A Fanciful Twist

Summer Magic + Some Big Decisions & Thoughts

Hello friends!

I hope you are well in your neck of the woods, and that you are having a swell summer.

My summer is really in full swing right now...

With zinnias and cosmos becoming 4 feet tall and blooming like mad.

I've had so much fun bringing in blooms to place on shelves.

Foxgloves, yarrow, delicate soft pink Pearly Gates roses and a ballet slipper pink zinnia sure do make a girl like me happy.

And then, there's the rain...

We are having a very nice monsoon season, such delicious rainy days.

You never know which kind you will get, but last year was spectacular and this year is turning out to be quite lovely as well.

There is soft wild grass growing, pumpkin vines blowing up, trees growing super tall.

Nothing like real rain to feed the gardens.

Plus, endless rainbows.

This little window shelf does my heart so good.

Mister Lovee built it this spring, in the little kitchenette that is in my office

It's actually a very bright space, but the window back light makes for moody photos.

Which evokes the exact mood of the garden and rain swirled together.

Cozying up with a good book, or just looking out the window in bliss, makes me very happy in this little nook.

Listening to the tap tap tap of rain.

Plugging in the fairy lights and filling the mantel with garden findings really makes me feel a certain kind of joy.

I think it's the exercise in mindfulness of it all.

Taking the time to snip the flowers, put them in water...

Arrange them where you want them - it's honestly so relaxing.

It makes you slow down and enjoy your garden and the moment more deeply.

Giving the figurines some giant zinnia parasols for good measure.

And just enjoying the beauty that nature creates.

I've been taking these moments to really think about what I want out of life these days.

What is important to me, what I'd like to share in this virtual world.

I have definitely gotten carried away with the social media aspect of all of it...

Mainly because, everyone is moving so fast, few people take time to read blogs.

And it's a place to connect with your friends.

Although, I can't help but notice that everyone seems to just be scrolling quickly, looking at pictures and videos endlessly.

There is a lot of beauty to see, but it does move so fast, and there is sooo much of it, you almost become numb.

I've joined in the endless scrolling myself, and really immersed myself in the ins and outs of the social media world.

What I have found though, if I am being completely honest here, is not always a sense of fulfillment and inspiration, but more of a frantic deluge of visual stuff.

Buckets of it really.

And whilst I truly love the connections with my friends, because it's really the only way to connect and share these days...

I often find the endless stream of visual candy to be exhausting, if I'm being honest, as I said.

Of course, there is beauty to see and enjoy, but it can get overwhelming.

I love to share too though, so I suppose, just like anything, there are more than two sides to the complexity of it all.

In simpler terms - it's fun to share and look, but to an extent, does that make sense?

In an effort to mitigate this feeling of everything moving too quickly, I've been taking time to order books and sit and page through.

To hold a beautiful decor book in my hands, and quietly pore over each page.

To take a stack of magazines and lay on my sofa enjoying every morsel.

Instead of just scrolling mindlessly on my phone.

Social media moves so fast, you sometimes can't really even enjoy the beauty.

It can't fully sink in, because you see one thing after another, after another.

When vastly beautiful things, like a woman running through a field in a beautiful princess gown with an exquisite castle in the backdrop, becomes the norm, and you are not impressed or inspired by it, then you know something has gone awry.

I think what that thing is, if I even dare to say this...

Is a bit of an overload of beautiful things to see.

There's so much beauty that I think sometimes our brains don't even register it.

And so, for me, I've been taking the time to do more tangible things, for the own joy of my life.

To be more present, to fill little jars with water and flowers.

To take the time to do all the little beautiful things that fill my soul and make me feel good and well.

Of course, in the middle of those thoughts, I think about my blog, this space here that I hold so dear.

For a while it has seemed that blogging is relatively over.

However, it does not feel over in my heart, for a few reasons.

Mostly because it makes me slow down and enjoy my life's moments.

I take photos with my actual camera, it's a much slower type of virtual sharing.

And it really makes me so happy.

Curiously, I recently received a notification from Facebook stating that my account is considered gray and will be shut down on August 31, 2022.

I admittedly use Instagram a lot more than Facebook, and almost didn't care to lose my account.

But then I really started thinking about it, and my 4500 friends over there.

I have become increasingly sadder about losing it and have tried everything to try to save it.

I tried to post about what was going on, to let me friends know, but my posts get taken down by Facebook.

And so, this led me on a real heart to heart journey with myself about social media in general, and how it fits into my life.

What role I want it to play in my life, and the balance of my involvement in online activities.

I have seen so many people lose their Instagram accounts, get hacked, have everything deleted and wiped out.

I've had friends pay hackers to get their account back, and some land in a puddle on the ground in despair, having to start a whole other account after posting and losing 10 years of daily content.

The thing is, we do not own our social media accounts, and we've put so much effort and time into something that can be wiped out in the blink of an eye.

On August 31, ten years of my own content and posts will be deleted from Facebook, by Facebook.

I've pretty much accepted it (mainly because I'm older and wiser about letting go), but also, I've decided to be proactive about finding a solution.

I've watched videos and read a hundred posts about it, but in the end, it really is out of my control, despite my best efforts.

And that is truly okay.

But this led me to think about an important thought/realization, and that is...

We are really at the mercy of the social media services we are a part of.

We put so much time and energy into something we do not own.

It's not your own blog or website, and it can be taken away at any time.

So, with that in mind, I asked myself what I wanted to put my heart and soul into.

This makes me want to hug my blog and say I love youuuuu and I'm sorry I have not been coming here so often.

For whatever reason, I think the universe has spoken to me and said, open your eyes Vanessa!

Your blog needs you.

Even if there are crickets here.

Even if it is only me, in a hidden secret garden in the middle the deepest part of the forest...

It is mine.

It is my 15 year old home.

And so, I've had weeks to really think about what is important to me in life, what I want to put my energy into, and how I want to fill my days.

I am met with the same realization at every corner of my thoughts.

Your blog is your home.

You invite people here, to visit you, to be a part of this space, and to be friends.

So many of us kindred spirits have gathered here and found each other through this space throughout the years.

And it's a special place in my heart to share with you.

To share a morsel of my art world, and my garden world, that I have been building since I was 11 years old.

I still feel like that young girl painting vines on her furniture and helping water her dads' petunias and trees.

This space is so important to me.

To share my journey, and to maybe impart a little bit of light, hope and inspiration with whoever I come into contact with.

I've never been one to care about likes and followers and growing growing growing.

That is not me.

I care about people, and friends, and this one life we get.

I care about really living.

We are here for such a short time, I don't want to waste it.

I want to embrace it.

And that means, coming home.

Coming home to A Fanciful Twist.

This place that was created on a scrap paper, with a pencil drawing and endless hope 16 Decembers ago.

A place for you and me.

Not just for me, not just to see inside my house or to see everywhere I travel to, or what I buy.

But to really stand side by side, holding hands, looking into the world with a sense of support and inspiration.

To know that I am real like you, that I can cry, get anxious, feel lost and confused.

But that I find ways to experience life in a way that brings me joy and helps me get through the trials and tribulations of life, and perhaps through my journey I too can help you.

And somehow, we can help each other.

I don't care about numbers and content.

I care about you.

I care about me.

I care about this one life, and a sacred space to be free to be ourselves.

To be funny and silly, to love tea parties, to cry when our dogs die, to plant seeds of growth.

To know that you are not alone.

These are the sort of things that slip through the fingers of social media.

We can't visit our favorite blogs anymore, because no one is home.

Everyone is on a fast roller coaster ride, with a very beautiful scenery, but one that moves too fast to make a real impact.

At least that's how I feel.

There's too much to see, too many reels, too many posts, and it's moving so fast.

I want to just sit on a quilt under a tree here with you, and talk about life, and inspire one another.

And to make sure that you know that you are wonderful just as you are, and we are going to be okay.

I will still partake in social media in my own little way, but my heart will come to focus again, and put the time and effort into this space.

I don't know how I will tell you that I am here when my Facebook account closes, or in the ever changing world of social media.

So, I'll just tell you now.

I will be here.

I have decided this.

This space is where my virtual home is, and it's time to come back home.

So, I'll be here, in my little house under the big tree, with my rounded door, making a fire, putting on a copper kettle.

And you are always invited to join me.

This is the next leg of the journey.

Coming back home to where I belong.

A Fanciful Twist.

And nothing can make my heart feel better than this.

 

Lots of love, always and forever,

Vanessa

 

I will be here several times a week, from this day forward.

 

See you soon <3 <3 <3

 

 

 

 

 

Of Foxgloves and Giant Peony Poppies in Teddy's Garden

Hello from the land of giant flowers!

Belled, ruffled, swaying in the breeze.

All brought to you from Teddy.

Because, let's face it, it's Teddy's garden now.

He's in charge, master verbena smasher and broccoli stalk chewer.

Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way.

He's also obsessed with the hose and makes it impossible to water, but who cares as long as Teddy is having fun right?

Splashing in the water, yanking it out of your hands, haha!

Can't help but laugh at the whole circus show, as we invite you into our happy place.

A few things have changed since our last visit...

The giant peony poppies have started to unfurl, one by one.

Exploding in a giant ball of ruffles, almost as if made by hand with crepe paper.

We run past the giant anomaly rose bush, up the little loggia stairs...

Wave at the blue girl roses in passing...

Open the gate, and sneak under the citrus grove...

Up those curious stairs I made from found items, and arrive at the Pierre de Ronsard rose arbor -

Right by where the peony poppies have decided to live this year.

They love swaying to birdsong, alongside the red oriental poppies, which glisten in an almost flame orange in the sunlight.

Of course, they also love to cuddle up to the foxgloves, whilst in a sea of Queen Anne's Lace, telling secrets all day.

And really, who wouldn't want to chat with the foxgloves?

So many little bells, all with a different personality and things to say.

Why, the bees go positively mad with joy, visiting each bell one by one.

They hardly know where to begin, buzzing around madly.

It is an east to northeast facing garden, with rolling hills, you see.

Which makes everyone happy in the land of sun and warmth (the blossoms in this case), because they might not make it if we faced the west sun all day.

I love to stand just down here, looking up at the slight slope.

(Which was much more of a hill, until I flattened it down little by little in 2020, with my trusty flat head shovel)

Just enjoying what everyone is up to.

Visiting them, admiring them.

Most of them volunteered from last year, self-seeding themselves, which amazes me extra much.

If that's even a proper phrase (which of course we know is not), but you know what I mean.

I just stroll around, taking in this beyond splendid time, when the garden fully bursts forth.

Right before it gets too terribly hot, but just warm enough for everyone to grow up to their full potential.

Mostly the early spring visitors of course, as the warmer weather flowers are still growing.

I marvel at all of the shades and tones of nature...

And the way the sunlight passes through the garden.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just dreaming?

But then I'm reminded, by my lovely wild boy...

That I am not dreaming, as I put back the soil he dug up.

A fellow lover of the scent of earth and sun, to be sure.

So, I take a moment to pick some flowers, and bring some color into the house.

Stopping in my favorite spot again, before I go inside to arrange the petals.

Congratulating the giant peony poppies for their amazing act of holding their heads so upright, when balancing on such slim bodies.

In I go, taping a grid onto my bowl, to put into my urn, to fill with flowers.

But perhaps I should run up and get just a couple more of the very dainty Shirley poppies.

Oh yes yes, just what the bouquet needed.

I go back out to pick a few foxgloves and Queen Anne's lace...

But then, I somehow forget...

That I am in the midst of flower arranging.

Mostly because of all the wonderful things happening out there.

I run up and through the garden a couple of times, collecting bit and bobs.

Delicately pushing them into my arrangement each time.

Teddy wanting to stay out and roll in the verbena time after time.

I suppose we are all mesmerized by the growing things, and the blossoming of more blossoms at each minute, second and hour.

But somehow, we make it back inside for one last rose petal addition to our flower arrangement.

So that we can finish said project.

Which is a miracle in itself -

Because each day I plan a flower bouquet, and each day I decide that I simply can not take a flower out of the garden for my own viewing pleasure.

I feel that enjoying them in their natural habitat is what I should be doing.

However, I shall confess that the bouquet was a true pleasure to have inside.

I have enjoyed every second of it, and as it dries it becomes even richer in color.

I do love dried flowers, the way they turn into a sort of paper art is a second gift.

I hope you enjoyed spending a day with us in the garden.

Boy are we enjoying every morsel of it.

Now we are eating ripe strawberries and tiny first cherry tomatoes whilst watching the flowers sway.

Never mind the amount of herbs we have enjoyed.

The early Anna apples will ripen in a few short weeks, 2 or 3 probably.

And won't we have a ball with that?

Crostatas and crisps are just waiting on the menu.

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

That spring has found its way to you, and that you are warming up just swimmingly!

Thank you for being here today, it was a pleasure strolling with you.

Love from me, and Teddy, who has taken a deep interest in the garden.

Matty would rather lollygag in the shade, eyes closed and nose turned up, sniffing the air.

It must be a vast dizzying well of scents, for someone with such a sense of scent, indeed!

Just the perfect way to enjoy the day, wouldn't you say?

(you're safe though, because Matty doesn't know you are here)

Well, it seems I must be off to do my chores, as everyone waits for me for a drink of water and a couple of treats.

Flowers and pups alike.

See you real soon!

 

Love, V

 

 

Into the Secret Garden for a Little Spring Tour

It was such a beautiful day in the garden today.

I was compelled to take bunches of photos to share with you.

I started out with a cup a tea and a little reading in the early cool breeze.

Then I decided to do a little light rose pruning.

The morning garden is not to be missed.

The light comes over the mountain at such a spectacular angle, streaming fairy magic into the garden.

My little sidekick (Theodore Laurence, aka Teddy) has learned the ropes so quickly.

He LOVES the garden, and water!

He takes an interest in everything I am up to and is a major cuddler.

He still likes to make the scary face and wrestle, but muuuuch less than before.

He's about 70lbs. at 5 months old.

He's turning into a gentle giant, and he is much like Miles in so many ways.

Although, I didn't adopt him to be just like Miles - 

But there are moments where I feel Miles' light through Teddy, and I am blown over with tears of love.

Of course, he is different as well, his own wonderful unique self.

He is a joy to my heart and has brought so much life and laughter into our homes.

Matty is always with us as well, but he likes to just observe from the shade and nap with his nose in the air.

He is 12 years old, so his priorities are very different.

Alas, I digress, let us continue our stroll through the garden together -

Shall we?

This year I did not plant seeds, I did however allow all of last year's flowers go to seed, dropping seed all around at the end of that season.

They have blown me away, so much Queen Anne's Lace and so many poppy volunteers.

I am tickled to pieces!

These are photos from today, although every day there are more and more flowers.

3 years ago, I started a Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose from a cutting.

(also known as Eden climbing rose)

And this year it is doing so well, filled with those light green and pink cupped roses, making its way over the arbor.

I have so much verbena in my gardens at both houses.

As many of you know, I dug up a little piece at the local river about 21 years ago, and it has exploded everywhere over the years.

We have endless carpets of purple flowering wild verbena, and the dogs LOVE to lay in it.

Teddy has two favorite spots in this garden, and one is right here.

On a bed of verbena, under the red, peach and candy pink poppies.

Teddy knows how to choose a spot.

And he has made his own little paths through the wildflowers.

I'll never get over poppies.

They absolutely have my heart.

Are you a poppy fan?

The way the light filters through their tissue paper petals is more than sublime.

Speaking of light, look at the light coming through some of the drooping Pierre de Ronsard Roses and Cape Mallow this morning.

(a few Sweet Williams at the bottom of the photo as well)

It's that light that casts its dreamscape, that makes me want to skip out of bed in the morning and run into the garden.

And boy do I ever.

Spring is too good here, in the land of sun.

It begins early and ends mid May I'd say.

Then it gets super hot.

But for now...

The bees are happy.

The garden thinks it is living its fairy tale dreams.

And I am just lucky to be along for the ride.

Thankful thankful thankful hearted.

So happy to be in this secret garden.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself, and ask, to what do I owe such petal magic?

I spent soooo many years losing plants at the country house to gophers and rabbits.

It was a nightmare, so this almost seems too good to be true.

Knock on wood!

I let my gardens be slightly unruly, like me :-)

This is definitely Teddy's garden.

He loves it so much, and I am happy to grow it just for him and the birds and bees and butterflies.

Yesterday I saw a single monarch laying eggs on the milkweed.

Did I ever swooooon!

I stroll through the garden paths, admiring every little blossom, every little flower.

The light, the breeze...

Coreopsis, garden gates...

A seat, simply to sit and enjoy the moment.

Whilst Mother Nature bestows her magic upon us.

The unfurling of tissue paper petals...

A Kiss me Kate rose growing to the left of the second arbor...

A bevy of chicken wire cloches to protect little young vegetables from the birds.

A symphony of Shirlies!

And one of my very very favorites, Cleveland Sage.

It smells like a lemony lavender and makes the most curiously delightful flowers.

We are lucky for all the native mesquite and acacia trees, leafing out and making the desert so green.

Verbena mixes with dark cherry colored Sweet William.

I welcome all colors of flowers in my garden.

I am glad for whoever wants to turn up.

Two years ago I planted many foxglove seeds, and am so overjoyed to see them flowering this year.

(Biennials take a year to grow and then flower in the second year)

Roses, foxgloves, poppies, assorted wildflowers and Teddy.

I love old fashioned flowers, don't' you?

And so, here is where you will find me...

In the early morning and at golden hour.

Tending my flowers, giving them some water...

Gasping in appreciation!

Watching that afternoon golden light cast its own kind of magic as well.

In a sea of volunteers!

I happy sigh, then take my basket and go out of the secret garden, through the gate, and down the stairs back into the formal garden.

Teddy jumps up in sheer delight, catching rose petals.

Everything is a game to a puppy.

I sip my tea and enjoy the moment.

Trying to absorb this lovely time.

Another spring, my pups, the birdsong.

It's ridiculously enjoyable.

There is no where in the world I would rather be.

No place at all, than with my dogs and the birds and bees.

Watching spring take over the land.

I hope you enjoyed all those photos.

It took me about 12 hours to put that together and make sense of my photos.

I take too many photos, and then I can not choose, haha!

I've been listening to the most delightful music whilst typing.

I'll put the video into this post in the ps section.

I think I should make pancakes today.

I have a huge pumpkin that absolutely needs to be processed from autumn.

I should roast it today.

Pumpkin treats are always a welcome flavor around here.

I roast the pumpkin, then puree and freeze it.

Then you can use it at any time.

The lemons are never-ending, I want to begin to make Limoncello today.

I juice many of them and put the juice in ice cube trays with lids into the freezer.

That way I always have fresh lemon juice when I need it as well.

Alas, I must be off to do my Cinderella chores.

I hope you are doing well in your neck of the woods!

Lots of love and best wishes, from our little secret garden to you!

Love, 

Vanessa

 

 

ps: Here is that lovely music I'm listening to.

 

 

Hope you have a lovely day!

xoxo

 

Of Roses and Tea Parties

I was tending my roses in the garden this morning...

When I realized that it felt like the perfect moment to have a tea party.

The weather was beyond glorious, the birds were tweeting madly, and the roses too lovely not to be fully enjoyed.

The most wonderful moments are usually impromptu ones, aren't they?

I got together some shortbread and tiramisu, and then I put on the kettle.

I made orange spice tea with honey and enjoyed every second of it.

It takes so little effort to have an absolutely lovely morning.

I think we should all strive to do that more often.

It's such a mood lifter and makes for a very enjoyable moment in a day.

The Gene Boerner's are being show-offs as usual, and I adore them for it.

A delectable time indeed!

Of course, mister big eater wanted it all, so I brought out pup appropriate treats for him in my pocket.

As you can tell, he was also digging in the dirt :-)

But no matter, we just shrugged it off and enjoyed our morning tea.

The roses are just sublime.

They are never better than they are at the beginning of rose season.

I try to absorb every morsel of this magical garden time.

Books and flowers, making gals like us happy all over the globe it seems.

My mom gave me the pink cake for my birthday.

No, it is not edible, but I don't mind that at all.

The poppies are unfurling right at this very moment and the bees are beside themselves.

They go bonkers over them.

Springtime - how lucky are we to have seasons?

I wish it would be spring here until October.

Our springs are probably like the summers in colder climates.

Sunny and warm.

I wouldn't mind stopping the heat right here.

But I suppose, knowing that it will get scorching hot only makes these lovely spring days that much more delightful.

Appreciation is definitely high during these stunning days.

I will stay in this moment as long as I can...

Won't you stay for a little while as well?

I have all the teas imaginable to choose from.

And if you like white chocolate tiramisu or shortbread, or even white chocolate macadamia cookies, then you'll be really happy to join in.

The classical music is playing, there are quail eggs throughout the garden, and some have even hatched!

I'll share photos of them next time.

Quail babies are the cutest ever.

For now, I am off to continue enjoying my day.

I took some photos to share with you here, and it took me a few hours to edit and sort through.

If I could learn how to take less photos, and be extra choosy, I could probably be here more often.

I am trying, that will be my new goal.

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

We are waving to you from our little patch of earth over here.

 

Best wishes for a lovely spring!

 

Love, Vanessa