Little by little, treasures are making their way into the cottage. Nothing fancy, just little bits and bobs that are treasures of mine own heart. A pair of swans my sis made me...
And lots of books.
Cozying up in the little nook, books in hand, so wonderful.
I decided I would spend my first night in the cottage.
It's always a combination of exciting and sort of childhood scary, to sleep in a new place alone. I was soooooooo excited when I got my own bedroom at the country house several years ago. A space just for girl love stuff, my shoes, a place to be me, a place to stay sane (a little at least). Just a space of my own. Oddly, the first night in there, I felt the same weird way, like a 5 year old in a big ole bed, in a strange place.
Luckily, that wore off quickly.
However, the cottage feels like a real world away, even though it is only steps from the house.
Inside, I am transported.
It's magical.
Sort of surreal, the way I feel like a different girl in a different land, within the walls of the tiny space.
I have put a few things on the walls since the air conditioning was a go a couple weeks ago.
This includes special treats like a garland I made from my free printable stars and moons.
And, of course, the sweetest and beloved, Dancing Fiona.
A wonderful piece by lovely Kimberly Wlassak, of Gerushia's New World.
Her work is so intriguing, mysterious, curious, unusual and delightful ...
And guess what? It is all hand done collage, no digital.
She cuts and colors and pastes with her fingers...
Dancing Fiona makes me sooooo happy!
Kim's work is like literally stepping into another world. To me, it's almost like a dollhouse world - but changeable in feel at any moment.
And bonus!!
I have in my possession, some of Kim's delicious prints to give away.
Exciting!!!
(More details at the end of the post)
So, with a few treats on the walls, I began an evening in the cottage.
Rain on the mountains, a storm brewing, yummm....
I love my view from the upstairs cottage window.
Plink of rain...
Tales...
Cuddled up, words to transport.
And then, the storm gets really rowdy...
Oooooo!
Love it, stormy evenings in the cottage.
Faeries...
Dreamy...
Now with the air conditioning working in the cottage, I can finally move stuff in.
But with the Mad tea Party in the wings (for which I am not prepared or have thought about at all, can you believe it?), the cottage must wait a bit more before it's totally done inside.
But, I promise pictures when that happens.
Cottage evenings in summer.
A new fave.
Oh oh, and....
Kim, the creator of Dancing Fiona above, has sent me 4 prints to give away.
They will be gifted as a pair, so two people will receive two prints.
I will draw names out of a hat for the next post.
Do you spy circus folks and little red???
Ooooo, awesome!
I will send details of each print to the winners, first name drawn gets first pick, etc.
I secretly want to keep these for myself.
I am ordering The Uninvited asap.
Being in Arizona, it has a wonderfully mysterious Bisbee feel to me.
Simply say hello in comments to be entered.
Welllll....
It's raining again, and I need to do something I love, which is...
Stand under the peach tree in the rain and eat ripe sweet huge juicy peaches!!
Slurp!
Off I go...
Love, V
ps: Winner of the Somerset Life Magazine is.........
Comment number #2, per random number generator.
That has never happened, how fun!
Mary Brockway!! Hooray!
pss: Randomest thing.
When I was in elementary school I became obsessed with the Hunting High and Low Album by A-ha. It stayed a fave through junior high, high-school, and still is played today in my house.
Listening to this today -
Blue Sky...
I was thinking about how, when I was a kid my greatest desire was to be in my 30's.
All grown up.
The now.
I loathed not being able to do what I wanted as a kid.
I needed freedom.
It drove me mad, this quest for being free as a bird.
I had such big dreams for myself.
Of course, my dreams (coupled by reality) changed as I got older - but my 11 year old Vanessa self still pushes me from the past, to enjoy today as much as I can, and to immerse myself in living a fun full life.
I am sure she would be thrilled to run around in mud without parental supervision, slam on the piano, sleep in the cottage. I hope in some way, I filled her little heart. Maybe I should have her over for tea. Rotten little rascal!
What were the desires of your 11 year old self for when you grew up?
