A Fanciful Twist

Quince Days...

Picking quince.

A true sign of autumn around here.

Even though the garden is still warm and green, the night air is chilly...

Telling quince, it's time.

It seems, even the jewels I am working with are shades of quince.

As they turn a mixture of green and chalcedony yellow.

Chalcedony and citrine are on my jewelry making bench.

But peaches and corals beckon with dinner plate dahlias.

Everyone's out for quince day.

The amount of insects these days are astounding.

(is he sticking his tongue out at us?)

The endless butterflies always take my breath away.

I meet the boys down the path that goes round and round our yard, stopping at our quince tree.

It lives way in the front part of our garden.

Miley, whipping around to meet us.

We only take the ones that are heavy and dragging on the ground today.

(the gypsy wagon lives under that big tree to the left)

Everyone seems interested in quince today.

And proud to help.

The fur texture of the quince scrubs right off.

The insides are tart and firm and astonishingly dry.

But when cooked down they become sweet, honey like.

And the extra wonderful part, they take on a pink blush tone.

I make them into freezer jam.

Just sugar and quince, and water, cooked into jam.

Then put in jars and frozen.

Perfect for hand pies and all sorts of baking needs.

The air is turning slowly.

There are so many butterflies, I stand in the garden and let them fly all around me.

Giant dahlias bob around, happy to not be scorched by the sun.

As I do too many projects at once.

I seem to have turned into this person, who juggles a lot.

I need to bring out the sergeant in me and start wrapping projects up.

Because it's about time to start baking.

And making.

And munching.

And I need to get organzied to pull it all off.

That's Vanessa as a little.

Happily eatin' baked goods.

I have sooo much pumpkin I have to get baked up in the next couple days.

Before more pumpkins come in.

I roast and freeze it, but I have to make things too, or I will have waaay too much frozen pumpkin.

The fairy tale pumpkins are the best for eating.

And some of them have the most intensely perfumed scent.

It's unreal.

Glorious really.

I have jewels I want to share and clay pieces too.

I have basil that needs to be frozen in oil and pesto and sauces.

I have tomatillo madness going on.

I made a HUGE pot of red spicy salsa Friday night.

(the cooked kind)

So it was a good reason to make Mister all sorts of goodies with it.

He had the best eating weekend ever.

Soft tacos, huevos rancheros, chiles rellenos, enchiladas, tostadas, Mexican rice etc. etc.

(Used up left over tortillas for huevos rancheros and tostadas, made Mexican rice once that lasted all weekend, had a couple extra chiles so made rellenos, used a rotisserie chicken that I cooked with sweet onions and red bell peppers for enchilada and tostada filling, a great way to use up things in the kitchen easily and deliciously. Sounds like I worked hard, but it was real easy and painless)

He was a happy camper.

 

He said, boy oh boy did I have a lot of good Mexican food this weekend.

(as he finished off his leftover enchiladas with a fried egg he made himself this morning)

And I said, helllloooo?! Whilst pointing at myself.

Shouldn't I be able to make good Mexican food?

And he said (in his cheeky playful way)...

So, you can make good Mexican food, but can you make a good kielbasa?

Ha.

Cheeky little mongrel!

(which, I am not even sure he would eat because he hates sausage).

 

Anywhooo we have leftovers.

I love leftovers, do you?

I have a friend who detests them, but I always look forward to them.

 

Does anyone even care about this topic?!

Hahahaha!

 

It's so wonderful to use all the garden produce.

This morning I ate arugula right out of the ground as I watered.

It was so spicy, and sooo good.

Very horseradishy.

I think I will make some plain pasta with it.

I am into corn pasta, have you tried it?  It's amazing.

It doesn't make me feel rotten like regular pasta does.

But some pasta with arugula, olive oil and fresh tomatoes sounds good.

I am thinking of even putting some arugula in the pesto?

Ever tried that?

I am up to my elbows.

But it's good to be busy.

I have to think up all sorts of things to use up the garden treats.

 

I can't believe October is upon us.

I just can't.

Can you???

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  You know how I always say that I live where the desert meets the forest?

And how, the mountains I see from my house are forest on top?

(Called Mt. Lemmon)

Alia was there and took some great shots, see here.

 

Of Pirate Treasure, Wigs & other Antics

There have been some childhood stories fluttering back and forth this week.

Some rotten, some hilarious.

I think I was just misunderstood as a kid.

You see, from the get go, I was obsessed with treasure.

Loot.

Jewels.

Sparkly things.

I think it all began in the Pirate's of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland.

(Me and a goofy face in Disneyland)

Where you drift by these huge open treasure chests of gleaming goodness.

Gold and jewels pouring out.

Heaps of loot everywhere.

If only I could reach!

I would fantasize about going into the ride late at night and filling my back pack with treasure.

I think I wanted the treasure much more deeply than anyone could have imagined.

I thought to myself, when I grow up, I will have treasure!

Endless treasure, you wait and see!

(That was the retro kitchen of a red brick ginger bread house we lived in until I was 6/7, it had the most spooooky library, will tell you about it during ghost story time in October.  Mom wishes they had never sold that house, it was on a great big hill (the only hill) in an idyllic neighborhood with lots of kids playing everywhere. Then we moved to the middle of nowhere, where I went on mine adventures by myself, eeeks!)

Maybe I'll even have a cave somewhere, like in the Goonies.

And stack my treasure all greedily in there.

Piling it higher and higher until I am lost forever.

In my glorious treasure!

These were my thoughts...

While other kids were dreaming of baby dolls and such.

I was literally scheming up plans for acquiring treasure.

I wore lots of rings and necklaces too.

Once, when I was 5 or 6, we were at a sea side pier and I begged for a ring.

You see, there was a man selling oysters and inside of each oyster was a pearl.

So you would fish out your own oyster, open it up, and find a pearl.

He would then set it in a 14k gold ring.

Of course, I needed this or I would stop breathing.

(I was a tad dramatic back then, so glad I grew out of that, hee hee)

So...

I begged my dad.

And then...

I got the ring.

Little rascal!

And I still have it.

After all these years, I am so happy it survived.

32 years?

My little pearl ring.

But wait!!

I veer!

I was going to tell tell you how, in the midst of treasure...

I found out about...

WIGS!

Glorious fluffy things!

I neeeeeeded one.

Or two, or ten!

:-)

I begged for a wig.

I needed a wig more than anything on earth, I was convinced.

I thought my life would end if I didn't have a wig.

I was 8.

On weekends we would sometimes go stay in a hotel in Tucson.

My parents would take us for fun.

We lived an hour away.

As you drove in through downtown Tucson there was a wig shop.

I begged, I pleaded for what felt like years.

But how long could it have been really, if I was only 8?

Finally, one day, angel voices sounded in my ears, as my parents agreed.

I was going to the Wig-o-Rama!!

I walked into the wig shop where there were endless fountains of hair streaming from here to there.

I looked around.

Carefully.

Quietly.

Amazed.

And then, I chose the one.

Did I choose long blonde locks of Rapunzel like hair?

Or, pink shiny tendrils of knee length curls?

Nope.

No way.

I chose...

Auburn, curly, shoulder length.

I always find that so funny.

With all those choices, that is what I felt I needed.

The shape was much like the gal in Flashdance, and I loved it.

When we got to the hotel I promptly filled the tub with hot water and a container of shampoo.

Bang bang bang on the door!

Vanessa, what are you doing in there?

Nothing!

Vanessa, open this door right now.

I was so annoyed.

All I wanted to do was wash my wig.

The banging on the door was really taking the Zen out of my wig washing.

I plopped it in the water and swished it all around.

Falalalala...

I was in bliss.

Bang Bang Bang on the door.

Vanessa, open this door! What in the heck are you doing in there??

All the other kids are out in the pool playing.

And you are in here doing God knows what with this ridiculous wig?

Huge sigh.

I was so serious about my wig.

It dried like a wet rat.

No more curl, no more shine.

Just dull and dry, with a smell like crusty old pasta sauce.

Faintly garlic like too.

Even so, my wig came in handy for me time and time again throughout my childhood.

With my costume obsession...

I wore it for a stint on our roof while my parents were out of town.

(the only place the nanny/housekeeper couldn't get to me)

I always hear the story of how my parents were driving back into town...

Looking at the house in the distance, and thinking, who the heck is on our roof?

With curly reddish hair??

It was me.

In my wig and a cape.

If I didn't amuse myself, who would, I ask you?

I began collecting little things back then too.

I would search out the gold mines around our property.

Not inside, as it was deadly dangerous.

But around the outsides.

I would take Slim Jims, canned Pringles and mini 7-ups into the desert with me.

Healthy sustenance.

Searching rock after rock.

Adding to my loot.

And...

To my wigs.

Quite sound and sensible things, I thought.

Yes yes, I grew into a collector of all manner of sound and sensible things.

For example...

About 9 years ago, when I was a business gal, I got a call on my phone.

That phone rang all day- morning, noon and night I tell ya.

It was a private builder who was one of my clients.

Vanessa, where are you?  I need to talk to you about something with the house on blah blah blah street.

Oh well, I am at Annabelle's Attic, the antique store.

(I would shop in between appointments you see)

So, he said he would meet me there.

What are you doing here he asked, do you collect antiques?

Oh, just looking around I said.

I remember being really distracted by what he was saying because of a little faun boy head I spied in a glass case.

Can I see that, pointing at faun boy head, I asked the salesperson.

Sterling silver?

Ridiculously priced?

Faun boy head?

I'll take it.

I need it.

My client just looked at me.

You're buying that?

Why?

Me:  I need it.

Just like I needed the little ring.

The auburn wig.

The endless loot.

He just shrugged his shoulders and kept talking.

But I was more than smitten with my little sterling silver faun boy head.

I think he needs a silver polish rag sometime soon :-)

Another time my parents were out of town I got into my mom's safe.

I put on gobs and gobs of her real gold stuff.

Diamonds and emeralds are what I chose.

Then I was picked up to go out for pizza with some friends and their parents.

Every adult was staring at me.

They must be amazed at my jewels I thought.

I was so proud of my sparkle.

The next day I hear the phone ring, then my mom scream...

Vanessssssssaaaaaaaaa, were you wearing my jewelry at Pizza Hut last night?

So and so told me they saw you all decked out in jewels not fit for a 10 year old?!!

Me:

Oh no mom, I would never do that.

Why would I ever do that?

No no, they are crazy.

Hee hee.

:-)

So, this brings me to today.

So many other stories lost along the way.

However.

It comes to how all those things create the person we become.

Define us in little and big ways.

Mold and form who we are.

Why my obsession with loot and mannequins and treasure and old things and rocks?

I just don't know.

It just stuck.

And so, now I am the girl with mannequins and wigs bursting out of her sheds.

So many mannequins, so little time.

Amongst drums and art and and and.

Somehow, along the way, Becky lost a few fingers.

Darn Becky, why can't you mind your fingers?!

No new wig for you.

:-)

Why am I telling you all of this, oh who knows.

Just stories brought up from the old memory banks I guess.

The point could be that...

I never got any buried pirate treasure.

But hey, it's never too late is it?

The closest I got so far is that up there.

I still have wigs.

But I don't look good in them so I put them on plastic women.

I still love loot.

I still love rocks.

I still sleep with paint all over me.

And chew too much bubble gum.

I also still have the same nightgown.

(I think I was taunting my sister with snacks I had in my lap)

I mean, a new version.

Which is pretty much identical, thank you Lanz of Salzburg!

And I still hunt for loot and run around all day dressed as such.

So, besides time and a little extra treasure.

I guess not much has changed, hahaha!

And all of a sudden, I have a massive urge to pop into an antique shop.

:-)

 

I would love to hear about your childhood antics?!

Anything that pops right into your mind?

 

Happy weekending!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

 

 ps:  I had straightish hair my whole childhood, up until I was in 5th grade and I got a perm.

After which my hair stayed over the top wavy, so now I have wavy hair with ringlets in humidity too.

Weird!

It straightens easy with the blow dryer and a brush, but ya, change-ed hair.

Unless it just changed with age?

Did that happen to any of you?

 

Welcome Autumn!

Wonderful autumn times are here.

I had to go away a couple days and do all sorts of necessary things out in the world.

So happy to be back, just in time for the first days of fall.

With firefly lanterns lighting the way.

It's quite summer here still, but if you look ever so closely, you know, it's all happening.

Eating sweet fresh pomegranates in a garden swing's the best.

There are more to pick too.

The pecan trees are getting little autumnal speckles, while the nuts are ripening.

Out of their green casings they pop.

I do love pecans, do you?

There are butterflies everywhere at this time of year.

All shades and sizes.

More than ever.

Butterfly flying by the big pecan trees.

I have told you about a path that meanders around our property...

I whip around it lap after lap in the early mornings, a couple times in the evenings.

There's always something to see...

If you look closely...

Like a butterfly hanging upside down all day.

It didn't look old enough to be dying, so maybe it had just come out of a cocoon?

It was not very fluttery and very shiny and new looking.

I continue down the path, cutting through the flower garden out front.

I love this mad little whirl of flower power.

Hummingbirds in the Mexican petunias.

Lots of fresh flowers coming.

The week between Halloween and the first days of November are always when there are the most flowers in the garden.

Can't wait to see what happens out there this season.

There are so many intricate spider webs in the garden this year.

I think that these are orb weaver spiders, what do you think?

Down the sunny autumn path, passing the smaller front entrance, gypsy wagon in the distance...

And into the fairy bower we go.

It looks like you have to crouch down to go in, but you don't.

It's about my height and taller.

It's one of my favorite places, tucked in there.

As the sun goes down (so early this last week) I spy a wild arugula patch.

I had set all the dry arugula there through winter and it self seeded.

I love it when that happens :-)

Late afternoon in the veggie garden way out back.

I have a ton of basil and tomatillos to harvest this weekend.

A ton.

I am loving seeing so much devil's claw growing here and there.

Growing huge too.

The pods dry and open up a bit forming into the dry devil's claws we are all used to.

Oh, whose that?

My favorites are trotting down the path under pink and purple sunsets.

I stand way out back, to the back and east of the veggie garden...

The veggie garden itself is enclosed with chicken wire because of the rabbits/critters around here.

And even though the bottom of the veggie beds have a sturdy waffle wire, gophers still get in and suck things down from underneath..

So, you can't really fight the eaters, but you can try a little ;-)

I am getting the vegetable bed covers ready for the autumn sprouts -

So that the birds and critters don't munch everything up.

I have 2 of the 8 beds planted for cool season growing.

It's funny, the garden keeps you preparing for each new season ahead of time, so that the seasons seem so short.

But for now...

For now it's autumn, with pumpkin vines everywhere.

And pumpkin babes growing bigger than big.

I feel like time is slipping.

I love when the garden gets so green and the leaves grow huge and healthy.

I hate to say good-bye.

This biggie got a little stand under him.

He's showing signs of orange.

Can't wait to see what this autumn shall bring.

I took boxes and boxes of Halloween decor out of one of my sheds.

It's all sitting on my back porch now.

Time to make it happen!

Orange and black, here we come!

Happy Autumn my dear friends.

With pumpkins and apples and fires and trick or treating.

With turning leaves and hay rides galore.

And oh, so much more.

Another season at A Fanciful Twist.

Thanks for popping in.

And being a part of this place.

 

Warmest autumn wishes, from me to you!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Halloween Goodies Galore {New Treats in the Shop}

It's mere hours until the first day of autumn.

Can you believe it?

So, I thought, what better way to celebrate?

Time to share some new Halloween cards and prints in my shop.

Where to begin?

Let's just plunge....

There are 4 new card styles.

(all cards are commercial quality with a lovely satin finish)

First off is...

Halloween Cottage

The backs of the cards can be quite fun too.

The back of this card looks like this...

 

Then we have Halloween Moon...

And one of my faves...

Halloween Tea -

The back of Halloween Tea looks like this, below...

And then, because I was asked several times....

Halloween Festivities in the gypsy garden turned into a card...

I am sooo excited about these.

They are so pretty and fun in person.

Oh oh, almost forgot, I brought back this card...

Because lots of folks were asking me to, so here it is.

Hauntingly Magical Celebration -

 

I also have two pieces that have never been prints available as fresh new prints!

Halloween Tea Party with Mathilde.

I normally never make prints until an original sells, however the original version of Mathilde is still looking for a home, but she sooo wanted to be a print for the wonderful autumn season, so I obliged ;-)

Mathilde Print...

(I made a test print and she is so much prettier and crisp in person, if you click on the image below you can see a clearer view)

 

Last but not least is a piece that was itching to be a print.

From the Through the Tree series...

Magical Night at the Autumn Carnival.

 

So there we have it, some Halloween fun.

I am crazy about Halloween.

Can you tell?

:-)

Ever since I was a kid, every adult in my family would dress up.

(uncles & aunts too)

We would plan costumes for weeks and give out candy all night.

We would go to Halloween parties and festivals galore.

It was endless fun.

I looooved dressing up.

I was raised to enjoy it so, and the magic of that sort of frolic.

So, I hold it dear.

Once I had this beyond words dream of the most perfect detailed Halloween village in full party mode.

I can remember the scents, the sparkle, glitter, magic and more.

It was a dream that felt so real, like I was there.

So, every year I try to bring a little bit of it to life.

 

All new Halloween goodies are in my shop right here.

 

Happy Autumn in 7 hours!!

Wonderful times!!
The pumpkins are growing, the air is slowly changing, I even saw a yellow leaf today.

 ♥

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

Garden Witch Days...

I am so excited for our autumnal festivites.

The tinge of cooler air and rain brings back sooo much inspiration.

With a huge desire to be outside all the time.

Dreaming in the garden.

Signs of autumn bring a spring to the desert.

I am so excited for our party, I have thoughts beginning to swirl around me, faster and faster.

I go hunting for my black lace gloves.

Any excuse to throw them on.

And jeweled spiders too.

I hunt for my most proper witchy shoes.

Pointy or square toe?

I can't decide today.

Rambling vines in the gypsy garden lead me on all sorts of imaginative journeys.

Little sparks deep in the belly ignite, thinking of all the things I want to do now that it's not 105' degrees.

I have so much to collect and dry and store.

Herbs and flowers and more.

Tinctures and concoctions galore!

It was one of the most beautiful days I have ever had yesterday.

Warm with a very cool breeze.

Drizzles.

Being able to stay outside all day long.

First time in months.

Color and light.

Are you a day dreamer?

I sure am.

I could just sit in a big cozy chair in the garden and dream away as vines crawl up the tree.

Pumpkin and gourds to the left, morning glories to the right.

All self seeded, if you can believe it.

I sit and day dream for a little while and then I get inspired to do something wild and wacky and off I go.

Some pumpkin vines are even curling around the big birdcage.

Going up so so so high into the sky too.

Vines on birdcages make me happy :-)

I have so much basil I want to dry and freeze and preserve in pesto or just olive oil.

But who can think of doing any of it when the weather is part of your day dreams?

A curtain of clouds decided to dance on the mountain tops.

Just amazing.

Shifting and morphing as that golden light of autumn begins to show its face.

Dancing, glowing through the gardens.

Oh, such glorious and inspiring light.

As the sun went down the clouds turned into cotton candy pink perfection.

What a sight!

Owls turned up, as did big hawks.

Everyone dancing in the pink cloud goodness.

Mister Lovee and I walked hand in hand through the place where the bats swoop down and flutter.

I covered my head with my linen shawl.

Bats here, there and everywhere.

We walked around our path, making plans.

More vines and trees on the west side.

Maybe even our tree house come true?

He surprises me with lots of garden weeding he did, so I can plant some winter seeds.

Loooove help weeding.

All I can think of is absorbing every moment of this time.

I love autumn.

I adore Halloween.

The sun goes down and indeed, turns into evening dreams.

So early too.

I do love summer too, but it's time for a breather from the heat.

And by breather I mean it's in the 90's instead of 100's.

:-)

I looooove our yearly Halloween party!

It inspires me and helps me to absorb the season.

But for now, we dance in the last days of summer.

We turn on the music and open the windows.

We sway dance in the garden.

This plays...

I turn it up really loud.

It was indeed a summer breeze evening.

4 more days of summer.

And then, another season.

It's all so exciting isn't it?

 

Dare I take out all my Halloween bins?

Have you taken yours out yet?

I don't want to miss one morsel in time.

I love it!

You?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 ps:  Made the first pumpkin breads of the season.

What a scent in the kitchen I so missed!

 

It's Time for a Halloween Party {You're Invited}

It's true, it's true!

Something wickedly wonderful this way comes!

Time to get out our masks and ruffled frocks!

Could it really be that time already?

Of tricks and treats and magic galore?

Why, yes it is!

It is time for our 7th annual Halloween Party!!!

Woooo hoooo!

Dust off your brooms, hand wash your stockings...

Lace up your blackest ribboned shoes!

 Light some candles, doll up the mantle!

Get out your most tarnished sugar pot for your spookiest guests!

Dust off a top hat, a pointy hat too!

Then plunge!

But, watch out for your head.

Pumpkin babes, that includes you!

It's that time of the year, for frolic and magic galore.

Throw out everything conventional, replace it with nonsense and s'mores!

I heard that some of the guests have started their journey through the haunted pumpkin patch forest.

They want to be here in time for the festivities, of course.

Please note, it wouldn't be a smashing soiree if you didn't join in too, this much is certain.

Please accept this invite, from me to you.

Won't you, oh won't you?

Pointy hats win!!

I hope you can make it, I am deliriously excited!

October 25th 2014, for our 7th annual Halloween party.

Where on earth has the time gone?!

 

Here is this year's flyer.

Simply click on it for a larger view, then when it opens click on it again for an even larger view.

Then just save it to your computer and use it on your own blog.

Same instructions go for the button below.

 

If you have been a part of a blog party before, and you have your own blog, you know the drill.

But here are the rules again, just in case.

Wondering what to do if you sign up?

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

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

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

2)  On the day of the party, Saturday October 25, 2014, please make sure to post a Halloween Party post of your own, on your blog, linking to me.  Other partiers will be visiting you on that date. 

3)  IMPORTANT - On the day of the party, after you have your own Halloween blog post up and running, please leave a comment at my Halloween Party post, including your "Actual Party Link."  It will serve as an archive for all time, and your link will be there for anyone to visit as time goes by. 

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

5)  Try to leave your blog post up for a 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, when possible please remove word verification for comments during the party.  This will make things so much easier for everyone, and allow people to easily comment on your blog.

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

Note:  If you sign up, please make sure you post a party post on your blog for Saturday October 25th.  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.

 

 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 at my blog and at participating blogs on the day of the event.

 

Hope you can join in!!!

 

I am soooooo excited.

Are thee?

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  If you would like to get some ideas or inspiration, visit here to see parties from years past.

pss:  I also have a pinterest board dedicated to Autumn & Halloween with gobs of delights, right here.

I am so excited for all that comes with this wonderful autumn season!

Hoooooray!

♥

 

 

 

 

Of Vines & Jewels

Ever so much rain in the desert makes for garden dreams.

Vines in the front flower garden go up trees, blooming in blues.

I love seeing blue in the garden, do you?

Way up high they go.

As big drops plopped, I took advantage of less garden chores.

Finished up some custom pieces and plunged back into other bauble makings.

I am going to start taking pics for my jewelry shop soon.

There are so many different pieces and colors...

Pearls and rubies and peridot and citrine.

Antique elements galore.

So excited to share soon.

I got a little slowed down due to a little garden accident.

I was running through the garden chasing Miles when a pointy rock sticking up from the dirt grabbed me.

I took a bad spill.

It's a lovely lovely sight I tell ya, ha!

I am all scabbed and bruised on one side, with a hobbling double twisted bruised foot on the other side.

Which is why I lost my pace the last couple days.

Curses!

:-)

Even if I have to hobble, I can't stay out of the garden.

I went out yesterday and took some pics for ya.

I grabbed a basket because I knew there would be good things to harvest.

Sometimes I wonder, what would it look like here if we got rain all the time?

A couple days of huge downpours and you would not believe how things grow.

With the heat and sun and rain, it's like a jungle out here.

I love that we got some random hurricane rain.

What a huge huge gift.

Vines threaten to gobble up Beethoven.

There are roses come up again.

It will be hot here until, probably Halloween day.

Not summer hot, but late spring hot.

Just enough to cool off at night, warm up in the day, and make the garden think it's spring again.

Growing up in these parts, Halloween can get really tricky.

The desert does the strangest things in Autumn.

It gets very cool at night (sometimes downright cold) and very hot during the day.

So costumes can be very very tricky things to decide on.

Once I was a mouse in a full furry commercial grade costume I borrowed from my aunt.

Like the kind you jump into and zip.

I almost fainted from the heat.

I'll just be my witchy self this year.

Running through gobs of flowers as butterflies flutter everywhere.

And they do.

Soooo many butterflies.

And caterpillars.

The ground is getting bushy green from the rain.

I have mowed the entire acreage twice this summer, which is a HUGE job.

I think I might have to do it again.

Why don't I get help, you wonder?

Well, I do have Lovee, but he has endless chores too.

To be honest, I am afraid that someone who doesn't know my garden will mow the wrong things.

And, I am weirdly not into having strangers tending my garden, you know what I mean?

Below you see the partial sides of the vegetable gardens.

In case you are wondering what you are looking at :-)

The front entrance is starting to become covered with pumpkin vines.

Pumpkin vines everywhere.

My domed veggie garden has pretty much become a pumpkin house.

The inside is so full of vines you really can't get in.

It is surrounded by white sage especially in the front (this is the side), nettle, a few zinnias and more vines.

I just love seeing those pumpkin vines go.

After a harrowing exhausting summer, the vine explosion makes all the hard work worth it.

There are some HUGE pumpkins hanging around.

Yay!

These two are biggies.

Hope the vine can hold them.

I stopped pruning wild zinnias that took over parts of the veggie garden.

They got so thick.

Any time of day out there, you will be greeted by dozens of butterflies.

I have 3 beds full of my yearly basil and now zinnias.

All self seeded.

Including the tomatillos.

Yep, all self seeded.

I knew it would all self seed, so I just worked the dirt around this year, and watered.

Waiting to see what would happen.

It's a tomatillo jungle.

They are in every bed (there are 8)

And in the domed garden too.

I have been making the most delicious green salsa's with them.

They are a bit crispy crunchy inside and wonderfully tart.

Time to think about the winter veggie garden too.

Oh, you should see all the wild arugula growing all over the garden from the rains.

As rambling vines dance with cactus.

Sometimes fuchsia and blue even meet for a date.

As I wrap up the jewels.

Amethyst, yumm.

And get ready to make another batch of green tomatillo salsa.

I just pop a couple yellow and green chilies, a sweet onion, some fresh garlic and the tomatillos into a pot of water.

I bring them to a boil then simmer 10-15 minutes.

Until everything is soft.

I use a fork and knife to open the cooked chilies and scrape out the seeds (too hot), plus cut off the stems.

I then pop everything into a blender, adding a little of the water if needed.

Then pour into a bowl, salt to taste, a little squeeze of a lime.

Presto!

Delicioso.

Eat.

I do the same for making red salsa.

(tomatoes, chilies, onions, garlic)

Although, I do put a couple caps full of vinegar in mine.

And some lime.

You can't go wrong, and it is soooo yumm.

Then let it cool, refrigerate and eat for about a week.

We eat ours quicker though.

The other day I had made red salsa, and I wanted to make a pizza.

But we didn't have any pizza sauce or tomato sauce.

So I took my red salsa, added a little sugar and olive oil, and can I just say...

It was the bet pizza sauce ever.

Best pizza we ever had, to date.

 

Well, now I am just veering and rambling.

Which I am so good at in person.

I am a talker.

It's a problem, I know.

I am hermity too, it's some weird medley.

Once you get me talking...

My 1st grade teacher used to tell me that I was a social butterfly, she told my parents that all I went to school for was to socialize.  I was always in trouble.

  Then she would scream at me in class and say that if I didn't stop talking she was going to hang me by my ears and shake me until my guts fell out.

I don't think I was really talking that much to tell you the truth.

She also said a lot of politically incorrect things.

Those were the bizarre days of yore, haha!

 When the principal walked around with a wooden paddle.

Or would take off his belt and shake it at a bad kid.

 

Remember those times?

HA!

 

Okay, I'm leaving now...

Happy weekend!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

Practical Magic House {An Illustration}

I have just completed a little drawing on these rainy wonderful days.

It's my take on the house in the movie Practical Magic.

I had quite a time figuring out if I wanted to draw the frontscape as you see above, or the back of the house that we see often in the film.

I finally settled on the front, and taken by a whim of inspiration, drew it up one night at about 2 a.m.

 

It is now a print offered in two sizes in my shop right here.

8" x 10" as well as a larger size, 12" x 16"

 

When I was in real estate I used to do the elevation drawings for all of the houses I sold for a private builder of luxury homes.

I enjoyed it quite a lot, so I have been drawing buildings once again.

With my own little whimsical twist.

Quirky as they might be, much like the drawer it seems.

Drawing in pen is uber exciting because you only get one chance.

I did my shading in pencil.

I forget how much I love drawing.

Life takes you in so many other busy directions.

And of course, I have my sticky little fingers in every pot in the studio and kitchen.

Busy here and there.

But then, pen does beckon.

I especially love drawing on these rainy dark days we have been having.

It was so dark late this morning that I lit candles in what looked like a night time room.

10 a.m.

A perfect mood for mystery novels and picking pumpkins.

These dark days are rare, so I relish in them completely.

We got so much rain that our property had little river like flowings here and there.

It was just delicious.

We are not in a flood zone, so we pretty much just enjoyed it.

We did a little running around in the rain moving things to dry porches.

Got soaked.

But mostly, I just let everything get wet.

I am so excited for the plants and gardens to have gotten so thoroughly drenched beyond words.

Glorious rain in the desert.

Looking out from my back porch.

Pumpkin vines happy as can be.

Just wonderful, this rain.

Since it is always sunny and dry, not to mention crazy hot, this is a treat from heaven.

This moody weather brings all sorts of good feelings.

And, hot tea, of course.

Also some drawing and reading, and watching movies about castles whilst painting clay.

Still, I know.

But making progress.

For now, the drawing is completed.

And I for one would adore living in such an abode, you?

I am also quite tickled by this huge size print I am now offering, as seen below.

12" x 16"

 

Prints can be found in my Etsy shop here.

 

 Offered in a standard 8" x 10" or a larger 12" x 16"

 

I must run off to see how low my quince branches are to the ground after such rain.

Then another meeting with the pen.

 

I am loving today sooo much.

I wish I could bottle it.

Rain.

Beloved rain.

 

The parched earth is hydrated and smiling so big.

What's up with your weather?

I do love weather.

I know it's borderline boring, but I do.

I am obsessed with it really.

:-)

 

It is supposed to be dry, sunny and 100'F again late in the week.

So, I suppose I better really roll around in the rain water.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  I would so live there right away....

Witches and all :-)

"There's some things though I know for certain...

Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder...

Keep rosemary by your garden gate...

Plant lavender for luck...

And fall in love whenever you can..."

Sally Owens, Practical Magic

Hello September, Hello Sleeping Witches...

September.

That month of fleeting summer, just before the holiday explosions begin.

A few leaves start to turn golden, hot days, cool nights.

Fading light.

19 more days of summer.

Roses and dahlias, and tiny pumpkins turn up.

Golden glow, dusty sun shines through endless vines.

Blue and fuchsia morning glories galore.

Such a sight.

Such a joy.

Piles on top of heaping piles of mesquite tree beans everywhere!

Orange butterflies flutter in every direction.

Leaving lots of caterpillar babies crawling about.

I draw until 2:30 a.m.

Crazy hour for someone who has to get up early to tend her gardens.

I feel a tickle on my neck.

A humming up my spine, a whisper in my ear.

From inside the old suitcases....

Let me out, let me out!

It's time...

The witches are here.

Safe from a long journey of sleep.

Stockings enough, well, enough to awaken butterflies in my belly, I dare say.

For the love of dolls and whimsy!!

And Halloweeeeeen!

Oh I missed her so!

Still time to show her what's been goin' on out there in the gypsy garden.

Late summer brings hotter than normal temps around here.

Autumn of the brain trickles in, but autumn of the garden is still far away.

Which makes me thankful in these grasping days of summer.

Falling like sand through fingers.

The desert lets summer linger until the end of October, sometimes longer.

A new spring is headed our way.

Fresh flowers know it too.

It will be spring like for most of autumn.

But always crisp and cool enough at night, that a cauldron and cackle beckon quite ardently.

I am all grown.

And...

I love dolls.

The thing I love the most about being grown up -

Not combing hair if I don't want to.

Enjoying my childhood more than ever.

Ice cream for breakfast.

Mismatched socks.

Scream singing, and no one telling me to quit.

Banging on my piano as I wish.

A man who thinks my invented songs are brilliant and gives me false hope.

:-)

Running in puddles and tracking in mud.

Jumping on bed and hanging from ceiling fan.

Just kidding on that last one.

Note...

Do not hang from ceiling fan please, ever!

 

What I love about being grown up is that I get to enjoy my childhood as much as I want.

When I want.

 

Witches in fluffy dresses included.

 

Cackle cackle!!

Don't you feel the vibe of fun in your belly?

I always get extra crazy/inspired/wacky/childlike at this time of year.

 

You?

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  My navigation bar under my banner looks weird today doesn't it?

 

Flower Petals {New Cards in my Shop}

I am soooo excited today!

There are pretty new flower cards in my shop, hoooray!

When you design a new batch of cards, you never really know what to expect until they arrive.

These do not disappoint, they are soooo pretty in person.

Bright and happy!

Here are some close ups...

The back of the card above is extra fun, with yellow polka dots!!

Oh, it makes me want to write snail mail now.

 

This one below is a very dear fave of mine.

I love the shadows and details the back window light casts.

Almost like a painting.

Here are some fairy lights and lovely little petals.

It's almost like an underwater scene isn't it?

And, last but not least...

That beautiful golden evening light...

I have always adored that image above.

Outside the gypsy wagon, cooking on the cast iron stove.

Graced by the sun and all the magic it imparts on photos snapped just at the right moment.

I am smitten by these.

I hope you like them too.

 

You can find them here.

 

And those polka dots below!

I think polka dots make the world a better place ;-)

Don't you?

All of these cards are now in my shop.

Stocked and ready to go.

I even have an assorted set of all of them available too.

I just adore receiving and sending snail mail.

Isn't it such a luxury?

 

I find it so dreamy, this whole taken for granted postal service.

Mail right in your mailbox, it is amazing isn't it?

Even my little path to the mailbox makes me happy.

I think we should all send more fun snail mail, don't you?

 

Also, don't forget, I can always make you any custom assortment you might fancy.

And would be more than happy to.

 

 I have been ever ever ever so busy.

I can't even describe it all.

You know those days when you are busy every single moment?

I have been like that for about 12 days now.

Creating, shipping, custom behind the scenes work, aiding in a move in 104'F weather for days.

The list goes on and on.

Plus playing in jewels and paint past midnight.

 

Many more fun things to come.

I have so many garden photos and things to share soon.

I invented some herby cheese scones by whim & accident.

I needed something to accompany a salad, so I took a cookie recipe I had in my mind, omitted all the sugars and replaced them with garlic and herbs and salt and cheese.

And a scone was born, oh my!

I also whipped up two new dressings.

One is a basil avocado vinaigrette.

Beyond delicious.

Must remake them to test my recipes before I share.

 

How are you?

What is going on out there in the great big world??

 

Loooove, V