A Fanciful Twist

Paint, Puppies, Petals &...

Helooooooooo!!! 

Hello there! 

Loveliest greetings from my mad little world.

So many tales to tell, so busy I have been, running back and forth into town, to and fro.  Lovely weather, marvelous visits.  Catching up on oh so much.  And still, so much to do.  Isn't that always the case?

Come with me into my garden, and let's chat, shall we?

Things are getting squeal worthy exciting in my garden these days.

I went out of my way in autumn to plant all sorts of bulbs and tubers.

A few different types of ranunculus, freesia and more.

I also scattered multitudes of seeds, and planted a few bulbs that had already gotten a head start in a greenhouse.

And now, the magic begins...

(ranunculus)

It isn't always easy to do something 4 or 5 months ahead of time, and then sit and wait for results.  Like plan your next year's garden and do some planting.  The waiting can be so daunting, that sometimes we are moved to not try anything at all.

But, after the beautiful results last year  in the garden, I really was inspired to begin early, and be extra patient.

(ranunculus)

I have been working on so many paintings and dolls.  Some paintings I even started last year at this very time.  I used to be someone who whipped out a painting in one afternoon.  But now, I get so immersed in each piece, and in the details, that I can be so slow.  Slower than I ever could have imagined I would become.  It is so unlike me in so many ways. 

Or maybe, this is the new me, who knows?

It's odd.

Then again, I have my hands in so many pots.

It is so hard to be your own boss.

The discipline.

And then of course, I am so good at making myself feel guilty, it isn't funny.

But my sanity, my refuel, is truly in the fresh air watching things grow and working hard.

Putting my heart into it.

Feeling like in some way, I am helping the earth.

Somehow, even if by only a tiny smidgen, I am writing love notes to mother nature through my garden...

There are blooms on the apricot tree.

That beautiful scent of warm milk and sugar emanating from the blossoms.

That scent will always remind me of this time, this place...

There is also alyssum everywhere I turn.

It must have self seeded last year.

I love when birds and winds help carry seeds all around.

It has been beautiful and in bloom all winter.  Crawling down the paths, up the rose bushes.  Overflowing out of built in planters...

I went into town so many times this week.

I also went into too many antique stores and brought home too many treasures.

I had not been out shopping in ages.

I was being so good.

Alas, when the heart stirs and the treasures call my name - I go out to find them.  And almost always, the treasure I dreamt of the night before, is sitting there in an antique store, waiting for me.  Almost like it put a phone call into me the night before.  It is so weird.  And, happens all the time.  Weird weird weird.

We had a little cool snap for a day - which totally made my neighbor and I wacko because...

After too much shopping and too many errands, we spied a puppy sign.

And of course.

I had to call.

As you can imagine - there were 9 beautiful half full boxer, half unknown pups (I think lab really), plump and happy and gorgeous beyond words romping around.

And then-----

We most certainly had to have some.

How could we not?

I told my neighbor that her life would be totally incomplete without puppies.

She doesn't fall for that too much anymore, mostly because I tell her this everytime we find something wonderful that I think she should take home.

She is Harley's mama, the big rotti.

Alas, the puppies won her over on their own.

So, to fill my puppy void, she adopted two.

Yes two.

Her boy Harley accepted them right away.

Just like Matty did with Miles.

I think puppies just don't pose a threat sometimes.  Is that it?

Anyhow, I have been at her house ever since.

She even let me help her name them.

On the left, Jaxon - Jax.

On the right, Annabelle.

I am their fairy godmother.

They have white paws in back, white on their chinny chin chins, and white chests.

Oreos.

Perfect fluffertons.

There are 7 more.

Want one?

I took Mister Lovee over to our neighbors' to play with them, and see if he thought we needed a few.

I am still working on that one ;)

For now, we have seeds grown all big into beautiful arroyo lupines...

So very pretty, with more to come all over the yard.  I got the wildflower seeds that the arroyo lupine were in, in late summer/early fall online at American Meadows.  I think that is where I got some of my bulbs and tubers too.  I also love (great success) the tubers from White Flower Farm.

My calendula officionalis (below) reseeded itself like mad this winter, and now the large flowers are popping up just everywhere.  In unexpected places.

This is what I adore and was hoping for, for years and years...

That point where your garden is full of flowers and seeds, and they spread themselves about.  I just love petal surprises!

I am so eager to see what comes with warmer weather.  But also, I want to savor this winter season in full.  Such a conundrum!

I'll be crying in summer when the air is so hot it singes your body.

Sooooo...

I just can't believe it is Wednesday.

In my mind it is Monday.

I feel too guilty to cut the ranunculus for vases right now...

But, when some of my others start blooming too, I won't be able to resist.  There are about 12 other plants right about to explode.  Hopefully within the next couple of weeks.

And the hundreds, more like thousands, of poppy seeds I sprinkled in November are getting to be pretty hearty plants.

But for now, it's all about ranunculus... 

Those tender specimens that inspire me so.

I know flowers can be so boooooooore-ing sometimes.

But, I just had to share.

Now, I need to somehow straighten out my upside down and inside out week of madness.

How the heck are youuuu????

I hope perfectly lovely.

Do you have any wonderful stories to tell me?

Let's see, do I have any??????

hmmmm....

Let me think.

Tell me one, and you might jog my memory....?

 

Looooove, V

 

 

Afternoon Secrets...

It is so nice outside, and feels sooooo good to be out there.  Not just physically good, but emotionally delicious...

It is warm, 72' F.

(22.2' C)

Sunny warm rays that do so bewitch.

I suppose it is safe to tell you a little secret...

There is a place you will find us at a quarter past two on Friday, and Thursday, and perhaps even Wednesday too?

Hanging from a tree, in that warm of warmest Arizona sun...

Reading Robert Louis Stevenson...

Dreaming.

Sitting still.

An inner peace I have been searching for since I was 16 has found me.

I can sit still for an hour, entranced with thoughts of nothingness...

Not move.

Just listen to the birds, and breathe.

Then maybe read a little, and...

Dream of spring, and fairies and hollyhocks and bees...

The sun is oh so warm, and the breeze cool, brisk even.

Kisses your toe, your shoulder, your nose...

Blissful moments.

Almost silly good, if you know what I mean.

Sun, birds, warmth, hammock.

Wake me up, please!

Or, maybe don't.

:)

I listen to a cd playing in the distance.  A cd I have had for 10 years or more.  Filled with beautiful ethereal songs, that take you away in the greatest drift of feelings and calm.  I always flip the cd on when I go out onto my back porch.  The songs, heard so many times, feel like a part of me in my outside world.  Where time stops and I just re-energize.

I didn't even know if I could find the cd online, but I did.  With sample tunes too.  Here it is, Sound healing by Dean Evenson.  So, that is what I have been listening to, almost every day for 10 years or more (along with a few others, but that one is constant).  With my fountain on and the birds chirping, it's just so yummy.

So, back to hammock days...

Music flowing in the breeze...

The mountains hovering so beautifully...

Silly perfect, you see?

A tattered favorite straw hat.  My constant companion in the sun...

And to think, just a few days ago, it was snowing?

The boys play and sleep all day...

Begging me to be done with my silly human games -

And get back to my real duties.

Like furry hugs, and belly scratches.

Everyone wants to jump on my lap and snuggle.  Which is sort of difficult on a hammock.  So, I get refueled, and then...

Skip away...

Telling my hammock, I'll see you again soon, if I can sneak away ;)

Where would you be right at this very moment?  If you could be anywhere?  And, what would you be doing?

I wonder that sometimes.

Close my eyes and think, where would I be now, if I could be anywhere?

What would I be doing???

I think, back in my hammock, in that warm sun, without one care in the world sneaking up on me.

Yes yes, that is where I would be.

But, maybe on a deserted warm beach too, searching for seashells.  Oh yes!  But only if I could come back home in the blink of an eye, and bring my treasures found with me ;)

You?

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  I popped some new cards into my shop yesterday.  I have been keeping them quiet for a couple months now- until it felt like just the right moment to share. 

And, for some reason it feels like it now.

The cards are commercial quality - just lovely in person, with a satin finish.  They have so many uses, from thank yous to anything really.  I have sent a couple out myself.  I should send snail mail more often.  It is so much fun to give and receive, isn't it?

Roses (from my garden)

And...

A Tuft of Stars -

Both photographs taken in my garden by me, and turned into cards.

Now added to my shop...

♥

Winter Eats.

Collecting from the garden...

So fresh, so anticipated.

Time to harvest...

Brussels sprouts, and...

Broccoli.

Our garden, tended and loved by me ever so much, is gifting its winter eats in baskets full.

Only take as much as you can eat at one time...

Tender and fresh.

With the brussels sprout plants creating their own giant rose, right at the tippy top...

And in the center, the highly anticipated, cabbage like baby. 

A tale I had read and read of.

Edible too, and so we will.

But next, the brussels sprouts themselves get munched (as we have already enjoyed leaves while waiting for sprouts), with many more sprouts to harvest this week.

A little butter and olive oil, tossed with garlic salt.

So delicious beyond words. 

Sweet and tender, mild and succulent!

Such wonderful winter eats we have enjoyed from the garden.

After the greens, a little spice beckoned us.

I brought home a bunch of Hatch chilies last month, and so, I felt it was time to start cooking some up...

Cut them off the bundle, 15-20 or so.

Shake out the seeds. (or save for planting)

Pop into a pot of water and boil until super tender.

(open windows, as they can be strong whilst cooking)

Cool for a few minutes, then pop into the blender with a bit of the water they cooked in.

Then, strain into a bowl, pressing down on your strainer with a spoon, little by little.

You are left with glorious chili sauce (chile), to spice up and use as you wish.

I carmelized some sweet onions, garlic, red bell peppers then browned a little ground meat (you can use turkey, or beef, or no meat at all). Flavored with garlic salt to taste.  Poured in two cans of kidney beans, using all the contents in the cans, liquid too.  And last, poured in the chili, and let that all come to a soft boil.  (you can add more of the water you cooked the chilies in to create the thickness you wish)

We like to put corn chips in our bowl first, then pour in the soup.

Top with sour cream and avocado, yumm!

Voila, you have homemade chili.

Using your own chilies really makes a difference.

Perfect eats for a brisk winter evening.

And, when your beau announces that he has brought home more fresh blueberries (with an impish grin on his face), well...

You know what that means.

Pie please :)

And so, I happily oblige...

Again.

All the while, baby tomato plants are being born.

Sweet little things.

Growing in the warmth of the studio, and my room, and back and forth.

So hard to believe that spring is just around the corner.

Time slips by incredibly fast for me.

I blink, and there goes time.  Hours pass like minutes.

The garden makes time go by so much faster than I could have imagined.

Especially keeping a vegetable garden year round.

This has been amazing, everyday something new is going on, and every day there is more to do.  Prep for the next season of growing things.  Seeds, and harvesting, and weeding, and thinning, and caring for.

Before you know it, summer and fall are but a faint memory, and winter gives you a couple last hugs before saying, see you in a year. (in Southern Az at least)

As you look towards the horizon, you can see spring riding towards you, making clouds of dust in the distance.  Showing you, it is almost here.......

A month away, minus a day.

Tuesday March 20th, they say.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  Yesterday Miles and I went out to see my parents who were in town (normally Matty gets to go, so this time is was Miles' turn for one on one time with me), and we saw poppies lining the sides of the highway.  So beautiful, those poppies.  And then, we noticed 3 wee poppies in our own garden, along with wild desert evening primrose early in the morning, and gobs of chamomile.

I am seeing lots of the poppy seeds I sprinkled in autumn growing into big and strong plants.  I check them almost every morning, giving them water as needed.  I always dreamed of a garden full of poppies.  Mostly because year after year, I drive by this one house, and the entire garden is a field of poppies.

So so pretty.

We'll see what happens with our poppies this year.  I just can't wait!

Snow Garden

What a scrumptious week, snow garden in the desert included.

It almost always snows once or twice in February, here at the country house.  (Hooray!)

It melts the next morning or the same day, but still it's snow, and I would never turn it away.

We are at a bit higher elevation than Tucson, so it's a tad cooler, and chances of snow are a smidge higher.

On Tuesday night I went on an errand, and felt a coldness in the air that made me shiver.  It was that sort of coldness that told me, feels like it could snow.  Lovee said, probably not.  But, I could feel it.  Like a cold winter whisper.

So on Valentine's day, when heavy rain turned to snow, all I could do was jump up and down in the window, whilst giggling like a crazed person and exclaiming, I knew it, I knew it!!  I knew it would snow!

Of course, I had to run around in it until I was so cold and so wet that I couldn't move my fingers.

But it was beyond delightful, really.

Looking up, watching snow coming out of the sky -

Bliss sigh...

All of a sudden, the white stuff really started to stick.

But the one thing that always gets me, is the silence. 

Oh, that beautiful silence of snow fall. 

Quiet, magical. 

Truly magical...

Everything looks lovely with powdered sugar on it, doesn't it?

Snow makes everything dreamy...

The gnomes thought a little snow and dark skies were okay, but only every once in a while.

They say they like the sun more.  But I say, ah phooey, I LOVE the snow! 

We always have dry + sun.  I say, rain and snow and grey skies are welcome more often, if they'd like.  Mister Lovee told me that, some people in areas where it rains a lot don't even have a garden hose.  Is that true?  I suppose if you get rain several times a week, it must be true?

Here, where you can count yearly rain days on your hands and toes, it seems amazing to not ever need a garden hose.  Here it goes like this, no water hose = no garden.  Well, except for native plants that is.  Cactus and such.

So, a moist week plus snow, is a great gift in the desert.

An awesome gift.

The boys went mad in it.

Miles got so soaked, he turned super golden in his wet coat.

Sort of tripped my heart up a couple of times when I caught sight of him running around.  He sort of looked like you know who, from the corner of my eye.  Heart gasp.

Oh those boys, played and played and played.

It took 10 towels to get them a little dry.

Then they ate and ate, and slept and slept.

Those loves of mine...

Snow in the vegetable garden was my fave...

Pumpkin heads, dusted with fluff...

And, gourds too!

Pretty pretty snow day it was, me thinks.

The winter veggies didn't mind the snow at all.

Snow broccoli.

We have had such a warm winter, that a little snow really hit the spot. 

One of the little Christmas trees, that was in my house and is now planted cozy in the ground, really was something out there.  For a moment, I felt the spirit of Christmas again.  It was wonderful!

And so, we changed our plans and had a cozy fantastic Valentine's day.  Me baking my yearly cookies...

Packaging oodles of them.  Sending them out into the world...

I changed them up a little, adding some red food coloring to the butter-cream to make it pink.  I loved it, and it made it look like frosting - but it is just pure butter and a little powdered sugar (with raspberry jam in the center).  Sinfully delicious...

Making these really makes it feel like a special day to me...

But the most important thing is that, the recipients liked them.  That is the reason after-all, that I make these difficult but delicious little heart loves ;)

A quiet snow filled baking day.

What more could I ask for?

It is a beautiful grey sky Friday.

I hope our constant sun is visiting you instead.  Also -  I wouldn't mind if anyone would like to share some snow with me again ;)

I do love the sunny and happy days here, but a little grey from time to time sure hits the spot.

Happiest little weekend!!!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

I just love today.

The more over the top the better.

The more silly, sappy, ooey gooey Valentiney, the better.

Pink and red are my fave.

My sis made the garland above.

She sent me a lovely parcel, filled with Valentine treats she made.

I saved it for this morning, along with a big box from Mombie.

Lovee's homemade cards knock my socks off!

They are hilarious.

He has been painting a heart shaped rock for me every year since we met.

Sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small.

Sometimes they have words.

Sometimes none at all.

Matty and Miles and I made Lovee a homemade card too.

I tried to put red glitter lips on my photo.

But, well, it didn't work out so well, hahahaa!

To me, the cheesier a homemade Valentine, the better.

The sillier, the even more better.

I saved Mom's box for last...

I'll tell you what the parcel she sent is.

It is Valentine's Day in a box.

I don't know where I would be today, if I didn't have a Mom like her.  Over the top is normal to her.  Her norm begins at over the top, and increases from there.

I love it.

I just realized, she is a HUGE reason I still feel like a kid.

She keeps me feeling ever so young.

She doesn't pressure me to grow up, ever.

Plus, growing up is overrated, isn't it?

She says there is a pipe cleaner ring, that she made, inside the box.

I still have not found it.

:)

But I know who might!

I hope you are having a delightful Valentine's Day.

Even if today makes you roll your eyes...

Make it a "you" day.

You You You!!

You are wonderful and lovely, and kind - and you matter.

A whole lot.

You do.

I know what you are thinking.

Those are just words.

How can she say that, she doesn't even know me.

But - I know what I am saying.

Sappy or not.

It's true.

Be kind to you, won't you?

Sooooo...

Here's to a holiday made for -

Sweets and mushiness Galore!

;)

I am late on all our plans for today, must run for now.

(plus, Miles has his head on my lap and is whining for me to be done, and Matty is standing up behind my chair)

Looooove is in the aiiiiiiiir!

Looove, V

 

ps:  Be still my heart! It's SNOWING!!!!!!

 

Valentine Prep.

Valentine prep is in full swing it seems.  I almost love it more than Christmas prep.  Probably because I am so busy during the holidays (packaging, traveling), and don't get to fully enjoy my time at home immersing myself in the preparations.

I love those sort of non-busy baking days. 

I am getting ready to begin my yearly Valentine cookies in a few minutes.  I have been making them every year for over 10 years now.  I love having my own little tradition as such.  I also have some other cakey stuff in the works.

I am blown over by how busy my bloglette gets during holidays, in the way of visitors.  There are so so so many visitors in the free Valentine printables department.  I can't believe it.  I am so glad they are liked, really so glad.

I love being able to give little gifts as such.

Soooooo...

Are you baking anything special?

I think I fully convinced my neighbor that she needs to bake herself a cake for Valentine's day, because she was talking about getting cake pans ready.

I love it!!

I think I am going to whip out all of my heart cake pans this year.

I love gifting sweets.

Don't you?

Question....

Do any of your significant others (or you for that matter) eat Halloween and Valentine candy like it is going out of style?

Mister Lovee buys himself HUGE bags of what he calls "fresh on the shelves" Sweethearts candies, and then proceeds to gobble them all up.

They are super kazooooper fun to look at.  But, I just can't even imagine sitting there and eating them by the bag?  He does the same thing with candy corn.  And jelly beans, and Whoppers, and...

I guess it is why he always smells like fresh baked cookies.

He is a super health nut (oatmeal and grapefruit every single morning, etc etc) - but he incorporates that holiday candy in there, I tell ya.

At least it makes him happy.

I guess that is all that matters.

Candy eaters rock ;)

Come to think of it, my mom is a big time candy eater too.

I can't eat candy like that.

It makes my head more than hurt.

I am more of a proper meal kind of girl.

So, it is good balance, to live with a candy eater.

Although, he likes proper meals too, and kettle corn.

Are you sweet, salty or both?

Oh, speaking of that - if you like sweet and salty and you have not decided what to make for v-day, trust me, you HAVE to make this (photo below).  Recipe right here.

You will not regret it.

Easy and beyond delicious.

I like them without so much chocolate - but you can use as much or as little chocolate as you want per the recipe (above).

I am having such a great time working on print orders lately.  During the holidays the biggest nightmare happened.  My fancy archival pigment ink printer that prints on canvas died.  It was my 6th one sent during my warranty period (all lemons), and had given me so many years of h, e, double hockey sticks.

I found myself praying.  Please please, please live through the holidays.

But, it was dead.

Sooooo, I had to scramble, do research and then purchase an incredibly costly new commercial grade machine.

Well, it turns out to so far (knock on wood) be a dream.

A Godsend really.

Funny how things like that work out...

Nightmare, turned good.

So, I am still printing on hand-cut archival canvas sheets (specially made for prints), with pigment ink.  Only now, it is a great joy with a machine that doesn't spit out torn canvas and puke ink all over the place.

It makes brilliant prints. 

I am so happy each time I get to print an order.

I don't have to live in fear anymore ;)

See, there is always some havoc going on behind the scenes.

But then, somehow, it works itself out.

Thank heavens.

Oh oh, also....

An experimental meal worked out great this weekend...

I was watching this show, and the little girl in the show was making old school Kraft macaroni and cheese.  So of course, it set me on wanting some of my own.  We are not huge pasta eaters, maybe twice a year, if that.  And, I am not a huge cheese eater, especially not yellow or sharp.

I know, boring me.

But, I do like mild cheese, like Jarlsberg swiss.

So, I cooked some penne pasta al dente. (1 whole box)

Whilst that was cooking I popped (okay don't gasp) 1 stick of butter (you can use half as much, I'm sure) and one can of evaporated milk into a pan.  When that came to a barely light boil I slowly tempered in 1 very pre-whisked egg.

As the whole thing was lightly boiling (before the frothing of the milk begins), I put in one cup of grated Jarlsberg swiss and 1 cup of mozzarella.

I whisked until it all melted together.

Then I poured in my well drained, just finished cooking pasta.

Swirled it together, and served.

It was ridiculous good.

I mean, totally and completely ridiculous.

It is pretty rich, so you probably will only be able to eat a cup amount at once.  But served with a lovely fresh tomato salad, mwuah, delicioso!!

I am telling you - it was beyond good.

Make sure your pasta is al dente.

Soooooo, that is all I have to say for now

:)

I am still listening to Florence + the Machine, Ceremonials album on repeat.

Every single song is excellent.

OKay so... off to bake bake bake!!!!

I am getting dizzy from the scent of that huge platter of sweetheart candies!!

 

Love, V

 

Thoughts about Treasures + Collecting

Collecting treasures....

Yummmmm!

Just those two words, collecting treasures, make my entire brain come to life.  I can literally feel little sparks of excitement begin in my brain, travel down to my shoulders, and then cover my entire face and arms.

When did it begin?  This collecting fascination?

Can you remember when yours first began?

I can almost perfectly pin point mine.

I can go back to about 16 years old.

It was on travels outside of the little town I grew up in, which had little to no antique or thrift stores.  I would spot mind blowing thrift stores, and beg my parents to go in.

I remember being in San Francisco, and seeing the most incredible 3 story antique/curio shop.  Every part of my being drew me to the place.

Of course, my parents would have none of that.

Someone else's "junk" in our house, umm, no way, said they.

To me, it was the polar opposite of junk.

It was treasure, pirate's treasure, old dilapidated mansion treasure, secret treasure!

Since I wasn't allowed to schlep any of it home at the time, I became even more enchanted by those over stuffed antique stores, and all the tales each item held.

In a word - the items held inside of antique shops were pure mystery to me, and I was more than intrigued.

I was about 16-17 when my parents started letting me go (in my car) to places outside of my town, for day trips.  My first day trip took me to a thrift shop in downtown Tucson. 

On 4th avenue.

And, to a little antique store in Tubac, Arizona.

It was there, that the collecting began.

Outrageous fabulous shoes and jewelry.

Some for 25 cents in 1993-94.

All pieces I still have.

Some of my best treasures in fact.

Often I feel so glad and amazed really, that at that young age I started my treasure collecting.  Coming from a home where little was old (and virtually everything was brand new), it's interesting to me that somewhere deep inside of me I had a vast love for old treasures.

I have even had countless dreams (beginning from 13 to now) of a person I was in times past.  I can see her house - her attic.

It is vivid, like a parallel universe, back in time.

I can see her in a great big round paned window, 3 stories up, looking down at me, and me being her. 

But, that is a tale for another day.

What I am trying to say is that at the age of 16ish I knew about things, and liked things, that there was no way I could have known about.  Plus for years, people I knew (as well as strangers), would tell me, you have such an old soul, I feel like I know you. (insert twilight zone theme)

As a tid-bit side track to this tale - one other thing I knew how to do beginning in my very early teens was make handmade bread.  I don't know how I knew.  I just knew.  It felt like some strange deep memory.  One Christmas when I was 13 or 14, I announced that I was making several panettone, and I did.  To this day, I have no clue how I knew how to make it.  No one had taught me, and my mom can't bake bread.  So, who knows?  (insert twilight zone theme again)

Okay so - back to what I was initially saying....

Where was I?

Oh yes, the beginnings of collecting.

Soooooooo...

My whole life I have had friends that are much older than me.  So, it was in my early 20's that one of my older friends took me to her mother's house.  It was there that my love for collecting, and my understanding of why people collect, as well as the fascination of that in itself, came together and ultimately came to light. 

I stepped into the home of my friend's mother and I thought, YES!  This is the feeling - this is what collecting is all about!

The house was filled with treasures that the woman loved.  Treasures from voyages around the world.  Treasures she made + collected - art, antiques, heirlooms and more.

I could see a life, the woman's life, gathered in oodles of eye candy collections.

I was speechless.

But mostly - I was touched at how, through her collections, the old woman in the wheel chair came to life right before my eyes.

Places she had been - what sort of things were meaningful to her.

And then of course, there were the stories behind the treasures.

It was at that moment that a light bulb went off in my head.

I understood just then that, you have to collect things that you totally and completely adore.  Surround yourself with things that make you happy.  And, who cares if anything goes or matches, who cares at all about that?  Eclectic rules, when collecting comes into play.

It was about, surrounding yourself with items that tell your story, in a way.

At least, that was and is my interpretation of collecting.

It is a visual tale of what you love - items that stitch together bits and bobs of YOUness.

Items that make you feel good.

A sanctuary around you - of that which delights you.

Of course, I myself have gone though that sort of zen purging spree.  Sometimes it feels good to sit in an empty room with a tiny amount of meaningful things.

Other times, it feels good to fill your walls.

It just depends on the feeling - or shall I say, vibe of your soul.

But, after a few serious purges over the years (which I would not do again), I have learned to box things up that I really don't feel connected to anymore, and put them away neatly.  Then I revisit them in a year, and see what I am really ready to part with, and what I still want.

Over the years, the true junk has left my life - and I only keep things that make me genuinely happy.

Now I only keep what I love.

And, what I have grown to love over the years of collecting, is well...

Vast.

I don't have one set style that I love.

I love it all.

Gustavian, Swedish, Edwardian, Victorian, ethnic, frilly, world flair, simple, outrageous, Indian, colorful, grey, fantasy, worn, French, fairy tale, pre-historic, Southwestern, Asian, South American, Middle Eastern, vintage, gypsy, religious, farmhouse, cottagey, Scandinavian, Italian, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th century and on and on....

I like it all.

I truly can not think of one style that I turn my nose up at.

The one most important thing I hold dear is the thought that, everyone's style is special and wonderful.  Even if it is not totally my taste, I still value it greatly.  It is interesting to me, to see what folks collect.

I rarely say, oh, I hate that.

Or oh, that is awful or ugly.

I keep an open mind, because, it is all important to someone else.

And, I often can see the beauty in almost any type of collection.

I love entering people's homes and seeing their collections.

From books to figurines...

I am touched by what people keep on their shelves.

It is meaningful to them.

It is part of them.

It is special to them.

I have so many different types of friends.  Some love to collect as well.  Others have taken up collecting because of my "bad' influence ;)   (including my mom)

And yet others are not interested in anything collected whatsoever.

But to me - collections can tell a story of who you are, and what you enjoy and hold dear.

I for one, adore that.

The thing about me liking so many different types of things is that, I go through bouts of obsessions.  Especially with rocks and minerals and shells, and things from the earth.

I once obsessively collected shells.

I still adore them and enjoy them, but I don't collect them as much.

(mostly because I don't live by the ocean, and I am not in a traveling mood these days)

Because I make jewelry, gemstones are always high on my list.

I love rocks and fossils -

And have currently...

Taken to being more obsessed than every with polishing all my rocks with toothpaste and a toothbrush.

I am on rock high alert.

Going through mine and mister's collections...

Admiring them again.

He displaying treasures on one shelf, me on another, then both of us together.  I love that he loves this sort of thing as well.

All I can do these days is dream about pretty rocks.

(too bad their true beauty and sparkle does not show up in photos at all)

Then I realize...

All these walks I take in the river bed and in the desert -

Looking at the ground, in search of what, I don't know?

(But I will know it when I see it)

I realize, it all comes back to the main point of the collecting story, which is...

The hunt.

The hunt is the funnest part.

And yes....

I agree with some of you.

"Stuff" is meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

But to me, while I am here, I am going to enjoy it.

Big time!

I am not going to think about the burden of dusting (which is no burden to me as I love dusting).

I am just going to be me.

And go on collecting what I like.

What makes me happy.

Cuz really, that's all I know how to be anyway.

I can't even reform myself if I try.

Not that I want to anyway.

:)

And really, that is all there is to it when it comes to collecting.

It is yours, it is what you like.

It is what you enjoy.

And that...

That is all that matters.

Collecting Treasures.

Delicious!!!

Don't let anyone's bad attitude take away your love for collecting.

Promise?

I have had my fair share of people criticizing why I have this or that.

Or how "they" think it is pointless.

(I stay clear away from those sort of folks)

Phooey.

Do what you love, do what you want.

Don't let anyone take that away from you.

K?

Haters can lick a warty slimey oozing toad.

:)

I would love to hear about your treasure loves.

What you are obsessed with now, and what you love to collect?

You will see me chatting back and forth in the comment section.

Well, I better go make lunch.

Then, rock hunting ensues.

Love, V

 

 

ps:  The mail just came with the March 2012 issue of Martha Stewart Living, and can I just say, it is scrumptious!  It will make you want to stick your head into a gloriously earthy sack of potting soil!

 

pss:  You know what they say right?  3 of something makes a collection :)

Winter in the Gypsy Garden...

This winter has been such a pleasure.  Beautiful days in the upper 60's have gone on for so long, I almost can't remember any other sort of weather.  Although the nights drop significantly, as is the case in the desert.  Still, it has allowed for gorgeous brisk evenings in the gypsy garden...

Perfect for cooking on the little antique wood burning stove...

Might I add, old time living was not easy, from what I can tell.

But, it was very fun and super rewarding, I bet.

Filthy gown hems and smokey perfume abound.

Which, I sort of totally love.

:)

The moon was glorious last night, did you see it?

I got my edibles together for cooking, whilst the moon crept higher and higher, into the night sky...

Illuminating both sides of the gypsy garden.

I just love being out there.

It was so quiet last night, just me and the pups, cooking, singing...

Having a lovely lovely time.

Getting the fire warm enough for cooking can be tricky.  My grandma cooks on a wood burning stove - bakes, everything.  She prefers it to a gas or electric stove.  You just have to get it roaring hot - and then keep it going with a wood pile as your best friend...

Mmmm, lovely apricot wood from our tree out back.

Mister trimmed the tree last year and cut me some perfect logs that have lasted and lasted.  They smell incredible when they are burning.  Although, I am running low after a huge bonfire on Friday with my neighbor.

I so enjoy this sort of thing.  My mom has a super snazzy wood burning stove as well.  In superb condition.  Her and my dad were laughing at my antics last night, via telephone.

My mom said, I bet you smell wonderful ;)

Apricot smoke indeed.

I can't smell it on myself though ;)

Toast cooked right on the stove top, buttered and hot, is well....

The best toast ever ever ever!!!

Such a nice enchanted evening, under the trees, cooking under a canopy of moonbeam glow...

I can't wait to do it again today.

And bonus, the moon will be out again.

Nature does gift such magic, doesn't it?

I mean, what would the world be like, without the moon?

Thankful moon love!

See you super soon, love, Vanessa

 

My Cup Runneth Over...

There is this raw place that lives inside of us, where when bad things happen in our lives, we wonder if the good will ever come again.  It is a place where you wish and long and pray for the good to find you again.  I felt that way when Mister Lovee had his horrible car accident a few years ago, and I felt that way when Baby died.

I longed for that fulfilled heart love feeling.

The feeling that everything is good, and everything is okay.

I was thinking about that last night, whilst in my bed with the boys...

If I try to grasp at memories of how I see snippets of things happening in my life - some of them sort of look like this...

When Baby was alive, and it was her and Mister Lovee and me, everything felt perfect for about 8 years.  So many lovely memories made.

Then we got Matty, and it was fun having a boy puppy in our lives.

It was bliss.

Baby and him played and bonded for 8 months.

Then Baby got sick.

The first time I saw her nose bleeding I knew it was bad.

I fell to my knees and sobbed with pains in my heart I never knew could exist.

The day we lost her was the saddest day of my life to date.

After she died, she was so beautiful.

She looked like she was simply sleeping.

I hugged her in the garden until Mister Lovee said it was time.

The sunset was unreal that day. 

Pink and violet.

We had a beautiful funeral procession.

Then, the pain and agony of loss sets in.

You wake up the morning after.

For about 20 seconds you are groggy.

Then you remember that you are beyond sad, and that there has been a great loss.

And you sob.

Your heart literally aches and hurts and throbs with pain.

It takes ages for the pain to subside even a little.

Over time, your heavy heart starts telling you that maybe you should allow new life in.

(oops, I can see I am veering big time from what I had intended to say today)

I cried for Baby everyday for about 6 months.

(I still cry for her from time to time)

Matty and I bonded extra much during that time.

Then, as you know, we adopted our Golden Retriever, Miles.

That was one year and one month ago (plus a few days).

He was 5 weeks old.

Matty accepted him right away.

And, we began a new journey.

Big happy sigh.

He has given us more than we could have ever hoped for.

Ever.

Each one of us, Lovee, Matty and me are so grateful for Miles.

And so....

Last night, with Miles in my bed recovering (tale to come), I felt so beyond thankful.

Because, I fully realize that, we have been given another chance (Mister and I) to feel like life is grand, with the love of our two pups.

Just the way we felt when it was him and Baby and me.

Now it is...

Different.

But, wonderful too.

Good and happy and fulfilled in the heart again.

Isn't it amazing?

That you can have that chance again?

Animals give you so much more than you could ever ask for.

Life can feel super skip to my Lou again.

And it does!

Sooooooooooooo.....

The tale I have to tell (of how I even got into all these thoughts) goes like this.

Our friend across the street, a rottweiler named Harley, came into our yard while I was checking my mail yesterday afternoon.  He had kicked Matty's tooshie a few weeks ago, and went after him again yesterday.

But then, Miles (who visits Harley and is friends with him) stepped in.

Poor Miles, he got his tooshie more than kicked by Harley.

He is fine, just some cuts here and there, mostly behind and inside his right ear.

But the brawl was scary awful.

My mind was going crazy, I thought, Harley is going to kill Miles.

We finally got Harley off of Miles, after several minutes.

And Miles, looking all battered and slimy and muddy runs outside of our gate to Harley, who is being taken away by his Mama.

Miles then proceeds to lick Harley's face, and whimper at him, like asking "Why did you beat me up?  I am your friend...."

(by the way, if you want to make cloud print towels, take some teal or light blue towels and pop them in the washer with bleach and hot water.  I made 4 cloud print towels that way)

Miles was totally fine except for some cuts here and there.

But he was shaken, so we jumped into the warm shower, and then dried him off and gave him a cool blow dry.

It was 6:30 p.m. when we were done, and Miles jumped onto my bed, all clean and dry and fluffy and oh so soft.  Indescribably soft he is.

I belly rubbed him, and he was feeling like he wanted lots of Mama love.

Lovee got home and we told him the story.

Then all 3 boys and me cuddled.

Miles then rolled on his back, his usual position, and made that face that I never manage to get on film, until last night...

Sleeping, teeth showing, on his back.

His every night position since he was a baby...

He would twitch and cry in his sleep.

And I wondered, do dogs dream?

Either way, I hugged him and told him he was safe.

Every so often while sleeping, he holds his arm in the air for about 30 minutes...

I let him have almost the entire bed last night.

He slept from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. the next morning, without stirring.

Just snoring on his back, cozy and safe.

He normally only visits my bed at night, but this time, he stayed put.

And of course, I had Matty tucked into my right side, as always.

My little warrior.

He is outside barking at everyone on the street while I am typing.

He feels it is his job :)

Anyhow----

I guess my point is that -

Last night, quiet and cozy with the pups made me realize that, I have been given a second chance to love again, and feel fulfilled again with my two boys.

And, I also realize that, if I ever lose them (can't imagine that), I now know that there is more fur love to be found when the heart is open and ready.

Different.

But wonderful too.

That is the amazing thing.

So many cats and pups and all sorts of creatures out there, wanting to be loved and love back.

So much love.

The best love I have ever known.

This morning Miles was back to his tough and stoic self...

He ran out for the paper, down the driveway and back, as fast as he could.  Adding that memory to our lives. 

One day we will say, "we once had a dog that would get the paper every morning without fail..."

I thought to myself, how after Baby died, I wished with all my soul, that I could have just 5 more minutes with her.

So, I took that as a lesson.

I got on my knees and hugged my boys until they squirmed away.

Then I captured them and hugged them some more.

(Even though I hug them 5,000 times a day)

I thought....

These are those five minutes I will long for one day.

And, I am not taking them for granted.

And so, I devoured those 5 minutes.

With thoughts of luck and love.

Oh, the grand abundance of furry love...

 

Love, Vanessa

 

(Matty is standing on my left side, licking my cheek, telling me it is time to go)

Wow, that was a wordy post.

:)

 

 

ps:  I have also been thinking about a lot of these things because, my neighbor down the street's beloved long time companion (a German Shepherd girl) died last week.  I wrote her a card with Baby's face on it - and because of you all, I sent her the Ranbow Bridge poem, which brought her to tears.

I don't think I ever said thank you to those of you who shared the Rainbow Bridge story with me.  Thank you so so much.  I think about it all the time...

 

pss:  This is one of those posts where I think, "should I just delete this whole thing?"  what babble :)

 

psss:  I just HAVE to end this post with snoopy ;)

I sat and watched this and just laughed and smiled and laughed! 

 

pssss:  Flask back memory -

When we were little, and my (our) dad would be looking for my sister, he would call out Peppermint Lou Lou, where is youuuuu???  Which of course wasn't a proper peanuts girl name.  I love that memory!  I can see him now going down the very long hallway calling out  Peppermint Louuu Louuuu...

Hello Brussels! Here come the Valencia's!

That is, Valencia Oranges...

I can't think of a better way to begin February, than with sweet succulent oranges, can you?

We have had baskets and baskets of oranges from my neighbor's tree.  She had enough to go around 20 times, and she did.  Gifting so many to neighbors and family. (our 5 year old orange tree gave us 1 orange this year, haha! - but it was beyond good)

We are sooo thankful.  As we normally bring home bags of oranges from the store every week for morning fresh juicing.  So, this is a grand gift.

They are sooooooo good. Sweet like candy.

I have orange marmalade in the works as well.

Oh yes, February, such a good month!

Love is in the air.

Hearts are the symbol.

Seeds are getting planted.

Thoughts of roses begin to grow, as baby buds begin to be born.

Time to dust the dry ones from last year...

And then, there's Brussels!

Sprouts, that is.

:)

In my garden, growing as I type.

Literally, growing brussels sprouts has been like waiting for a baby.

Not that I know what waiting for a baby is like.

But, I can pretend.

The total time of growth has been 9 months...

The reason for this is that, babies (sprouts) don't turn up until it gets cold.  So, I planted the seeds last spring, and they grew and grew and grew into huge plants.

Then, in December, babies started to show up...

Growing bigger and bigger, little by little.

And, since I am rather patient it seems, I enjoyed their slow pace.

They have about a week or two to go.

In the meantime, I found out through lots of reading, that I needed to remove the giant leaves between the growing babes.  Which I have done in the photos above.

And, that the leaves are delicious and edible.

Which my neighbor and I had debated on in October.

Both agreeing.

We should eat them.

Both being lovers of cabbage and spinach and all.

I am a huge veggie fan.

I have not found a vegetable that I don't like yet.

Anyhow, I set out to trim off stalk leaves...

Finding myself with ever so many, I bundled them up and shared with one of my neighbors. (the one who gifted the oranges in fact)

Then I came home and prepared mine.

And, can I just say...

They were incredibly delicious.

I rolled up the thick waxy leaves, tightly from top to bottom, and then chopped them up right to left...

I heated up olive oil in a pan while I chopped up lots of garlic and sweet onions.

I popped the garlic and onions into the olive oil, let them cook for a couple of minutes, and then tossed in the brussels leaf greens.

A little garlic salt with parsley to taste...

Followed by some slivered almonds and craisins.

Oh, and a hearty slurp of balsamic vinegar.

I invent as I go along.

How to describe them?

The texture was not chewy, but not soft like spinach.

Perfect really.

A lovely texture.

The flavor was, mild and delicious.

A new fave.

The one thing that happened to me -

As soon as I ate them, I had this massive jolt of energy.

Not sure if it was all in my head or not :)

They were yummy.

Accompanied by homemade fish cakes (not batter dipped, but browned in olive oil) and another one of my handmade breads...

I am getting all the baking I can in, because when summer comes, which is really April to October here, there will be little to no baking in the heat.

I am so impressed by the edibility (is that a word?) of the brussels sprout plant leaves.  And still, we get to eat the scrumptious sprouts soon.  And then, I hear there will be a large cabbage like creature atop the plant after I harvest the sprouts.  Which, is said to be tender and delicious as well.

Are you a veggie lover?

Which are your faves?

I am planting brussels sprouts again this year for sure!

Happy first day of February!!!

Cha cha cha cha, cha cha!

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  My blog archives are down, and Typepad (my blog service) is working on fixing that. 

Also, afancifultwist.com (one of the domain names that brings people here to my blog through Network Solutions) is down again too.  Network Solutions has given me so much grief this month.  I can't think about it or I will cry from anger.  But, in case you are wondering, that is the issue.  1 month of pain in the tooshie nonsense with that company,  I tell ya.  I am trying not to think about it.

I am doing that trick, where, you force yourself to smile, and all of a sudden you feel lighter.  Have you tried that?  It works.  It sends sparkly waves to your brain and heart.  Watch, try it.  Tell me if it works for you?

♥

 

pss:  Random song tid-bit.  Only because it is still in my head, after singing it on the phone to my sister at full lung capacity last night :)

That is one of the perks about having my sister.  She gets to see my extra wacky side.  She is the only person in the world who knows my secret dance moves.  I am not sure if she likes it (the wackiness), but she gets to have it either way.