A Fanciful Twist

Happy Thanksgiving ♥

Thanksgiving eve...

A perfect time to get out all those collected old things...

Whilst feeling deeply thankful in those quiet baking and cooking moments.

When extra good warm thoughts swirl about.

I gave away several of my big beloved fairy tale pumpkins, with a card on how to roast them tied on.

I decided not to be pumpkin greedy.

You see, I can be really pumpkin greedy.

But I knew there were others out there.

Others I had waited to collect for Thanksgiving.

A sort of thankfulness ritual in it all.

My thankfulness cup runneth over in so many ways.

Endlessly.

Too many to take today at once.

Even though I took many.

Before the first freeze they have to come in.

But for now, for now we roast.

Fairy tale pumpkins are amongst the best best best for eating.

(Yes, there are fresh green babies still popping up, it's unreal, I don't think they will make it in time though, before winter.)

Fairy tale pumpkins are not very fibrous or stringy.

And, oh so orange, you gasp at first sight of the flesh.

Your hands get stained orange as you cut it up, it's wonderful.

Did I mention they are candy sweet?

To roast just cut in big wedges.

Put foil on a cookie sheet with rim edges, or a shallow roasting pan.

Place pumpkin on foil lined sheet face down.

Pour a cup of water into the baking pan around the pumpkins.

Then bake for 1 hour at 375' F, or until tender.

Cool for an hour, then scoop off the flesh from the skin, and puree for baking or soup.

You can also cut up the raw pumpkin in pieces and cook into your own dishes.

(like I did with the rice and kale)

I roasted mine for pies and breads.

Meanwhile our big guy was roasting, I went to check out today's loot.

It's almost over.

Pumpkin season was good wasn't it?

Funny enough, it was the first year I just turned on irrigation and sprinklers and let the garden mostly do its own thing.

I didn't really have a choice.

Thankfully, the garden was okay without me 24/7.

A good lesson.

Boy, I had sooo many lessons this year.

And I learned.

So much.

By the by, as I was looking at the pumpkins the sky began to turn pink.

That beautiful pink over snow dusted mountains.

I collected some rosemary to place around the chandelier.

I loooove that scent.

I dug into old trunks for family heirlooms.

I love using old loved items for Thanksgiving.

I found a table cloth that fit swell, made by my very beloved grandmother ages ago.

When she was just a girl.

I adore the little edging.

I ran out and tried to get some pics of the boys with the pumpkins before I brought them in.

That was not a hit :)

No one was game, so I have about 40 weird pics.

Haha!

Autumn sun.

Autumn eyes.

His eyes are so dark in the shade, and so caramel in the sun.

It got dark so fast.

So, I decided to get ahead of myself for once.

Maybe do all my baking and chopping.

Maybe have less to do on Thanksgiving day, what a concept?

:)

Roast, puree, strain.

Bake.

I love Thanksgiving day.

The warmth in the heart.

The scent of the season.

Pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake.

I asked Mister Lovee which one he wanted.

His reply?

Can I have one of each?

My reply, of course.

So, the dessert is done.

The potatoes are cooked and just need butter, milk and mashing tomorrow.

2 pumpkin breads are in the oven.

In the a.m. I will work on stuffing/dressing, veggies and turkey.

I look forward to it so.

(late night pics)

I see every single day as a gift.

I am thankful for every breath.

Every laugh.

Every moment.

Life is fleeting, and there is no time to waste.

Every moment is a chance to love, laugh, be.

 

I read something a woman wrote, I am not sure where?

Can't recall.

But she said, "I would decorate for the holidays even if I was the last living person on earth."

And I thought, YES!

Agreed!

Doing nice things, like decorating for holidays, or even for no reason at all is grand.

It can be applied to every single day.

It's the point of doing things for yourself.

For the joy it brings.

Even just setting a nice table.

There doesn't have to be a reason, except that it makes us happy.

Sharing it with others is just a bonus.

That's the type of thinking that motivates me to try to live my life to the fullest every day.

 

To do things, just because they make us happy.

Whatever it may be.

I think that type of outlook shows our thankfulness to be alive.

 

I am thankful for sooo many things.

Big, small, tiny, microscopic, enormous, huge, furry too.

 

I am thankful for here.

For you being out there.

For being like minded, and taking the time to stop in from time to time.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, it's a beautiful day.

 

Much love to all my friends out there, even the quiet ones.

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not...

Happiest Thanksgiving wishes!!

 

Much Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  Since the boys refused to pose for a Thanksgiving portrait...

What better than them in their very best, in a piece of art?

Isn't it fantastic?

Matty and Miles in art, hooray!

This is a piece by Kimberly Wlassak of Gerushia's New World.

She makes wonderful art, and by the by, she is having a fab black friday sale.

You can visit her shop here.

(can you believe it, her work is not digital at all, all hand done)

♥

 

Whimsy Days

Hiding out in that little place...

A place where there is full permission to enjoy the whimsies of your heart.

Where your adult self enjoys your child self more than you did back then.

A cottage in the garden.

A ladder to cozy reading dreams.

Where there are no rules of age or time.

I don't believe in that at all.

Such rules are not allowed in my hiding place.

(or anywhere else in my tiny world if I can help it)

I don't believe in being boxed in.

I don't believe in time age limits or constraints.

Yuck yuck yuck.

No sirree.

Do what you want to do, I say.

Be who you want to be.

Don't do anything you don't want to do, if it can be helped.

Love what and who you want to love.

Hey, if you cry as you kiss gifted pumpkin babes good-bye, so be it.

:)

Have a hiding place, even if it's on a shelf.

A place for tattered little shoes and nests that fall out of trees.

Clocks that tell no time.

Shelves that hold things dear to you.

Nonsense of the heart.

That happens to make perfect sense to the soul.

Mermaids and birds unite.

Magic fills the air.

I mean real magic.

Not make believe magic.

I mean magic of the "I really believe" variety.

I do believe, do you?

I hope yes.

Tell me it's true?

What about a tiny turkey?

Would that convince you?

Or what about the tale of how there is mad scurrying going on in the 4 story dollhouse?

(yes, one of my big old dollhouses is ready to have some fun again)

You see, nana and her 6 orphan grandchildren moved out of the big yellow dollhouse...

And they have moved into the hugest most tattered house ever.

They haven't fully finished moving in or dolled it up.

But they are soooo happy to have a home for Thanksgiving.

Nana has made all sorts of goodies, and there is always hot tea for sipping.

The baby elves in rabbit suits are getting cozy, as are the giant birds.

A little baby from France is cozy cakes too.

Did I mention that nana allows any manner of creature to move in as well?

That's so sweeeet!

Unpacking is chaos!

But everyone is sooooo excited!

No more being dollhouse love being cooped up in the attic or garden shed.

Hooooray!!!

Dancing penguins take the cake!

:)

Thankful hearts a plenty in our neck of the woods!

Me included.

 

Here's to dollhouses and tiny things!!

And secret hideaways too.

 

 

 

Breakfast & Dessert {Morning & Evening}

It has been so rainy and grey here.

Rain is something quite special in the desert.

Chilly enough for little heaters and furry slippers too.

And of course, we are still in the pumpkins.

I know I know, so many pumpkins, so little time.

A couple of weeks ago I was in the plant nursery trying to choose some evergreens for holiday decor.

I always buy trees and shrubs I can plant later.

It's funny to see how big a pine tree can get in 12 years.

Hello huge!

As I was in the nursery filling my basket with greens and getting some fresh fairy lights, the most precious little old lady came up to me and said, "you have to pace yourself dear, else you'll get plum burnt out."

I think she thought I was plunging a little too early, haha, it was so funny.

We both just laughed and laughed.

My house is a mixture of garden flowers and pumpkins, and Christmas evergreens.

The flowers are sure to end soon.

Anyone know what flowers thrive in winter?

Are there any?

I'd love to plant some in my pots when the zinnias have totally gone, which is about now.

The veggie garden is thriving.

I have about 3 more big pickings of leeks.

In fact I just made some fresh potato leek soup tonight.

Yumm.

Early, on these very wet drizzly days we have had, you'd find me running out to the garden to collect arugula and cherry tomatoes.

I lost some tomatoes running back though :)

I also grabbed some cosmos on the way, and ended up digging in mud, pulling up tree size weeds.

In the rain.

In my slippers.

What a mess, haha.

I came in with my red, weed pulling, scraped up hand and looked for a pitcher for the cosmos.

Cold feels so unusual.

It's hard to get used to when you have been so warm for sooo many months.

The cold isn't nearly as cold as some of you get.

But, to some of us desert wimps, it's bone chilling.

Flowers and pumpkins and evergreens, oh my.

Just hanging out inside for a couple days while the rain went crazy.

The first half of my life I was a breakfast hater.

What about you?

In fact, only in the last handful of years have I become a devout breakfast eater.

Mister Lovee makes fresh squeezed orange juice every single day.

He usually has oatmeal, which he makes from scratch on the stove.

Did I tell you about the time he was making oatmeal, and I was sitting at the dining table drawing, when all of a sudden I looked into the kitchen and had quite a fright?

I was looking at his profile, and from his shoulder to his ankles there was a light orange glow on him, covering his robe.

He had longer hair (in a ponytail), so his hair had an orange glow on the ends as well.

That is when I realized, he was on fire!??!

It was the faintest orange glow covering him.

The sleeve of his robe had a piece of thread hanging, which had caught fire, and let the fire travel all over him.

I was so shocked at the sight, I could hardly get the words out.

LOVEE, you are on FIRE!!!

Needles to say he lost part of his ponytail.

He quickly took off the robe, bundled it up, and ran outside with it.

Imagine if I had not been there?

When would he have noticed??

I am giggling as I type, but that was sooo scary, hahaha.

Where was I?

Oh yes, breakfast.

So, I have never been one for runny yolk eggs.

When I make fried eggs, I always let my yolk cook until it is totally set.

One of the things I never liked from runny yolks was the sort of strong iron flavor.

But, when I started making poached eggs, I noticed that the yolks didn't taste irony.

Same for soft boiled eggs.

So, on a cold dreary non-stop rainy day, I set out to make soft boiled eggs.

Plus a grilled avocado, arugula, brie, maple turkey, tomato grilled cheese to cut in half and share.

The house was so dark for over 2 days.

I loved it.

Perfect for cooking and being cozy.

I know elevation makes a difference in cooking...

But what I do to make soft boiled eggs is, just bring salted water to a boil, then turn it down to med/low heat and lower two eggs in on a spoon.

For a yolk that is minor runny, but the egg white totally cooked, it takes 7 minutes at my house.

Once the timer rings, I pop the eggs in ice water for 30 seconds.

Cut the tops off.

Have a little dish of salt and pepper.

Then...

Eat.

This is one of the last things I would have ever wanted to eat a few years ago.

But once you play with poached eggs and soft boiled eggs in a way you like to eat them, they are just creamy and lovely.

How nice.

Snuggle up after a good breakfast, while rain pours down, and nap.

Everyone in my house napped but me.

(although Miles slept with his bum on my head all night, so I needed a nap all day)

Later...

The cold evenings, with rain still going on, led me to roast marshmallows on the stove.

I am not above such things, haha!

The boys wrestled.

Wasn't Miles dapper in my gardening shirt?

He didn't even want to take it off.

He's so darn funny.

(weird lit night shots)

He looked so short and funny, hahahehe.

Then we popped roasted marshmallows in homemade hot chocolate.

A decadent sip-able dessert.

I love making my own hot chocolate because you can control the chocolate and sweetness.

A little almond milk, a little cocoa powder, a little sugar, maybe some cinnamon?

Roasted marshmallows to garnish...

Perfect on a very cool evening, sitting in front of the heater, reading magazines.

I wonder when the sunshine will return?

Tomorrow perhaps?

We watched movies in the cottage last night, while I played with my mini dollhouse.

It needs some work.

I don't know what yet.

I have a few huge dollhouses, but you can only have one out at a time, unless you have a massive space to play in.

I am getting miniature obsessed again.

Eeeks!

 

I hope you had a super lovely weekend.

 

What's going on out there in your little world?

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Boy!

There's a birthday in the house!!

He's 3!

It's dark and rainy, perfect for baking puppy cookies.

Get out the twinkle lights, stars and streamers!

How did my baby get sooo big?

Awwwwe.

Drizzly morning birthday boy...

Happy Birthday Miles!!

Shameless doggie mama post, I know.

But I love my boys so.

I was given furry children in life.

A gift so profound, I didn't know, until I knew.

And once you let these babes into your life...

Well, if you know...

Then you know.

A love so pure, so kind, so true.

They are so harmless and sweet.

Innocent precious souls, forever.

I wrapped a little gift for Miley this morning.

He has been after one of my white mice forever.

So...

I gifted him 1, and some vita-sausage pieces for doggies.

He opened it up and gobbled them right up.

We had some treats for his party guest, his little big brother Matty.

And then, like something we could only dream would happen.

We got Miles' "harumph" face on film.

(he tucks his lip up so funny, sometimes both sides)

Oh Miles.

Hahaha!

That hilarious harumph face comes in when he is annoyed, perplexed, or ready to get on with the show.

"Hey, I'm done here."

He grabbed his little mouse and went away to play quietly.

After lots of playing this morning...

Wrestling, chasing, hiding.

He is now napping :)

All growed up.

But always a baby to me.

And always happy.

What a gift to our lives.

He even changed Matty's life for the better.

Showing Matty not to be so quirky and mean and fearful.

Nothing like fur love.

At least to me.

What about to you?

 

Miles makes everyday special.

He's a cuddle bear at night.

He is curious and kind hearted to the core.

He is loving to everyone.

He adores going in the car, and he and his brother get Friday burgers every week.

(he jumps in circles and goes bonkers if I even say "car")

He sleeps on his back, and lives to wrestle with his human papa.

He does oodles of tricks, and can eat soup off a spoon which always amazes me.

I never knew dogs could eat proper like?!

He also runs away if I ask him if he wants to take a bath.

He eats fruit and veggies and everything else too.

But no bananas, thanks.

 

One thing is...

I could never express his true loving kindness.

It's amazing.

If you were here, he would hug you and love you too.

 

 Here are some great pics from his 1 year b-day.

And, from the day we brought him home, sigh...

 

So, here we are.

Snug in the dark house as rain beats down.

But soon, we will head out for burgers :)

 

Thank you for being fellow fur lovers!!

And for putting up with my fur gushing.

 

It's just that, once you let a fur into your heart, you'll never be the same.

 

Who are the furs in your house?

Any precious quirks to share with us?

I could hear fur stories all day long.

 

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Days...

Fall days are really happening aren't they?

It gets cooler, darker, winds start to blow the yellow leaves off the trees and vines.

Blankets get thicker.

Sock drawers get opened (yay, I love socks).

And doodling in bed at night becomes a priority.

(the silver pen I used disappeared in photos)

But not before stealing a treat or two from the garden.

Candy sweet oranges and doodling by golden night light.

So good.

Magazines and doodle pages stack up in bed.

Oh oh, if you happen to take a peek at the November 2013 issue of Romantic Homes...

You'll see my tomato cage tree which gets dolled up for the holidays.

I had forgotten about it, and was just fa-la-la-ing my way through the issue, when I let out an oooooh! 

And scared everyone around me.

Haha!

It's such a great issue, choc full of wonderful holiday decor ideas.

Yumm.

If you happen to spy some of my goodies for sale in Plaid Parasol.Com ads in some of the Beckett Media magazines, it is because I paired up with them in late summer to carry some of my goodies in their new online store front.

I have had great fun with that, and working with everyone behind the scenes has been so awesome.

Such fun, I tell ya.

But where was I?

Ah yes, doodling.

Are you still doodling???

I sleep so well after doodling, I should do it more often.

You?

My blog posts have been such a menagerie of stuff lately haven't they?

It's like, no focus, just a bunch of mumble jumble :)

But it's a confusing time you see, when fall thinks it's spring, and winter wants to warn it is on the way.

The desert is all kookoo.

With fresh roses enough to cut and enjoy.

And ever so fragrant, dizzyingly fragrant.

I love all the colors of autumn.

The pumpkins and pomegranates, quince and oranges.

By the by, the quince hit the boiling sugar water.

What a scent.

And now...

Now there is jam.

I took a hot jar down the road in the dark, with only the moon to guide me, to one of my neighbors.  Such a nice man, with a spunky dog.

Thick lush leaves are saying adios.

And yes, throughout the garden there are still pumpkins.

I must bring them all in once and for all.

Over the domed garden below there was this massive fairy tale pumpkin that we removed a month ago.  But now, I see there are two more.

I am not sure our dome will ever recover, haha.

It is sinking in the center with the heaviness of the growers snuggling up there.

But hey, we got pumpkin love.

There is much muchness of cuddling going on in this fall season we are in.

(okay, yes, there is always cuddling going on)

Sleepy glazed over eyes.

3 cute boys.

I am craving puppies.

Bundles and baskets of puppies.

Sigh.

Or a big Maine Coon cat.

(Why do I have to be allergic to cats and bunnies?  It's so wrong, hives and wheezing.  Too sad)

Alas, we are so well adjusted and happy as is.

No sense in rocking the fur boat, right?

Right?

;)

Here is a common question.

Why do I cut my head off in photos?

Because I am squishy squinched faced behind the lens all the time.

Sooo unbecoming I say :)

Here's one of a recent pic that got the head chop, ha!

Oh oh oh.

Something gooood.

I made chicken milanese for the first time.

It was UNREAL.

I used this as a basic recipe.

The chicken was sooo moist and amazing.

But for spices added to the panko I used garlic powder, salt and lemon pepper.

Changed it up a little.

Then I went out in the garden with my flash light and took some cherry tomatoes, red pepper and arugula.  The goodies are still producing.  I need to bring in some basil before it all goes to seed.  I stop pruning it and let it begin going to seed in October.

Arugula is the gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, it self seeds like mad, and gives you spicy buttery leaves all the time, winter, spring or summer.

For now we are savoring the finish line of last minute flowers...

And pumpkins for 2013.

This one has quite the long stem, isn't it grand?

How did it get to be the end of November?

I just don't know.

It's all too weird for me to comprehend.

This thing of fleeting time.

So, instead I just live in the moment.

Day by curious day.

You?

 

OH!!  I almost forgot.

I just used a random number generator to find the princess pincushion winner.

It gave me #15.

I take my own comments out of the equation, which makes Kim of Gerushia'as New World #15!!!

Kim, you won you won!  ♥

 

Well, off I go for now.

I have to run around the yard making sure everything is put away, as a storm is brewing.

Coming in to knock the leaves off the trees and bushes that sleep in winter.

Eeeeeks!

 

See you soooon!

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:

I know I have posted this before.

But, I am listening to it now, and it's such a good feeling.

Autumn and leaves and dreams...

Strings, puppets, believing, dancing, harmonica goodness...

 

Princess Pincushion {a tutorial}

Do you have any simple easy to make treasures that you adore?

Maybe something you got from your granny, or an old lady down the street?

Maybe something you found, something so simple with little to no dollar value, that you cherish like mad?

I have a little something like that, which inspired me to make the princess pincushion below.

Which, might I add, you can fill with all sorts of pin bottom goodies.

I'll tell you about it...

Many years ago I came upon this little pincushion below, which was part of a bunch of crafty things that the tiniest, littlest, prettiest old lady made.

She was no longer alive, but I discovered her pincushion and swooned over it.

It is one of my most beloved little things I keep around.

And bonus, I use it almost everyday, plus it holds all my pins.

It's so homemade, and precious.

Jar lid, faux pearls, love.

Of course, it's a little tattered by now.

What it is made from is one of those styrofoam balls you can get at any craft store, which has been halved and glued into a jar top after being covered in pink velvet.  (run on)

It has gold decorative trim going around it, and then little stars pinned through faux pearls surround it.

Of course, many of the stars and pearls are long gone.

But, I love it so.

I imagine it lived in a very floral room of a Victorian house, amongst other pretty little things, before coming to live with me.

I decided (after wanting to do this for a decade) that it was fine time I make one and share this little treasure with you.

Of course, ahem, seeing as how nothing I do could be simple.

I didn't have a styrofoam ball, and for 10 years, every time I go to the craft store I forget to buy one.

So, in a moment of desperation, I whittled a piece of styrofoam off a big block Mister Lovee had.

He will be thrilled about it.

(actually, he loved the pin cushion so all is well, haha)

Anywhooo, without further adieu, let's make one, k?

All you need is to either carve a round piece out of a giant piece of styrofoam.

Or, like I said, buy a styrofoam ball at the craft store, and cut it in half.

Then grab some supplies.

You'll need things like hot glue, pins, fabric, plastic star confetti and trim.

I also took some gold spray paint to my peanut butter lid, but it wasn't necessary in the end.

I decided to cut up my fave piece of flannel fabric.

I love it.

I found it at an antique shop, and saved it, swearing never to cut into it.

Alas, I had to.

The princess pincushion needed some.

The thing is, you want to use felt, flannel or velvet, because it won't get so full of holes from pins as easily as other fabric might.

Cut a piece that fits around your halved styrofoam ball.

Run a bead of hot glue (set on low temp) around your styrofoam bottom edge pressing the fabric to make sure it is secure. Then trim any remaining fabric off.

Glue the styrofoam covered in fabric into your jar lid.

I used oodles of hot glue for that part.

Then comes the fun.

Embellish your piece in any way you would like.

I used pink velvet ribbon and gold fancy trim.

I then took some plastic star confetti I had, and pushed my pin through the center, like so.

And then simply went around the pincushion pushing the pins into the center of the stars.

Voila!!!

A super sweet handmade pincushion to love.

I love my new pincushion just as much as I love the old one.

Also, you don't just have to use it for sewing pins.

You can use it for brooches, lapel pins and hat pins.

With the holidays just around the corner, what a sweet little thing to make and gift, no?

Fill it with pearl end pins too.

(you can get the larger ones in the corsage/wedding section of the craft store)

I use pearl pins for pinning treasures onto my cork mood board.

They add some pizazz.

I think a princess pincushion filled with pins would make someone happy.

I did me :)

Will you try one out?

 

By the by...

Guess what?

I am giving my beloved new pincushion away.

 

So, if you'd like to enter to win, say howdy in comments and it might be yours.

If you'd like, share a memory of some old craft you love and own.

Maybe something given to you by your great aunt, or something you picked up on a thriftventure?

I'll draw a name in a few days.

 

I love little treasures as such.

They mean so much don't they?

 

See you soooon,

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Oh oh, also...

Both Princes and Princesses like pin cushions, it seems.

(although this babe fancies himself a king)

I think he likes it, haha!!?

King Miles of the Santa Catalinas, you are such a sport!!!

(he has a birthday in 4 days, oh my!)

 

Search for the Jewel of Oreveille (A Treasure Hunt)

As I promised...

 Today we have some novel mystery with Brianna, Fae daughter of the House of Oreveille.

To celebrate the release of her debut romantic fantasy, Daughter of Oreveille, author Tricia Ballad is hosting a treasure hunt -- the Search for the Jewel of Oreveille!

Follow the trail through the mists of Faeland to uncover and decode the clues that lead to the fabled jewel for your chance to win the giveaway: a signed copy of the novel and a beautiful geniune silver and moonstone replica of Brianna's necklace.  

 Brianna, Fae daughter of the House of Oreveille channeled her faerie magic through her pendant, the fabled Jewel of Oreveille. Now the Jewel is missing, hidden in the misty borderlands between the worlds of the Fae and Humans. The only clues to its location are shimmering words in a dusty manuscript and the map included in its pages.

 

Are you the cunning adventurer who will discover the clues, uncover the magical phrase, and recover the missing Jewel?

 

Here is your specific clue:

 

5 Fine young nobles rejected in favor of the man she’s known all of her 17 years.

 

 

 Click to download special sample chapters of Daughter of Oreveille.  Inside you'll find the words that lead to a hidden page on Tricia's website; but be warned... this quest is not as simple as it first appears. You must venture through the mists of the Faeland, visiting the six magical locations on the map located within to discover the clues that help you unscramble the magic phrase.

 Make sure you read to the very end of the link to find clues and a map.

 

The contest will go from the 18th-22nd of November.

Much Luck!!!

 

Isn't this fun??

 

Time for some mystery and magic!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

Evening Mish Mosh...

It sooooo windy.

I am hiding and typing, and the music is way too loud to think and type at once.

But for some reason, the last few evenings I can't help listen to Stevie on repeat.

Not that Stevie ;)

I know it's sort of sappy of me, but I like it.

With early evenings these days, I find myself fluttering here and there.

Meeting up for instrument time, and in the studio.

The studio is such a fun place for me.

Oodles of meaningless trinkets and treasures scattered about.

Mice stealing tiny tea cups.

You know, the usual shenanigans.

I stop to fold laundry.

Mend a few things.

Music and sewing machine collide.

Sewing machines are so darn amazing, aren't they?

I hide out in the sewing nook, sewing this and that.

I inspect shelves, searching for random tid-bits that oddly disappear.

Then reappear years later.

Curious indeed.

I plot and plan.

Boxes of fresh clay arrive, beep beep, UPS.

I make all sorts of dinners and treats.

Blueberry crisp (or crumble to some).

I chop up a fairy tale pumpkin from the garden, some leeks, and some kale...

Pop them in a pot with butter and olive oil...

Add my pumpkin which I cubed.

(Meanwhile I cook up some rice with olive oil and chicken bouillon on the side)

I toss in some garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar and cinnamon.

A little more butter, stir good, get it cooking a bit, and then I put in 2 cups of water.

You can add some chicken bouillon for extra flavor if you'd like, to the pumpkin mix, too.

Then, when my rice is ready, I toss it into the pumpkin mixture.

Yumm.

The flavors were unreal.

I didn't add any curry powder, but the dish did have a lovely aroma with scrumptious Indian notes.

A little sweet, a lot savory.

After a bowl of the good stuff, little clay gals get painted...

A pup hangs out on the couch.

As another day goes by and we meet another evening, I make plans for the wheel of brie a friend sent my way.

Yes, I do like brie, if we are talking about cheese that I like :)

After reading an article about quince in the newspaper, and how they are 4 quince for 5 bucks at our local grocery, I decided mine needed to be savored in over the top goodness.

I chop some of  up (see, they look like dry pears or apples), did I mention they are really hard to chop, cuz they are really hard in general?

Then I cook them down with butter and brown sugar.

Then I add some water and white sugar.

A little jam like, a little compote like.

Quince have a distinct honey flavor, and with the brown sugar, they were extra honey like.

Toast up some brie in the oven until it is bubbly...

Ladel the quince goodness on top....

And that is dinner.

A perfectly decadent dinner to inspire some painting.

Pink shoes with red puffs?

Yes please :)

I shape very old dictionary pages around chicken wire bustles...

Adding and drying, in this intricate process of paper dresses.

Taking a break to check on furs.

One fur takes all his toys out of the toy bag.

Then falls asleep.

Aaaaawe, stuffed animal love.

Sorry about the missing eyes :)

When the winds get very intense, and full moons shine through the window...

I meet my fave person.

Strings and keys by evening.

And then, we play.

That is a little bit of how evenings mish mosh around here.

I hear many of you are really really chilly?

Are you crocheting or knitting up a storm?

Keeping extra warm?

I need to get my yarn out.

It's about that time.

What's going on out there in your fairy tales?

Any massive tales to share, big or small?

Can a person tell massive small tales?

:)

 

Wellssss, all my boys need some attention.

They each keep visiting me.

One blonde one in particular insists on bonking me for affection.

So, typing must cease for now.

Plus, my pop music section of my Itunes just began, and 17 year old me wants some jumping time.

I love such a diverse selection of music, it's sort of weird, but true.

 

Over and out ♥

 

See you sooooon!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

 

ps:  Is there a way for us to share our ITunes? 

Like, our playlists?

 

 pss:  Monday I have some fun for book lovers.

A little treasure hunt I decided to say yes to, for a new book coming out.

With wonderful possible winnings for you, it should be good fun.

 

Fresh Goodies!

I have been so entranced with flowing solder, counting holiday cards and cutting labels...

That all my days ran into one big spiral.

So, I fell of the planet a little.

But, there are fresh treats now in the shop.

So, that's extra fun stuff ;)

I listen to movies, radio shows and audio-books when I work.

I rarely look up, so my mind is really accustomed to listening.

I find that thrillers can make me work more steadily and focused.

I made a handful of fresh pendants.

Hung them on their ribbons...

And polished them up.

I think they make scrumptious gifts for you or others.

They are a bit bigger in person than they seem onscreen.

They have a nice weight, and sparkle too.

I loooove soldering.

My very loud and active brain, I have learned, enjoys work where I zone out.

I wish it would go on vacation sometimes.

The only time it shuts up and gives me any peace is when I am painting, or soldering, and especially throwing on the wheel.  Goodness I love that zen space.

The bonus, treasures emerge.

Also, I did some inventory and stocked up the Christmas card section.

So, if anyone is in need of holiday cards, the shop is stocked.

If anyone would like a bigger assortment or amount for sending, let me know and I can make a card pack with many more, or a different variety.

I am beyond glad to do so.

Also, I have gotten oodles of requests for my funny holiday jar labels behind the scenes.

So, I made a bunch of them and put them in the shop as well.

They are so fun and giggle worthy.

Decorating your jars is extra fun.

I love that part.

 

 

So, there ya go, stocking up for the holidays, which are not far on the horizon.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, gasp!!

My shop link is here.

Hooray!

 

Let's see...

On the home front news.

You won't believe this.

It has been 75' - 81'F the last few days.

(that is 24' - 27' C)

Can you believe it?

There are roses coming up everywhere.

But more importantly, yesterday I stood in a flurry of hundreds of butterflies.

Yellow, orange, white and blue ones.

I tried to take pictures, but they were so fast.

Incredibly fast.

I'll try again today.

At one point several yellow ones gathered together and flew around me in a circle.

Then some beautiful white butterflies chased each other endlessly.

It was so interesting.

The basil flowers were covered in a gazillion varieties of little blueish moths.

Moths that look more like butterflies, so I am not sure.

It's an extra spring for certain.

I think that is why the holidays are so odd here.

It stays warm so far into fall, that Halloween and Thanksgiving can be one big blur.

But if we don't plunge, then Christmas smacks us on the forehead, and before you know it, it's February.

Eeeeeek!

Life is a whirlwind I tell ya, a whirlwind.

Okay, off I go for now.

Clay calls.

 

What's happening in your world???

Tell me, I wanna know :)

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

 

Of Quince and Stove

It's time to stroll through the garden and pick some nature treats.

Acorns with their precious little caps plunk to the ground.

Pumpkins still growing on the vine.

Red Berries, like jewels, droop from pyracantha.

Slabs of clay and soldering tools fill the studio.

Golden orbs hang out, ready to pick, on sunny warm breaks.

It's quince picking time.

I love quince.

I'll tell you about our tree.

Does anyone really care about someone else's tree?

This is the part where your friend is talking over tea, and you zone her out and don't remember what she said right?? hahaha!  You are looking at her and nodding, but you are somewhere else :)

Anyway, here is the tale.

It's about as tall as me and growing, and it is a volunteer.

Actually, about 50 years ago there lived a pear tree in this same spot.

In fact, our neighborhood was mostly orchards of all kinds of fruit trees.

Until a big disease/bugs came through before I was around, the kind that get inside the trunk and branches, and killed off mostly everything.

Luckily on our property we have a good peach tree and a huge apricot tree that we work to keep alive (the same tree eating bugs want to kill it), amongst other fruits and nuts.  The apricot tree is about 50 years old or more, and it took a turn for the better, knock on wood.

Anyhow, where was I?

Oh yes, so, where the quince was, there was a pear tree.

Now, the quince had been grafted with the pear tree, to strengthen the pear tree.

But, the pear tree had died long ago.

The year I came here, about 13 years ago now, a little tree sprung up where the pear tree had been ages before.

The little tree had the most stunning blooms, white flowers swirled with pink.

And then, over time we realized, it was quince.

It rose itself from the ashes.

And now, it's hearty and wide.

Growing taller everyday.

And gives us lots of fruit.

There ya go, a tale you probably didn't care to hear, haha!

But we have quince.

The fruit of the quince is quite dryish, and a bit more tart than a pear.

It's white when you cut into it.

But the magic is that, when you cook it, it transforms into the most honey sweet deliciousness.

And, it turns.....

Pink.

Pinkish amber.

So wonderful.

So we pick, and plot, and plan.

On warm autumn days.

When starfish turn up, it seems?

:)

By the by, this was a week filled with cooking, as you already know.

I made all sorts of things.

Pea, baby broccoli, beet, french green bean salad with a sweet vinaigrette.

Chili and cornbread with fresh corn in it.

I make my chili with ground turkey instead of beef.

I am also trying out cheese here and there.

I am not a huge fan, but not as big a hater as I used to be.

We froze a bunch, which is nice to have for chilly nights.

I made a bunch of other things too.

Then...

I did some major quince picking.

But then...

I had an impromptu visitor, so I made Shirley Temples.

They had umbrellas in them, but it seems I lost mine.

I also whipped up a quick homemade pizza.

I got the dough to rise quick by setting my oven to about 150'F for the 30 minute rising time.

Here is my fail proof  Pizza Dough recipe.

Have you tried it ever?

I didn't have toppings a plenty, so I opted for cheese.

I had a blend of Mexican shredded cheese, some Barilla marinara sauce (I think best in jar sauce, sweet and not overly tart), and some fresh mozzarella that I sliced and generously placed all around.

The mozzarella really did the trick.

For a non cheese lover, this pizza was heaven.

The next day I made another one with the left over cheese and sauce for Mister Lovee, but I used all wheat flour.  It was pretty good too.  I also make my pizza with oat flour sometimes, which I grind in my food processor from store bought oats.

Anyhow, it was fun.

But now, now we have major treasure picking.

Acorns in droves, they steal my heart.

Elf hats!

In fact, I filled my robe pocket with acorns the other evening, and then forgot about them.  It was chilly so I left my robe on, and slept with them in my pocket all night.

Now who sleeps with acorns in their pocket?

Maybe 10 year old little boys, and this grown girl :)

Sooooo.

Now it's quince time.

I usually make jam or pie.

But I ask you......

If you had a bunch of quince, what would you make???

I'd like to change it up a little.

Maybe try something new?

Got any quince tips for me???

 

I am sitting here with oodles of quince, and no place to go.

Haha!

 

I suppose I should go check on my soldering tools.

Don't want to burn the joint down ;)

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  Use of leftover wheat pizza for breakfast -

Heat pizza (I used the toaster oven).

Some arugula and cherry tomatoes from the garden.

Toss veggies in my often made, invented years ago, vinaigrette.

Avocado, fresh eggs from down the bend....

Yumm.

It was gooood.

 

And then, it was here...

The wildest rain and hail storm blew in, unlocking the door...

Leaves began to turn...

As pages blew open.

Who's that over there??

Oh my, it's Mister Bingley!

Little Women calls at this time of year as well...

Cuddle up in a corner, and all of a sudden the laughter of the March sisters skips in.

During breaks I carefully rattle through the box of dried roses from spring.

I flutter about, doing this and that.

Dusting, going through drawers.

I stand in the studio in front of the painting door.

An eye there, a brush of hair here.

Then it is evening.

The evening.

What evening?

The evening that brought us fall.

One storm and here it is.

A garden kissed by autumn.

Flowers begin to get crispy, their leaves changing from green to golden.

The air is moist, the light is blue grey.

I wash some of the garden leeks.

Trimming and chopping.

I decided to make a rustic potato leek soup, for the first time, in my own invented way.

I have read many a recipe on how to create this exquisite concoction.

But still, I opted for invented :)

I washed and chopped up the leeks, putting them in a pan with olive oil and a dab of butter, cooking them down slowly.  Careful not to brown them.

While that happened, I drizzled a good helping of olive oil into a dutch oven, just enough to pool a little at the bottom.  Then I tossed in 8 washed small/medium potatoes (skins on), that I cubed into small pieces.

I did say this was rustic, didn't I?

As the potatoes began to brown and break down, and were about 3/4 of the way cooked, I put in 5 cups of chicken broth.  I tossed in a hearty pinch of salt, a small pinch of pepper, one 12 oz. can of evaporated milk and a fistful of granulated sugar.  Oh ya, and half a stick of butter :)

Then stirred.

(Why sugar?  Once, while cooking at a gentleman artist's house 18 years ago, he told me it brings out the flavor of the potato beautifully and makes them more tender -  then tossed some into the potatoes he was cooking.  I remembered that, and gave it a go.  It worked amazingly.  Even if it was or wasn't true, do it anyways ;)

I then tossed in the leeks, with the oil they were cooked in, and stirred again.

I stirred and stirred as the mixture came to a boil.

Then I turned the heat to med/low and covered, setting the timer for 30 minutes, and stirring occasionally.

The soup began to thicken up, and I used a potato masher to mash the veggies and potatoes up a bit.

I opted not to puree the whole thing, but to just mash it by hand enough to break up the potatoes a bit, but still have little bites of potatoes and leaks on the spoon.

We ate a bunch that night.

However, after it was cooled and put in the fridge overnight, it thickened like mashed potatoes.

So, I put in 4 cups of water, a teaspoon of Knorr powdered chicken bouillon, and a dash of pepper.

I boiled it up stirring with a whisk, and it was even better.

Point is, if you want to add the the extra water, powdered chicken bouillon and pepper early on, when you initially add the milk and chicken stock, you can :)

It was delicious.

I wasn't sure how Mister Lovee would react, as he doesn't like creamy or white saucey foods.

Last night he said, I want to talk to you about that soup.

Then he went on to say that when he was a kid he took the train into NYC with his grandma to pick up some supplies for his bar mitzvah.  She then took him to Radio City Music Hall for a show, and then out for the best potato soup he ever had in his life.

Then he said, this soup you made brought me right back to those very memories, and was just as good if not better than the soup I had on that memorable evening with my grandma in New York.

So, I guess the invention worked :)

I garnished mine with sliced avocados and basil.

Let me tell you, it was decadent.

I highly recommend it.

You can also garnish it with a dollop of sour cream.

And even add some homemade bacon bits for a kick, if you are a meat eater.

But just as is, with the creamy avocado and basil, oh my!

I had pomegranates from the garden for dessert.

Mmmm, so fresh.

Pumpkins and gourds of all kinds are falling from the sky.

No really Chicken Little, they are ;)

Down they come, to reachable heights.

Although there are about 6 so far up in the tree, I am not sure how they will come down.

Concussion style probably ;)

A few have obliged us with an easier way to grasp.

Down they droop.

Did I tell you the oranges are ripening sooner than usual?

Normally it is January or later when the orange trees ripen up.

I have snuck ever so many so far.

The skins are so oily and fragrant.

So oily in fact, the the orange oil drips down my hands as I peel the orange.

Just awesome, love the scent.

They are so fresh and ever so sweet, it's astounding.

Of course, as I am photographing, someone walks right into the picture.

Hi Miley, you sweetie.

Oh, you want me to go running around the yard with you?

Okay, let's go...

Let me remind that, all the while, everything I am doing inside and outside, Matty is following behind me.

And if I turn around, he gets right behind me again.

And when dad comes home from work, it's wrestling time, which Matty instigates and loves.

He is always there.

Just not always in the pics, as he scoffs and takes off if I point the camera his way.

He must get that from me :)

Anyhow, we set out, admiring giant dahlias for however much longer they stay.

Brisk jaunts through corridors of bushes and trees...

Admiring pink clouds outside the gypsy wagon.

Noting that one of the pecan trees is holding on, not wanting to turn yellow just yet.

All the while, some mischievous magic tries to nip at our ankles.

Some sort of autumn tickle in the soul that turns up every year about this time, is here.

It's not like the frolic and flutter of Halloween.

It isn't just holiday excitement.

It's more like, getting cozy in our worlds, or something like that?

Bundling up?

Hot chocolate.

I don't know, but it allows for more pensive comforting moments, it seems?

Time indoors and time to reflect perhaps?

It's a feeling.

A knowing.

Can you feel it too??

 

It can't just be me, it must be you.

 

It's such a quiet week, with a distinct shift.

 

I hear clanking of knitting needles, and a foot on the sewing machine pedal.

The oven door opens, something baking.

The clicking as the stove flames turn on.

The soft boil of soup.

I smell fire in the air, and coolness on my nose and toes.

 

What do you hear?

Smell?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Life Snippets...

It got so quiet it seems.

A cozy silence in the air.

A change.

A deep breath.

More cooking and baking.

The day temps are dropping, fall is swirling its way into the desert.

October has left us, November has entered.

A collection of photo snippets from the last handful of days decided to visit.

Lighting of candles...

Twinkling of piano keys...

Paint on the palette.

Washing brushes.

Tea at the early morning piano.

Lighting jack-o-lanterns every evening still, until they shrivel away.

Halloween dinner...

An invention with the ingredients I had on hand...

Beautifully browned pork loin on a bed of garlic herbed basmati wild rice (which took 1 hour/forever to cook from scratch), covered in a spinach + sweet onion nutmeg concoction, topped with a scrumptious cherry sauce (which I made from organic frozen cherries) - plus al dente buttery fresh asparagus.

The aromatic rice, plus spinach with nutmeg and cherries over pork, was so over the top good.

We turned on black lights and made fruit drinks with tonic water so they would glow.

It was a wonderful Halloween evening.

Tea days are here for certain.

Cool mornings and reading things.

A little chill in the air.

It's funny how summer leaves from one day to the next.

I like to open certain books randomly, and see what the page says.

As warm sun emerges over the big mountains, bees come out in droves.

Love seeing the bees.

Today, collecting some of the tons of leeks out there, and some basil.

Potato leek soup will happen in a few hours.

Oh, what a scent...

It was a lovely busy weekend.

Dinner for two, whilst standing in the kitchen, hit the spot.

Standing around, music playing.

Rambunctious dogs.

Me rolling up some homemade sushi...

Lots of wasabi in the soy sauce.

Green tea...

Standing around eating and laughing and talking.

Love those moments.

Dia de los muertos was a day for us to remember our furry girl...

I am so happy I pressed her paw print into polymer clay the day before she died.

Her paws were moist and muddy, so they left some soil in the imprints which I LOVE.

Miss her, always.

Memories of loved ones who have departed fluttered about.

Marigolds and candles here and there.

And then, there were potato latkes.

Shred some potatoes, add some eggs...

Spice up as you wish.

You can salt them after so that the potatoes don't release too much liquid before cooking.

Mix up...

Form into cakes.

Pop in a pan of hot olive oil, cook until browned on both sides.

Eat.

Sour cream, jam, applesauce, ketchup...

Your choice ;)

How can you ever go wrong with a potato latke?

By the way, where is my fave tattered sweatshirt to paint in on cool days???

(I have two of the same one all painted, do you keep two of things also?)

Oh, someone stole it for a nap.

If you can't have your mama for nap time cuddling, I guess her sweatshirt will do.

:)

Heart love!

If you want to be touched beyond words and sob your eyeballs silly, watch a movie called "The Whale."  Luna will touch you to the core.  Oh Luna.......  (it's on Netflix instant)

 

How have you been?

 

What does November bring your way???

 

Love, V