There once was this funny little girl. She would whisper for hours with her dolls, practically crawling inside of her magnificent dollhouse.
She dressed her dolls in jewels and gowns… Dreaming of times and places she could have never lived in… Her mother referred to her as Contess Frangipani. She dreamed herself as Cornelia Sweetflour… But her real name would always be Vanessa Valencia Cola Pestilencia.
She announced proudly to boys and then men, that she would never give up her name. Joyously encouraging that they might take on hers…
She dreamed she would always be the same little girl. Only wishing to be older so she could have treasure chests filled with jewels… She dreamed this while sitting in the grass, under big trees, plucking leaves off of flowers & nibbling on treats… She made her own wishes into the wind…
She grew up in a little village that surrounded a very very old wonderul church. The church had beautiful stained glass windows, and sky high ceilings, with dark wooden beams and medieval designs… Two giant angels, hovered way up above … Sometimes she’d visit alone.. A wonderful escape. When noone was around she would find peace & relish in the wonderful scent of an old beautiful church… Candles and incense…
She was fascinated with fountains and old garden statues… She knew that when she grew up she would have statues like the ones in old cemetaries, strewn throughout her garden…
She wanted to be a bit like Miss Havisham (some of you know her as Miss Dinsmoor), sans the whole, left at the alter mean hag thing. Going more for the old gowns and collapsing old, mansion effect… Still, always the dream of a perpetual dress up party loomed… And jewels, jewels, jewels…
Oh life was not all perfection for the little miss. She had the regular school tauntings, and the usual teenage angst… But she had a mother who sent her off to school with sandwiches shaped like hearts, and freshly baked delicacies… Of course, she didn’t realize the tenderness of her mother’s doings until she was a much older girl. But the memories were blissful… (Oh, and she had a father too, who would drop anything he was doing to fulfill the munchkins every whim – almost- he also had a paddle that said, "heat for the seat." But that is a whole other show, as they say)
The girl worried all of the time, that she would forget her youthful desires. Fountains and statues, jewels and perpetual dress-ups… Curio cabinets filled to the brim!!!
She went off to University and got a degree, she went through lots of loves and had some horrid jobs… But the good news was… She never did forget that little girl inside of her… And, years ago, when she was ready… She schlepped home a fountain, and a bizillion other treasures…
Oh, the love of the sound of a trickling fountain…
The girl still plays dress up, and has quite a ball, alone in a drawer, like those days in the dollhouse. But now, she has many jewels that suit her fancy (and budget, afterall she is a single girl making her own way in a great big world). The good news is that when she comes home with that huge piano (she already has 3) and a bag (s) of loot.. She has noone to yell at her, or ask to see the checkbook. heehee. Although, Mr. Lovee might slightly over-react at the amount of loot she hauls to Catalina.
You might be asking yourself, Why today’s tale? The purpose is quite simple. To remind you to try to never forget that girl inside of you. No matter what age you are. No matter how many kids or husbands, you’ve had, or haven’t had… There is still a girl in you, who might want to play dress up… Who might want to eat chocloate croissants in bed and listen to weird old music (one of my faves).
A Girl who might have a heavy heart and need to be reminded of the precious person she holds inside. The outside really is only a tattered case, for a magical violin… It is inside that the song still plays… You are never too young to know this, and never to old to remember this… No matter what age. Now is the time to play & above all, to nurture your soul…
Do something silly, have a ball of your own… Play dress up! Wear you favorite jewels to the grocery store. I know I do…
And for those of you girls, who are still quite young… And feel like you are running out of time to get things done… Rememeber there are no rules for when it is time to find the perfect man, no rules on when to have babies or when to find the perfect job. Take a deep breath, dance around, embrace your age and who you are… You’ll look back and be glad that you did…
We all change from day to day. Who you were at 25 will not be who you are at 35, and so on… Don’t rush the choices. By golly, we have so many of them!
I know for me, I am still a girl inside. That girl who used to dream. The little girl in me, thanks me everyday for keeping her around… Although, sometimes, we go a little overboard with the collecting…
Just a few days ago, I thought of my wonderful mom, and her love of all things dress up. How she has kept her "girl" alive. She is funny and youthful. She has helped me to know how to nurture myself, and supports all my crazy choices…I missed her lovely heart shaped sandwiches, dolls, jewels and pink galore… So I jumped into the car and drove out of town, off to visit her and my dad. I warned noone. Hence my disappearance 😉 I knew, when it was time, for their always "little girl," to make a much needed visit.
absolutely beautiful, why did you have to stop, tehe
I came to your site through My Marrakesh, and I feel so connected to your spirit of fun and treasure! I have fought my urge to collect shiny pretty things in order to have clean lines and clutter free space…but I also have a gynormous orange fake fur coat, jewels that bedazzle those around me, shoes and handbags with sparkles and glitter and colour galore and comments that follow me wherever I go! I have just bought a new loft post divorce, it is very industrial and spare, and I think I shall fill my office with treasure! All of it, of every theme and whim–perhaps my hats can find a home in there with my pirate paraphenalia, my african statues, my seashells, my old stuffed bears and pigs and monkeys, and everything else that has been sitting in a box! Thank you for reminding me that just because everyone else doesn’t get it, doesn’t mean that I can’t dance with it! PS. I am waiting for the Right One of your beautiful paper ladies to appear and then I shall order her the day she arrives online and have her in my office soon after—I thought she might be a mermaid, but so far, it is not to be….
“To remind you to try to never forget that girl inside of you. No matter what age you are. No matter how many kids or husbands, you’ve had, or haven’t had… There is still a girl in you, who might want to play dress up…”
Thank you Vanessa…it’s been a :-PP kind of week and perhaps tomorrow I will indeed eat chocolate croissants in bed and then brush the crumbs off as I put on my most sparkliest jewels, play dress-up and decide how I will make the dreams I still dream come true! 🙂
Such good words and thoughts to share and remind us of!
You are a special spirit and have a talent for spreading your wonders….these thoughta of little girls…’dressing’ up…hmmmm, they are out there in Blogland, waiting to burst….
Watch for the signs….here, there and…everywhere….
the dresses
are waiting
for the Spirits
of the ALWAYS girls
to come and don
this Finery
to dance and twirl
under the stars
and glowing
in the moonlight
sharing Secrets
of Forever
and Today…
will you PLAY?
… did I hear
you whisper…
yes, yes and oh yes…
I will.
xox – eb
Oh, Lovely,lovely,lovely! What a wonderful post! I needed to be reminded of my little girl. Mine likes treaure and dress up too, and I like her. It is very nice to have a daughter who likes these same things I do because it helps keep my little girl around! Thank you lovely girl!
How interesting my darling that just a couple of days ago I posted something similar in tone. The fact that we cannot, at any age, deny our inner child. In fact I wrote this: “We are handed so much seriousness that it truly is worth letting that inner child come out to play sometimes….tap in to it once in a while, reminding ourselves that although we reside in the body of a 30, or 40 or 50 or 60 on up body…..the child that used to roll down hills or climb trees or played dress up is still in there.” So I say we have a big giant dress up party…and we all have a twirl and sing silly songs (you can play the piano as I haven’t played in years). And everyone will be ageless -I’ll wear my stripey tights! And you?
XOXOXOXO
you are magic, magical and inspiring x
I don’t remember being a little girl, but things as they were then, I grew up fast. I was an outrageous Teen though. I had Black and Pink Hair!I wore my combat boots with the Hot pink laces, with the pleated black Mini. and yes pink fishnets. I love to dress up! I had Pink and blue high top Keds that went perfect with my prom dress. Every one called it a “phase”! RED lipstick was the best with any outfit! (What other color was there?) I am pretty average now. I dress like a mom, but I still have the boots! and wear them. I had fun and made memories, that still make me smile. And the best thing is that no one recognizes me at class reunions, and are shocked when they figure it out! I am glad you got to visit your mom and dad. I am lucky mine only live about 4 miles away, so I get to see them a lot.I am glad you are back. I always am excited when I see a new post here. You alway make me smile.
love Erin~
This story is so sweet and magical. Thank you oh so much for sharing!!
Oh! Lovely! : ) I play dress up at least once a day! : )
the little girl within me is always given lots of attention – how bland would life be without her and her crazy dreams and desires!!
a wonderful post! I never forget the little girl….
this was so beautiful, what a wonderful read and it was the perfect thing for me to read today!!!!
I love you thank your for giving me a wonderful and unknown birthday gift!!
Yes, a tattered case!! Were you seeing my image in the mirror this morning and reading my thoughts???
Because really I’m this little elastic child back-flipping all over the yard and camping out on the trampoline.
You are very fortunate to have both of your parents for that special retreat! Don’t miss a second of the opportunities there…
We have dinner with my parents every Sunday.
My Mother loves to dress up…she wears her best jewelry that always matches.
Yesterday it was our turn to take care of dinner and we decided to take them to a new Oriental Restaurant in our town.
I was wearing a black and brown sarong…sandals, black v neck tee shirt, kukui necklace and my honu (sea turtle) neckalace that I bought in Hawaii and gold rings…my husband had suggested I wear a sarong…since summer is almost gone…I have a large collection of sarongs. I said “It’s raining” he said “It is warm and you would get wet no matter what you would be wearing”
When my parents arrived at my house for cocktails. The first thing my Mother said “It’s raining and I decided to wear slacks,an ordinary bouse and sensible shoes…and you are playing dress up” she then told me that I looked beautiful…and I felt happy and beautiful…dress up does that for you.
helloo to all the silly, gorgeous, smart little girls out there. i have pretended to be a grown up for far too long. lately, my own, almost lost, quirky kid has been shouting and shouting to be let out. and wanna know something? everyone around her agrees that she’s much more fun!
cheers vanessa, this is a fabulous way to start my monday!!!
Is all of that stuff from Tucson or Catalina? Did you ever work the Tucson debacle out? Did you really bring all that back with you?! Its like the end of some PBS drama, waiting for it’s conclusion.
You good girl ! I’m off to see my Mama today(with my little girls in tow)!Oh,and why is it I know who Miss Havisham is but not Miss Dinsmoor?
By the by,your great big rhinestone bracelet,I have one almost exactly like it,great minds…as they say.
Dear Vanessa,
Your line;
A Girl who might have a heavy heart and need to be reminded of the precious person she holds inside.
spoke to me.
aww, a girl after my own heart! I loved that! I am much the same, at 46, I still play. I still love to sneak off into the woods or to the beach and collect shells and rocks and pine cones and make fairy wreaths from flowers. Always play! Never Grow Up!! Long Live Peter Pan!!!! and princesses and heart shaped sammies!
Vanessa, you and eb have inspired me so much. I am dying to drag out the paint and paper and reconnect with her.
Also, I love thinking of you as my very own Miss Havisham friend, albeit not as creepy or crazy.
love that grave photo. just love
Oh!
How beautiful this post is. My little girl thanks you. Tomorrow she will come out to play.
What the heck I will let her out now and wear a pink dress to wash the dishes 🙂
Chocolate Croissants in bed, huh? I’ll have to give that a try. One of my favorite things to do is give myself a treat by buying one of those huge boxes of chocolates, and sitting in the tub with a glass of wine, bubbles and chocolates! Wonderful decadence!! Superb!
You Vanessa are a dreams come true kind of person! I like that. 🙂
Ahh, i keep forgetting, so thank you.
It is easy to get so caught up that you would forget such important things, like chocolate coissants, and why you have a crazy garden!!
I have a fairy grandbaby that I am collecting dress up clothes for. Her size and mine too, so we can have tea parties together!
Yes Ms Fanciful,I’m On Board with you all the way!!
I’ll be the one all dressed up and playing till the day it is no longer possible!!
Beautiful Post! from a beautiful girl!!!
You have such a lovely way of telling stories. Have you considered writing a book? (Probably you have.) If not, seriously consider it!!
Have a beautiful week!
Kim
Oh Vanessa! Thank you for that lovely journey!!! Thank you for reminding me to stop and enjoy the moment. Love, Jamie
Oh Vanessa! Thank you for that lovely journey!!! Thank you for reminding me to stop and enjoy the moment. Love, Jamie
Thank you for the fabulous post. I have been in a bit of a funky funk… remembering and honoring the little girl— PERFECT!
Happy, happy day. I think I’m off to make a cherry coke. 🙂
Bravo!!! (Whistles!) Way to go!
We must put the dishes to one side;
Unplug the iron;
Take out the bakeware;
Locate the dragees and sprinkles;
Bake until we can smell nothing but chocolate and pink icing.
The little girl mustn’t be neglected! Thanks for the brilliant reminder. We have the rest of our lives to be “grown up”, so let’s have a ball!!!
xoxo
Blue
What a fine time for this reminder…I have been far too serious as of late, some new lines joining the others on my forehead…you know the spot, just between your eyebrows? I needed to hear that there is never a time limit on the things you want to do…I may have to escape soon too…let the little girl come out and play!
What a fine time for this reminder…I have been far too serious as of late, some new lines joining the others on my forehead…you know the spot, just between your eyebrows? I needed to hear that there is never a time limit on the things you want to do…I may have to escape soon too…let the little girl come out and play!
What a fine time for this reminder…I have been far too serious as of late, some new lines joining the others on my forehead…you know the spot, just between your eyebrows? I needed to hear that there is never a time limit on the things you want to do…I may have to escape soon too…let the little girl come out and play!
if only there were more women who didn’t give up the little girl side of them, the world would be a better place. 🙂
that is why i still have crayons and colorbooks around the house, and they aren’t for the granbabies! ;o
I knew you had a secret…..a loving mum and a loving dad 🙂
What a wonderful, beautiful post.
I will print it out and give it to my 18 year old as a belated little birthday present.
What a lovely story. I grew up on fairy tales. I still long for the huge red fairy tale book with wonderful illustrations which I used to read in school as a child. I wish I could find a copy.
That really was a beautiful post and so wise, we all need to hang on to that little girl and let her come out to play sometimes.
Contess Frangipani, Cornelia Sweetflour… Hmm, I suspect you get a great deal of enjoyment from conjuring up such delightful names.
take care, g
Such a great story . You almost make me cry . it is so touching . Even if I’m still young ( 30 years) , I’m still a little girl . I love to eat candies in my bed with some of my friends . I love dressing up and listening to ols music.
Mélanie
How delightful. I always thoroughly enjoy your stories 🙂
What a wonderful tale you have woven here and how wonderful that you went and visited your parents on a whim like that. You are amazing.
I have a Mother very similar to yours. It is amazing how much we can realize about our parents as we get older, isn’t it? I love that and only wish I had been able to see it earlier on.
xo,
Karen Beth 🙂
Thank you for that…it was just what I and it would seem a million other strange girls needed today.
I promise to put on my pretty green shoes to walk the dogcreatures today.
I’ll even click my heels and send you a happy wish.
bee
Hats off to ‘The Mother’ and ‘The little girl inside you’!
Thank you for the reminder, I do forget about the girl inside me because I’m too preoccupied thinking about grown-up stuff. I always make time to visit you tho! 🙂
boy everytime I come to your blog I think OK today there will be somthing just kinda same ole same ole.. but no… not ever has that happened… I needed to read this today… 🙂
You are a cola pestilencia.
fun, fun, fun!!! that’s what you are, you know! how many pianos do you have?? we have this antique italian little organ in our gargage, we don’t have room in the house, i wish i could send it to you..steve bought at a antique place 5 years ago…there it sits in a darkened garage, wishing it could be played by jewelled hands!!! Can you come and fetch it, i should send you a picture!
that was a warm and beautiful post. i loved the metaphor of the violin.
oh my friend…it is so god to hear how alike we are…i have a ball most times…never intend to grow up or old or whatever…i will alwyas dance…wear painted outfits…sparkly things…laugh loudly…and sing even louder…i love you and miss you…blessings, rebecca
What a magical story. Thank you for sharing. Came your way via Tongue and Cheek, I love the pictures of you post. May Mother’s always be cherised, and little girls always play dress up.
Enchanting…and a much needed reminder…
oh please come and play….
clap clap clapppping ! !!!
(ps. everytime I click on comments section it switches me over to your blog links page ! WEIRD ! I had to hit the preview button to type in the comment box…..just an FYI !)
xo-S.
Testing
testing
Oh my…that brought tears to my eyes. It is so true that the child in us is just under the surface. We have to remind ourselves that it still exists and steers our creative energies. Thank you, Vanessa!
Awwwww Vanessa!!!! That was a magnificent post!!!
What fabulous imagery! Thanks so much for sharing – you made my day (and gave me something to think about!!)
Sarah 🙂
Your words are truly beautiful and very true! I really loved this post and thank you for writing much needed encouraging words… Big hug, Alicia.
A hug to you for such a wonderful uplifting post!!! i have been taking time lately to cherish the little girl inside of me. sometimes i forget she is there…my daughter helps me remember. your blog helps me remember.
i hope my daughter feels about me someday the way you feel about your mom.
xoxo,
I just adore this post what a lovely reminder to embrace the little girl in all of us, we are never too old to play or dream are we? Just lovely!!!!
XOXO
Kristen
You are talented in more than one way! I so enjoyed this post or story with pictures!!
You are talented in more than one way! I so enjoyed this post or story with pictures!!
You are talented in more than one way! I so enjoyed this post or story with pictures!!
VeeVee,
You the most specialist girl I know….I loved your memories & musings, thanks for sharing…
You are a fabulous lovely lady GIRL Ms.
Vanessa!!!!
Rose
Oh sweetheart, you make me smile. I have missed you. Making my slooooow comeback. Wonderful to read your words.
Oh dear, do you have time to read comment #72? Dear Miss Frangipani, please move over and make some room for me. Your chocolate croissant is looking delicious. And that first work of yours you have posted is most divine.
No one fills out a tattered violin case like you my love. It’s just one pearl of a post after another with you isn’t it?
I love your little girl, mine is a collector to and loves to just put all the things in groups together, so they can play if she is not watching them 🙂
Great blog!
I love this story, I don’t know how I miseed it. Sounds like you had a wonderful childhood, and the child lives on…I agree, keep hold of the inner-child, it’s a part of you that still carries on dreaming and nothing can take that away!
Found your blog and thoroughly enjoyed reading some of your posts…this one in particular…Thank you! Just what I needed to hear! xoxo