A Fanciful Twist

Butterfly November

I had gone into the garden to collect some tattered zinnias.

I decided to take some books to enjoy in my cozy chair under the lemon tree.

But when I entered the garden, another kind of magic was waiting for me.

I was lucky enough to have brought my camera along.

You just never know what might be going on out there.

The moment I walked in, there was a flutter of wings in the bright sunshine.

The Queen butterflies had arrived like clockwork.

I picked flowers as they swooped all around me.

They were not that easy to photograph at first, as they were playing games with me and moving so quickly, I could hardly snap a photo.

My camera was doing funny things and turning some photos into watercolor paintings.

Just like the zinnias I had initially set out to pick.

Old and discolored, and absolutely beautiful.

Their petals look painted and distressed to perfection.

As I was choosing zinnias, I decided to become very still and quiet.

(Can you spot the butterfly below?)

I squatted down really low for a very long time, and slowly they started to trust me a little more.

But they do move so fast, and they can avoid being photographed if they want to.

(Another camouflaged one below)

Once I was out there for a good while, they didn't seem to mind me as much.

They started to stay on the Sulphur cosmos longer, even though I was near.

They always turn up at this time of the year, migrating to Mexico I believe.

They absolutely love the cosmos and milkweed.

So do the yellow-bellied finches, who love to destroy zinnias as well.

In fact, they eat the entire zinnia plant, leaves and all.

Although right now, this yellow belly is savoring the cosmos.

The longer I stayed right here, the more the flying creatures came around.

I took hundreds of photos and had a really hard time narrowing it down.

I brought way too many to share, but if you love butterflies, then these are for you.

Who wouldn't want to be here during these stunning November days?

This photo below reminded me so much of a 70's mural.

Can't get more autumnal than this.

There were all manner of other creatures, from bees to dragonflies, and other interesting specimen.

I quietly tiptoed in my loud wellies and ruffled attire.

These are the days to love here.

This weather is why everyone comes to Arizona for the next 6 months.

It does get chilly, but the sun always warms up, especially if you are moving around.

Teddy left house 2 after dinner with Mister Lovee last night.

I like to give them one on one time at the country house (house 1).

And so, it's just me and Matty in the garden today, just the way he likes it best.

With last tattered zinnias dancing in the sunshine.

The sunlight is glorious, ripening up all those lemons.

I'm still dealing with limes, and now there are endless lemons coming soon as well.

So delicious.

And now, I've collected what I came for.

Watercolor petals.

As I turn to leave the garden with my treasures, I see butterfly wings peeking out everywhere.

I get a little flutter in my heart, happy that they are here.

I don't even think happy is the correct word.

It's more like gratitude mixed with a bliss sigh.

If I could only teleport you here.

To feel the cool air and warm sun as butterflies fly all around you.

It's some kind of incredible magic.

Nature's magic for certain.

Isn't it true, that there is magic all around if you open your heart and mind, and slow down enough to see it.

When I was younger, I used to wonder often, why are we here?

And what is the meaning of this thing called life.

When you really slow down enough to think about its offerings, it's mind-blowingly amazing.

Birds, sunshine, moon, clouds, stars, flowers, breeze, rain, trees, butterflies.

You name it, the list could go on and on.

One day I was sitting outside, looking at the mountains and sky, and I had this enormous realization.

An epiphany if you will.

That the beauty of nature all around us, is the greatest gift of this life, and our purpose in many ways is to enjoy it, acknowledge it, and be a part of it.

That brought so much peace and closure to my wonderings back then, about why we are here.

And it still brings me peace.

The thought that we are here to enjoy nature's magic all around us.

Otherwise, why would it be here at all?

It's no irony that we find nature gaspingly beautiful.

It's the greatest gift, to stop and look around, and marvel at its beauty.

It's not about the fast life we chase, not about all the shallow trivialities.

But nature's gift all around us, here for the enjoyment.

To infuse your mind, body and soul, and to bring you peace and joy.

All you have to do is look up, lout out, look around.

Then feel gratitude, be thankful, and watch all your worries and ailments begin to disappear.

Nature's magical tonic.

Who knew I'd be writing a "thanks giving" post, but truly, thankfulness can heal you.

Rather than looking at the glass half empty and what you don't have...

Look at the beauty all around you.

It is an infinite gift.

The blue sky, the clouds, mountains, snow, rivers, lakes, birds, bees...

A deep breath.

A smile <3

All thanks today, to the butterflies.

 

See you soon.

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

ps: Here is a link to more about the Queen butterflies.

 

pps: Here is a lovely post with last year's butterflies.

 

 

Lovely November

This month feels like a wonderful secret...

The weather, the sights, the sounds.

The key limes become yellow when ripe and are easy to pick.

Many of them fall on the garden floor overnight as the quail jump into my citrus trees to sleep.

The summer garden is still gifting, even though it is in the 30's and 40'sF at night, the days have been 60's and 70's, now dropping a little more, but just perfect.

The real beauty is the joy of gardening on these delicious weather days.

I've been working a lot in my studio, but the garden is my sanctuary and peace.

The light on these secret November days is truly a dream.

And so, I set off into the cool morning air with a bag and a basket, to see what I can collect.

The endless limes are just amazing, the scent, the flavor.

Key limes (also known as Mexican limes) taste like no other.

Every day we collect a basket full.

Teddy is obsessed with picking limes.

He thinks it is a grand game, and often he walks around with a lime in his mouth.

The lemons will come soon.

I have been boxing limes and delivering them to a couple friends who I know will use them.

I have tried to give them away by placing a basket on the road with white paper bags, but people never take them.

The main way I store them is by juicing them and pouring the juice into ice cube trays with lids.

Then you can just take some out easily whenever you need some.

I also dehydrate sliced limes, but most importantly, I candy a lot of my citrus, which recipients go bonkers over.

I will make a key lime pie as well (or two, or three), maybe even today.

I end up making all sorts of lime treats.

Not to forget the Mexican limonada, beyond scrumptious.

There are still several pumpkins out there, and the tomatoes have hit that sort of candied tomato ripeness that only happens at a certain time.

When the sunlight is perfect.

I made a curry dish with some of my collections here.

I love inventing what I shall make with gifts of the garden.

It's so much fun.

I am relishing these moments until a real hard freeze wipes everything out.

I love this photo below, where you see the boys' legs together.

So sweet.

I was on my knees colleting limes and turned to see them there.

Lucky shot for sure.

I wish I could teleport you into some of these moments in my garden.

I try to capture the feeling, coming upon a wild bouquet in a sort of fairy tale light.

The lemons making the branches so heavy, they curve over in their own sort of arbor.

Soon, they shall be ripe as well, and I will make endless batches of candied lemon peel.

I put them in jars and gift them for Christmas.

Teddy is running around while my devoted bodyguard watches my every move.

13 years with my Matty (Matisse).

So devoted and loyal, it brings me to tears.

He moves around the garden so he can see me from afar, in the way he finds most comfortable.

Not too close, not too far.

Watching and listening.

My garden has grown so wild and dense, the trees are finally creating shade, which I will enjoy so much during hot summer months.

My big volunteer on the right, has me picnicking under it lately.

One of nature's gifts, dappled light through tree leaves.

It creates its own bokeh as seen below.

Poor tattered zinnias.

Still beautiful, like an old piece of perfectly distressed furniture.

Our corridors of wildflowers, still standing on this beautiful 1111.

November 11th.

Tomorrow is Teddy's birthday.

He will be one year old.

How I adore my companions.

Teddy is a fruit and vegetable eater.

He will tackle me for a piece of apple.

I teach him all the things he should not eat though, and he seems to understand pretty well.

Like onions and avocados, to name a couple.

Speaking of onions, I always replant my onion bottoms, even from store bought onions.

That way I always have little onions and scallions at the ready.

I keep them going year-round.

I bring in my little haul, placing it on that table I sort of re-made.

The top had been pressed board and rotted because I kept it outside.

So, I ordered a piece of wood and sanded it and attached it to the base.

I gave it 3 coats of matte varnish, but left it natural.

I am really enjoying this second life it is having.

It's in the breakfast nook, by the big doors I like to leave open, going out into the garden.

A lovely afternoon to invent a meal from garden goods.

On a day in this beautiful November.

What a wonderful treat this month is.

It has a certain calmness that I appreciate and cherish so much.

I take the dogs for brisk walks, watch the moon in a coat and scarf.

I wait for that midday sun to warm me, not too hot, not too chilly.

Just perfect.

Have you ever met anyone named November?

I love names like Autumn.

In my family there were a couple Hortensia as well, which means hydrangea in English.

The H is silent.

(Or-ten-see-ya)

But I love names like Marigold and such.

What are some of your favorite natural names?

Perhaps we could discover some unused ones as well?

Of course, Poppy is absolutely darling.

Alas, I digress as per usual.

I have a pumpkin to roast right now.

Which is a very cute nickname as well.

I made scones and turtle brownies last night, and hot toddies.

Oops, I hear Teddy returning from his walk with Irishman, so I must be off before he tackles me.

(Yesterday Teddy and ML were playing so rough, they took a tumble down the driveway, everyone is fine, but they are all a bunch of wild guys, I tell ya)

And, he'll want breakfast too.

Ttfn sweet friends!

See you soon.

 

Love, 

Vanessa

 

ps:

This is what I am listening to today.

 

 

 

Halloween Magic and a Midnight Soirée

Our favorite time of year is here.

With colorful leaves, caramel apples, carnivals and dancing around the crackling fire.

Costumes and twinkling lights sparkle up the night, as we set our table with delight.

We light the candles and fill the table with sweet treats just for you.

The master of ceremonies is Jack the cat.

He looks like he's up to pure mischief.

Golden mice and sparkly stars are tucked in everywhere...

Just beware the poison mushrooms.

(made by Calamity Kim)

They are actually guests as well, not for eating.

And Mister owl is keeping his eyes open for anyone who samples too much punch.

Enter the sparkle and magical mayhem if you dare!

With singing fairly lights and antique clowns, you must beware.

Sarah Blank's little bunny sculpture decided to hide in a Jack-o-Lantern cup and popped his head out at the stroke of midnight.

He gave us all quite a fright!

Do be careful or you might get turned into a doll's head in a teacup by the local witch.

You can see, she's already given some visitors butterfly wings, such as Mister Bun.

Now, open your caramel apples and take a bite.

They are known to remove 3 years off your age with a maximum of 12 bites.

Open your little purse and fill it with candy corn too, as they are also known to have some sort of magical powers.

It's never too late to practice some spells and open some surprise crackers.

Dare I tell you that this little giggling face below set himself on fire, in a big ball of flames.

Yes, it's true!

I have no idea how the entire table didn't go up in a fiery disaster.

I quickly grabbed a giant pot and some potholders and shuffled him right in and took him outside.

Then he took a good bath and was allowed back at the party.

Although, perhaps I should have exercised more caution :-)

He thinks it's all a big game of Trick or Treat!

One of my little witches I made years ago was more than unamused at everyone's antics.

In fact, she was positively bemused.

Spider thought it was quite hilarious, but that's only because he could get away so quickly.

And the clowns thought that whole thing was absolutely entertaining, to say the least.

Alas, here we are, tickled pink and orange, having the most delightful of Halloween times.

Under the beautiful lights, as the sun makes its exist for the night.

Take another sip and eat a few more treats, as it's almost time to go dance under the moonlight.

We hope you had the most marvelous of times.

And will hold a place for you at the table...

Whilst you take your yearly flight.

Under the starry starry night!

So overjoyed to have had you as our guest.

At our home where Halloween is celebrated year-round, kept alive by a little candlelight flame burning in our pumpkin hearts.

I am sorry my blog was down for over a week due to the Typepad crash of 2022.

But I am so happy to bring you the pumpkin holiday festivities, no matter the delay.

I hope you had a wonderful time, and I can not wait to see you again next year.

Be careful as you make your way through the haunted woods.

Don't talk to any ghosts that you don't know on your way home.

And leave a trail of candy corn, so that you might find your way back here for next year's Halloween.

 

 Lots of cackles and love, from me to youuuuu!!

Heheheheeeeeeee!

Vanessa

 

 

ps: Something fun to listen to whilst visiting the party.

Also -

If you would like to visit our parties from years past, please click here...

 

 

 

Cabinet of Natural Curiosities {Golden Insect Pumpkins}

Dear Friends, I know Halloween has come and gone, and there were no posts here.

My blog service has been down for a week, which has been very stressful.

I am not able to upload photos as I normally do, so I am having to upload these giant versions in a round about way, until they iron out that glitch.

I figure, that is better than nothing.

I had so much fun and magic planned for you this season, I know Halloween is one of the most beloved posts at A Fanciful Twist.

And so, I have decided to go forward and post everything I had planned for you, even if it is a week late.

I know social media moved on to Christmas at the stroke of midnight on Halloween, but I also know some of you are true Halloween lovers, so these next posts are for you.

And now we have...

Golden insects treasures!

I'll show you my idea for these curious pumpkins and then the next post will be our 2022 Halloween post.

One day I was sitting on the sofa looking at my white pumpkins, thinking that they would look amazing covered in golden bugs.

I remembered I had a bag of plastic fake bugs, and of course, I always have gold paint on hand...

And so, I spray painted a bunch of bugs, bats, tiny mice and lizards in gold, and then I sprinkled iridescent glitter on them.

This really is the easiest craft ever, with the most fancifully magical outcome.

After I spray painted and glittered the bugs, I thought for a second about how I would attach them.

I almost instantly knew the answer, pearl head pins!

I just pushed the head pin through the top of the softer bugs, and anchored the pins around the bugs that were too hard to push through,.

I had soooo much fun with this craft, and the result was pretty magnificent.

At least, I thought so.

They almost look like valuable brooches.

In fact, you could glue a brooch back onto the bugs and cover a dress or jacket in them as well.

The uses for these bugs are really endless.

I loved the tiny golden mice so much, I saved a few to tuck in here and there.

This pumpkin fit in just perfectly with my daily decor.

I almost wish it could stay here forever, it's so wonderful.

I will keep it out until the pumpkin decides to perish...

The real bonus is that I can pull out the bugs, leave the pins in, and store them in a little box.

Then I can use them again next year.

 I hope you try this yourself, it really is a satisfying craft.

Amazing what a little gold spray paint can do to almost anything.

Next, I will be on my way to see if I can upload our Halloween post as well.

I'm hoping I am able to publish this for you now.

It has been such a harrowing time dealing with the Typepad crash of 2022.

It turned quite chilly here yesterday, and the pecan trees have turned a rusty golden color.

Autumn has arrived in my neck of the woods for certain.

I hope you are well dear friends, and that you had a really lovely October.

I will see you at our Halloween post soon.

 

Lots of love,

Vanessa