A Fanciful Twist

Titania's Tea Party {A Wonderfully Magical Giveaway}

Update: Winner Announced Below

Today is such an exciting day!

A day of elfin tales.

Brought to you by Rachel Gallagher, one of our beloved A Fanciful Twist sponsors.

Rachel is the magical maker and proprietress of Titania's Tea Party.

You see...

Over ocean and miles, all the way from Derby, England, traveled a curious adventurer...

Just in time to watch poppies hatch.

Slowly unfurling, ruffled like finest crepe paper.

Actually, we are told that the poppies were awaiting the arrival of himself...

Lord Mouse ~ The Adventuring Elf!

He has been the most wonderful guest one could ever hope for.

Kind and curious.

Singing in trees, telling tales from toadstools.

He is so handsome and dressed quite like the Lord he is.

And guess what?

Sad for me but fantastic for you...

He is ready for new adventures...

And looking for a new home.

Can you believe it?

Lord Mouse, The Adventuring Elf might be coming to live with you!!!

Rachel's creations are made so incredibly well.

When I opened the box, my breath was truly taken away.

Lord Mouse is a treasure.

 

You can visit Rachel's Shop, Titania's Tea Party here.

and her

Facebook Page to see what other delights she is up to.

 

I will surely sob when it is time for Lord Mouse to continue on his journey.

 

Thank you for the amazing giveaway Rachel ♥

 

Good Luck to everyone who enters.

Lord Mouse is so excited to see where his next adventures shall lead him.

 

 

Please leave a comment below to enter the giveaway.

Tell us what kind of home or adventures Lord Mouse would find if he went to live with you?

 

Winner!

#26 Leonie

Hooray, Leonie, you won!!

Please e-mail me your snail mail address so that I can set Lord Mouse on his new journey!

:-)

 

 

 See you all sooooon!

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

The Journey of Paint...

I often think about that night I sat at that red light...

In my car.

Around 18 or 19 years old...

Choosing my journey.

Only now...

I realize...

That really, my journey actually chose me.

It wasn't until this very moment that I realized that fact.

That night, all those years ago...

I heard two voices guiding me.

Yes yes, I did hear two voices.

At a red light, sitting in my car, haha!

No, I am not mad.

Or am I?

:-)

The thing is, that is the second in time that I committed to living a creative life.

In that moment everything in me shifted.

I stepped out of the path I was in with all my friends, and started running through the proverbial forest.

I wasn't going to pursue the things my friends were after, but I didn't even know why?

What I did know was that, it was my truth.

I ran and ran with my decision in hand.

It fit me like a glove, it felt like the most "right" thing I had ever decided to do.

I was going to pursue creativity as a life path.

The thing that had saved me from my first true heartbreak was indeed paint.

Saved me from feeling lost.

From being an angst ridden teen.

It was the only thing I cared about.

Paint, clay.

That was it.

That was the decision.

And mostly, I was doing it for the health of my soul.

(like digging in soil)

Because creating made me feel so good and alive and free.

And the most like me, than anything ever had.

How I knew that then, I never knew?

I always thought I just knew.

But really, now I realize, I was being guided.

And that makes so much more sense.

And still today, it was the most right decision for me.

I always felt (when I was very young) that my emotions were so intense.

I needed something strong to balance me out.

Something good.

I had started really too early in life, as a little girl asking, who am I?

Who am I?

But creativity helped me feel true to me.

And in it, I discovered myself.

Over years and time.

And still, you change and learn.

Even today, you meet new pieces of yourself.

And sometimes....

Life gives you some real hard times.

Kicking you in the tooshie.

Making you wonder again.

Who you are and what the heck is up?

And so, you step back.

Assess things.

You realize you have changed vastly.

And yet...

And yet...

For someone like me, and maybe you too?

The paint (creativity) brings you back.

To who you are.

To where you belong.

Whether you share it or not with others.

It's there.

All those stories and characters alive in your mind.

That safe place, where you have endless butterfly picnics with someone called Art.

Where creatures and characters beckon.

Where you are never forgotten.

And the things is...

If you listen even just a little...

To those creative voices...

They will hold your hand and take you to the most magical places sitting right inside of you.

Waiting to jump onto paper.

Tucked right in your heart.

The you-ness explodes.

Eunice?

(my fave nickname for my sis)

Maybe creativity is just the nourishment it needs.

Like growing pink peonies in spring?

It's never too late or too early to plunge you know.

Do it for you.

You aren't too old.

Or too square.

Or too logical.

Or too stuffy.

Or too afraid.

Or too "not the creative type."

It doesn't matter what path you chose.

Or what life hands you.

Bad or good or scary or sad.

Ups and downs and all arounds.

 

It is never ever ever too late, to find that thing that makes you tic.

Or to plunge deeper into what you already love.

 

Maybe you already know what it is?

 

Maybe you want something new?

 

Whatever it is that your soul itches for.

You deserve it.

 

You do.

 

I am listening to my paintbrush these days.

Letting my pencil take me to visit new characters and places.

 

Sometimes you have to have a date with yourself.

Sit down and get to know yourself, over and over again.

 

The skipping in the clouds me, had to get to know the me that had rotten awful things happen to her the last couple years.

In doing so, I am able to learn and grow.

And let go, and keep skipping.

Plus, how would you know a rotten strawberry from a delicious one, if there were no rotten ones?

(by the way, bonus, really actually skipping makes your abs sore, which has benefits too, haha!)

 

The thing is, so many good things happen in life.

We can't let the bad trump the good.

 

It's time for you.

 

You know it don't you?

 

Plunge.

 

Little ways, or small.

 

Just plunge.

 

Take time for you.

 

Swim in a sea of creativity.

 

Baking, sewing, reading, painting, claying, singing, digging in dirt, piano keys, guitar strings, decorating, running, dancing, cloud gazing!

 

Whatever it is.

 

I think the doctor wants us to have a small dose.

Or large.

 

Or extra large.

 

Supersized!

 

You be the judge.

 

 

Looooove, V

 

 

And by the by, this was not what I intended to write today, but hey, I went with it.

Haha!

 

 

 One of my faves from a few years back for a little weekending fun!

Of Soil & Sun

Hi there friends!

So glad to sneak in, between a few blog service glitches still hanging around.

While that madness has been going on, I've been getting everything ready in the veggie garden.

My tomato seeds are ready to go in the ground.

I thought, maybe you'd like to go for a little garden tour with me?

It was very difficult for me to get in to post here today.

So, I will save my uber surprise for you until I know blog service is totally stable.

In the meantime, I will load up a ridiculous amount of photos.

Just to hold things over in case I can't get in again.

Sorry about the crazy blog stuff, by the by.

I hope it's all totally over by the end of the week.

Apparently the massive attack to Typepad was a major doozy, that happened more than once.

Poor Typepad.

Anywhooo.

Without further adieu...

It's on to garden stuff.

 

Yesterday a couple hollyhocks unfurled, swoooon!

And the yellow bird of paradise popped too.

Miley and I hunt for strawberries...

Mmmm.

So, strawberry-ee.

A little stash everyday, yay!

I have been working soooo much out there.

Kneeling, and squatting and raking and mowing.

Seeding and weeding, and boy I'm sore!

The best kind of sore though.

Back to the vegetable garden we go.

Wowie, a peach tree turned up from a peach pit that must have been in the compost soil.

We were tickled!

All the beds are now planted with seeds.

Little tomatoes turn up.

Some seeds I started early indoors, others (these below) I just plunked in the ground.

Under that soil below, magic is waiting to happen.

Now it's up to water and sun to do the trick.

Little fliers stop in.

Looking at me, flying around my head.

So, I paparazzi them :-)

I thought my heart would burst from glee yesterday.

Crawling around that moist dark soil.

Roots ready to do their thing here and there.

The scent of soil and water.

Bliss!

I have1 veggie garden bed (out of 8) that I let do whatever it wants.

It's doing so well.

I see pumpkins and.....

Teeeeeny BASIL!

Hooray!

Carrots are popping up galore.

Mister Lovee has been trimming trees in ways I can't even tell you.

Piles so high, soooo much intense trimming of all trees has gone on.

I take some of the switch like clippings and twist them into wreaths.

Then they dry in wreath shape, it's great.

I highly recommend it.

Once the leaves dry and fall off, you will have a lovely twisty wood wreath.

All sorts of birds hang out here all day.

Today 3 giant hawks hung about.

Cardinal boys turn up...

With their cardinal girlfriends, below.

Fur in sun, kiss kiss!

A moon beam glow just for good measure.

Aloe blossoms by the hundreds.

And then, the front garden.

Our flower garden is in the front yard, where we get to enjoy it like crazy.

It faces southeast, and there are huge trees, so it's a nice shady place in the early afternoon.

The sweet williams turned up like crazy this year.

They are everywhere.

We love them so.

My sis is extra swoony about them.

They are so pretty and plentiful.

Hollyhocks self seeded.

So happy to see them.

Tiny fairy flowers turned up this year again as well.

And those tender Mexican Primrose...

So delicate.

I love the tiny climbing pink roses.

They are so small, the closed buds about the size of your pinky nail.

The front garden is separated from the west garden (where the gypsy wagon/garden bath, office courtyard and gallery reside) by a dense wall of 6 massive tree height oleanders.

Around the gallery grow white climbing roses that bunch up like perfect bouquets.

Aren't they so sweet?

 

The cottage is coming up flowers too.

Years of hard work pay off when beauties show up on their own.

Roses and self seeders a plenty, yay!

Sweet William, we love you!

I lost a 6 foot long and 4 foot deep wildflower area to gophers last week.

I had been nurturing the area since November, isn't that totally throw a fit in the dirt worthy?

Good thing I scattered some seeds in pots too.

Everything is so big, making the garden so lush this week.

It's really happening.

Spring again.

I can't believe it.

We are so lucky to have seasons, aren't we?

(chewing grass)

Green green everywhere, and lots of flowers getting ready to peek open.

White floribunda roses.

If you see a rose bush that says floribunda, get it.

Those are my faves.

That means, abundance of flowers.

Like clusters of them.

I am putting lots of flower seeds in pots these days, since it worked out so well last year.

Then I don't have to fight rabbits from above and gophers from below.

Those rotten critters kill me.

Why do they have to be so cute?

Pretty soon the roses will just go bonkers.

Oh oh, a couple folks asked about the lavender roses...

I can't recall what the name of mine are.

Although I have it in a file somewhere.

But I did find a great link with details about lavender colored roses here.

Sometimes I look around, and can't believe what I have created in my garden.

The other day I felt like I was quite mad.

With the amount of plants and trees I have put in over the years.

When did it all happen, I wondered to myself :-)

It has taken years.

And time and energy for sure.

And now, to see everyone growing so big.

It's quite astounding even to me.

But I did it because I love it, and it is a passion.

And I never did it with an end result in mind.

I didn't even plan a thing.

I only mad gardened because it felt so good to be outside in the sun and soil.

It was therapy for the soul to me.

The garden beckoned me with complete and utter bewitchment.

I find so much joy and peace digging in the dirt.

And now, that I basically have the whole place planted, I am grateful for the vegetable garden.

That needs me every year.

Even if the flower garden needs me less and less.

With its perennials and self seeders.

It still needs me to prune and water.

And of course, enjoy.

Must remeber to enjoy.

Reminder...

Stop and smell the roses, indeed!

 

Last winter Mister Lovee and I were on our wooden garden swing, when it broke, plopping me out through that little space in the seat back, into the dirt in a backwards flip.

And Mister straight down.

It was done, history.

No more repairing could be made.

The wood had just disintegrated.

 

We had swung on it for years, reinforcing it and painting it over and over.

Mister Lovee put it up for me the first month we became attached at the hip.

13 years ago I made up a little phrase and painted it on...

"When life's got you down and blue, just remember I'll always meet up here with you, because150% happiness comes from swinging..." 

We even made up a song on guitar to go with the phrase.

Mister Lovee carved our initials with a heart on the back.

I was able to keep that piece when it fell apart.

This week we'll be going into 14 years of swinging.

And starting it with a brand new swing.

 For a long time, we searched for a new swing.

Never committing.

But finally, we did.

And the new swing is sitting in a box delivered today by Fed-Ex.

 

New spring, new sprouts, new swing!

I like it.

:-)

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  My aerobics instructor just arrived :-)

Actually, this is how I dressed him up for Valentine's day.

Hee hee!

I know I know, I am soooo mean!

But he likes it, I think.

 

pss:

Commenting has been down, but it looks like it might be working again.

Sorry about all the blog fiasco stuff, oh my!

Those hackers really got us this time didn't they?

 

The Lovely Days of Spring...

These lovely little days upon us, so joyful and warm.

I am so happy to be able to peek in again.

If you have been by and found that my site would not load...

Well, the same thing happened to me, which is why I have not been by either.

There was a massive attack on Typepad (this blog's service).

So, it's been up and down regarding the site provider's stability.

I hope it's fixed now.

However, if you have been wondering what was up, that was the issue.

I took the forced days away to do all sorts of art, baking and flower arranging.

The days have been incredible in the garden.

Saturday was beyond delicious.

A little cloudy, then soft rain in pure sunshine for a couple of fleeting minutes.

Sun shower bliss.

Big fluffy white clouds, and diffused magical sun light.

The roses are coming in.

As are the strawberries.

Mix up some custard and make a tart.

That's what tugged at my heart.

I use this tart recipe every time, the dough just needs a little extra tablespoon or two of water.

Oh and, I use all butter, no shortening.

So, where it calls for shortening, just use butter if you'd like.

That beautiful afternoon sun light beckons while the oven does its work.

When the sun glimmers just so, you can see all manner of tiny flying creatures flutter about.

Catching sun on their wings.

I love, I mean love, that time of day.

My little brownie by my side.

Normally he is always my shadow.

But never open to photo ops.

I am getting tricky :-)

Hello tail.

Collecting petals and setting the table for Easter.

Bringing out my sugar eggs.

I wanted to do another sugar egg post, alas, the internet gremlins didn't allow it.

Here's my tutorial from last year though.

I get so excited about flowers in the garden.

I can hardly stand it.

I am waking up at 5 a.m. these days.

Running out to see what new little buds are happening out there.

Some are so perfect.

I know you are probably sick of me saying this.

But I just find flowers so astounding.

They take my breath away.

Such beyond word treasures from nature.

I know you agree and more than likely, feel the same way?

I can not choose what time of day I love more.

Early morning...

Or diffused light afternoons.

Those afternoons, bliss sigh.

I tiptoe through.

Friends gather in the front garden.

I pluck.

And sniff.

And run in to check on baking things.

Fur babes play in wildflower filled earth.

I collect.

I give bouquets to my sister, to Mister, to my dining table.

Over and over.

I love this spring.

All springs.

I saw some photos of autumn, and was reminded of its beauty.

I was taken by the thought, of how, once spring fades and summer moves in...

It gives you just enough heat and play and green to prepare for autumn.

To cause a yearning.

It's like, the season shifts just at right moment.

But for now, we swim in spring.

Lovely beautiful spring.

Evening spring.

Spring days, with all their newness and inspiration.

With skips and laughter under rose filled arbors.

With butterflies peeking in.

With cardinals chasing each other through the trees.

With sunflowers thinking about pushing through winter earth, that slowly becomes a memory.

These are the days.

The days we will look upon with fondness years from now.

We shan't miss them.

Or take them for granted.

Or wish for something else.

But instead, take a little time to absorb the right now.

The, this moment.

Yes, yes, this is what we should do.

Wouldn't you say?

 

I hope you had a lovely Easter.

I made all sorts of edibles.

It was a lovely time.

And now, off I go, to catch that enchanted afternoon light.

As it dances through leaves and trees, right into my front garden.

Don't you love that light?

 

Off, to hug my two handsome fur sons.

And to oversee Mister Lovee's shenanigans.

The kind where he climbs tall ladders, and ties a rope around his waist.

Whilst wielding around an electric saw through branches and air.

Tree trimming you see.

 

Why I think I can save him if he falls, I don't know?

But it makes me feel better to keep an eye out.

Also, he is bringing down last year's gourds that went way up high.

Yay!

 

Stay tuned for the next post.

I have the most exciting lil' visitor to share.

Who, might even take a trip to live at your pad.

Oooooo, he is so darling!

I can't wait!

(I really want him for myself, alas, he must voyage)

 

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

 ps:  I planted two apple trees, that do well in my region, last week.

I have wanted them for many years, I hope they flourish.

Do you have an apple tree?

I love apples.

Also, thanks for the allergy commiserating.

It only lasted a day, I think something I am not used to blew in with the windy days.

The pomegranate bush is full of blooms.

Something to look forward to for autumn.

 

pss:  Typepad is still working on some issues from the massive attack.  If you have issues visiting or leaving a comment, that's why, but hopefully in the next week all issues will be resolved.  It was a doozy, eek!

 

Singing Flower Head Egg Wrappers + Easter Freebie Round-Up

What is that curious sound in the garden?

Is it the singing of tiny voices I hear?

Why yes, it is indeed.

Singing flower heads!

And guess what?

They are free, and printable.

And bonus, I made them just for you.

Despite my eye swollen shut and mad sneezing from allergies (which hasn't happened in years), I still managed to finish a little Easter gift, from me to you.

Printable Easter egg wrappers, yay!

 

Simply CLICK HERE for your free printable pdf.

Give the pdf several seconds to open.

Easy right?

I just used everyday printer paper for mine.

But you can use anything you want, such as card stock.

Then just cut them out and stick the bands together on the back with tape.

Easy as pie!

And what a cute treat for egg recipients, don'tcha think?

You can also use them to wrap around plastic eggs.

Or doll them up even extra with paper and glitter as you see below.

These are elfin Easter egg wrappers.

Click here to access those below, which I shared in the past.

 

And for even more to add to your collection, here are the littles below.

Which I made a while back.

I think I need to print these all out myself and really doll all my Easter eggs up.

 

Click here for the, Cutie Paper Puppet Head Egg Wrappers, below.

If you are interested in making your own cascarones...

What are cascarones you ask?

Basically hollowed out and washed eggs, that you fill with glitter and mostly paper confetti.

That are then decorated.

Traditionally broken on people's heads for fun in Mexico, during Easter.

Anyhow, if you are interested in making a doodled version of your own...

 

Simply click here for the tut below.

And, last but not least....

If you would like to make a cone cascaron, which I grew up with, and sparkle it up all pretty, click here for ideas and tips.

Voila!

There you go.

Lots of Easter treats for you.

Now, I want to chat some more, but I have tears streaming out of my silly allergy eyeball.

The right one.

It's a sorry sneezing, non stop for 10 hours sight, haha!

 

Hope you love your new flower head egg wrappers!!

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

Paper Dress Girl {Of the Life Size Variety}

Vintage dictionary pages and lots of glue...

Plus a dash of patience and sprinkle of wanting to bring an idea to life...

Can sometimes turn into mad paper fun.

I have wanted to turn one of my dress forms into a life size paper dress girl for ages.

So, in the midst of glue cravings, I plunged.

Then embellished with old I.O.O.F. medal ribbons.

I have quite a collection that Mister Lovee has gifted me over the years.

He would give them to me as a surprise, calling them commendations.

Stars and top hats and butterflies make everything better, me thinks.

So, after deciding to attempt to bring a paper dress like my ballerinas wear, to life...

I got busy, gluing and layering, and gluing some more.

Until a full paper dress came to life.

I dolled her up here and there.

And put a pendant necklace (which I make here) on her.

All my pendants are double sided, so the sheet music side is on display today.

Ready to go out on the town ;)

I even let her wear my fave brooch.

One thing I love about working with old dictionaries is that, as you work you may see wonderful things here and there.

Like a seahorse.

Or beetles and medallions.

I hope the dreamkeeper doesn't mind sharing her hat for a little while.

I must confess.

The process was trickier than I had thought it would be.

But patience and perseverance pays off.

Even when your feet are glued to the floor and gluey paper floats about everywhere.

Thank goodness someone invented chicken wire.

I wonder what adventures she'll lead me on?

Because when you create...

One creative endeavor leads to another and then another.

Which is why it is good to try to keep the creative vibe flowing.

You never know where it might lead you?

Now I have papier mache of the brain.

What to make next?

Any thoughts?

 

I hear the mail truck, our daily pleasure, off for now.

I'll be back soon.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  This is what goes on when I am working away ;)

Glue + Paper

I am up to my elbows in glue and paper.

Dripping off me like raindrops...

Sometimes you have to go play in the garden.

With the dogs.

Throw Trix at your sister like an overgrown kid.

They were so colorful I couldn't help myself.

Harass Mister Lovee bunches.

Before you can come back to the place where you are happiest.

Well, maybe not happiest, but pretty close to happiest.

It's in the top 3 of the list.

With glue and glitter on the hands, making them look puckered and funny.

Sometimes, you just need to go have some fun.

While your imagination grows.

Like spring flowers.

And then, there is chicken wire and paper and glue a plenty.

With German glass glitter at the ready.

A fresh and fine golden batch.

With trinkets and treasures galore.

Choosing a few to hang here and there and there and here.

Plunk goes that glue off my elbow.

I feel a wave of something good coming.

By the by...

The other night I feel asleep before I could watch Anna Karenina...

And proceeded to have the most fluttering fairy beautiful dream to the most glorious tune.

Then I realized it was 3 a.m. and the tune was the menu song playing over and over to Anna Karenina.

I have not been able to get over that tune, it's so wonderful.

 

 Well, back to glue I go for now.

What have you been up to?

 

See you soon!

 

 

 

ps: How about 3 random things for fun?

 

 1) This Alpaca cutie lives down the road from me.

With a blonde friend, a bit smaller and so cute!

And a Great Pyrenees guarding them.

 

2)  If you wonder where Santa spends spring and summer.

Well, it's a big secret.

But, I'll tell you.

Just down the road from my country pad...

Is where he tucks away in his desert hideaway called Christmas Valley.

See the name on the gate?

And yes, there are video cameras in the Christmas trees.

:)

 

3)  Super lovely giveaway of all sorts of embroidered, stitched and fabric loot at Bobbypin Bandit, join in for some great fun!  Don't be shy, she is welcoming everyone warmly ;)

 

Kool and the Gang?

So, I get these vividly bright ideas.

About pups in costume.

Handsome little faces all dolled up.

Kool and the Gang pops into mind.

Friday fun?!

I know what you are thinking...

Doesn't this woman girl lady have anything better to do?

No.

Not really.

Not when I get bright ideas that center around dress up for dogs.

No, then anything can wait.

Usually.

Because, you have to jump in when the boys are up for it.

And your appointment with the accountant is hardly as important as dressing up your dog.

To put pictures on your blog.

:-)

Some of my fur friends go for it.

With the promise of turkey at the end.

Some rather look like they should dress like this all the time, don't you think?

 

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...

Gosh I love that boy kid dog.

Problem is.

The Kool and the Gang idea fell apart...

When Matty (brown dog) decided he wasn't up for my shenanigans and took off.

Lickety split.

He hid out between the oleanders.

So I didn't even bother coaxing him.

Miles was skeptical for half a second, but will do almost anything for mama.

Or food.

And my nephew Douglas seemed totally into it.

And then, without fail, my choice of song/group changed anyways...

To Earth, Wind & Fire.

Or should I say more like...

Earth and Wind.

:-)

So, we are missing the fire today.

But we've got great side shots of blondie to make up for it.

Oliver Peoples would be proud.

Vintage now too.

How weird is it when all your treasures from high school become vintage??

What next, antiques?

What a guy.

This dog is the kind of dog that makes you a better person.

He is all love.

Kindness.

Joy.

Licks your tears, cuddles right up to your chin.

Fancies himself a lap dog.

Gets the paper and the mail.

He's an angel in disguise, I just know it.

 

Plus, he gets brownie points for not minding his mother's dress up nonsense.

 

 

And, if this song below doesn't make you want to dance...

Then, I should just quit my job here.

Because, if you aren't inspired to get out your shoulder pad sequined blazer...

Then, I don't know what on earth I am doing here anymore.

I mean honestly.

 

:-)

 

 

Happy weekending fun my friends!!

 

It's Jon Secada Friday, don'tcha know?

Just my nickname for cocktail hour with lots of music from the past.

I don't know why I even started calling it that years ago.

But now my sister and I always exclaim, IT'S JON SECADA FRIDAY!

 

Shirley Temple Viernes!

 

So, if you have pet photos and/or blast from the past songs you want to share, feel free to share your link in comments.

Maybe we should really make a thing of it every Friday?

And share old clothes and tales and treasure we have?

 

Hmmmm, this could be oh so fun!

 

Now, go dress up your dog, or your cat, or your boss.

Even your boss probably needs a little dress up pick me up, to liven up his or her life.

Imagine?

 

 What song from the past pops into your mind on a whim?

Just off the cuff?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

Springing + Petals

My addiction to painting flowers is being fueled in major ways.

The heat just appeared yesterday like fireworks.

Warmth shooting through trees, as leaves unfurled madly.

Flowers popped up like magic.

As delicate ruffled frosting roses sat in shock.

So of course, I had to bring some in.

Any excuse to sneak off with a few.

Remember how I said I wasn't planting in the flower garden this year?

I couldn't help my greedy self.

I spent all Saturday driving around like a mad woman.

I was on the hunt for Cleveland Sage.

OH MY, a new fave.

It smells sooooo good and doesn't even like water that much.

I saw it growing at a church rummage sale.

I asked everyone there if they knew what it was.

An old man was so excited for me to have some cuttings.

But the ladies almost had my head when they saw me with it, haha!

Eventually someone knew what it was.

And in the midst of holding my sister hostage on my hunt, I found about 10 other perennial plants I could not live without.

By the by, I finally found Cleveland Sage at a local nursery called The Great Outdoors.

(in Catalina, Arizona)

They have some of the most beautiful plants I have ever seen.

I so recommend them.

Anywho, all the petals below now have new siblings :)

I can't ever get over roses.

They just always amaze me to pieces.

You?

Oh and, did I tell you?

I spied a few berries.

I had my second strawberry today.

Why do such things amuse me so?

Actually, I only had 1, because I gave half of each to Mister Lovee.

They are so sweet this year.

Mmmm.

Helooooo Grasshoppa!

I am a happy girl.

Petals on the table.

Pepto and corals a plenty.

Yellows too.

Ready for treat time.

I made about 5 dozen pumpkin empanadas.

(Mexican hand pies)

Only, if I dare share the family recipe I might mysteriously disappear.

So, I will have to find you one that is just as good.

There's just a bunch of secret natural ingredients that make these super flaky and lovely.

And butter too, no shortening.

Yumm yumm.

One of my hugest fairy tale pumpkins was used in the making of these.

I still have a couple more and a bunch of little orangies too.

These were the first good fairy tale pumpkin seeds, so it was most excellent to grab them before pumpkin planting begins tomorrow.

(Some are coming to you soon Ms. Misantropia)

The flavor and sweetness of fairy tale pumpkins is unlike anything I can describe.

The best for eating for sure.

Roasted and pureed.

Yummm yummm!

I put some orange zest in my filling which took the empanadas from pumpkin holiday flavor, to a bit fresher spring version.

So now, we get to munch away.

And can you believe...

I only just yesterday washed the Christmas greetings off of my homemade chalkboard.

I know.

Pretty ridiculous :-)

 

It is 90'F here today.

(32.3'C)

Are you floored?

I am.

 

We got catapulted straight into summer my friends.

Weirdness weather patterns indeeeeedy!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

ps:  My sister and I had a great laugh (on our journey of belly laughs til we scream in pain) when she playfully suggested that my Metamorphosis post the other day, had an air of me sampling some serious shroom nog.  Just for the record, I was not, nor have I ever partaken in funny fungi :-)

(Partaken? Is that a word?)

All this wackiness is natural my friends, hee hee!

Yikes, gulp.

I don't even feel wacky though.

:-)

 Okay, maybe just a little.

Glittered Girls {Original Art Cards}

I have some fresh new sparkly lil' gals in the shop today.

Original art cards, some in pencil and others in ink.

All water-colored and sparkly.

I wish you could see them in person.

As photographing sparkles is soooo hard.

They throw off the brightness of the cards.

So, just know they are lovelier in person.

Most folks who have given a card or two a home mat and frame them.

And hang them on the wall.

I have been playing in pencil and ink.

Along with different shades of backgrounds.

For all sorts of little faces.

They are all in the shop as of now.

Looking for homes.

Glitter makes the world a better place doesn't it?

:-)

 

It's going to be very warm today.

I noticed tomatoes and carrots sprouting in the vegetable garden.

Time to paint in the garden before it gets too hot.

 

I just love the warmest sun.

Remind me when I am melting in summer okay??

 

Hope you are having a loveliest day!

 

Love, V

 

Metamorphosis...

There is something brewing.

A buzzing, a flutter, a burst of sun through the trees.

Is it rose buds, morphing into petals, opening wide?

Or petal edges drying in the sun?

It's something, but what?

Is it where fuchsia meets thorns?

I wonder in the garden.

Where everything looks different.

It's exciting, it's monumental and then...

Subtle.

The air is scented with fragrances so strong, you feel dizzy.

Jasmine and orange blossoms collide.

Smell that?

As sun goes down, and the wait for trees dripping in leaves continues...

I stroll.

What is it?

Do you know?

Who knows?

Anyone?

I look at cactus pads framed in blooms reminding me of Frida Kahlo.

Flowers and bees will make fruit.

As tiny grapes turn up.

I sniff, I wonder.

I go from anxious to calm.

From curious to alert.

It's a change.

Some kind of change.

Down the steps, up the steps.

Something feels odd and interesting and different?

Is it spring?

Is it me, is it you?

Is it the weather, the time, the years??

What?

And then I start to understand.

It seems clearer.

I hide, and stroll, and think.

Think too much?

Think too little?

I look up, I look down.

I admire that bluest sky.

And then...

I get it.

A little.

A lot.

Not so much.

Maybe.

The bees in the pittosporum sound like an engine at work..

Do they know?

Or...

What if??

What if it's seeing things through someone else's eyes?

 

I don't know what it is.

But I am sure it is some sort of metamorphosis.

I feel a change in the wind.

It's been tapping on my shoulder the last month or two.

In the core of my soul.

Do you feel it too?

 

I am starting to embrace it.

I think I have felt it before.

Yes, I have felt it before.

Journeys in life.

But it has been so long, I almost forgot what it felt like.

 

Everything looks different.

Have you ever woken up one day and realized...

Too much has happened to stay the same.

Or turn your back on it?

Life has taken you on journeys so vast.

You just aren't the same.

And maybe it's good?

 

You try to understand.

This change.

 

But then you realize...

 

That, it's only at the moment that you let go...

Plunge over a cliff, off a tree, into the deepest lagoon...

That you trust and jump...

That you take deep yogi breaths, and sit legs crossed in the dirt...

 

That you say, okay, I give in.

 

Here, have control.

 

That it all begins to make sense?

 

That it doesn't seem scary, but instead, exciting.

 

We grow.

We change.

Growing pains?

Growing gifts?

Growing brain and soul?

 

I don't know.

 

I don't know.

 

Do you?

 

All I know is...

I feel something brewing.

 

Nothing is the same.

Or is it?

Or do we just see it differently.

 

Do you feel it?

Is life trying to tell you something?

 

One thing I know for sure.

It's in the moment that you go with it, and stop fighting...

That a huge peace comes over you.

And it all looks good.

 

I guess, we never stop growing up.

 Seasons change.

And so do we.

Maybe I changed long ago and am barely noticing it?

 

But it's interesting.

I am waiting for what is to come.

 

Is it happening to you as well?

What do you see?  What do you feel?

 

I kind of want to dance and sing more.

And climb really tall hills.

Maybe not mountains, but hills would be okay.

And swim in hidden waterfalls.

I love doing that.

And laugh laugh laugh.

My sister and I have had some serious laughs lately.

So much laughing I had to scream from belly laughter pain.

You see...

We got a hoola hoop.

Does that say it all? 

 

Today is blog post number 1001.

 

Maybe the message is hidden in the questions.

What if this metamorphosis is the acceptance of change?

Woe, that's heavy, haha!

 

I kind of feel like it's about being able to throw your hands up in the air and say, big deal, oh well, c'est la vie!! 

(and really mean it)

 

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

 

To the Gypsy Garden... {& giveaway winner}

When my sister suggested it was time for evening cocktail hour...

I knew it was time indeed.

Time to bring back those gypsy garden evenings for the season.

Music, candles...

Light the lanterns in the trees.

Trees just beginning to get their leaves.

You know, it wasn't until I got into my thirties that I have really felt like I belonged in Southern Arizona.

Looking back, I know now that I always have.

That I am a real part of this place in the depth of my being.

And that I identify with it madly.

But I didn't really embrace it as kid, as I do now.

I thought it was mysterious and fascinating, and I loved collecting crystals and peeking in old mines and ghost towns.

But I always thought, when I grow up I will go somewhere else.

But then I didn't want to really, when it came time.

And I am so glad I stayed.

Actually, those early road trips around our state with Mister Lovee really caused me to fall in love with Arizona, in a real way.

It's so wonderful to live in a sunny warm place, even if summers are really hot.

It's a dry heat that is manageable.

Not too many mosquitoes.

I rarely see a snake except for a gopher snake going into gopher holes once or twice a summer.

(knock on wood)

The winters are mild.

The mountains are glorious.

People are casual and smiling most of the time.

It's a tinge New Agey, I think at least.

And arty too, and interesting.

New age is a vibe I love and feel.

Even if it's totally 90's of me to love New Age ;)

Did you know that Northern Arizona is super forest like and chilly?

Not all of Arizona is a desert, like here in Southern Arizona.

Even here, the mountains I see from my garden are forest like and get snow.

Where desert meets forest.

I live at a bit higher elevation, about an hour from downtown Tucson, which is why it seems greener.

And cooler.

Do I sound like an Arizona infomercial??

Hahaa!

I always thought I was meant to be a California girl.

Living there half years most of my childhood.

But now I know...

I am not.

I am an Arizona desert girl.

Under mesquite trees, on gypsy nights, I know it for sure.

I can't imagine living any other place.

And sooooo.

Point is, before I ramble on and on...

That my sis suggested a cocktail hour.

Hinting that there was a bottle of champagne in my fridge.

Who knows how long it had been there by the way.

So, she cracked it open.

Meddled it with fresh mint from the garden.

Gave me minty lime soda with just a splash of champagne.

Which I must say, I feel ever so slightly hungover today, but I can't be so it must be in my head.

Not after a thimble full of champagne, me thinks.

What a a glorious night.

The climbing roses are exploding over the lil' gallery too, on the west side of the garden.

Over by the gypsy wagon and the wisteria gazebo thingamabob.

Perfect for frolicking under slight moonlight.

Sipping away....

Cuddling under warm fuzzy blankets and old sparkly quilts.

We absconded with Mister Lovee's current transistor radio.

Of which I have gifted him about 7 in our time, only to have them drop in buckets of water and such.

He listens to NPR all day long especially on weekends, and carries that radio while doing yard work and such, which is why the radios meet their demise so often.

We listened to the radio, rolling through stations over and over.

Stevie Nicks came on and I twirled around, which made the pups excited and then everyone was kicking up dirt.

It got real chilly later in the evening.

I cuddled up into my sister with Douglas (her min pin) and Matty on my toes.

And when my sis was ready to go embroider the night away, I swapped her for Mister Lovee.

Who had been watching his show.

So chilly by 10 p.m.

But bewitching.

We found it hard to pry ourselves away.

But then took comfort in the fact that we always have tomorrow.

As gypsy nights are here to stay.

For now.

Oh oh oh, these glorious days of Arizona spring.

Where lanterns sway, and if you listen just so, the moon will share a secret or two.

I closed my eyes and found inspirations for paintings tugging at my skirt.

Paint me, paint me...

Whispered the moon.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  The tote and bunting winner from the previous post is.....

#21

Sandra Sheets, hoooray you won!

Please email me your snail mail address, yay!!

 

Fun with Bobbypin Stitches ♥ {a giveaway}

We have some extra super fun goodness for you today!

Ooooo, colorful awesomenessss!!

The fun comes from the stitching & making talents of BobbyPin Stitches Shop!

Who also happens to blog over at Bobbypin Bandit.

Whoooooo, also happens to be...

My sister, Kristen Valencia.

:-)

Of course I go crazy over her bunting all the time.

You have seen it at many of my parties, even Halloween here.

 

But she is also a major sewer of treats and embroiderer of beyond good things.

 

Soooo, after seeing some of her shop treasures...

I had to get out my dabloons and snag some for ya.

Like a polka dot cupcake tote and polka dot bunting!!

Is there anything better than cupcakes and polka dots??

Isn't that so beyond fun?!

 

So, why don't we have a weekend giveaway?

 

YES a giveaway, woo hoo!

 

Just say hello in comments to enter to win the cupcake tote and bunting.

 

How fun is that?

 

I'll ship anywhere in the world.

 

I think we all needed a little Friday/weekend fun, don't you?

I sure did ;)

 

I'll be back soon with a winner.

 

Have a super scrumptious day!!

 

See ya soon.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  You can also find some super awesome treats at Bobbypin Stitches, such as these wonderful hand embroidered swan and cherry pendants...

Be still my heart.

And, her Library totes...

With hand embroidery.

Which go very fast, but she has one more she will list tomorrow in candy colors (it's awesome), and others she will finish this weekend. 

Talk to her if you HAVE to have one.

  I hope she can squeeze one in for me ;)

 

Studio + Clay + Creature Day

Hunkering down in the studio with my whimsical friends...

Making and claying around.

Are you a lover of clay?

I love all sorts of clay.

Low fire, high fire, oven fire, raku.

Collecting it, admiring it.

Sculpting with it.

What an amazing thing that clay, wouldn't you say?

Little friends line up.

I look to them for sparkles of inspiration and such.

Hope they behave ;)

Or rather, maybe it's more fun if they misbehave??

Mooshing and smooshing and squishing clay about...

Bringing little things to life.

When I was a little girl I watched a show on PBS I think?

Where a woman, I think in South America, would go out into the hills outside of her village and collect this really red clay.

She would then take it to her studio and make all sorts of fabulous things.

I was in 2nd grade.

We lived in the middle of nowhere.

Like really, the middle of nowhere.

It was the desert in a very old mining area up in the hills.

There were all dirt roads, a great discovery made by my dad, this place.

(which has since become quite populated)

I was always up to some mad shenanigans.

You know, hanging out on the roof in full costume, wig included.

Or, picnicing alone in a tree by a scary mine.

Anyhow, point is...

I saw a hill that had some very red dirt, much like the PBS show I had watched.

So, I took a bucket and collected a bunch of dirt.

My dad hollering, Vanesssssssa, what are you doing up there?

And me saying, ohhh nothing.... :)

After I collected a bunch of clay I chopped up little leaves and weeds, and mixed them with the clay.

Then I sculpted some little pots and bowls, and put them on bricks in the hot sun to dry.

It actually worked.

I was so thrilled.

My hands were stained terracotta red.

Of course, they were not fired so they fell apart over time out in the weather.

But what I think is that, that day was the day I became a true clay lover.

I would love to build my own brick kiln in the back.

Wouldn't that be fun?

 

Isn't it funny, how you can pinpoint a time in your life that made you a lover of one of your fave arts & crafts?

 

What's one for you?

 

 

Love, V

 

 

 

You Put the Lime in the Coconut...

Yes, indeed...

That's the song I am singing these days...

Setting up daily mixers in the front garden.

But why you ask?

Because the roses, the roses...

The roses have exploded over the rose arbor.

And so, I am doing everything outside.

I am more than obsessed with the rose magic.

I stand and stare...

I water and swoon, and peek around.

I hide out right inside, dreaming up this and that.

I am always in awe of nature.

In love with climbing tufts of white.

Just in love I tell ya.

Front garden love!

All that toiling and hard work for years has paid off.

I can't believe it?

This will be the first year that I don't break my back in the front garden.

I only have to plant the veggie garden for the season, out back, which is almost done.

The front is all planted and there is little garden real estate left.

Now I can watch everyone continue to grow and thrive.

I hide inside the arbor several times a day...

Where, when you are inside, you see two tiny vintage birdhouses tucked in the roses.

Then, I wait.

I wait for that afternoon sun to cast a hazy glow.

I am probably spending too much time out there.

But but...

But.

I have to absorb them as much as I can, as those climbers only bloom once a year.

(is there any way to get them to bloom more than once?)

I light candles, and make events out of things, just to be out there with the arbor.

How I LOVE this glorious time of year.

Oh my!

Sprouts are cage covered here and there, as the rabbits are naughty.

It's all happening, hooray!

If you have a rose arbor, then you know how enchanting it is to just hop inside and hide out.

And, if you don't have one...

Well then, you can.

I planted my two climbing roses on the east side of the arbor (and one pink on the west side) in 2011.

And you know what they say.

First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year??

They leap!

And my oh my, they do.

You can see the year I planted the the climbing roses here in 2011, and how well zinnias, marigolds, cosmos and dahlias do in this desert garden.  I highly recommend those seeds if you want flowers that do not disappoint, and last through fall.  And remember, the more you prune, the more flowers you get.

As for now...

Sooooo many more new roses every day.

So, what else is there to do?

But sing a little....

"You put the lime in the coconut..."

And have a perpetual spring cocktail hour.

Well into the evening.

Yep, that is where you shall find us.

Dancing around.

Singing.

Enjoying.

Trying to drink in the magic of early spring.

Isn't this time of year just so welcome and glorious???

I love seeing all the little sprouts breaking through the ground.

Self seeders coming back year after year.

Wildflower seeds I tossed about in November are mid-size plants now.

I wait for poppies and sweet williams, as they are about to bloom.

I can't wait.

I can't wait.

 

Little inspires me like flowers and warmth in the garden.

 

I am in love.

It's soooo nice to be in the sun and breeze and petals on the wind.

 

What's happenining in your spring world?

 

Happy April by the way ;-)

 

Love, V

 

See ya sooooon!