So you see, much of this tale, can be said to have its origin within the beautiful chipped paint, of a magical wooden button…
A button, that was known to mesmerize a certain sort of fair haired girl… She twisted and juggled the button, along the tops of her fingertips. Tops of fingertips? Now there is a curious notion…
The button spoke to her.
It whispered secrets…
It even served as a mandolin pick, in a pinch…
Could you imagine, having a singular button obsession? When she thought she lost it, her cheecks became crimson. No from anger but from fear. Her fingers and toes turned cold. "My button, she gasped, my button!" Then she recalled, " Ah yes, it is folded 43 times into the right hand corner of a white waffle quilted towel, resting inside of a box, by the chest of drawers, in the depths of a 100 year old trunk."
Safe as could be.
Phew – close call.
Now the question of the day would be "How well do you know this girl woman?" And how well, do you know what a button as such, could prompt?
Did you perhaps know, that this girl loved to collect things? Possibly maybe?
No no, not perfect new things. Not newly manufactured things…
Not even things that cost little papers called money…
But wonderfully old things… The more tarnished and tattered, the better.
Rusted lovely things…
The older the better. They held stories, tales, legends, myths, sagas…
She got on her knees, and looked through treasures in the most fabulous antiques shop in the wooorld. You like that old mirror? her friend asked on Friday. "You can hardly see yourself in it…"
I can see myself in it perfectly fine, she replied. Whilst she peered in longingly, hoping to see someone from the past peering back…
It went home with her. Ten dollars, SOLD!
She had the perfect vintage satin sea foam green ribbon for it…
She kept her eyes open for "treasures," and found them often. But really she felt like sometimes they found her. She would think of an object and voila, it was there… Like this amazing contraption she found on her and Mister Lovee's property. Living under layers of dirt… OH me oh my!! How exciting!!
Although – people always said, how do you always find what you want? Truth was, she felt her standards of acceptance were lower than most. Which is why perhaps, she found what she was looking for most of the time… That goes for love too. It wasn't so much that her standards were low at all. It was that, she was open. Because really, it takes time to know if something truly is a treasure…
Like a button on loose pants.
Or a Mister Lovee's instinct at knowing just what to say and do (crying as well, which is outrageously comforting), as she falls apart over the true story, of the Little Pink House.
And, a 7 dollar crystal encrusted bracelet, could only be labeled as a treasure, if she had the perfect place to wear it to…
Like on a walk in the garden…
On the twinkly path…
The path that led past the Tiny Ghost Town…
Where the tale veered because, as she knelt down to take this photo, she was tackled by a beast…
A beast who was actaully, a lovely creature. A creature who thought every moment of life was a party. Wagging her tale, as the girl hit the ground…
This lovely creature's personality was best summed up in this photo…
Anyhow, after a meeting with the "party animal," she headed back down the path to the sanctuary… Where again, her personality could be seen, by simply taking a look at her collected treasures…
Headless? Perfection…
One eared? Better yet…
When ever she visited the concrete and garden art shop, the owner would motion her past the outside shop, and to the back of the property. Where the owner would holler through a gorgeous thick accent, to a helper, as a warning that the girl was allowed to be back there picking though the non-saleable zone, "See only like to buy zee broked singz."
The girl smiled. Broken, is lovely she thought… Mister Lovee is broken, and he's a keeper.
(non-sensical sidenote: Whenever Mister Lovee was being exceptionally bad, the girl would say, "Don't worry, I will NEVER EVER leave you." And he would pretend to cry. Not from being touched by the beauty of that. But by being terrifed of his reality. HAHA!)
Anyhow, you get the gist of where the story is winding to…
The girl put tea pots she made and broke, into the garden, and beheld them as glorious wonderments…
Cracked and peeling paint… How could you not love him?
Piles of broken glass strewn throughout the garden acreage - with a glimmer of their iridescence still holding on for dear life…
She spotted a weathered deteriorated little house in her mother's garden. "Can I have it?" she whispered, as she looked at it longily through a window, flecked with cold winter rain…
"Of couuuuurse my love" Mombie said in her song like voice…
In love…
So where is all this nonsense leading us, you ask?
Well, as I said…
It all started with a button, and a girl, and the things she loved, that enchanted her. So you see, with this button in her heart…
She met a playable creature.
That quite curiously, looked like the button.
Black, with weathered edges, beautifully distressed, and little bits of cognac brown, glimmering through… You didn't think she was hauling home a perfect black Bösendorfer, did you (maybe one day she'd find an old one)? Or, the shiniest brand new thing in the showroom?
Oh no no no.
She needed tales. She needed lives of others embedded into the keys…
She needed 1924 and Hugo Sohmer in her life… A piano on a train 85 years ago… On it's way to a true village, in a tiny town, in Arizona. A bit of a Ghost Town actually…
But the whole of this story, came after she got the creature home.
The tuner, rebuilder, piano rockstar delivery guy (who was now her best friend, seriously, and looked like Bryan Ferry's blonde cousin), who you would learn all about later, raved about the sound, the way it played…
Ha, she thought – "I knew you couldn't judge a book by its cover." Although its worn tattered cover, or body in this case, is what called her in the first place… So it can be supposed that it depends, whose judging… ;)
Nevertheless, whatever the story may be. The owl approved. And is now the honorary piano guard…
Of, a creature, so intensly curious (I know I over-used this word, but it is only suitable), so enchanting, that its personality is ever so gingerly being revealed…
Truth be told, you can play a piano, and it will tell you right away, if it is a boy, or a girl, a man, a woman, mean or kind, sneaky or creepy… Or alltogether, so shallow, it has no personality at all…
But this sweet creature…
It was shy in a way. Those shy creatures, that open up like a rosebud, only with trust. Revealing, that although, it had been born 85 years ago, and knew lots of things from books and such… It was an eternal child.
And, much to her surprise… This creature, wanted to hear her stories. So, she played, tickled her new friend… And, had full attention during quite the story of the Famous Blue Raincoat. A visit from Leonard Cohen was a bonding moment… Amongst dozens of songs already shared…
You see, this little creature, was protected from the real world, while living for 72 years, in a highschool in a tiny desert village, in the middle of nowhere. Where it was chained and locked shut. Taunted by children. Songs in C, played over and over by piano teachers.
But it had secrets too. Tales of late night hours, when someone would play until the early morning hours… Pouring true sagas, into the keys…
And then off to live with a teacher for 10 years, and then 3 years with the lovely man I made the adoption from…
But now, now safe with the cheese balls, Dovee and Lovee… Who love him to pieces. Yes, I said him. A mom who thought she wanted a girl - and now is in love with her son, the eternal child…
I sound kind of nutty don't I? ;) But, if you too, speak a special langauge with pianos, or know someone who does, then you hear me loud and clear 😉
So, that is how the most button like piano, came to find its home with me. I love him so. I have been waiting for him (my baby grand) my whole life… The actual "matching" button, will be permanently adhered soon.
And, La Pianola, who I have been playing since age three, and painted to be wacky and wild, is happy to have a new sibling ;) Although she lives at the city houseling…
Thank you for going on this piano journey with me. It warms me to the core!!
Now – if you are still reading this, I am changing the subject… Becauuuuuse.
I have a very special Valentine for someone. All tucked into a precious lil' tin…
In this tin, you will find, a very magical, and super power filled, Robin's Blue Egg ring.
Protected by a very special lil' bird…
All tucked into the precious tin…
With lovely bits of beloved lace ribbon…
That protect the invaluable ring 😉
Enveloped in a piece of beautiful robin's egg blue, vintage satin ribbon for your hair, lapel, or anywhere really ;)
Sealed up and protected by a crocheted key (oh and there is a sparkly brooche in their too :)…
So, say Hello, and I'll drop your name in the hat and draw a name for the next post… If you want to be my Valentine, that is ;)
Before I go, here is a peek at the treasures Mister Lovee collects also… He brings them for both of us to play with… And he sometimes uses them in his art as well… I guess, we both love rusty old things… His collection is vast. This is just what he recently plunked out of the car. I'll snap more photos soon…
Now I best be off. Before you disown me for talking to much and/or ridiculously long posts that take me almost all day to write ;)
🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤, V
Vanessa…I am going to send you some photographs of some very lovely rusted things. Please drop my name in the hat…I would love some sparkly blue pretty things..I need more of those.
Have a lovely day
I love your ridiculously ong posts and wouldn’t want them any other way. Your new baby looks quite at home already and must be so glad that he has found someone to love!
I would also love to be your Valentine…well you know what I mean and please may I put my name in your beautiful hat ( as I know it would be beautiful).
Have a truly scrumptious day,
Kiss Noises Linda
Hmmm I also love your ridiculously LONG posts. I knew they put that preview button there for a reason but I think if I read it before I post my comment I might not like what I wrote and then I wouldn’t leave a comment at all…..perhaps I should just preview it so I don’t make up new words….Kiss Noises Linda
Awww…your tattered blue button is very sweet. You piano must make the sweetest sounds! A strangely enchanting post!! The ring is lovely!
Another wonderful story right before bedtime. I’m not a piano girl but always dreamed of playing one. I’ll probably have that dream tonight! Drop my name in the special hat!
After her husband died, my grandmother sold his baby grand piano. She couldn’t bear to see every day this instrument that he played so beautifully while she prepared dinner or while he entertained guests.
It makes me sad that I could not have taken it from her (she would have gladly given it to me). But I was not in a position to own it.
I am so happy for you that you have this instrument in your life now. I wish you many, many happy years filled with beautiful music.
I’ve been a lurker for a while on your beautiful blog. I adore reading your words and treating my eyes to the beautiful imagery. A new post from you is a real treat in bloggyland! 🙂
I have just stumbled upon your quite magical little corner of the internet, and I must say I love every bit of it. The way you write just puts that extra bit of magic into even the most mundane things. I adore your new piano, we have a hand me down upright, and even tho I don’t play, it’s all the more special because of the stories that go with it. I’d love to be your valentine, I could use something as magical as that pretty blue egg.
The blue egg ring is my FAVORITE!
Another beautifully woven tale of enchantment. I love the prose and the photography. You have such a special talent.
Hugs Karen
Oh…please bemy valentine??? We aren’t exchanging anything this year with the way the economy is and I have fallen head over heels in love with everything. Ahhh that little bird, the tin, the ribbons and the RING. Oh, how I pray I win. Enjoy that enchanting piano 🙂
Xoxo Emily xoxo
I would blush to be your valentine. piano is so handsome that if i met him i’d probably feel nervous and fidget with my longing to touch him.
Are you sure you’re not some kind of ethereal angelic creature? You are the most bizarre (in the most complimentary way) and wonderfully eccentric little person(also the highest compliment in my book) that I’ve EVER encountered… I cried real tears at the description of your beautiful and very animated new “baby boy”…. “Wonderful things” have the very same effect on me. They are much more than just inanimate objects when they speak to our souls like that, huh? You are just such a joy and so full of pure love!! Thank you so much for touching us in such a profound way!!!
What a sweet, whimsical story! I love it…and I love the eyelashes on your sweet little dog. Hehe! Oh yes, and the crown. My sister is a concert pianist…she would most definitely appreciate this. 🙂
Oh, that is such a lovely piano! I love the distressed look. (and the story)
And that is a very tempting giveaway!
Congrats on the arrival of your pretty baby. Too bad we cannot hear it, but that’s something you can easily fix 🙂
I love that tattered look, especially that on the bird house and of course I love that robin’s egg blue ring! Have a great day and enjoy playing the piano!
Of course, you can be my Valentine!! Your magical button and your eternal child do favor each other a lot.
My mom plays piano. I understand the mystery and magic of pianos through her. I am happy you have your piano now. Together you can unlock the secrets of music.
Your giveaway looks beautiful. The ring looks like it can help me go away to a magical land where people live forever and unicorns roam.
What a lovely post…..it’s good to hear someone talking about the joy of imperfection……the piano looks happy.
Please put me in your hat!
Nicki x
thank you for your post! it inspires mw on to what I’ll give away fro my birthday/ almost 400th post! I ‘would’ love to win yours though as my b-day is the 13th!
I loved your whimsical tale…thank you for putting it together for we of the blogosphere to enjoy!
Hello Vanessa!
I so enjoyed this post. Your button 🙂 and the wonderful old piano with its history. I love hunting out old things too and wondering what their stories and secrets they hold.
Please put me into your valentine giveaway.
Have a magical day!
Karen x
I think this is the most pretty giveaway I’ve ever seen. I especially love the crochet key…And what a beautiful story has your piano! I’m sure his dream, while being underestimated in school, was being played by virtuous hands in a bohemian jazz club or on a special stage. But who knows how many children have weaved their dreams with his sounds…
Happy Early Valentines Day, my dear!
I am a massive recycler, so I loved this post! The piano is beautiful.
A question I have meant to ask you — do you have any old typewriters? I collect them like crazy (despite the fact that my apartment is genuinely tiny) and I would love to see yours if you have one/any!
xx Hugs xx
Claire
Congratulations to you and Mr. Lovee on the arrival of your new baby boy! How cool! I’d love to hear you play. Yippee!
And Helloooooo! (That was for the drawing…)
Congratulations on the adoption of your new piano child!
Your post made me smile, because I’ve always thought of mine as a child too – an old “upright grand” and former player piano, trusting me to protect him from those who say “You seldom play anymore, and it takes up so much space you should really just get rid of it.” As if I’d abandon him to make room for a new recliner or something.
The thing is, whether I play or not, it’s comforting to know he’s there, at the ready, keeper of all the old family photos, the sheet music from childhood, my grandmother’s antique rose lamp….
And who knows, someday I may play again. I don’t have much talent for it, and little time away from the art….but it does make me happy. 🙂
Good grief – I didn’t mean to write a book here, hehe – but your post really touched me. And I would love to have a chance at your Valentine giveaway!
Thanks so much!
~ Carolee
Love the piano with tinkly keys
Love the beautous (im)perfect thingz
Love the owl who dresses with style
Love crowned dawg (she makes me smile)
Love the old birdhouse with character galore
(I even love that bunny who tried to break down your door!)
Love the way you love Lovee
Love the way you painted my tree!
Would love to own the treasure-rich tin
But already the gift of love did i win
Each day you post is a gift indeed
Though for the sweet bird, i do feel the need 🙂
But whatever happens was meant to be
I already feel love from Valencia, V
(you know in a one world one heart kinda way)
xoxoxoxoxox Divaqueen
When I read your posts Miss Vanessa, I wonder sometimes. Do you adore writing and spinning tales to mesmerize us most. I know I love reading your posts.
Or is it the little creatures that spellbind us with wonder. Each beautiful little creation makes me swoon with delight.
Or is it your magnificent dancing lady creations that sometimes accompany the music you play. One of your dancing lady prints sits in my art room inspiring me every day.
Maybe it’s the paintings of chairs that we wish we could sit in across from you at a table set for tea.
Or do we just adore you Miss Vanessa because you are magical!
Blessings,
Karen
I’m in la la love with that beautiful boy and all your treasures! I’ve been trying to tell my Mr. that the broken and old and (what he sees as not so pretty) is BEAUTIFUL! I love finding those things that sing to your heart and make your little world so much happier! I wish you and I could go on a treasure hunt together! Ashley C
P.S. I love your treasure tin! Fun Fun!
Very nice!
I grew up in the country. My brothers and I used to treasure hunt and dig up old piece of farm equipment on our land. We started at a very young age and by the teen years the barn wall was full of tools. It was a gorgeous sight…very rustic and romantic.
I love the tales you weave and they make me look for the magic in my life. I have a little girl, Lauren, age 5, who would find that ring to be the bestest most beautiful thing ever!! (and I like it too) She would love to be your Valentine.
I love, love, love your tales! Each morning I visit here in anticipation of a new adventure!!
Your “baby” is exquisite!! Unfortunately, I had to sell my piano before our last move (sigh…), but I am told it is happily accompanying children and adults in song at a country church in the woods on a beautiful hill in Arkansas! Which makes my heart sing!
Play on………Kim!
Oh, sigh.
I have dreamed since I was a child of playing the piano…my husband found one, for free, a bit tattered and in need of some loving, rejuvenating magic, and we have yet to move it up to the cabin. It is such a tiny place, though! I told him I would rather have the piano than a bed, ha ha!
*smooch*
Wonderful post! I am happy for you and your baby boy!
Tecu’Mish tclmunhake@verizon.net
Good Morning!
I would love it ever so much if you would drop my name into this Valentine’s hat!
I wish I could send you something, something I make. Your colorful stories make my heart sparkle!
Miss V you always tell the most wonderful tales! I am enchanted as always with your story. I do hope that one day I will have a life infused with as much magic as yours!!
Every time I see those darling little red mushrooms my heart leaps with joy! They too have been placed in the lovely tin box with the delightful little chirpy? Be still my heart. Pick me! Pick me!
Dear sweet Vanessa,
How I love to visit your blog with all it’s whimsical enchantments and tales of wonder. I have to admit, I was frightened at first (today) seeing that button twirling on your finger tips, but my fears took flight as I continued to drink in the beauty of your tale. Everything is so lovely in your world and head.
You are a blessing!
Good Morning, V!
I adore your long posts and I love how the button is connected in such a special way to your “new baby”! =) Your stories and photos are enchanting. I especially love the picture of the “beast” – her true personality!
Happy Day!
Donna Patrice
How fun! Your blog is so delightful. What a lovely tale you tell. I would love to be your valentine!
Oh V, you know we’d never disown you…we love your posts no matter how long they are, that’s part of your charm 🙂 I’d love to be your Valentine, thanks for asking, hehe. It’s also my anniversary on the 14th but I’m sure my husband wouldn’t mind sharing if Mr. Lovee doesn’t mind either! What a Gorgeous robin’s egg blue ring and lovely giveaway. Thanks for the chance!
I’m sitting here drinking my Arizona Green Tea which now reminds me of you with it being ‘Arizona’ and ‘tea,’ since you have that love of tea pots, hehe. My girls melted some heart shaped crayons last night to give to their friends for the big day, so I need to get to poppin’ those out of the molds and have a million things to do today. But I always have time for a Fanciful post 🙂 Good day to you and yours!
So lovely! Mr. Owl is so stately, and the piano is gorgeous!
Aw, the new baby is beautiful! I never did learn how to play the piano but I like listening to others play. 🙂
May I add me name to your hat? 🙂
I think you Baby is beautiful! And couldn’t be with two better parents! Congratulations!!!
Janel
What a wonderful post! You always make my day! I love your piano as well as the beautiful tin. Please add my name. Thank you!
Congratulations on you newest addition to your family. The piano is beautiful and I love Mr. Owl sitting atop. Have a lovely day!
Kylee
Dearest V.,
I find your blog enchanting. I too have a long love of weathered treasures. I think your style and charm are beautiful. Will you be my Valentine? 🙂
Long-time reader, never-poster,
Elena
Was all your nesting to make a home for your lovely new/old piano? Or is there another addition on the way?
I’d love to be added to your drawing. I could use a Valentine.
thanks,
Melissa
missmelissaf@yahoo.com
What a story teller you are! Love your beautiful piano….my hubby and I BOTH play! And the ring is lovely! Please be my Valentine! (you KNOW I love BLUE! heehee)
I have to say that I just LOVE your blog. It is so lovely. It really makes me feel light-hearted and happy no matter what. I love your style and your art is fantastic. I am so happy that you have your beloved piano…it’s beautiful.
Aw, I love your new baby. What a wonderful post, I enjoyed it, and the luscious images you include. You tell a magical story 😀
My dear little New Age Hippie, I am in awe of people who possess musical talent. Once, for two years, I took classical guitar lessons…my poor teacher would stand on street corners saying, “I’m Deborah’s music teacher…pray for me”. These days I am living in Amazing Graceland with my Daddy in my home…I have everything I need, but this little magic visit with you sent me over the edge of delight…into bliss. **blows kisses** Deborah
Vanessa,
Congratulations on your adoption:) I can tell you are gloriously happy with your wonderful piano…and that is so splendidly sweet!
Elizabeth
I enjoyed accompanying you on your walk through the beautiful garden. I too have a $7 special treasure bracelet that deserves to be worn on only very special occasions! (like a garden excursion!) Perhaps next time we can meet for an afternoon tea party? I’ll bring the cupcakes and pink lemonade. Until next time… I would be delighted to be your funny Valentine!
CFD
I love your new baby, and I also love the old, imperfect and rusty. Great post as always. Thank you for the wonderful peek into your world.
Tracy
Dear Miss V,
Please toss my name into your hat. Such a lovely giveaway! I really enjoyed the meandering tale to your beloved piano. Piano music is a passion of mine. And to be able to play (as you obviously can) would be wonderful. That means I need to practice, practice, practice, doesn’t it? Once again, you inspire me!
Hugs,
Mary
You are lovely! Thank you for your tales 😀
Dear Vanessa,
I do so enjoy spending a twinkling of my day with you! I absolutely adore that picture of your dog with the crown and beautiful lashes. I would so like that picture in my craft room to make me smile and think of you and the many “trips” we have taken together.
Sending you my best…
I love your button – both the old sewable sort and the new big musical one. And I love your owl. I have a large owl in my house too, but he pales in comparison to yours. In fact, I run an OWL – an online writing lab for non-traditional students, so I’m quite owlish. By the way, the old pianos (and generally old everything) are generally far superior to the newer instruments. And even if they were not in workmanship and quality, they would be because they have been loved so long by so many. I am right there with you – the older the better, the more magical. Old things are inspriational and (as you might say) fanciful – they inspire dreaming about who owned them, who touched them, who worried over them and dreamed over them. That’s real magic, and it’s all around us, though many miss it in their everyday doings. I’m glad you captured this darling and adopted him. I’ll wager it already feels as if he’s been with you forever, just hiding somewhere else. Please do drop my name in your proverbial hat. And make happy music every day. Happy
Coming across your post about the button and piano added a very unexpected touch of enchantment to what started as a heavy, sad day. It was a touch of inspiration and hope.
That picture of Baby is my new favorite thing.
What a wonderful post I simply love your photography! Hope your new addition brings great joy to you both.
Danielle
Bleubabe at aol dot com
A completely and utterly beautiful post. How generous of you to share such a beautiful story with us. I’m so happy that you finally have your baby grand piano…I’m sure a better home could never be found.
I loourrrve your enchanted fairy tales. For a moment I can leave my fishbowl and visit a magical world with cotton candy skies and gardens of sparkling flowers and trees bearing precious gems. Which, of course, are tended to by mischievous gnomes wearing rose colored glasses and fancy fairies dressed in ruffly lace pettiskirts.
Awww thank you for the vacation 😉
Happy Valentine’s Day! Please put me in your drawing. I feel in need of some of your magic in my cold and snowy corner of the world. Lots of love to you and Mr.Lovee.
Vanessa
The fabulous tales of the Most Marvelous Fairy Queen Vanessa are never too long! It is such fun to read and imagine…..
Congrats Vanessa on your baby boy,may his music fill your house with love and joy.I too love old rusty treasures,and so must my partner ,as he is 16 years younger than me, haha…your stories are wonderful,i love your blog.
fairy love
sue x
I love your stories. They take me away from boring job applications and shipping supply ordering. I feel now that I should probably abandon such mundane tasks for the rest of the day to bury myself in my painting. 😉
Your new piano is lovely. I sadly cannot play – they tried to teach me, but I was much more interested in making paper dolls than learning to read notes. My new husband can play, however, so I happily let him serenade me. And I am okay with that. I will feel, however, like I’ve come up short in life if I never learn to play a small accordian.
you have the best attitude and outlook on life. isn’t it funny how often you can find exactly what you are looking for if you go looking with a clear vision in your mind? an i so agree that the beauty of people and of things lies in their imperfections and the stories hidden beneath the surface. such a lovely post!
No complaints about the length of your posts here! I so enjoy reading them. I have a 7 year old daughter whom I swear is your “mini me”. She likes to view your blog with me and just loves all of your little treasures and especially loves all of the frills and lace! Should I be lucky enough to be plucked from the hat, I would pass this Valentine on to her…. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Moriah
Hi Vanessa!
I’ll join your draw for that enchanted ring. I LUV it.
Be mine 😉
“scrowl”
Thank you so much for adding sparkle and enchantment into my gray Portland days. A sky blue ring would be a lovely reminder that spring does, eventually, prevail…Gretchen
What a beautiful new addition to the family! And it is truly a long lost brother to that little button! will you pretty please add me to that hat of yours?
buttons ( oh, i do understand that particularly curious obsession indeed, teehee!) and rust and magic desert-dwelling pianos and love….wondrous tales indeed! I can hear your songs in the wind if i close my eyes…..
xoxoxox!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo
~k
Hola Vanessa
I’m rather weathered and distressed myself, so I think I’d make rather a good valentine’s for you ouioui?;-)…
Leonard Cohen is my favorite musician of all time – I listened to him nonstop when I was pregnant with my baby grand… who is now composing his own little minstrels at age 2 and a bit – so CUTE! Anyway, your new babe is GLORIOUS – does he have a name?
Many Valentine swoons for the day…
gina V xxx
Love, love, love the grand old “little” boy! He is magnificent! And what better home than w/ you and Mr. Lovee! You made the right decision – he’s perfect! I’m so pleased for you both! As for old and rusty, I’m with you – the older, the better. Damaged? Gives it character? Rusty? Adds charm. A broken wing? Well haven’t all of us experienced something like a broken wing from time to time? That’s the way life is – imperfect and filled with wondrous stories – which you tell so beautifully. Am thrilled about your new piano! Oh, now I’m looking around my apartment and wondering what could go to allow space for Gabrielle’s piano that she wants to bring me. Sigh. Enjoy every minute with your buttony boy! xoxox
Vanessa, it has been quite some time since I last visited you: I was busy visiting all these people at the Gypsy Caravan for the OWOH giveaway, not counting all the usual and everyday’s activities!! Glad to be back here and read your more than enchanting posts!
Have the most lovely day; je t’embrasse!!
Hi V ~ LOVE LOVE LOVE your owl familiar on the piano & the rusted fleur de lis.
Sorry I have been MIA so LONG…life has taken me in many other directions as of late…working my way back…and “trying” to catch up on my blogging!
Always an eye-candy fest to behold here!!!
Have an enchanted rest of your week.
Chris (-:
XOXO
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you – thanks for your wonderful story. It brightened my day!!
Please drop my name in the hat. I’d love to be your Valentine!
you remind me so much of myself…we could be kindred spirits….
makes me think of anne of green gables…with her friend in the mirror….
Hello Vanessa!
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!
And please keep writing such long and lovely posts…I so look forward to them as they brighten my day and inspire me to look at things in a new, fresh way.
Hugs,
Sarah
This is a lovely giveaway.
So sweet to read the tale of your piano’s life. He is lucky to be in his new home with people who love him. We have an old piano in the nursery where I work which the children play loudly and sometimes quite roughly. I ask them to be gentle as if the piano had feelings. I don’t play the piano but can play a little tune by ear. Sometimes if I get to work first I have a little play when no one is there. Your description of the history of your piano has made me feel a little sad for my nursery one. If it ever gets thrown out I will bring it home to my tiny flat and have it restored!
plink. plink. plunk. I’m so sorry that I can not appreciate your newest musical companion—I’ve just never been able to hear music—-a very sad case , I’m sorry to say. Ahhhh ! BUTTONS, that I understand. Since childhood I have had tins or bottles or cans or boxes or envelopes of buttons. They were my sick-day friends, fodder for countless gifted bracelets. They were my jewels when I was the Queen and treasures when I was a wee lass costumed as a pirate. I’ve sorted and matched, embellished and complemented. I’m teaching a wee girlie very dear to me how wonderful they are. She saves , no hoards, them like I did, much to her mother’s chagrin. But a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. ( She also collects rocks- okay, they should be in my head ) Ahhhhh, buttons I KNOW.
As for Valentines ( one of only Two special “holidays” of mine ) , a girl can NEVER have too many Valentines. I would be honored to number you a special one. Wishing you ooodles of hearty, oooey, gooey, pink/red , hot, spicey,lacey, chocolatey, never goes out of style LOVE.
Lovely Vanessa,
Please put my name in your hat to be your Valentine. Although, it is me that should be bearing gifts to you for all the wonderful posts that transport me and so many other to a magical place where I can smile eternally. Your posts are the sparkles in the night skies…..
Happy Heart Day,
LuLu~*xoxo
Hello, hello, hello! I’m so happy for you and your ‘adoption’. It has the PERFECT “button” petina. I’m sure it sounds as magical as your story. Please add me to the names in the ‘hat’ for the giveaway. Thank you for all the magic – it makes my day! Aloha!
Oh yes, I speak the language. What a beautiful piano. Congratulations! I would love to be your valentine.
E
Congratulations Miss V on the adoption of your truly handsome boy!!! You could go on & on for pages and I would still be entertained and mesmerized by your tales. I do wish to one day be so excited and overjoyed by life little things {rusted and worn or not}. You continue to amaze m and I do so look forward to your posts…like a sweet treat in the candy dish. Your little tin of treasures is fantastical too…I’m keeping my fingers crossed☺
Take care
Rowan Willow {alter /artist ego}
aka Tiffanyâ¤
Your new love sounds wonderful. I learned to play (not well!) on my grandmother’s upright and I’m sure it was magic. She was old and scratched and creaky, but her song was wonderful! I wonder, can a newish electronic keyboard have a personality? Perhaps with enough love?
I know yave got yer Lovee VV, but still won’t cha be my Valentine too? I’ve got some magic buttons too and a tiny piano and a old guitar. Does any of this count? Will you be swayed? You exude sweetness in your pretty ring VV.
Please come to the Parade when the time is right! We will be throwing you some beads (and buttons)too.
xox
Constance
Dear Vanessa,
You bring so much magic into a world that can be so dreary at times. Thank you for your enchanting stories and pictures. My day positively sparkles after visiting your realm!
Happy Valentines Day
Peace and Love
Deb
Ok… you said to say hello … so
HELLO!!!!!
HUGS
JO
Once again a wonderful way to while away the minutes reading your magical tales. I too love tattered old things and adore the pictures you add. Lot’s of fun as always. I have a favorite quote (actually lyrics) that make me think that what you say is true. It’s from Leonard Cohen.
“Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There IS a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.”
Your blog truly lets the light in. Shine on Vanessa, dear. – Kathy in Chicago
Oh V! Your baby boy has come home! I’m so happy for you!
Wishing you a month of Valentines!
Smooches!!!
Vanessa – Always a joy to visit & spend time with you & your creative spirit. A reminder to all to listen to our hearts & dreams. Follow the magic! A year filled with Valentines to you!
Ok I have to enter again because all I can think about is this beautiful giveaway. It is haunting me in a good way. I am sending the universe vibes that I need to be those beauties owner. I promise to love those treasures forever;)
X Emily X
what a beautiful piano-creature! and do please put me on your list to perhaps be your valentine. that is my very favorite shade of robin’s egg blue. 🙂
Well, I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who finds a spirit in man made objects. However, I’m more inclined to find them in automobiles (slightly less enchanting than pianos). Mine told me her name was Lois, and she is very gentle and motherly.
You always have the most wonderful and magical posts … they really brighten up the day 🙂
Please add my name to your beautiful valentine giveaway.
Oh, and please visit my OWOH giveaway if you want a chance to win Cordelia and Basil 🙂
What a treat your blog and art are to me! Laura
Congratulations on your new addition to your family.
How I wish you could come and check out my basement…I have boxes of chipped, torn, rusted and lovely things with chipped and rubbed off paint.
I will be giving away some of these treasurers on my blog in the near future.
oooohhh hee hee!!! you are SO adorable miss vanessa and your tales are pure magic!!! i’ve been enchanted!!! hee hee!!! i love love love your piano tale, so much beauty and love to be had in old forgotten things… so much adventure in recapturing their magic!!! yippppeeeee!!!
and oh yes please!!! add my name to the hat!!! i would LOVE to be your valentine!!! hee hee!!! yay yay yay!!!
have a very curious and spellbinding day!!!
xox
Hellooooo Vanessa! That was an extra-long “hello” for an extra-long post. 😉
And what a lovely post it was! Seeing all your well-loved treasures, silly Baby, and your new “son”! Congratulations. I’m sure he’s extra happy to have you play some love songs in any other key than “C”, knowing that you won’t bang on him or taunt him like those naughty children!
Please pick me for your Valentine’s present! 🙂
hugs,
Kate
I have only recently discovered your blog and your incredibly fabulous art and outlook and I LOVE it!! I love that you see stories in things…I do that too! My friends think I am nuts; I keep broken things and less-than-perfect things (rescuing some out of the trash when my roommate tosses them) and am never sure why…maybe they are trying to tell me stories!! I will have to go listen and see what they say. 🙂
I grew up with a piano too, although it lived with my mother all of my adult life. My mom passed very recently (only a couple of weeks ago), and maybe I’ll have to ask her (because I know she’s still around to make sure I’m ok) if the piano needs a new home this year. No idea how I’ll get it, though! Ah well. Things to work out later.
I am going to Arizona in two weeks for the first time, and I am so very, very excited…I think of it as a magical place, and I think so even more hearing you talk about it! 🙂 I can’t wait to take pictures and find stories. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Whoops! Forgot to say yes, I’d love to be your Valentine! 🙂 🙂 🙂
to start from the end… i love your very long posts :). and i think that a child piano is just perfect, so happy for you! everything is so beautiful – as usual – but you know what i like the best? sea foam green… a very small detail, i know *lol*, but it must be the lovliest of colours.
Oh, I think my day was just made by Your loveerrrrrrrly portrait of your darling pup!! 🙂 What a love!! What a dear!! Oh so sweet! 🙂 And I’m SO Thrilled for you and your new piano!! Magic beyond words!!
Happy magical February morning to Youuuuu!
I’ll be your valentine! 🙂
I always thought of Valentine’s Day as “Cupcake Day.” And red and pink day, of course 😉
I always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I played the violin in school.
Hi Vanessa,
Wowee! another giveaway!!! I’m in! Speaking of, I am having my first ever contest on my blog…hope you come over and enter…it’s fun and interactive (i hope you like hunting for things). I had my first giveaway last week, and now i’m hooked!!! Giving feels good, huh? Finding that out! Also draws more attention to my lonely shop (that has tumbleweeds blowing through). Congrats on getting your baby!!! hee hee! Wish i could hear you play…hey, maybe one day you could record your playing and put it on youtube!!!
ciao,
Tricia
Of course I’ll be your Valentine, Miss Vanessa Valencia!
And we would disown you only if you STOPPED the ridiculously long posts! (Well, okay, we wouldn’t disown you, we’d just shake our heads sadly.)
Love your world of stories. 🙂
A hearkener from Sweden.
Congratulations on your brand new “old” baby boy! Wishing you many years of joy!
My grandmother had a baby grand piano that I really wanted when she passed away, but my first husband refused to let me bring it home. He insisted we had no room for it, but I knew we could make room for it. I lament the loss of the piano still today. But I have many wonderful memories of my grandmother playing it.
Ariane
Hi Vanessa, Oh I so-o-o love your blog! Awesome photo of the Beast!!! I must allow myself to be more fanciful on my blog as well. 😉 I’m starting my “gypsy tent” collection and keeping my eye open for anything I can use for that project. 🙂 I love your stories, I too have stories for the lives of the treasures I have found. I have never written any of them down though. You inspire me to do so. It’s funny to me that there is another Vanessa out there who’s Mister is called Lovee.
I’ll be your valentine!!!
The dog picture is so cute. I bet she bats those eye lashes and gets what ever she wants.
This is my first visit to your pretty little world here. And what a lucky day it is!
Hmmm, a blonde Bryan Ferry. I could like that!!
I am absolutely addicted to your blog. I’ve admired your artwork on Etsy for quite some time. I have 2 shops on Etsy as well. One where I sell my art and the other where I sell vintage photos.
Would you care to exchange links?
Kim
Garden Painter Art
Musty Boxes Ephemera
Hi Vanessa,
I am happy to know ya rescue the “broken” statues. Such a shame they wouldn’t find a loving home otherwise. Ya make me want to see if our concrete makers keep broken ones in the back as well. I think everything needs to be loved. I’m glad to know ya have that kind of spirit as well.
I think ya trinket in the tin is sweet. I would love to be your Valentine. I was born one second from Valentines Day!
A Blue Robins Egg ring how delightful! Ribbons for my Long wait length hair even more of a treat!
Wonder If I will be a lucky recepient?
I wish ya a wonderful day fill with Magical moments.
Big Hugs~
Poetic Dreams
POETICDREAMS@COX.NET
I LOVE reading your blog- it warms my heart and brings a smile to my aging face! Thanks! I’d love to be drawn – for a fun surprise! Kathy
Hello! I would love to be your valentine. You have such a pretty blog. Ann
I love the painting of the horned lady in your one photo!
Lovely, wonderful story you told today! Congratulations on your new ‘baby’ boy!!
~amy~
Oh such wonderfulness!!! I am so excited for you. What a treasure you have received. I love your new piano. And Mr. Owl is fabulous! I, dear one, would love to be your valentine. We could have tea parties and picnics and play in the rain. And I too will wear “special” shoes. Shoes that tell a story too!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Oh yes, your baby is certainly a *~HE~*! I wonder what stories he’ll share on quiet, rainy days…
oh my goodness, what a wonderful story. please, please add me to the ring raffle. 😉 your site is transporting!
— robin
You are so amazingly creative! Your blog whisks me away to some magical and beautiful place. Thank you for a little fantasy in my day! Love your new baby!
I love your new beauty–the piano. I also love your owl. He looks like old man owl who wise and has lots of wisdom to share. I enjoy your love of vintage stuff. I have at times look at people old things with curiosity. Like what kind of story it may have behind it. lol
All the Best,
L.
Vanessa,
There are those people who everything they touch turns to gold but with you it is everything you touch turns to Beautiful! I am always amazed and in a trance when I read your creative posts. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
I am trasported again,Vanessa and so happy to meet your wonderful old new friend with so much wonderful history and beautiful music. Mister Lovie’s Rusty Old things are very cool.
I would love to be signed up as your Valentine!At in full of your magic!
hugs and sparkle!
Tina
Only YOU can make the little things seem larger than life. And how perfect that maybe the LARGEST thing in your home can fill you up with just one small note. Your happiness is music to my ears!!!
XO
D.
Ahhh, I love listening to you speak. Because yes, reading your words is just like hearing your voice. I love pianos. The girls started piano lessons (the little one has never taken them before) and I felt all nostalgic. I wanted to sit down at the teacher’s baby grand and play my heart out (8 yrs of lessons.) However, that chair with the little legs looks so much smaller and daintier than I remember. I’m afraid to venture onto it. ha I’m glad you found a friend.
is that a U joint?
Your post weave a web of delight. Thank you for being my Valentine.
It is an rainy, sleety day here in England and I have been transported to a magical place – I had to stay and see where the button took me… and then I heard the sound of the piano.
You worry about rambling on, to me you write so eloquently that once you start reading you cannot stop… amazing
I shall be back there is so much more to hear!
Thank you
So lovely! That old mirror is a great find, and perfect with that ribbon!
Hola Vanessa!!
Con cada post me haces soñar….son magicos.
Gracias!!!
Besos
oh tell me you have been waiting for my comment?!?! i have been missing in action, back to work this week. i have the honour of teaching 22 angels again this year. fresh new faces and minds waiting to share all that they know and absorb new and exciting facts and ideas.
lovely story once again!
and lovely give away. i must blog about all the birds we seem to have collected over the past few years… your little friend would feel right at home on my hutch with the others.
%*_*%
What a curiously wonderful story! I am so happy that you have your baby. He is quite handsome. He’ll look smashing with his button. A give away too! Could this post get any better?! Please consider me in your lovely, generous give away. Twyla
congratulations, your new baby is adorable.. cute as a button in fact 😉
I love your long posts. This was delightful. And I adore the box with the bird and the fabulous ring!!
Well, hello there. So happy to see you today. You always make it brighter. Thank you for your stories and for giveaways.
What a perfect valentine !!!! Count me in for a Blue Egg Dream or Blue Egg Cream or something like that !
Oh dear there is quite a turnout for your little giveaway. I would like to be included if that’s alright with you. 🙂
I love your new piano, I’ve always wanted one like it, but I’ve never had the means. One day…
Your hubby’s scrap metal collection (I am almost hesitant to call it that because “scrap” never really gives them justice) reminds me of some handles that my friend Hannah made out of some throwaways she found infront of the metals room in ASU’s art warehouse. The most wonderful part about being an art major is all the lovely things that people leave behind. One woman’s trash!
You are such a great storyteller!
And I can just never get over your amazing photos! Wow!
Oh, and if you can drop my name in with the others, that would be lovely~
KRisTa
I love playing in your world! Please add me into your giveaway!! You are awesome!!
The grand piano!!!
What a piano!!!
It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten my dream for years and years was to have my own grand piano.
What amazing and wonderous images! What a fabulous story! I love the button and the piano. Love your dear puppy too. I too have a dear Saint who happens to be headless-it is Saint Francis and being a Saint, I feel he doesn’t need a head now and he is very much loved. Please drop my name in the hat! I will take a chance on Magick! Thank you!
I had such fun going along on your piano journey! Thank you for sharing such wonderful tales!
its nice to love broken things…
angels with broken wings…
hinges on rusted swings…
even little bees that stings.
Okay…lame! Love ya girlfren! xoxo Happy Valentines day to you and your 85 year old piano boyfriend!!!!!! LOL
I mean Mr.Lovee of course. I know, he’s not 85. xoxo
Happy Valentine’s Day to you! I love the lashes on your beautiful creature. Your valentine’s gift looks so beautiful. Thanks for you wonderful posts. I love getting lost in them!
Tammy
Marvelous! Congratulations on the new baby in your life! Treat him with care. Show him your love and he will love you back. The stories those keys long to tell. Enchanting! And as I tell all new “mommies”…be sure to sleep when your baby sleeps and milk all the backrubs and footrubs you can out of this time! Tee hee! (okay…you can at least play up the foot rubby-rubbies!)
Do drop my name in your magic hat, Miss V! I would wear that ring every day and you would never be far from my thoughts.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet tale. You change the way I look at the world!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Great story to begin a beautiful day
Love your long posts and I too collect rusty anythings. Hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day playing on and with your new treasure!
Your new piano is awesome!! You will enjoy her 😉 And I love her gaurd!
That was such a lovely story, my friends never understand when I come back from the flea market with ‘junk’ or pick out the battered juice box in the shop because I feel sorry for it.
I could spend hours visiting your magical world. The web you spin with your magic is much stronger than my will to accomplish daily drudgery. I so enjoy it when a new magical find comes to live with me and tells me of the long journey and experiences it has been through. I hope to be your valentine so that beautiful robins egg ring and birdie can come tell me of their experiences also. Thank you for spreading the magic that you share….
Oh, how lucky for you and the piano to find each other. Just enchanting! I love your drawing prize!
Your post are so magical, they really make my day. What wonderful Valentine you would be.
I love your magical posts!
I love finding old treasures, also. When I was in High School, my brother and I would get on his motor cycle and explore the CA desert where we live. We would find old houses without doors and things that people left, like old tables, baby trams, dishes, bottles, etc. It was so much fun! Of course those places are long gone.
I’d love to be your Valentine.
~elaine~
I love the story, I love the photography, I guess you could say that I would love to be your Queen Mum valentine…..(which is what my youngest grand son calls me, ‘Queen Mum, protector of her people’….I love that too.
Happy Valentines V!
I never post but I just had to write and say hello. And let you know just how much JOY you’ve brought to my heart! Oh, I am so Happy I found you! Your stories have been a blessing with all their love and enchantedness. Thank you!
Congratulations on your Beautiful Baby Grand. I so hope to have one of my own someday. And wherever did Mr. Lovee find the small baby? Its soo adorable.
Music is the key you know! 🙂
xoxo V
I love all your little (or BIG) stories!
Congrats on the new aquaintance! I love that it looks like the button 🙂
Fingers crossed for the tin of delights…
Oh Hello Little Miss!!
I’m just now getting cought up with the news in Bloglandia. If it isn’t to late may I summit my name as a prespective nesting place for your wee one 🙂 I just know my little black bird that was born from a tattered wool sweater the other day would love to have such a bright and cheerful ladle mate. Oh yes Ladle that is because that is where she lives. She has a lovely moss nest in the bowl of a beautiful old metal ladle. You can see tnem on my blog where she was introduced to my friends in Bloglandia. 🙂
If I am to late not to worry my little black bird is exceedingly patient and will quietly wait until it is her turn to have a room mate.
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mexico
What a wonderful find. And, what history!
You should come and visit my blog and see what I found. Do you find this stuff in your area?
What a sweet button of a piano! It sounds like it was fate that brought you together – the pianola needing someone to tell its tales of long ago schooldays to – and you, who speak the secret language of pianos and rusty, pretty things…
Long may you make beautiful music together!
Buttons! I just saw Coraline last night with Mark and Andres (he loved it and didn’t have any nightmares even though he’s three..we loved it too) and it made me think of the movie! I can see how you’d want to keep such a wonderful aged button..it goes perfectly well with your new/old piano. That is a beautiful piano you”adopted”. I love anything classic, well made and slightly aged much more than anything brand new. Hope you have many happy hours with it lost in the music 🙂
Geta recording of it or have your brother tape and”mix” it so we can hear.
Sign me up for the drawing too! I collect decorative tin boxes but don’t have a turquoise box as pretty as that one:)
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
I’m in a bettre mood now that it is sunny and 60 out when it should be snowy and freezing:)
I’m in a better mood is what I meant to say.. I should have taken typing class instead of calligraphy back in school…:)
oh! I loved your story, and then I gasped aloud at the beauty of the robin’s egg ring!! It is stunning, so I cross my fingers that I am the lucky girl this time around!! Thanks for always reconnecting me with the magic that I grew up with–I have a very practical mother, but her siblings were all fanciful and artistic and beautifully creative and surrounded me with tales and tidbits like you have in your home. 🙂
You present at the end was very unexpected. I would love to win but I really feel like I did anyway because this post was exactly what I needed today.
Thank you for this lovely bit of whimsy.
Love Renee
Oh…I am also in love with your beautiful piano that so resembles that button. I swear I hear the keys tinkling from here. So, so nice!
Thank you!
Your amazing posts are something bright and shiny to look forward to everyday! Buttons have always been my favorite for as long as I can remember.. my mom has tins upon tins of old, new, shiny, and plastic and so on… so to see a lovely little button as the first thing brought a smile to my face!
🙂 sarah
the ring looks like it has magic in it and so do you…Thank you for your lovely blogs.
What a wonderful story of a rescued piano! I know this new friend will have many happy years settling into his new home!