A Fanciful Twist

Tea & Flowers + Rain Droplets & Green

We are all Mad Tea Party of the brain these days.

I am soooooo thankful and excited that so many of you kindreds have signed up.

We'll have such fun!

I have been going through my cabinets and boxes of tea cups and pottery that I have made.

I made all the pastel colored pieces above a few years ago.

I have sooo much pottery I have made.

So, maybe I should use it this year?

I didn't make the gold and white cups, they are part of an antique set.

The most wonderful thing happened in the desert yesterday.

Some dark clouds rolled in with a little breeze.

This is a major treat in my neck of the woods.

I can't even recall the last time it rained?

The garden just loves it.

And the cacti take big gulps to store for later.

Plink, plop, just a few drops here and there.

I hang roses to dry.

My yearly thing as you might recall.

And, I choose a few of my own pieces of pottery to play with.

Then we head outside.

Do you know that scent, of raindrops on dry desert earth?

It's glorious.

Bewitching.

Beyond words.

Heavenly.

Tender little droplets.

A cool breeze that gently caresses your cheeks.

We walk around, saying hello to the jasmine that climbs up into the trees.

A tree branch acts as an arbor.

Droplets on hair and shoulders.

The garden gets happier than happy.

Hollyhocks sway.

The boys stand on the porch deck, looking out, wondering what's going on?

Hi there Matty :-)

Click.

Gotcha.

Cloud shadows change the feel of the scenery.

The tone.

And, we love it.

We encase flowers in wire so that the rabbits stop eating them.

They climb up into the pots, those rascals.

Why don't they eat weeds instead of flowers, I ask?

I have lost row of zinnias.

3 times I lost lettuce and beets and radishes to birds.

Everyone (critters) thinks I run the local buffet.

Oh well :-)

Huge crows call to each other as I snap photographs.

Birdlings everywhere.

We have gobs of all sorts of birds.

It's a mad house, for certain.

The sun has been so strong, that big fluffy clouds really hit the spot.

Perfect for strolling and pondering what to do for this year's tea party.

Pups follow me around.

I type whilst listening to Mozart.

The soft rain was so beautiful, I ran in to grab my camera again.

And just as I stopped to take this...

Every cloud floated away.

Scampering off ever so quickly.

And then, the sun.

Back as though it had never left.

Which technically, I guess it never had.

All of a sudden it was gone.

No breeze.

No rain clouds.

Like a mirage.

A trick.

Only a vague memory of rain remained.

Like a love letter from our deepest love living far far away.

A memory, fleeting.

Poof.

This is how I feel about the rain.

I long for it so.

But probably not as much as the desert does.

So, whoever one of you sent me some droplets...

Could you possibly maybe, send more?

Pretty please?

While I plan some tea scrumptiousness.

Tea cakes do beckon, I must say.

All the while...

Gobs of purple butterfly bush flowers droop.

Making perfect places for birds to perch.

The hummingbirds enjoy it the most me thinks.

As butterflies flutter in and out, at the speed of light.

Garden and tea.

Does it get any better really?

Two simple things.

Tea and flowers...

And I am happy.

You?

 

Back super soon.

Let's keep tea planning.

What fun!!

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

7th Annual Mad Tea Party {An Invitation}

It's time, it's time, can you even believe it?

Time for our 7th annual Mad Tea Party!

I saw you know who in the garden preparing.

I promise, it's true!

Sound the music, get the key!

It's time to unlock the magic.

Oh that silhouette in the distance!

Behind the pink roses below.

It's him, it's him!

The Mad Hatter himself, up to all of his yearly shenanigans!

Get inspired, get excited.

Tell all your friends.

Let's plunge!

Let's dance, let's sip galore!

I am soooo excited for this time of year!

It's one of the bestest times of all.

Filled with as much magic as your imagination wishes.

Join us if you would like.

You are cordially invited for certain!

 

If you have a blog, join in on your blog, and if you don't, just peek in at your own leisure.

(details and rules below)

 

The date?

Saturday July 12, 2014, don't be late ;-)

 

Here is this year's flyer that you are free to use on your blog.

Click on it to open, then click on it again to view it in its large view.

Then simply right click and copy it to your computer for your use.

 

Do the same thing for your sidebar button below.

 

Voila!!

 

Aren't you excited?

 

If you are new to this, or need a refresher....

 

Wondering what to do if you sign up?

 

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

I will then add your name to the right hand sidebar list of partiers.

 

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

 

1)  Share the flyer and/or the button on your blog as soon as possible and link back to me.  I will then add your name to the "Mad Tea Partiers" list in my right hand side bar, and link back to you. 

 

2)  On the day of the party, Saturday July 12th 2014, please make sure to post a Mad Tea Party post of your own, on your blog, linking to me.  Other partiers will be visiting you on that date. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 6)  For a more enjoyable and easy visit for your guests, please remove word verification (captcha) for comments during the party.  This will make things so much easier for everyone.

And, allow people to comment without having to sign in, just by leaving a name and url please.

 

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

 

Note:  If you sign up, please make sure you post a party post on your blog for Saturday July 12th.  If you sign up and later find that you can't make the event, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will remove your name from the list.

If I visit your blog and you don't have a post up, I am sorry, but I will have to remove your name from the list.

 

  You have lots of time to sign up, right up until the very last moment if need be, we are flexible.

 

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

 

Can't wait!!

 

YAY!!
It's finally MTP season!!

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  If you would like to see previous parties or party invites, click here.

 

Back with Hollyhocks & Bees

Hiya!!

I am back ♥

I have returned and am ready for some serious fun.

You?

I have had a very busy week filled with friends and work and fun.

Boys playing music in the garden.

Singing like mad.

Good food, laughs, friends.

When you are really busy you don't really notice that plants get dinosaur size overnight.

Until you look at them and are gobsmacked.

Amazing what a little heat can do for the green, eh?

We set out on our rounds.

The hydrangeas are turning up.

I have two big bushes in the shady part of the flower garden.

Love seeing them.

My little brownie always cuddles up to me when I am pulling weeds or taking photos.

Or if I am fast asleep.

While I was squatting down taking photos he was leaning on me, sniffing my hair, etc.

He is such a curious kid.

Love is on his terms.

I am loving the huge amount of hollyhocks that have turned up.

I know you know that already, but even other colors are turning up.

And there are so many shapes and different ruffles.

Oh oh, and I can't get over this perfect red rose.

Isn't it something?

Feel free to click on the rose pic for non-blurry version.

(the pic is crystal clear in person, but my reds get blurry on my blog, weird right?)

One of my fave things is to jump into my garden swing as the warmest golden morning light shines though the garden.

I sit in the shade and just watch the sun make everything glow.

The big rose bush is about done.

Some people down the street have roses all summer.

I must look into this.

I did read about how you can fertilize in a way to get roses all summer and fall.

Liquid fish emulsion maybe??

Do you know anything about this?

It's all so green, it feels like summer just about.

Bright and hot and wilty flowered.

Last of the Oriental poppies.

And bees.

What would the garden be without the buzzing?

Here's something curious.

My coral rose bush got one bunch of white flowers that slowly took on a coral tone.

See them there?

That was wild.

I had never ever seen that happen before.

As it gets warmer the poppies fade away.

Did I tell you, hollyhocks even turned up over by the courtyard garden outside the office, gallery and gypsy wagon?

Thank you hollyhocks!

My sister washes linens and hangs them outside the cottage to dry.

Isn't that so darling?

I was getting worried because the bees seemed to be coming less and less over the last few weeks.

At first they were here in droves, then faded away a little.

And, being obsessed with the bees, it alarmed me.

But then...

I got a little closer...

And noticed them up to their elbows in work.

Buzzing about.

Squeezing their little bodies in...

Then I was happy.

Amazing...

Little...

Creatures.

Aren't they?

We need those bees, love them so.

I have one last giant fairytale pumpkin from my garden last year, waiting to be roasted.

The seeds from another are doing quite well.

I didn't put in a proper pumpkin patch this year.

But I am letting all sorts of vines grow around wildly.

It's the first year I am letting both the flower and vegetable garden mostly do what it wants to do.

The veggie garden is moving really slow this year.

But I see tiny arugula and basil and tomato sprouts doing their thing.

And of course...

It seems, we are being graced with the year of the hollyhock.

I love seeing them dance around the front porch.

I for one am ever so glad for that.

Sometimes, you have to just let things go wild.

Our property has a little bit of a wild feel.

Or maybe a lot a bit :-)

The wind blows pollen off of endless tree catkins everywhere.

Oleander leaves and flowers tumble around.

And I tip toe around, wondering what all these hollyhocks make of everything?

 

Well, time to put the finishing touches on some party planning.

 

Plus, my sister turned up with a new and improved hoola hoop.

So, I best go look into that asap.

 

Back super soon with tea sipping details.

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

I am sooo repeat obsessing on this song right now.

Natalie Taylor.

Check her albums out on Itunes.

I just bought all her songs, she is quite refreshing and good.

 

Swirling Round & Round...

I am so so so excited about this year's Mad Tea Party.

I have thoughts swirling about like mad.

I am having such a busy week...

So, it's extra fun to think that the next thing on the list is making this announcement.

It really gives me something to look forward to.

Can you believe it will be our 7th one?

I am not sure where all the years have gone off to.

Or even...

How this all happened.

This blogosphere.

And years and years of your kindredness.

It's been a blast hasn't it?

I always feel like the Mad Tea Party turns up when we all seemingly need a little spark.

In fact, it's the main reason I ever started having these.

Summer seemed internet boring.

And a tea festivity so hit the spot.

Thanks for joining in with me over the years, and for new friends who join in as well.

Almost time to sound the trumpet!

And throw together an extra ruffled frock.

But first, the white rabbit and I are just wrapping up all sorts of home projects.

Along with guests and lovely visits a plenty all this week.

Busy times indeed.

I need to tidy my hovel.

I am not sure why I still behave as though I am 9.

I don't know when I will ever be able to take out 1 scarf at a time.

Or 1 pair of shoes at a time.

I seem to have 3 jewelry boxes pouring out all over the place at all times.

Shoes hanging from the fan.

Studio paint every little where.

And just all around, well, madness...

In my world all the time ;-)

I guess some things never change.

 

Worst part is, I don't like anyone to help me.

I need to tidy it up all on my own.

Which takes me forever lately.

I can't seem to wrangle myself in.

The older I get, the more rotten I get.

Pretty soon you will be calling be Edie.

 

Loooove, V

 

I'll be back very soon.

Playing hostess for a couple more days, fun in the desert sun!

 

 

 

Tea Thoughts...

So, I am thinking up all sorts of thoughts.

Searching for guidance with tiny tea accouterments.

Prepping and planning.

When I go to little tea things -

When I start to peek into fairytale goodness -

I get that wonderful inspired feeling of magic brewing in the belly.

And I think to myself...

I should go to "that place" more often.

I have got my nephew all dressed up to play the part of Alice.

He seems okay with it ;-)

Tiny tea set love!

Why is everything better in miniature I ask?

I am playing with my beautiful hankies and pretties.

High tea mood swirling about.

Care for a cup?

To be honest.

Never ever ever in the history of tea parties have I known what I am doing ahead of time.

I sort of just fly by the seat of my pants.

So, half of this year's flyer has appeared in my mind.

I will sketch tonight, and bring back some dates soon I hope.

In the mean time...

I am playing and getting tea inspiration.

There are guests and get togethers and all sorts of events going on at my pad.

The madness has begun!!

 

I hung fresh fabric from the trees around the garden bath today.

 

It was so hot, I felt all the energy zap out of me.

 

I am not a napper, I never nap.

Do you?

But I did today.

I woke up to Mister screaming, Dovee help me!

And I woke up all hysterical, confused and in tears.

He just wanted me to bring him some water because he was covered in paint.

Working on a project outside.

He had no idea I was napping.

Hahaha!

I almost had a heart attack, thank you very much.

I don't know why...

I wake up from naps feeling all woozy and bobble head, and weepy.

Which is why I don't do it.

I need to learn how to nap.

Got any tips or tricks?

 

Off for that perfect cup of tea.

And more party planning.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

 

Magic on the Breeze...

There is a message stirring up in the garden.

A message for you and you and you, and me!

It is loud and clear.

Can you guess what it is?

It's beckoning.

Begging us to plunge.

It twirls through the garden, stopping to dance in the breeze, right where hollyhocks meet Oriental poppies.

Everyone can hear it.

Even the roses know it's on its way.

Can you guess?

Are you getting warmer?

Poppies, tell them please.

Did someone say hollyhocks are made out of star centers?

Somewhere where twinkling wishes and petal seeds collide?

Beautiful secrets dance on antique child pianos.

It's the language of the flowers they say.

They even say that, at midnight, the sound of flowers is like the intense but faint laughter of little children.

Can you believe it?

Okay, I made it up.

But only because I think it's true :-)

Boys frolic madly just thinking about what's to come.

(The little guy is my nephew Douglas. My sis adopted him when he was 9 weeks old, and he just turned 10 years old a few days ago - my goodness, 10 years old.)

Even the wild rambling flowers outside of the garden cottage go positively Disney on us.

I collect roses to dry for the occasion.

It's clear as garden days.

It's staring right at us.

Through mirrored portals in trees.

Make a wish?

Very merry adventures?

Wells, have you guessed yet?

Poof.

Wish made.

Set  free.

Because my dear kindred friends...

I do declare.

It's about time!!!!

Magic.

Tea.

Top Hats.

 

Get it?

 

Are you game this year?

 

I mean honestly, what would summer be without the maddest of most magicalest tea parties???!

 

I am plotting and planning.

Tell me, tell me, tell me....

Are you game this year?

Should we totally go for it?

 

Looooove, V

 

(geode winner announced at bottom of previous post)

 

 

 

 ps:  I think we need to have more crystal and geode giveaways.

I'll get on it and bring something scrumptious back from my rockventures!!

xoxo

 

I Love Rocks! {A Treat for You} *Winner Announced*

You may or may not know by now...

But I have a little bit of a rock obsession.

I asked a contractor working at our house the other day if his daughter liked rocks.

He said, no she likes pop more.

I said, no, not rock as in rock and roll.

I mean, rocks, as in rocks.

He looked at me like I was loony.

If he had said yes, I would have sent him home with one of these.

:-)

My favorite classes at university were geo-sciences classes.

Can you believe it?

I couldn't, but they were.

I aced them and loved them.

I studied river beds and memorized all sorts of rock information.

I do love jewelry as well.

I have been making jewelry since 1992, but only started offering it online here last year.

I don't know what it is, but I am just obsessed with stones of all kinds.

You should see me at the gem show.

I used to bring a rolling suitcase to fill with loot.

Body weight worth of turquoise and crystals and metals too.

Nowadays I stuff my glass cabinet with rock treasures.

And some of our favorite and beloved old pieces of turquoise jewelry as well.

Once I became friends with a real estate client.

(yes, I was in real estate in my former life and am still affiliated, I know shocker, haha)

Anyhow, this client started visiting me at my city house all the time.

We would laugh and chat.

One day I went to change, and I guess she went through the drawers in this sculpture I have that has lots of little drawers for a body.

Because, at dinner she starts telling people...

"no van a creer lo que tenia Vanessa en sus cajones!!"

Translation -

"You will never guess what Vanessa had in her drawers!!"

Then she exclaims...

PIEDRAS!

Which means...

ROCKS!

That always makes me burst out laughing.

Hahahaa!

She was hilarious.

She said, some people have socks and underwear in their drawers.

But Vanessa has rocks in hers.

Truth be told.

They weren't just any rocks.

They were crystals I had gotten at a rock and gem seminar at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum.

And still, today...

I am in the rocks.

Obsession duly continuing.

I just love them.

I have others, although these shelves are full.

I think I need a bigger cabinet.

Since I am coming clean on my rock fixation.

I'll tell you another big secret.

You know Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

I always was obsessed with being one of the seven dwarfs and going to work in a mine.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go...

With my little pick and all, oh I did dream of it so.

Whenever we went to Disneyland as kids, I would get overflowingly excited seeing the big trunks of loot in the Pirate's of the Caribbean ride.

That was my kid dream.

Being a miner with a giant trunk of treasure like those pirates had.

Haha!

One thing I LOVE to date, is cracking open geodes.

Of course, the difficult part of this post is...

Photos can not capture the sparkle of any crystals.

And the golden jewelers light casts an orange tone in photos as well.

But the sparkle of these is incredible in person.

The yellow below is sulfur.

It's very sparkly in person and sort of chalky too.

Have you ever cracked open a geode?

It's sooooo exciting!

You just pop it into a sock and whack it a couple times with a hammer.

Sometimes you don't get a major cavern, but beautiful all the same.

So, guess what????

I have an extra geode that I have decided to gift away.

Who knows what is inside.

But it could be uber sparkly.

Isn't that fun??!

I'll let you crack it open and find out.

Then you have to let me know :-)

 

Hopefully you think it's fun too.

So I have one unopened geode to send to one of you.

Just leave a hello in comments to enter.

 

Ooooo, cracking geodes is sooooo fun!

Maybe it could be your lucky geode?

 

And the winner is....

Heidi Anderson!!!

Oh please email me your snail mail address, yay, hooray for geode fun!

 

 

 

 

Rock love abound!!

;-)

 

 

 

Hummingbird Mama

There's a little mama, all cozy today.

Happy as can be, in her tiny little nest, situated...

On top of a string light bulb, of course.

What could be cozier?

Imagine such tinyness?

There she sits, warming her tic tac size egglings.

Tiny babies growing.

We think she's hummingbird heart.

Wouldn't that be something?

What a sweetie, ain't she?

Tiny tiny, on a little string light.

How cute is that?

I hope she feels safe and super cozy in her tiny nest.

 

I can see her from my office desk, she's right under the office stoop.

Which Mister Lovee and I bicker about because I love its tattered paint state.

It's poitively Andrew Wyeth, me thinks.

He'd like to scrape and paint though, gasp!

(for 10 years now)

Imagine?

Isn't he aware of the value in peeling white paint?

Haha!

 

It seems, Hummingbird Mama likes it too :-)

Can you spot her there in the upper right hand corner?

Lovely little things in life.

Love them so, don't you?

 

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's day if you are a mama yourself.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Mother's Day Freebies!

With Mother's Day a few days away...

I thought we should have a proper Freebie round-up.

These are all printable pdf's from me to you.

You just open them and print at home, fun right?

Here are some cupcake toppers that you can glitter up.

Don't they look fun all sparkly?

Below is what the whole set looks like.

Simply...

Click here for Cupcake Toppers Printable PDF.

 

I also have this Mother's day card below.

There are two per sheet.

They print up so colorful and pretty.

 

Simply

click here for printable Mother's day Card.

 

And last, but surely not least...

Some super fun little cardlettes.

You can use them as gift tags or cards on their own.

The one on the top right hand side is for moms of furs or winged creatures.

Mustn't forget us moms of non-humans.

As our kids mean the world to us as well :-)

 

Click here for printable pdf of

Mother's Day Cardlettes.

 

I hope all moms have the most bestest of weekends.

Relaxing galore.

That is what I think moms should get to do on their special day.

Put their feet up and be cozycakes to the T!

 

I am dreaming of having a date with my Miles.

I can't have one with Matty out in the world because he is a meanie.

But I have them every day as he sleeps cuddled up to me like glue.

 

But Miley is nice to everyone, and I really want to go to Petsmart and out for frozen yogurt with him.

That would make me happy as can be.

 

Plus he is so clean and sweet smelling after a bath and losing his entire undercoat.

Which I managed to save as it was freshly washed.

I wonder if I could have yarn made out of it??

 Anyhow, am I babbling or what?!?

 

Happy Happy to all moms out there!!

Don't they looked thrilled?

They were napping :-)

 

 See you soooon!

Looove, V

 

 

 

A Painting in 5 Acts {Part 1}

Over a year ago, a dream came to me.

A tale, a story, an art piece.

Slowly it unraveled.

A long trunk, a big heart, led the way.

Stars, music and blue sky drips turned up for the painting party.

Along with golden honey.

My early art days of abstraction, painted emotions as I call them, intertwined with today's sketching of details and characters met hand in hand.

The first character turned up over a year ago.

A creature so dear to my heart.

I sketched it at 4 a.m.

Right onto my canvas with dripping teal blue skies, paper stars made of antique french letters that I dared to cut up.

Honey dripped like gold.

My heart, full of those winged little creatures that make the stuff.

And...

Then bursting forth, I met the first part of this huge painting.

There she was.

Strong and thoughtful.

Wise and knowing.

A symbol for caring and kindness and hope in my dream.

Free handed in pencil, onto canvas.

 

And so, I had a plan for this large complex piece.

A painting, in 5 acts, I thought.

Each act offered as a print.

Until finally the whole piece comes to light.

A year's work (or longer), very close to being completed.

At which point the original will be available as well.

I already know most of the story.

More than half of it is in painting process right now, close to completion.

The beauty and hope and dream quality that lives in it has come forth.

A mixture of abstractions and details.

Much like our dream thoughts.

 

So, to begin the unraveling journey..

Today I am sharing...

 

Elephant Hearted.

The central part of the painting.

 

The first print of this 5 act piece...

Now available in my shop.

Right here.

 

 I can't wait to finish up and be able to share the next parts of this puzzle art piece.

:-)

 

See you soooon!

 

 

ps:

I don't know about you, but I am an elephant lover of the deepest variety.

I have carried around a little elephant with me for a decade and a half.

I got it from a little old man, sitting in a rocking chair outside his old barn porch in Northern Arizona.

I was on a road trip.

Going anywhere and nowhere.

Here and there.

Meandering.

Enjoying.

Down a winding street in a thick green forest.

There he was.

Rocking away.

He was selling all of his earthly possessions.

A little wooden sign sat by a rickety wood picket fence, with wild roses rambling along.

I swooned when I saw a tiny elephant.

He said, it was my wife's favorite.

She had passed a few years back.

So I took her elephant with me, and hold it near and dear to this day.

Elephant love ♥

 

 

Guests in the Garden...

The best thing about spring in the garden is...

It's still chilly in the evenings.

And you get to share the beginnings of flowers turning up with impromptu guests.

Crocheted shawls come out after dark.

As we chat and laugh and listen to music.

(can you see how humongous those cactus/cacti behind my easel continue to be, far left?)

I whipped up a bunch of treats and drinks.

I bought a big french bread, took out a little of the bread insides and filled it with thinly sliced roast beef from the deli, horseradish cheddar (white), lettuces, tomatoes, sweet onions, mayo and dark mustard.

Then sliced it up.

I filled another tray with roasted bell peppers, jalapenos, artichoke hearts, stuffed olives and mushrooms.

I served some olive oil rosemary bread on the side and chocolate cake bites for dessert.

Oh and a platter of sliced vine ripened tomatoes with sliced mozzarella and avocados drizzled in balsamic.

Yumm.

A little Grey Goose with lime juice, grated lime peel, mint and tonic water.

It's fun to step out of the box once in a while.

And sample the punch, so to speak.

Even though my head now hurts today, haha!

Pellegrino and lime.

Cheap champagne soaked strawberries from the garden.

No, it isn't Cristal.

But still...

Sweet and lovely.

Once I was at a wedding, and they were serving champagne, and it was surprisingly good.

I asked and asked and couldn't find out what it was.

Since normally you get expensive dry champagne that is just awful.

(to me it's awful, haha)

Finally I found someone who told me it was...

Get this...

Asti Spumante!

Then again, I think it's not actually/technically champagne?

But more of a sparkling wine?

Whatever the case, it's good with sweet strawberries.

Just chop up some strawberries, drizzle lightly with sugar if they need it.

Then fill fluted glasses with strawberries and slowly pour champagne over.

The strawberries soak up the champagne a little, yummy!

So delightful.

Running around, setting things up for a little soiree in the garden.

Red and pink love.

Are you so sick of hollyhock shots yet?

I wished the garden was in massive full bloom.

But tufts here and there did the trick.

Green cool strolls and lots of noshing.

I just love evenings as such.

It was a good time for all.

Don't you just love sitting around a table.

Eating good food, sipping lovely things...

Laughing big belly chuckles.

Talking and just enjoying?

 

I love times like these.

 

Happy weekending!!

See you soooon.

 

I have to go clean my room now.

(I have been attempting this for a week, but then I find something wonderful I had forgotten about and spiral into doing other things)

Do you think some of your childhood flaws stay with you forever?

My room will forever look like...

As my sister says -

Like a drag queen lives in there and is trapped under heaps of hats and shoes and baubles.

:-)

Could be worse I say.

 

Plus, on several occasions people have thought Vanessa Valencia was a chosen stage name.

Haha!

How silly/hilarious is that?

 

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  Tori Amos has a new album coming out this month.

Two tracks have been released.

Selkie is soooo beautiful, below.

The more I listen to it, the more I fall in love.

She turned 50 a few months ago, isn't she amazing?

Makes you realize 50 is quite young.

And the creativity goes on and on.

Age doesn't matter.

It just doesn't.

Whoever put caps and constraints on age was a real numbskull.

Why do we even listen to such pure nonsense I ask?

:-)

 

Such a lovely tune...

 

Petals on the Wind...

The petals are starting to come in.

Roses here and there...

With ever so many more buds forming.

I feel outrageously decadent as I collect.

I set out every morning to fill vases.

Early morning light, hollyhocks in the breeze.

Although...

If I am not careful, I will just stay out in the gardens all day.

Time flowing by, until it is evening.

And only then, do I realize how quickly the day went by.

I watch wildflowers turn up for the petal party.

Green gets taller and taller.

Just waiting to burst open.

I roam and watch.

I dig and water.

I prune and dream.

The most strongly scented roses in the garden are the lavender ones.

And so, I decide to collect.

Pruning carefully to ensure more roses turn up, whilst shaping how the new growth will come in.

I use a sturdy garden scissor.

Removing the thorns off each and every rose I collect.

Then plop them in cold fresh water.

The things is...

It's not just pruning.

It's a garden ritual.

A zen moment.

You and the wind and the petals and the leaves.

Rustling, telling you great secrets, if you care to listen.

I do.

It's thankfulness.

It's living in the moment, as you cut and collect.

Those wonderful moments when flowers take your breath away.

And you take none of the garden happenings for granted.

It's one of the most special times for me.

Appreciating my little plot of earth.

I take lots of bliss sighs.

And still...

And always...

I am astounded by the gifts of nature.

Always, always.

As I type I hear the birds, so many of them.

One of them has such a vivid song.

The hummingbirds and bees sneak into the center of the blooms.

I go back and forth filling my vases.

Making lots of others to gift.

I sing to myself.

I look into the roses, their maze of overlapping petals so lovely and intricate.

I fill my house with those garden gifts.

Then I tell Mister Lovee that this wave of roses are for him.

He smiles and sniffs.

And smiles some more.

Everything is so much better when you get to share it, isn't it?

My moments in the garden are so valuable to me.

Time to decompress and reflect.

To think, and to open my mind to new art adventures.

I've been on a few lately.

Lots of paperwork things.

Scary and exciting.

Plus, new characters tugging at my heart.

Some I've kept to myself for so long.

But maybe it's time to share them?

And tell about how they came to be?

 

Some so special, it's like opening a childhood treasure chest of greatest personal secrets.

To share or not to share?

That is the question ;-)

 

It is scary windy.

The mountains look like they are covered in mist clouds, but it's actually dust.

Huge hawks just ride the wind waves all day.

Flowing over my house and garden endlessly.

Miles tries to chase them...

As they just bop around, wings outstretched, gliding around in a daze.

 

Windy wind as petals flutter about.

Petals on the wind.

 

I best go do my chores.

A rodent got into my covered pumpkin patches and bit the tops off my pumpkin sprouts.

There are gophers in every single one of my flowers beds.

Sucking greens down like spaghetti.

I just replanted my 6' by 4' bed of wildflowers that were all about to bloom.

But instead were a smorgasbord for the gophers and rabbits.

Even though domed and covered.

I laugh when I find myself singing this chorus.

Yes, I am starting over.

And over.

Zinnia seeds in, starting over again :-)

 

 This is the life of a garden.

Win some, lose some.

It's what makes the roses even better I say.

 

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

ps:  Elfin winner announced in previous post ;-)

Thanks to everyone who joined in.

I wish we had an elf for everyone.

I love how everyone who joined in was genuine about wanting to giving Lord Mouse a home.

Thank you for that ♥