A Fanciful Twist

Of Water Droplets & Fur

Waking up to rain.

Grey skies.

What a treat in the hot sunnny desert.

Rain day, feels like a holiday.

Drizzling all day makes us so happy!

If you can bear it...

And, you won't mind socializing with me...

You might be seeing more of me here, rather than less.

There is a measure of sanity in taking photographs and chattering nonsensically it seems.

For me at least.

:)

I stood on the back porch, moist cool air.

Morning rain, not afternoon monsoon rain.

Very very interesting.

Droplets like gems, growing things so grateful.

Dancing cheek to cheek...

Counting loot.

And collecting even more.

I think next year I will switch back to a proper pumpkin patch.

As the pumpkin explosion in my random seed planting this year has been insane, but oh so amusing.

We stand on the porch, plink plink plop...

Looking out.

A vintage scale sits there, I use it as a pot stand.

The cistern overflows twice.

Quickly everything that was brown turns green.

Are those pipes in the tree?

Why yes indeedy, Mister Lovee had to put them up there, as Matty (brown dog) was dragging them all over the place, obsessed with critters hiding inside and cutting up his face on the edges.  Nothing like seeing a little dog dragging a big huge heavy pipe down the driveway whilst attempting to bark inside.  Multitasking galore.

We got soaked.

Dark morning has lingered.

It was wonderful.

Rain fluffed hair has a chance encounter with the 1980's (early 90's) treasure drawer.

When no earring was too jeweled or too big.

(nevermind the photo taking frown face)

I'll pull some others out, you will fall over they are so funny.

Is it wrong that, I am kinda liking them again???

I might even wear them to the dollar store.

Might being the operative word.

Although, I saw Heidi Klum on t.v. and I dare say, giant blingy earrings are back?

Not that I really care what's in, but still, it's fun when old is new again.

The gnomes look on.

What must they think?

They're twins.

Obviously.

The boys try on their ghost Halloween costumes.

That, or they are just drying off.

Don't take our picture! Youuuuu!

Is there anything better than freshly crimped ear hair?

I love that wet crimped look Miley gets.

Rain and fur...

Looks like the bell needs some straightening out.

It was such a nice day.

If you wonder why it's so green, I live up in the hills/mountains at a higher elevation than Tucson.

That's why we get snow too.

Cooler air, and a tinge greener.

I have been learning lots of lessons.

You know, about this little thing called life.

Mister Lovee told me something amazing.

You know how when something stressful is happening, and you just feel like everything is wrong, and you are in pain and sadness and agony in your soul?

Well, Mister Lovee says...

"Pain is a part of life, suffering is self imposed."

He's talking about that emotional suffering that we put ourselves through.

Isn't that so true?

Of course, you have to feel emotions, and kick and scream and cry.

But, prolonging it is creating your own suffering.

And I am finding that suffering ain't for me.

It's so much worse to be sad and suffer, than to just fall backwards into faith.

The greatest lesson of the day.

Nothing is as we believe.

And better yet -

 A proper perception change, lets you see under water.

Just like magic.

Only better.

 

Thanks for being out there.

Honestly.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 ps:  I am working on packaging sweet orders, thanks ever soooo much ♥

 

pss: A dear friend sent me this this morning.  You may have seen it already, but I love it.

 

Of Change & Acceptance...

I held a blink for too long.

Spiraled away.

Stepped out of the garden for merely a few days.

But it called me, it beckoned me, it said...

Vanessa come back, we have something for you.

The air had turned from thick blocks of heat, to warm moist waves.

I hadn't noticed.

The leaves had shifted, the gifts left to be collected.

Big green leaves looked sun parched, with glints of golden yellow.

A change was on the horizon.

A place that was tidy with new beginnings, was now shifting.

Autumn on the horizon, barely visible in the distance, but there.

Where something ends, something begins, they say.

The vegetable garden, now a late summer jungle, began to change.

Pumpkins, so many pumpkins, turned from green to orange.

With even more to come.

The garden at its peak.

Right at the top, with a fresh wave of tomatoes, and tallest of basil.

Leeks and green onions danced around the baby globes...

Cherry tomatoes, sweet and warm...

Gifting.

The tomato vines, the scent...

Filled with memories of checking my dad's trucks of tomatoes (produce broker).

What a scent those vines hold.

Healing you before you need healing.

Healing you in ways you didn't know you could be healed.

Basil smashed between finger tips.

Deep breath.

Quiet, crunching paws on pumpkin leaves.

Perception changed, maybe forever.

Of this fleeting life.

This fragile life.

This beautiful life.

Gazebo gets blown off tall stand, as vines bust through their homes.

Where are they headed?

No one knows.

Peek around giant pumpkin leaves, and there you see them.

Childhood favorites.

Orange globes.

Keeping you young forever, no matter what the years say.

No matter what the dish of the day.

No matter how good or bad things sway.

It's just part of everyday.

No worse or better.

It is as it is.

Sometimes you simply have no say.

Acceptance, faith, falling into the arms of what you believe...

The lesson of the day.

The only way to stay sane.

The only way to...

Keep breathing.

And enjoying.

And living.

And hoping.

And wishing.

Resistance creates pressure.

But what if?

What if you just trusted?

Instead of resisted?

What if?

Pumpkins grow on sagging domes...

Some ready.

Some waiting.

Waiting for Autumn to look clearer in the distance.

A beautiful smile, red hair, pulling a wagon...

A wagon filled with treats from the apple orchard, pumpkins from the fields, a long brown coat, with leaves of all colors swirling around, gold and crimson and tangerine abound.

Thank you more than you can know.

Emotional support, it's more healing than anything I have ever known.

Intertwine it with hope and faith and plunging.

And somewhere in that, you have a whole new outlook.

The trick?

Hang on tight.

Somehow.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

Honesty + Life

This is such a hard blog post to write.

Typing this makes everything going on in my world more real...

You see, after a week of tears, fear, confusion, ER and meeting a surgeon...

 The fact is...

In a few weeks I have to have the first surgery of my life.

If I ever get brave enough, I might share some more details.

I can say that the prognosis in the end is said to be good, and the recovery will be a few weeks.

I'm scared, but I have vast faith keeping me from drowning.

I don't know how much I will be able to do work/art wise for the holidays etc.

In the few weeks before my surgery, I am rearranging my house to make it easier for my family to visit.

I am not sure if I will have time for art, but I do have some paintings I would like to finish before I am gone for a few weeks.

I guess all I can do now is go with the flow, and somehow find a way to deal with these stomach pangs of nerves.

I don't like to think negatively, life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes you have to just be braver than others.

This is what I keep telling myself.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  Two originals in the shop have been priced lower  ♥

pss:  I have freshly stocked the Halloween and Christmas sections of my art shop.

 

 

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

What are all the little things that stand between you and your dreams?

You see the rainbow, but do you run for it?

Do you brave the storm and plunge?

What are we waiting for?

I ask myself that.

Then out of the blue, scary/strange/curious/unexpected things happen in life.

And I ask myself, what are you waiting for?

What?

Then I ask myself, what are my dreams even?

Do I even know exactly what they are?

Do you know what yours are?

Mine have changed so much in the last 10 years.

They are so simple now, just a simple happy life, that's my dream.

No worries or cares.

With the fur boys snoring under me, as they are now.

Life kicks us sometimes, to wake us up.

To show us, hey you, it's right there.

Go, jump for it, run.

But then, right next to the rainbow, there is a flash of light.

Something rocks your world.

Terrifies you even.

Somehow, you get through it, try to find your way again.

Then the clouds and lightning disappear, and behind it all, still waiting...

Calling your name.

That place.

It's there, even though sometimes life's trials and tribulations make it seem very far away.

Somewhere...

 Over that rainbow.

Where does your rainbow lead you?

How's your journey going?

Goodness, these life journeys.

Can't we just be 6 forever?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Matty follows me on walks around the garden.

If I turn to look at him he stops.

But if I walk forward, he licks my leg or gently nips my hand as it swings.

Telling me he is there, like a little shadow, protecting me.

That curious little brown dog.

 

It's not Halloween Yet...

How do you tell your very enthusiatic 2 year old, almost 3, that it's not Halloween?

Even if he is a dog.

Dogs have feelings too, ya know.

 

Miles, it's not Halloween yet.

He's confused seeing pumpkins all over the garden me thinks.

 

What did you say mama?

 

I said, it's not Halloween yet.

There are still 74 days until Halloween.

 

Oh nooooooooooo!!!

(Note little Matty in the background saying, see, told you so)

Slow guttural noises ensue such as...

Mmmmeeer, mrrrrreeear, mreeeeeee, mrmmph -heee, mmmrm, mmmrm, mmmrm.

Whining if you will, but in a very Miley way.

Then, the sulk.

It's okay Miley.

If you want, we can all pretend it's Halloween.

Then, the look.

Now what am I supposed to do with that look?

Hahahaaaa!

Well, he would be 14-16 if he were human right?

Oh, yes, then it's "the" look.

Teenagers, I tell ya.

Of course we can't "pretend" it's Halloween.

Silly me.

Hahahaa!

 

 

 

ps:  The skies have been filled with passion the last few days.

Lightning, thunder, clouds and colors.

Nope, no rain.

Yet.

Still wishing though.

Those skies surely make up for it.

A little ;)

 

Easy & Wonderful Homemade Crepes

Crepes are delicious and easy to make.

Once you get the hang of it, you can't go wrong.

If you aren't already a crepe making pro, here's my flawless recipe (with tips).

For the batter you will need

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 cup of milk

3 eggs

2 tablespoons melted butter

a nice pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)

I'll share some of my tricks to make these turn out wonderful as we go along.

I always like to put in an extra slurp of milk into my mixture, not necessary, but I do it anyways.

I am known for measuring recipes in handfuls and slurps, and a toss in of this or that.

So, getting all the measurements just right for you is a real treat ;)

Another thing is...

If you don't drink dairy milk, like us, almond milk (unsweetened) works phenomenally.

In fact, that's all I use to make crepes.

(and all we drink)

But I have tested regular ole milk too, and it works just as well.

Mix up your ingredients, leaving the butter to the last, then slowly whisk the melted butter in, as you don't want to cook your eggs.

Your batter should be the consistency of heavy cream, like a thick milk.

It will be rather liquid as opposed to dense batter like.

This is the trick to perfect crepes, the batter consistency.

I like to pour my batter into something with a spout, so I can pour it into my pan easily.

The next trick to flawless crepes?

A hot pan, get it really nice and hot.

Hot pan is key.

Then drizzle in some oil.

I only ever use olive oil for everything (even cakes), so I use extra virgin olive oil here too.

Here is a HUGE tip.

After you pour your oil into your very hot pan, take 3 bunched up paper towels, and wipe the oil out.

Put on an oven mit, please.

(don't burn yourself, for goodness' sake!)

Then SAVE the paper towel with oil, as this will be a huge tool.

I put my oiled paper towel on a plate.

 

*Then, every time I make another crepe, I first run my paper towel around the pan to re-oil it.

Every single crepe, okay?

Now, here is where you will be working quickly and swiftly.

On my right hand I always wear an oven mit to handle the hot pan with, in my left hand I hold my pitcher with batter.

(if you are left handed do what works best for ya)

I grab hold of my pan as I pour the batter, because as soon as I pour the batter in, I want to start tilting my pan around to spread out the batter.

(as you make your crepes you will determine how much batter you need to get the size you want)

Now just tilt your pan around quickly and in circles, to make sure your batter spreads around evenly.

Crepes are nice and thin, so keep that in mind.

Hopefully your batter in your pan now looks like this, below.

Crepes can take about 1-2 minutes to cook on each side, depending on your pan heat.

Mine move pretty quickly, I don't let them get too browned, or they are not as soft and pliable.

You can tell your crepe is getting ready for flipping when the edges start to curl up, and the center looks more set.

Use a spatula to flip your crepe, as tongs are likely to rip your crepe.

I personally have a lot of practice, so I just grab the curled edges and flip real quick.

Please be careful though, and do not burn yourself, or blame me if you do.

You gotta move fast as heck.

Flip!

Now you can see about how browned the under side looks.

Then just let the other side cook, and pop it onto a plate, stacking them as you go.

And voila, there you have them.

You will get a stack of about 10, maybe 8.

Remember that homemade blueberry jam from last week?

You got it, we used it in our crepes.

We had some with our homemade peach jam as well.

You can fill your crepe with anything you'd like.

Strawberries and whipped cream.

(store bought jam works just as well)

Savory too.

Sometimes I make a delicate guacamole and sour cream crepe.

But mostly, we eat them sweet.

Put your filling on one end and roll.

Oops, where was I?

I just ran off to chase Mister around the house with my cold hands :)

Ahh yes, crepes.

Another technique you can use is spreading the jam all over the crepe, and then...

Folding the crepe into a triangle shape, then...

Brown it on both sides with some nice butter in a pan.

Good too.

But a bit heavier in flavor.

We prefer the fresh rolled simple crepe.

And let me tell you, those blueberry crepes?

Unreal.

All I did to make the jam was put in about 3 cups of blueberries and 1.5 cups of granulated sugar in a pot and let it all boil, turning down the heat to a soft boil, for about an hour. (stirring regularly)

You can make jam that you will eat within 1 week without having to do a proper canning process.

(just refrigerate it)

YUMM!

Crepes!

Will you give them a whirl?

Are you already a crepe pro?

I whip these up all the time.

Once you get the hang of it, it's so easy.

With my tips and recipe, and your own trial and error, you'll be a pro soon.

Much luck!

Eat Crepes!!

;)

After you get the hang of the basics, you can try other styles, like Crêpe Suzette, or just take a crepe and sprinkle on lemon juice and powdered sugar.  So many ideas out there.

Will you give it a try?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:

Mister Miles is doing great, no relapse or anything.

Seems like it was a spider or a scorpion that got the poor lad.

As for now, everything is 100%

And sleep is the thing it seems ;)

A boy and his sleep...

Always and forever.

Goodness that fur is lovable.

Sooo easy to love.

I adore his brother as much of course, but let's be honest, he doesn't make cuddling easy, haha!

Miles lives to cuddle, and if you forget to cuddle him, he will find you and rest his head on your knee looking up with his big soulful eyes, until you cuddle him up.

Don't mind Mister Lovee's couch.

It's only still around because it's easy to clean :)

Wipe-able is good.

It's funny, when Miles was a baby he used to put himself to bed every night.

If we couldn't find him, he was sleeping in his little bed.

Now he thinks my bed is his bed.

And he sleeps with me every night, usually on the bottom left corner on his own sheet.

Sometimes I open my eyes in the morning, to find myself nose to nose with him, as he has decided to share my pillow ♥

But, if I stay up say past 10 p.m., he just marches himself off to bed.

And if you can't find him, this is where you will always find him.

On my side of the bed.

Too funny.

Meanwhile, Matty (brown dog) follows me around until bed time.

And then curls up on the rug beside my bed.

He loves me, in his own way, a lot.

We have our own bond, and he jumps up behind my office chair to snuggle me.

But only in his own way, how and when he wants.

Once in a blue moon, Matty hops into bed with us, and growls meanly at us if we move weird (or move at all or bother him in the least), which in turn scares Miles, who ends up cowering on top of me.

Then Matty growls more and gives us the ugly face (as Miles and I hug each other in fear, haha!), scoffs at us, and jumps off the bed.

I tell you!!

Gone to the dogs ;)

(don't worry, Matty knows I'm boss, he just tries to pull little mean old man on me)

 

I want to hear your funny quirky furry loves antics!!

Please ♥

 

Crazy Harvesting Girl

Late last night I hung out on the back porch.

I lit my candles, and waited for the meteor shower.

It was some much needed meditative time after all the harvesting madness I've been in.

Up to my elbows in it, happy, but crazed too.

Last night was such an interesting night because for some reason, while lighting the candles, I was transported to a time in my life from the past.

When I used to turn on my fountain and light candles in the tiny city house garden.

Such a small garden, but I filled it with plants and vines and fountains and candles.

It was a true sanctuary.

Friends would gather round the candles, and we would sip cocktails and chat.

I hadn't realized I had replicated that here, on the back porch, until last night.

It reminded me of my me-ness.

It felt so amazing, and wonderful.

I forget how therapeutic lighting candles and just being in "your own moment" is.

The loud fountain trickle, music.

Moon.

The scent of the Seda France (Provence scent) candles remind me so much of my past.

I lit them all the time.

The scent took me right back, like saying hello to my old self.

It was a wonderful evening.

The summer days have just started to feel slightly exhausting.

It's a dance between awesomeness of growing things, and dancing too long in the heat.

You know what I mean?

Like, it's wonderful, but a cool rainy day would make you do a back flip.

:)

The coolness of that night last week, like a far away dream.

There is this space where the monsoon rains drift off without having gifted enough (just 2 rains this summer), and the summer makes the earth here feel scorching and parched and desperate.

I tend garden twice a day without fail, quenching the thirst of my growing garden creatures. 

Making sure they are happy and not suffering.

I want them to be delighted to live here.

Early morning and evening.

Still, plants are suffering, the desert dirt cracking with a vast longing for water.

Relentless heat, which doesn't seem to bother butterflies or birds.

All of a sudden I start to feel it too.

The thirst of the desert floor.

Rain would be a dream come true right about now.

Nothing like a little prickly pear lemonade to aid.

I am in the midst of so many fruits and veggies being ripe.

As you know, endless peaches.

I have made tons of freezer jam (unreal good stuff, will share recipe soon), and even frozen oodles of peaches.

Our mediocre sized freezer is stuffed.

Organized, but stuffed full.

Jars and jars of delicious jam.

This makes me giddy happy.

Peach everything.

I have made lots of peach crisps too.

For some reason, I didn't take photos.

And pies as well.

I pride myself on attempting to make pretty peach pies...

(lots of photos from last year here)

Alas, the peaches were so juicy and plump, my pies poured over.

I hope they were still good, as I gifted them.

Then guess what happened night before last?

I noticed that the giant fairytale pumpkin from last year was looking soft around the stem.

So, I stopped everything I was doing to process it.

(like sleeping, because I would do anything for a pumpkin you see)

Almost all the seeds had sprouted.

I chopped it up, and at 11 p.m. there I was roasting pumpkin.

This pumpkin was so huge, I will have pumpkin for ages.

And to think, there are dozens of pumpkins ripening in the garden.

Oh my stars!!

(head spins)

We ate hot roasted pumpkin with butter and brown sugar at midnight.

Then I got it all ready to puree, right now it's still draining (water).

Did I mention I also made blueberry jam?

I have more to say about that in my next post ;)

Nothing like sugar and lemon and blueberries.

Hot sweet concoctions, with berries that burst in your mouth and make your tongue dark purple.

Right now though, I am in the midst of prickly pear season.

I found myself removing the inside of the fruits from their splinter laden skins under twinkly lights.

I shared my recipe last year, here...

Prickly Pear Lemonade Recipe.

It's so yumm.

I watch those prickly pears all summer, waiting for them to turn from green to purple.

We have some that turn coral pink.

Others that turn purple.

I use the purple ones for my lemonade.

If I had an extra handful of days, I would make jam from them too.

Maybe I should push myself a little and pull it off?

I am glad these beauties are good for you, as I have had a bunch to drink.

And, will make more.

They say that colorful fruits and vegetables are extra antioxidant, right?

I use tongs to harvest them.

I just can't imagine wasting anything.

That makes me crazy.

So no matter how hot and tired and insanely sweltering it is, I work hard to make sure no waste of anything happens on my watch.

Taking anything for granted makes nuts.

I am not for that at all in any aspect of life.

Thank you prickly pears.

Pop them in a vat of cold water...

De-skin, and press.

You can see step by step instructions in the link I posted here.

Yumm!

There are also lots of tomatoes and onions coming in.

And ever so many leeks and scallions, ever so many.

I also see the basil getting crazy, so I will begin that harvest.

It freezes beautifully in pesto, or just olive oil and basil in the food processor works good too for freezing.

I pop it in jars, and into the freezer it goes.

Although with 30 jars of jam, and endless packages of frozen peaches, not sure how it will work.

It's a shame that I sold Mister Lovee's giant freezer at a yard sale when I first met him, as it was taking space in the room that would be my studio.

Ooooopsie!!

I could used that sucker now :)

 

Well, it's crescent moon nights, and meteor showers in the now.

Candles.

Waking up at 2:22 a.m. to look up at the sky.

Again at 3:30 a.m.

I guess I see a pattern in myself as I type.

I don't want to miss the meteors or the prickly pears, I don't want to waste peaches or basil.

I want everything to be preserved and shared.

I guess, it's my way of thanking nature.

I am just programmed that way I suppose.

(let's not count my spoiled teenage days in the equation, ha!)

I feel ardently loyal to mother nature.

Doing everything I can to make the most of what is given.

But secretly -

I think I will need a vacation soon.

Just a little tiny one.

Like, 1 sleep in day with lots of rain.

Because harvesting is only 1/4 of what I have to get done around here.

And the only time it starts to feel really tough is when rain leaves us and it is this hot for so many days in a row.

Otherwise, I don't mind at all.

Do you know this kind of heat?

It is zapping.

Wasn't I just saying that I didn't want summer to end?

Oh ya, haha!!

I don't, but a little rain, anyone?

Maybe, if you all put a good word in, the monsoon rains that might be returning will gift me some water from the skies at the end of the week?

I could sure use a day off, to just sleep in.

1 little morning.

Boy could I ever.

:)

And yet...

In some weird way, I wouldn't change a thing.

Nope, not at all.

Harvesting love abound.

 

Much Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Have you seen this documentary/movie call My Life as a Turkey?

It's wonderful, you can instant Netflix it too.

 

pss:  The meteors were so delicate last night, falling low to the west. 

So glad I got to spy them.

Holding on to Pretty Summer Days...

Something strange happened last night.

It was cool, open window cool.

Cool air, with a sky full of crazy unreal stars.

This cool night thing in August is bizarre for such hot days.

It made me feel needy for summer.

Like summer was slipping through my fingers.

So, I vowed to plunge and enjoy every single moment of it.

Even if it's oven hot during the day.

The heat can feel so healing and wonderful, note to self, more garden baths!

There are roses blooming here and there, so I steal some from the garden...

Bundling some up, others gifted to nooks and crannies.

I woke up the other day at 4:30 a.m.

At 5 a.m. it was still dark.

Strange, then I realized, it is August.

August, September, October - what???

I went outside.

It was not raining, and the sun was rising to the east, filtered golden rays, through fluffy clouds.

Then I looked to the west and gasped.

A rainbow??

A rainbow!

What?

How?

But there it was, sure as my camera can share.

A sunrise rainbow on a day with no rain.

I snoop around, sniffing flowers.

Wisteria blooms giving off the scent of an entire flower shop.

A complex scent of mixed flowers.

I wash my shells.

I dream of the ocean.

We cuddle.

In my little family of one girl, one man, and two fur boys - there is much much cuddling.

We are hopeless huggers and cuddlers.

Disheveled hair for 3 of us, straight and tidy for Matty.

Who was cuddling with us, until the camera came out.

Then he was gone.

But Miley always stays.

I am reading Garden Spells.

I am into it.

My dear friend Miss D gave me this book years ago.

Finally, with all your positive suggestions, I plunged.

I will read the rest of today.

I will take a summer vacation day.

I am loving the words on the pages.

We are sleepy.

The rain is gone maybe until next week, and it is scorching hot again and dry.

No complaints.

But we are sleepy in this heat.

Miles is doing great.

Like nothing ever happened to him.

All his tests and bloodwork came back perfect, no signs of anything.

We have come to a conclusion that a scorpion very well could have been the culprit.

Especially based on his initial reaction of fear and pawing at his face violently.

They are not uncommon where he was sleeping.

But I am still watching my puppybrother, making sure he is a-okay.

Matty and Miles follow me all around, like baby chicks.

Every single step, there they are.

We pick ever so many flowers, and hide them in our curtained porch.

Where new age music plays, with flutes and birds, yep you got it ;)

And the fountain trickles loudly.

Peacefully.

(Mister Lovee comes over and makes "making fun of music" dance moves and facial expression of fake bliss, that rascal)

Savor summer.

That is our motto of the day.

Time, why do you have to fly past so quickly?

Why?

Well...

It's Jon Secada Friday, so I best be on my way.

I realize, you have no clue what that means, and I promise to bring some Jon Secada Friday here soon. (I did a post about it years ago and never shared it, must find it)

I invented this Jon Secada Friday thing years ago - my sis is usually my party of 2 for the Friday event.

But normally, it's a party of 1.

As I am usually on my own Friday nights, with Mister out playing instruments down the road.

 

Maybe we'll share it next Friday, and make a thing of it?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

In Our Little World {3 posts}

Aren't they curious and interesting, the little worlds we live in?

You, and we and us?

My dad always says...

"Cada cabeza es un mundo."

Which translates to, "every mind is a world of its own."

I love our own personal mind worlds, don't you?

A place so special, and vastly complex, you can't ever really fully express it to anyone.

A place all your own, that only you will ever truly grasp.

Your own world.

Then there are the little worlds we live in.

Our homes, our spaces.

Books we stack up high, plants we water, secret hiding places.

Jewelry boxes, growing seeds, what we see when we wake up.

Our loves.

I adore peeking into worlds.

Here's a little photo catch up of what has been going on around here.

Growing things taking center stage.

I am rolling 3 posts into one because life stuff has gotten us behind in posting.

I caught a 24 hour stomach bug, don't you love those?

I am all cured now, yay!

Then yesterday sweet Miles had the oddest episode ever.

Gave me grey fear hair for sure.

A seizure or something of that sort (scary horrible thing), so we spent all evening at the vet hospital.

My first time seeing anything like it.

My sweet boy.

He went from fully asleep, to jumping in the air, freaking out, convulsing, shaking, glazed eyes.

I had never seen anything like it, have you?

(the more I replay this in my mind, the more I think maybe a bite triggered it? Because when it first began and he jolted awake, he was reacting as though something bit him on the face, pawing at his face going mad, it's all so strange, then he started shaking/convulsing.  I know when that tiny scorpion stung me in my sleep years ago, my reaction was wildly violent, and I thought my elbow had been shattered in my sleep by a burglar, as a gut reaction.  It was so terribly painful and confusing)

Trust me, I have scoured my brain, how could this happen?

I have asked myself all the questions.

Like...

Is it related to what Matty has and is on medicine for (valley fever)?

Did he get into something?

What could it be???

The truth is, they (pups) are with me all day.

I protect them like a mama bear.

We don't keep toxins around.

They get fresh water and food several times a day.

They sleep with me.

I am careful with everything they come into contact with, and they are taken care of like gold.

They eat really good dog food and I make them a few dog friendly meals from time to time.

My dad says, there are some things in life that happen.

Darn those wretched things.

I am determined to help my boys in any way I can.

We are waiting for blood tests to see if anything shows up.

(toxins, organs, valley fever, etc)

I am learning a lot, and doing research like a mad woman.

You bet, I am on it, 200% concerned.

The good news?

Today Miles is acting like he did always before, and he is feeling seemingly great again.

We are back out watching butterflies lay eggs on passion fruit vines, just like last year.

Ever so many of them visiting us again.

Last year, and all its scary things, have made me a stronger woman.

How to be strong and love, even through ups and downs.

How, sad/scary things will happen, but you have to forge on and be strong.

Stopping for a couple freak out breaks.

Life is ups and downs.

It just is.

You gotta take the sweet with the sour, and take deep breaths.

It's all you can do.

So today is a fresh happy day.

Miles is back to normal.

As if nothing ever happened.

(I am watching him like a hawk)

Matty's pills keep him feeling fine, just not as rambunctious as before.

But hopefully one day, he will be fully well again.

But today...

Today we have pumpkins and a garden.

A garden that serves as a healing place.

We stroll around, wishing the rain would come back to visit us.

We need more than two storms you rain clouds!

Little trees grow, dogs chase lizards.

Pumpkin leaves get HUGE.

I needn't repeat myself.

But, I will - now I know why I keep a pumpkin patch.

Exploding vines, you see.

Blocking the path between the domed garden and the big veggie garden.

And ever ever ever so many pumpkins this year.

I think pumpkins love growing upwards, because, I am getting more pumpkins on single vines than ever.

Pumpkins everywhere, I tell you.

I try to show folks who stop by my "amazing" pumpkins - but, I guess, if you aren't a pumpkin lover, then a pumpkin is just a pumpkin, haha!  And maybe, they are only amazing to me.

I think any pumpkins on earth are more than swell.

Green orbs hanging everywhere, on their way to turning orange.

Are you a pumpkin lover?

The domed garden has turned into a pumpkin vine house.

When you go inside and look up, you are shaded by vines.

To me, it's just awesome.

I want to move in ;)

Pumpkins hanging all around.

Oh my!

I wonder, why do I love pumpkins so?

I don't know, but goodness, I do!

Did you hear that sound?

What could it be?

Someone trying to jump over and see...

Look at that!

Mister horse is on the other side of our wall.

Hi there Mister Horse!

I'd love to drape him in flowers, and have him pull a pumpkin cart down the road.

A parade of 1.

Imagine?

The neighborhood would think I was certified.

Nut.

But a girl can dream.

Look at all the roses on one stem.

A horse covered in zinnias, yes yes, that would do the trick.

Oh and did I say, gourds are turning up?

Matty's been snooping around the garden too.

He acts like he hears things.

I bet he hears gophers digging tunnels underfoot?

Gosh I LOVE that little fur.

I want to squeeze him up.

And I will, even though he will growl in my ear :)

Hear that?

I spy a cinderella pumpkin or two.

(French heirloom - Rouge vif D'Etampes)

Not to be confused with a fairy tale pumpkin.

No no, we would never do such a thing :)

Great source to read all about pumpkin varieties, here.

Oh, there is another cinderella pumpkin, slowly turning red.

Carrots and beets come out to play too.

Collecting collecting, a little everyday.

Lately every veggie in our meals comes from the garden.

I love this time of year for that reason.

Washing, putting away, using.

I look out my office window at the wild grass and weeds that I keep mowed.

They were very green, if only it would rain again.

My lawn mower needs some help, the primer ball is stuck inwards.

Anyone know anything about that?

Never thought that would be any concern of my day, haha!

Our little world.

Growing and changing every day.

This morning there was a cool breeze.

As night stays hot here now, I never thought I would ever feel a cool breeze again.

Now, if only rain would come out of those thick clouds.

And bathe those growing things...

Wouldn't that be just peachy?

 

Well, I am off to walk around the garden with the boys, see what we can see.

 

What ever have you been up to?

Got any secrets brewing in your little world?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  In the tiny lawn right now...

Is that happiness or what?

Maybe I need to give it a try?

 

Calgon Take me Away! + Magazine Winner

Hi there!!

Where have I been?

I've been here, there and everywhere.

Spinning busy as ever.

Busier than ever.

Mad lady.

I hardly have had time to breathe or sleep.

My brother is here from LA.

(I went to see The Conjuring with sister and brother, eeee!)

Mombie and Dad were in town for Mombies lovely b-day.

We went into town to celebrate with them.

Got dolled up.

Darn, that takes time, I forgot.

The peaches kept coming in in droves.

Freezing, preserving, canning, baking baking baking.

Picking.

Making pot after pot of midnight jam.

Jam from here til winter for sure.

I made hundreds of peach empanadas (Mexican pastry), boxed as gifts.

And dispersed.

The cicadas flew in to gobble peaches, haha, we were on to them.

Acreage needed mowing.

(I am the mower, I love mowing even though it's pass out hot)

Peaches needing slicing, hundreds and hundreds oh my!

More than hundreds.

I had a deadline.  Details, photos, wonderful work, love it! Working away with that.

Mowing by night, and early day light.

Trees needed trimming.

Tending + harvesting.

More and more veggies coming in.

Washing, chopping, refrigerating.

Eating.

Custom pendant, custom sculpting.

Can I please put my feet up for a second?

Just a second though, as I have a lattice peach pie in the oven.

I want to give it to the couple at the end of the lane.

It is mad busy round here, isn't it?

Mombie says, and you don't even have kids.

And I said, well, if I had kids I wouldn't be doing all of that.

Would I?

Wait, I do have two kids.

Furry.

Does the older curly haired man count too?  Umm, yes.

He counts as 4 screaming children me thinks ;)

The good news is, it's time to wind down a bit.

Although, the mess that is my house, oh!

Wanna help me clean it?

 

How about some random photos of where I have been?

Let's see...

I went to an old hotel.

Lovely lanterns and stars hanging everywhere...

There were cocktails in a curiously shaped room with interesting edging, and a slice of Mombie's face.

A treasure in Tucson.

The Arizona Inn.

Go there, it's awesome.

Beautiful desert.

I love the desert so much.

Of course, I went up winding staircases and found little doors, with creepy squeaks and faint laughter.

I swear.

I had tea for dessert.

Move dad, I am trying to take a picture here :)

(Poor Dadly)

My sister and brother said it was The Conjuring armoire and scary lady would come out.

Darn that Bathsheba witch, scared me crazy.

I repeated her name in my sleep all night after the movie.

Serves me right.

Lovee wore bee stripes to dinner.

We love bees.

Save the beeees!

I wanted the kumquat trees in big pots.

We laughed so hard we nearly died.

Laughter upon laughter when you get my family together.

Oh my!

We are just so wrong.

Laugh so hard your head and stomach hurt.

It's no wonder they didn't kick us out, with their fancy 7 courses of perfect bites.

So yumm.

Duck, and scallops, and lamb, and salmon, and vichyssoise - and who knows what else we ate.

Asparagus, tiny edamame scattered across the plate with carrots, like art.

And the desserts.

OH MY!

True art on a plate.

I just looked.

As you know, I really have to be in the mood for dessert.

Lemon water to rinse your hands after dinner.

Nice get away for a girl who runs around with mud feet and unruly hair these days.

But wait, I forgot the wine and cocktails.

Lovee and I had water, how boring we are.

But we both feel rotten if we drink.

Although, we did share a thimble full of Six Grapes port last week.

(it's excellent by the way, I keep it around for guests)

There were paintings whose eyes followed you around.

And libraries.

Such old novels, the oldest locked up.

We snooped, and got into all sorts of shenanigans, sis and I.

(sis below, aka Bobbypin Bandit)

My brother and I pretended we were in The Shining movie.

We strolled after dinner...

As Mombie sat in front of the giant fireplace.

(that's her foot and arm)

We'll be back in winter when the fire can be lit, we agreed.

(Mombie is hipper than I could ever hope to be)

Mombie and Dadley stayed in the piano bar requesting songs from the pianist.

And I rushed home to finish my work.

 If you go watch The Conjuring, take a sweater or poncho to cover your face/eyes with.

I did.

It wasn't soooo scary, but maybe I had already scared myself enough before watching it.

Plus I had been listening to all sorts of interviews Andrea Perron was doing.

So, I was prepared, a little.

It was really creepy/unsettling middle to end.

But, what would I know, I covered my face :)

 

OH oh, almost forgot...

Magazine winner per random number generator is...

Lavender Dreams!!
Yipppee, please e-mail me your snail mail addy.

 

Thank you for playing, I wish I had a magazine for everyone.

 

Okay, off to check on that pie.

 

Back soon this time ;)

 

Love, V