A Fanciful Twist

Peeking in the Winter Garden & Other Tales...

It's astonishing, what you can find in the winter garden.

When all is sparse and dry, there are still garden treasures to be found.

Inspiration for art and palette.

And wandering mind it seems, as this post curiously unravels.

The strawberry leaves turn crimson & have my full attention.

I take a few and find myself brushing up against arugula flowers.

A scent so peppery and buttery all at once.

Such a flavor.

I can't help but eat a few leaves.

I love that it has jumped outside the vegetable garden and grows in hearty patches everywhere.

I collect some of my favorite winter garden finds.

The lacy dried out casings of tomatillos.

Intricate & paper thin.

Don't mind me as I give the rosemary a pinch as I walk by.

I have made ever so many rosemary roasted potatoes with chicken in the oven this winter.

I decide to collect a bundle of garden loot, see what I can come up with.

I make a pouch out of my shirt and fill it.

Dry bits of black eyed susans amuse me.

As do coreopsis tufts and golden nettle berries.

I can't help but get distracted by the Brussels sprouts, which are ready for picking.

I love them thrown in a hot pan with a little olive oil, sauteed with garlic, craisins and slivered almonds.

Then doused with balsamic and allowed to sautee with the lid on.

Yumm.

I adore how they grow up a giant stalk.

I pick off all the big leaves so I can see them better.

We will most certainly be having Brussels sprouts tomorrow.

Hooooray!

I skedaddle on with my loot in my shirt, admiring sweet alyssum peeking through rock paths.

And I nearly gasp at the perfectly witchy look of the gypsy garden.

Where a teeny tiny 49 cent pot of variegated ivy I planted has exploded over the years.

Trickling out of its space and over to the gypsy wagon.

It's one of those things that only happens when you don't try.

If I had wanted it to do that, it wouldn't have.

I'm happy.

Crazy little ivy.

I turn out my shirt onto the old wooden table.

I even found a piece of teal glass.

I guess in the winter of the high desert, there is still color after-all?

Imagine that?

It's like anything in life isn't it?

No matter how empty or desolate something seems...

If you really open your eyes and look...

You may see more things than you could have ever imagined.

I love hunting about when the garden is empty and winter sleeping.

So many little things to notice before all the pretty guys turn up.

 

It's kind of like not judging a book by its cover.

Or judging people by the way they look.

I worked at an angel gallery once, where I also sold my angel paintings.

(I painted angels once upon a time)

You would meet all matter of curious & wonderfully interesting people there.

My parents were terrified.

But I was fascinated.

It was a wonderful experience for a 19 year old.

There was the couple who wore no shoes and white robes, so kind.

There was the scary guy who told us every chance he got that he was just out of jail - he was wild eyed and looked like he could snap at any second.  We showed him human kindness, and he always came back for more.

(he prefaced every sentence with, I just got out of jail, so it became funny after a year)

We always offered him food treats right away, because that seemed to please him.

So many other endless lovely people.

There was a cafe' next door where more stories and characters evolved after the gallery closed.

There was the French Canadian Richard Gere looking guy with the black hat.

He was about 15-18 years older than me.

He couldn't speak any English.

So, I practiced my French on him, and somehow we ended up in front of a roaring fire, laughing and listening to Pavarotti and U2 in concert.  He had the cassette tape tucked inside his black leather motorcycle jacket.

I was such a hopeless romantic.

(Am.)

However, when he wanted to take me back home with him a few weeks later, to live in a chalet in the woods of Quebec and have lots of babies, I got in my rabbit convertible and bolted away.

And that was that, one of many romances I dare confess.

(so glad I had them, fun memories abound)

I was still in college after-all.

Not ready for any of that.

Was fun while it lasted.

He was so sad.

Sorry French man.

So sorry.

And yet, and yet and yet......

I veer.

I veer so well don't I?

We were talking about angels and nature collecting...

And I ended up with heart shaped pupils and Pavarotti.

But it was winter.

And it was cold.

So, that's what the stories have in common I suppose?

Oh gooodness me.

Should I really post this fiasco of a tale, haha!?

I suppose it would only be apropos to leave you with "the" song below...

And beg you to tell me one of your tales.

Something from the past.

Or the present.

I know you have tales.

A good and juicy tale.

Come on, won'tcha?

Don't let me stand here telling you my secrets alone ;-)

xoxo

Love, V

 

♥ ♥ ♥

 

 

 

 

 ps:  As I typed I remembered...

I still have the cassette he gave me, with Pavarotti and U2, that night...

All those years ago.

Oh my, haha!

♥

Note to Self: Don't Forget to Buy Flowers

I had forgotten, you see, the importance...

Of being extra good to oneself.

Like, going to the store just to buy flowers.

And on the way, stopping for more candles.

Buying flowers for yourself, for no reason at all, is one of the bestest things.

If I do say so myself.

Something curious always happens when I am looking at flowers to buy.

Someone asks if it's my birthday.

If I am going to a party.

Last year a man came up to me and asked me if anyone had told me lately that I was beautiful.

I almost fell over.

I didn't feel beautiful at all.

I think he was an angel, because when I looked up from trying to control my crimson face, he was gone.

But what I really think it is, is the glow of happiness due to buying flowers for no reason, that illuminates the face.

I got roses and carnations.

The cashier asked me if I was giving them to someone special.

I said yes, myself.

Which was kind of odd to say, but neat too.

She scoffed a little.

Then she said, both bouquets?

And I said, indeed!

Then she said, maybe I am weird, but I would never buy myself flowers.

It's too frivolous.

And, they just die.

I guess, I am just weird, she said again.

And I said, well, it's all perception because I love dry flowers and save them.

Save them?! She exclaimed.

Oh no, I don't like junk in my house she said.

I smiled and said, I love junk.

Well, enjoy your flowers she said.

I said, I sure will, you should try it sometime.

And I smiled at her.

Hoping and wishing, that possibly maybe, she might buy herself some flowers.

Such a lovely thing.

Especially in winter.

When the garden is asleep.

Put on some music, separate them.

Light candles.

Just be in the moment.

No stress, no worries.

Just a little time for oneself.

And, better than that, a little love for oneself.

I have a friend who used to love cleaning her house, putting on the Gypsy Kings, lighting candles.

We both love candles.

Then she stopped.

And I asked her why?

She said, I don't know, kind of in a sad tone.

Then she said, I must do this again.

I think we just forget sometimes, in the busy days of life, to be kind to our most important love.

Our self.

You.

Me.

I know that I am enjoying my candy pink carnations and roses like mad.

Maybe I should even thank myself, shouldn't I?

For the flowers?

Notice how no matter where you go in life, people try to squash goodness?

Like the cashier thinking me silly for buying myself flowers for no reason?

I could have taken that on.

But why?

No thanks, it's not my issue.

I mean, why not buy yourself flowers?

Why not?

I can't see a better reason than none.

Honestly.

:-)

The best part of growing older is that, people can't break through your secret shield as easily.

Mine is a bit more solid with every passing year.

And by golly, if I want to buy myself flowers, I most certainly will.

And if I want chocolates or balloons, I will get them too.

Celebrating life.

Because you matter.

That's my motto.

 

Now, when was the last time you bought yourself flowers, just because?

 

xoxo

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

ps:  This way playing on the New Age station while I typed....

 

Dolls & Tea ♥

A cold front moved in early this morning.

Winds whipping around like mad.

Which made for a perfect hazy sort of Arizona winter day.

Knowing me by now, you know I take such opportunities very seriously.

Endless hot tea, sketching by pencil.

Dusting the studio.

Enjoying the day.

Cup after cup after cup.

Pretty tea things don't hurt either.

What a wonderful luxury isn't it?

That beautiful china was made for simple things such as sipping tea.

It's brilliant really.

Amazes me and makes me extra happy.

Tea party for one?

Why yes, don't mind if I do.

Little nibble of dark chocolate filled with absinthe, oh my!!

How curious indeed!

Am I a tiny bit tipsy, I'm just not certain?

Hiccup!

Oh, and did I tell you, our new resident at casa Fanciful is getting along just swimmingly?

A present to myself from the 1800's.

An antique large Kling China doll.

About 26" long.

I always wanted a proper China doll, love her so.

I found her an old dress a couple months ago.

It lost the front ribbons in the wash, so I will sew them back on and do some other little repairs soon.

Dainty little thing.

Her long legs are quite tattered.

But being 135 years old can do that to ya I suppose.

I'll make her some stockings and shoes.

Sweet little girl.

She fits in happily, me thinks, with all the other creatures & characters around here.

Watching ballet dancers on canvas, flutter about...

Whilst I work on new pieces.

Everyone else looking on.

Keeping her company.

Wonder what they all get up to once I am asleep?

I am so glad that I never grew up to be someone who squashes childhood dreams.

Like dolls waking up and partying late at night.

Or, trolls being under the bed.

I've never stopped thinking dreams can come true.

Or that, I am too old.

I never think, I should grow up.

I am so glad for that.

(despite all the dream squashers one runs in to through life)

I still go to bed early and wait for Santa.

I wonder what the elves are doing in the north pole right now :-)

I imagine what Pan is up to in Neverland.

I positively adore the Easter Bunny.

I could go on and on.

However...

I am not silly or childish in a bad way.

I hope, haha!

I just keep that light youthful side of my brain open to anything whimsical.

Anything at all.

No need to kill that side off.

Why would anyone want to anyway?

That would be so sad.

Sure, things happen in life that want to change us.

But, you just can't give up that side, let it peek in when you are healed from life events.

Please do.

I've known many old ladies in my lifetime whose 8 year old selves shine through still.

They are sophisticated and smart, but their young believing selves still thrive and glimmer.

They still believe.

There is a balance.

I am not immature, I still like love and romance and high heels.

I like lipstick and novels and being grown up.

But I also love China dolls and fairy tales and my childlike self who lives in me.

The one who likes ruffled nightgowns and stuffed rabbits in costume.

It really isn't all or nothing is it?

No no, I don't believe so.

Not at all.

You can have your cake and eat it to, if you allow yourself.

 

Hang on fellow dreamers, hang on ;-)

No matter what.

xoxo

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Winter Cottage ♥

Tucked in the tiny garden cottage in winter.

Such a great place to be.

Bright & Happy.

I waver between 80's music and fairy tale soundtracks.

Tells a lot about me maybe?

:-)

Lighting my candles.

Having a girl's day.

Stacking up little books.

All the things I want to take up to the loft with me line the stairs.

It's afternoon, so we get one last jaunt through the fairy bower.

Collecting marigold seeds here and there as we loop around our garden path.

And dare I say...

We spy tiny signs of spring.

Sunset turns everything golden.

I decide to clean out dry flowers of last summer and fall.

Hopefully all the seeds have dropped.

The guardian does his job.

And then, a little group of hummingbirds whip around me.

Talking to each other. Sitting on tiny twigs.

Pip pip pip pip.

I follow them and find myself standing in a field of sprouting wild chamomile.

Wonderful!

Can't wait.

Then a winged wee one flutters past me at lightning speed, sipping sugar water.

I sneak a peek at sprouting daffodils...

And, Hyacinth!

Oh blissful dream, I love it!

The setting sun casts glowing light here and there.

I can't believe the ranunculus are peeking up too!

Little violets sway about.

I am happy.

I am on the ground sniffing violets when the hummingbirds return.

Click, click!

Then they are gone.

Time to skip back to the cottage.

Wildflowers in the dry grass ♥

I roast veggies in the oven.

Get out more candles and slippers, and head out.

The kettle whistles in the cottage.

Up I climb.

Books and tea in tow.

I am giddy with my girl time.

Hiding in the cottage loft with books?

Some days it doesn't get any better than that at all.

Not at all.

Give me a book and you'll lose me for a while :-)

The cottage is so bright and fresh.

I love being in there.

It even has fresh coats of paint.

Thank you Mister Lovee.

Now go away.

Hee hee.

Time to spend more time out there again.

Sometimes, when I am up in the cottage loft, I think about how I am a tiny smidgen of a morsel on the planet, tucked into a little hidden nook, in the middle of nowhere, in a tiny cottage.

Then I just trip out a little, hahaha!

Its like stepping into a storybook for a few hours.

Everyone needs an escape every now and then, don't they?

Although, sometimes I fear I planned my life out to be one big escape!

Hahahaa!

Too much play, not enough discipline.

Oh well.

Could be worse I guess?

 

What is your favorite guilty escape?

Do you have one?

I love going into antique stores and leaving my phone in the car.

Soooo delicious!

 

xoxo

Love, V

 

 

 

 

ps:  Random.

Listening to Bronksi Beat on repeat.

Hello 1984.

♥