A Fanciful Twist

I love to Party, party, I love to Mambo, mambo (so silly!) + an update below

SO!!  Looks like our 200th post party is in a week!!!  There are so many things I want to tell you.  But I can't.  I can't because I will ruin all the fun.  Just so much as a tiny snippet, and that will be it.  No party surprises ;)  So, I am keeping party details to myself.  I'll tell ya one thing.  I have sooo many secrets right now, that I am feeling hyper-butterflyee in the belly just typing this... 

      

As for our party this coming Ssssssaturday!!  All the party details can be found here (plus the flyer), if you have not seen them or had a chance to join in yet.  Or you can read the two blog posts below this one, for details...  Everyone is welcome!!

Oh, and even though she has long left us to live with a sweet wonderful Miss N...  One of my Tea Cup Girls is showing up in spirit, to help us prepare for the event!!

        

Okay, so, here is what is goin' on in my studio on the party front.  I had this Wiiiiillld idea about something I wanted to conjure up for the party...  This wild idea, has turned into a very umm, what is the word???  INSANE UNDERTAKING!  ya, that works  ;)  hee hee.  It has included Gnome King knows how many hours, of being in a glue bath (meaning, I am in the glue bath).  My fingernails feel like baby salamander toes.  All soft from being gluey wet.  And, I am not sure if it will work... So, keep your pigtails crossed...  I have high hopes!!  ;) 

      

Also in the studio...  Fabric cutting, pasting, testing of  mammoth proportions...  You see, I am trying to make everything for the party.  Not buy anything, except edibles...

      

And still, I have to be honest, I am not 100% sure, where the path will lead us.

      

As for other life adventures, we have had a crazy few days.  Family in town, food poisoning and those lovely high maintenance visitors for the party,  from Kay Ellen (see post below for the arrival).

The second I opened up their suitcase, they popped out in a flash. 

      

Both have very distinct, intense, but totally different accents...  Oh they popped out with more opinions than Perez Hilton.  They were annoyed at how Fed-ex bopped them around, they were just flabbergasted at how they were expected to stay in that suitcase for so long.  And, further more, they were mortified, that their garments were wrinkled...  Oh this went on and on..  They were tired, and scrunched and la la la la...  (giggle)

So, after 10 rounds of tea, 42 lbs. of carrots and lots of fur scratching...  The visitors crawled into my bed.  Yes, my bed.  I have given it up for my guests.  Where they have proceeded to spend, almost 99% of their time.  Oh, they just can't be bothered ;)

      

They snuggle deep down into the covers...  And, I have to tip-toe around them...  But, I dare say, their ears are so cute, that I can't help but love them to pieces.  Over-active personalites and all!!

I have even taken to serving them tiny little tea parties, that they can awake to when they open their wee little eyes...

      

As you can see...  There is ALOT goin' on around here...  I best be off to the studio, if I intend to make real party magic happen...

      

Oh and, just because I am shameless sometimes, when it comes to heat sympathy...  Thermometer in the shade on left, and in the sun on right...

      

Happily though, it is a dry heat and we have lots of trees and even an area I call the Tropical forest.  Where I make watery blissful magic happen...  I have been frolicking in there ALOT.  And, funny enough, when you are soaked, even if it is 115', you feel like it is in the 70's or cooler...

      

      

Okay, I am totally veering...  So, I better go and keep on track!!!  Fill me in on your adventures!!!  Whatshhh Goin' on???  xoxo, V

Huge PS Update:  Sometime this week, before the party, I am going to put the live links up in the sidebar, with everyone who is participating in the party.  I have spent all day today, getting that list pretty well made.  And I will continue to add to it, up until Friday at Midnight.  Just leave a comment with your link if you have yet to be added...

Regarding the links I have already added (once you notice the links go live)-  I had trouble getting to some of your links (2 for certain).  Soooo, if you are not on the list, and you had let me know you wanted to be on it in a previous comment, simply e-mail me.  I will add you.  If you are on the list, and you did not want to be on it, e-mail me as well, and I can take you off in a jiffy ;)   

Thanks for being patient with your elfin friend!! ;) 

VanessaValencia@aol.com

Party Planning, Party Decorations & How is your party planning coming along?

So many fun things going on!  First of all, I am so glad so many of you have signed up to attend the Virtual Mad Tea Party {Of the Costume Variety}, on June 28th.  I think we are going to have so much fun!!  You can continue signing up if you have not, by simply leaving me a comment (on any blog post before the party) to let me know you would like to be added to the list...  (click on the link above for details)

You can also still copy the flyer below, if you would like to share it on your blog...   I will make a list of the party participants in my side bar.  This will happen a few days before the party...  So, that we can share ideas and what not...

      

For us here at A Fanciful Twist, it has been pure excitement.  We (we meaning, me, myself and I) have been testing ways to bring glittery fun to life for the party...  And, in the most serendipitous way, simple things have been bursting with Magic at the seams...  That along with surprise visitors, means, there is some exciting stuff brewing for certain!!

Let me start by sharing that there are some enchanted characters visiting for the party...  It all happened in the most delightful fashion.  The darling Kay Ellen, who I have so much to share about (including exciting Sealah Tape, which I will share soon), had some of her friends make a trip down to party at our abode (this happened even before I planned a party for you all, so it was perfect timing)...  They arrived over a week ago.  I just knew it was them when a Fed Ex van hovered wayyyy at the end of the dirt driveway...  I ran out there with no shoes on, at lightning speed, to catch Mr. Lovee receiving them...

      

I then, ran into the studio, and opened the box very carefully...  The second I opened it, I could see the signs of magic...

      

Cracking the code was the next step...

      

I can't believe Miss Kay Ellen entrusted her beloved friends to me...  Of course, the friends have a personality of their own, and refused to be photographed until they were very well rested for the party ;)

So that is another fun thing to look forward to...  Did I mention that they eat lots of carrots???

The next thing, is that, I have been looking for fun ways to make some easy beautiful creations & masks for the party.

Nothing like a little teal glitter to make things ever so pretty.  I got this super fine powder glitter at this floral warehouse in some floral district many years ago...  I need to find some more, nothing compares to it... 

      

So, I had this idea to glitter a teal balloon...  Of course glitter brings out magic in everything...  A little music and glitter in the studio makes for a very very sparkly magical afternoon...

      

I can't even tell you how pleased I was with the glittery balloon.. So what I did, is I took some white craft glue on a paint brush, and brushed it all over the top of the balloon.  Then I sprinkled the fine teal powder glitter and some white iridescent glitter on the balloon...  And voila, so super sparkly, it won't even convey in a photo...

      

Now here is where serendipitous magic comes into play...  You see the size of the balloon, right???

      

Wellll, when I got home this evening, this is what I found.  Isn't it wonderful????  The balloon shrank... And the glitter ribboned around it...  SO EXCITING!!!

      

And made it extra beautiful and sparkly...

      

But, the next thing I found...  Is truly how accidents make the spectacular happen.  As I peeled the glue glitter off, it peeled like a perfect sheet of sturdy, yet very thin glitter paper.  Perfect for mixed media mermaid tails!!!!!   Don't you think????

      

Now the question is...  Could I do it again???  If planned??? 

So, that was the first magical thing... The next funny thing that happened that sparked huge magic vibes...  Was the fact that, a heart shaped doilie makes a pretty fun mask!!

      

Now tell me, don't you think, that with a little tweaking it could even be a bit owly... (don't mind my unmanageable 110' weather hair)

      

So, how can that not be fun???  Easy glitter paper and easy heart doilie masks.  Elaborate on them a bit, and I can only imagine how they can become so super wonderful...

On the real world front (that's when I have to leave the safety of my imagination filled studio world and venture into the real world) things have been fun.  Lots of outings in painfully hot weather (even though, nights have shared beautiful sunsets and moons) with family and Mr. Lovee's family too...  It was his birthday, father's day, and my Dad's birthday...  All in the matter of 3 days... 

      

So, on every outing, I have taken the opportunity to taste test one of our beverages of choice.  I think I might even serve it to my furry friends at the party...

Shirley Temples...

      

I can't believe that Shirley Temple photo turned out.  We were in the darkest restaurant in the planet.  Those where you just have to trust that what they say you are eating, really is what you are eating ;)

Well, that is where I am as of now...  I am off to test more concoctions for the soiree....

      

Fill me in on your goings on...  xoxo, V   

Guess what?? I'm throwing you a party!!!

Did I say Party?  Yep, I sure did!!  You see, I am about to have my 200th blog post, and seeing as how, without you, I wouldn't be here in blogland at all, I thought it important for us to celebrate together....  What do you say??   Saturday June 28th!!  Save the date & make sure to invite all your friends!! ;)  Everyone is welcome! (feel free to use my flyer below on your blog)

        

I know it is summer & we all have different things going on...  So, I was thinking, this will be easy, we would have a giant cakes and dress up, Imaginary Tea Party...  With hats, cakes, crowns, gowns, striped socks, masks, birds, treats galore, old photos, costumes & imagination abound...

      

You can make your own hats & masks, and you can have giveaways on your blog if you'd like.  You can share any fun story, anything you want...  Even share old photos of yourself...  It will be like one big soiree of us all sitting around a "Mad Hatter Tea Party Table" sharing stories...  I am hoping for as much fun as...

          

I will make a list with anyone participating, and link to your blog or website.  You just let me know you are joinging in, and voila, you are on the list for a place for others to visit.  I will make sure to visit all of you!!

The night before the party,  I will make a list of everyone participating (with links), and include it in my blog post for the party...

But, you can also join us if you don't have a blog.  If you don't have a blog, and you want me to share something you made, or a story you want to tell, let me know, and we will include you too!!!

      

I am going to make lots of giveaway goody bags, and there will be lots of fun treats.  I feel like we have sooo many exciting things that go on in the way of parties in fall and spring, and not enough in summer...  So, here is one just for you!!  I hope you can make it! (Yes, that is naughty me below.  This is an idea, of how you can use old photos of yourself for this party)

      

I looove parties!!!  I was searching like a mad woman, for ideas on how to invite you...

      

      

And then I found it!!  It was so simple, leave it to the French!!  Faire une partie, is what I think I am doing?? hee hee...  And hopefully you will,  Aller en soiree?   

      

I will hint that, a doll will even make it's way to a participant.  I should say, one of my doll creations...  That will be one of my items to giveaway!!  I sure hope you can join in!!

Everyone is soooo excited around here, with the party buzz afloat...

      

We are going to have lots of music!!

      

And, we are trying on glitter and jewels...

      

Even those socks we were talking about are making their way...

      

I think I am going to conjure up some reallll good sweets!!  And some lovely treats!! (note the guilty chocolate covered lips)   

      

So, get out your glitter...

      

Or, anything sparkly you might like (I am all into sparkles these days)...

      

Maybe even some doilies???

      

And make something fun for the party, if you'd like!!  I tried to make a mask, but I cut the eye holes too big :))

      

Soooo, that is the news for the day!!

      

Saturday June 28th...  Hope you can make it!!!  As for parties, I am going to be getting ready for one for the nice man around here...  His birthday is Sunday.  Sounds like a goood day for a chocoflan!  ;)

See you very very soon!! xoxo

ps:  You can let me know in comments if you are going to join...  Or you can e-mail me.  Anyway you'd like...   

"Hot summer streets, and the pavements are burning, I sit around..."

That is not exactly what I am doing, but I guess I had this song in my head.  What I was really doing was working on a new painting & having a little sip of really lovely coffee.  However, there is someone in my life that is causing me to get into real mischief...

      

All I can say is, I wouldn't recommend you getting a teeny tiny chick.  Mine wants constant entertainment, and wouldn't let me get anything done...

      

She was right.  It was certainly a scorching day.  A very very lazy summer day indeed.  Those days where you just want to swing back and forth in your hammock, one leg dangling, as you spritz yourself with cold water while fanning your face...

      

Luckily the desert has cactus blooms that enjoy the heat.  But, beware if you get too close.  I got too close and the stickers simply jump right off the cactus, and adhere to your clothing...

      

So, we find that after a simple roam about to find a cactus flower, we are now eager for water...  Oh the splashes of water...  We envision a stream, under cool trees...  Perhaps some fairies?  I suppose we are looking for an experience much like that of a favorite True Fairytale Story...  How I wish for a lake on our property, or waterfalls?  Wouldn't that be dreamy?    

      

But, the fact is...  It is hot and droopy...  Lazy days that bring bits of summer fun.  Like, making your own salsa and sauces.  Beautiful light summer eats.  Sitting under the huge canopy trees...  Popsicles abound...   

      

Pineapple treats from Mr. Lovee.  Cold refreshing watermelon and cantelope.  Running through the sprinklers...

      

Eagerly awaiting the rippening of the peaches...

      

All of that, and still the baby chick, is not amuzed...  She wants more fun that that!!  ;)

      

Okay, I say.  Taking her on.  Okay, you want fun... Let me think, let me see... What can be fun??  I pace around, wringing my fingers... OH!!  I got it.  Let's go harass Mr. L...

      

I know, I know.  Obnoxious.  Annoying.  Mean?  But, who else do we have to throw water balloons at? 

      

You see, I am a fish.  I LOVE water!!  I could be in the water all day.  I could float for hours.  I could swim my heart away...  My whole youth was spent in the pool.  I thought I had a mermaid tail ;) 

BUT, Mr. L, does not share that passion.  He loves the heat.  He hates cold water.  Pools are not his favorite thing at all.  And, I suspect, he will NOT enjoy water balloons.  Although, he did when I first met him...  But, that was probably because when you first meet someone, and they knock your socks off, you don't even get angry if they throw water balloons at you ;)

So, off I went with my water balloons.  One skimmed his shoulder, getting him a tiny bit wet.  The blue one, simply bounced off him.  And bounced down the rocky path.  I threw it again.  Again, it bounced.  Hmmmmm.  So, I tore a wee hole into it, and chased him around, soaking him...

Haaa!!  Well, that was fun.  Fun until, as I was heading back in the house, I spy this...  My mouth drops open!!  hahahaaaaaaa!!  He is back for an attack!! Eeeeek!! (I was sooo not expecting that)

      

I am in for it now.  He says to me (as he tosses it around). "Look, it is like the blue one,  it will bounce, not break,  let's play catch."  And then, me, being a total goose, goes, "OKAY!"   

      

He gently tosses it to me.  I go to catch it.  And, well, you know the rest.  It bursts all over me.  My hair, my face!  I am smiling.  I am soaked.  And you know what? THAT WAS FUN!!! (he is laughing)

      

      

So there you have it.  A summer day in the desert.  What do you like to do to cool off??  Any fun weekend stories you want to tell me?  Oh c'mon!!  Share them with auntie V ;)

I'll tell you something.  A flashback story...  If I were in Junior high, I would be playing a cassette in my pink and teal radio (chosen from one of three hundred from my cassette suitcases).  I would be, sitting by the pool, all my friends hanging around...  I would be in a wanne-be-scooba-diving material, body glove, zip-up bathing suit.  My nose would be covered in fluorescent zinc.  Is that what that suncreen was called?  I would have to remove 3 pairs of socks to get in the pool (and laceless keds).  I would be in a giant Esprit hypercolor t-shirt while hanging around (wearing 47 scrunchies in my ponytail and 14 swatches on my wrists)...  And, we would be preparing for my mom to take us cruising in her GIANT (like a big square boat) white (faux convertible top) Lincoln towncar, as soon as the sun went down...  (That would lead to being dropped off in the cemetary, scared to death.  But, I'll save that one for later). 

I don't know where I found this 80's child list?  Besides some typos, it is really funny...

So, cheers to those summers, all those years ago...  When all I could think of was growing up...  And, I dare say, being all grown up, is gooooooood ;)  it is fun!!!  Just what I think I hoped for??  Although, I think at the time, I wanted to grow up to be Cyndi Lauper on stage or something like that??   

      

Now it's your turn!!  Give me YOUR junior highschool SUMMER flashback!!  xoxo, V

Should I stay, or should I go? (A silly little story)

It really shouldn't be questioned.  It shouldn't be an ordeal...  When your beloved one, phones from the office...

      

And proceeds to ask you out on the town.  Shouldn't you say yes?  Shouldn't you just look forward to dolling up, gettin' a chance to don a lovely frock?  Shouldn't you squeal as you hang up the phone.  A date??? 

      

I certainly loooove to play dress up, and go out for a bit of magic...  But, it seems that lately, I am more inclined to stay in.  Beckoned to play in the studio by a bit of this...

      

      

      

As much as I loooove my creative time,  I had a huge feeling that this one time, I shouldn't say, "let's stay in..."  I had a feeling, we needed a fun night...  I had to put down my oil sticks. Wash out my paint brushes and enjoy a beautiful evening, out...

      

The books will still be there tomorrow...  The paint will be waiting...  But a night with your beloved, you must plunge into sometimes...

      

So, I decided to take the day off yesterday.  Play dress up.  Find something nice to wear with what I have with me.  You see, my entire wardrobe + shoes + accessories are at my home in town.  I just have a few faves with me at our country house...

Truth be told.  This girl, that used to play dress up every day, her whole life, hadn't been doing much of that for the better part of a year.  I have not been to a shop or a mall (don't like malls anyways), in a year.  Oh wait, white lie.  I went to Anthropologie twice in the last year... 

I don't know what is hip or new.  I never much cared about that anyway, because I dress to the beat of my own tune...  My sis will attest to that ;)  (What is she wearing???  hee heee)

I just wanted to feel pretty.  A far cry from the regular prairie girl gown covered in paint, and no shoes...

Soooo, with the few treasures I have at the country house, and the few frocks that have traveled here with me, I decided to give a go at consulting me crystallll ballll..... (any excuse to play, right?)

      

      

At first I was getting nothing.  No signs, no help with what I should wear, where we should go.  Nada...

Then all of a sudden....  Presto!!!  Magic!!

      

The crystal ball said I needed a hair cut.  My hair has arrived at the waste line.  Fun to have grown it a wee bit longer than normal.  However, it was just too long.  And getting too straight.  Curly it bounced up a bit and doesn't look soooo long.  But blow dried, it was looking a bit over the top long...  So I hacked off three + inches.  Made a layer go back to it's ear length and not chin length...  And, gave myself a a too short pedicure...  Now it was time for the attire...

So, what look was I going for??  And what price of pain was I willing to go through??  Was I willing to go, extra silly shoes (by silly I mean, tall, delicate and impossible to walk in) and giant squash blossom?? (new hair below, still longish)

         

      

        

Or was I going for black puff sleeves and lots of coins??  A bit gypsy romance...

      

Or was I feeling a bit over the top??  An up do?

      

With vintage flair??  A bit of vintage AB Swarovskis with a bakelite drop??  Ooolala ;)

      

Or do you think??  Carved bangles??  I am always going to be a bakelite, lucite & carved bangle lover...

      

      

Maybe I should wear these??  Although, they are impossible to buckle.. Don't you hate shoes like that???  The buckle is too stiff...

      

Oh ,wait, I have my vintage Kimono...  Oh no, I save that for realllly fancy occassions  ;)

      

Just then I have a brilliant idea!!  I have this wall hanging with these fabulous leather slippers... 

      

I wonder if they fit?????  OH me, oh my!!!  This is fun!!

      

Hahahaaaaaaaaaaa!!!  They fit!!  Isn't that soo funnnnny?????  I could pry them off and wear them!!  Oh my goodnesssssss, I had a good laugh about that!!  Who knew they were my size?? 7.5, hee heeee!! 

I have my favorite green and gold Anthropolgie shoes...  Although I never wear them anymore because they are quite frail from over-usage...   But perhaps?  Just out to dinner??

      

All of a sudden, I am exhausted from playing.  I have no make-up on yet (which is why you are getting no face shots)  and, Mr. Lovee is saying he will be home to get me in 15 minutes.  What??? 

I throw on my favorite flouncy black skirt...  A new top (online shopping is still being done a tiny bit), a thin cardigan, my long necklaces... a sleek side ponytail, long earrings...  And these...

      

I race out the door... Hop in the car (and remember to bring my camera).  We decided that since we want treats from a few different places, that we will go to all of them.  I look at Mr. Lovee and ask, remember me?  He charmingly smiles... 

We have Margaritas, something we never do (or, I have one, Mr Lovee hates them). Actually, this Margarita on the rocks, is the size of my head.  I grab my camera.  It is still "on" from dress-ups.  The battery is dead.  I am sad.  But perhaps, I am simply meant to enjoy the evening...  I don't have my cell, so I can't use my camera phone...

We laugh, we chat, we whisper...  We joke...  We laugh hysterically some more...  We talk.  We reminisce...  We are the only ones in the restaurant.  One that is normally packed.  We are shocked.

We go to Vitello's for dessert...  Cappuccino, cannoli & bliss.  I am getting loopy.  Some lovely people who own a piece of my art, are having wine and dessert there.  It is lovely to see them... 

I remember we have Mr. Lovee's camera phone.  I then take these for you ;)

Bad Camera phone shots...

      

      

We get home.  I am not used to anything spiked.  I am exhausted.  I am thristy.  I am not 23 anymore.  Still young, just not 23 young. 

So, in the morning, my 32 year old face has, I had a giant Margarita last night, written all over it.  As does the inside of my head.  And has only one dream in life...  COFFEE.  Or tea...

      

So, tell me, are you a stay in kinda person?  Or, a jump at the chance to go out and play, kinda person??  Do you want to come play dress-ups at my house??  Just, no Margaritas, k?  I like Shirley Temples better...

Well I best be on my way.  I am quite certain I have bored you silly... Annnnnd, I have to finish packaging the wee elves!!!  Who are eager to arrive at their new homes!!  Thank you new homes!!  You make me soooooooo delighted!!!  See you sooooon ;)  xoxo

      

Oh PS:  On a random note...  Last night, we had to stop at the grocery for a few supplies...  When all of a sudden as we drive through the plaza, I see the SUSHI CAT!!!  In the window of a new place!!  I SCREAM!!!  THE SUSHI CAT!!!  Mr. Lovee almost crashes...  Ooops!  But, you know, that decorative big cat that is seated atop most sushi bars??  I saw him!!  That means, in the humble wee village, in the middle of Arizona and nowhere...  We are going to have a SUSHI BAR!!!  Woo hoooo!!  No more driving into town for that!!  I will have a sushi place, 2 minutes from the studio ;)

Midweek FUN!!

A little fun in the middle of the week, on a warm and windy day, in June (wait June?  It's June???).  We open our eyes to sparkles and twinkles...  And, happy thoughts about little creatures finding homes fills the air...

      

I find out quickly, that I am the last one to wake...  As there is a hustle and bustle of wee bodies, moving around, washing faces, brushing teeth, straightening hats...  Assembling for this exciting day, when they might find a new home...  A new adventure...

I feel sad and happy.  They line up on the stairs.  Waiting...  for you...

      

      

The little faces peeking through the banister, make me smile.  A tender feeling...

      

There is a surprise as well.  You see, in the Magical Cypress tree grove, there are a bevy of little creatures, more pet like.  A bit creature like.  They decided they wanted to be adopted too...  So, here they are...

They happen to have a sparkly-pearl essence to their coats...  From left to right - meet...  Chirping curly tailed Kookaburra, Miss Kitty Kat Queen Anastasia, and the tweetling songlet, Mr. Sweetie Griffin...

      

They are our little choir of sorts... 

      

      

          

      

All the Wee Cypress tree Groves are complete...  All whispering magical secrets, and helping grant little wishes...

      

       

So, all of those sweeties will be in my shop in about 5 minutes.  At 6 p.m. this evening (June 4th).

My wee helper and I have been working at all hours.  And watching sooooo many movies while we work.  Normally it is all music while painting on canvas.  But, while creating wee creatures in clay, it is all about movies...

So, my little one, wanted to draw you a picture, so you wouldn't be soo afraid of her.  And, she wanted me to reiterate, that she only comes to life & runs around at night while everyone is asleep  (which is why her shoes are so scuffed up, from running in the dark).  But, she makes sure not to get into too much mischief.

      

Unless of course.  Mr. Lovee's wee one happens to be awake.  And, I dare say, he gets into tons of mischief.  And, he does cause me to be spooked every now and then...  This is a very old property, with old buildings here and there...  And, well, finding this little guy peering through the windows can be a little unsettling...  But he is very nice and not creepy at all, if you talk to him ;)

      

Although I have to be very careful with my imagination.  Especially since I am in a scary movie watching wave these days.  Something I had not done for YEARS.  As I am quite capable of scaring the dickens out of myself without the help of The Shining or Amityville...  There is just one movie I can not watch. It happens to have this tune in it  (I will put an easy version in so you don't get spooked).  That one is a no no for me.

What are your favorite scary movie titles???  Did you watch them at slumber parties??? 

      

Do you remember going to slumber parties and having a ball????  OH do tellll!!!!!  I love those stories!!!   (slumber party photo - Hilarie Orman)

So much to say, so much to say... (crazy long post)

I have been trying to get here since 6 a.m. this morning.  But, between elves and exciting phone chats, it seems I am now here at 6 p.m.

I think I will begin with showing you more faces that make my heart pitter patter.  I tell ya, there is nothing that makes me smile more than one of these faces... (click on any image to enlarge)

      

I am popping these wee elfin in the shop, Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time.  I still have to work on Cypress groves and such...

      

You will still find their adorable names on the back of them...

      

The only way I can say goodbye to these loves is through knowing that their new owners love them to bits...

      

      

      

I wasn't going to post photos of all of them today.. But maybe I will!!  They are so excited to make your acquaintance...  (The Cypress Trees in back are not complete, but will be on Wed.)

      

      

      

Don't they just make you giggle??

      

      

We have to make an elf song... Any thoughts??  Can you hear them singing??

      

      

         

         

         

And, let's not forget the ever lovable, Fragonard...   

          

So, that is where I have been these days.. Frolicking in the Elfin Cypress Grove again...

As for other fun things...  Remember that wonderful Pirate Soiree Miss Donna had?  Where we joined in over here at A Fanciful Twist??

Well, Miss Nancy over at Fete et Fleur won a little bag of loot through my drawing...  She received her loot bag, so now I can show you what was in it...  Although, she has better pictures of all the loot, and I only have two :)

First, she received Mr. Pirate bird himself.  I made him with extra amounts of "Walk the plank love..."

      

Also included was a Magical Fairy Ring.  I looooved making this ring.  I think I must make myself one as well...

      

See, you never know what kind of loot you might receive when you enter my drawings...  Speaking of drawings, let's see who the winner of the "WACKY"  drawing was...

And the winner is.......  NUMBER 3!!  Let's go see who that is??  Dave (and Trina)!!  Yipeeee for the wacky winners!!!  ;) 

I will have another giveaway soon, I promise!!!!  Oh, okay, don't look so sad...  I will choose a second Wacky Winner!!!!!  Per this place... our next winner is Number 48!! Okay, let me go see who that is....  Laura!! ;) 

How fun!!  Two winners!!  E-mail me your addresses guys!! ;)

Sooooo, that is alot of excitement isn't it??  Elves and wacky loot drawings??  I had a great weekend?  How about you?  I was Mr. Lovee's helper.  He trimmed trees all around the acreage, and I picked up all the branches and trimmings.  I put them in the tree trimmings piles, wayyyy on the other side of the property...  Then, I raked!!  I was such a proud helper!!  I love feeling helpful ;)

And, summer is really here....

Wild Flowers I planted a year ago, spring up...

         

Ants come out to play...

      

Basil brings its lovely self to delicious summer meals...

           

I made a raspberry sorbet of sorts, and popsicles.  Just take one package of raspberries, two cups of apple juice and a half cup of sugar.  Put it in a blender.  Blend it up.  Pour it in "do it yourself popsicle makers," and voila, delicious homemade popsicles!!  They even turned out two toned!! (don't mind the paint on my grubby fingers)

      

Now, if you want more of a sorbet, just put about 2 cups full in a plastic container (uncovered) in the freezer for about 3 hours, stirring occassionally... 

      

If you want to get really decadent...  Buy some heavy whipping cream in a small carton.  Put it in your blender for about 30 seconds, and voila.. Raspberries and Cream...  Making your own whipped cream is so much better than say, Cool Whip.. As Cool Whip has hydrogenated oil...  Yucky yuck...

      

We indulged in magnificent sunsets...

      

Although we made sure to bicker a little.  Because, by the time we got to dinners by candlelight, the romance was getting soooo over the top cheesy, that we had to tone it down a bit... hee hee....

      

      

So, with that I toodle off...  And say, see you soon soon soooooooon!!  I must go paint Cypress trees, and bring my sore tushie back to life after this loooooong post!! xoxo      

A simple recipe, to cure a complicated ailment...

So...  I have been doing this super silly thing (in my head) lately.  Everytime my day becomes even a tinge un-busy, I convince myself that, I neeeeeed some excitement in my life....  I go around, racking my brain.  Wondering what this thing is that will bring me some excitement....

      

I go through the obvious things that might bring excitement...  New love?  Oh goodness no...  New Hair color?  New hair length?  Umm, nope nope (but red hair could be fun? oh ya, already tried that once, for 24 hours, until my hairdresser opened her front door and helped me)...  New pet?  New town?  Vacation?  New outrageous shoes?  What???  What off the wall thing could I do, to attempt to bring my life some