Hi friends!! I know you were wondering where the heck I went? Why do five blog days feel like 15 real world days? I had to take a little unexpected couple day voyage. But I brought you back some visual delights…
You see, in my other world (city house), there is a special little Paradiso Perduto that sits cozily awaiting visits…
It is lush and green. All growing things planted by me beginning in 1994, when only dry dirt lived there. This little Paradise Lost, saved me. Gave me soil to grow things, and keep my brain sane in my angst ridden late teens and early twenties. I used to paint amongst plants and collected statues in this very garden (at all hours of the day and night).
My first home away from my parents, it saw me grow up, graduate University, and then it set me on my way to many new adventures that would eventually lead to the country house… Promising to stay safe and protected during my long treks into the country…
A visit, treats me to the living signs of fresh violet rose blooms on the horizon…
Tilting your head up in the garden corridor, you find yourself cocooned in a ceiling of all that grows…
A little space to love…
A little space to invite you for virtual tea… A seat by the giant ferns perhaps tickles your fancy?
A place setting for you…
Dressed in all that embraces a looming Spring…
Happiness overflows, can you taste it?
I got to have a chat with the Original Faun Boy 😉
And admire my little bug, in the untouchables case. You know, the case filled with all the tiny things that you have either lost & found, and are petrified to lose again – or all things you don't want to lose (or break). I lost that very pin in a department store 4 years ago, and it took me 6 months to refind it. I went to every place I had been the night I lost it.
I went back to that department store 4 times (by the way, the store was totally out of my way, and I was only there on a fluke the night I lost it). Every time I went to the lost and found in the store they said, no pin no pin no pin. So, one evening I walked to each cash register and asked for myself. I am one determined munchkin, I'll tell you that.
4 seperate visits to that department store (over the course of 6 months or so), and on the last visit, I went to the pajama section, and asked the lingerie sizing helper if she has seen such a pin. She looked in a box of buttons that was uner the lingerie counter, and sure enough, there it was, right on top!!! Wooo hoooo!! I screamed out of delightment!! Poor pin, never to be worn again…
So that is that litle bug pin veering story ;) - back to my visit to the city house tale…
I played La Pianola, and told her all about her Baby Brother at the country house. She was rather snooty about the whole thing and didn't much care ;) She just wanted to know when I was going to finish painting her… I used to paint every piece of furniture (including the piano) I got my hands on a few years back, I may start again 😉
Sooooo, an insane week had I, I tell ya… But I got to visit my other home, and it was delightful… Cozing up in my bed is always a treat… Alas, I find it hard to leave the country to go there, and once there, it is hard to leave the city to go to the country. Phewey…
Turtle brownies and coffee in bed before heading back to the country (weird camera lighting). Okay, I confess I had to do adult things and other important stuff too in the city, but I only retain the good and fun stuff. Best trait I was given by my Mammie for sure!!
I returned to the country house to all manner of tid-bit construction and a million things goin' on (I hope my office is done soon). But better than that I returned to my furry friend, and Mister Lovee.
Just in time for Saturday Night Dance Hall, in A Fanciful Twist Boudoir…
A pitcher of Shirley Temples, always hits the spot 😉
Cheeeers!!
A little spin here…
And a blurry dance step there…
Mister Lovee conducts -
A perfect way to end a dance - a polka always leaves everyone smilin' ready for a new week ;). Isn't that what they say? (Who knew, Frankie won a Grammy? Tee hee)
I best be off to finish up a bevy of new little elfin folk (finally). I am munching on the most delicious Chinese food, and listening to music as a type… It's always good to be back to this fun world with you!!
🖤, V
See ya real soooooon 😉
ps: I keep forgetting to tell you, Magical Awesome Carnival Soiree, Saturday March 14th. How fun is that??? Right here at Lisa Kettell's fab place 😉
wow – what a fab post … but … that PIANO – oh, oh, oh! I want a piano that looks like that! If I could have one, I’d actually practice instead of sneaking out to play baseball!
Just looking at these vibrant colors has me longing for spring and summer!
LOL! What a fun post! I love the bug story! I had a similar incident when I lost my lucky silver dollar that I had carried in my purse since I was 10! The lady who picked it up at the coffee shop… after hearing my sad tale of horrible loss… finally admitted she had it and gave it back to me! Love your colorful post… makes me think of summer and wish it was here!
Hi Vanessa,
I love the Saturday Night Dance Hall! Mr Lovee sounds like such a treat! I have recently been thinking about the traits and commonalities I would like in my true life partner, and I was taken back to my high school days when I noticed that couples who danced together were happy even after years and years of marriage. A man who will dance with me is out there waiting for us to meet!
Oh wow- your city house looks just as enchanting as the country one. Ok- I LOVE that bedroom. Just love it. Did you do the painting above the bed? All the colors are divine. Thanks for sharing 😉
Oh, I always come away so refreshed when I visit you! I loved all of your springtime colors, I am ready for Spring!
Oh so lovely…each post more stunning in new ways, making it impossible to ever pick a favorite…love love love photo 2 & 4,with your clever use of, is it..aperture? However, the giant Boston Ferns do NOT tickle my fancy…they fill me with immense longing almost to the point of jealousy, for Tucson is not THAT much cooler than my little valley, and how in the world did you keep them alive to grow that large??? Ahhhhh…it’s your magical gypsy soul, of course! **blows kisses* Deborah
Congrats for the Women’s INternational Day!
xoxo
Love seeing the green – it has been brown for too long around here!
Oh I’m glad you’re back! I missed you and your Fanciful world.
Gardens are the most wonderful places aren’t they? there’s nothing like digging in the dirt and planting pretty growing things to distract ones mind (and heart) from the messy pieces life throws our way. As they say, “Life began in a garden,” so I say let the healing begin there too!
I hope you didn’t have to do too many adult things while there :0! Oh, and by the way, your bug brooch is lovely! Does he/she have a name? I think Serendipity would be perfect…after all the bug did wait patiently for six months. Any other bug probably would have waited only three.
xoxox Cori
Oh V, I haven’t had a Shirley Temple in years…used to LOVE those growing up! You are one determined lil’ munchkin 😉 good for you, it paid off! Glad you had a safe trip to the city house and glad you are back…missed ya!
Jamie 🙂
P.S. I am so going to the Carnival Soiree, can’t wait!
Your Paradiso Perduto is beautiful. We all need a haven for us outside of our homes to be and play in. I’m glad you got your pin back. I do wish you wear it, I’m sure she wants to go out with you to see the sights.
The painted piano is wonderful!!
It’s lovely to have you back! I can’t decide which of your homes I like better, from the pictures. They both are so colourful and cozy looking, and full of treasures!
i have a real question that i really want answered so you have to swing by my blog to tell me…. who lives in your city home when you are not there for so long?? do you have a tentant or a caretaker?? or do you just trust that nothing will go wrong while you are away for long periods. i really am curious to know the answers!!! my dad recently told me a lovely story of the song the peanut vendor.. wonderful story of my mum who died when i was only 3, it is THEIR song aint love grand!
%^_^% rosey
So glad your determination resulted in you finding the pin! Looks and sounds like a lovely visit to your town house and all its beauty. And Shirley Temples? Can’t remember when I last had one of those? But I do remember the last time I danced the polka. It was with a Yugoslavian hockey player (for the New York Rangers) at some weird polka parlor in Queens. 🙂 xoxox
The Asparagus fern, your incredible shoes & big fluffy bed – all are gorgeous and fill me with delight. Hope your tomorrow is as magical. 🙂
That piano is to die for!! Well, not really to die for but certainly to admire and be extremely envious of… Another great story from you. I have to tell you, I tend to speed read a bit and when I read the line, “But better than that I returned to my furry friend and Mr. Lovee.” I read that as, “But better than that I returned to my furry friend, Mr. Lovee.” I thought to myself, “Well that’s certainly odd to refer to Mr. Lovee as your furry friend, but to each his own I always say.” Then I reread it and now am laughing my head off. Great way to start a Monday morning, I say. Off to work I go with Leonard C. in my car. Next time during Dance Hall night you should dance to “Dance Me to the End of Love”. Tra-la! Happy Monday. Kathy in Chicago
Hi V ~ LOVE the piano & Shirley Temples!!!
Hope this note finds you well, AND have an enchanted week lady!
XOXO
Chris (-:
Thank you Vanessa for a Wonderful trip!
I love your garden and piano and bedroom…
Thank you for the lovely pictures.
Have a great week!
What a treat for the eyes! Beautiful all of it!
Beautiful “city house”! I love the bright colorful bedding in your bedroom. How can you not feel happy all of the time!
Brownies, Yum Yum
Kri
V~
I’m sooooooo happy you have returned!!!! Your city retreat is exquisite!! You have such wonderful and colorful taste. And I must say La Pianola is so eyecatching and inviting. I always regretted not learning to play the piano. It’s definately on my to do list.
Hope you have a lovely week!!
Kylee
Bellisimo todo!!!
Linda semana!!!
You sure know how to set a table…grow a garden…be creative…invoke magic…:-)
Your pin reminds me of that crazy guy in Savannah, the one from midnite in the garden of good & evil… He kept flies as pets, by attaching (colorful tiny) strings to their little legs (just one per fly, he wasnt completely wacko) and he tied the other end in the buttonholes on his shirts. (Takes all kinds!)
But now of course, I am singing “Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung all day! 🙂
thank you xoxoxoxo
PS I have a little place (complete with moss) picked out for an elfin creature! I cant wait I cant wait!
xoxoxox Rhonda roo
Check out that Piano…I LOVE THAT! That is a piece art in its own right! Fabulous! I can’t wait to see what you are going to be doing for Lisa’s Carnival Blog Event. I still have to figure it all out! LOL Have a wonderful creative week and speak to you soon!
Cheers!
HIya Vanessa,
Please visit my Blog http://lillovecreations.blogspot.com/
I left ya a surprise there. I hope ya day is wonderful! I’m enjoying a 80 degree day,with beautiful sunshine.
Big Hugs~
Hi Vanessa,
Oh, your city place looks so lovely too. I love you bed linens, they are so colorful and cheerful. You are so lucky that Mr. Lovee enjoys your decorations. Oh, that pin is simply gorgeous, I am so happy you found it again. Lisa’s Carnival looks like so much fun. I have been dreaming of something fun. The polka, hmmmmmm my favorite to dance to for sure! Love the shoes! Happy Day.
Karen
THE PIANO! OMG THE PIANO!!!
Wonderful photos, I love the strong colours of the table setting but my very fav photo is Paradiso perduto 6! Would make such a beautiful postcard.
My 3rd new computer is still working! Yay! (It got a little visit from a Trojan though so I had to perform some magic of my own.)
Magic is slowly starting to work its way into my life again, I believe, you gotta believe.
Oh gosh, you have another place that I must come and visit, to touch and admire and pick up all your treasures?????
And as politely as I know how to say it, um….
gimme that piano and no one gets hurt.
What a journey this was!
First that beautiful garden corner, I just love gardens. And that statue reminded me of Midnight in the garden of good and evil.
And then that little pink coffee pot!! Aw 🙂
Now I’ll have to get something to chew on because that cake made me hungry.
Now how come I am not shocked to see that your Pianola is painted like that 🙂
Just what I needed…some luscious Ms Fanciful’s beautiful life…
cheers to you!!
x..x
OMG THE SHOES!! Where o where did you ge tthose shoes?
Oh Miss V…thank you for the most gracious tour of the city house. How lovely!
I ADORE your shoes!
LuLu~*xoxo
Missy Vee, you do have the charmed life…
beautiful natural surroundings
beautiful man (I who I think also has a beautiful soul)
THAT pianola!!!
and yet, my heart broke for that lonely pin!
Why don’t you have a jeweler fix it with some sort of safety chain so he can be seen again by others in The Real World? He’s too lovely to be hidden behind glass.
I love coming over here to visit to see what shoes you will don for us next – Party on, Sister!
xoxo,
Kate
I too have been absent for a few days and it feels like eons since my last post! Glad to see you back and thanks for all the eye candy. I was jumping for joy after reading about your Lost & Found pin. So glad you found it! And I understand not wanting to wear it again, but maybe a sweet little shadow box for safekeeping. That way, all eyes can see it, but it can’t wander away :0)
Hello Miss Vanessa,
What a great post, awesome photos of places!
~ Gabriela ~
Welcome home, and thanks for the pretty photos!
You are my way to start the day out right. Thank you for taking us on a journey into the city house. It is equally enchanting. But it is missing something…Mr Lovee and Baby. You are quite a charm.
Enjoy the day!
E
oh la la la la la loverrrrrly!! (That’s a lot of ‘la’s) non?? tee hee!!
Happy Day to You!! 🙂
LOVE the jewels!! And what spectacular colors.
robin
Spin*~Swirl*~Sway*~ you really know how to make my day!!! looks like you had one magical return to the city! And, may I add I LOVE the peacock picture in the city bedroom!!!!!~
What a wonderful journey your blog is! I loved the kismet story about the pin, it was just meant to be yours but you just had to work for it. Some of the best things in our lives are those we have to work for. Blessings and thank you for your joyous wonderful journey through life.
I am loving those beautiful shoes!!!
How absolutely Fabulous the colorful player piano is!
Sandra Evertson
I am having a hard time reading this post because the photos are so unbelievably LUSH.
ps ~ shirly temples are the best
oh, my…I love that painting in the bedroom. It so colorful and bright.
The piano is beautiful! Glad you found your pin…persistence does pay off!
Wonderful photos Vanessa! And your shoes look like story-telling shoes for sure. I would love to hear what they have to share? And to see all the greenery and bright colors made me long even more for spring to be here. I am still a bit brown out there…sigh! But I am searching for those green shoots and I just know they are around. Thanks you for sharing your visit to your city place. Fabulous retreat!
Hugs
SueAnn