A Fanciful Twist

October 31st

Happy Halloweeeeen!

Halloween is in full effect at our house.

I bet some of you are out trick or treating as I type...

We've had a wonderful Halloween so far.

You?

Mister ran out for a late afternoon appointment while I whip up our Halloween feast.

Of course, I snuck off to say hi to you and share some pics.

I have baked up a storm today.

Filling the dining table with all sorts of goodies.

It's all pumpkin happy and glowing in there.

The funniest thing is happening.

The gourds that grew way up high in the trees are slowly moving down to reachable heights.

The vines are drying and sagging, just enough to grab a few.

It's so interesting to see, and quite handy too, those sneaky vines.

I love treat making on Halloween, you?

It was a super lovely baking day.

Although, the caramel apples need to happen still.

I was watching the real story of Halloween on the history channel.

Did you see that last night?

Anyhow, I was particularly interested in the soul cakes.

So, this is my own version.

I'll make the traditional version in a couple days, for day of the dead.

These are turtle brownies with powdered sugar.

Want one?

I wish Halloween lasted more than one day, you?

It's weird how tomorrow, it's November, eeeeeek!

But for right this very moment, we have Halloween.

Hoooooray!

Goodies galore!

What would Halloween be without homemade caramel corn, I ask?

Have you tried this recipe yet?

It's scrumptious beyond words!

And it's always a hit.

It's going really really fast, I tell ya.

We carved a few pumpkins this morning.

Can you tell who carved the one below?

Haha, yep, ML.

Looks like some of our guests are arriving.

Seems they can't find their pointy hats.

As I set out our guests I said to Mister Lovee, "you know this is certifiable behavior..."

"Having doll guests and all..."

But he just shrugged, like it's so our norm, that it's no biggie.

Haha!

Poor man, I turned him crazy.

Anyhow, scoop up some treats on your way out...

Or, stay and party with us all night.

I am about to make a delicious dinner.

Then movies and sweets til we drop.

Don't forget a magic spell, or two, or three.

And beware of houses that haunt, okay?

We'll be here all cozy.

Waiting to hear your tales of this glorious night.

Yippppeee!

It's Halloweeeeeen!

I've been watching Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus.

What a good goooood day.

 

 

 But honestly, what is today without Midnight Margaritas???

 

Well, off I go.

My stove is calling.

 

See you extra soon!!

 

Love, V

Haaaaaappy Halloweeeeeeeeen!

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Beckons...

I can't believe it, I just can't.

Halloween looms, it's here, it's so near.

Thank you for the extra fun last minute annual Halloween party.

I looooved visiting everyone!

Although, somehow when leaving a comment on a newspaper website, I got signed up for google+ and now everything I do is under google plus.  So if I visited you under google+ I have no clue how that happened or how to sign out :)

It was such good fun.

Wasn't the masked man freaky?

He turned up with the masks without me knowing, we all got a fright.

Pups included, haha.

But now, here we are, the eve of Halloween.

It came too soon, too soon.

I panic with the time fluttering by so quickly.

Wowie.

I have been doing soooo many things around here.

Truth be told, for about 8 days I have been doing major refreshers around here.

Painting (of the wall and ceiling variety), fluffing, rearranging this and that.

Washing curtains, having cable guys move cables.

You know, all that sort of house stuff.

You know how you move a painting, and realize you need to paint the wall behind it?

And then all of a sudden you realize you need to paint another wall, and then another, and then another, and then another?  And all of a sudden you snowball into major home stuff?

That's what happened to me.

Also, the garden calls us.

It's bitter sweet you know, seeing the change.

It has been cool in the evenings, low 80's during the day.

Some plants think it's spring, others know, it's time to say good-bye.

The pups and I head out to check on things.

I am still bringing in pumpkins.

There are so many more than I realized.

I have not even started taking pumpkins off of the domed garden area.

There are dozens and dozens there.

And, I won't take this guy below until Thanksgiving maybe?

Unless we get some really random cold that is.

I am only taking the guys on really dry vines these days.

It's such an autumnal ritual for me now.

I am one of those people who needs full holiday immersion.

As I get older, it gets harder to feel engulfed in seasons in the way I neeeeeeed.

But the garden helps me with that in a major way.

Thank goodness, for my sanities sake, for pumpkins.

We pass some huge flowering morning glories...

On our way to the back, where the veggie garden is located.

I can't believe there are still pumpkins growing new and fresh.

Crazy Arizona warmth makes it possible.

There are over 40 of the little guys below.

And boy, they are hard as rocks.

I think they will last for a very long time without going soft.

Last year I bought one tiny pumpkin for 70 cents that had a HUGE long stem.

I couldn't pass it up because of the stem.

I used the seeds this year outside the domed garden area, and they took off like crazy, and made ever so many babies.  It's unreal.  I love that sort of nature magic.

There are some below.

The dance of dry and green is happening in every way.

The basil is hanging on.

And there are hundreds of tomatillos happening.

When you walk through the garden you get that wonderful buzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Bees everywhere during this fall spring in the desert.

It's wonderful.

I love seeing the growing things thinking it's spring.

Now we go into the large enclosed garden, to take a bunch of punkins that grew in there.

All those marigolds self seeded.

I love them so, they smell sweet and lovely.

I used some of these pumpkins on the porch and others for Halloween party fun.

So many shapes and sizes.

Gotta love those pumpkin creatures.

I roast and puree most of them, and freeze the puree for baking and making all winter, and spring and summer, until there are more.

Off we go through the front garden...

It's flower power goodness right now.

I just sit out there in the warm sun and chilly breeze.

Butterflies and bees fluttering around.

Dogs wrestling.

Thinking about things I want to paint and make.

And, I am in my own heaven.

I love my little world so.

Simple, perfectly imperfect.

It fills me up.

I can't explain it.

But now...

Now we must infuse with pumpkin love.

Are you sick of the pumpkins yet??

;)

I love all the varieties that turned up.

Pie Pumpkins, fairy tale, cinderella (rouge vif d'entampes), jack be littles, and a few mid size every day jack-o-lantern styles, to name a few.

We set them up here and there.

I have to confess, I am a bit late for Halloween decorating.

(although I did decorate my front gate a couple weeks ago)

Horse needs a ribbon.

I intend to do it up a little more today.

And plan a creepy meal for dinner tomorrow.

With all my little (and huge) pumpkins lined up for the occasion.

Someone needs a costume.

I don't know why?

I just LOVE autumn and halloween times.

There is a magic in it for me.

You too?

Memories of goodness.

The scent of a candle inside a carved pumpkin makes my knees weak.

I think of being so excited as a kid, dressing up.

All the adults would dress up too.

We would make caramel and candy apples.

And carve pumpkins.

There were festivals, and costume contests.

Everyone dressed up for school.

It was one day of dress up heaven for me.

Sparkles and cackles galore.

The sights and scents with me, tucked into my heart forever.

So wonderful.

Also...

I think the pumpkin king over did himself at my house this year.

Wasn't he extra kind as kind can be?

Truth be told.

Regarding Halloween...

I loooove the old fashionedness of it, and I love the commercialness of it.

(is that a word?)

Commerciality?

It's true, I can't lie.

But, the thing is...

I love seeing all the Halloween junk in the stores.

I looked forward to it.

I love bags of candy with names I have seen my whole life.

I love hearing witch cackles from creepy battery powered dolls in the drug store.

I love scary movies (even though I cover my face) and haunted houses.

 I love over decorated lawns, glittered faces and plastic pumpkins for trick or treating.

I love fog machines, and over crowded Halloween stores.

I love pumpkins and changing leaves and apple picking.

I love twinkling lights and chilly nights.

I love bon fires and hay rides.

And halloween make-up that won't wash off.

I love black and orange mixed together.

And I love how all the candy corn gets gobbled up in my house by a man with the sweetest tooth ever.

I love it all.

What can I say?

That's just me.

What about you??

 

 

Halloween, I love you.

:)

 

 

 

ps:  Does anyone know how to take a dark sap stain out of white carpet?

I am desperate, I have tried a bunch of things, and nothing will work.

Tips?

 

Halloween Party 2013!

Just when we thought it wouldn't be, we turn up 5 days before, and announce a party.  

So many of you jumped in, hooooray!

What sports, what kindred Halloween lovers, you're wonderful as can be!

Our teeny tiny 2013 party hit the spot for us.

What better way to soak in the spooktacular goodness of October?

I received a note inviting me to meet someone outside the flower garden arbor.

My my, how curious indeed!

Follow the path of popcorn and glitter and candy corn too it read...

So, I did.

I found a little tiny tea table, and ever so many garden pumpkins waiting for me.

Such beautiful pumpkins that grew in the garden, all sparkly and happy.

So ready for Halloweeeeen!

I spot a few fur babes...

Eyeballing the punkins.

And another sniffing around...

Wait sir, please don't eat the party trail, haha!

What a curious little table sitting right outside the garden I thought.

I snooped around a little.

Eager to steal a treat...

The pumpkins were chattering so loudly, I could hardly think.

Just then, I heard rustling in the flowers, so I poked around.

Sniffing garden blossoms, collecting some in my gown.

But wait.

What is that I see?

An apparition?

Behind the flowers, looking back at me?

Oh.

My.

Goooooodnessss!

Who on earth could it be?

Miles is worried...

Huuuuh?

He's not convinced it's someone we should befriend.

Come take my hand sweeties, says the red headed man.

He hums a tune as he sniffs marigolds, on his way down the path to greet us.

His display is so lovely, he must be a-okay.

Should we run, or should we stay???

If we go, we had better grab these beauties and run!!

But you see, the Jack-o-Lantern cookies beckon me.

Licorice too?

And sweet kettle corn?

We mustn't go.

The trick or treaters line up.

Hey, it's okay, they say.

And so we cozy up, and have treats with Mister he.

He offers me one of my favoritest sweets.

Big Hunk, oh nougat and nutty me!!

We all want some, even Matty.

(don't worry, he didn't get any for real)

The thing is, the sir has a plan for us.

A plan for the past...

I nod as I chomp.

Nom nom nom.

He is inviting us on a trip to the parties from the past.

And urges us to run, as we are being chased!!

Just like that evening falls upon us, as we surge to Halloween parties of yore.

A magical swish and swash of this and that!!

And here we go!!!!

A celebration of how we arrived at our 6th annual soiree.

The first time we met, I recall it as if it was yesterday...

Halloween Extravaganza 2008

With a pump organ and late night dances around the cauldron.

(click on party links to go back in time)

In 2009, we made our way through the forest, to a haunted apothecary shop.

It was wondrous!

A Hauntingly Magical Celebration in 2009

And then, in 2010 we found ourselves in the most enchanted place.

A visit to Gypsies and Fortune Tellers!

It was quite the visit.

Remember the old woman?

Eeeks!

Then the next year, we met under the huge trees, oh it was a night to remember!

A Magical Bash under the trees in 2011

We stayed up way too late, under moonlight and candle.

It was amazing!!

A whimsical party at the cottage is where we were in 2012.

I loved that old fashioned evening.

And now, here we are today.

Our 6th annual bash, and we didn't have to cancel.

We made it!!

Thank you to so many for plunging at the very last minute.

I looove these parties.

It's a great way to mingle with you all, and to infuse our own world with the fun of putting it all together, and making memories.

Thank you for the fun and magic!!!!

Here's to another year!

Hope to see you here again for another Halloween party next year.

 

Much love!!

From me, and the characters around here who are great sports.

2 furs, 2 humans ;)

xoxo

 

The left hand side bar is filled with others throwing parties of their own.

Have fun visiting!

 

 

 

ps:  Please make sure that if you are throwing your own party, you leave your party link in comments.  It will serve as an archive, and more folks will be able to visit you as time passes.

 

 

You're Invited! 6th Annual Halloween Party on its Way!

It's time to talk about Halloween partying, woooo hoooo!!!

Haunted tea-time is on the menu for sure!

 

Can you believe this is our 6th Halloween party?!

 

You can visit any past parties here.

 

Better late than never they say ;)

Time to get our cackle on!

Pointy hats unite!!

With treats and tricks galore!!!!

Won't you join us in a few days???

Saturday October 26th.

Here is this year's flyer and button.

Just click on it for the larger version, and then click and save to your computer to use on your own blog.

Flyer

 

Button

 

Wondering what to do if you sign up?

If you are signing up to participate in the Halloween Party all you have to do is leave me a comment, with your blog link, stating that you wish to join in.

Then follow these 7 bits of advice (err, rules)...

1)  Share the flyer and/or the button on your blog as soon as possible and link back to me.  I will then add your name to the "Halloween Partiers" list in my LEFT hand side bar (which will go up soon), and link back to you. 

2)  On the day of the party, Saturday October 26, 2013, please make sure to post a Halloween Party post of your own, on your blog, linking to me.  Other partiers will be visiting you on that date. 

3)  IMPORTANT - On the day of the party, after you have your own Halloween blog post up and running, please leave a comment at my Halloween Party post, including your "Actual Party Link."  It will serve as an archive of all partier links. 

4)  Blog hop with the other partiers on the day of the event and have a wickedly delicious blast!

5)  The party usually lasts two days or more.  Leave your blog post up for a couple of days if you can.  It will take folks several days to make visits.

 6)  For a more enjoyable and easy visit for your guests, please remove word verification for comments during the party.  This will make things so much easier for everyone, and allow people to easily comment on your blog.

7)  Double check the list to make sure your name is on it, if you want it to be :)

Note:  If you sign up, please make sure you post a party post on your blog for Saturday October 26th.  If you sign up and later find that you can't make the event, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will remove your name from the list.

 

If you don't have a blog it's okay, you are invited to visit with us here and at participating blogs on the day of the event.

 

Hope you can join in!!!

 

I probably won't go crazy bonkers with my party, since I am still recovering.

And so sorry for the short timing.

But, you are free to share whatever you wish, big party or small, we love you all ♥

 Hope to see you there ;)

 

Loooove, V

 

 

Unquestionably Autumn...

It is undoubtedly, unquestionably, autumn in Southern Arizona.

The autumn light is here, the air has shifted.

The scent, the coolness.

Warm days, chilly nights.

A second spring emerges like clock work...

Hello tallest marigolds.

It gets so hot here during summer, that flowers pull back a little.

Only to reawaken as October sets in.

But that sun, that dusty amber sun says it all, doesn't it?

I took waaaay too many photos.

I was just so amused at the shift, how it's nice to be outside now.

How the heat has lifted and you don't explode into fireworks like a vampire in the Arizona heat anymore.  Until next summer that is ;)

How just like that, the weather became that glorious weather that we are known for in autumn and winter.

Little petals know it.

Zinnias...

And, dinner-plate dahlias below.

So many pumpkins crushing the enclosed garden.

I stopped counting at 40.

Most of them little guys with long stems, love em.

Just when I thought the big fairy tale pumpkins were done, a whole new wave of them are growing.

Green and young.

The two toned marigolds turn up just as they always do.

And bees come back in droves, enjoying all the new blooms.

Especially the flowering basil.

Wonder what their honey tastes like?

The vegetable garden is embarrassingly overgrown.

Mister Lovee got rid of a bunch of garden brush for me.

We added it to our too big heap.

We have a brush trailer in our yard being filled up.

We have a stellar helper, and are on load 5 or 6.

Eeek!

The colors are exquisite.

The cosmos grew huge all summer and are finally flowering.

Worth the wait for sure, such a fuchsia.

The setting sun, in its golden glow, highlights everything.

Flowers grew in the vegetable garden this year.

Self seeded gobs of them.

The pumpkin vines begin to dry out.

Autumn leads the way.

I stroll about.

Watching the change.

Always amazed, another year, another season...

Just in time for spookiness, Mister Lovee brings home a desert find.

Bones.

Huge bones.

I watch the sun set, colors on flowers in the front garden hovering, swaying.

Flowers turning up in the cool.

Smart, aren't they?

The setting sun dances through leaves like orbs.

I love autumn.

We wait and wait and wait for autumn.

And then we try to capture as much of it as we can.

But always, feeling like sand is pouring through our fingers.

Enchanted by autumnal goodness.

Bewitched by its gifts.

And its light.

Its crispness, the memories it ignites.

Yes, it is autumn.

For sure, and for real.

In Southern Arizona, leaves are very slowly thinking about turning.

But the light tells us, fall is here.

The scent of fragrant wood burning last night.

We made a small fire (two nights in a row), mesquite wood smelled like floral incense to me.

I sat and watched Mister Lovee fill the brush trailer full.

Stomping to make room.

The dogs ran around playing, coming over to me and putting their little chins on my lap.

Me, feeling grateful.

Learning so much about life, how we fear too much.

And believe too little.

The journey more important that the destination they say?

More true everyday.

We put on sweatshirts, and grab dinner.

Dust in car headlights.

Life in deep breaths.

Autumn in all its goodness.

 

What does your autumn feel like?

Smell like?

Fresh breaths of early morning air?

Crackling fire?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Putting finishing touches on your Halloween invite, to be posted in a day or so.

The most last minute party ever ever ever.

I just got carried away going on ever so many thriftventures this week.

Sitting in great big chairs in Cost Plus World Market, contemplating a table runner with birds.

Buying more toasted seaweed.

Watching Pier 1 explode with Halloween meets Christmas.

(it was like Disneyland in there, I had not been inside in so many years it's not funny)

Buying a rug.

Seat Cushions.

Tidying things up in the living room.

Catching up with a life that got away from me for almost 2 years.

And yet, I pushed through it all, all that time.

Darn, that's crazy cakes.

So much time to feel less than good with chronic pain.

I feel like I have been freed from some curse.

It's good.

It's so good.

I am going here and there, and everywhere.

Out to wonderful dinners with Mister, and shopping, and seeing friends.

I even went on client appointments with him.

I met the plumpest most gorgeous cavalier king charles spaniel, his name is Cuz.

Then I met the most beautiful faced dog I have ever met, ever.

He was a pomeranian named Mickey Mouth :)

Adopted after being rescued  from the desert by a couple who swore they would never get another dog again after having to say good-bye to the last one.

After such broken hearts, there they were smiling big with their little furry son Mickey, melting hearts all over Petco.  Renewed joy.  Gotta love it.  Amazing how furs can mend you up just like that.

I looked at snakes and mice and turtles.

I spoke to a kitty that turned on its back and looked at me upside down.

I put on lots of mascara whilst humming.

I drove to see a dear friend who always is an angel.

I visited a little church I love so.

And, I watched the vast desert landscape turn to sunset as I sped past the Biosphere.

So you see, I got a tinge carried away having quite a time of it.

But still...

Life is goooood.

Ain't it?

 

Eclectic Hobo {Fun Giveaway} Winner Announced!!

While I am wrapping up my party invite, I am popping in to share a wonderfully whimsical treat with you.

It comes from one of our beloved blog sponsors...

Loveliest Gina Dowdy of Eclectic Hobo.

(Gina in fab costume at the carnival)

Jump in for a treat!

Today Gina is spinning us on the carousel with a fun fun fun giveaway!

(Thank you Gina!!)

Gina is proprietress of...

Eclectic Hobo Shop

She is soooo much fun!

Loves dress up and has a shop full of eclectic, whimsical, vintage creations and finds.

You can visit her on her blog for so many more carnival pics.

Eclectic Hobo Blog

Or stop by and say hello to her at Eclectic Hobo on Facebook.

Gina has been generous enough to share one of her fab creations with us today.

Ready for this?

It's a hand-painted leather cuff.

So amazing!

The colors are scrumptious, and the horse's face is perfectly fairytale like.

 

Literally, a piece of art to wear.

If you can, please take a minute to visit Gina's lovely world and shop.

 

Woo hoooo!

Fun fun, fun in the October sun!

 

WINNER!!

By random number generator, #2 is the winner!!
Tiff, hip hip hoooooooray!!
Email me pleeease ;)

 

Thanks to all who joined in the fun ;)

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

ps:  If you'd like to be a sponsor, you can find info here.

 

Things to Make and Do for Halloween {Plus Free Printables}

We thought today would be a great day to collect a few of my freebies and diy ideas for Halloween.

Whatta ya say?

 

I think we should start with...

Wickedly Wonderful Paper Spider Webs, tutorial here.

They are so easy and fun to make.

Add some spray paint and glitter, and you have an awesome creation!

 

Then we have those super fun Halloween Printable Cupcake Toppers.

Ideas and Tutorials for the cupcake toppers can be found here.

Here is the link for the printable PDF sheet.

(give it several seconds to open)

 

Oooo, and what about that unreal recipe for Baked Caramel Corn here?

It's seriously mind blowing.

Beyond good.

Recipe and tips here.

 

Oh, and let's not forget those printable masks!

Links and printables right here.

Owls and masquerade, and a sinister cupcake too ;)

 

Here you will find a recipe for the bestest pumpkin bread.

It turns out sooo scrumptious!

Pumpkin Bread - Recipe, tips and more photos.

 

Last but not least...

A free & printable Halloween card.

Printable pdf and tutorial can be found here.

 

YAY, lots of easy goodies to make and printables too.

Halloween is coming at rapid speed.

I am over here, last minute party planning.

I am shooting for Saturday the 26th.

I know it is late, but hey, aren't we lucky we get to have one in light of all the life madness?

Hoooray!

Proper invite to follow.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:

Don't forget to recycle cardboard by drawing stars on it, and cutting them out.

Poke a little hole in the top, and use wire or ornament hangers to hang.

Then cover in craft glue and glitter, hang to dry.

I like to hang mine from fairy lights...

Easy and fun, all year long.

 

It's About That Time...

Swift winds moved in with buckets of cool autumn air.

I peek in the garden...

Trying to get myself to leave the pumpkins on the vine as long as possible.

That way they will last longer.

A trip to Sprout's Grocery Store had me gasping at the precious pumpkins.

So I crept out this morning, into my garden, and picked two large fairy-tales.

There are oodles more out there.

I was happy to bring in this big punkin' babe...

It's heavy, oh my!

And would you believe, some fresh ones are growing since the weather is still so nice?

I am quite enamoured with this guy.

Look at that stem?

It's like a creature with arms and a super long beak or something

I think I will plunge soon, and really set out to harvest.

Another year of garden goodness.

I don't know what I would do without my garden.

It fills my soul so.

And now that I am getting better, I can go out and tidy it up.

It's gone crazy weeds and such since I was away.

But I won't let anyone touch it - although I might change my rules :)

It would be AMAZING if dogs could help with yard work.

Imagine?

I can see it now.

Little rakes in hand.

Just the thought is too great to bear.

I wish!

Oh, I must mention...

I have been enjoying that floral spirit board postcard so much (wish you could see it in person), that I went ahead and turned it into a print.

It's in my shop now too.

I framed a copy for myself, but you can get your own here if you'd like.

Well, I am off to run some errands with ML.

Pumpkin Holiday TIMES!!

Love them so!

It's the weekend, any scrumptious plans??? 

 

 ♥,  V

 

 

 

 ps:  Not that you wanted to know this, but I heard mad squealing in the garden the other day, only to find a big snake (I don't see them often at all) squeezing my plump light brown rat garden friend to death.

It was soooo traumatizing, oh my!

He gobbled him right up.

And as the snake, with a full belly, was catching some sun on a wooden board, a big hawk swept down, and almost grabbed the snake.

I was like, I have to go inside, this is a bit too National Geographic for me today.

Nature and life, it's brutal sometimes, ain't it?

♥

New Halloween Goodies!!

I couldn't stand to let Halloween season pass by without some fresh goodies.

I have been working on some treats I just popped into the shop...

Such as this new floral Spirit Board inspired card.

A little spooky fun, with a floral touch.

You can sneak over to the shop if you'd like to see the backs, etc.

I also have some fun new potion and spell jar labels.

I was in the mood for something dark, with white writing.

Something with antique detail goodness.

Took me a few days to cook these up, and finally, here they are.

These are fun because you can fill the jars with spooky potion things, or you can go more playful and use candies or treats for you and anyone who stops in for a visit.

Here is how I styled mine.

These labels are quite large as far as labels go, so they really stand out.

I aged them a bit too, for that extra spooky feel.

Here are the labels up close.

A soul's potion for all that ails....

Creeping Shadows Potion and Spell...

Darkest Elixir...

And, we can't ever forget a proper Magic Spell, can we?

Then we seal the deal with Wolf Fangs, oh my!!

I could design cards and labels all day.

I enjoy it so much.

Oh oh, I almost forgot.

I restocked some faves which were long gone, such as the Fortune Teller and Curiosities in the Apothecary shop.

Also just got a shipment of Tea time of the Haunted Variety, Bell Jar Halloween and Halloween Festivities.

I just had to plunge into Halloween season.

I normally plunge earlier, but it's only October 9th.

Still plenty of time to make it a curiously spooktacular Halloween season.

Party details to follow as well.

Also, if you are really in the mood for potions and spells...

I carry all sorts of label goodies.

They can all be found in my shop.

I LOVE love LOVE this time of year.

You?

Okay so, I best be off to get some party planning going ;)

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Of Pointy Ears and Pumpkin Thieves

I love a good mystery crime tale, don't you?

Especially when they happen in the vegetable garden.

I see pumpkins overturned and plumpest rats gobbling away.

Tomatoes nibbled gently.

Remnants of seeds scattered as a memory.

I don't mind.

But this morning, this morning there was grand commotion in the autumnal veggie garden...

Dogs barking like crazy.

Trying to climb in trees.

Shadows of pointy ears flashing up above...

Pumpkins with grand fang marks, such excitement!

I looked up through the branches, and what did I see?

But a beautiful healthy bobcat, looking down at me.

Here kitty kitty I exclaimed with fear and glee...

And then just like that, he started wagging his tail, whilst looking straight at me.

Oh you pretty pretty thing.

I wanted to hug him and love him.

Cuddle him in my lap.

Put him in a bonnet and plunk him in my antique baby carriage.

Take him to Petsmart, he he ;)

Of course, he is wild and dangerous, so I couldn't.

But I wanted to, oh my oh me.

My heart!

The dogs were madly entranced, barking away.

Now, how to wrangle them in, so kitty kat could escape?

Well, all it takes is saying "who wants to go in the car?"

And they are off, racing.

Car equals burgers to them.

I shuffled them past the car and into the house -

And then I went out, watching the big pawed beauty gracefully leap from branch to branch, and run away into the little stream out back.

(look at those glorious paws!)

Of course, because I have a biggest worry wartiest animal loving heart...

I wondered, what is kitty eating?

Is he or she safe?

I love thinking that all night long, while I toss and turn, the purring creature sleeps outside my window, right in our tree.

What a glorious cat.

Wish he wasn't wild and would move in with us.

Wouldn't he look so handsome sitting on my bed?

Or in my big red chair?

Alas, some of us must run free.

Free in the cool breeze, tip toeing to and fro, freedom of the heart and soul.

Sounds like my own heart speaking there ;)

Any curious creatures in your home or garden??

I'd love to hear.

There is a HUGE light brown rat living in my flower garden.

His belly is big and round and extra lovely.

When I water he peeks out at me and runs back and forth.

The other day he lept right over my foot, onto the stair, and back into the rose bush.

Like he owns the place.

Mister Lovee doesn't like the idea at all.

But secretly, I love all things small.

Eeeeeks!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps: Can't wait to hear about any of your own little unexpected visitors.

I wish I wasn't allergic to cats, darn, double darn.

 

pss:  Please use extreme caution if you ever see a bobcat.  They can be dangerous.  Get your pets away, and yourself.  And use a telefoto lens if you want to take a pic ;)

 

psss:  I am planning our Halloween soiree.  It will be small on my end, but you all can go way out.  Make it a blast!  More very soon.

 

pssss:  Thank you thank you thank you for your kind and encouraging words!

Is it okay to love people you don't know in person?

Me thinks yes ♥