It's funny, the way the light knows just when to find you…
There is this enchanting time of day, about an hour before sunset, when the sun bursts through the trees and beckons me into its arms…
The sun rays called my name this afternoon. They entranced me into leaving my paint palette and just being…
Open the gypsy wagon door, and just breathe…
One of the most important creatures in my world, my fur baby – the one who dances with me everyday, who has licked my tears when I have been sad (like when Mister Lovee had his terrible car accident a few years ago) and the one who is also a huge part of my life, has not been feeling her best lately.
Oh this blonde babe, boy oh boy, she fills a huge part of my heart. I think she might even fill the entire upper right hand rounded section of my heart, because any thoughts of her not being in my life send pains through my soul that I didn't know existed…
I love her white spot.
She has been in our lives for almost 10 years, and in that time I became a dog person, I felt her soul, and we became bonded. And now, I am experiencing the same thing with her little brother.
Who knew that this sort of love for a furry family member burned so bright?
I had no idea.
And now, I can't imagine my life without them.
I think that working from home these last 3 years have made Baby and I even closer that close.
But today, today I am delighted to visit here with you because we had a good day. I am finishing up some painted treats and such, and Baby felt much better than yesterday, which makes us all happier than happy.
Baby, Matty and I spent the late afternoon in the gypsy wagon, under the warm sunshine.
Encapsulated in a moment of bliss and joy…
The sun rays were casting a delicious pink haze over everything they touched, whilst I dusted and added some spring flare to the wagon…
It was so peaceful and lovely…
It is Amazing, what light and color and warm air can do for the soul…
Lisa Lynne's tune played in the distance while Baby sat a few feet from the wagon entrance. And, wouldn't you know, she chose to sit right next to Saint Francis of Assisi…
I knelt down as I usually do with my fur babies, and I whispered, I love You.
I held my camera up to take a picture of Baby, and she smiled.
Melting my heart right on the spot….
This love. This furry family member love, is some kind of love, ain't it?
Some of you know just what I mean, I know it…
We could hear Matty being his wild child self. He was splashing his paws in the gypsy garden bath.
Such lovely moments today. I wish I could bottle them up. It is times like these that I am extra happy to have this virtual space to chronicle the beauty of a day and share it as well…
Matty kept Baby and I ever entertained with his nutty antics. He decided he wanted to have his own tea party and dragged out a tea pot I made a long time ago. I don't even know where he found it?
Oh, the barrels of laughs he caused us. What a hilarious lil' guy…
Of course, I didn't really give him tea. I wish you could meet him. Although, he can be a real meanie to strangers, so we will have to work on that a bit. But alone at home, he is so funny and silly and wonderful.
He has added much joy to our home.
And so, that was how the enchanting light led us to a beautiful afternoon, where we could savor a little slice of bliss, and then wrap it up and tuck it away as a beloved memory…
For now I must go and add the finishing touches to some creatures. Oh, and I hear paws!! OH, it's Matty at my feet!!! YAY!
I'll tell you a quick secret. When Matty is being hard to ahem train and or Love, because I tell ya, he's got a real mind of his own and doesn't like his personal space being compromised, I sing Maggie May (Rod Stewart) to him, But I sing Matty instead of Maggie and I take out and change some parts :)
Wake up Matty
I think I got something to say to you…
I know I keep you amused….but I feel I'm being used!
oh
Matty
I couldn't have tried anymore.
You lured me away from home
just to save you from being alone.
You stole my heart and that's what really huurrrtsssss
😉 😉
Silly, I know…
Off I go for now, but I will see you soon with fun stuff 😉
🖤 ,V
ps: Thank you beyond over the moon for taking the time to vote for me (I am not sure when voting ends). I was sort of embarrassed to even ask actually. But, I am so touched at your support and kindness and all around good attitude about the whole thing. I could cry I am so touched, I tell ya. I already have my award, found in you and your kindness, truly….. I don't care if I sound mushy, I am mushy, and it's the truth.
What a beautiful post, Vanessa…I totally get the puppy love…lost my little angel dog a few weeks ago now, and I thought my heart would break, I really did…just the way we used to look into each other’s eyes, and I swear he understood every word I said…he was so naughty and mischievous, but I wouldn’t have had him any other way…thankyou for sharing x
gulp. gulp again.
your baby is so beautiful. what a kind and loving face.
vanessa, you are not supposed to bring tears on this blog! but since it’s all about the love of dogs, okay, sniff…
i feel as you do. i love my dog stella so much, actually i love all dogs so much. i could take home 100,000 and close every shelter on the east coast!
i am glad you know when you are having a blissful day! i’m not surprised.
woof to you, ms. v. 🙂
Love your baby’s smile…
Furry friends leave paw prints on our heart… and that’s so true…
For me, a house without a cat or a dog is not a home. They are like a magical key opening an invisible door, a part of the soul of the house, a piece of our heart… they put twinckles in our live. The most beautiful mirror is the one hidden in their eyes, dive in this water and your heart will sing for the whole day 😉
Don’t you sometimes wonder how giving them a bowl of food and a spot to lay down can possibly be a fair trade for all they give us in return? Sometimes I look in my Izzie-kitty’s mismatched eyes and wonder what I did to deserve this silly little animal who somehow chose me to share her heart with. Our animals friends are truest treasures…
Good morning. Thank you for the wonderful happy/sad and magical post. The weather is grey here, and there’s a nasty rain coming down. I know there is some lovely rain, but this isn’t it. I’m confined to my daybed again, but I’m with you in your garden and delightful caravan. You share your sunshine with me, and you have no idea how much joy this brings into my life. Blessings Lesley
Sunshine and light dappling; touching the color that springs early in the day! AH! The wonder of it all. Then the pitter patter of little furry paws in the soil is so enchanting I can hardly express it. But I feel the expanse of your heart as it fills with love so genuine that it hurts! Yes, I know this! I seek this! I embrace this!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Awww…so glad Baby is feeling better.
Looks like your pups live in paradise! Mine would be thrilled to visit. :o)
Does Matty have the softest ears imaginable?? Sure looks like it!!
Take Care, Vanessa!
🖤
The pictures of your dogs are so adorable. Love the smiling Baby, she is melting my heart too! And your “tea” drinking pics are so charming! Animal photography is a true art, something I don’t really have a knack for, although my two dogs are very attractive (they are Westies). Thanks for making me smile today, and take time to be grateful for having two wonderful companions in my life.
I am so glad you have found the magic bottle that bottles it just right in bloglandia because you have a gift in showing us beautiful living and thinking. Keep in mind a coffee table book hee hee. I know I said it before but, really it would be a smash! Blessings and enjoy the weekend’s light.
Oh Vanessa….sending you (((hugs))), and putting magical wishes out there, that you and Baby have many more years of blissful days together! Having been through the illness and passing of too many animal companions, my heart breaks at the thought of it. Each time I think about adopting a new furkid, I think “How can I possibly go through this again?” – but the answer is simple – the lifetime of love they give us somehow makes the eventual loss bearable.
I think after reading your beautiful and heartfelt post, we’ll all be running to find our furry friends and give them a great big hug….
Thanks for the reminder what a blessing these creatures are. 🙂
~ Carolee
Hello Vanessa,
We all voted for you and I personally hope you won…please, let us know.
This is such a wonderful post, love these dogs!
~ Gabriela ~
I was named after the song Maggie May so of course it would be the perfect song to sing to your Matty. lol I sing to my babies (Lebowski-dog and Crickette-cat) all the time and they seem to love it…most of the time anyway. lol
So glad Baby is feeling better, that’s the worse feeling!
You are too sweet V…mushy is a good thing 😉 Aaaaand, you know we all would vote for you for anything and we wouldn’t have known you were in the running if you hadn’t told us so I’m so glad you did! I hope Baby is feeling better and that Matty…oh I can just tell he is a handful. Big hugs to you today!
Jamie 🙂
p.s. I’m loving your felted ball chandalier…so springy!
I totally get the fur-child love thing – have experienced it myself. I love my furry kid, Kate, so much sometimes it hurts.
Glad to hear I’m not the only one. 😉
Hello Vanessa! I must apologize first, for I have visited you many times but fail to leave a message… ((forgive me!))
What great joy and love our fur babes bring! I can see the gentleness in your oldest babe. I too have a furry one who also has a white spot on her chest! She is all black and her name is Puka. She is my shadow, always at my side.
Your blog is wonderful… such beautiful photos and your stories paint pretty pictures in my head. Thank you for your inspiration. I will come and visit again. ;}
Adieu!
I voted…your blog brings me so much joy, sweet Vanessa! Have a wonderful day! 🖤
aww…thanks for bring sunshine to my soul today…the sun is hiding behind the clouds and fog and i felt all warm and encouraged by your post….your fur babes are so sweet, you can see the contentment in baby’s eyes…mmm, i think my day just brightened..thanks 🙂
Smiling, doggy pictures do that to me! And this blog is such a fountain of goodness and inspiration that I can’t help but vote for you.
i love your puppy- he is so sweet. the photographs are great too!
What a thoroughly enjoyable post – I feel exactly the same way about my pet (though he would definitely argue that he’s the ruler in this house).
Your poem was enchanting.
I like that you’re mushy!
Oh baby. Her smile makes my heart melt in all sorts of places…but then again, her presence has always kind of done that to me. There is a quiet beauty and sweetness to her. Something kind of otherworldly…I suppose people wouldn’t consider me a “dog person” but I think that is rubbish. I am a fur person. And a feather and scale one too…and I really am a people person too…and leaf and needle and fruit…and Light. I’m a light person too, and I know just what you mean by that most magical time…
I’m rambling.
I must be one of those kinds of persons too.
Vanessa:
I never really know how to comment here, because I can’t find the words to express my humble appreciation for your light. “Thank you” never seems like enough. You open yourself up, your life, your colorful heart, your sadness over baby and love for Matty….
Thank you for all you do, the parties, the printables, the recipes…all of it. You are a giver of hope.
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
What a lovely post! I absolutely understand the furry love, but with my little kitty Rosie. She is the sweetest, clumsiest, cuddliest little soul. She really is my baby girl. Your puppies are so cute and sweet. I love Baby’s little white tuft of fur and the smile in the picture! They are very lucky to have found such a wonderful home. ~Lauren
What an enchanting post…..a great escape for me today! There’s nothing more special than the love and bond we share with our furry companions. My life is not complete without my Pippen. The picture of Baby smiling is PRICELESS!! I hope Baby continues to feel well. And Matty…..what a character…..keeps you smiling and laughing I bet! Thanks again for sharing a piece of your enchanting world with us!!
~Allie
I had my Mabel for now 13 years now. So I understand how you feel. We and our fur friends are family.
I do hope Baby will be fine. Mabel and I will send love and healing thoughts to Baby.
Sending good wishes to your Baby – what a sweet smile! Wishing many more good days to your puppy love.
Hugs
p.s. love the Matty song.
Oh V, I understand… I have The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Good Queen Bess and my heart now walks outside my body, wrapped up in collie and greyhound fur… My very best to Baby (whom I have admired and loved from afar, I will admit) and my hopes that Matty will find himself a spot of tea very soon.
X
Candace in Athens
Oh, what adorable dogs! I love your added captions to the teapot pictures! And yes, the sunlight is very beautiful and magical…
Hello Vanessa… oh what adorable pups… and yes, I know exactly how you feel about them… Nature and animals are such a big part of my life, always have been, and I cannot imagine life without them… we definitely share a magical bond… so happy your sweet Baby is feeling better, and that smile melts my heart… Matty is so precious at her own little tea party! I just want to hug them and kiss them and get big slobbery doggie kisses in return… love to you… and the pups! xoxo Julie Marie
Baby’s smiling pic is totally adorable! I hope that she’s feeling much better. I lost my “Maggie May” ~ yep, named from Rod Stewart’s song ~ after 16 years. My heart cracked into a jillion pieces. A couple of months later I adopted my boy from a Shih Tzu rescue group. He is such a lovebug and I adore him too. They become ingrained into our hearts, soul and mind and there’s nothing like it!
Thank you so much for sharing ~ it’s always a joy to come here and read. And yes, Matty is totally cute!
xoxo
Pat
Dear Vanessa, your post did really choke me up a bit because I know exactly how you feel. Dogs and cats are not merely our “pets” – they are our FAMILY. We recently lost our sweet kitty, Jazz, and it tore a little hole in my heart. You feel so badly when they are gone. I don’t even like to think about when our babies will leave us, so I just enjoy them for who they are (and the unique personalities they have!) and the great joy they bring to my life. They love us so unconditionally and trust us so implicitly. I am happy that Baby is feeling better, and I love your little song for Matty. I croon songs to my babies, too.
Have a lovely weekend ~ and I hope you got yourself some YARN!
🖤Theresa🖤
I so understand pet love. I had to put my last cat to sleep a few weeks ago. She was 23. My other furry family member lived until 18.
I still get teary thinking about both Emma and Miss Rumphius.
I love animals because if you are good to them, they are good to you. No games. Just love and joy.
I hope your Baby is feeling better.
Take care
Sarah
I have an identical dog- Ruby;) Do you know the breed? Everyone asks and I have no idea- we think Red Heeler, coyote mix.
Your pups are so beautiful, I love it when you post about their antics. Matty has grown so much! He looks like he’s at that teenage stage where they’re all legs.
I completely understand the love we have for these furry friends, and I know the worry you feel when Baby isn’t well. My furry one turns 11 this year and I can’t bear the thought that she’s not going to be around forever.
Job Done ! I have voted ! you are first at the mo! WOW!
And ( whispery voice) we have accomplishe our mission with the fairies and spread our wishes …shhhhh…unfortunately, I didn’t take my camera to immortalise the moment, but it is all in my head and heart.
Bye for now!
X
Don’t tell Matty this but, Sylvia drinks tea all the time. Yes, we get in $#!t for it from friends…family. But Sylvia is a tea drinking dog who actually freaks out when we sit with a cup. She sits at my feet and whhhhinnnnessss with her big brown eyes until there is a centimeter left in the bottom of my cup and truth be told-she’d rather have TEA than a pig’s ear or a beef chew!!!
No kidding! She is so refined. I love dogs, this is not abuse! She is so loving her tea, how can I possibly stop now????
Matty, if you ever come visit me, I’ll give you a sweet cup of milky tea. Don’t tell V.
xoxo
Ooopsie! going to vote too if I can. Of course!!! xoxo
Update me Shmoo!!! I’m no longer Indigo Blue, I’m
Dreaming Press
gilliandasilva.com
xoxo
Thankies! Scratch Matty for me! LOL
What a smile your dog gave. <3
Haha...awwwwww....my heart is overflowing with the silly gushing kind of love that only animals and grandparents make us feel. Now I'm off to bed with all of that warmth in my body and soul.
Your photos are wonderful, I love the tea-photos with your sweet dog.
Captivating
Have a great subday
Janine
Whaaat? Already spring? Last week I dreamed it was spring and I saw a butterfly. Then I woke up and saw the usual 6ft snow and more on the way.
Matty has grown so much!!
Btw, I’ve been to Assisi and seen St Francis’s church (beauuuutiful art by Giotti) and his clothes! I like him because he seemed nice & was a vegetarian 😀
During the summer, I refer to the half hour before the sun starts to go down, as “the Golden Hour”. A Golden Light falls over the desert. It only lasts for about 15 minutes and I make it a point to be sitting on my front porch, where I can look out over the desert. It’s a very spiritual part of the day for me.
There is nothing like the light that one sees in the Southwestern desert.
~elaine~
The picture of Baby smiling is absolutely the best picture..ever! Oh my gosh..such love on her face for you. What a sweetheart.
You didn’t by any chance send Winter over here did you? It is sunny with blue skies here but FREEZING. 🙁
oh god dont remind me of maggie may!
anyhow, your pups are the most adorable, i think you are likely to kill me with cuteness sometime soon. you are so lucky to share your life with these beautiful creatures. they are an inspiration:)
i also adore the peaceful imagery. i perceive soft wind chimes and the breeze that beckons spring. a lovely aura to all of them.
oddly. i am feeling more positive about summer this year. it is my least favourite month, but i am urging myself to find magic in it.
xxx
oh that smile!!! These furry babies just have a way of taking over our lives….and adding so much innocent sweetness.
one of my sweet babies is lying here at my feet right now…snoring loudly 🙂
x..x
It’s so true. Furry family member love is like nothing else. Sometimes I just look at my little Sebastian when he’s chewing on a bone or licking is paws or just sleeping and I’m completely overwhelmed with emotion. It’s crazy how much love is there.
I’m sending you and your furry sweeties big warm hugs and heartfelt wishes for Baby to be feeling top-notch again soon.
love & kisses
xxoo
Oh how I missed your posts!
Hugs to your doggies. Matty certainly does look to be sly… We lost our Rottie in early January after having him for 13 years…so I feel your angst and worry. Hugs to you too.
How is Baby?!
I treasure every bit with my boo dog, and carry her around the house with me constantly. She’s heavy, but so what?
I loved your post and your dear doggy really does smile! I too lost a much loved furry friend – my cocker spaniel Dilly- a few months ago. He was ten years old and had cancer and I still cry for him. He got me through some hard times and he has a permanent place in my heart. I love your blog – it makes me smile and reminds me of all the beauty in this world, if we just take the time and effort to see it!
Wow wow and wow again! What an amazing blog you have – I feel like I have been delivered by fairy dust and entered an enchanted kingdom … it is just GORGEOUS, as is your artwork!! I will be straight across to your Etsy shop after I have blown my nose and wiped my tears away. Awww beautiful fur babies, animals mean so much to me so I am not surprised you have been worried about your little Baby, sending her some healthy wishes xxxx
your love for you sweet*pet*friends
shines around you, missy!
{{ where ever did you think
all that yummy light
comes from? }}
🙂
what you give out in love
multiplies,
you know 🖤
and
glows 🖤🖤
and grows 🖤🖤🖤
Such a pleasure to be here and to read your wonderful story which expresses the love we feel for our four legged family. You truly have a magical soul and had me wrapped up in the sun and magic of the day. Thank you! Pam
I’ve been away from home for a month now…busy working. I’m tired and cranky and just want to sleep in my own bed, have my books and color pencils around me and have pixie time alone to just be. BUT when I’m ready to pull my hair out and feel like I can’t endure another day on the road, I visit and am always enchanted. With Baby. With the magical gypsy wagon. With the wonderful bright, cheery and mystical photos. Thanks!
Oh! I could just hug Baby to pieces! Her fur looks so soft and fluffy. And Matty is a character! Quite the entertaining pup!
Hope you are doing well. It’s been raining a lot here, but we need the rain.
May your day be filled with pixie dust and moon beams…
Hugs
=^..^=
ohhhh sweet girl….
WOW.
I can’t even type because you got me all teared up.
Good tears.
yep, The tears from that deep place in your soul that you didn’t know you had until you were touched by a sweet little baby (my doggies & my girls) or whatever it was that made you FEEl Love. a special love.
I am a dog lover too and so passionate about animals & how wonderful they all are to everyone of us. No matter what!
So THANK YOU sweet friend for your lovely post once again.
I would be here every single day to have you start the day off right,however my computer drama has not left yet.
Still shuts down when I try to go to other blogs or leave comments.(mr.hackercreepyjerk) long story 🙁
Anyways…
WOW!again.
You picked my horse name. Awesome.
Your a doll & that was so fun.
Thank You so much for bringing us all so much wholesome wondermint & pure bliss.
Your truely a gem.
(big HUGS to your Mr. Lovee & sweet doggies)
I adore your little family.
Kisses
Joelle XOXO
*ps..
ohhh Your baby looks just like mine I rescued(2 yrs. ago) I have a huge Rottweiler that is my best friend. She is the Best Family dog too despite what others might say. Loyal, smart, protective! but the best lovers to us ALL.& all the friends that come over. she Loves people.
oh & Matty looks just like Belle my grandparents dog. seriously. but she has the white spot on her chest. Cute.
So Adorable~~~
Like winnie the Pooh trying to get the last drop of honey:)
xoxo
Kay
I totally understand the fur baby love. Sigh. My fur baby is Luke….a 6 year old yellow lab….he goes everywhere with me. On the rare day he is unable to go with me, he pouts. I swear he really pouts.
Sunshine, your furry friends, and a lovely day, what more can you ask for. I love how you really made it look like sun was beaming out of the windows in your post. I almost put my sunglasses on. I also have two dogs. A golden and a little girl named Cocoa who is a schoodle. They are so much fun, and they always make me feel so loved. Samantha the golden takes Cocoa for a walk on the leash. It is so cute to see. My little cocoa loves to skateboard.
Well enough about me, I hope that you are up to something wonderful like you always are. Painting, writing, exploring, creating. Wishing you lots of adventure with your creative muse.
Karen
I spent a good part of this evening traveling through your blog. I feel moved to tell you that it’s the loveliest most enchanting blog I’ve come across.
Thank you for sharing your beauty.
Diana
Aahhh! That’s what I call magic hour…when the suns rays permeate the clouds and the sky turns intense shades of magenta and coral. If your not careful you’ll miss it all together for it lasts but a mere moment, but lives forever in the memory of our hearts.
I hope your beloved little Baby is feeling better this week. Furry love is the love that wraps itself around your heart and never lets go nor can it be replaced. I’ll say a little prayer for her, my beloved friendling.
xoxo cori
Hi Vanessa, what a beautiful post today. Your furry kids are so sweet. I know that kind of love very well:) I hope you have many,many more pretty days of light and smiles with Baby. I love the Matty Mae song too! The spring will be a beautiful green in the desert this year with the rain!
Happy Creating, gail
Beautiful pics, beautiful pup pups! Boy, it’s so nice to have them around isn’t it?! I love my Clemie. Can’t remember what I did before I had her. Have a wonderful weekend!
Just found your blog…so lovely. I know quite well the love you can have for a four legged family member! Dogs are some of the best family members. I lost my dog two years ago to old age and I still think about him often. He was truly an angel!
Oh, Vanessa, how I know that furry love! I was so happy to hear that Baby is doing better! We lost our two older dogs in the last four years and my heart shattered every time! The pup we have now, I have bonded with beyond what I thought was possible – probably because I am home all the time. I cannot even start to think about losing him without tears. Such love they give us and not only that, they are such teachers! I’m so happy your baby is doing better! Much love to you all!! Silke
Oh, I am so glad your baby is doing better. I lost my sweet, sweet Charley on Jan. 30th and my heart has been broken so. Our family was devastated. He was a wonderful dog…we lost him to cancer…it came on very suddenly..we had no idea. Hug your doggies tight.
Haven’t checked in for awhile but scrolled down and read about your Baby–I now sit with a couple slow tears rolling down my face, as I remember what it is like to see your furever friend slowing down, getting creaky and sometimes even looking sad. But my tears are really for the beautiful life you’ve given your pup on your wonderful magical property. It is hard for us to let them go, but I think they let us know when it is time, and they are so strong and graceful and proud that we can all learn a little something. My heart is with you as your Baby pads through the Elder years.