A Fanciful Twist

Fluttering and Floundering?

I am trying not to flounder. But, I am working so hard to get ready for this next show and there is so much to do. Also, things take so long - from firing to my thick oil fruits to dry...I will just keep trecking along and hopefully it will all come together...You guys are probably so sick of hearing this. However, your support is so amazing and wonderful!!!

      

There are little oil fruits & veggies drying all over the place, and the gallery, a total wreck as I am taking it apart to change the ambience...You can't do the same thing for every show, you know this I am sure.  Now, the oil fruits are fun and colorful, but they do not show a lot of who I am like my little faces.  However, people fight over the fruits and veggies. They love them. Maybe because they are easy on the eye, colorful and don't make any deep emotions pop up in the brain. Unless you had a bad encounter with Strawberries, hives etc.. hee hee.. Well, not that funny. As people with strawberry allergies get crazy reactions to the lovely little fruit.  That reminds me of that Meg Ryan movie? Where she is dating a french guy who leaves her for John Travolta's wife???And she puts strawberries in his...I don't remember where but the reaction is bad...

      

      

      

                    Oh Turnips!!!  My new favorite saying....

      

Also, there is a new logo for the back of my line of greeting cards!! Yay!I like it. It could change but it is good for now...And, it looks so cute on the back of the cards!!!

      

It looks really lovely on the pastel card stock. But for now, here it is on white...And it will go on my cards, (below). Although, the cards have changed a whole lot. This was three of last Spring's girls, of a line of 250 cards, all original, all different, all gone...

      

        

      

Then there is the picture that I wish I could have had my vintage dress form for (it is at home). I settled for my skinny beaujois mannequin with the $250 wig. Why I bought it (the wig)? God only knows this...However, she has really really good hair with lovely guido girl streaks...Very hip? I don't know, I think I am boardering on cheesy.  The problem?  Well, this tour book goes out to a huge variety of people, not just ones who would be intruiged by my little drawings. Therefore...The mannequin choice.  Last time there were two mannequins. This time only one.  I don't know.  I am torn about it. But it is done...Used, gone to print, vanished. Too late to change. I must say though, the mannequin does her job, she attracts lots of people in that little tour booklet...Also, this is not the picture I used, I used  a wider shot because there was pottery, jewels & paintings all around her, but I wanted you to see her...Her 5 seconds of glory.

      

I am also in magazine heaven and trying to catch up while on the treadmill.  I might end up flying off the thing and landing upside down in a weight machine if I am not more careful with my treadmill viewing sessions....Here are a few shots of the new Country Living Magazine.  OH MY!!!!!  You must get it... It has a feature on the owners of Earth Angles Toys, an online retail folk-art-gallery, and their Spring afternoon of food and shopping, by invitation only for artists, clients, friends and family...Plus, the magazine is full of other wonderful delights and it is the "women entrepreneur" issue!!(snipette below) I have a dozen of those glitter birdies, got 'em at Bon.

      

      

       

I have a million other things to say and show, but I really have to go out venturing today.  The real world beckons, then back to the art world.  Please be patient with my slow visits to you this week!  I adore visiting everyone individually and can't wait for a solid three hour slot to do so!!!

My only "daughter" who is growing so fast was such a love, as usual, this morning.  I was telling her all about you girls and she begged to shake your hand and then allow you, yes allow you, to massage her belly.  Like she is doing you a favor by allowing you to do so....Never did I think I would own a living creature, especially one who sniffs your hair and neck while you try to sit on the front stoop stairs and read...Oh, and she shakes her tale in time to whatever you are singing...We are a musical family... What can I say...

       

      

Gypsy boy is playing his guitar as I type...I think he is getting in the mood to go see "The Who" in concert in Phoenix this evening...I just asked him, where are you going tonight? and he said, "Senior Citizens hard rock"...He says, "Ticket masters ought to give AARP members a discount." hee hee. Well, my Mr. Lovee, I say to him, "you will be the senior citizen with the best hair."  Can you imagine having those natural curls???Although, the length, the pony tail.. I am not so sure...Although, he only wears the pony tail at home...Oh, and these are his cabinets, which he painted himself before I knew him....Can you suggest a color change...Anything but "tanned flesh tone."

      

I might be frazzled, but I will still put on my hair brooch, my big pearls, and head out...It is special little angels who love my work and purchase such objects as the one below (that means the world to me) that keep me inspired and motivated...Plus all the support from around here...You girls are wonderful!!! Thank you!!! (Below, Painting: "Reclaiming your Heart" Oil on Wood, 2006, interactive art piece.) I will let the owner speak herself if she so chooses...She is a love for sure!!!

      

Wish me luck in the big big world. The venturing process is now in effect!!! Smiles and hugs abound!!! See you very very soon!!

PS:Miss Sarah, thank you for my trade! I think I am the winner in this swap? I will make it good, don't worry!!! Girls, Go check out the swap for yourself!!! Quite the talented lady!!

Re-thinking things is good.

Sometimes taking the time to think things through before you talk about them (or post about them) is a very good idea.  I just deleted a long post about an awful fence an investor who bought the neighboring property, to the loftish space/studio, put up.  I am trying to get over it, even though it is solid green slats in a 6ft. fence.  I decided that I just can not allow this to have such importance in my life, especially when there are hundreds of wonderful things!!!.  The instant moral support from Miss Desiree made me feel so wonderful, the sadness went right out the window!

It is an outrageously Springy day!  I spent an hour squeezing lemons for fresh lemonade.  It was so much fun, and the aroma of lemons wonderfully infused the air...Why don't you stay a little while and have a sip or two???

      

      

While thinking about lemonade, I decided to google lemonade stands, and found this!!! A charming blog, perfect lemonade stand and all!!!  What fun!!

The sun was shining bright today and the flowers I planted two weeks ago are flourishing.  I adore my cacti too, they have such vibrant personalities.

        

      

      

I had such a lovely time washing the Winter out of my garden at home the other day...I swept, cleaned out leaves, watered everyone really well...And dreamt of the warm summer nights this garden is so good for...The fountain begs to flow, while people sit and sip and chat...

      

More little faces came out of the oven...And, more little faces are almost ready to be glazed and put in for their 1st baking...Almost enough to have some for the show, and some for selling. Aren't you so sick of me saying, almost almost almost opening an Etsy shop.

Don't mind my terribly stained and abused table. Here are a few photographs.  Oh, and the technique I use is called Sgraffito.

      

          This one is a bowl, I am really loving the bowls, ideas, ideas...

          

      

      

      

And, last but not least, the puppet faces that are just about dry enough for the 1st glazing...

      

      

      

      

      

I guess you can say I am keeping busy. So, now I am off to paint a bit. The best thing in the world!! Next to clay that is...I guess I like messy things, I had blue oil paint on my face today and didn't even know it...

      

      

What will this week hold for you? Is time flying by as fast for you as it is for me??? WOW, time flies when you are creating!!!  A special thanks to Miss Sarah, for my lovely new friend, bunny - who by the way, found his bunny family, only they are wood! And the fab little purse!!!

      

PS: Don't forget to have a piece of heart-sugar, from my Momm-bee, in your lemonade before you go...

      

Delicious Visits

I had to take a little trip South. 1hour and 45 minutes drive from the studio took me to a delightful place. You know this place, I know it exists in your world in some capacity. Maybe at a Momm's house, an Aunts house, a Granny's house or even a Godmothers house?  Or maybe it is at your friends house, were you will find delicious edibles abound...

      

The place for me that is a treat-fest is my Momm's house(oops and Dad's).  I walked in yesterday to a house full of treats...Desserts, bags of Mexican pastries, toasted Mexican breads with real butter soaked into them, blaring novelas...Perfect coffee, real cream, and...

      

While they were getting ready for us to go on an outing, a little business and then lunch at a delectable place in Tubac... I found myself tip-toeing through the treats, nibbling and nibbling...Being good? Not an option...Were those more desserts I saw there...

        

And what was this wonderful scent from this pot??? It was a cinnamon and what concotion???The aroma filled the room, and my nostrils...

      

There was something in the oven, yummy, it smelled like bread, and butter and sugar....What could it be?  I decided I could not resist this little cheescake. One bite would not hurt...

      

      

        

Wait a minute here!!  There was something really weird about this...Oh No! Just as I suspected....

      

This really was not the kind of sponginess I was looking for in my cake! Not real? What? What about the others???? So sad to report.  They were not real either...

      

I guess she knew too well what her little munchkins would do if they were real??? And these two can be partners in crime...("Vanessa Valencia Fanciful,"older girl. Kandeedo Bandeedo, opinionated baby. We are 5 1/2 years apart).

      

So, about the buttery aroma...It was an Easter treat, "Capirotada" (here are some recipes, but none like Mom's, I can get hers if you are interested).  Made around here during lent, especially on Fridays when there is no meat eating.  When I saw the pictures I took of it, I thought, Yowsa, that looks scary. But, it is un-really delicious.  It is buttered Mexican bread that is toasted, then cooled, then used as the main layering item in a huge pot with, prunes, raisins, pecans, bananas, butter, and more butter, and some liqueur, and the most decadent Mexican cheese and apricots.   Everyone who knew she was making this was lining up for a portion. I even delivered some back to Tucson.  Warm and toasty. It was so heavy coming out of the oven, we had to get Dad.

      

      

The huge breads on top were to distunguish the peanut side from the non-peanut side.  I am the non-peanut side. Dad is the peanut side.

      

            It was really really good. Especially right out of the oven...

      

I know I am sharing many pictures. But I hate it when I take a bunch and then forget to show them. So, if they bore, I am sorry. You know, people who know me are probably not at all surprised at the length of these things...

So, here is a picture Montage, the good news, I got to go to a place with real pastries.  Momm gave me shoes, we talked jewels, which she happily modeled, we lunched at Nob Hill, & we shopped in the lovely Tubac...

      

              I am off to the kiln opening at 3:45 p.m. Wish me luck!!!

Click on any pictures to enlarge!! And, thanks for putting up with me, long posts, lop-sided pictures, oh my...

               

Upon return, some links to share and art as well...I shipped off a great love to a wonderful girl.  I hope she loves it!  So much art when I return!!! Others, Yours, and mine!!!! XXO, Vanessa

PS: Hugs and kisses and fellow cackling to my dear little Sarah, who makes those treasures that warm my heart so much! Ride your sled down here, and when it gets too warm, switch to roller skates... I'll meet you in Santa Fe and we can hitch  a plane the rest of the way! 

      

Little Tea Cups Runneth Over...

What a wonderful place this is she said.  I think I would like to stay for a while and visit, and perhaps invite them back to visit me?  If I tell the tales of my heart, will they laugh?  Will they point their fingers and gawk?  As she approached the gate, the key she carried felt very heavy...She was going to do the unthinkable. She would let people into her very own untouched Paradise.  The one in her dreams, the one in her minds eye...She tip-toed to the gate...

      

And what could she feel from beyond the gate?   Why, it was love and kindness and understanding.  Artists, storytellers, travelers, creators, a few who were contemplating lifes little steps and of course the bakers and tender food makers...All of this in the form of sparkling hearts, dancing beyond the gate.  She realized she had made the right decision. Nothing to fear.  For they all wanted to share a similiar plan.  To give and receive.  A little encouragement, a tender ear, some helpful tips, some interesting stories, some art to share and so much more.  And it was here, in this virtual place, where the girl found you and you found her, and both were able to share a little bit of sugar and a little bit of spice.  And maybe it wasn't realistic to always be nice, but that was just fine and dandy, I think?

      

I sometimes spend hours on end, until I can't feel my toosh and my left knee can no longer be in "legs crossed" position, visiting with all of you.  I always find laughs and eye-candy, tears, and beautiful images...Always something different and always something wonderful...So many, I can not even begin to list them without leaving out another. From collages to Gypsy tales, I am captivated. Thank you all for all of the hard work you put into your blogs.  They never cease to amaze me!!!

This got me thinking as I was listening to my music, I came across this little song that most of you have heard.  I have listened to it off and on for many years.  When I was 17 years old I had it on tape and I played it until it sounded like it w-a-s-s-s-  s-l-o-w and wobbly.  The video reminded me of here. In this place where images and stories meld together, to create inspiration and fantasy.  A visual and sonic collage...My favorite are the last 38 seconds of the video, when the whole story comes together and you actually hear the mother chant the "sweet lullaby"...And maybe, just maybe, it is all coming together for us too...Dreams, Art, Ideas & Fairytales..............................

   

                                Deep Forest - Sweet Lullaby

I am off to the pottery, shipping and creating world for a few days. See you soon!!!!

A Tale of History and Collecting in the Southwest

Wanting to share a small topic, I have found myself having to start with a little history. Ya, you know what that means...

Where does a girl begin to explain the thick culture that has permeated every molecule of her life and the lives of all of her family's ancestors.  I was raised in a predominantly Mexican household with strong Spanish and European ties.  My grandmother's French father left France as a teenager to scope out a different land before sending for his family.  He ended up in Mexico and he and my great grandmother known as, Nana Emilia went on to have many children, one of them being my gorgeous grandmother, Josephina Velderrainne (below).  (Click on any images throughout post to enlarge.)

      

My sis and I adore her more than words. She is funny and magical, inventive and child-like, all at once.  She is a woman who cooks on a wood-burning stove, yet has more city style vivaciousness wrapped up in her quaintness than anyone I know.  She has stories that you would not believe.  Maybe it is because she had huge youthful life experiences.  Including boarding a train alone at 8 years old to go live for a while with her father in L.A. where he had gone to find his lifes work. Nana Emilia lived to be a very very old lady, in Mexico, in a house on a hill, in a district where witches, curanderas,  and fortune-teller gypsys still thrive, only now it is really scary there. 

      

My Grandma Josephina, married my Grandpa Pedro and they had 5 kids. One being a girly, proper, fantasy loving, fair little girl named Yvonne.  My mom.  A wonderful fantastic dreamy lady.  I won't go into my dad's details, but they are simliar, minus the French guy.  Dad is wonderful too, married to my mom for like a 100 years, but this could go on forever so I'll stop there.

         

Growing up in a little southwest village at the Mexican border meant that almost everyone who had settled there, the kids you went to school with, etc. had a similiar family history.  And, let me just say, most of the Mexicans I grew up with were refined people, many of them were of varied (European/Greek even Lebanese) decent.  You can imagine my shock when I went off to college and got freaky reactions when I would say proudly, I am Mexican.  ZOIKS!!!  (Ps: I am not into the word Hispanic. Don't ask why, it just freaks me out for no reason.  Maybe because it has the word "panic" in it, says Kandeedo Bandeedo)  The world I grew up in was something noone outside of our culture could understand, it was lovely. Saying I was Mexican to some of the kids at that American university automatically made them equate me to their housekeeper or better yet, the guy who made their burritos.  Boy, would they be shocked to hear the amazing stories those people had to share and the quality of person in those hard workers. 

      

Still, I had it easy, I was fair skinned and wore my hair light, and we had lived in California off and on for 12 years, so my siblings and I were very Americanized.  Sadly, I do not have a sexy Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruz accent... Actually most Mexicans themselves were shocked to hear me even speak Spanish.  The following happened many many times...A person criticizing me in Spanish, thinking I couldn't understand them, and me answering in Spanish. What fun, a good laugh for me in the end!!!

      

The point of my story is that growing up with said ethnic background thriving in my town meant that everyone I knew was generally the same religion and celebrated all the same holidays. Everyone went to mass, everyone had the same family quirks and traditions.  And, let me just say, it was very very common to walk into someone's house and find a giant alter with Mary and Jesus and saints. Or better yet, you would go to hang your coat in a closet at a friends house and you would be greeted by a giant glowing Virgin de Guadalupe.  (I have one of these next to my shoes in my closet, funny, it is now a "hot style item." Good for the Virgin, thumbs up.)

      

Sidenote: Sunday fun was going to the Catholic church on the hill with all of your friends for 5 o'clock mass and then out for taquitos in Mexico and cruising in my white rabbit convertible. I wish I still had that car, so sad. Sunday Curfew was 11p.m.  It was an early curfew compared to the Friday and Saturday night discoteque curfew of 2a.m., 3a.m. if you were lucky. Then again, you didn't leave the house until 10:30 p.m., hence the time allowance.  If you were late, you'd say 5 Santo Ramonato prayers to make sure you didn't get in trouble, Holy Toledo Bandido, it really worked!!!

      

Sadly, the town I grew up in was really good at breeding really over the top gossipy people.  Most kids leave the town never wanting to come back, and being so paranoid about their privacy that they end up in a strange country place holed up in their studio, peeking through tiny windows, freaking out if they so much as hear a human sound, who is it? How did they find me... hee hee. 

In the world I grew up in you would never be surprised to see a huge painting of Jesus or Retablos, or Milagros all over someone's house. No biggy.

      

It wasn't until I moved to Tucson that I had someone over to dinner that they were offended at all my crosses and religious icons. I was shocked, my guests thought it was vulgar.  I was floored.  Now I am more knowledgable about respecting other people's beliefs and people respecting mine.  I have had many wordly experiences that have changed my life.  The way I see it, I am very accepting of all of people's beliefs and I do not impose mine on anyone ever. I embrace many ideas about religion and am not afraid to learn. 

Almost all of my friends are a different religion and I do not have any issues whatsoever with this. I adore religious antiquities and am an avid collector.  If you have never been to the Southwest, be prepared to see many churches and religious antiquities stores, from New Mexico to Arizona.  I found a great example on-line called, yep, you guessed it, Southwest Antiques.

      

Most of the stores people seek out in the area carry heavy duty beautiful antique religious items, from Catholic to Buddhist, to everywhere in between.  They are almost used like decorator items here. No, not almost, they are.  In the Phoenix Home and Garden magazine you will see Spanish Colonial Art shops over and over.  They are everywhere, and they are highly sought after by locals and tourists alike.

Arizona is filled with churches and missions, very very interesting places and anyone can visit. Two of my favorites are the San Xavier Mission and the Tumacaori Mission.  Tubac is a little village 3 minutes from Tumacaori, with amazing shops and restaurants. Quite the Saturday fun excursion.

      

If you are ever in Tucson make sure you visit the San Xavier Mission. It was restored a few years back and quite a wonderful place. You can get the whole Mexican Southwest Religious experience in one visit. Plus, some really amazing Indian fry bread.. Yummy!

      

I hope you are not annoyed at my tale.  I think religion is such a tender subject.  Let me tell you how I am.  Mr. Lovee is my favorite in the planet.  We share seperate beliefs, he is Jewish, and we respect eachother completely.  I have friends who are no religion, and Mr. Lovee actually embraces "Nature" more than any religion.  (When I took the picture below at Mr. Lovee's, I said, "Wow, look this is a perfect example of our lives." From our beliefs, to the desert, to Spanish furniture that I tweaked with paint, to the guitar I decoupaged for Mr. Lovee's birthday our first year we met.  The guitar contains images that make up his world, being a Blues Upright Bassist and all...)

      

It is wonderful to have an open mind. I adore learning about things, a favorite book that I gave away and had to re-buy is below.  If you can not find it, go on Ebay.  I think it is out of print.

      

All of that said, I would like to share some of my collections with you.  I think Maryam, of Maryam in Marrakesh, said she shared a love of collecting religious icons also.  What do you think Maryam?  I would love to see your collection also.  I will go into this another time, but, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is huge here too, with all the skeleton people and such.  People spend weeks preparing for the parade, puppet making and costume making that would impress anyone. 

Now, for the end of the "True winner of the longest post ever," Some of my collections:

      

      

      

      

      

And a few special items I have transported to my loftish space/studio.  The Talavera Pot is a very common thing you will find here. The colors are captivating....

      

So, Goodbye for now from this hidden enchanted place in the desert.  I hope you will come back and see me after this Super Duper long post.  I will be creating for the next few days, and I have been trying to figure out how to share this with you without totally freaking you out!  XXO, Vanessa

Ps: If you ever come here, I will make sure to get you some of this very powerful Virgin de Guadalupe Bathroom Spray, hee hee hee!!!  If you ever are here, go to Food City on the South side. Be careful though.  They have awesome funny religious things...

      

      

Oh Pss:

Thank you Thank you Thank you Miss Tiffany!!!!  I won her name contest and I received an amazing package! I adore these little love boxes!!! What an amazing gal, taking the time to send this to little old me!!!

      

      

      

      

      

I was touched at the detail!!! How lucky am I?? Thank you again Tiffany!!!! And, the smell, it smells like a sweets shop!!!!

The faces, they came out to play...

The teeny plates with teeny faces are gone, but a whole new batch is a-bakin'. Before I get into this topic, let me give a huge warm thank you to our Hostess for the weekend slumber party.  It was fun girls!

 

I had to have a typepad ticket made up as I am having major problems with comment sections, meaning I can not leave comments.  Typepad is working on it, so don't think I disappeared!!! I have been visiting, I just can't comment at any typepad locations.

Back to faces and places. I went to pick up some of my creations this weekend, including these wacky faces. They are masks that hang on the wall.  They have holes in their ears, therefore I will make some funky fab earrings for them. They are popular at shows...I have a few more to make. The story of my life...

          

      

Sometimes I make smooth ones, sometimes lumpy, sometimes wide, sometimes long.  I will take pictures of others and share them soon.  Then there are the plates.  The reason I am frantic for time is because they take a long time. First you have to throw them on the wheel or hand-build them, then let them get leather hard, then trim on a different day. Then let dry all the way, then do your underglaze and fire the 1st time. Then fire for a couple days, then come back and put on the shiny diamond glaze, then fire again. The quickness of this huge process depends on how often you get to the studio and do all these steps and how full the kilns are when you are trying to get yours fired. Whew, yes, it takes that long. A long 4 step process.

      

The batch that is being baked right now is my favorite. It is cuter and more evolved than these. Even though I love these too. I feel like they are all the little characters running through my mind, visiting me and manifesting themselves as cards or faces on plates.  I vowed not to sell and to save for the show. But, as you well know, I did sell all but two.  And, I gave one to my client today as a birthday gift...so all I have is 1. One plate ready for the show.

      

Here is the batch in the kiln now (below). I just can't wait for these, and I have a new batch in progress also. Whew! I have been busier than I thought. Wow!!! I am happy now, well let's not jinx it, the kiln has been known to blow-up several pieces!!

      

      

Enough of clay for today.  I want to share a thought with you.  I was thinking, I have been open about so many things but kind of anonymous about me, me as a face on a person. And, seeing as how I am so into faces. I thought maybe I should share mine.  I was sitting at a clients home playing the piano...Waiting for a buyer with a million bucks in cash...No luck though. So, I took the slow time to attempt a photo.  I am so SILLY!!! I can not take a pic of me. I did every look except happy.  I am really good at - evil look, Mona Lisa Look, Wanna be who knows what look & plain old dumb look.  Mr. Lovee says I have too much blush on and I look like a witch.  Well, he better watch out, I have told you this before, I have Gypsy Witches in my family past. Cackle Cackle....As for the pictures, I don't know why it is so hard for me to share this...I just feel so silly, so let's just ease into it...

First, here is a pic of me as a little girl.  Is that Bakelite I spy?? Who knew I would grow to still run around in the same nightgown all day and I would grow to be an avid Bakelite collector...

      

                       I do look like a witch, cauldron and all...

      

I do adore Halloween, and I do have the most wonderful vintage witches hat....Let me see if I have a picture of that still.  In the mean time, here are my alter ego's, Blurry & Scared...I tried...

               

Okay, that was weird, but I am fine so far. Oh, but I have not hit publish. Yikes.  I was looking at this picture wondering, what the heck was in that pot??? I put my fingers in there like that and I didn't even know what was in it!!! Scary for sure!! No wonder I look so scared! hee hee hee.

      

On another note, as I have been visiting blogs, I see the topic of the Chinese New Year over and over. Boy am I glad I saved this (visit here for a better copy). Why did I? It has been in my bag for 2 months.. Oh Ya, my bag. I forgot to answer the burning question....First the Chinese Zodiac...

                          I am a Rabbit, 1975. What are you????

Now, the answer about the bag.  It is my baby, it weighs 9-15 lbs. Depending on the day...

      

It has made my right shoulder and arm much stronger than the left. I can not even carry it on the left.  It is really weird!!!

      

It is also falling apart, but I do not care, I think it adds character, don't you???

      

Now, the mystery. Is it old?  Nope. Not Vintage. I got it new 4 years ago.  It is an Isabella Fiore.  I have never seen one like it. I heard there might only be 2 or 3 in the world. Not sure???  It is very unusual for being Isabella Fiore.  I also have the little Sagittarius medallion on the left.  I just adore it!! It was a birthday gift from my amazing wonderful Momm, and I love it. Just love it.  It is like luggage.  I love it when a man asks, can I take your bag, and then I hand it to him, without a warning on weight, and let it go abruptly. They always go, "WHOA, what is in here?" 

That is all for now, this was probably the most random assorted bizarre post ever.  Thanks for stopping by, I love seeing all the delightful comments!!! I am trying to think up some kind of way to send a Vanessa Treasure as a prize.. what kind of game can we conjure up???? Any Ideas???

I'm Late, I'm Late, for a very important....Slumber Party!!!

Update:  Saturday, February 17, 2007

Another night of slumber partying!! In order to keep you all entertained, our hostess Stiletto Heights, as well as,  Jungle Dream Pagoda, Kandeedo Bandeedo and myself have been rehearsing at the whip of the Jungle actress herself.  We are getting ready to put on a show...You know, slumber party skits. So, what are you going to share as your skit?? Sorry Kandeedo, I know you don't wear long nails, I got carried away with one hand.(click on any pictures to enlarge)

Kandeedo and I are so bad!!! We escaped the slumber party this morning and went out for some delicious breakfast!! We stumbled into the Tucson streets and jumped into our getaway cab...

      

      

What should we order??? All those cocktails and junk food made us want something slightly healthy before the greasy breafast...Some fruit and fruit juice to start, I think Kandeedo needed some smelling salts to wake her up after all of the partying...

      

      

      

                     We thrifted, I went to do some pottery...

      

      

And now!!! We are so ready to party! Another night! Yippee!  Since Monday is a holiday can we do this on Sunday too? What do you think?  I think we should start with some fascination powder!! And then maybe Toe nails??? And after that some candy???

      

      

      

I even have a special Tiger Stiletto to share with the hostess. I hope she likes it! It is a wild one!!!

      

Before I go join the party, I have decided to share the last of the Russian chocolates that the "Russians" brought me.  I have to tell you about "The Russians" that I know!! What fun. Anyhow, here are some chocolates...Take one...Oh I see you already have...

      

      

Evening of  Friday February 16, 2007:

Hi Girls!!!!! I am away from my loftish space where my computer is. I am on Kandeedo's and it is an Apple and it is hard for me to work with cuz I don't know what I am doing, but she has been so patient with me! Just be prepared for lopsided pictures. But, I am here. I wouldn't miss this!!! It is my first slumber party at the lovely and fabulous Stiletto Heights' Pad. I am so overdosed on creamy yet crunchy tasty delights from the Jungle Dream Pagoda that I am running late and I am convinced it is February 16, 1986! I stepped through a 1986 door and I can't get back! The door knob came out in my hand!!!

This is so much fun!!! I am sharing a few things at the slumber party. Mud masks, exfoliating stuff, hot-rollers (which I haven't used since 1986), A big glass bottle of alcohol, a frog prince, a drawer of jewels and the watch that made me late - Esprit, it stopped working in 1987. Oh and cushy pillows and blankets and hairspray!!! Annnnd, I am wearing my terri cloth robe and cozy socks.

I almost forgot, I am bringing my 80's jacket and some make-up and some drinky stuff and some hats, candy, and wait, let me look for some popcorn in the cabinet!!!! You must come, you are invited too!!! What are you bringing??? See you there!!! And, as soon as I get back to my own computer I promise to stop by and visit you!! XXO, Vanessa

I have a ton of pictures but they are taking too long to upload so I'll try it again later, so for now!!! Let's party!!! Pillow fights!! Heya, Lisa-Gabrielle, where is Knowme???? I haven't seen him for 2 hours!!!! Do you know????? Jenn, our lovely hostess, spin the bottle because, I dare you to...

Visits + Art is Beating on my Door

Yesterday was such a wonderful day, great visits, and wonderful "picking." However, I awoke in a full on desperate realization.

      

There is no more lagging.  The paintings must be completed.  The plates must be fired, the sculptures beg to be created.  And the next bi-yearly artists studio tour is the weekend of March the 31st.  I am in Frantic mode.  No more fun and games. Got to get working, NOW!

      

I am waiting for my pottery clothes (pottery-which I should have been at at 9a.m., it is now 10:57) to wash while writing this post and I am feeling like a pressurized bottle.  You know when you just wake up with this huge weight on you and you see everything you have to do is less than two months away.  AAAgggghhhh!!!!  I have a lot to do.  Nevermind that I have the gallery completely torn up as I like to give it a new look for every tour.

      

What I do is,  I keep my studio private but I turned this little building on the property, that I adore, into a "little barrio style funky girl in the country gallery."  I did this about 3 years ago and I am a location for the Catalina artists studio tour.  You might ask why I am freaking out???  If you can imagine this, it takes 3-4 weeks for a batch of little plates to be completed and about 2 weeks for oils to completely dry, even with the pale drying oil...And, what do I have started? Oh, maybe 15 plates!!!!! Now you see my pain.. I need help breathing...Also, every item in the shop is made by "MOI", and most of the pottery has sold, which is good, but!!!! Yikes again.....Breath......

        

Okay, enough of that, let's put it in the back of our minds for now...And, Let's Switch to the "Picking" and the visits...I bribed Dino to go into the world with me and deliver cookies. We had a fun time, singing and laughing in the car.  We even did a surprise delivery to Bonnie, the owner of "Bon," when we ran into her daughter Crystal who informed us that she had a morning burial. Her old chicken, Hennie, had passed away. So, Bonnie was very happy to receive a Valentine. Then we went to one of my beloved's homes and guess what we found????  Hundreds of Lemons and Oranges! I mean Hundreds.  What I took filled a box and a huge bag.  And still, you could not even tell citrus thieves had been there. 

      

      

Can you believe how many lemons and oranges I picked.  Every time I would pull a lemon from the tree, 5 would come tumbling down.  I was afraid that one would knock me out.  The lemons remind me of Spring, and I intend to make a huge pitcher of fresh lemonade this weekend.  I think I might share the box full at pottery (oh, you can catch a glimpse of me when I was young and free in the pic behind the box, an 18 year old me, those were the days... what happened!!! TIME.  It goes by so fast).  I also got to visit my Piano.  The one that came to me in a dream last year, telling me exactly where it was and what it looked like and what year it was.  And, voila, I went to the store the next morning and it "WAS" there!!! It really was.

      

I had to find my sister so she could bribe a friend, with some dollars of course, to haul the thing out of the store!! The story still gives me the chills.  Well, there were gypsy witches in my family... who knows... Hmmm, maybe I should get a crystal ball??? Scary....Spooky! Nevermind! Oh, I just can't wait to get my hands on this piano like I did to La Pianola, who lives in my home.

      

I need a mansion!!! Then I can put my three pianos in there...My treasures galore...And you girls can come visit and play!!! Wouldn't that be lovely... I can see it now... I will go into the rest of my day thinking such thoughts... And, maybe it could happen one day?  You never know??? Let me whip up a quick drawing...That makes it more real....You kow, visualize it and it shall happen, or something like that...

      

The Things I do for Love?

I do not know how it happened?  I suppose I was inspired by the hearts my sister managed to attach to my bulletin board without me noticing?  The Mexican tin hearts warmed my heart so very much, they inspired me to pull my once a year Valentine baking all nighter.

      

I was up until 2 a.m. last night, baking away.  Let me tell you, shortbread, not easy to work with.  But, for me Valentine's day is not just about being in love and all of that mushy stuff.  It is a time to remind me of the people I love.  Especially the ladies in my life who do not have romantic ties.  They are used to my special cookies...A treat with a strong cup of coffee... Soo, here I am "Super Baker Girl," ready to warm hearts and taste buds with extra amounts of sugar!!!

First step, get book out.  Get butter, sugar, etc.  Read Recipe. Try to remember the tweaking that worked so well last year.  Oh, of course, I do not remember, and I surely did not write it down.....Exept I always use Rasberry instead of Strawberry, in everything.

Next I make the dough. Last year I had had enough of trying to make this dough with my bare hands...So, I bit the bullet and bought a fancy cuisinart food processor.  WOW, it made it so much less painful. Believe it or not though, the dough still caused problems...I am also trying to bake at Mr. Lovee's, where my loftish space and studio are.  It is tough.  No matter how many years I have been here. So much easier at my lovely home, I should have done it there...But, I made the best of it...

Then there is the assembly of it all. They are double layered with a butter and sugar filling and some rasberry preserves...

 

And then, of course the packaging.. And tomorrow - the delivery... I feel like Santa... Only I am slightly tired because I did it all in one evening.

There is this wonderful vintage store "How Sweet it Was" on our very popular 4th Avenue, downtown. I walked by it yesterday...There was red everywhere... I wonder if someone bought one of the lovely red items hanging outside???

I must say, and I am sure you will agree.  There is much love in a wonderful treasure...And what is the day of love without cherubs??? So, let me share these lovely original finds I made at "The Golden Goose" thrift store in Catalina.  I found these before they got a volunteer who started looking everything up on ebay which ballooned the prices to ridiculousness.  I paid $25 a piece.

      

      

I love them but have yet to find the perfect place to put them up...What do you think?  Oh, and as a note, the strangest 2 things happened.  First, Mr. Lovee got home, and caught me stamping one of his V-gifts.  He grabbed my camera and started taking pics. I said "stop, get away." Now, here is the funny thing...And, such a man thing...I do not even think he noticed, realized, or computed what I was doing.  He just put my camera down and started talking to me...And, I was sitting there trying to put my hand over what I was doing....I do not understand the male mind.  I wonder what he thought I was doing??? Upstairs, with stamps all around me and fingers covered in ink?...

Now, the 2nd thing that happened.  I caught Knowme in my studio, he had wrapped himself up in red string.  And he was holding a Valentine.  He said he was packaging himself up to offer himself as a Valentine to a  woman.  Where do you think he is going to find one trapped in Catalina???? Poor Knowme.

Well, I have to run because I have like 768,999 more cookies to assemble tonight. I just could not finish them all last night.  And, I have to try to work on my painting.. But, I am quickly turning into a zombie.... Here is a little bit more of the work in progress....The "PAIN"ting.

        

Happy Valentine's day. And remember, it is a day to love yourself as much as a day to share the love.  And, if you don't have someone to love, embrace your heart and do something for you.  A good book, a pedicure, a quiet night with good food. Life is good, enjoy the peaceful moments!!!

Love is in the air

I think I enjoy the days before Valentine's day even more than the day itself.  I enjoy seeing hearts hanging in everyday shops, and windows filled with red.  But, most of all, I enjoy this time of the year because my favorite reads start publishing bright colors and reminding us of Spring and Summer and life filled memories.  Memories from the past and memories yet to be made.  A perfect example of the changing season that is looming came in the mail.  House and Garden, March 2007 issue. 

      

Although I first wanted to share tons of pictures with you.  I decided that might not be right.  I do not like it when people show me a magazine's insides before I get to look at it at my own pace.  Therefore, I will only show a select few pics. Another thing that bothered me.  If it has not hit the news stands yet, I probably shouldn't be sharing it and ruining it for everyone!! But it is so good!!!!!!  You have to get it!!! I am carrying it everywhere with me...So, here we go, The following took my breath away.

I gasped, which is usually the first reaction of people when they see Josef Frank's Textiles, below.  You must check out Svenkst Tenn, the shop of Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson. (Page below out of March 2007 House and Garden)

      

I adore this textile, and the Fornasetti Tray!!! If I could have one of the vintage Fornasetti bureaus I would be on cloud nine, maybe even a Fornasetti Motorbike?  Well, seeing as how I would have to be royalty to afford one, I guess I can only dream.  Do you have this book below??? You would love it!!  Also visit, Piero Fornasetti.

          

The next three pics are from inside the Fornasetti - conversation between Phillippe Starck and Barnaba Fornasetti book.  Then - I promise to indulge a bit more of the House and Garden. The little Fornasetti book would not stay open so excuse the nails, I do pottery, they can not be long and glam.

      

      

Oh yes, there is that tray I adore!!!

      

Are you in love yet???  Maybe not?  Well, I bet if you could call this chair and this whole room yours, you would be.  I am swooning.  Isn't this magnificent????  Yes, again, a teaser from House and Garden.

      

There is much pink in this issue which, I love.  I thought I was over pink and that it was done for me for a while. But, this issue has revived the pink love... Guess who assisted in that???? Yes, Ms. Betsy Johnson herself.  House and Garden does such a great job in fulfilling all of my senses. There is an awesome cheese section....And of course, an introduction to this seasons it color, which I assure you will see everywhere, YELLOW.  I am really into the Black and White with a hint of Emerald green also.  Oh Joy!!!  See, don't you adore this time of the year.. the shift is good!!!

      

      

Speaking of yellow, it is taking over my paint palette.  Every shade.  Is it an artsy thing?  Do you find yourself being drawn to  a color or design or idea that all of a sudden hits every store on the planet?  Is that the stream of creative consciousness?  Is it an inherent longing for something different? A natural evolution of our senses??  I don't know about you, but I for one am sometimes stunned. I think I invented something or I am into something totally mine, and then it is every where, from Anthropologie to Target...Frustrating at times, fun at others.

      

And yes, I am still working on the commission pieces.  They are the hardest.  Normally I paint a few and have a person choose.  But he wanted large, I mean huge scale pieces...I am my worst critic.  But, I think he may like them??? Yikes.  Here is a tiny portion of this huge work in progress.

      

I almost forgot!!! How could I?  I had the loveliest time with my parents last night.  Sitting outside of Starbucks in Oro Valley, Arizona, with huge mountain silhouettes hovering in the moonlight.  My Momm-bee and I exchanged Valentine gifts.  See, I am glad I got it early because now I can enjoy it all week.  I am sorry I was slow in sending my Valentine loves.  But, I have learned, send early for enjoyment purposes. Hee.  So, My gift was a 3 tier mini cake plate heart holder jar thing. Oh no!!  I only have an unfinished picture.  Oh well. The jar had polka dots and the scallops under the pink were black. Also, underneath each little plate were stripes or dots.You can envision that, I know you can.

      

      

And inside each little plate go hearts that I packaged up, so she can have the treat of opening them and pouring them into the little plates.

      

Now, what my dear Mommy-mom got me was fantastic. She is so amazing.  She dropped a little package in my bag.....

      

I really thought about opening it up on the V-day, but I thought, what the heck???  So, we both just decided to open our gifts at coffee. Here is what I saw when I opened the box...

Yes, it is jewelry.  I know I know, I design jewelry, and God knows I own too much jewelry. But, I must say, I love it....Before I show it off out of the box, let me just say, I have this kind of comfort kneckwear.  I throw these pieces on almost everyday.  Sometimes with or without the bird.  But always the three. Pearls, Crown, religious medals.  Always. I don't know why. They just feel good on.

However, this fun an fab Betsy Johnson piece is one I will wear for sure.  I think it is wild and fun and over the top!!! So, here it is...What do you think? Too sparkly? I still love it.

Welllll, That's all folks.  Did you think it would never end?   I know I know. Length. Sorry.  But now,   I must go and figure out what kind of L-L-L-Love I am going to conjure up this week...

      

A Wonderful Visit Through the Rabbit Hole

Why does it feel like I was gone far too long?  I did so many things in the real world.  It seems I will be venturing more often.  I used to venture so often that I never even knew this world here with all of you existed.  It is wonderful here, I miss it soo much!!!. So, as a treat for you, I spent an extra long amout of time in a very special and wonderful place, one of many that I visited these few days away.  ( I also took tons of photographs).

    

The place I am about to share is called "The Book Stop."  It is a used book store and let me just say, if you ever saw any movie with a magical bookstore that you wish you could play in and get lost for hours in mesmerized bliss in, this is the one!  I assure you of it!!!

    

Dino was going into town with me.  We were both going separate places, however, we stopped here first, as we can never get enough. And, if I hade forgotten to tell you...Outside of my Gallery we are building a Gypsy Wagon which will actually be a puppet theatre.  I know!! Magic + Fantasy!!! So, of course, the funny way my path always unwinds...I walk to my favorite section in the shop and what is the first book I see??? Dino Grabs it...We both stare in awe and excitement.

      

    

Is that wonderful or what??? What inspiration for our Gypsy Theatre. Now, I am going to say a few words here, and then just show a bunch of photos.  First of all, this shop has rare books, unusual books, children's books, all books. But, most of all, books you might never ever find, and for a good price too!!  There are also drawers of art prints and all kinds of art stuff, vintage books and strange things, maps, and so much more I can not even tell you!!! So, instead of attempting to tell, here go several pictures...you can always click on any photos to enlarge them....

      

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Did that give you a small tour of an enchanted book shop??? No matter where you are in the world, if there is a book you are looking for, call "The Book Stop," they might have it. Especially if it is something really special. You could have it shipped???? 

               

Isn't it special to have a place to go, where you can have peace and silence and dreams after dreams?  It makes me feel like a little girl in a great big place, with intrigue that has no end.  Where are your favorite places to retreat to?  I also love churches.  I went there right after the book shop.  I love the smell of the candles and the silence.  A time to sit with thoughts and just be.  That is so important!!!  Now, on a side note, I did make some purchases at the book shop that I will share at the end of the weekend.

    

I will venture again this weekend, and I have to crack the whip on myself and really finish those commission pieces!!!!  I am stuck right now.  They are for a man and I am getting too involved in perfection. I realized that in the word Paint, if your remove the t, you have "Pain," which is what I am feeling with these two pieces! Pain!!!  I decided to walk away for a few days. I will tackle tomorrow and Sunday.  Have a wonderful weekend.  Go venture too!!! I'd love to hear where that leads you????

Venturing into the world & Safe Arrivals

It is true, I must venture into the strange place for a few days.  Why does entering seem so unusual?  I will send a few more parcels  and do some work.  I also have to take a trip to the pottery studio and see how those little plates are doing + make more.  I truly have to get my own kilns fired up.  I have put the firing of my teeny plates in the hands of someone else.  And, well, someone else does not care about your labours of love like you do, you understand this I am sure?  Not that they don't do a good job. Maybe I am just a control freak???  Anyway, I might even venture to my actual home for a night or two.  The loftish space has become such a home that I sometimes feel so torn between both places!!

         

The little plates take so many steps.  There is so much love bundled into each little plate. They fly off the shelf fast, but the last step to my Etsy shop is having a few more of these finished.  There is only one more glazing step to go (4 steps in total)!!! Yay!!

       

You remember how brilliant these colors turn up in the end? If any of you are potters, you know the difference between the glaze matte and the glaze shiny.  Sometimes you don't even know what you are going to get.  You just have jump in and find out later. .

On another note, the packages I sent seem to be arriving safely.  I am such an impatient elf.  I want to know every detail of the packages travels.  Alas, since such desires are not possible, I must wait patiently. 

       

The one below is the one I hope a safe arrival for every day!!! Silly, but true.

       

Miss Emily received Mr. Church Mouse.  He is missed, but I am sure he will love living with Emily, as long as she remembers to put on his crown every so often...I am having empty nest syndrome.  All my little loves are growing up and getting their own wings.  Mousy has gone away to live, and Pirate girl  is dancing wildly at night clubs in New York. This is not my imagination, Mary Contrary saw her!!

       

I have been so lucky to have times where I can spend days away from reality, in my little studio, a hidden little space in the world.  I indulge here, playing with Vintage sequince, glitter, Giant Canvas', teeny canvas', varieties of paints and mediums and sometimes more...Enough to let you get carried away with a fantasy world completely.

      

And, for the sharing part of your visit...For some strange reason I just got my January ArtNews Magazine? Maybe it was lost in the mail?  I was intrigued by Nall's work, that includes a trip to visit Alice and some of her friends.  You can check it out at WestWood Gallery. 

      

I am dying to visit all of you!  I am waiting for a chunk of time to sit and indulge in all of your words that I enjoy reading so much. The week is busy and I might be a little slow!!  But I promise to come see you!!! 

Feeling Good, Making Fantasy Plans & Piratenapping

The second I was back to my old self I celebrated with lots of baking.  Although The chocolate and coffee spree is not as intense as it was.   I am on to lovely vegetable grilling and delicious avocado tomato swiss omelets.  Boy do I feel fantastic!!  I have been delving into a book from Cinderella, and really thinking about some things I want to do this lifetime!!  Mr. Lovee was so good to me while I was ill, I just had to bake for him!! He has a lovely sweet tooth, and is one of those people who you just love to cook for because he enjoys it so much!!  I am delighted with my Williams-Sonoma Cake Pan!!! Get one! It is wonderful!!

              

            

So, after the baking, I sat down with my lovely book and thought, could this really be a reality for me?  Before I go on, you must understand the unusual truth. You see, I was raised by two lovely parents with a lovely home on a hill plus a sister and brother, and not one thrifted, found, or vintage item ever crossed my path.  I never knew of or went to a thrift store until I was living on my own.  Antiques were only items I saw in my Grandmothers house, and most of them had come over from Spain and were things like giant scary old Spanish Dancers, etc. (that is not to say that there aren't treasures beyond my wildest dreams in Spain.) My poor parents wonder what is wrong with me.  I scream SSSTTTOOOPPPPP while in the car, if I see an "estate sale" sign, giving the driver and passengers a full on heart-attack. 

            

I drag home treasures that "normal" people would never ever ever think of being able to take home (remember, my Momm-bee is the major source of egging on my purchases.)  Like, huge pianos, even though I already have two, and life size mermaids, and all kinds of religious icons, and 4 foot mushroom sculptures, just to name a tiny few.  The point is, I like to make the impossible happen in my world...Which is why I make everyone in my family feel stress and fear with the rapidly becoming real idea of... Me traveling the country in a Silver Palace.  Could I handle it? Check out this lovely book  by Douglas Keister , it is filled with an artists gypsy love!!!  Let me share a few pages of this charming book!!

            

            

            

Don't you love it??? What do you think? Should I empty out my piggy bank and get one??? I could come visit you, and craft all over the country????

            

I could bake those great cakes in my cute kitchen!! And you could come on little voyages with me???  We could paint and draw and laugh and have fun every day???  Okay, maybe I am getting a little carried away??? What about work? Hmmm.  I didn't really fit that into the equation....Oh ya, we'd have to sell art, Of Course!!

            

I can see myself now... Yes, how lovely...I'd need that fabulous automobile below as well!!Hmm, this is rapidly becoming a major option!!

            

            

I can see me now, just like this girl in the book, although, I don't think I'd ever wear that outfit, that is just me personally though.

            

I would drive down the road, singing... Or would it be terribly lonely? Decisions, decisions...

            

Oh, the dreaming almost made me forget the news you have been waiting for.  I did not misplace Pirate Girl.  She is GONE.  Remember how I got vertigo just as I realized I couldn't find her?? And I had a visitor...Well, look at what I found when I felt better yesterday.... Yes, A Ransom Note!! Can you even believe it???

             

I actually have to come up with 10 sheets of Fuchsia felt and one jar of glitter!!!!!  I have one week!! Yikes!!!  How could Cinderella do this?? Take my Pirate Girl?  I am afraid of what she will expose her to?  Life in the city??? What????

            

I can't dwell on this.  But, what in the world do you think Pirate girl is doing?  I am trying not to worry because I have to go work on two commissioned paintings...I am behind!!! and my little crafty things are all leaning....Gotta run for now!!!  Thank you so much for putting up with these ridiculously long posts!!!

Crafty & Vertigo. I now know why they will never make a pre-packaged Crafty Vertigo Mix.

I tried with all my might to craft today.  I have been suffering from an unknown cause of off and on Vertigo for a mere 48 hours.  Trust me, if you want to make the ugliest little crafty things try doing it while the room is spinning upside down, and your head and stomach feel like they have only felt those rare times you had one too many cocktails. 

          

Remember  the time you had to sleep on the floor with your cheek to the cool tile, right in front of the Porcelain God? Yes, well, that has been how I have been feeling, but without the benefits of never being able to even so much as get a faint whiff of Tequila without getting the chills.  And, more importantly without the benefits of having had a movie quality night on the town.  I have nothing to blame it on.  Nothing.  It just appeared a few nights ago at 3a.m.  What misery.  Even so, I got up all the force, after a heavy dose of Dramamine, to make some Valentine's. Yes, they are ugly.  However, if you happen to be a person who receives the "Vanessa's Vertigo Valentine," feel very lucky. The love I put in and the pain and agony it took is worth the ugliness of the creature.

          

I think the woozier I felt, the more I added glitter and little old granny things to the mix.  Trust me, I adore grannies, they are the angels of the earth.  Mine is the bestest most wonderful ever.  But, remember, I was acting like a drunk 89 year old granny attempting to maintain her balance in fur high heeled slippers, who had had  22 screwdrivers by 10:00 a.m. and was switching to the hard stuff.

          

Don't mind my laundry in the above pic.  I take that darn basket from place to place trying to remember to do a dark wash. Not today. All I was interested in was the sparkly stuff.  I thought glitter could fix anything.  Not me. Not today.

As I was attempting to craft I got a little visitor, Cinderella. I had e-mailed her to come while I was feeling better. Sadly, I was now feeling bad again and wanted to partake in the fun she had brought in her Frida Market bag.  Nothing like a little sis to visit you in the boonies and help lighten your mood. Especially when she is funnier than the word itself.  My music was making her, as she said "feel like she needed to leave" so she connected her Ipod and it livened up the place.

                

         

Isn't that fun stuff she brought to share.  Oh, look at that amazing bag she made on the bottom right of the pic just above.  She is an amazing clothing + handbag creator.  I fed her some of that lovely puffed honeycomb stuff I rave about...and a cup of lovely coffee.

          

I had little success with a teeny tiny 3 tiered cake plate.  It is sideways, just the same way I am seeing everything, tilted.

          

This is all I can muster up for now.  I think I might find myself under the covers for a couple of days or at least until I feel better.  Also, very important, I can not find my Black Apple pirate girl anywhere.  See her sitting on the chair ledge??? Now she is gone.

          

I will keep looking but it is like the lost keys. Nowhere to be found!!! I hate loosing things!!!It is not like she could have diappeared into thin air???

I have to run.  I am not well, but I promise to bring some more interesting and educational material as soon as I feel a wee bit better.  Not just the happenings in my psycho glitter disaster studio.