If I were on a stage (which I mostly wish I was, of course with Fergie’s body and Whitney Houston’s lungs circa 1989) then I would sing you the most loveliest song in the most difficult key. Even now, while typing, my lips get all quivery. You see, it was one year ago almost to the date, that I started this little blog. I would wish, just wish that maybe I would get one comment. That someone would read my blog…
You can imagine how I feel with all that birthday love. I feel like a wee creature, looking up at all of you, with a giant tear filling half of my eye, like a cartoon character… I am touched beyond words. I am so delighted you popped into my virtual birthday bash… (below, Marie Stillman, Messner Ansaldo showing madonna Dianova his enchanted garden, 1889)
Not only did you pop in, but your frolicked and played. This is just the kinda world I love! A place where we are free to be silly in every way! (below: Thomas Webster, Sickness and Health, detail of pl. 207)
If anyone ever appreciated the blog love, I guarantee you, my appreciation is beyond that. I love getting to know so many of you. I love everything that I can share and learn and be a part of through "A Fanciful Twist." So, thank you, thank you for sharing in the fun, and truly for creating so much of this. Sometimes this little art world is really lonely, and strange. Tucked away in a room painting & creating into the wee hours of the night…
Then, I come to this little world, and this is what I feel like happens….All of us visiting and carrying on… Our special place within the blogosphere… Sharing all we can… (Below: Richard Doyle, The Fairy Tree, c.1865)
I am also so very touched at the love you sent for my friend who just lost her son and is now having an eye surgery. That surgery is tomorrow. So, I will be taking a wee voyage…(below: John William Waterhouse, The Lady of Shalott, 1888)
Off I will go, with my little over-night bag, to stay a couple of days and take care of my dear friend. I will be with her the first few days, then other friends will stop in to look after her… As I said, she lives alone, so it is imperative I be there for her. And she has to be in that awful head contraption, face down for an increasing total of 14 days(22 hours a day, what??), EEK! I hope I can be useful… (below: Louise Jopling, Blue and White, 1896)
I am a tad bit apprehensive, as I like to be prepared and I don’t think you can be totally prepared for things like this… But, I will sit with her, make sure she is well, make her some tea… Make myself useful. Tomorrow, I will take her to the hospital… 5 hours there they predict… Then the next morning 7a.m. (yikes, gulp, yikes) on the other side of town for a post-op appointment. Oh goodness… I hope it all goes well…
The good news… I will have internet there! So, while she sleeps, I can peek in. Or, perhaps I will be too busy.. Either way… Any shop orders placed on Dec. 13th & 14th, will make there way to the P.O. on Saturday the 15th of December… So, I am sure not to fall behind. Also, art pieces for the shop update are coming along… I have been working on several… I am hoping to update the shop by Monday… Hoping being the operative word… Here is a sneak peek at a piece that is in its early stages…
The exquisitely talented doll maker, Christine LeFever has tagged me for 5 random things. I always forget to do these, however, this time, I have not. So here I go… Short and… (oh, not so short afterall) read on if you’d like, then I have to say Adieu for now, and see you soon!!!
1) I sleep on my back. People who sleep on their sides freak me out. I know, that is all of you right? Well, it freaks me out that you squish your faces up like that for 8 hours straight. I mean, this is the time you have to let your face relax, not squish it up. hee heee. But, I know it is cozy cozy, I just can’t participate, if I do, it wakes me up… ps: Mr. Lovee is a face squisher sleeper. Not just while on his side, but anywhere he sleeps. Couch, chair, car even (while parked, don’t worry), head to the side, hand up to chin squishing face.
2) I have no concept of dates for events. People have to call and or e-mail to remind. My brain is so full, I hardly can find my car in a parking lot, let alone know when my friends third kid’s umbilical cord was cut. Haha. Sorry, just remind me, and everything will be great! It is not that I don’t care, I truly do. I just need help in this area…
3) I love NPR! It is on almost 24 hours a day.
4) I LOOOOVE the smell of fresh coffee beans. I mean, I LOVE IT! Sometimes, I just open the freezer, take the canister of Kona out, pop the lid open and inhale… Oh, and I also love the smell of those little "moist towlettes" they give you in a tiny white packages at restaurants and stores… LOVE THEM!
5) I carry a 11-15lb bag. Everyday, everywhere I go. Bad, I know… (Mr. Lovee is standing by me reading this and this is what he is saying, "That is all that weighs, your purse? 15lbs. I honestly think it weighs 60lbs.") Remember the bag here?
Now, if you don’t want to participate that is totally okay, however, I am going to tag 5 little munchkins… Hmmmmmmm, let’s see…… Oh and I am going to change it up if you want you can do, 5 weird things that have happened to you… Ooo, I just went to look at the pages of those people and they had already done one… Sooooooo, If you want to participate, let me know, and I will link to the 1st five of you who do participate…
All photos in this blog post of artwork, came from pictures I took from books that I own…
it’s your blog-o-versary!!?? Yippeeee!!
I think a huge celebration is in order for sure. Lucky, lucky all of us for having your wonderful blog to visit!!
Sending you a big hug for tomorrow. I’ll be thinking about you and your sweet friend:) xoxox jenn
by the way…loved your random facts:)
thank you so much for #2! That is so me. I can barely remember my own name half the time!
i just like you bunches!
Vanessa – I LOVE reading your blog. And.. I can’t believe you’ve only be in Blogland for a year! I feel a little like that right now.. a newbie!
I hope your friend is ok, bless you for going to look after her.
Healing hugs sent across the skies to you both.
Michelle x
Your comment about squishy faces did make me chuckle! Every morning I smile at the sight of my boyfriends squashed up hamster sleep face!
So pleased you had a good birthday, surprised you managed to remmeber when it is!!! Anyway happy blog anniversary and the evry best of luck with your nursing. Best wishes for a speedy receovery to your dear friend.
OH, Best of well wishes for your friend…I hope all goes well and she recovers quickly. 🙂 You are such a good friend to help! 🙂
I’m biased for this Post, well….because it’s filled with my favorite Art…19th century Art is my love!! 🙂 My first love…the PRB! Love love love!!! 🙂
CONGRATS on your one year anniversary in blog land! I’m not there yet! 🙂 I love visiting your magical, warm world! 🙂
And hooray! A Shop Update! 🙂 Have fun painting for it!:)
PS- I hate to admit it….I sleep on my side…but there is a battle in my brain each night…one side says “you will squish your face….it causes wrinkles….don’t do it….the other says: “But it’s so comfortable over here…just do it….roll over” Eeeep! And then, even if I consciously listen to the back sleeping side….I always wake up on my side anyway!! 😉
Congratulations on your 1st blogging birthday! You should be very proud of yourself – you have created a wonderful blog full of fabulous images and interesting, witty writing. The perfect combination, Miss Twist! 🙂
Sarah
Good morning happiest girl in the world! If I had to be on my belly for all those days and hours it would be you that I’d order up to entertain me 🙂 Stay available as one never knows…
That heavy handbag??? When I had babies it was my hand…a diaper and the little kit of wipes…I travel lite!
Annnd what is keeping you from painting us a fanciful fairy tree of our own???
Oh Happy Blog-birthday!! 🙂 hehe. Isn’t is wonderful how quickly the time passes and how many kindred spirits you find online?!
And best wishes for your friend who is going in for the surgery… I’m sure you will be an excellent nurse for the job! 🙂
I love just opening a bag of coffee and deeply inhaling it too!! hehe! I just love the smell… sad thing is though that I can only drink about one or two (small) cups of coffee a week! :p Otherwise that much caffeine gets me all twitchy. hehe!
Sending you and your friend best wishes and prayers! Hope you have a lovely day!! 🙂
I sleep on my back too! It’s the best for me, and probably why I look so young! Hee hee! I sleep like I should be laying in a coffin….I do like vampires tho. 🙂
Vanessa!!! I feel just terrible about missing your birthday. I offer you quadruple happy belated birthday wishes!!!! It is no wander you get so much blog love…visiting over here is always a treat. You know exactly how to make a girl smile!
All of your little clay birthday playmates are too sweet for words. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got brewing for the shop update.
Give your friend extra get-well-soon wishes from me. I’m sure having you around to keep her cheerful will help out with that!
xoxoxo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hooray for your first year of blogging! And hope all goes well w/ Carolyn’s surgery. She is lucky to have you there to help her now. The images accompanying your delightful post are wonderful. Can’t wait to see your new artwork! xoxox
Your blog delights me and I am honored to be a part of your world! 🙂
I do hope your friend recuperates quickly and you both are in my thoughts today. It is a blessing that you are able to help her out- just being there is useful- really- don’t worry about it.
Hey, I carry a heavy bag with my laptop in it everyday- one day I almost tipped over- people were laughing as was I! Safe journies while helping your friend. (((hugs)))
Vanessa,
I, too, am a big fan of your blog. I read it daily even though I don’t often comment. (I missed your birthday 🙁 — so sorry. )
So… my best thoughts for your friend and also for you.
If I don’t say so before Christmas… Merry Christmas. Thank you for blogging and sharing your immense creativity with us. I know this sounds trite , but… you really do inspire me.
Happy Blog Anniversary…you have touched so many in such a short time…I am not surprised 🙂
My thoughts will be with your friend…she is in good hands…she is lucky to have you, you are a good friend to her.
I missed your post when you wrote about her…words cannot express the sadness I feel for her in loosing her Son…my heart goes out to her…please give her xoxox from me.
One year….and oh how wonderful it is you decided to come to Bloglandia. Here’s to many more! Can’t wait to see more of that new art as well!!!
You epitomize what the word friend means. I truly hope all goes well for Carolyn – I cannot imagine having to lie face down like that for hours and days. Please let her know she has lots of good thoughts swirling around her.
I hope you’ll be able to pop in for my own birthday party Saturday!
XOXOXOXO
Lisa
I enjoy visiting with you everyday – yes, I even pop in with you’re “not home”. Sometimes I don’t leave a trace but you always leave an impression with me 🙂
Here’s to another glorious year being one year wiser both in life & in blogland.
Your friend is fortunate to have someone like you in her life – I’ll be sending warm thoughts her way.
So… perhaps it’s none of my business, but if she has to lay on her face for 22 hours… how does she go to the bathroom?
Good luck to her!
You are a dear friend to Carolyn and just your being there will be a huge comfort for her.
Happy Happy Blogoversary!!! It is hard to believe you have been here only 1 year….you have such an effect on us ALL!!!
We love ya!!!
O!!! I am mesmerized by the fairy tree!!! Thank YOU!!! for all the lovely art and the Lady of Shalott is one of my FAV!!!The Sickness and Health is sooOOoOOooOo SWEET + I collect blue and white thingies!!! Your painting looks SWEET as ever!!! I’ll be saying lots of prayers for YOU and your dear friend, Carolyn will be in my prayers! O! Yes, it is good to be silly!!! tee hee ps. I ordered one of those Riding Hood dolls!!! How could I not at $4.99????!!!!Thank YOU!!! for the TIP!!! hehe psss. I’ll read your 5 random thingies later, just popped in for a sec inbetween washer loads, sweeper runs, and scrubbing bubbles!!!
Oh, those are some of my favorite paintings!!! 🙂 I hope your friend is doing well and I’m sure she is very happy to have you there, that really is so very thoughtful and nice of you. I can’t wait to see some of your new work too!!!
Oh…I hope all goes smoothly with your dear friend…I am so happy she has someone to help look after her during what may be a difficult time in her life! All my love to the both of you!!!
Vanessa, I wish your friend a speedy recovery!! Poor girl and around the holidays too! You are a great friend. I only had minor surgery once and that was enough but when I got home a friend had dinner for us! So you do not know how important you are to her, I am sure she is soo happy to have you there in her time of need!
My thoughts will be with your friend, lucky she is to have you there to care for her, maybe she will need a little happy recovery party too!
Sandra Evertson
oh dear, a blogiversry and a birthday (belated at that). Best wishes, and I really enjoy reading what you write, your words are so imaginative and truly do paint a picture in my head of some rather fantastical settings. Warm thoughts to your friend as she heals. It’s not an easy surgery as my co-workers husband has just had to endure the same, certainly not fun.
Best regards.
Oh my goodness, Girl! You are a star! Your method of doing this is leadership that we NEED! I vote for A Fanciful Twist’s Vanessa Valencia for the next leader of the free world!
Fabulous!
Christine
Congrats on one year of blogging…you like you’ve been doing this for years…but then you are creative this way!! You will be an immense help to your friends..your presence alone will give her comfort. Many blessings to her for her surgery and to you as you sit and wait which is very, very hard to do.
You are an angel for helping your friend out during this difficult time. I hope things go better than expected for her. Happy blog-a-versary! I enjoyed reading the five random things about you, although in MY book you are anything but random!
p.s. That picture of The Lady Of Shalott? I have a huge framed print of that on my bedroom wall.
Happy blog b-day Miss Vee – & best wishes to your friend. I can’t think of a better nurse – just read to her & feed her tea & tell your wonderful stories – she will be better in no time
Good Luck My Darling!
I will continue to hold HOPE in my heart for your dear friend!!!
Hugs!
Michelle
I’m so glad you got so many happy birthday wishes- you know it’s because you’re just so very lovely x.
What a wonderful, heartfelt post! I can’t believe that you’ve only been blogging for a year? It feels like much longer. Perhaps because you have the ability to make people feel as though they are old friends of yours – that must be it!
I hope your time with your friend isn’t too harrowing. It’s very sweet of you and I’m sure she appreciates your company beyond words. You must be such a wonderful friend. Blessing for all of you – I sincerely hope that everything works out for the best.
Best wishes as you look after your friend. I’m doing the same thing for my mum at the moment- the bright and early post-op appointment this morning (blergh), and now I’m sitting and waiting for the call to say she’s had her surgery and I can pick her up. The waiting is hard.
Hope all goes well for you and your friend. xo
wow! I was gone for a few days and look at all I missed! Wow! I love your blog party- birthday- so sweet with fauns and mushrooms and tree stumps! I love it! You are just delightful and sweet and I am always so happy after I read your Blog! Happy Happy!! JoyJoy!!!!
Congrats on your anniversary! So was a blog your b-day gift to yourself last year?! Loved all artwork you posted. I love your sleeping fact! No wonder you look so young-no squishing! good luck with your friend, hope it all goes well.
A blog anniversary and a birthday all in one week! Congratulations, and happy birthday, my dear!
Sorry I missed the party!
Happy belated Birthday and congratulations on your year of blogging too! What a truly magical and charming blog you have.
Lots of love to your dear friend!
my step-father had that surgery done too. and the contraption, where he had to lay down most of the day for two weeks. here is my advise, books on cd! he loved that, and straws, cause that is about the only way she will be able to drink. let her paint laying down without being able to see, and let her see what she created when this is all over. cover her with soft warm blankets, have good smells all around. while her vision is impaired her other senses will be on overdrive making up for the one being injured. as to you, make sure you take care of yourself too. and happy blog-o-versary. come by my blog for a visit when you are not so busy. we can share a cup of tea. i would very much like to link your blog to mine. i will also be purchasing some of your art. something really speaks to me when i look at your creations. nice to be able to find you and your art. the blog-o-shere is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?
cd
Congratulations Miss Vanessa on such an auspicious occasion….one year blogging! And look at your following today, at how MANY people you have brought happiness and light to! As I am so sure you will to Miss Carolyn as well.
Hun, if I am ever in a place such as Carolyn’s, I pray with all my little might that I shall have a friend such as you by my side. I know that your upcoming voyage is not an easy one for you, but you are doing such a wonderful thing for such a wonderful woman. Your kindness and compassion will come back to you two-fold.
In my next life? I want to be you. 🙂
A blogaversary too! Oh my~ congrats to you sweetie! Your friend though not lucky to have to have surgery is lucky to have you to help her heal. I hope the recovery time passes quickly for her. I’m sure you will be the best medicine for her!
Hello Vanessa,
Happy Blogversary! Coming out of lurkdoom to wish you many happy blogversaries to come and tonight, as I was randomly lighting candles around the house I was offering the light to your friend’s eyes.
May she see nothing but beauty from now on, may her eyes behold the treasures of friendship to make her strong and may she find happiness and comfort in her children.
A friend who moves our spirit is like rain that washes away the dust of the world’s indifference, and you are such a friend to her.
As for my birthday wish for you, many happy returns of the day, and may you find fragrant violets and timid muguets wherever you walk.
Oh so lovely as ever.
Thinking of youand your friend…
SUzie Sews
Hi dear Vanessa!!!
Congratiolations with your weblog anniversery! How greaaaat! Yeeeeey! And only 1 year and than soooo many comments… Well you deserve that!!! Your blog is sooo great!!!I can’t hardly imigane that I will have that someday…Most certainly not in one year… I really think it’s great that you comment everyone who visits you as well, not every blogger with lot of visitors does that, well now to think of it, not one except you!
That’s terrible about your friend, but it’s great she has such an amazingly sweet friend such as yourself :)! I’m sure you and your friend will manage perfectly! I wish you all the good luck!
Your 5 facts were really funny. I was really laughing about that face-thing, I really have no clue how I sleep, I guess I have a combination, I sleep with my body on my back and my face on my side… hmm maybe that’s just weird… But i like the other facts! About the coffeebeans, i have the same thing…It’s just such a grest scent, I always want to eat the coffeebeans because they smell so good, but that’s not really a good idea is it…
But have a nice day Vanessa, and congratiolations again and good luck for your friend and you! Everything will be ok for sure! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Happy blog birthday Vanessa, oh, you’re a young one (I’ve already had my second 😛 -it’s unreal that you’ve only been in this space for a year, you make us feel so welcome, like meeting an old friend…) So glad you joined in the fun, your blog is a joy to read! Best wishes to your friend, and hope for a speedy recovery.
Happy Anniversary! Mine just passed so we must have made friends about this time last year or was it the spring and here I feel like I’ve known you forever. 🙂
I can see I am going to have to brew some tea and get comfortable for your lovely posts, and cancel my magazine subscriptions… I have all the art, reflection, and inspiration I need right here! Happy blogiversary.
What a great way to tell a story! You can tell your friend that many of us have her in our thoughts..she’s lucky to have a friend like you there.:)
ps…your dolls are NOT ugly!! They’re cute have have lots of personality:)
I couldn’t LIVE without your blog! Thank you for starting it! Now look how many faiery fans you have! Whoopppieee! I loved that picture of the Tree Fairies! That would be all of us alright! I am sending you some extra good vibes for you and your friend. Everything will be fine! Love and smooches and more love!
you deserve the love, honey.
you are the type of person that can amass popularity without being remotely irritating (a rarity!), and this is a true gift – to put it simply, youre a joy to converse with, to know, to read.
there you go, and i hope you had a magical birthday indeed!
……
all my best wishes for your friend.
xxx
I’m sure you’ll be a huge help! Praying… Polly
What? Only one year? It can’t be. It seems like years. I am so happy we found each other. I am looking forward to when we can sit down and have our own tea party.
Take care of yourself sweetie. I imagine that your caring and compassionate presence, your being there, will be exactly what your friend needs.
My thought and prayers are with your friend.
So glad you can be there for her. Just so you know, I have a friend who had to lay like this after an eye operation. It took a long time but her vision DID come back. Sending you smiles!
xox
Constance
I have been thinking of you, and of course Carolyn today! I hope the two of you are doing well, and that all went well with the op.
I know you will do your best to care for her as hard as it is. I mean that in the nicest way possible! It is hard for anyone to care for anyone. I am sure she appreciates it beyond what mere words could convey to you.
Get enough rest. I am thinking of treating the situation like a newborn baby, rest when you can, so when you are needed you are capable of handling things. No blogging! ;D
Happy happy happiest blog anniversary you little nut! I love you!
xoxo
Gillian
Og, I am so sorry I missed your birthday……..I am blowing kises your way.
i am late..as i have been preoccupied with my own little world for a few days…so i am so glad you are a year in blogland…and that we met…and that you are so cute…and such a good friend indeed…prayers still for your dear friend…hugs, r
that doyle piece is really great.
i’m an NPR junkie too
Miss Vanessa, I hope that Carolyn’s surgery went well and that all is grand with both of you…you know how I worry!
I’ll be oh so happy when you are BOTH back on your feet and good as new! Tons of best wishes flying your way, share some with Carolyn….she is in my thoughts! 🙂
One whole year! Bravo! g xo
You are just the kindest and sweetest soul!
I will pray for your friend and hope that her recovery is a fast one. 🙂
I hope the surgery went ok! what a great friend you are!
🙂 D
V–Happiest of blog anniversaries! What a happy week indeed! Except for your poor dear friend, not so happy this week for her. Poor dear. But to have you be there must make her feel so special and cared for, what a great friend you are.
I will keep her in my prayers, and look forward to your updates!
WHAT? You sleep on your back? No wonder you have such a lovely face, not all squished up for half of your life. Me, I have to be COZY. COZY supersedes beauty. COZY COZY COZY.
Ok, back to cookie baking.
xoxo
beautiful, beautiful art and inspiration! I love them all (and yours just as much!)
~*~*~*~
haha i try oh how i try to sleep on my back – it prevents wrinkles you see and i do not want any of those but sadly i always wake up on my belly and face squashed into the pillow…
hey lets go coffee bean sniffing together sometime – i love it too!
have fun day my sweet!
Beautiful art pictures and your new piece is gorgeous too!!!
The Happiest girl this side of the Mississippi, pl…
Bookmarked your post over at Blog Bookmarker.com!