It's funny, the way life works it way out. The way things that were once important, pale in comparison to what you hold dear now…
The way, you really get wiser as you age… Learning to take yourself less seriously. Embracing the simple things right before you.
Realizing that all the dreams you were so eager to make come true, were really happening and thriving in all their glory, while you were waiting for the future… Realizing that this life you are currently standing in, is the dream. There are dreamy little things and people all around us, if we just take a second to stop and open our eyes, hearts & minds…
When did I become this person? This person who loves rusty, tattered, distressed, beautiful old things.
This person who would rather curl up on the chaise in the garden fresh air listening to the trees whisper their language, than shop for the latest this or that, or clean her house…
She was so thankful, thankful for the ability to simply appreciate the simple little things in life…
She realized that, all that mattered to her, lived right inside her heart. And perhaps, another portion of all that mattered to her, lived inside one solitary box. The box itself was found in an old barn closet in one of the little buildings at the country house… It had once been pale blue, but she took some paint to it around 9 years ago…
And for all that time, her and Mr. Lovee had been filling it with photos and written words pertaining to their life together. It was packed so tight, if you took one thing out, you could never get it back in again… How could 9 years, feel like such a long time ago?
Notes written on napkins. Meet me here notes, written in the office (where they met and spent hours meeting out by a beautiful hidden courtyard fountain, chatting, watching sunsets). Photos of their first date, which was a road trip, lived amongst lots of other photos, before digital cameras became the norm…
The thing was, she knew there was a huge chunk of years missing from the box. She had a recollection of photos and cards and other treasures, that had vanished into thin air…
She would tell herself that it was okay. Because truly, all you have are your memories… But she did wonder, what ever happened to all that other memorabilia.
One day, while her and Mister Lovee, were sharing oranges – one of thier most beloved rituals.
(Sometimes he brought the orange, and they would meet on the little stone path)
(sometimes she would bring the orange, and they would meet in his workshop)
One day, while sharing oranges, they were chatting about their little lives, all the "junk" they had collected. Where to put it, what to do about it… What to get rid of…
(All the while, while chatting and munching, she played with his chalk and other trinkets she adored playing with in his workshop)
She brought up the topic of the "tarped" goods. You see, on that very first road trip date, began a journey of collecting all matter of things.
She was raised not ever visiting thrift stores or yard sales. So, her fascination as an adult with thriftventures, and treasures was outrageous (little did she know, she acquired this love from her grandfather, whom she felt was totallly misunderstood by the rest of the family). She started finding love letters left in antique books, and all other sorts of things. The more it happened, the more she longed to find those sorts of things in old desks and such…
To fill you in, the tarped goods, were a mountain of treasures that were in really less than good shape, but treasures nonetheless, that they had either found in the woods or cost mere pocket change. And, in desperation with monsoon rains looming one summer, they secured the mountain of stuff with tarps, and forgot about it…
That leads us to the day they were sitting and chatting over oranges. She decided that at that very moment, she wanted to untarp the items. She was certain there were all matter of animals living under there… She had an outdoor bathtub, that they had put a bunch of the tarped goods in as well… She was eager to see what was going on in there, and what exactly "was" in there…
Well, it turned out, everything she had ever searched for, anything she had ever thought was lost or missing, was under that darned tarp… Including a monster sized scorpion that she had to contend with.
But, but but – everything was wet. Soaked through and through… Gross mucky wet yucky yuck…
She had once purchased the most darling little shelf, that she had written off as lost. (when you have acreage with little buildings and lots of animals, anything can get "lost." We are so teetering on Grey Gardens, eeep!)
Anyhow, the shelf was in there, soaked too, and as she picked it up – it fell apart…
BUT! The most fabulous thing happened. As you know, she longed to find hidden notes and such in nooks and crannies… Much like Amelie's find…
Alas, there were some tattered bits inside this piece…
The most curious photo was of the man/boy on the horse… It was so, well, curious indeed.
Why was it hidden. Was it a forbidden love? There was a phone number lightly written on a piece of paper… Who was he… It felt a bit like Mermaids (7:36), and the photo Winona Ryder carries around… Who was this guy? 😉
Oooo, I just love this sort of find!! Mysteries are the bestest…
Who do you think the guy is? Any wild imaginations care to guess?
Can you guess what else was under the tarp? YES! The sealed safe, dry plastic box, full of missing photos of trips and me and the mister and my sis - love notes & treasures that needed safe keeping and all other bits of wonderment pertaining to my life age 20-28.
(sis on far right)
Preserved bits of an old ghost town…
Flat Stanley visiting us from Wisconsin (we stuck him in a cactus), and our favorite place, fascinating Jerome, Arizona… We adore the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel, and visit often.
Tonight, I will sit on the floor and look through the entire box. There is a ton of stuff in there… Such a fun find!!!
Still, the one thing I am working on, because I do love all my trinkets and treasures, is not being toooo attached to stuff… Once I gave away every treasure I owned, in an attempt to be "stuff" free. So much art and things that were so unnecessary to get rid of. Oh well…
Although, I would give it all up again, in a heartbeat, if it was a toss up between those I love…
And those that love me back, unconditionally, to the core…
Have you ever found something incredible hidden in a desk or under a stair, or anywhere??? One day I will tell you about the gold coins my cousin Brandy found in our grandmother's stream…
I have so many stories, I don't how I shall ever fill you in on all of them. I hope I don't bore you silly…
I must go canoodle with my fur ball, it is so sunny and glorious out today. 81'F for a high…
Creatures emerging soooooooooon!! So many elves, so little time 😉 ;)
See you sooooooon!!! 🖤,V
ps: Months ago, I wrote a long blog post, but never posted it, about the docu-movie "Man on Wire." About Philippe Petit… Because I have a painting I did 10 years ago, that collides with that movie so intensly. Alas, I have never posted it. I will one day – but I tell you this, because, I hope you get a chance to see it… It is a beautiful outrageous story – told in Petit's magnificent way… And anything set to Erik Satie, steals my heart for certain… If you want, you might download the soundtrack on Itunes, it is wonderful to create to…
That is such an awesome story! (PS, what does Mr. Lovee do?)
We have NO room in this house to store lovely things that I find so I’ve quit looking (for a while) and just enjoy the little things I have. They make me happy, but they need company!
I adore finding such unique treasures.While going through Mamma’s belongings I found a French Legioner Cross. It belong to her Father. A unique find with a huge certifcate to go with it and a candle waxed seal! Lovely indeed. I always feel sad for the treasures people just toss aside. Everything deserves love.
Just so ya know the Snow Fairies paid me a quick visit. Although nothing stayed they loving sprinkled their white wishes along the way.
Love & Hugs~
As always, im amazed over your beautiful pictures and lovely story. It inspires me! Thank you.
Nina
I was listening to a piece by Reasoner called “I’m still here”. A gorgeous, contemplative piano number while reading this post & when I got to the picture of the paw in your hand it so made me cry by the beauty of it all. Thank you
Antonio rode the rodeo circuit back in the early 1950’s, when S&H Green Stamps were at their peak, long before Andy Warhol created his S&H Green Stamp lithograph. Antonio shopped at the local market where Juan was the butcher. Antonio was always certain to shop on Double Stamp Day, for he was saving his stamps for the beautiful Black Stetson listed on page 43 of the S&H Catalogue. What began as a casual friendship soon blossomed into romance, but only for Antonio, as this was WAY before “Brokeback Mountain”. Soon the rodeo was leaving town, and Antonio wished to leave a memento for Juan the butcher, so he gathered the only photo of himself that he had and timidly scratched his phone number on the back, hoping that Juan would have a change of heart on this last evening in Tucson. Juan held the photo in his hands for a moment and watched the strange cowboy saunter out the door….all the while shaking his head in disbelief, thinking, “He never stood a chance of getting that Stetson”. Juan took two green stamps and glued the picture to the wall with them, thinking, this was the oddest day ever.
you two are living a charmed life and that you enjoy it so thoroughly is enchanting!
oh to find missing treasures…I have lost many and it stings at times, but yes, good for our souls to give up stuff…sometimes…
x..x
The first thing I would like to say to you is…it’s SO great that you write about and photograph your special occasions AND every day happenings. Just writing things down will help you remember. I have kept a journal (and write in it every day of my life) for over 30 years…probably as long as you’ve been alive! And even though we do need to realize everything can be gone…like the tarped stuff that decayed…we need our wonderful memories to enjoy as we get older. Just a few days before my husband’s birthday in December of last year, we were going through some boxes of his mother’s things in her basement….they were supposed to ALL be Christmas decorations …and found a sealed box with my husband’s baby books and photo albums. Tears ran down my face when we realized what we had found. What a wonderful treasure! We are still marveling at our discovery!
Thanks for your lovely post today, dear friend!
Oh what a glorious treasure! I love finding old things. When I was a little girl, there was an old trailer house next to my great grandmother’s house (which was next to my house) and I used to love sneaking into it and digging through the pieces on the floor. I remember finding marbles… That joy of finding treasure has never gone away…
Ah, Jerome! It’s one of my favorite little towns in all the world. My senior year my parents had race horses at Prescott Downs and every weekend I would head up the mountain to explore. I loved traveling the winding roads that led to the little town in the hills. There is something there that speaks to the stillness of the heart.
How sad that your beautiful settee is water damaged and icky smelly. Can it be saved as it’s such a sweet piece and I’d be horrified to think of it being tossed aside?
Have you ever dreamed of having an old clawfoot tub in the middle of the dessert complete with plumbing and a changing stall? Wouldn’t that be lovely to sit in a bubble bath, sipping something divine, and watching the sunset over the saguaro’s? A girl can dream and you mentioned the tub which made me remember the dream. 🙂
Your posts are always so lovely!
xoxo Cori
Ah, your own personal treasures, tarped for just a day like today. Perfect. I love excavating things I intended to save and then forgot. Finding them again is like finding a friend. Once, I lived in a duplex and decided to change the filter on the furnace. To access it, I had to open the cold-air return, and there I found 53 cents in change. I always imagined a small child, sitting by the vents, dropping coins through as if into a bank to save for a rainy day. I still have that 53 cents. Happy
Beautiful post, so sweet. I have always loved the quote “Life is not a destination, it’s a journey” You live that quote well : )
Kathy
What a sweet post V…so glad you found those missing treasures, now your life is ‘complete,’ hehe! Love the pic of you pooch’s hand in yours (& Mr. Lovee’s is nice too 😉 I do love how you make everything a journey…and glad are relaxing outside on a nice day instead of cleaning…much better way to spend your time!
Jamie 🙂
Ahhh…this latest post of yours reminds me of an old John Lennon quote; “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
I do so enjoy your stories about you, Mr. Lovee, and the country house. A magical spot me-dear. Thanks for sharing. – Kathy in Chicago
Miss Vanessa, I am back! Alas, I fear I have been away much too long, I’ve missed you!
You are so right, the only thing that matters is what is right in front of us at any given moment. Screw everything else. Sigh…I think I try too hard sometimes. I will have to work on this! 😉
But I look forward to keeping up with your blog once again…I have seriously missed it…and you!
How lovely. nothing like a good love story.
Jerome is my favorite place, too. That is where my brother and sister-in-law found my husband for me 5 years ago. He was playing a gig at the Spirit Room. Then we married there at the Surgeon’s House this past November. Many, many meaningful memories.
My father’s house was robbed a couple years ago. They stole anything they thought was of value including a very sentimental piece, my grandpa’s pocket watch which he left to my dad. Too bad they didn’t know how much money dad’s designer shoe collection was worth, they might have went for the shoes instead. :o) After the police left and we were trying to figure out just how much was missing, we had a conversation about what defines a person beyond their stuff. Those conversations bring about some very interesting thoughts.
I love Jerome. Hubbie did a painting workshop and we took 25 students their to paint years back. I imagine it’s changed since then.
So when you were trying to live Stuff Free did you get rid of stuff to create with and out of? I can ship off furniture, kitchen wears etc. but don’t make me get rid of that broken cork or red twistie! Still working on the living free part!
Another beautiful written story 🙂
I don`t think your stories will ever get boring Vanessa, so don`t you worry about that 😉
Found treasuries are the best. I own a old childrens book filled with cute little stories and old photos that my uncle found hidden inside the wall of my great-grandparents house. I`ve also found some old christmas cards inside an old book I bought at the salvation army, and I have to mention all the feathers, stones, shells and broken china treasures I pick up on my walks too… I`m a collector by heart 🙂
But my sister really found a treasure once, inside a purse she had bought at a thriftstore she found over 1000 dollar!
oh how lovely! Flowers and rust and magical letters and mysterious photographs long forgotten! How I should love to wander through an old house and find such mysteries!! 🙂 Canoodling with fur balls is also a treat!! I have two kittum kattums to canoodle with and it’s pure heaven!! 🙂
So glad I stopped de-frosting our front door (it’s frozen shut…..again!!tee hee) to come and visit you here in your lovely lair!! 🙂
I love living in your world for the time it takes to read your fascinating posts! When we cleaned out my parents’ house last year, we found many hidden treasures, but we never found the $100 he stashed in a book somewhere and told us about it in case we ever needed a little money. We searched every book, but I think my Mom had secretly gone shopping with it!
Such a very touching post Vanessa. How did you get to be so full of wisdom at such a young age? To me, life is a stage and we are the cast called to dance our own dance. As we/I have aged I have found that it is the disregarded odd pieces and bits of things that hold more meaning to me than having the latest fashion or home accessories. I love my home but feel as I have aged that all the items I have carried around with me over the years have become “chains” around my neck.
There is nothing more beautiful than the first bloom of spring and the many that follow, the sweet sound of birds chirping, squirrels chasing around the yard. The odd pieces of rhinestone jewelry, those leftover odds and ends of fabric, ribbons, paper and threads when placed together make a collage of your life and what you are made of..all wrapped up like a beautiful present without all the glitter.
I could go on and on but I will leave you with this wonderful thought I had one day…”It’s not where your journey takes you that really matters but the footprints you leave behind”.
I am getting grey gardens on Wednesday!
Well, I think this fella could be someone’s son from an illicit affair! Or, perhaps the object of someone’s unrequited affection! Or, maybe it’s the man who stole someone’s beloved bucking bronco!! Or maybe, the picture was purchased with S&H Green Stamps!?
It’s so cool that you found your things. After moving several times, I’ve found things I believed to be long lost. Right now, I am very much missing a photo of my mother that I recently used to make family scrapbooks! Ive looked everywhere I can think, and it’s very distressing… I almost suggested we pack up and move so that it will appear!
We change and grow and forget more than we know…
I enjoy how you appreciation simply things in life. You show how truly beautiful they are.
Bellisimo todo!!!
Linda semana.
Just happy feet….dancing…..twirling…
wonderful music….off to fairylane…
i love jerome, az….
Hooray to finding lost treasures! So sorry about the Soggy Things, but at least the really important ones were safe.
I love the idea of going through life, paw-in-hand with those who cherish us. 😉
Your Mr Lovee is SUCH a gem! Where did you find him? Does he offer lessons to other Mr Lovee’s?
xoxo,
Kate
Oh, I just peeked at the video. The post I wrote before the current one was my artwork of a little girl tight rope walking….that was me! In Kindergarten we put on a performance for our parents and I chose the tight rope walker. I remember when he did this in NYC.
Your post is wonderful as always. Once when I was about twelve, my grandfather gave me a sketchbook that he found tucked into one of the walls in his basement. I spent hours admiring the work of some girl who was so talented. I truly believe that my grandfather, that sketchbook and the mystery artist influenced my life profoundly.
Well, enjoy, I am so glad that you found your memorabilia…the most important staple of life, I believe.
Karen
I love that you found your “lost” treasures. I have found many a surprise in some of the old things I’ve rescued or collected – usually a letter, or a book; once a pair of old-fashioned spectacles. And you’re right that the only really important treasures are our loved ones. All the rest is just icing on the cake!
J’adore that film – and YOU, my dear Miss V. xoxox
I agree that the simple things seem to have the most impact. Simple pleasures, simple moments, simply smiling.
OH how I love finding treasures and I am especially enthralled when I come across old letters or post cards. I wonder about the lives of those who wrote them…..and always imagine lavish stories.
How fun to find your lost treasures….you can imagine what I may find when we finally clean garagapalooza!!!!
Some day we will treasure hunt together! (oh but we may need boxing gloves for those things we both want…ahhahahahah!)
XOXOXOXO
Hi Vanessa,
You are such a gifted storyteller!
Like you, I appreciate finding the hidden treasure, old stuff, letters, clues about others lives and inspiration for things to re-create. It’s impossibly infatuating!
But………to have a hand and paw to hold…
now, that is the true prize!!!
xox
Constance
I knew you were a kindred spirit Miss V.. If you gave me a choice between sifting through old treasures or shopping on Rodeo Drive, I’d get my hands dirty every time! Now, that pic…I think it’s my dad. LOL He was a little tiny guy who was a jockey when he was young.
I think what is even more special is that you found Mr. Lovee who appreciates and honors your love of old treasures.
You are a storyteller, love this post and all the beauty it hold.
So sweet! I do wish I could dive right into your pile!!!!!!
Take care sweet girl!
Oh, Miss V! You are one of the great treasure hunters! I love treasure too. OH, and my mom just watched that movie this weekend and loved it too!
God is in the details!
😉
XOXOXOXO
What fun treasures! I have been missing your playground for I was in the hospital…fine now. Just recovering and your stories help me heal.
I have a tarp covering items too and a storage shed. We will soon be unearthing some marvelous trinkets. I am so excited.
Be well dear one,
SueAnn
Treasures found, eh? You and I share a passion for “Tesori Trovati” then! I would love to explore flea markets and antique stores and ghost towns with one who shares that passion. Everyone else just looks at me like I am not all there. Perhaps I am not, but how fun would it be to do that with you!
Thanks for reminding us that it inspiration is everywhere if we just take the time to see it!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
What fun to find all of your hidden memories! I love finding stuff. I stopped at a garage sale and there sitting in a box was papers and photos and I asked if they were for sell…the owner said no, they were moving, she looked at me and she said, “you look like someone who might treasure these…so you can have them.” Then she told me the story where they had found them. In a very old mining cabin close to where they were camping in Nevada. It is an odd assortment of stuff and a one sided letter conversation that is quite interesting. Do you look through books at thrift shops hoping to find a tucked away note or letter?
You are pure magic. Not your blog but you. I could read your stories all day long and never ever be bored.
Coucou Vanessa, J’adore your little things ..these little white flowers are to die for and so are your pictures of them
Magia, encanto, calidad, fantasia, ternura, recuerdos, talento, todo eso es lo que transmites Vanessa con tu arte, con tu fotografia y con tus palabras.
felicitaciones! eres genial, no me voy a cansar de decirlo.
saludos desde lejos, desde el verano, desde el calooooorrrr!
Marina