Before I start talking your ears (or in this case eyeballs) off incoherently, let me remind you that, there are these lil' loveable Valentine cardlettes available, for your use.
Still mushroom appropriate, ready to be printed, cut-out and shared with your pals 😉
As for today's tale…
I have said it before, and I will say it again… Valentine's day to me, is a do nice things for "myself" day. And, with the hearted once a year date looming, I suppose it is a safe topic.
Or is it?
Come down into my studio, and let's visit, on this snow filled cloudy day…
You know, I really don't think I know it "all." Just don't tell my ego that ;) No, but really, I don't know it all. The only thing I know every single thing about, left to right, top to bottom, is my life and my "quieros." (Quieros = wants & desires) And, even regarding them, I have been known to veer like the wind.
But what I share here with you is simply the way I see things, and what works for me. How I like to live my life…
Oh wait, don't forget to choose your tea cup… There are swiss rolls on the bottom shelf 😉 You just can't see them… (weird cloudy day lighting)
On the topic of Valentine's day… I am not a person who likes to set anyone up, including myself, for outrageous expectations of what "someone else" is going to do to make my special day wonderful (this could go for any special occassion day)…
I was taught at a really young age, that the fulfillmet of my hearts contentment lives within me. You can't expect people to pluck the stars out of the sky for you. First of all, it isn't realistic, right? And, secondly, it is not fair to them, and ultimately not fair to you either. It is a lose lose situation. And, I don't know about you, but I ain't into feeling rotten…
So, on days like Valentine's Day, I like to bake, and watch movies, or shop… Or have a pedicure… I like to take myself to a movie, and antique shop or a wonderful antique books store… I like to take a little extra time, to show the girl in me, that I really do LOVE her… No stressing or fretting on that day 😉
Anything else that happens after that, is just gravy…
A little story –
The other day, it was 80'F and gorgeous out. Funny how 3 days later it is snowing, but that is Arizona for you. See, that is my excuse for being crazy. Crazy weather 😉
It was a magnificent sunset, I roamed barefoot. I coaxed Mister Lovee into the outside chaise, and serenaded him with bubbles and flowers… Exclaiming, as I stood high on a chair, for good bubble effect, that "THIS was the MOST Romantic day of HIS life…"
Mister Lovee made my year by saying "you are so cute, it's sick." Now, he said this while I was performing said antics, and had wild woman hair, and 2 layered vintage victorian gowns on…
To be frank, it looked more like I had just escaped an 1800's Asylum.
But then again, since Mister Lovee and I are on the same loon wave – I suppose it is all relative…
So, I put flowers in my and his hair… Yes he let me do this to him. He knows he has no choice but to play along. He just doesn't know I am going to report it back to you 🙂
(ps: Dog in background, does not require CPR)
Just as the sun was going down, I said "This is perfect weather for a chiminea and marshmallows." I recalled, that yes, I did happen to have a chiminea on our country house property, in the little yard attached to my gallery. So I ran over with my little green wagon thingie, and heaved it on (okay I had some help), and bolted back with it to the front garden…
Then, Mister Lovee states that, he is not helping me build a fire, he is not into this, and he is not going to be looking for twigs in the darkness. And I said, "I don't care, I don't need your help, and you aren't even invited to my chiminea party, Swooosh Hummmph!"
So, I take my green wagon, and head out in search of twigs. I even put on my teal leather gloves. I gathered 4 little piles of all sizes of wood.
I have to say. Mister Lovee's lack of interest, had no bearing on me at all.
I was humming along, tickled to be collecting twigs for my fire… When all of a sudden, as I am crouched down doing so, guess who appears.
The Lovee Troll. He wants in. HA! Is he insane?
But, since I am easy. I don't say a word. I just let him join in.
We quickly put it all together with fab team work. It was beautiful. And the fire was lit well before it was totally dark out…
The thing is, if he hadn't joined, it would not have ruined my parade. Because, I was having a ball, all by my little ole self…
A lit chiminea, is romantic all on its own… Me being there, is time to absorb the sparkly moment… And if someone wants to join me, well, that's just icing on the cake…
As I sat there, I thought. I should do more romantic things for myself. I could make any day, the most romantic day of my life, with so little effort…
Pooch, Mister, Me…
I think, Mister you know who, really did have the most romantic day of his life 😉
You know, in my late teens, while in college, I had this really bad break-up. I mean really bad. And, the only way for me to drag my heart and soul out of the trenches of love, was to find myself… (if you have been reading since day one you know some of this)
That is when art became my everything, more so than it already was. To the extent that my life path changed to incorporate it at every turn. During that healing time of heart pain, I painted giant scale abstract angels, and showed and sold them in a downtown art gallery… I also started gardening, and antiquing.
I learned very quickly, what I was made of. What made me tick. Up until then, I thought I needed other people in my life to fulfill it. So, I lived in fear of losing them, constantly. But that horrible time of "loss" (because that is what the pain of a break-up is to me), made me realize, I was on my way to a terrible life of pain and anguish if I didn't learn to take a deep breath and say, what do I like to do? What makes me happy? Who am I, standing alone?
Ever since then, I started loving myself and protecting myself in a whole new way…
That in itself is life changing.
I found a gift in that pain. And that year, on Valentine's day, I went out at bought myself some flowers. Something I had never done. I was 19 years old and truly, enjoying life, and me in it. It was wonderful. I have held on tight ever since then…
I have held on to all that inspires and tickles my heart… (not 19 below 🙂
When I came to the country house almost 9 years ago, it was a bit of beautiful chaos. Acreage full of little weird buildings (one that would be perfect for a gallery - which is not the same space I use as my studio)…
Then there were three weird additions attached to the main house.
One big room, in particular, was old, and had ceilings caving in, and was dark and bleak… It also had strange little nooks here and there…
Mister Lovee had a new ceiling and drywall put in for me in that big room… And those weird nooks, became dreamboats…
A sewing nook…
I think I love it here so much, because, I loved it with all its quirks, and made the best of what I had to work with… There is something about that, that creates an extra bond…
And for the last 9 years, in this space… It is always Valentine's Day to me.
A place to paint, where I have no clue why, but I adopted the door as my fave painting place… With sturdy screws at all different levels for painting on…
A perfect place to me, full of light, to create and fill with all the things I love…
And my second work bench, under a large skylight… Mister Lovee built me my work benches, and I just adooooore them.
Lovely closets to store beads and things…
I will be sequestered in my studio for the next few days, working feverishly on some projects…
But first, look what I had in a closet. The very first Valentine I ever gave the Mister, 9 years ago. Now the idea is, to tweak it a little, and re-gift it, just for fun… What do you think?
Oh Lil' Bunny is tugging on my sleeve… Reminding me to tell you that, a number was drawn for this little tin full of treasures…
And, my Valentine number drawn belongs to… Lovely Renee Kahn. Yipppeeee! E-mail me your addy, and your treasures, will find their way to you this week!!
I am off to flambé the heck out of s'more mushrooms over the stove. This is my new passion for the day… (I mean marshmallows -sans the alcohol part of flambé- eek, I think I have mushroom of the brain. That or I over did the shroom nog today)
Then, back to work for this lil' muffin head. I have elves and dolls and all sorts of goodness up my sleeve… I just have one project to mail out, and one set of wedding announcements with stickers to finish up, and the creatures will emerge… So, there is a wee hint for what is to come ;)
Into my happy little world I go… May it be free of worry and happy for many more moons to come, don't you think?
Before I go, I wanted to ask you. Have you had any life changing events, huge or small, that have redirected your life? How you treat yourself? Do you do nice things for yourself on your special days?? Are you working towards that??
Have you had the most romantic day of your life? Maybe you have and didn't even notice?
SO many questions…
I'd love to hear your thoughts…
🖤, V
ps: Making your most Romantic day, doesn't have to include a significant other… As per googling Romantic, you should know… Romantic is – Of or pertaining to romance; hence, fanciful; marvelous; extravagant; unreal;
So, go do something extravagantly marvelous and fanciful and unreal!! Like, eat a giant cupcake in bed, in your frilliest nightgown, under fairy lights!! And don't feel guilty! (make sure you lick your fingers)
Oh man….I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bummed I didn’t have my name drawn 🙁 BUT- that post was just lovely and inspiring, and just how I am feeling right now. I am really finding out who I am lately, and I LIKE it 😉
Is it fair to say that almost everything lately seems like a huge life altering event? I find myself being directed towards myself more and more lately. I am rooting my feet in the ground and turning squarely towards who I am in a new way. Setting boundaries, standing up for myself, and finding ways to entertain me…realizing that no one “out there” is responsible for this.
To tell you the truth, it’s leaving me a little breathless.
I am thinking that if I keep practicing this, I won’t be so panty all the time. I am loving finding myself through all these experiences (even though I’ve been known to cry) And, I am borrowing your inspiration for Valentine’s Day. I will be taking the day off, and I will pamper ME.
Hi Vanessa,
I love the picture of ya in the mirror. So Pretty! I adore ya red hearts and crystals too. I think a romantic date with yaself is wonderful. I hope ya Valentine’s Day is just as nice. I was born one second from Valentine’s Day, so it’s always been a special day for me. I must admit I am envious of ya magical studio.
Hope ya Sunday is relaxing.
~Big Hugs~
Well, I don’t want to tell you something you’ve probably heard a couple gazillion times, but I guess I must. Whenever I feel really down and I don’t know how to get out of it, if I happen to come over here and read your stories, it cures me. It’s so fabulous. So, thank you.
Take care.
C
Vanessa,
Seriously….you are so inspiring to me! I think I will definately be treating myself to a cupcake tonight. I only wish I had some fairy lights handy 🙂
Hope you have a lovely week!
Kylee
Life changing events…
…playing the lead in a community theater musical and getting a standing ovation {everyone needs to experience one of those for real}
…having my first born, a son
…having my second born, a daughter
…learning that my college roommate had breast cancer…and later brain tumors…and then her father died the day she came home from the hospital…knowing that there is no time like the present so DO IT NOW!
…making bloggy friends {particularly Miss Vee!}
…the few hours on this past Saturday when both kids were gone…very romantic moments reacquainting myself with the hands, the heartbeat of my dearest and being held by the gaze of his steel blue eyes with flecks of orange and knowing I wouldn’t be allowed to fall
…buying a massage of the month with my good friend Allen…it is no longer a pampering thing it is a necessity 🙂
…indulging my passion for beautiful things and creating and writing…
Thanks for the beauty and inspiration today dear heart. I love the idea that Valentine’s day is all about you. I think that we can all stand to love ourselves just a little bit more.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Vanessa I so adore your ‘space’ what a wonderful place to be lost in for hours on end…..i do have a life changing event, one that has meant that I am spending time doing things that I love, devoting hours to ‘playing’ with fabric and beads and ribbons and paint and all the things a girl must have to flit to and from in a whim.
i used to have a normal job…a responsible grown up job that I was good at and I liked doing….at the same time I had my creative sideline going, painting huge painting for display at work and selling my wares at markets and having markets at home in the evening…fun stuff. I was also busy, mad crazy busy on every committee and playgroup and everyday things. Then one day my feet started to tingle..weird foot going to sleep tingles, then a bit like busy bees on my skin tingle. I thought it was from my wonderful new high heeled shoes that I had bought and worn for the entire day the day before. By the end of the week the tingle had gone all the way up to my stomach…not happy…to go on after neurologist visits and MRI’s and lots of other weird stuff happening with my hands and legs, three months later I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and couldn’t work at my grown up job, I just couldn’t do it the way I used to and I had to give it up. I was devastated…what do people do when they don’t work I cried? Slowly i found my groove, I stopped feeling guilty that I couldn’t work and started enjoying my artistic endeavours which have now become my work, my world. That wasn’t so long ago and everyday I try to do as much as I can before I crash and burn….why rest..tomorrow I may not be able to do anything at all….I need to do it now…sit up all night if I feel like it and enjoy the quiet. It was a horrible thing to have been given ( MS) but if I didn’t have it i wouldn’t have been able to do all the things that I love everyday, all day!!
Oh dear such a long comment, you might be sorry you asked, I love to read your posts as it reminds me that life is for living! You inspire me!
Kiss Noises Linda.
I love reading your posts! This one made me laugh out loud – about escaping from an 1800’s Asylum – you are too funny! I’ve definitely had the life changing events that altered my direction – several of them. I’m hoping I’ve had the most romantic day of my life, and yet, hoping I haven’t so that I have something wonderful to look forward to in the future! Have fun playing in your fabulous studio!
I would like a marshmallow, please. I was just eating a granola bar that was “s’mores” flavored. It didn’t handle my craving …..at all! I love Valentine’s day for the colors. Red and pink are my favorite colors. I have a date with my girlfriends on the 14th, we are having dinner and a movie. They make me feel fanciful sometimes, so it relates, right?
Vanessa: I am so flabberghasted and even more excited than that. I had so much I was going to say about this blog: how wonderful you are, how pretty, how smart to figure out that you needed you first and everything else was icing on the cake. How I wanted to come into your house and look at all your things because they are amazing. How much I admire your sense of fun and imagination. And more, much more.
But then I saw my name and I had to read it about ten times.
I am over the moon and up at the left hand star furthest to the right of the left. I know you understand.
Off to email my address. By the way thanks as well for the valentines.
Love love love love love Renee
Vanessa, please let me know if you received my mailing address.
So excited. Love Renee
Greetings Little Miss,
One day my soulmate was alive we were alive. The next day my soulmate died and only half of us was alive. It took a long journey to find the answer to why I was left alive with only half a soul. Oh but I did learn the reason and now I live, a woman whole with a scarred but mended soul:) Knowing every day is a gift to me. Soooooo today is the most romantic day of my life. My love and I hunted for mermaid tears, and watch sea urchins play in the tidal pools. 🙂 Tomorrow will be what tomorrow will be 🙂
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mexico
Seriously, I need a Mister Lovee to build me a retreat like yours! I love it!!! And I love your blog!!!
I heart you and your messages of self-love! I just thought of one special thing I started doing for myself a couple of years ago – collecting art that I love! It is the best treat ever. Also, sometimes I go to a cupcake store near my house and get a cup of coffee and a cupcake all by myself. When I surf, run and do yoga, those are ways to show myself how much I care about me! xoxo Happy Love Days to all of you!
Gosh, what a wonderful workspace you have!
I feel much the same about Valentine’s day, it’s always been a day when I go try on ball gowns for fun, or buy a cake and eat it all myself with no guilt, or invite my friends over and have a party with chocolate covered strawberries and dancing. It’s always a day I look forward to!
Eeks! Mushrooms! I love mushrooms they are just too sweet! And your darling doggie, Miss Vanessa, how you make me laugh! Your photos make me feel like I’m right there on a splendiferous (is that a word?) adventure, I could almost smell the wood burning in the stove (I love that smell…woodstoves) You are so inspirational, all of your artful areas, the door, the lace strung like a banner across the doorway, everything! Oh, and I am in love with that blue mirror- gorgeous! And in regards to your questions…I had a tough time in school, and Valentine’s Day was always depressing for me because I didn’t have anyone, not even friends. When I graduated, I vowed to do something for myself; I couldn’t very well keep waiting around for someone to magically appear (though that does sometimes happen around here, does that happen to you?) and give me a bundle of flowers. (What can I say, I’m a hopeless romantic, although I prefer lilies of the valley to the traditional rose) I bought myself a single flower, to remind me that I could always count on myself. (Does that sound mushy?) Each year since, every Valentine’s Day, I find a single rose, either white or red, waiting for me when I wake up in the morning, though now it isn’t from myself, it’s from my caring and kind father, who knows how much it truly means to me.
Happy Valentine’s Day, V!
Your working space is a treasure trove of utter personality! I love it!
The most life changing experience for me was when I realized I wasn’t giving enough and life wasn’t about just me and I had to let go of me to enjoy life.
To pamper myself I like to make pastries and then brew tea in my favourite fancy teacup and take them upstairs when I do work 🙂 It makes it so much nicer!
love, cait
I got to work in France for my favourite author last summer, in a gorgeous apartment by the sea. For the first time in my life I slept well, listening to those waves and working with something I loved.
On the train to Paris when we were going back to Sweden I decided I would never work as a teacher again. It wasn’t my dream to begin with; it was simply something I could do and I tried to be super fun and inspiring so no one would be bored, I did so much for the school(s) and the students but because I was younger and newer I never got real employment. Spending time with this wonderful friend and writer, the things she told me about creativity, made me want to always follow my own path from that day on, July 6th 🙂
When my uncle recently died I changed the way I think about photography. I’d had a desire to find my own style and not just be able to technically take good photographs for a while, but the day before the funeral I took a photo of my black dress and now I’m working a lot on new series of photographs which I hope others will respond to as well.
You remind me that things can be happy and fun! I come here if I have a sucky day and always feel better.
Delightful post Vanessa, thank you thank you!
Tecu’Mish
Miss Vanessa,
The story on the first part of this post is a book. A book that holds a life lesson that so many women need to learn. How is it, that you always inspire me and I so admire that you learned all this at age nineteen?
Okay, now are you sipping hot cocoa with those little marshmallows as you read all of our stories?
Once upon a time…When we lived in Hong Kong, one of my closest friends who celebrates her birthday on Valentine’s Day decided to treat herself to something wonderful. One year her husband was going to be away on a business trip (Hong Kong meant husband MIA always) on her birthday.
So, Aline set out to hire a junk (a Chinese version of a cabin cruiser) and she invited about a dozen of us to come along. We sailed to a small island called Lamma Island to have lunch. During the trip we sat on the front of the boat and took in the scenery and enjoyed a banquet of snacks and drinks and girly giggles.
We got off the boat, had a delicious fish feast in a rustic seafood restaurant. We topped it off with ice cream for the trip back. Sitting amongst the local fisherman at a table overlooking the shanty and junks you felt a million miles away from real life.
We all arrived back at the Aberdeen port, just in time to go pick our little ones up at the school bus stop. No one even guessed that we had sailed away to Neverland before having to return to the day.
Aline taught me over the years how to take care of myself, just like you do lovely Vanessa.
Thank you for always surprising, always inspiring, and always encouraging.
Karen
Vanessa,
You are absolutely lovely. And inspiring.
Yippee Yahoo to the winner of the draw!
Happy Day to You!
I totally agree with you that you have to make your own happiness and romance and then love whatever else is given to you. My husband is not a romantic and early in my marriage I realized that if there were things I wanted, I needed to tell him AND tell him how important they were. I decided that it was really unfair to him to expect him to read my mind and then get mad at him when he could not do so. This is a significant move for one as attached to romance as I was, but it has held me in good stead and I have been 100% happier as a result.
I DO give myself gifts for EVERY holiday but particularly my birthday. For awhile I would buy myself Pandora beads for every event, but now I have too many so now I peruse Etsy for my special giftees. Not only do I give myself gifts for all the major holidays, as Special Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks said, “Every day, once a day, give yourself a treat!” And I usually do. Of course they are not BIG treats (certainly not like the two pieces of pie he would give himself) and usually there are a series of treats…a long hot bath, an extra cup of tea, a chocolate kiss…but I do treat myself everyday.
My most romantic day? I couldn’t say, but I will tell you one of the most romantic things my hubby has said to me. I am wild about everything from the 1920’s. We used to attend the Gatsby picnic in Oakland, CA every Sept before we had kids. And he said to me one day (he probably doesn’t remember this) that he was going to buy an antique steamer trunk and fill all of the little drawers with antique treasures for me as a surprise one day. While it has been an impractical thing for him to do, I LOVE the gift of word imagery and the thought really was what counted. A close second was when he told our kids that I had better taste in music than he did.
V… mom & I are pouring over your post and SMIIIIILING*** L-O-V-E your words, expressions..!! You are so full of HEART! Your generosity of spirit pulls us in!
..mom ‘meet’ Vanessa, Vanessa meet mom. 🙂
Most romantic day? Jeff rowing out in his boat to pick me a lilly pad flower on a whim.. to this day IT remains my most favorite of flowers.
hugs and smooches, monica
Good morning doll;
I had to come back just to check that I wasn’t dreaming. I wasn’t. oxoxo
By the way I love all animals but have a very special affection for rabbits and owls and ladybugs. I note that it it a rabbit that is telling me I won.
xooxox
Renee
Vanessa, you remind me so much of myself. The me before I too went through the biggest heart break of my life so far. I have always lived my life as if it was Valentines Day, buying myslef flowers(still do that)getting massages and mani/pedis…but somewhere along the way I lost myself, and just recently I have taken recognition of this. But your post today made me cry, because now I see what I have been missing-ME! I miss ME and you just gave me that revelation!! Thank you sweet girl! Somewhere I lost my fancy free, but starting today, I am going to re-establish myself with that. Today is a new day, with all sorts of possibilities! Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart. I really needed that!!
Oh yes. There have been so many, but really only a handfull that I can pinpoint. Most recently, it was the birth of my children. I used to do romantic things for myself all the time (and LOVED doing it) but now I just do it for my girls. I love being extravagent for them…
This Valentine’s day, I think I’ll treat myself to a small balloon bouquet, make heart-shaped waffles with fresh strawberries on top with whip cream, of course, dress in pink, make a special home-cooked meal for my honey and me for dinner instead of going out, and make our traditional “Cherry-O My Cream Cheese Pie” in a heart-shaped pan for dessert…
I love all your stories — and I particularly like the photo looking up at the moon. And I am happily envious of your studio, always and always!
I want to get a chiminea!
You said it all, in my opinion, that we are what we make of ourselves and we have only ourselves to blame for not loving every moment!
Cheers, Darlin’, hiccup. Happy St. Valentine’s Day!!!
Christine
Romantic moment was when my hubby and I had our first Valentine together. It was magic. I have more and more trying to get to know myself. Now this month that my bday is coming I feel like a flower blooming. And yes I did treat myself with a few things but it would be nice to make it a ME day. thanks:)
L.
Ooh, having romantic treats for oneself (such a lovely idea). I love your stories and the studio, life is great if you know how to live it – I’m off to make my life-changing event happen!
Oh Vanessa, THANK YOU so much for the printable Valentine’s!! My daughter was just asking if you had any so she could give them to her friends, hehe…she just adored your Christmas tags (& kept them all from the gifts to put in her scrapbook, hehe). Lovely story. Our anniversary is on Valentine’s day so we always celebrate big and keep up our White Christmas tree and turn it into a love tree. This year, it’s a Love bird tree…pictures to follow on the blog this week
😉 Happy early V-day to you and LOVE that you always do something for yourself, you so deserve it!
Jamie
I can’t say this enough – I wish we were neighbors. I’d find myself at your doorstep during the day pretending your mail accidently was delivered to my mailbox and you’d welcome me in for tea and we’d play & chat all afternoon! I’d come home with paint under my nails, bunnies in my pockets [because you gave them to me of course!] and glitter in my hair. My kids would ask me what I’ve done all day and I’d say, “Oh, nothing.”
🙂
Lol… your studio is just so fun!
Tahnks so much for the link share!!!!!
“on the same loon wave” That made me laugh out loud.
My most romantic day was when my husband to be came over to England to “woo me back” to America and he rowed me down the river that went beside Warwick castle. It was a particularly warm day for England, (about 70) and he took his shirt off. Swoon. He had me at hello. teehee
Where oh where did you get the awesome rabbit? Love it! Deana
Vanessa, you’re so wise for someone so young. Yes, we must take better care of ourselves and be kind to ourselves. We deserve it! Love the chimea story and your studio space and how you create the most magical moments out of the ordinary. Lovely little Valentine’s cards you’ve given us, as well. Muchas gracias, preciosa! Good luck with your projects. P.S. Package finally mailed! xoxox
I adore seeing your beautiful studio space….soooo many ideas from here to me as I get close to moving into the new space.
We are having a romantic valentine’s dinner for 13 :)! In the studio, candles and roses on the window sills and just a big table covered with roses and candles.
xxxxx to you
I love this post, and love how you said “everything else is just gravy” EXACTLY! : ) This Valentine’s day will be shared with our sweet 13 year old Daughter. (our son will be on a date). We will bake cupcakes, exchange cards and hugs, go see a movie together or have a dvd marathon, cuddle our sweet pet bunnies, and just relax. Your studio is beautiful and inspiring, (grabbing a swiss roll) and thank you for the fun printable Valentine’s.
Kathy
As always, I love your posts. You seriously should publish them in a book!! You are right about Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love of self and other kinds of love. Not just kissy romantic love stuff. (Though I do love that too!!)
I’ll share one of my favorite romantic moments with you, Lady V. A guy I liked at my former job, I wanted to let him know how much I cared for him. So I brought him a book he wanted. He loved it and was so touched. He hugged me and unexpectedly, kissed me!! It was one of the sweetest kisses I ever got.
Then later on that night, all the guys at my job got roses for the ladies. My guy gave me a rose and a kiss on the cheek. . Our love bloomed into a loving friendship that still goes on today. He just e-mailed me an hour ago.
Look forward to seeing all your new projects.
Hugs,
Shell
Dear Vanessa,
You sure have a lot of wisdom for your young years. I am just learning the art of cherishing myself – and I’m turning the Big Five-Oh this year! :O
I love the idea of Mr Lovee being on your loon wavelength. Our Significant Others SHOULD be on our wavelengths!
It’s no wonder you do so much wonderful work with the environment you’ve set up for yourself. I’m drooling, (DROOOLING I tell you!) over your studio nooks all jammed with STUFF.
Party on,
xoxo,
Kate
I love that Valentines can be a ‘you’ day. When I was in college, my friends and I started a tradition of having tea parties for Valentines. No boys to impress, just us. Enjoying the little things, the pretty things. I still MUST have a tea party for Valentines. (and I have, albeit a little early…I couldn’t wait! I posted pictures on my blog!) I am admittedly excited about spending V-day with my boy, but then he is quite the silly romantic and is not above frolicking around graveyards at night and dressing up. 🙂
I have had many ‘most romantic’ days, I think…both by myself (travelling alone is one of the most thrilling and romantic experiences, somehow) and not by myself. But I think the most romantic was the day my now-husband told me he loved he. It was winter, but it was warm. He took me to a national park and brought a picnic. We sat in a field surrounded by trees until dark, and the deer started coming out and walking past us as we sat there. (and it was all slightly illicit since it was against the law to be in the park after dark!) It was only our second date so I didn’t answer, because I thought it imprudent to say such things so soon. But three hours later I said I loved him too, because I knew that I did. 🙂 And two years later we are married!
Ah! Life altering decisions. Little fissures worked their way from deep inside my heart at a very early age. They grew and grew until one day a huge crack appeared and a chunk fell off. poor little heart. When I was 23 another decision was made that caused it to shatter into a million pieces. It must have looked like faerie dust for there was One who saw it a thing of beauty and slowly He began to mend and repair. There were times when I wanted it back for the process was so slow, but He said, “trust Me. I will make it new.” And He did. After years of mending it’s in one piece… whole again… filled with wonderful thoughts and dreams. And I know who I am and what I like and I’ve learned to like me.
Do I allow myself fun little whimsical moments in life? Every day! And I buy myself darling little gifts too…gifts are after all, one of my love languages.
OH AND DARN! I so wanted to find that little chirpie and mushrooms on my doorstep, but then I guess if I got everything I wanted I might become a brat :). That would not be pretty at all.
Would you roast one of those lovely little marshmallows for me? I can taste it now!
I just totally realized why I so love your posts, what keeps me coming back day after day hoping for another…..it’s because of the inspiring way you love and care for YOURSELF! That is something we all need. I have been moving much too slowly in that direction myself.
My most recent life altering moment is when I recognized that I am an artist and long to be a creativity teacher and coach. That is SUCH a new revelation-probably only within the past year. And it has made all the difference in my life. You remind me that art is not only on canvas-but that LIFE itself is art. You inspire me and so many others. Thank you.
And won’t you consider opening your studio for a tour someday? I’d so love to see it and you in person!
Love and kisses,
Tracie
Oh I forgot to mention, your Mr. Lovee’s 1st Valentines looks like it would make a lovely kite. You could add little bits and snippets to it’s tail and send it sailing into the wind. Like your love…he’s given you wings to fly.
I miss you Miss V! I’ve been a bit “indisposed” of late, but I can’t wait till I can get back in the game! Oh, and I SO want a chiminia but we have a wood deck and well…as much as I, like most girls, have that whole “wish I could meet a cute fireman” thing going on, yeah…not so much in my own burning down house! 😉
Oh, I had almost forgotten your perfect valentines! Gotta print some up! I love V day because to me it is a day devoted to love. The last few years I try and do something little and special for the people I love. My kids, hubby of course, my parents, my girlfriends, my nieces. It has made the day so much fun and then whatever comes my way is like you say gravy! I guess I had better add myself to the list! Hmm, I am thinking a late movie with my girlfriends might be just the ticket! Oh, and thank you so much for sharing my excitement about the new house. This has been one of those experiences like you mentioned only I have learned that I really don’t need as much stuff as I thought to be happy. That is not to say I won’t be thrilled to get my stuff back! Hugs!
Dear Vanessa, it is always so fun the visit you. You are one of my faves. Please pamper yourself all that you can for Valentine’s Day. My heart to your yours. Deb
Love that bunny!! As always, a trip down the ole rabbit hole with you playing Alice is a delight. You are a cure for the morning news, kiddo. Keep it coming. Enjoy your day. After all, there will never be another Tuesday, February 10, 2009 ever again. Thanks for the cheer. – Kathy in Chicago
There’s just something about a bad breakup that makes you who you are. I think everyone needs one before they find Mr. or Mrs. Right. My bad breakup happened at 19 as well. From that, I determined that I had to be who I wanted to be (with or without someone to love) or I would never be truly happy. 3 years later, my husband entered the picture, and I was ready for him. Ready to love and be loved in the right way.
This post was worth every infinitesimal moment spent reading it. Your quirky path is always one of of serendipitous delight!
I love nooks and crannies, which seem to be plentiful in old, old structures. I miss my old ironing board closet from my home in Lakewood. The ironing board had been long removed and roughly sawed shelves held my smaller craft items for easy access.
For a time, my cousin owned a mansion that used to belong to a silent film star. I was a young teen when I first visited her home. There was little conversing for me that day which is abnormal. Instead, I was searching out every secret panel, corridor, hiding place, etc. It was euphoric!
Last week on my blog, I wrote: “Yet, for me, romance is more about a courtship with life, and far less dependent upon a relationship.” I believe that you summed that up here, too. When we shift the responsibility for our own happiness onto someone else, we set ourselves up for major disappointment. And, that is true with others being dependent on us as well. We fail. We fall short.
Thank-you for this joyful post and the smiles you added to my day!
KJ
Wonderful lady, you make me feel young again…I need to spend more days like his with my kids. My girl and I could dress up in such colors, but the boys? I wonder if I can get them in knickers?
I love the valentines, I printed them out, can’t wait to cut and play with them. Thank you!
At the tender age of 52 I am still working on treating myself as a tender thing deserving of wonders and magic. Art is my lifeline , my escape, as are fairytales and tales of wonder.The older I get, the more I realize my soul requires glitter and paint, color and magic. romance is someting I also do for myself and if someone wants to join in then good for them, I am sure they will enjoy it!! Life is so precious , as you and Mr. Lovee have learned. Each minute a treasure. An illness in my youth taught me that lesson and I am so glad of it.
Shroom nog and cupcakes to you, dear Heart…and keep magic near at all times. My own recipe is to use magic slippers regularly and to always believe in fortune cookies.
I find myself in constant evolution, even when I was young I tried everything, One day a Mod the next a Rocker. I have my favorite things but I always try new ones. It is good thing to realise you cannot expect people to know what you want and get it for you, So often a route for dissapointment. Even the closest of people can’t read minds.Have a wonderful Valentines Day, 🙂 Juliet
As always, an ispiring post! I’ve recently begun to love myself more. I’ve cut back on my “real” job to allow me to spend time doing things I enjoy. Often, things just for me. A bonus is I have more time for my family and more patience. Self love, or romance, if you will, is so important. I wish everyone could have just a taste of how great it feels!! What a different place this world would be…
With that said, it is a constant struggle to love oneself and I think days like you describe (just for you) are the perfect solution. They remind you of who you are and what you treasure.
Have a lovely day for yourself, Miss V!!
Love myself..love what is around me. I admit I have been placing unrealistic romantic expectations on a not so romantic dude of a man. Then deep deep inside me i say…am I romantic. And well the truth is I am not, not in a Hallmark sense. On Valentines this year I am going to carry your message in my home. I will think carefully about the message I am sending to my own boys. Will they be expected some day to present a stuffed white and red bear with a plastic heart in it’s hands to a new love…or will they demonstrate their love in small ways all the time. Will they love themselves?
Vanessa thank you. You are a wise wise woman. With a lifetime of journeys wrapped in pretty ribbon. I commit to you that I will take time on Feb 14th to celebrate myself and through that I will start to become an exceptional role model for my little men.
Hello Miss Vanessa,
What a fantastic studio you have!
I could spend days…looking around, lots of amazing things to see…
~ Gabriela ~
Yay! Miss V! YOu got Snow!! Well, our snow is melting away, with our mild February…water everywhere…yucky!
I love your little snow person!!! so cute!
I would love to eat a giant cupcake in bed, and Lulu my dog will def lick my fingers..hehe.
I’m off to Playa del Carmen this weekend, so on Saturday around mid-afternoon, i will send hugs and blow kisses as we pass over Arizona..i think we pass over you!!
So many wonderful comments to your always amazing post…..keep giving the love and it will come back to you ten fold…
sending many fairy kisses to you and Mr lovee…
Beautiful Post! This Valentine’s Day, I will be standing next to my Sweetheart Painting our Love Nest!After almost 19 years there is no where else I would rather be. Jamie
You are such a trip! And I mean that in a totally good way. I wish that I lived close enough to your to be your friend.
I’ve had two life changing events that changed my perception of life. One was adopting my daughter and the other one was having breast cancer, at the age of 37, when she was just 5. That was 19 years, ago. I learned to love myself for self preservation.
~elaine~
My most romantic night was by myself, in Santa Barbara, CA. I stayed in a French Country hotel for two days.
On the second night of my stay there was a power outage on my block. The hotel lost all it’s electricity and was lit in candlelight including the stairs going all the way up to the fourth floor and along the hallways.
I ran down to a thrift store five minutes before closing and grabbed some glass candlesticks. Then I bought some candles and had my room and the bathroom glowing in candle light. It was amazing! I spent the night reading, eating (cheese, grapes, french bread)and drinking wine in bed. It was so restful and beautiful that I stayed awake until I finally had to blow out the candles in the wee morning hours.
And, when I got home I got a call from the hotel manager telling me that they were taking that night’s charge off my charge card, because of the electricity outage. All that Romance and I didn’t have to pay for it! The cherry on the sundae.
~elaine~
SUPER TALLER WOW
Those Valentine’s are awesome!! I love the look of them and I had to share them on my blog! http://vixenmade.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-printable-friday-classroom.html
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