Wonderland is calling! The time has arrived for our 4th annual Mad Tea Party! Time to make your way through the looking glass...
Let's party like it's 1865!
How do you get here you ask?
You need a map?
Directions?
Let's ask the white rabbits...
Oh, silly us, of course, follow the sign to A Fanciful Twist Cottage!
A Fanciful Twist Cottage you ask?
Why, yes, oh yes!
Grand news indeed!
One of the many projects going on in Wonderland, is the location for our very mad, Mad Tea Party! A wee cottage for a girl (that's me) to hide out in, right in her very own garden.
Pinch me?
We sure did fall through the rabbit hole.
And, it's a good thing that I really do share a tiny world with a Mad Hatter, who makes such madness possible.
All I have to do is slip into my Wonderland shoes (handmade by my Mammie), and dream, and believe, and hope, and tumble........
Fanciful, Arizona, here we come!!
Thank you so much for being here!
Having you as a guest is the bestest thing since Alice herself ;)
The Mad Hatter says it is time to go positively mad!
Are you feeling mad?
Crazy as can be?
Silly and giggly, and free?
Sparkle sparkle, all around!
Here we go, no time to waste, twirl down the path, won't you?
A cart of treats, to begin the feast of sweets!
One by one, two by two, three by three, we shuffle in....
The table is set, jump in, jump in!
Oops, I tripped on your extra long ruffled gown, sorry ;)
Bonk bonk, oops, parasols bonking each other too, haha!
Come in, come in, to my beloved play place...
So nice to get to host you!
I hope you feel cozy as can be...
Ooops, what was that?
Oh, no bother, just a bunch of us chickens ;)
Singing and dancing to the madman's tune...
The clock is ticking, telling us it is just about the perfect time...
To tiptoe to where we will nibble, and nosh, and chomp...
Chocolate cake, dancing with colors, moist and fluffy, and waiting for you.
Yumm yumm!
Would you care for one serving, or two?
Rose tea hits the spot...
It's magic you know ;)
Oh please do pour me a hot drop...
Oh and, other guests will be here too!
Like deer.
Since they like cake through and through...
Don't they?
And, what about frogs taking a dip in proper iced tea?
Did you say you wanted a mini confectionery?
Don't act so shy, I know you want to take a tour of sweet tastes...
There's a window of time, where nothing you nibble sticks to your waist!
Make sure you give me your enchanted key.
I can't let you test doors while you have ingested so much candy.
Goodness knows what you might get yourself into!
Oh and look, our children (of the furry variety), are getting fitted for their very own hats. Matty says, no way Jose! (I love him for his strong character. He knows exactly what he likes, and exactly what he does not like)
However, his little brother Miles, squeals with delight at the sight of such a thing. Seems he has been into the swimming pool and mud as well, cutie cutes!
Don't forget there is plenty to sip, not just tea, but punch and cherry cordial too!
Speaking of cherry, how about chocolate cherry mini cupcakes for your woes?
Do you have woes today?
Bloomers might be getting snug from all the treating ;)
I wonder what Alice would think?
Or better yet, what would Lewis Carroll think?
Are you having fun?
Has your sweet tooth gone numb?
Don't forget the key-lime pie!
Munch munch munch!
Sip sip sip!
Oh wait, can you hear that? I can hear more feet coming down the bend! Oh helooooo! It's you, and you, and YOU!! What fun!!
Just in time!
The sun is going down, and there is much dancing to do.
Did you hear? They're playing your tune!
Oooo, delightments under night skies, delicious!
Seems someone needs a nap before his long voyage ;)
Your visit has been beyond wonderful, beyond lovely, beyond grand!! May the rest of your 2011 be filled with all the magic and whimsy your heart desires!!!
Just as night turns to morning, the Mad Hatter rides off, singing,
Arrivederci!!!
Seeeee youuuuuuuu next yeeeeear!!!
Mwuuuuuah!
It was a wonderful time with you!!
Thank you so so so so so much for being here!!
And most importantly, for believing in Wonderland.
Let's make our way over to visit the most lovely and talented,
Our guest of honor for this year's Mad Tea Party! Won't you come with me??? It's beyond delicious at her place!
Love, V
* Please make sure (if you are hosting your own Mad Tea Party) to leave your exact party link in comments here. It will serve as an archive. Thank you!
* To visit Mad Tea Parties from previous years, click here.
* I will be giving away two 8" x 10" prints from my shop (your choice). Simply leave a mad comment to enter. I will draw 2 names in a week or so ;)
ps: A year ago today, on June 25th, 2010, we said good-bye to our most beloved beautiful furry girl, Baby. On June 15th, 2011 my dear friend Roo said good-bye to her love, her husband, Cowboy. There are no words to express everything I would like to say. So I will say this-
In everything good, in everything beautiful, and in everything warm and kind I think of Baby, I think of Cowboy, and I think of all those who are loved and missed. I dedicate this blog post to them, because I hope that they are somewhere beautiful, in their own Wonderland, laughing, pain free, and waving at us with full and happy hearts...♥
Updates Below:
Saturday Afternoon Update: Just a reminder that the party usually lasts all weekend+, as it takes several days to make all the visits (yay, a reason to party longer!). Hooooray, what fun you all are!!! I can't say enough! This is so exciting and wonderful! (I am making my way around, and hope to see you soon, I am a wee bit zombified today -what with finishing the cottage building up to the last second- But I am ever so eager to visit your place soon) xoxo
Sunday Morning Update: Hi there! It is Sunday and I am still partying, working on my visits. Don't worry, the party isn't over yet! ;)
I wanted to share that there have been a handful of e-mails coming my way, with folks having issues leaving comments here. I am not blocking anyone. I don't know what the dilemma is. So sorry about that. Also, I am having my own issues posting on blogspot blogs. I just figure, it's part of the internet, and we have to work the best that we can with it.
Also, as you know, the partier list is in my left hand sidebar, and will stay there for a week. Lots of time for us to make visits. The actual party links will be in the comment section for an eternity, as an archive, in case you still want to peek in the future. Thanks so much!