamela, Inspired By Felicity

[Andrea]

A dear friend of mine and I go through this "March Madness" every year. We call each other in panic mode~ Why do we feel so restless?, Why am I crying for no reason?, Whats going on here?...Eventually we realized that we are always feeling this "flitty" feeling at the same time of year and have learned to use it to our advantage instead of becoming undone by it. Spring time,change,new growth is coming...
Dinner? I think I will try making Pasta Carbonara but with spaghetti squash in place of pasta...

[Tracie]

Baked chicken stuffed with asparagus and cheddar cheese, mashed potatoes and caesar salad for us tonight!

Painting makes me soooo happy, I'm so glad it makes you happy too!

[Jenn]

Miss Vanessa,
I am SO eagerly anticipating the interior of your wee cottage. I am dying! Oh dear... I just remembered I stuck Willa in my nightgown drawer yesterday so the cable guy wouldn't bump her off the fireplace. HAHA! Got her, all is well in the world again.

Thanks so much for introducing me to Cut Out and Keep! I don't know why I'd never heard of it! It's wonderful, as are all of your projects. Such fun.

As usual you've inspired me to paint. Off I go... to the studio...

<3
Jenn

[Donna @ EdibleCreations]

What an creative process! Those paintings have so much painted into them!

[Magickwryds]

I have been having crazy, kaleidoscopic dreams as of late- so busy in the night I wake up exhausted too! So, during the day I have slowed it down a bit and been enjoying dinner prep: Spinach and Parmesan Cheese gratins, seared green beans with garlic, roasted cauliflower with cheese (sauce sometimes, too- gooey goodness!)and maybe a brownie cake or two. . .

[Theresa]

Hi Miss Vanessa! So sorry I haven't been here to visit with you, but I've been getting over a nasty cold and tumble down the stairs. So wonderful to read this post from you! Congrats on being a Crafty Superstar (although we already knew you were). :) I have odd dreams a lot, too. Most often I cannot remember them. For dinner? Last night I made a cajun-seasoned cod with couscous and green beans. It was nice and spicy. I haven't a clue about tonight's feast...I'll think of something, though. Enjoy the day! xoxo

[Nikki]

Hi Vanessa, truly expressing what's in your heart and head can be wonderful!
I don't have artistic talents but have so many interests that I immerse myself in one and feel I'm neglecting the rest! I'm constantly going from one passion to the other, then back again.
I think these things enrich our lives!
I'm so glad you get to share your passions with those you love because that makes them even more special!
I'm in a veg and gravy with everything kind of mood lately, sooo warming on these slightly chilly evenings :)
Nikki xx

[pixie]

OK, this has nothing to do with your posting BUT I'm reading "The Night Circus" and everytime I put it down I think of your blog. They both have some magical feeling to them that makes me want to stay and linger. I'm dragging this book out, unfortunately, unlike your blog, I can't go back to it every few days for new magic once I'm finished. :)

[A Fanciful Twist]

Pixie, that is so funny that you are saying that. I have a copy of
the book, but have yet to read it - I got a copy because several months ago I
started getting e-mails from a handful of different people asking me if I wrote
that book under a secret pen name ;) Isnt that funny????? I have to
read it, like, yesterday ;)

Vanessa
Valencia {A Fanciful Twist}

Website: www.VanessaValencia.Com
Blog: www.aFancifulTwist.Com

In a message dated 3/10/2012 5:43:39 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,