A Fanciful Twist

Tea and Blooms

It is so warm here.

So sunny.

So bloomy.

So nice...

Blooming things make everything look beautiful, don't they?

I am being extra good.

Sun, rest.

Tea, vitamins & medicine.

Sweet succulent oranges...

I could eat bowls and bowls of sweet oranges, you?

Warm toast.

Missing Mammie most when I am not 100%.

Lovee asks, what does she do, that I can't do for you?

(Umm helooo?  Is he insane?)

Well for one, she would bring me Tang with a straw.

Mister Lovee says, Tang is not orange juice.

(he is a health nut  - who loves sweets)

And I say, yes, but I like Tang when I am sick.

(never mind that I have not had it in 20 years)

Then I say, and she would bring me little crackers with perfectly cut pieces of yellow cheese.

And 7-up with a straw.

(never mind that I don't really love cheese)

She would make me soup, and toast, and and and...

(even though I have had soup and toast)

I say this through a congested nose, a barely audible voice, and lots of soppy wet tears.

But mostly tears because my head is stuffed up like a water balloon.

Then Mister Lovee says, well, Mazel Tov to you.

(in his most hilarious tone)

Then he asks.......

Do you want some salsa and corn chips?

Me - quizzical look on face.

I say, no, no thanks.

Wondering to myself if chips and salsa are supposed to make you feel better?

Wondering if there is something I simply don't know?

Haha!

But in all honesty, Mister Lovee has been grand, delivering water and tea and medicine and boxes of kleenex.  We just had to keep him at a distance so he wouldn't catch anything as well.

When I got a little flutter of feeling better, I conjured up my Mom, and made a tray of goodies like she would, just for me.

From Mombie.

For pretend, but still for reals.

(Mister Lovee hates it when I say "for reals" - I don't say it that often)

I called her and told her that I made myself a Mombie tray.

And by golly.

It fixed me up.

I am sure of it!

Large poppies included.

And some other garden treats.

If that doesn't fix you up -

Well.

Then.

Call Lovee, he'll bring you chips and salsa, or anything you want.

As he says :)

There are Tinkerbell flowers everywhere in the garden.

Curious specimens!

And, lots of lavender.

Mmmmmmmm...

Oh, it feels good to breathe!

I had not been sick with a flu/cold in 5 or so years.

I was so proud of that.

But, this time....

It kicked my tooshie.

And I had certainly, never had the flu.

I thought that I had the flu in my life.

People always say they have the flu, when they have a cold.

Boy, did I find out how different the flu is from the common cold.

After this last adventure with the real flu, I am sure, I had never really had the flu.

Horrible thing.

Scary too.

If you have the flu, I hug you.

Now, make sure you wash your hands any chance you get.

No hands in mouth or eyes or face.

Follow all the tips for not getting the flu.

Okay?

I am obsessive about these things, and I still got it.

But, we have to try to keep the germs at bay :)

My Dad and I had it at the same time, so we got to whine about our ailments over the phone everyday.  Or at least tried through coughing fits.

He had a great nurse.

My Mammie.

Lucky duck!

But he only got the flu.

I got the flu for a few days, then I got a sneezing head cold on top of it.

Mister Lovee and the boys were extra busy while I was hacking up a lung.

They put irrigation in the vegetable garden!!

YAY!!!

Being really really sick makes you have all of these midnight thoughts.

Right?

Thoughts about being a better person.

Taking better care of yourself.

Following you dreams more.

Listening to you heart.

You make plans at 3 a.m. as you drift in and out of consciousness.

A couple nightmares.

A couple shezam moments.

A lot of desperation to get well.

A lot of wanting to not take things for granted.

That's the biggest perk, to a cough that makes you shudder.

I suppose the majorest perk though, is getting better.

Oh yes.

Mmmmm.

Breathing is so nice!

House disinfected.

Time for some gooooodness!

Just a little way from being totally back to myself.

Hooooray!

Love, V

 

Oh and, extra thanks to Mister Lovee, for taking care of orders, and making post office visits.

 

 

ps:  My Granny heard I was sick, and wanted to call in the cavalry!  She tells my mom, you must go get her. You must bring her "home."

My mom says to her mom, she is in her home.

Then she says to my granny -

Are you kidding?

Vanessa would be kicking and screaming, she won't come with me if I go get her.

Then my mom asks me, would you?

And I go, heck no, through laughter.

Then I say -

I wanna be in my own bed - plus, I don't want you to get sick.

And my mom says, ya, I knew it.

:)

  Isn't that hilarious?  Grandmas are the bestest.  They always see you as a 5 year old baby. 

I love it.

Makes you feel loved.

The Boys

My boys are something else.

Are they really as cute and lovely and wonderful as they seem, or does my love for them simply aid me in perceiving them as such?

That is probably the case, but it doesn't really matter does it?

You love your furs, you think they are amazing and hilarious, and they fill your heart cup.

That is all that matters. 

Isn't that grand?

My boys run so fast, you fear for your life as they swoosh right by you.  They tumble as they run, skidding across the driveway in a cloud of dust.  They play hard, and they love their toys.  They have a great big bag of toys, and Miles is the first one to pull out a toy and taunt you to play with him.

If I am on the couch, they both want to be right beneath me, on the rug by the couch.

(Miles' actual spot is at my feet on the sofa, only he is so big, he takes up most of the space)

It's funny, how intuitive furs can be.

There they were, me not feeling well, them playing quietly right by my side, pulling stuffingless Super Mario from each other...

Miles is stronger than any of us, but Matty usually wins the toy by exerting his big brother deep growl.

So, there they were playing.

Back and forth, tugging.

And then all of a sudden...

Silence.

Right in the middle of their game, they fell asleep.

Paw to paw.

Still holding onto their toy.

It must have been a really long day, in the land of fur.

:)

Don't they know just how to win us over?

I am having a hard time not sharing my edibles with my pups.

Miles will eat anything.

Fruit, veggies.

I usually let him have anything he wants off my plate, within reason.

Although, we mostly put them outside with their own food when it is meal time.

(and, I am careful not to give him anything he should not have)

Yes, I am one of those people.

Who knew it would come to this?

I know, bad bad.

First I become a full fledged dog person, then I let them have their way.

Haha!

But, Miles makes this long face, and puts his head on my lap, and looks up at me with these huge dark eyes and blonde eyelashes, and I melt...

Then, he gets a roasted carrot.

And Matty, what a character, he hates to eat.

Unless it is meat or toast, or his dog food, he really is not interested.

But, if Miles is begging for a carrot, Matty will take one too, and spit it out away from you, just to be part of it all.

Funny furry kids.

What is your weak point with your babes?

Are you soft or tough?

I guess I fall into the soft area.

Although, they are fairly well trained, and do lots of tricks.

So, I think they deserve to be spoiled ;)

 

Back to tea and ginger for me.

Love, V

 

 

Movies & Music + My Brother

Hi there!  Just peeking in real quick, as time is of the essence on a project that my brother is working on, which I want to share with you.  Alas, I have been majorly under the weather, and working on getting back to 100%, stinky bugs that creep up on you.  I hope to be back to myself soon.

Over the years I have shared some of the music my brother has made to go with some of my paintings, for example...

If you'd like, you can hear more here...

Anyhow the point is, my brother, whose name is Adam Valencia, is working on a new short film that I want to tell you about.

But first, I wanted to share a bit of his own personal work.  So, I begged him to load his short reel onto YouTube so I could share it here.  It is a menagerie, little snippets if you will, of some of his work...

He has also worked on all sorts of projects for other folks.  I am not sure what I am or am not supposed to share in that realm though.

He is always up to something interesting.  Traveling all over the world, making films.

(Adam on the far left)

I love seeing him work on films for himself.  It is great to make films for other people, but you also have to do your own thing.  It is all part of the path to reaching dreams, and learning and growing.  Adam is in his early twenties, which is such an exciting time.

I love watching what he is up to.

I am about 12 years older than him.

I used to crawl into his bed with him when he was a baby, and hug him and kiss his baby face.  I would carry him around, and smother him with love... 

That is, until he started warding me off with a plastic baseball bat. 

Haha!

But now, he is a mad movie making scientist, all growed up, and doing deliciously exciting things!

But, there I go veering again.

The point -

Adam is hoping to making a short film. 

He is using kickstarter to raise funds for his film.

More details here.

A bit of a scary popcorn flick.

Fun fun! 

I love scary movies.

I think making all sorts of movies, especially early in your career, is so important.  There is so much learning and growing that happens with each project.

Good Luck Adam!!

♥

 

 Hope to be back here just as soon as I feel better.

Love, V

 

 

ps:  I am supposed to have destroyed my fave photo from several years ago, of me and Adam.  It is an actual paper photo taken with a disposable camera, hence the graininess.  He was making a funny face, not on purpose, tee hee!  I love the photo, but I understand not posting photos that others don't want you to post.  So, it is me and my brother, as a raccoon ;)

(I am standing on a little curb, since my brother is much taller than me)

Feeling Crafty {Toilet Paper Flowers}

In the mood for crafting up some easy paper flowers?  Then get out your toilet paper, and join me, won'tcha?

A couple years ago I was playing with different kinds of paper for making flowers, and I found myself making a toilet paper rose.  It was so pretty.  I decided to spray some tea water on it to age it, and it turned into a wad of mush (what was I thinking?), so I tossed it and forgot about it.

As you know, I love making paper flowers.  Cutting them, making them out of coffee filters.  I just love easy homemade crafts.  They amuse me like mad.

Today I was playing with toilet paper, and found myself making toilet paper anemones of sorts.

I love the white and the bright, and the simple of it all.

Plus, I adore how the toilet paper embossing looks.

So, lets try one -

All you need are pipe cleaners or craft wire, and toilet paper to begin...

I would say about 15 - 18 squares (all attached in one long piece of toilet paper) make up one lovely flower.

Leave a one square tail, and then just start looping and gathering your toilet paper towards the center...

You will get about 6 or 7 loops...

Then, secure the bottom tightly with a pipe cleaner, twisting it until it is tight.

And that's it.

A sweet little flower for you.

Even Mister Lovee thought playing with toilet paper was fun.

I made about 12 flowers with half a roll of toilet paper.

I just love how the embossed texture of the toilet paper looks, don't you?

You can twist your pipe cleaner around the little tail you left on your flower, like below...

Make a bunch, and you'll have the softest bouquet ever ;)

There are so many different types of flowers you can make.

Roses, rosettes and more...

Just play around, and you will have lots of beautiful flower surprises.

The funnest part is playing with different ideas for centers...

I have more felt balls than any one person should own, so of course, I reached for them as my centers.  Colorful and pretty.

Then I caught a glimpse of a box of corsage pins, and smaller pearl end pins, and I thought, perfect little centers for my felt balls...

Takes away the need for glue, yay!

The pin holds the center in perfectly.

I also tried some scrap ribbon as a center, and that worked out cute too...

I gathered some bright spring colors, and quickly had centers in all of my flowers.

I love fluffy white flowers, so these make me quite happy.

A pretty and easy craft to try at home any ole time.  You can use anything for your centers.  Buttons, pom poms, old jewelry pieces.  Anything really.  You can also opt to hot glue your centers in.

Anything colorful looks good in the center of a bright white flower.

Wouldn't you say?

I think I should try putting these around a small styrofoam wreath, for a little spring flair, and hang it in our powder room.  Yes, I think that's a plan...

;)

See you soooooon!

Love, V

 

Hello Spring ♥

Whisper the waking of...

Spring time...

New little lives surround us in earth sprouts and clay...

Paper dress dolls put on a Welcome Spring show, while the Mad Hatter sleeps...

Flowers for the local witch,Winnifred Bidelia...

I search...

Time to uncover a fresh does of magic...

A sprig of this, a dash of that...

There it is...

Now, which key to use?

Sending you a great big huge hearty dose of inspiration from our little nook...

On this beginning of new beginnings.

Au revoir winter.

Sniffle.

You will be missed as your essence lingers for just a few more weeks or even days, and then, with a whip of wind, you will be but a memory.

Hello spring, do stay and get cozy, won't you?

Sometimes, do you feel like you just want to run as fast as you can, and catch a butterfly net of enchantment, just for you.  Just to keep and hold, and fill your inner cup of hopes and loves and dreams? 

Something wonderful, something invigorating?

Something mind blowing?

I do.

Today is the day to capture some of that.

I just know it.

Winter said good-bye with one last snap.

48' F for a high yesterday.

84'F for a high coming on Saturday.

I know, wacky.

Perfectly circular orbs of hail fall from the clouds, in one last winter hoorah.

Arroyo Lupine with an excellent head start, masking water pipes.

A pup who doesn't really feel like having his pic taken today, because he was rushing by with a huge log of wood when I stopped him for a snapshot ;)

 

Gathering edibles.

Turnips and broccoli.

Served for breakfast with eggs and potatoes mixed with fresh flat leaf parsley and rosemary.

 

Spring 2012 is here.  Isn't that sort of surreal?

I don't know why it is making me gasp?

Excitement?  Hope?

I don't know, but my heart feels all a flutter.

You?

 (Bat For Lashes. The Wizard. Fur And Gold. 2006. Melded with Albert Lamorisse's award winning "masterpiece" 1956's The Red Balloon)

 

Love, V

 

ps:  Gypsy magic has been on high alert in the blogosphere the last couple of years.  However, I have been spying lots of gypsy love in magazines lately...

April 2012 issue of Vogue is full of gypsy love...

And, I adored Rosamund Pike (below) in Town and Country in the late fall of 2011.

If we could all just hit the road in our own wagons.

With complete freedom of soul, and lack of worry.

Even if just for a week.

Wouldn't that be grand?

 

Lucky!

Heloooo!  I would never forget to wish you barrels of luck on this lovely day, via the Irish of course! 

Happy St. Patty's day!

I probably have no Irish in me whatsoever.  Not even a smidgen, not even a chance.  I don't think?  So I am not sure if I am allowed to wish you barrels of luck for today, that will last forever and ever.  But, I do let several leprechauns live in the garden, so, that probably makes it okay.

I made sure to gather some green wearbles today.

Remember getting pinched in school if you forgot to wear green on St. Patrick's day?  I so hated that.  Those upper inner arm pinches (with a twist) are just horrible, aren't they?

(I am guilty of giving some, I must confess)

I think it's super fun to dress for the holidays, do you?

I don't think it is silly at all.

Seeing people all in green and such.

I mean, you can be subtle.  You don't have to wear a green opera gown and a green cape.  Unless you want to, and of course, that's wonderful too ;)

I am tossing in some green, in accessories and shoes for today.

A vintage bracelet below, mixes in some bakelite chunks...

And a massive ring.

In case someone tries to punch me -- I typed punch, imagine?  I mean pinch me!  I can ward them off with my grrrreen rrring.

Can you roll your r's?

Just wondering.

I also have some vintage Stuart Weitzman's in green.

Cunning little heels, for sure!

They are tiny and narrow...

Pair them with an over the top necklace, and off you go to the grocery store :)

How's that for excitement?

Haha!

These shoes are deceiving..

They look so teensy and narrow, that I always think (even though I have worn them through the years) that they'll be super awkward and uncomfortable.

And yet, they always slip right on and do just fine.

So deceiving!!

I always forget to wear my shoe clips below.

Since I use them as decoration in my room, which I do with lots of jewelry and such, they slip my mind...

(I have a farmer's tan already it seems)

I think I will actually wear these today.

Oops, look out the window.

Someone spotted me while I was playing in the baubles...

As did his brother.

Boy did Miles make me laugh.

He came in with his green stuffingless owl, giving it to me.

He was most taken by me filling my arms up with bakelite bangles...

Both Matty and Miles were intrigued by one in particular...

Then Miles grabbed it quicker than quick, and bolted with it.

He ran upstairs and took it to his dad.

I got it back and ran back downstairs.

Miles followed me, so I told him that he could deliver a Happy St.Patrick's day note to his human papa.

He waited so patiently.

Then he promptly took it...

And, off he went...

Taking the note straight up to Mister Lovee.

I just love this delivery boy.

He delivers all sorts of things, which makes it so much fun!

Yesterday UPS brought me a huge package in a plastic bag, and Miles pulled it through the fence, and then delivered it up to me on the porch.  It happened so quickly, I didn't even have a chance to get my shoes on and go get it myself.

It was heavy too.

I am so grateful for a delivery boy!!

So, that's what we are up to.

It has been in the 80's, very warm.

However, it is headache windy today, and it might snow on Monday.

I know, absurd.

But, hey, it's a bizarre Arizona.

And, it is.

Are you wearing green, or do you need a nice pinch?

Doing anything exciting today?

St. Patty's crept up on me so quickly, I forgot to reshare my printables and such.  I did receive some fun photos of folks making the shamrock pins I shared a while back.  So glad they are still liked!  I wish I had made some too.

Alas, it's all about time, and how time and me are inside out and upside down.

Happy St. Patrick's day!!!!

Love, V

Through the Trees - Enchanted Evening {A Painting}

One of my most favorite places to escape to is Through the trees...

(this is the second piece in the series)

My imagination holds this wonderful place dear.  A clearing before the woods, where from time to time traveler's stop for a rest.

You might get to meet all sorts of wonderful people coming from a magical place deep in the woods, or, on their way there.

For what lives beyond the woods, is well, the most wondrous place you can imagine...

The moon illuminates fluffy moist clouds, creating the most curious glow of evening moonlight.  Traveler's stop to rest, and build a fire...

Inviting anyone at all, to stop and roast some homemade marshmallows, while guitar strings fill the air...

Through the Trees, on a very enchanted evening...

I took some photos through a magnifying glass below...

As it was impossible to zoom into the tiny little details.

I have spent many many months inside of this piece.

Going to a place, only the imagnation can take a person, really.

I have slept inside the wooden wagon, charming as can be.  And made toast in a campfire, while music drifted in on misty waves of gentle breeze - with sounds a bit like the magical tunes of a child's piano dancing through the trees...

There is lovely hot tea served by these most kind hearted folks, and the tales they can spin, oh my!

Through the Trees ~ Enchanted Evening

The second piece in this series.

16" x 20" x 1.5"

Now available in my online shop, right here.

(the first piece in this series sold last year, and lives in a place very very far away)

I am so glad to finally get to share this piece - after almost a year.  I put in the sky and the trees and the wagon right away.  And outlined the people.

Then I waited to put in the moon and the stars, and the billowing skirt.

You have to be just in the right place, where you can crawl into a piece, and really be there, to bring it all together.  At least, that is how my brain works ;)

Now, if only we could all get together right in the painting... And head through the woods to the most amazing place imaginable....

Will I see you there?

Love, V

In the now...

There was a man party at our place last night.  I did all the outdoor-indoor prep and food making, including delicious blow your mind homemade caramel corn (thank you Mombie for the recipe!).  I got up early, did some mowing with my red gas lawn mower (I love that thing), and made everything look pretty pretty.  My dad gave me the new lawn mower two summers ago.  And, I tell ya, I feel empowered.  Being able to tackle weeds and things on a whim makes me so happy.  Funny, shopping for shoes used to be my passion.  Now it's having a full gas can so I can refuel my lawn mower whenever I feel like it.  Go figure...

After everything was all nice and lovely for the man get together last night, I ran and hid out in my part of the house.

The furry boys went with me and we shared my sandwich and watched Larry Crowne.  It was great!  I loved knowing Mister Lovee and his Monday night get together guys were having a super time.  It really made me so very happy.

Miles went out to be social towards the end of the evening.

He was a huge hit, that soft fur boy.

Little Matty had to stay with me, as he is too scary mean.

The real hit of the evening?

Not the cottage, not the garden, not the twinkly lights.

Can you guess?

Yep, the homemade caramel corn.

Haha!

Gotta love that.

I awoke to find my little tomato seedlings, which I started indoors a few weeks ago, all wilted.  I think they are so ready to be planted.  I put them in the sun and watered them, as I do everyday, but planting time is here, no question about it.

Thank goodness they recovered with some love this morning.  I can't figure out what happened to them last night?  Weird.

I'll be sad to see my tomato babies go out into the world.

Not on my dresser or in my studio everyday.

:)

Time for outside days + nights, and planting this week.

A couple of days ago the most heartening thing happened (is that a word?).

I was out back in the vegetable garden.  All the flowers and gypsy garden things are in the front, veggies in back.  So, I was out back as the sun was going down, and in the way distance, through trees and space, I saw someone.

You see, way in the back corner of our property, there is a stream/wash, lots of trees and bushes, and then you can sort of faintly see two homes in a 55+ enclave of homes.  Most of the folks I see from time to time look well into their 80's and 90's.

The neighborhood is old school and very charming.

Anyhow, I can really only slightly see two of the homes through all the trees and brush, and it is in the distance.

But, every so often, I faintly see a little old man through the trees.

He is completed folded over, and walks very slowly.

So, a couple of evenings ago, I was out there watering and weeding my veggie garden around 5:30/6:00 p.m. -

I was in this zen mood, watering all the vegetable beds, when I felt like someone was watching me.

So, I slowly turned around without being obvious.

I saw that the little old man with his walker that also has a seat, had come outside, and was sitting watching me tend my garden in the distance.

I felt so many emotions at once.

The first thing that came to mind was that, I felt sad for him that he couldn't run and skip about.  Bend over and weed, and tend a garden.  But, that he could only watch from afar.  Barely able to lift his head even.

Then I thought, maybe he feels content just to watch, since he is so old, maybe he has no desire to weed and run and work hard.  Maybe watching is just as enjoyable as doing?

And then, the most curious thing happened.

I felt this surge of inspiration hit me like a lightning bolt.

I felt inspired to really live.  To really appreciate the minutia of life.  I felt like, this amazing exchange happened when I looked at the little old man.  Almost like, he had given me a gift.  I felt like he said, "enjoy the heck out of it kid, because it passes so quickly - in the blink of an eye really."

I heard the message loud and clear.

Whether I invented in my head, who knows, but it was good.

Then, I saw him slowly inch to get up, and turn himself around, and shuffle down the little path with his handy dandy lil' walker.

That feeling has stayed with me.

I have found myself often standing under the great big apricot tree, my face in blossoms, blossoms surrounding me, breathing it all in.  Just being and feeling.

I had Mister Lovee get underneath the apricot tree with me today, blossoms by the thousands, as we both savored each petal.

When I looked over at him, he had his arms outstreched, and his face tilted towards the sky with his hands open.

He totally got it.

Then again, he is a huge reason my life is so changed for the better.  He helped me change so many of my perceptions about living and life.  Just by being himself, I learned.  He didn't actively teach me, I just watched and got the hang of it.  Like, don't stress about this or that.  Like, just enjoy the moment and let go, etc etc.

I put a blossom in the palm of each of his hands.

And that was that.

Tonight, I went out back to see if I could spot the little old man.

Maybe I should have waved?

Maybe I should bring him a basket of treats?

Maybe not.

But, I could see his little light in the distance, and that was so comforting.

It's funny, the little things that can comfort us in the places where we live, isn't it?

Do you have the same people you see, the same places you look at, the same trees you say hello to everyday?  All the little things that remind you that that is your neighborhood?

Your little nook in the world?

I love my tiny street.

I especially love all the furry kids on my street.

There is Turtle and Lacey, and Harley and Annabelle and Jaxon.  There is Miles and Matty in our house, and Penny and Ella down the way.

There is a little boy on a bike from time to time.  I am not sure who he is.

Down the street and to the left, on my way to the post, I pass a green front yard with cows and pigs, and dogs and ducks.

Then, two stop signs away, there is a backyard full of chickens and ducks and geese.

I pass a man every time I go out, who is walking his tiny dog while on his little motor powered wheelchair.

Oh, I could go on and on....

The house with the citrus grove and mile high evergreens, with a lawn you want to just roll in.

It is endless, what I love about here.

But, it's those little things, that make it so special.

What are some of the sights and sounds that are part of where you live?

Oh oh, I will tell you one more.

Every morning, way in the distance at about 5:30 I hear the same motorcycle with the radio very loud.

Someone going to work.

But it always makes me smile, and I think, there he goes off to work.

Oh and, I mustn't forget the coyotes by night and the roosters early early every morning.

I love those roosters.

I do.

Well, that's my babble for today.

I best be off.

I put the finishing brush strokes on a piece today, and hope to share it tomorrow.

Time for some ghost stories or something wonderful like that.

 

Love, V

 

Lately, You've Been on my Mind...

This has been on of the most curious weeks ever.  Something tells me I should not even be writing this post...

I tried to come here on Thursday, and in the middle of typing my keyboard stopped working.

Weird.

I got another one.

Then, I tried posting Friday, and my mouse stopped working, right in the middle of a thought.

Weird.

The mouse and keyboard were a set - so maybe they needed each other to keep working?

I have no clue - the good news?

I can now type and mouse again.

:)

But now I feel like, maybe the tale I was going to tell, was something I wasn't supposed to type.

Maybe it was a sign?

Okay, maybe not.

I was busier than ever this week because I was having some visitors and I wanted to have a spotless house.  Plus, I got wrapped up in a new painting.  Yes a new one, never-mind that I have others to complete :)

I did a deep clean in our abode, you know, nooks and crannies and carpets/rugs and everything.

It now feels light and fresh in our world.

I love when it is time to wash winter away, fresh starts and all.

Life is coming up everywhere.

White blooms on the plum and apricot trees.

Pink on the peach tree...

And swirled pink and white blossoms on the quince tree.

In the midst of my cleaning shenanigans, my brain was thinking thinking thinking.

On one particularly beautiful afternoon, I thought about someone I had not thought about in a long time.  5 years or so.

Thoughts about an old friend swirled around me. 

Sometimes really good friendships come to an end. 

They just do. 

And, I am okay with that. 

People drift apart, or one has complexities that the other one can't understand - and so slowly, what was once the greatest friendship, full of stories and secrets and laughs, comes to and end.

I never really mind this sort of thing, as I know, it happens sometimes.

Maybe it is because in my early 20's, that whole relationship fiasco - which made me get a grip fast, taught me to see the beauty, even in saying good-bye.

Anyhow, I was thinking about this friend while dusting my secretary bookcase.

There was a lovely cool breeze that wafted around, and I thought about her with the most kindness and pleasantness ever.  I thought about how she would LOVE Miles (Matty might scare her).  And how, she would be soooo beyond amazed at how much my life has changed since her and I were bashing around town, shopping and wining and dining.

She always talked about selling everything and moving to Barcelona.

One thing she and I spoke often about, was a friend of hers which she had lost in the late eighties or so.  She loved him so much, and they were beyond close.  He was her biggest supporter and all around best friend.  He left a huge void in her life, when he died.  That kind of sad deep void that can never be filled.

She kept his cat. 

But years later when the cat died, losing the cat, was like losing her friend all over again.

So, we would often talk about this.

One day I was talking to her about a new Tori Amos album, she was not a fan as I am, but she loved this one song (posted at the end) that I played for her.

It reminded her so much of her friend she had lost.

She was speechless, and looked at me with the saddest face I have ever seen.

Then...

We both sat in my car, and I sobbed with her.

I almost found myself missing her friend for her.

Isn't that funny, when that happens?

Anyhow - I had this lovely memory of my old friend, and then went on cleaning.

Content with my day.

Isn't it nice, when you have forgotten all the difficult reasons why you lost contact with someone? And even though you don't want to go back, you have made peace with that person in your own heart?

I love that point.

Anyhow, a couple days later I was dusting my rocks, when I found out that -

Quite possibly, on the very day I had been thinking about my old friend...

Her time had come.

She had crossed over to a better place.

In my deepest heart of hearts, I know that she has refound her bestest friend who she lost all those years ago, and that they two are sitting somewhere, under a big blooming tree -

No care in the world.

Just happiness, and peace.

♥

(the song I spoke of above)

On Saturday, I awoke to find a massive grey and white owl sitting on a wooden post in my garden, just starring at me, for a good while.

Curious, odd, interesting, feeling, deep, beautiful little week.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  Looking for the most fulfilling warm, softer than angel wings hug in the whole world?  Looking to have your heart stolen for keeps?  Looking for the bestest snuggler in the county?

Okay, here you go...

Painting Days...

I feel funny today.  I can't describe it.  Not funny haha, but funny like curious, strange and unusual.  Perhaps it has to do with being in my studio for days, a little room in the world.  Tucked in there, hidden away, working and dreaming, creating away...

I am not sure, but that certainly could be it.

From time to time I escape from the place where paint meets door.  I run outside, water some veggies.  Then come back.  Put in an eye, an eyebrow, and then run up and bang on my piano.

Then I realize, wait, maybe there is something else that is missing from my drawers (jogged by our last chat).  And it is, so I take every last thing out of my closet, drawers and under the bed (to no avail).

I convince myself there are creatures roaming in the night.

And, I am okay with that, as long as they don't wake me in a fright!!

I put in a few cakes and pies (in paint on canvas)...

Then I escape again, and find myself sobbing into my homemade pizza - rewatching Susan Boyle and Jamie Pugh from a couple years ago.

I get all sensitive, and in my head.

I sob as the winds whips.

Not sad sobs, but sobs of amazement.

Sobs of "Yes! magic can happen!!"

I run up and tell Mister Lovee to rewatch too - then we get caught up in other tales (he and I), and laugh and cry and laugh and cry. (we are quite a pair sniffling about as we laugh as well, sharing the same sentiments about things, mostly)

Then, back to the canvas I go...

It is often, when I am quiet in the studio - that an abundance of tales and creatures and beings find me.  I tell Mister lovee about them all (some a huge part of our lives, in character and song), and he begs me to tape myself telling the tales of these creatures - and playing their tunes.

I say, okay okay, I will.

Then I run off on some other adventure.

So much going on in this crazy brain, so much to share and tell.

But how or when or why?

The other day, deep in sleep, I dreamt I was dying - and I realized, I'd take all my ideas and faces and stories with me.  I was worried, Mister didn't know where the big secret book of characters was (and he is not the best at finding things), and so many other things to get down.  But then, really, does it matter?  As long as they keep me company?

Either way, I woke up - 4 a.m. and decided to stay.

Bizarre deep crazy dreams I have.

My sleeping life is so active, I think I need a break ;)

Oh and - 6 years of a rock mountain of paint has formed on my paint board.  Time for a new one, me thinks...

As day turns to afternoon, then to night, and over and over in this quick cycle that seems to be my days - I run out to the cottage taking hot chocolate, homemade pizza, water and any other treats I can conjure up to my beloved....

As he works to wrap up the inside of the very wee cottage...

I peek out the window - trying to time dinner perfectly for everyone in my little family.

Matty and Miles, and Lovee too.

These days, it's all about the broccoli.

And boy is it goooooooooood!

I realize my time management stinks.

But it's pointless, I can't be controlled.

I can't sit in a little painting room, in a tiny space in the universe, and work and sit still, and enforce my own rules all day.  (although I do try)

I have to break free and run and lose track, from time to time.

But when I come back I have a resurgence of paintbrush - and the eyelashes it is.

Hooray for eyelashes I say.

So, that's where I am, in my head -

Upside down and inside out, and now, the hunt for my jelly belly brooch ensues.

(actually, I think I will give up, and let it find me someday, if I can bear to wait)

Seriously - I think the elves gave me back the coral rose, and took the bee.

I know, you think there is no way.

That I must have misplaced it on a whim.

Tish Tosh I say.

It is not in its glass case, locked away.

So, just this once - I am certain it is elfin play.

I know it.

So, on another note....

What's for dinner at your house?

I love the rhythm of what folks do in their homes, don't you?

Dinner prep and chats and daily lives.

That's my favorite sort of thing.

So, what's for din?

I am not sure here yet......

But, I best get!

 

Love, V

 

ps:  A few months ago I was asked to be a part of Cut out and Keep's Crafty Superstars.  It sounded like a blast, so I said yes of course, and thank you.  So exciting to see it just go up, here is a link where you can peek ♥

I Never Really...

I never really gave much thought to March. 

I realized this just a few days ago, on a beautiful March 1st.

March used to be that odd month before it got dreadfully hot, and the mild beautiful Arizona winter would be gone...

But this year, this year I realized, March is crucial.

March is the month I frantically plant summer vegetable seeds.

March is the month my tomatoes growing indoors get stronger, preparing to go outside.

March is the month that all the seeds and bulbs planted in November + perennials, begin to flourish like mad.

Rose bushes and hydrangeas are covered in tiny bits of growth.

Plum, apricot, quince and peach tree blossoms are filling empty winter branches.

And -

 carnations are blooming profusely...

But also, the strangest thing happened, on the 2nd of March.

You see, I rarely lose anything.  I know where every last ball of lint is hiding.  I am the only one who touches my things, so everything is right where I put it.  If something is ever missing you will hear me whine about it for certain.

Missing things drive me insane, you?

Oh and yes, I did eventually find the missing Victorian gown.

And, yes, our stolen wooden antique sign was found and returned to us in a wild tale.

But, there was one other thing I was still missing.

And missing it I was, quite terribly.

You see...

Several years ago Mister Lovee had a business trip in New Orleans.  He is known for gifting wonderfully thoughtful treasures.  So, in a lovely antique shop in the French Quarter, he found a beautiful antique coral rose 18k gold stick pin for me.  It was an unexpected gift, and looking back, I suppose I didn't appreciate it as much as I really should have, even though I did love it.

That was, until it was lost...

As the years have drifted by, and I have changed in my sentiments ever so much, the missing pin began to bother me to the depth of myself. 

I can't describe why it drove me so insane.

Year after year I took my whole house apart looking for it, as it was missing from the box I kept it in.

I thought maybe I accidentally dropped it and vacuumed it up?

Or, maybe it fell off of my winter coat.

About 3 years ago, I started thinking about it every day.

Always hoping and wondering if I would find it.

Every time I cleaned out a drawer, or looked in a jar of pens, I thought I would find the pin.  Even though I had already searched in that place.

The other night I was plagued by a desire to find the pin.  I was so sad that I had lost such a precious heart felt gift from he man I love so.

I went to bed, and dreamed myself praying to find it.

Then, in my dream, a voice from the heavens handed it to me, and I saw myself holding it.

In this dream I told the voice that I was aware this was a dream, and that I knew the pin would not be with me in the morning.

Then the voice said, "you will have it back now, because now you really value it."

Dun dun dun....

The next day, I woke up, opened my secretary desk and opened an empty drawer that I had looked in, searching for the pin many many times over, year after year.

Sitting there, in the drawer, was my pin!

What???

I was completely speechless, stunned, gobsmacked.

Mister Lovee was beyond touched as well.

I can't believe it.

My mom always taught me to never give up looking if you lose something.

And, I never gave up.

For years I searched.

Years.

It is still unbelievable to me.

So, this March finds things lost.

What a gift!

March -

March is full of so much life...

But then, everyday is.

Isn't it?

Paper thin ranunculus aren't too shabby either ;)

And then, there is the winter bounty, time for harvesting...

Lettuce to share in baskets full...

Gathering bundles for those I know will appreciate the veggies...

I love sharing.

Sharing makes everything even better...

Sharing gives me such a kick of joy.

Brussels sprout plant tops - 

The center cabbage like creature, ready to be roasted or steamed...

Filling up the basket...

And happily marching down the lane...

Delivering healthy edible treats.

Brussels sprouts, lettuce, broccoli, flat leaf parsley and spinach.

Oh March.

I am so sorry I took you for granted.

And, as I run up for a snack, I spy two of my beloveds out the window - 

Miles and Lovee, sitting on the porch, sharing oatmeal and reading the paper.  They canoodle every morning for breakfast, those two.  All the while, the other furry child is on patrol down the driveway at the front gate.  Ready to fight danger...

(my vintage effects make the window look filthy, haha)

March, March is good.

March is lovely.

A March day, like everyday, holds as much magic as we are willing to reach for and believe in...

And that's for certain...

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  Are you missing anything that you have been looking for, forever?  Hoping to find?  Maybe we can create a collective verbal hope chest?  And bring some of our lost heart love treasures back.  What do you say?