What did I do while I disappeared? Well, first of all, thank you for stopping by today. I brewed some special tea for me, and you and you and you 🖤 I can hear your eyelashes blinking, I can, I can… That is how I can tell if you are here or not 😉 Or if I am having tea alone…
I have been spending a lot of time working. Which means, new faces, new postcards, new originals… And when I go into that creative abyss, that far away place, time for me stops. I work feverishly. And, the longer I stay in, the more ideas that visit. Which is why, it is important to try to create everyday. Even if it is just a doodle on a receipt before you go to bed…
I love this little nook in my room, at the country house. I had put my dollhouse in this nook, but I missed my drawing and writing space under the giant skylight, that has windows surrounding it, too much. Lovely light is the best…
So, I find myself in the nook again. I ask, would you like to hear the story of what happened to me with the winged creatures whilst in my little nook?
You see, I had this woman, visiting me in my dreams for weeks. And, she has these beautiful wings… I thought I would sketch her out. She wore a dress, quite Victorian I’d say, and it had this ribbon folded along the edges, ever so beautifully… It all started with a few doodles…
And, once I was in a very peaceful place, she came together quite flowingly… Don’t mind my bizillion eraser marks 😉
The Butterfly Collector…
I tested her out after being scanned (cleaned her up a bit), to see if she wanted to go live in my shop… She loved living on that soft supple canvas I make my prints on. So, she will become a part of the clan… She is ever so kind, and gentle…
Here is what the actual print looks like.
But wait, the story does not end right there. This is all true. You see, for days I have been visited by all sorts of winged creatures. On a level never before experienced. 3 white owls hooting for evenings on end, giant birds hanging around the yard… And of course, moths and butterlfies, that I got to have long chats with…
It has been extra rainy and thundery, so it added to the mystique of these weekend visitors…
A most beloved new friend visited me for two days. And, even let me get up real close for a heart to heart conversation… Oh, the stories this creature told!! Don’t you just love that face!!
And those beautiful wings… Oh charming creature… This moth was enormous. Bigger than my munchkin hand, by far…
We do not get giant moths and butterflies often. I just don’t think we have the right flowers and such… So, this is a very unusual occurrence for it to happen in conjunction with my drawing 😉
But wait, it gets even better! There were these two enormous birds hanging out in the back under a tree. I think they were smooching. So, I point at them, and Mr. Lovee goes, oh they are just buzzards. And, I go, I dunno, they look pretty different… So, when I zoomed in on this photo, we were both blown away… I couldn’t zoom in anymore. They got up and flew way in the back, in our neighbors property. Look at those legs!! Any ideas??
Boy, they were huge… Mr. Lovee says, that isn’t a bird, it is a Highschool Mascot, haha!
Like I said, we had a ton of rain over the last few days. This is the result of two days of rain alone… Tons for us, not used to so much lovely rain. But welcomed with open arms!!
I looove going outside after a rain, and taking pictures. On Sunday it was especially cool, and quite autumn like. Even the flowers are autumn like… So, I made a few flower bundles, and made little offerings around the garden…
I made this shrine a few years ago, but I really should keep it inside… It might fall apart one day, as I used terracota (which is a low fire clay)…
Of course, the dancing lady, needs her own autumn glow…
I am already celebrating my very own 61 days of Halloween. I know, it freaks out some people to start too soon, so, all I can tell you is, I am in Halloween here. And, I will break it to you gently 😉 The way I look at it is, I wait all year for black and orange and sparkle and candy apples and carving pumpkins, and cozying up with Halloween movies, so, I can at least have 61 days of it, can’t I? Oh yes, I can!! hee heee….
Ooooo, look at those yellow flowers next to the prickly pear. I tell ya, when the dessert (oops, I meant desert, but dessert sounds better) gives us color, it doesn’t skimp…
So, during drawing breaks I go outside and delve into nature. And, when it is blissfully cool and dreamy, I don’t think there is anything else one earth I can ask for…
Prickly pear collecting water… I almost drank from it, but then realized, I would end up stabbing my lips with the microscopic needles.
When cactus (or should I say, cacti) gets too full of water, it plumps up and starts to break off from the weight, or it droops down… Here is a rather new cactus guy growing outside of my little metal gallery outside. Droopy indeed!
Moss on treeeeeeees!!
And, probably poisonous Witch Berries, looking quite spooky and fall like…
The barrel cactus like to stay closed while it rains or is gloomy. They don’t like to open up until they feel the warmth of the sun…
So, while they were cozied and shut, I went inside, and cozied up myself, and made breakfast. Breakfast in bed while it pours outside is so yummmy!!
On one of the extra gloomy days, I made potato latkes. I grated my own potatoes, and voila, precious brown latkes. I like mine with ketchup and basil. I like to make them for Mr. Lovee so he can have memories of his own home as a kid, every once in a while, ya know? Like his granny used to make… So, I put out apple sauce and sour cream and raspberry preserves too, just in case 😉
Here is a gloomy day shot…
While I was cozy enjoying my French Toast in bed, one of the weekend mornings, I heard all sorts of mischief under my little covered patio outside my room. Oh, I thought not too much of it. Birds. Until, my recent thrifted Owl find (I had left it outside), became totally mangled and used for part of this beautiful nest. Good thing it was for a good cause, because I love this nest! And, built right into my bell. Guess I won’t be using it anytime soon…
Oh and, before I forget, after those moist barrel cactus flowers opened up, guess who I found inside of one of them? He was going mad. Almost like, an album collector going through millions of incredible albums at lightning speed. Arms flailing one by one…He was picking through this bud like a mad man, so funny!!! Yep, it was in fact, Barry the bee…
I got so many good photographs of him in those barrel cactus flowers… Thanks for the photo op Barry!! hee hee!
Now, after I got my fill of the outdoors, I went back to work. And, anxiously, I can’t tell you all the details of what I did for the next 48 hours, because, I am waiting for a parcel to arrive with treasures, and for paint to dry…
But I can tell you that, I am working on some new postcards, WITH ENVELOPES (actually, as soon as the envelopes get here, today or tomorrow, all postcards in my shop will come with white perfect sized envelopes)!!
I like to make a few prototype postcards, before I make any decisions on which ones will become actual postcards. Plus, I design my own postcards front and back, so, it can be a huge long job sometimes…
But, I am still not sure which ones I will turn into postcards yet (or am I?)…
Before the 3 day weekend ended, I had another visitor in the form of a Merman! He had all these adventures to tell me about… I think maybe, I was listening to a combo of this song and this song, a bit too much? (that was the best clip I could find of that A-ha song)
Here he is on canvas…
And, here is what he looks like in full…
Anyhow, that is where I have been… But I missed my little space here. I know, it was only 4 1/2 days, but it feels like forever in blog time 😉
See you soooon!! Oh and…
🖤, V
ps: We should have a blog party for our furry family members, seeing as so many of us have sweet faces in our lives!! Don’tcha think??
pss: Ready for another thriftventure giveaway??? Next time 😉
psss: If you have any ailments at all (like grouchiness or laziness), put on music and dance until you can’t move! It works for me!! Mr. Lovee and I danced so much in the living room last night, I laughed so much! My abs are sooooo sore today, hee hee 😉 Well, I didn’t just dance, I jumped around alot!! hahaha! We danced to songs from here to here and everywhere in between…
i am so jealous of your still cool weather…the temperatures are starting to creep back up in Phoenix.
I am right there with you about Halloween.
I have already started planning my party and getting in that special mood.
enjoy your more than lovely day
~k
Wow! Lovely, inspirational post! Love the new print, and the butterflies and moths and birds. Those are some serious legs on that guy!!!
you’ve been a busy busy bee miss vanessa!!! haaa haaa!!! i absolutely can’t wait to see your new postcards, you know me and my obsession with postcards!!! which ever ones you pic will be beautiful!
oh and thank you soooooo much for the blog love, i finally figured out my small picture problems. until next time!!!
I agree with Mr. Lovee. Definitely a high school mascot. Your new art is lovely!
Do you dress up on all 61 days of Halloween? What will you be?
Hello Vanessa,
Delightful photos, love them! You certainly live in a magical place.
~ Gabriela ~
well
it is plain
to see why
you do not travel much,
what with all
~~*the interesting folks*~~
dropping in
and all.
🙂
i do not blame you
for hanging out around your home(s)
having tea with mer*men
and such.
{{ was that a Real Bird or
a Halloween Decoration?
i am wondering }}
right after Halloween
to you switch straight away over
to snow*men
and such
so as not to miss any momentum?
well, i would
if
i were you.
Vanessa, your new creations are lovely, I especially love the angel. Your photographs are totally wonderful as always. Thank you for stopping by, have an inspired week. Karen
The evolution from doodle to life is just remarkable.
Miss Vanessa, I just had a thought, I adore your photographs. You know Blurb.com makes it soooooo easy to self-publish a book with Book Smart. You are a magician at captivating an audience with your eye candy. Why not self-publish a little book using the work you already have created and your gift of telling a tale.
I recently did one about Massachusetts for a friend of my mom’s, she is too ill to travel anymore, so I created this for her. Have a peek http://www.blurb.com/books/327909
You can see the preview and let that creative muse spin a wonderful Fanciful Twist tale. Just thinking. Karen
Lovely, lovely, orangey, mothy, lady, mermany, owly, flowery, halloweeny, shriney, rainy, thundery, doggie, dancey, painty, mossy, greeny, scary birdy. Lovely.
Well, everything looks lovely indeed in your part of the world. Autumn in the dessert (desert? ‘scuse my spelling) looks like something to be experienced. It is all about Spring here and I am loving it. Except the creepy crawlies – cockroaches, spiders, geckhos, and other ickies have started to scurry about thanks to the warmer weather.
Love the butterfly collector – she’s a beauty, really truly!
Just thought I’d say ‘hi’ today – so ‘hi!’
Amazing post…I just can’t wait for your posts, when I check my blog in the morning, I scroll down my list of favorite blogs to see if you’ve posted! I wish my posts were like yours. Oh, and I have already decorated my entire room with Halloween goodies..I too am in the spirit of Halloween. It only comes once a year, and then it’s over after one super fun day, so why not get in the Halloween spirit early? And, your bit about winged creatures gave me the chills-I have been seeing butterflies, specifically monarch butterflies, for the past week. Every day, somehow, I will see one. I saw one fluttering by a nearby restaurant, then at a garage sale resting on a flower, then one day when I didn’t leave the house, one came to me-my dad found it & brought it into the house (he didn’t even know I’d been seeing them!) We thought it couldn’t fly, but then, it was gone; fluttered outside into freedom…where they’re all coming from, I don’t know. Your post was amazing, and your drawings are otherworldly!
XOXO
~PiXie DoLL
Wellllllll I think you’ve just about covered it. LOL!!!
You forgot the kitchen sink!!! HOly CoW Vanessa!!! I am blown away. I love your pictures, your bizarre world, and your new drawings.
Promised you a miracle is sooooo much from the grade 11 dance. How can I forget 🙂
(We had video dance parties in high school…we were all new wavers man!!!!)
xoxoxo
two things, no wait three things. thanks for being (sorry something happened) so quick to add a blog entry, two – i love it when i see butterflies as to me they are a totem for my niece who passed away at the age of 16 months over 20 years ago. it is uncanny how a butterfly will appear at family gatherings when it is not even warm out! it is her way of letting us know she is with us. and finally, i love it when the tv show ‘dancing with the stars’ starts up because my girls get to stay up late, turn off the lights, dress up and have daddy as their dance partner copying the dance moves dips lifts and all:) it certainly makes us all smile. catch you again mmmwah rosey
Such a lovely place to visit!! It’s like taking a little vacation…
XO….Kimberlee
I love your work! I have been practicing drawing every day(I just started recently) i get discouraged but I am going to keep doing it every day because I like it-thanks for the inspiration!
Miss V, you have been as busy as your Barry the Bee. I love your new people, Victorian Butterfly Girl and that sexy sexy Merman!
You have such an interesting place out there – I’m glad you choose to share it with us.
xoxo
Kate
I love your winged woman — she is different from your previous style, less quirky-funny and more purely beautiful, though still fanciful! The bird — looks a bit like a wild parakeet to me (bigger than the ones in the pet store, of course) — though perhaps his colors are not brilliant enough.
Yay I bought you in the blogger mag! Awesome girlie!!!
xoxo
Your blogpost is always a feast to the eye and soul and believe me I just needed some very positive vibes today, as some very negative ones reached our home last night. But now I already have forgotten them, yep, thanks!!
Vanessa, You are my HAPPY PLACE. Thanks so much for your wonderful stories and creations. I so look forward to ESCAPING to your desert with each post.I would love to have a BOOK! Puleez!
Another lovely post! Merman and Winged Woman are fantabulous and this: “that isn’t a bird, it is a Highschool Mascot, haha!” totally made me chuckle! 🙂
I love the pencil drawings on canvas.
Does the Merman blow bubbles underwater? Or only when he’s above the surface?
Oh….your lovely dreamy nooks are making me long for when we are all moved and settled….you see….we are all in a limbo of boxes and uncertainty right now! So I’m ever so glad I stopped in for a visit to your loverrrrly abode! 🙂
happiest of days and mystery birds to You!! 🙂
Vanessa, What a magical post. I just love being taken on your fanciful adventures. It helps one to look at the world with a new perseptive. So much beauty in every day objects. Your new art is fantastic.
Hugs Karen
a blog party for the furry friends, yes!!
beautiful post as always =)
teehee! So happy that i am not the only one who starts celebrating Halloween as soon as September rolls around. 🙂 I am dragging out the boxes of decorations and listening to creepy old radio shows, and planning my annual Halloween mix CD! I love it.
You are so right about dancing…i dance every day and my life has been so much happier for it11!
Loving your new art…and as always, loving your joyful, beautiful inspiring pictures and words.
xoxox
Holy MOLY! The rains brought HUGE beautiful things to your world. That BIRD, I have to agree, it must have been a school mascot!!
The flowers and butterflies maidens and mermen, my mouth is just hanging open here.
AND, Halloween…YAY!! Dia de los Muertos is already flying around here…new stamps and spirit houses…woo hoo!!!
x..x
HI Vanessa,
Love the photos as usual!! I have been getting a fluttering visitor for several weeks now. This one particular butterfly keeps following me to Maine, NY, NJ and now home here in MA! I think its my best friend Paul who passed away a few years ago.
I love your little visitors too, perhaps its a friend or family member for you. Weather has been soo nice here I know it cannot last.
I love the new paintings and drawings, I am finally back at work but soo confused on what to tackle first I am all in a tizzy, well I guess I will just have to take it one at a time.
back to work!
x…x
hello there!
i do enjoy your posts!!
i think your bird is a harris hawk
http://www.freewebs.com/jlartworks/birdsofprey.htm
check it out!
have a great day!!
Oh Miss V~ you make me miss Arizona so…..beautiful, just beautiful! Thank you 🙂
~Hugs, Miss Ann-Denise
Your new winged-lady print is amazing! I think she’ll be visiting my dreams too. And can I get your recipe for potato latkes? That is if it’s not a secret. 😉 They look really tasty.
Enjoy your week!
T
Bird and Bees and Butterflies! You have an abundance of goings on. It looks like you captured a great shot of a hawk…how cool. I adore birds of prey and go on birding trips around Bisbee and in the mountains where Geronimo hung out…the Chiracahuas and around the San Pedro…as usual Vanessa your photography is just spectacular!
im in love with the merman, and the dresser, and the blackboard, and the silver service…………..how lovely these peeps into the mysterious magical world of miss twist!
you MUST make a book!
xxx
OH dear…that bird reminds me of a renegade flock of parrots that had all flown away from their owners, that used to “terrorize” parts of California! They were a hoot…quite loud and beautifully colorful…people went mad with all their noise though. It just made me wonder what it would be like to live in the jungle that these birds were taken from in the first place?!?!
Lovely lovely creating these past days! I tell you, the rain is gone from here, and I miss it very much already. I hope it comes back soon though…I just adore all the cactus pictures you posted…
What a wonderful post! I LOVE the photos, especially the wich berries! They would make great earrings 🙂 My pooch and I would love to join your next blog party, oh such fun!
What beautiful photos… they make me miss monsoon season!
Lovely post, as always! A blog pet party sounds like way too much fun…Ruby Roo says she will clear her social calendar for the event! 🙂
Hugs,
Tessa
stunning photo’s Vanessa! and at least we know that while you were away your as busy as Barry bee! Looks like you have some amazing pretties on the way. 🙂
ps – I have no idea what that bird is … would love to know if you ever find out.
Absolutely beautiful photos of the wonders all around you – I’ll ask David what kind of bird that is – and love your drawings! Thanks for the delicious tea! xoxox
I absolutely LOVE your new angel! Just beautiful and I can’t wait to see what you do with her.
I love it when you have a tea party, especially when it is magic tea! Magical things always happen when you are around. I love your little writing and drawing nook. I think a furry baby party would be fun and so do Muffin and Spencer. Twyla
Thank you once again for taking me ‘away’ to that magical place in your creative mind. Only you can do this. What an incredible post (journey).
LOOKIE!!! iT IS MOI…COME TO VISIT AT LONG LAST! i HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER THIS WEEK….YAY! it is such a pleasure to come to your blog and read all the wonderfulness! i miss you! I am still in South Carolina..
oh where to start ? What a lovely morning time I have had here…and THANK YOU for getting me O U T ! I smelled the rain. I felt the dampness. I could even hear the bee buzz when he lifted lightly a few times to reposition.
The Butterfly Collector was an InSpired Moment, indeed I see that it was. She turned out Wonderful. So many details to see…
I love all of the work I see for postcards there on that table. I want them all ! Envies too, now that is The Perfect Touch.
I am going back up for one more walk thru the color and damp.
I think celebrating Halloween starting NOW is Rightly Timed and I will enjoy being inspired along the way – because it is over all too fast when you wait !
Goodness, what do I have to grab before going out to work this morning that is near as satisfying as french toast or LATKES ? nothing I am afraid and soooo, perhaps a little breaky OUT where there is something delicious waiting is just the ticket.
Oh Miss Fanciful Twist, You Do Inspire !
p.s. I dance just like that too. Mostly Jumping.
Someone recently wrote that it is tack to leave a novel on one’s comment section of the blog … Hopefully, not.
To have that magical world right outside your door……..within reach….within view…within ear shot…..all the varieties of plant and animal…. earth to dance upon….you are indeed lucky!
I have plans to dance on sand this weekend….I only wish the air were crisp and cool!
And your drawings……exquisite my dear friend, exquisite!!
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Hi Vanessa! How are you? ope you still remember me hee hee… Your weblog is looking great as always, I have visited often but I never left a message, I’m sorry. Hope you are doing great! Everything is so busy over here with my new school and stuff! I’m removing my old weblog Fairytalecinema, it only costs me money and I never do something with it anymore and I really think it’s good to try something new so you will hear from me again! xxxxxx Les
Hey Miss Vanessa,
I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for the brilliant blog award. I do so enjoy reading your fanciful and twisty posts.
Thanks very much for your visit the other day!
Enjoy your weekend,
xoxo
Kate
Hola preciosa! D says he thinks the bird is a Crested Caracara, but isn’t sure. xoxox
Hello Vanessa – Two things . . . did you ever find out what kind of bird that was? And secondly, I would love it if you would stop by my blog and throw a name in for my *manne* I just finished. You have such a wild imagination, I can only imagine what you would name her! xoxo
oh, both the merman and the butterfly collector are absolutely wonderful! and i thought i was the only one listening for eyelashes blinking ;).
HONK! What more needs to be said? Nothing. One word just says it all, non? xoxox
kthxbai
Ms.V.~
I love your Victorian Butterfly Lady~
She is so gentle.
I have been crazy busy working on a show & getting my kids off to school.
But~ I am feeling like myself again & new things & ideals are starting to take off.
I love fall ~ looking forward to the crisp & lovely & colorful days!
Many Hugs ~Amy~
Hi!!! Isn’t it strange I’ve been getting communiques from winged messengers this week too. As always LOVE your art and pix!!!
I’ve been in a cocoon myself! Just flitting by to say hi.
XO
D.
PS- Love the drawings V!
Oh Miss V, I am so hungry now…those potato pancakes and french toast look sooooo good!!
Sorry I haven’t been to your blog in awhile, I’ve been busy with gum surgery, a trip and feeling blue but I’m back and feeling good again…except for a sore mouth. Lovely nature photos!!! Especially the prickly pear..that color is so gorgeous!! Lovely drawings too!! See ya Vanessa!
What a lovely post; it satisfied ALL of my senses! I plan to celebrate 61 days of Halloween right along with you, Witchypoo!It’s my favorite holiday and our coven (not really, just my mom, sister, and me) consider it our sacred/silly family holiday!
I love, love, love potato latkes! In New England we have them with apple sauce and sour cream…sooooo yummy!! Yours look perfect!!
And I, like you, am counting down the days till Halloween! I am so ready for Fall…bring on the witches of the night!
I hope all is well with you and Mr. Lovee…you are both dear to my heart! 🙂
What a fun post. I love the two new prints. I wish you’d share some rain. I never knew the desert could be so pretty (or wet)! Have a wonderful weekend!I had to laugh at your bird pic. There were some big birds (buzzards) in a tree two houses down. I got the binoculars to zoom in on them and they seemed to come so close that I scared myself silly!
Hi Vanessa!
You posts are always so delightful!
Right now I want to dance!!and have tea and come over for breakfast:) and sit in your lovely garden!
My kids and I watched Bug’s life last night…it’s such a cute movie…and the this morning I see your lovely butterfly art!!!
Just wonderful my dear.
kayellen
What a delightful post! I LOVED the photos of the blooming cactus and Barry bee. The colors in all of your photos are so vibrant and rich. So glad I stopped by today. Will have to come by more often…..you made me smile 🙂
~Allie
hmm, I think it’s a Harris’s Hawk.
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/475/_/Harriss_Hawk.aspx
Beautiful creature, whatever it is! What a curious and lovely blessing to have so many winged visitors.