A Fanciful Twist

When the girl is away the Elfin will play...

I got back from my voyage, crept in ever so quietly, trying not to make any noise with the keys to the secret keyhole...

      

I knew something was up.  I saw a trail of glitter, not wider than a quarter of an inch. It started at the doorstep, and continued through my room.  Of course, just as I suspected, it led me straight to the curious playroom...

It seems we have some new members in our family, in the form of elves.  Although, I don't think they had a hard time convincing the others, they may have been responsible for a Christmas bash.  I peek in and what is the first sign of havoc?  Little Jeremy on a mushroom, partying. Yes, I know, out of control.  Then two new faces...  The elves... Oh, don't let their innocent faces fool you...

      

I get closer and notice the whole gang.  Oh, they have toys and treats.  They even put up a Christmas tree.  I guess Auntie Louie sent them a Mark Ryden Christmas card, that got them so excited, they threw a party.. OH Auntie, did they clear it with you? 

You can imagine what fun they had without me harping about using too many sparkles or being to loud... Where on earth did they find that tree???

      

You know, it is not that I don't want them to have any fun...  It is just that something can always go wrong.  And the fact of the matter is that, well, noone else can hear them but me, so how ever will they call for any help?  Wouldn't ya know it, all of a sudden Faun Boy starts to get all fuzzy...

      

And, down he goes.  As I always tell them, someone always ends up getting hurt in the end...  Looks like there was a bit too much shroom nog served.  Thank goodness I turned up just as they were all huddled around Faun Boy, not knowing what to do...

      

A glass of water and he was just fine, don't worry about him too much... I think I'll let them party til they all drop...

It is sooo good to be home.  But, I am sooooo behind, I feel like my head is going to explode.  I have so much to do.  My goodness... Whirlwind world...

Treats for my shop update are almost ready.  I know, I am later than I wanted to be...  Oh, but these new pieces are dear to my heart. 

As for my voyage...  Thank you for all your wonderful wishes for my friend Carolyn.  It was a long drive back home after her 5 hour surgery.  She was so sick from the anesthesia.  The drive from the other side of town was crazy long.  We got every red light.  She had to start her face down ritual right after we left the hospital.  So, she ended up huddled on the floor of my car, behind the passenger seat. Sick and miserable. It was a rough night.  The next day we awoke beyond early to head back out to the other side of town for the morning after visit.  She can not see with the eye, but vision should return in 8 weeks.  She looks like she was in a boxing match and lost.  But, she is such an amazing sport, black eye and all.  There are so many visitors and so much love.  I have so much more to share on that front that is just astounding.  It has to do with how some of you touched her so profoundly!  Much more sharing to come...

I took this photo in her secret garden...  As a thank you for all of your kindness... 

      

Now, off to make some sense of my crazy world.  Anyone want to come help me clean up the Elf-fest mess??  See you sooooon!!

The Happiest girl this side of the Mississippi, plus a small voyage...

If I were on a stage (which I mostly wish I was, of course with Fergie's body and Whitney Houston's lungs circa 1989)  then I would sing you the most loveliest song in the most difficult key.  Even now, while typing, my lips get all quivery.  You see, it was one year ago almost to the date, that I started this little blog.  I would wish, just wish that maybe I would get one comment.  That someone would read my blog... 

You can imagine how I feel with all that birthday love.  I feel like a wee creature, looking up at all of you, with a giant tear filling half of my eye, like a cartoon character...  I am touched beyond words.  I am so delighted you popped into my virtual birthday bash... (below, Marie Stillman, Messner Ansaldo showing madonna Dianova his enchanted garden, 1889)

      

Not only did you pop in, but your frolicked and played.  This is just the kinda world I love!  A place where we are free to be silly in every way! (below: Thomas Webster, Sickness and Health, detail of pl. 207)

      

If anyone ever appreciated the blog love, I guarantee you, my appreciation is beyond that.  I love getting to know so many of you.  I love everything that I can share and learn and be a part of through "A Fanciful Twist."  So, thank you, thank you for sharing in the fun,  and truly for creating so much of this.  Sometimes this little art world is really lonely, and strange. Tucked away in a room painting & creating into the wee hours of the night... 

Then, I come to this little world, and this is what I feel like happens....All of us visiting and carrying on... Our special place within the blogosphere... Sharing all we can... (Below: Richard Doyle, The Fairy Tree, c.1865)

      

I am also so very touched at the love you sent for my friend who just lost her son and is now having an eye surgery.  That surgery is tomorrow.  So, I will be taking a wee voyage...(below: John William Waterhouse, The Lady of Shalott, 1888)

      

Off I will go, with my little over-night bag, to stay a couple of days and take care of my dear friend.  I will be with her the first few days, then other friends will stop in to look after her...  As I said, she lives alone, so it is imperative I be there for her.  And she has to be in that awful head contraption, face down for an increasing total of 14 days(22 hours a day, what??), EEK!  I hope I can be useful... (below:  Louise Jopling, Blue and White, 1896)

      

I am a tad bit apprehensive, as I like to be prepared and I don't think you can be totally prepared for things like this...  But, I will sit with her, make sure she is well, make her some tea... Make myself useful.  Tomorrow, I will take her to the hospital... 5 hours there they predict... Then the next morning 7a.m. (yikes, gulp, yikes) on the other side of town for a post-op appointment.  Oh goodness...  I hope it all goes well...

The good news... I will have internet there!  So, while she sleeps, I can peek in.  Or, perhaps I will be too busy.. Either way... Any shop orders placed on Dec. 13th & 14th, will make there way to the P.O. on Saturday the 15th of December... So, I am sure not to fall behind.  Also, art pieces for the shop update are coming along... I have been working on several...  I am hoping to update the shop by Monday... Hoping being the operative word... Here is a sneak peek at a piece that is in its early stages...

      

The exquisitely talented doll maker, Christine LeFever has tagged me for 5 random things.  I always forget to do these, however, this time, I have not.  So here I go... Short and... (oh, not so short afterall)  read on if you'd like, then I have to say Adieu for now, and see you soon!!! 

A Very Merry Little Birthday...

I know, I have no shame.   I love my birthday.  I don't really care what age I am turning, just as long as I am alive, I can wear silly shoes, outrageous jewels if I want, out of control hair...  But most of all, I get to create and paint and to top it all off, I get to share it all here with you! 

For the past 3 nights I have been going to bed hours after midnight.  Why you ask?  Well, I have had some little visitors fluttering about in my imaginary world and had to bring them to life...  It all started with the need for thumbelina sized girls. 4 girls, sisters...  I made them, they are not that cute as I had hoped, but I love them all the same...  I was not very good at making their clothes, but that is okay, I still love them...

      

They were happy to be posing for a photo...

      

What they didn't know was that a birthday party for me was underway deep in the forest with wonderful woodland creatures...  I took out my polymer clay that I had had for 8 years and not used, which surprisingly was in perfect condition.  I made a bunny boy, a faun of sorts, cakes, a bowl of ice-cream, little plates, tree stumps, mushrooms and a tree.  I was out in the cold and watery dark weather early today searching for branches for my little tree...

      

Oh, you can imagine the magic unfolding at this little fest (I know I have gone as mad as a hatter)...  The little creatures were minding their own business, when two of the little fanciful girls turned up... Cornelia in blue and her sister in pink polka dots, (named by Mr. Lovee) Heidi-Marie ( I know, the man is full of surprises).

      

Oh, what a joyous birthday party!!!  Would you like ice-cream with your cake?

      

We almost forgot to sing Happy Birthday!!!  Okay, here we go, with my two layered angel food cake, decked out in strawberries soaked in my favorite Bon Maman raspberry jam! Oh yummmmmmm!

      

And what do we see to the right?  Why, it is a marvelous gift from Miss JOY!!  I don't think she even knew it was my birthday today and that I would receive it today!  Haaaa, Wonderful!!!  I love that little match set, with clowns and dancing people all around.  I lit my candle with one of the matches.. And all of these little sparks like tiny fireworks danced about... Thank you Joy!!

Mr. Lovee gave me my gift at midnight...  It is the most wonderful lock, and it works!!  Yay! (more to come) Looks like he was in my studio borrowing some tissue paper.. hee hee

      

Then a surprise giveaway came my way, oh swoon, from the Mosaic Queen herself!!!  Incredible! Thank you!!!!

      

And then, there are the gifts for me from me.  Actually, they are gifts kind of from my parents because they entrusted some lovely green stuff with the banker to be telegramed my way! yay, they just could not figure out what to get me... SO, Voila, I get to get my own wonderful treasures!!

My favorite doll right now.  I remember my grandmother or someone having one when I was little.. Well, now I have my own... A 3 in 1 fairy tale doll.  First she is "Little Red Riding Hood..."

      

Flip her inside out in one swift move, and she becomes the grandmother!! Oh fun!!

      

Flip grandmother's bonnet over her face, and turn around, VOILA, the WOLF!!!! Oh, this makes me smile ear to ear!!

      

I got my Little Red Riding Hood flip doll for quite a reasonable price at Miles Kimball.  But, I do have to say, it took 3 weeks to get here and my online order was never confirmed and they were rough with me on the phone...  So I called back just a few days ago, finally got a sweet girl, and was told the items would be here soon... Then Last night, on the doorstep they were...(Guess what, I was getting you the link when I noticed the price of the doll is gasp, cut ALOT to $4.99, OH GOODNESS!!! Shop HERE!

Then of course, it would not be a party without a visit to the NPR shop!  Look at these treats for me!! I can't wait to listen!!

      

Then of course, good thrift ventures on your birthday are wonderful...

      

I have to say, the best part of my birthday is the fact that I feel ageless...  Some of my best friends look incredible are artists and are soo totally interesting and they are 64 and 72.  They are hip and fabulous women...  I really don't understand when we got hung up on age?  It really is only a number.  Our bodies and faces might change, but, we can exude our youthful selves through that.  I know a woman named Penny from pottery, whose 9 year old self peeks out while she talks to you...  It is incredible.  Age is one thing I will never worry about.  People say, oh ya, thirty was really hard for you wasn't it?  And I think, where did they get that? Thirty was marvelous.  So, I woke up today at 32 to a wonderful rainy day, with SNOW falling in the mountains.  It is gloomy and perfectly wonderful.  I LOVE this weather!!!  What more could a girl ask for?

The huge mountains are not visible at all...

      

On another note, I was not going to put up a christmas tree at Mr. Lovee's and my country pad because I have my own Christmas Branch that is up all of the time here...  However, I decided to not throw away all the little less than fave ornaments I have and the fake little tree that is older than old...  Normally we buy a real little tree and then plant it.. But, I had this one in one of our storage rooms...  I thought, I am going to put up a pittiful little tree...  But it turned out okay, and I used some pinecones EB sent me!  They made the tree soo happy!! 

The colors go perfectly with Mr. Lovee's guatemalan textiles and pre-columbian sculptures.. And although, he is a menorah guy, he embraced his very own Chrismtas tree quite warmly...  It feels so good to put up a perfectly delightful Christmas Tree from items that I was ready to throw out.  Is that weird?

      

So there you have it.. My Neverending, Birthday blog post!!! 

      

Thank you for helping me celebrate!! It was hard to write this blog post with a bad internet condition due to the weather!! Sorry I was soo late!!!! xxo

ps:  I have several new paintings almost ready... I wanted to share them today, but my plate is a little full... Next time I hope! 

pss:  Thank you Miss DubuhDu Designs for such doll making inspiration!!  I had not made any dolls for 8 years... You must look at her dolls, I have 5!!  And I need more!!

Little Tradition Cups Runneth Over...

This is the perfect time of year to stop, reflect, and think about traditions.  Not only are traditions prevalent in my world, but there are also cultural traditions that are embedded in the world I grew up in.  Jill at Follow your Bliss is having a Celebration of Traditions today, so I thought I would join her and share a bit about traditions that are still alive within my family...(bunuelos below)

           

I have to say, some things never change.  You see, my three siblings and I are not married people (and have never been married).  I am the oldest, then there is my sister Kristen, and then my brother Adam.  We have a mother and a father who have been married longer than each of them care to remember, hee hee.  Of course, none of us live at home anymore, but, we all hop in our cars and drive to our parents home, for the holidays.  It is so wonderful and quite funny how when we get to our parents home, it is almost like we never left.  WE all have our rooms there, we all play and carry on. 

      

My dad plays his Christmas music.  Bing Crosby always, and on repeat.

I think I could sing you melikalikimaka backwards.  Anyhow, the traditions are a plenty, but there is one that has been excatly the same our whole lives...  Santa always visits us & leaves our gifts while we sleep.  ALWAYS.  I used to be the one to wake up first and wake up my brother and sister.  But, last year, the munchkin boy woke up first, which woke up this munchkin girl, we grabbed our munchkin sister and to the living room we tiptoed at 5:30 a.m. 

      

On Christmas eve we always have an outrageous formal dinner in my mom's dining room after mass.  Mass is in the most amazing Catholic church in the village I grew up in.  It is quaint and majestic all at once.  Sometimes my mom's youngest sister & her husband, come over with their children for dinner.  The town lights from my parents house are marvelous.  Way in the distance, the lights you see are in Mexico...

      

On Christmas morning when we wake up, there are gifts cookies candies! But best of all, candied ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls and such are left over from the dinner before.  The whole thing is a deja vu moment over and over every year. I love it!!

      

I am in the country right now, so I don't have all my pictures of us as kids with me...  I will share a few someday...  Needless to say, we have the same Christmas day that we had as children.  I think that highly influences our creative sides.  We all have a love of magical and childlike things.  But it is mainly because our childlike selves have never been squashed.  As a matter of fact, that side of us is constantly nurtured...  A blessing in itself...

      

After we open all of our gifts we sit around eating and talking.  Drinking coffee...  Exchanging gifts Santa did not bring...  Last, we get dressed and go to my Grandma and Grandpa's house (mom's parents).  Where we have been having the same Christmas there every year since birth.  There is  Menudo and Tamales abound.  My grandmother Josephina (people call her Pini), makes her own Menudo and Tamales.  She is so chic yet will do anything in the name of making her traditional food.  There will also be a huge pot of amazing beans on this stove she cooks on...

      

She has a regular stove and such, but she prefers this stove.  I will always remember her, putting on her mit, to lift the wood trap with her special cast iron tool, slowly putting in pieces of wood from a pile my grandfather had made for her...  Through that little white oven door you will always find mexican buttered breads, ready for dunking in your menudo, or for slathering with beans...

Oh, and as you can imagine, my mom has been in her studio creating away, and I hear the tree is red red red this year!!!  (Photos of tree above are from last year)  She has a fun crazy studio!  I guess you know where the love of creating comes from now... 

She says she has been decorating for a whole week non stop!  I can't wait to see it!!!  I will make sure to take many more photos this year to share!!! ;)

      

That is the tip of the iceberg of the Holiday tradtions in this family...  The kids from yesterday might be grown up, but they still play.  Blissful holiday tradtions make us all so content...  I hope the children in our family today, have as many memories to bottle up as I did...  From the looks of it below, they will.... (don't worry, it is the gift opening that has her exhausted, she was not sampling the wine, I hope!!!)

      

PS: Party here on Tuedsay December 11th.  My Birthday!  Bring a cake, bring glitter, bring streamers, but by golly, bring yourself!!  Help me celebrate!! 32 years!