A Fanciful Twist

An Apple Blossom Snow White Kind of Magic

Oh, what a curious March it has been.

I have so many tales to share.

Kick up your feet and prepare for the longest post ever, perhaps with a warm drink and a treat.

The last time we met, we had a wonderful snowfall for a couple of days in February.

It was becoming spring green all around with warmer days.

The apple trees began to bloom...

The arugula had beckoned the bees, and everything was happening just as it should.

Might I add that, allowing the arugula to flower at the end of winter as it does, is a wonderful way to get bees into your garden for the early fruit tree pollination.

The bonus is that it's a lovely treat to eat fresh arugula leaves and flowers on the coldest days.

February came to a lovely close...

And then, on the first day of March, things began to change rapidly.

The craziest wind barreled through, which made me fear the roof would be torn clear off of our country house.

A big storm was on the horizon.

It always snows here at least once in February, and March can be fickle for certain, with sun and wind and rain and cold gusts in no proper order - 

But, we rarely have March snow.

And so began the incredible dreamland of white fluff on the first day of March.

The wind I mentioned above was roaring for a whole afternoon, evening and night, bringing us the winter storm.

We hunkered down at the country house because the chance of more snow always happens here.

(I call the country house, house 1)

But it did in fact snow at both house 1 and house 2.

At midnight the wind and rain stopped in one fell swoop and an incredible silence began.

That magical wonderful silence of snow falling.

At that wee hour I dressed up for the cold, with boots and gloves and snow coat and all, and I headed outside.

The sky had turned pink, and I spent two hours walking in the heavy falling snow.

Mesmerized by the stunning silence and pink snow sky that is as close to a living dream as I have ever experienced.

I had in fact experienced the pink night snow many years ago, and so I knew the importance of being out there in that 2 a.m. snow, when the sky turns pink, and the silence cocoons you in a way that is indescribable, unless you have lived it.

Which I am sure you have, if you live in a region where it snows.

I finally went to bed and woke up as the sun was starting to shine in the morning, on our winter wonderland.

We had nine inches of snow in some places, and it was astoundingly beautiful.

Teddy loved every single second of it.

Our entire country house property had become Narnia.

I ate snow off branches and walked around and around our garden paths.

I know people are always amazed that it snows in Arizona.

But we have huge mountains here, and the high elevations make for snowy areas.

Northern Arizona is an actual forest, and they get tons of snow and have ski resorts.

Arizona is a very interesting state, with cacti and forests meeting up here and there.

It's not all just barren desert, there are so many varied landscapes here.

That's why I always say that I live where the desert meets the forest.

On a ridge of the Santa Catalina mountains, with Mt. Lemmon way up there, but in perfect view from my garden.

The cottage is especially charming in the snow.

Matty stood around a lot just absorbing every second of it.

As soon as that morning sun came through the clouds, it all started to melt.

Which absolutely made it feel like a dream we had simply made up.

And so, whilst it was rapidly melting, I basked in the sights and sounds.

Admiring my little tree below, which is now gigantic...

Who I planted 22 years ago or so, from a tiny little bucket holiday tree.

My Christmas tree on my first Christmas at the country house, now standing so tall.

I love love love him so!

He lives right at the front gate, and watches over us all, gifting the most perfect pinecone zinnias, and keeping a look out on the goings on of the mountain.

Why is everything more beautiful with snow?

Mister Matty also had dental surgery after the snow and is cozy and healing well now<3

My little buildings of peeling paint are meant for the snow I think, don't you?

Delightful paths, with tufts of snow plunking on your head as it melts.

Becoming blindingly white in the sun.

And all the while, I wondered about the apple blossoms that had exploded open just a few days before the second snowstorm.

No sooner had I begun to fret, when I heard the comforting hum of bee wings in flight.

All my worries went right out the window.

Snow melted at the speed of light, revealing perfectly fine apple blossoms at house 2.

Turning their lovely pink to white as they do.

Unscathed, looking extra lovely from all the moisture of rain and snow.

And now, spring is officially springing up all around.

There is a soft rain happening now...

Poppies growing big and strong, snapdragons that have been blooming year-round are healthier than ever...

And all the bulb flowers are just beginning to bloom.

It is a lovely time in the garden.

When winter hands the torch to spring, not wanting to go, but knowing it should and must.

When apple blossom petals go from pink to white, to confetti on the garden floor.

Lemons and grapefruits are beyond plentiful, with limes and oranges all gobbled up.

And a couple of Fairytale pumpkins somehow weathered all the storms and are waiting to be roasted.

The birds are chirping, the pups are happy...

The girl is marveling at all the little green pushing up through the earth.

Once again, the warm sunshine is returning, with garden tea-times and reading in a cozy chair and big hat resuming.

Teddy is exploring everything, as he plunges deep into the super tall arugula, with flowers and bees and all!

In he goes and disappears instantly...

Only to explode out of the arugula, like a dolphin, seconds later.

I'm only lucky I was holding my camera right at that very moment.

Oh spring, you wonderful thing!

It's so gooooood to see you.

You hold such promise and joy in your basket of petals.

Making us all giddy, skipping instead of walking.

Dreaming, stretching our chilly limbs in the warm sunlight.

I know some of you are still in the snow and cold, but don't fret, the warmth will be there to you once again.

And it's the perfect time to start your seeds indoors and plan your garden happenings.

We are on the downward slope of winter and headed into a new season.

If your winter will linger, don't worry, I'll share my spring with you, until yours arrives.

Thank you for being here for this ridiculously long post.

How I long to get here more often, alas, life happens all around me and I'm jumping from carousel horse to carousel horse.

Going round and round.

So happy to write today, share my photos, and just say Hello to YOU!

I hope you are very well in your neck of the woods.

I would love to hear what you are up to, if you fancy sharing with me.

I hope to see you again soon.

 

Lots of love from that place where the desert meets the forest, 

Vanessa

 

 

PS: Some lovely music I've been listening to whilst writing to you...

 

 

A Dog's Magical February

What wonderful surprises February has held!

We got our snow, which usually happens in February, but sometimes passes us by.

The country house has been an absolute wonderland and the dogs have loved it.

The country house is where I have lived since 2001, however, a few years ago we added a second home to the mix.

They are not far from each other, and so we now juggle our lives in two homes.

A little nutty, but fun too.

All of the images today are from the country house.

I planted the gigantic tree below in 2001.

I still can not believe how huge my living Christmas tree is all these years later.

At the country house we have a series out buildings, which we have turned into our own little western village.

The window to the old workshop melts my tattered wood and peeling paint heart,

I thought you might like to go on an adventure with us, through the garden paths of our country house.

Matty will lead the way...

This is sort of the center of our town (below), which incidentally, we named Fanciful, Arizona years ago.

There are three cottages on the right in the image below.

On the right is my cottage, ML's workshop and the general store.

On the left is the old workshop, which I use for treasures, as well as my little gallery for local art shows.

My tiny house cottage is surrounded by the picket fence on the right.

It is not the main house we live in, but it is built to be livable, and I stay in there all the time.

It is filled with treasures that only a grown-up child could love :-)

It's warm, super cozy and has electricty.

Behind me there is a path with 3 more buildings and another cottage which is Mister Lovee's office.

The walking path sort of winds around the entire property.

Teddy is on the path behind me in the image below.

But if we keep on walking straight, past the picket fence and through the canopy of trees, you will arrive at the pretty gate into what was once an old green house.

It still has the walls but no roof, however, the wisteria and climbing roses have created a natural roof above it.

The greenhouse was here way before my time, so I never got to see it in full.

But once, I was digging around and found locks and handles deep in the dirt.

Teddy loved every second of the snow and never seemed to get cold.

I photographed it once it was almost melted.

I think if you are to get snow, a day or two of a powdered sugar dusting is just perfect.

Just a couple days of it and then, poof, back to sun.

I like that type of snow :-)

The image below is what you see if you look north from the tiny village, where behind the big tree is my large vegetable garden.

It's a lot of fun to walk around, enjoying how the snow makes everything look so lovely.

Over the bridge and through the woods...

With tufts of snow on tiny leaves...

And dogs enjoying every minute.

I expect Mr. Tumnus to walk by the birdbath.

As Teddy seemingly collects sticks for a bonfire :-)

Gypsy wagon 2 (which I owe you the story about), is stunning in its teal peeling paint, hanging out in the snow.

So soft and fluffy.

All of our rusty things look the best on snow days it seems...

Oh, and the pup too :-)

Jerry Parra, an artist in Oracle, Az, made this incredible train and brought it to my garden years and years ago.

I love it more than anything.

He and his wife Sue are some of my favorite people.

If you are ever in Oracle, you must visit their shop.

They sell Jerry's sculptures, antiques and all sorts of art, jewelry etc.

Years after the magical train came to live with us, Mister Lovee found this red 100-gallon sprayer tank for a tractor and turned it into the caboose.

He even bought antique wheels and acquired an old fire hose from our local fire department.

He did such a great job.

He really did make it look so good.

I forgot to photograph the entire thing in daylight, but here is a photo from Mister Lovee's phone...

Ahh, such fun times.

I looove seeing the little paws in the snow.

So cute!

Teddy was absolutely in his element.

He adores the cold.

Of course, as soon as the sun came out, it all started to melt.

Which is like a fairy tale dream in itself.

I love standing under the trees, and watching the snow fluff off, and the sound of pieces of snow falling to the ground.

It really is its own kind of magic.

Eventually all the garden stuff is revealed once again.

But for a moment in time, you get to enjoy the most amazing gift.

Of seeing your world as a Christmas wonderland.

Strolling the garden paths...

Enjoying the western village in all of its winter glory.

This month has been very moody, with rain and intense wind.

Snow, sun, magic too.

The apple trees have blossomed and made it through the very cold nights thus far.

I've loved painting in front of the fire.

Transplanting poppies that self-seeded in paths and putting them in better spots.

There are endless poppies out there, I can not wait to see what is to come.

I pruned all of the roses as well and pulled out so much old brush from last summer.

I have had a very very busy month, and really enjoyed. it.

But I have also been sleeping in, which I rarely do.

I am enjoying that too, because soon the warmth will be here, and 5 a.m. days will begin again.

It is Saturday today, and I have so much to do.

Groceries just arrived and I can't wait to go work in the garden.

I am so glad to be here visiting with you though.

How are you this February?

Are you staying warm and cozy?

Teddy sends all his love, and so do I.

I hope to see you again very soon!

 

I also hope you enjoyed strolling through the snow garden with us today <3

We loved having you for a visit.

Au revoir for now <3

Until we meet again...

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

In February we Dream...

The dreaming in February begins.

January was spent recuperating from December.

Snuggling by the fire, cleaning up holiday mess and painting every single day.

Sometimes, very often, into the wee hours of the night.

The sunshine came out for a few days, and garden tending commenced.

But February 14th is the date by when all roses are pruned in my gardens.

(Which I quite enjoy doing)

And so, the dreaming of roses finds its way in.

A reminder, made possible by the paper art of dried flowers, that roses in the garden really do exist.

That baskets of blossoms to fill your heart and soul will come again.

And so, on cloudy dappled light days -

The dreaming is vast and the paintbrush is rose petal happy.

With signs of fresh leaf nodules, which begin to line rose canes, only tantalizing a gardener's heart even further.

The mixing of colors in front of the fire at midnight does my heart so good.

I look at my dried roses, asking them for tips and tricks in the painting of them.

Alas, they pride themselves on such mysteries.

And so, all I can do is stare, trying to make mental pictures of exactly what petals are wont to do.

Folding and curving around in spirals.

The fur boys hang out right by my side.

Dreaming I'm sure, too.

We spend glorious days redoing vegetable beds.

Taking out giant roots of thorny trees.

Sunshine on shoulders.

Matty deeply napping whilst Teddy runs fast as lightning, jumping over boulders in circles, with a commendable joy that bursts forth.

January goes, and February enters.

Or rather, we enter into it.

I love Februaries.

One never knows if the sun will shine, or if there will be a random snow storm.

It is like love.

Up and down with its mood, but beckoning us in.

Cupid ready to strike.

Reminding you that the soil will be warm again soon.

That you should enjoy your good book by the fire and crochet your heart out.

Do all the wonderful winter things, before the busyness of spring and summer are upon us.

February reminds us to stay in the moment...

Because often, dreaming and hoping is even more wonderful than the real thing.

How I love to hope and dream.

To fantasize about bees and butterflies and drooping poppies.

Oh, I love a dream, the passion it stirs up in the soul.

What a gift.

To dream and hope and imagine.

I could scream from the delight of it all.

I wake up in the morning thinking of all the wonderful things I would like to do.

Even listening to mystery shows whilst cleaning the kitchen brings me great joy.

I think about the lemon treats I will make, and my big hot mug of tea as I paint flowers, whilst I wait for flowers.

I was a bit quiet in January, but only because I was catching up on life.

It's when you start doing things that you gain so much clarity and feel so free.

You just have to get up and begin.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to determine exactly what one wants to do.

Especially when one has so many projects to do.

Boring ones and exciting ones alike.

So, I often say, I am going to go clean my kitchen to begin, or tidy up one part of the garden.

I put on some music and clarity finds me.

I work out what projects to tackle and in what order.

But the best thing of all for me, is painting flowers.

I listen to classical music, mystery tales, dogs snoring...

And I dream.

 

With that, February means back to work.

Back to art and gardening and filling lovely orders and visiting you here.

I've decided that coming here is like my letter to you.

An old-fashioned letter in the modern age.

You'll have to imagine the linen paper and quill ink penmanship.

 

See you soon!

 

Love, 

Vanessa

 

 

Petals and Paper in the Conservatory (& Some Painting Too)

It's been the loveliest little week.

The light has been dappled by clouds, but every so often the sun streams in.

I enjoy the conservatory, dusting dollhouses and going through my seeds.

Flipping through books.

Collecting seeds that I saved from my favorite flowers last season.

Tending my garden has led me to begin to feel that tingle of inspiration for spring.

I've started pruning roses and taking out all the dry winter brush.

Not only am I looking forward to planting my seeds, but the mere thought of spring has led me back to painting flowers.

I adore sitting in my fishbowl, listening to mystery shows, and painting flowers and insects.

Nothing could make me happier.

Wait, that's just not true, a lot of things are making me equally as happy :-)

Like the seeds at the end of the petals from this zinnia.

These zinnias were spectacular, so I took 3 and dried them.

Now it is time to harvest the seeds, and bid adieu to this lovely dried specimen, who I have enjoyed the last few months.

I should probably confess, that I took several of my favorites for seeds.

I like to dry the flowers in my birdcages.

It seems books and dried botanicals have found their place together in my home.

A wonderful spot to dream in.

Enjoying books, finding a place to get cozy in.

Dried flowers all around, to keep you company in the winter months.

I can't wait to press flowers again....

And have tea parties under the trees.

I am sorting hollyhock seeds right now, in the bottom right corner below.

I just love the magic of pulling out the seeds from my dried flowers.

Isn't it just amazing, how one tiny seed can lead to a lush full garden?

To blossoms a plenty, with bees and butterflies swooping in.

From one tiny, microscopic seed.

It's so good, that it's almost hard to believe.

You can build your own fairy tale, watch your petals grow.

Let it unfold before you and change you forever.

I for one, am giddy with excitement.

Plotting and planning, dreaming and hoping.

As I sit here, sorting seeds.

The large sunflower head, on the bottom right in the image above, is next.

I take such pleasure in labeling my little bags and lining them up in the basket.

I could do an Irish jig from the delight I feel at the thought of warm earth, kneeling in the garden, planting my seeds.

Pulling little weeds, smelling the warm air, listening to birds.

After all this talk, I've convinced myself that I need to go into the garden now and dig in the soil.

We've had such a mild week, but the rain will come tomorrow, which is always good for the garden.

Next week shall be chilly, and although I have gardening on my mind...

I must remember that February can be very cold here, and it almost always snows once or twice at our higher elevation.

I have this magnificent memory of this one February it snowed.

It was probably 2009 or 2010.

I woke up from a deep slumber and there was this silence all around that beckoned me to get up.

I turned on the fairy lights in my studio and bundled up to go outside at 2 or 3 a.m.

When I opened the door, the beautiful silence of snow was everywhere.

But even more awe inspiring was the sky, because it was candy pink, all around.

The pink sky was illuminating the snow, and I could hardly believe the beauty and magic of it.

I told myself to make a memory, so I stood underneath the giant old mesquite tree outside my bedroom.

I closed my eyes and memorized the sound of that snowing silence.

It was utterly peaceful, the only sound made was by the branches of the tree getting heavy with snow.

A bit of snow would fall off and make a soft poofing sound.

I will never forget it, I felt like I was inside a fuzzy pink bubble.

A snow dream cocoon really.

Perhaps this February the pink snow dream shall return, and I will stand in it again.

Deliriously happy, making another memory.

Although I am quite satisfied with the memory I already have.

And if it does in fact snow again, then some of the most spectacular of all the poppies will germinate.

Winter dictates what will happen in spring, and for that, I love winter.

This quiet time to lollygag in the conservatory.

Dreaming up wishes for what is to come.

But adoring each moment of today as well.

When you can bundle up and rest, for the work of the garden is to come.

And so, I put my feet up and turn on the fireplace.

Enjoying my fluffy blanket on a chilly day.

Where it seems I'm all about the daydream.

How is your neck of the woods today?

 

I hope you are cozy and happy.

Nothing more, nothing less.

I am off for now, but shall return soon.

 

Lots of love, 

Vanessa

 

 

ps: I think Cozy is the word of the year, because I seem to be mentioning that a lot lately <3