How did this happen, she mumbled, forgetting that a giant tablespoon of cold medicine way trying to be poured into her mouth… Red stickiness poured instead, down her pink beautiful vintagey nightgown. She sat at the edge of her bed, her sobs now ridiculous. A Mr. Lovee held out a paper towel and ran for a damp one… he giggled… She cried louder… She sat, totally congested, one swollen right eye, a very clogged left ear & utterly raw nose and lips… She stammered madly, "Why are you laughing, this is nooooot funnny!"
He returned and shaking his head in a genuine manner whispered, "You are right Dovee, this is not funny at all, you look terrible, just terrible…" Oh, great she thought… He stated he was going to the store to buy fruit and veggies and juice and other lovely things… She said okay, and sulked deep under the covers…
Truthfully, I do not know how it happened. I can’t tell if I have a cold or outrageous allergies. I had allergy shots (4 of them) twice a week my entire life. I have not suffered from allergies in 10 years… And now, I think I am. You see, both Zyrtec and Nyquil "are" working… So, what is it, a cold or allergies? Or both? Any ideas?
So, in the story of this weekend, there I was Friday, minding my own business. I just wanted to sit at my drawing table and finish some new drawings. I had had enough. My stomach was a tax anxiety pit (paperwork makes me insane). And, my real job kept me really busy all week (and complicates my taxes). I rented a stack of movies (I do have netflix but I needed movies sooner). And went to drawing, while Sweeney Todd sang his way through a mad spree…
And then the sneezes and such started to creep in… So I crawled back into bed… Then on Saturday, while under layers of covers, Mr. Lovee scared me by saying, "someone is here to see you…" Eek, who? Noone visits unnanounced… Who could it be… And, it was my sissy (my sister)!! The Bobbypin Bandit herself! She was in the neighborhood (strange, but she was at some meeting thing in the middle of nowhere)? How fun! She jumped into my bed, in her fancy dress. Aren’t sisters so special? I mean, yes they can be annoying when you are gowing up… But if you grow up to actually like them, they can be a special wonderfulness…
I was feeling better with her visit and wanted to show her 10,000 things… It is so funny, everyone who visits immediately wants to go on their own little voyage around our crazy property (out of control property). We have a nook of vintage metal sheds filled with who knows what… But, where they are located, is so fun, it looks like a chicken house area… Then there is the sanctuary and such… So before I could show her too much, she was off…
There she goes, passing through the two towering prickly pear…
Of course, the lovely Grinch soon turned up, and so did our baby,after her bath and dirt dry off…
My sister and I were then off… I spotted some beautiful little daisy type flowers growing near one of the metal sheds… I took a photo, and then I noticed my OUTRAGEOUS shadow!!!
I was soooo amused, I just couldn’t get enough… My shadow was becoming its very own character…
You see, my hair was in this enormous bun on the top of my head… And, I was wearing cat ears to hold my hair back 🙂 it actually looked something like this, but it sure made a fun shadow, heee!
Sorry, I just can’t show my awful cold ridden face… Anyhow, we continued our little stroll around the yard, and found ourselves at the most precious site of a stump…
Isn’t it so adorable? I could sit by it all day. If only a little gnome would be leaning aganist it, resting… I would love to encounter such a sight…
We then came upon a much awaited happening… A cactus blooming….
So we all stood and enjoyed it… Our pet Ostrich, The Lovee Grinch & some version of moi…
My guest soon had to leave… So I gifted her a vintage orange cape, which she promptly put on, as she went on her way…
I was feeling fantastic, so I sat back down to draw and work on some new prints for the shop (as well as some dancers for new mixed-media paintings)…
But, I got worse. Yes, worse in the cold department… So, I had to go back to the sneezing bed… I took all of the comments left on the Tiny Tea Party post with me to read them yet again… They are sooo gooood!!! (I know I am so behind, soooooory)…
I have to tell you, as I sat there reading them, loving them more each time, and making more notes…
I had a wild idea. The different outfits, and so many of you who joined in, just touched me so profoundly… In your amazing Tea party attire, you inspired me, and I thought….
What if I slowly worked on each one, bringing them all to life? And made a little book of sorts with them??? All my drawings using your descriptions? Wouldn’t that be fun? Then I could complie them in a little book… And perhaps offer the book for sale in my shop? Annnnnd, some of the proceeds could go to charity? And those who shared an outfit would be named with their blogs??? What do you think?? Is it too complicated? I am totally up for it… As, I think everyone had such wonderful ideas… But, it could take a while… Please share your thoughts…
For now, I must go back to my sick bed, before Monday comes with many many things to do… Achoooooooooo… I will put on a giant Bakelite Cameo for a photo, but me an my kleenex still refuse to show our faces 🙂
I know, you tell me not to apologize for scarcity… But, I have been peeking around alot.. At what you are up to… I will make a proper stop & heloooo soon!!
I did finish a couple of those drawings I was working on… I actually made myself my own copies to frame.. Which I rarely do…
The pigment ink prints on canvas are just so lovely and rich in color…
You can tell, we will have a new snail girl soon… And perhaps a new bird girl… You know, my first drawings I ever shared here 2 years ago or so, were Ostrich girls and bird girls… And, they are wanting to visit again…
So, in my little shop you can find the following prints…
When Fairytales come to life (8" x 8" On canvas). I love the idea of tucking into a giant tea cup in the woods, while fairytale characters seep out of a storybook…
And, "Firefly magic, an evening she long awaited…" (8" x 10" on canvas)
I try to make all my prints fit well in an 8"x10" or 8"x8" mat or frame opening… But, if a person wanted an 11" x 14" or 12" x 12" upgrade on canvas, I can do that. It just costs a little bit more… So, if you are interested in prints and want to upgrade your size, feel free to e-mail me at VanessaValencia@aol.com
Off I go!!! Happy beginning of a new week!! xoxo
Go to the Doctor, my love. Please? Pretty please?
YAY! New snail girl!
Oh, my goodness! I would LOVE a book like that so very much– I adored reading all the different outfits, too!
Oh this stuff is wicked! I hate to tell you it hangs on and on. ONE thing you might try, I just got it today…Kick-Ass Immune Activator. The stuff tastes AWFUL!!! BUT…it seems to help.
take care of yourself…
x…x
Oh no! I hope you feel well soon…I know exactly how this type of thing feels, all the confusingly same-like symptoms, and not knowing exactly what is working…I usually sneak in that time of the month too…just to be extra miserable. I hope that you rest up and it all goes away.
I adore the idea of a book…how very fun that would be! I can’t wait to see a new snail girl…the other one made me positively swoon.
ARghhh! Allergy season is the worst this year. I never had allergies in Ohio and promptly upon moving to Arizona I seemed to be allergic to everything. This year has been the worst since that 1st year. Good luck either way….hot chicken soup to the rescue!
You poor yucky girl! I hope you are feeling better soon! I love your book idea and Brittany does too, although the eight year old there is still holding out for a winner lol! Isn’t that like a bizillion drawings you would have to do? Wow! I have always thought you should do some kind of a book I think it would be amazing! You make me miss my sister, they are just the best!
I didn’t make it to the party in time, but I’d still buy a copy of the book. Sounds lovely!
Feel better!
oh, dear…
sickness,
yucky sickness……….
🙁
here have these somepinkflowers
and you
will be better
straight
away!
see —–> 🙂
Hola Vanessa!!! I hope you feel better,soon. Love the book idea. I’m fer it!!!!! Lisa-vet.
You poor thing! I think the only way to tell if it’s a cold or not is how long it hangs around… if it’s a cold you will start to feel better in a few days but if it’s allergies you’ll have them god knows how long 🙁 I get terrible hayfever in spring (which is September here!) so I know how you feel… whatever it is I hope it goes away soon!
PS. I don’t know if you have it there but I always like to drink blackcurrant Lemsip when I’m sick… it’s the one good thing about having a cold!
I hope you do feel better … I have a feeling it is allergies. We have had so much rain and this time of year when things bloom in the desert. It has been a windy week here in Phoenix. I imagine you have had some of that there too.
Oh drat … now I wish I had a chance to post my tiny tea party outfit. I tried, but dreadful things occurred and I didn’t get to it.
Vanessa,
I’m so sorry you’re sick……and yet you can still make us giggle!
Julie Bergmann
Hope you’re better soon, rest up and I love the book idea (even though I didn’t manage to contribute to the fun).
Take care x
You poor dear, I hope you’re feeling better soon. Drink lots of tea and soup and make sure Mr Lovee does an extra special job of looking after you.
I did giggle at your shadow, you look quite the picture of elegance there. ;o) I love that you were holding your hair back with cat ears- if you’re feeling sick and icky you may as well have some fun at the same time.
Feel better and I am so happy you can come to visit now.
Much love and many blessings.
Love Jeanne
I’ve re-entered blogland after a rather long break and what fun to read about your whimsical adventures, as always. I’m right back in! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill and hope you’ll be back on your dancing feet very very soon. I love your cat ears 😉 and your new drawings are simply gorgeous!
You are too precious.Even through your sniffly, sneezy, congested self your humor and wit shines. At least your sickness has not diminished your talent, your drawings are as intriguing as ever!
And the shadow you cast reminds me of the Queen from Alice in Wonderland and Endora, Samantha’s mother on Bewitched.Isn’t it funny what one sees in a shadow or the clouds? Something to ponder while you re-coup.
xo Susan
Hi Vanessa!!!
I absolutely LOVE the postcards I won in your drawing–check out my blog to see that I pictured them for all to see.
What a horrible thing to have to endure–I truly hope you are feeling better.
Totally agree about sisters-I have one whom I adore–I’m 8 years older and she was a pain in the butt when I was younger, but she is the stablility in my life now!
By the way–I have the SAME cat ears! I’m going to start wearing them on the weekend to hold my hair back–how ca yute!!!!
Good morning Sneeezy… How in the world are you? I a mso sorry I haven’t been around…busy for my trip t oSedona and for my cross country trek..wooo. Please get better and drive up t osee us in Sedona PS: I think your idea of the book of the tea party is wonderful indeed! Go for it!
Oh! Just look at your new lovely drawings and magical creations!! How wonderful!!
I love them all! 🙂
And, I’m ever so sorry your feeling under the weather….I hope your all better soon! 🙂
Hmmm…..spending time in a tea cup dreaming of wolf-grandmothers sounds quite a delight, indeed!! 🙂 (She says as she climbs into the cup!) 🙂
Hi Vanessa
Recently chanced upon your site and I’m in love with it. Your Art is so whimsical and delicious – I love it! I hope your cold clears up soon and I wish you every success if you do go ahead with the book!
I hope you are feeling better Miss Vanessa. I hate to say this.. but I had all those shots too.. and they may have helped but I still get terrible allergies sometimes.
I like the idea of the tea party book.. it would be so fun! …a lot of work though! 🙂 Not that you are not up to a lot of work because you are simply amazing in that department! 🙂
Oh my gosh I love the idea of the book. You are a pure genius. I do hope you feel better soon. At least you are sick with style – love the cat ears and bun!
Karla
feel better soon my dear!
and i too like the idea of the book.
i wonder if there is a way we can help you out with it?
is there something i can do?
i would love to help.
and i love the idea of giving some of the money to charity. maybe an arty charity? like one of those ones that brings programs to kids in hospitals or art into hospitals or provides art therapy or something…
Yay! New drawings! Looking good!! 🙂
Allergies are the worst…mine usually start around this time of year also! I hope you feel better soon! I hear whiskey helps…;) It’s medicinal! 🙂
I just received the cards in the mail today and they are gorgeous! Best cards Ever. Your paper dress girls look 3D!
Thank you so much!!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, I hope you feel better real soon! I bet you picked up that nasty cold at your show, you know new people and all!
I do so love seeing your fabulous sketches!
Sandra Evertson
Hugs Vanessa, I hope you feel better soon from the suds or allergies or whatever little bug is irking you. I think the book idea is fantastic, I’ve seen others something similar using Blurb (book making software: http://www.blurb.com). I can imagine it would be fun and quirky and whimsical all at the same time. Lookig forward to seeing how it goes.
Dy
Oh hello dear. How awful to hear that you are ill. You still are such a dream even though you feel so sick! And what a lovely shadow!~ I’m off to your shop. Oh, thank you for introducing me to your sister!!!
Your property sound simply magical and what a nice surprise visit from your sissy. I call my sister sissy too! Lucky for me, she is coming to visit me next week, for 6 whole days. Yeah me ! 🙂
I hope you get over the yuckies soon, feel better.
Janet
I hate being sick!!and or dealing with allergies. (Well I love it when the BigGuy pampers me, but I just don’t like feeling bad!
Love your shadow! It is really great! Will we be seeing a shadow girl soon?
Love, Love, Love The book Idea! Wonderful!
Hope you feel better soon!
Love Erin~
Vanessa! So sorry to hear you’re feeling so crummy 🙁 We just got over being sick, and it was miserable. Hope you feel well soon. Trina and I both love the idea of the book! Whee!
ugh it sounds like lots of people have some kind of spring cold… actually lots of bloggers are sick! maybe you got it through another blog!
hey i totally like your idea of making a book with all the tea party participants… i would buy one!
hope you fell better soon!
sheri
Horrid allergies – I have them too. Had to buy Zyrtec today. Hope you’re better very soon! Glad you’re still able to be wildly creative, despite not feeling at your best. That cactus is gorgeous! And how lucky to have a surprise visit from your sister. I couldn’t persuade my sister to even get on a plane. Love all your new drawings – enchanting! xoxox
I think your shadow pics are worth a thousand words. I love how you showed the real thing afterwards, or at least part of it to fully appreciate the whole Audrey Hepburn thing you had going on with your slender hand out, all 5th Ave-like, in your backyard world. 🙂 Love your artwork, photos and creative mind!
BTW, Nyquil happens to be my drug of choice as well. It’s like like Jack Daniels w/ food coloring, it really knocks you out, and it also happens to work on that foggy head. Rest up and feel better so we can have more virtual tea. 🙂
Oh, Vanessa! I hope you and your lovely shadow are feeling better soon.
I think the book idea is wonderful–I imagine it would be a huge undertaking, but I’d really love to see the end result.
As I am reading this I am dabbing my nose with tissue…I know that mine are allergies…the worst I have had in years.
I did have to laugh though, at your shadow photos…hair pinned up and cat ears to hold your hair back…you my dear are the only person I know who would have cat ears at the ready for just that purpose…I love you for that.
Your drawings are enchanting and your idea of a book is perfect…remember me all in white with a red rose…the only way I could stand out in that wonderful imaginative and colorful crowd.
Get better soon…mega doses of omega 3, known to me in my Icelandic childhood as Cod Liver Oil…ugh!!! the taste was horrid…we had to take it by the spoon full…bleck!!!
a giantesque meep for the teacup ladies and the glow-worm stars! lovely and dream filled foreverness!
but you better hurry up and hoof out that cold, or i will have to send over the circus doctor. how lucky you are to have a tissue holder at hand, the ever loyal lovee deserves a medal for his charms, haha!
get well soon, my horror-flick-them-tune-buddy.
and you know, those semi revealing snaps of your face are so endearing for their shyness.
x
the comment above mine…..i love the word bleck!
reminds me of little bleck hairs, mwahahaoooo!
Hope you’re feeling better! Yes I agree sisters are divine – and they can visit you at our worst and we don’t have to bat an eye (or put on mascara!).
If time is on your side, whether it take weeks or months – dare I say years? Eeck! – you must work on a tea party book!
Wishing you well sooner!
So sorry to hear that you are not feeling well, but thank you so much for spreading joy (*not germs) in your ‘illness’. Loving your cat-earred shadow and beautiful new prints (‘firefly magic’ look like an animation cell, great patterns on them). I LOVE your book idea, really looking forward to it coming to fruition! Get well soon.x
Better yet? I hope so. The shadow pics just cracked me up. You’re such a silly one. Now I’ll be humming, “Me and my Shadow” all day.
D.
Dearest, so sorry to hear about your nasty bug-a-boo. I sure hope it is going away.
I love your book idea, but MY you are an ambitious one. Oh, but wait. Wait a minute. Did I go to the tea party? Oh, no, I think I came to the door in my fuzzy bunny slippers. What a frightfully embarrassing drawing that would be… 🙂 haa haa haa hahah haha
Take good care,
xoxoxo
m
Miss V! So sorry to hear you are under the weather! Allergies….yuck. The only way I can tell the difference between a cold and allergies is that I sneeze a LOT more with allergies, and my eyes itch, and I’m REALLY cranky! Even more so than if I have a cold!
I loved your shadow though…crazy cat ears and all!
Your “Firefly Magic” print is d-i-v-i-n-e! I LOVE the colors, they’re so rich….truly a beautiful print! And I love your idea about the tea party book! Although, as I recall I showed up in a flannel nightgown! Ah well….you can spruce it up with lots of lace, ribbons and bows for your book! Maybe even a bustle?? It’ll be the most beautiful flannel nightgown in all the land! 😉
Do feel better my friend and keep us posted on the book, it’s a GREAT idea!!
I hope you feel better soon. Make sure Lovee gives you plenty of kisses on the forehead. He can pretend he is checking your temperature. I hope you do the tea party comments as a book. I will certainly purchase one. I can’t wait to see your vision of some of those outfits. Hang in there and get lots of rest and lots of treats. Hugs
Susan
Feel Better! It has been a BAD year for both allergies and illness. It doesn’t really matter the cause! We like hot lemonade for a scratchy throat. It really does wonders!
Erin
Get well soon!
I love your work and have been enjoying your blog. Please stop by mine any time!
I hope you are feeling better. the new prints are so cute.(as usual)
Your book idea is a great one.
FEEL BETTER!!
Oh dear, I hope you willl be feeling better soon…How big is your Garden there always seems to be something new to show in every Post?
-Ben
I am always so captivated by your wild tales and then of course only you could have an amazing shadow. Wicked cool, I tell you! Yes, sisters are so great once you get past school age! I love your idea for your book. It’s fab and something only you could pull off so well! Go for it, I hope you are feeling better soon! xoxo Suzy
Stop by for our giveaway – It’s a great one! A Daisy ring which twists to reveal – Perfume!
I love the giant tea cup!! I’m glad you’re feeling better. The shadow was really fun.
Oh poor Miss Vanessa! I hope your cold allergy thing is gone. \at least you have Mr. Lovee to take care of you. I’ve been dealing with the allergies here. No fun! Firefly Magic is beautiful! But then again, all of your creations are always beautiful!
a book would be absolutely wonderful…
and i do hope you are feeling better…
your new work is great…and i love your shadow…:)
Those are fun drawings! I hope you’re feeling better. Mo’a dropped by and mentioned you were wearing cat ears (I have a doll with a cat hat on her) . I said you were trying to dress like my dolls!!..hehe.
I love the last image of the girl at night..she’s quite beautiful! And you have a pet Ostrich?Back up..how did that slip on by?
Oh and congrats on being featured in the upcoming “Artful Blogging”!! I just saw you mentioned the other day. I’ll have to get one at B&N when it arrives. Have a great week:!
~Christine ::)
Oh Dear…Lady Vanessa! YOu’re not sick? Well, stay in bed with a hot cuppa until you feel yourself again. Read lots of your fave books and get Lovee to feed you chicken broth. DO feel better soon, kay?
Love the drawings….so pretty! You look so cute with the kitty ears, even though I only saw the top of your head…hee! Nice that your sis dropped by!
Oh dear, the sniffles are rotten, but look on the bright side, I always feel a little rest in my sick bed somehow brings about strange inspiration that maybe can only come from being still 🙂 Your book idea sounds fantastic, it would be wonderful to bring all the beautiful costumes to life! Before my wedding all us girlies (aged 0-86,) had a Hen High Tea, cucumber sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and earl grey tea, so your theme is close to my heart 🙂 Get well soon x
I think you have the flu…rest, liquids, sleep…you work at such a frenetic pace…your body needs time to replenish. Be good to you!!! Even if you do make lovelies when you are ill…
oooooh you poor little thing!! Feel better soon!! My boys have had the same crummy, evil cold and it is purely the PITS! I am over the moon excited about a little book!! Yes, do it!! I can only imagine how LONG that would take…but we all will wait patiently and cheer you on:):)
Get well hugs!!! xoxox…jenn
This blog is so fun! You’ve got a new fan =)