The weather man said a winter storm would find its way to us.
Quick!
Get out the hot drinks!
The skies are grey.
The wind is changing.
Yay.
Time to drink hot chocolate.
If you are lucky, you'll get yours in Limoges.
Okay, who am I kidding.
You'll get Limoges no matter what at my house.
I don't believe in not using the good stuff.
Or not wearing your fancy jewels.
I don't believe in saving things for special occasions.
Life's too short.
I don't have time to wait.
Plus, I don't have Limoges because I am soooooo fancy darlink!
But, more than likely, I got the Limoges at an estate sale.
Okay, I did for sure 🙂
Ooooo, why does everything taste better in French porcelain?
Warm and toasty sips.
Time to…
Get out the neck and head gear.
It's getting mighty chilly.
Not chilly as many of you of course.
But, chilly for us snakes and lizards.
The Christmas guys had fresh garland yesterday.
I L O V E fresh garland in the house.
It's not the holidays for me without such freshness.
I have been spending too many hours on the piano.
Leonard Cohen loves to find me.
Then you get inventing a few tunes, and before you know it, with eyes closed you journeyed and ventured on sonic waves that had you in full trance.
Such marvelous places we can go, aren't there?
That and the scent, ooo, I am happy.
Happy happy happy.
I know, I sound just like Phil Robertson.
🙂
Smell that?
Mmmmm.
Fresh.
The sky is grey, but ever so bright.
It lets in a hazy cool light.
Fresh garland takes the place of eucalyptus.
I just love green in the house.
But my cutie Christmas boxes are still beckoning me.
A few faces making their way out.
Do you keep many house plants?
I have been bringing in all my plants that can freeze.
(freeze warning in effect)
Usually I just cover them.
Or Lovee does, I should say.
Alas, this year I am bringing them in.
I read that 10 house-plants change the air in your house, and add all kinds of good stuff.
(plus fresh air)
So, the ferns are coming in.
Some are in the ground, but others are liking being inside, me thinks.
I love ferns, you?
I find that people either love em, or don't.
I think I love all plants.
I did some holiday chalkboard stuff, only it seems I sloped everything, haha!
Mermaid's eyes don't look so weird in person as they do on film.
It's just that, the wood is fading in places (eyelids) and makes her eyes look funny.
Poor gal.
I found my moon I have had for 20 years.
Actually, I wasn't even looking for it when I found it.
If only I could find my two missing treasures.
(necklace and brooch)
I hide things, or put them in weird places.
Then they are lost.
Help me moon!
Guess what?
My computer blew up yesterday.
(burnt smell plus the sound of a jet engine emerged and it would not start up)
So, I am extra happy to be here today.
It got fixed in 24 hours, yay!!
But now my good camera is in the hospital.
Something must be wrong with me.
Or perhaps, something is right.
Why?
After all my worry and weird stuff that happened to me the last couple years, I am a changed woman.
My reaction to the camera and computer woes.
"Oh well, who cares."
I didn't freak out because, well, what can you do about it?
All you can do is take it to be fixed and hope your piggy back has enough coins, and that it can be fixed.
It's all a person can do, ya know?
I was so stressed out and worried in September that at some point my stress hit this shivering peak, and then, I just threw my hands up in the air.
I was like, if I die, well, what can I do about it?
If my house burns down?
If the worstest thing happens???
What can I do?
I have no control over it.
And where does stress get me anyways?
I just want to live my day to day as happy as I can.
In my own little way, in my own little weird world.
So, just go with the flow and the faith, and hope for the best I say.
A sort of succumb and accept dance.
If all else fails…
There's hot chocolate.
If you are like me…
Somehow the hot chocolate explodes over the edge.
The same way the peanut butter and jelly jars do 🙂
So…
Find a cozy warm spot…
And watch a little winter weather roll in, while sculpting clay.
I am obsessed watching Alaska: The Last Frontier.
I feel so guilty that the store and Burger King are just a short car trip away.
I have this deep yearning to be more self sufficient.
It's such hard work too.
Where that desire comes from, I don't know?
It's such a longing.
Do you ever feel that way?
Wells…
Time to plant tulip bulbs and spread the wildflower seeds for next spring.
Plus, there is clay baking.
Off I go…
See you soon!
Love, V
Christmas is creeping into your house but I see you can’t give up the pumpkins just yet! :0)
I will need that hot chocolate in a couple of days. It was close to 60 today but in a few short days it will be in the teens, for the high! Oh no!
Also, our first measurable snow comes this weekend!
I better get the hot drinks & soups ready! I’m making my husband’s favorite soup right now. It’s stuffed pepper soup, his mom’s recipe. I hope it turns out as good as mom’s!!!
Laura, I have about 50 pumpkins out there to pick!!! I was so greedy
about them, now i have too many. The pumpkin king will curse me for sure
if I dont do something quick :))))
Good thing I didnt take a photo of the piano bench, or under the piano, or
on the family room table. Its pumpkin madnessssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!
;)))
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 12/4/2013 4:34:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Vanessa:
Isn’t it amazing how simple greenery can change the entire mood of a room? So simple and rustic, yet elegant too.
Hey….are you planting your seeds today? I haven’t planted mine yet. I will when you do. Our climates are fairly similar, so I’m following your lead!
I think I’m beginning to understand why I’m not able to find many lovely finds at the antique/flea markets anymore…it’s because you already own all the loveliest, coolest unique antique piece ever in the world!!! (Wow, that was a long sentence).
Now, I’m in the mood for homemade hot chocolate. I’m gonna ask Ava if she wants some.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
I think everything I own is from an antique store, thrift store, yard dale,
estate sale, garage sale 🙂 Literally, I am looking around and nothing is
new. OH!! hahaha! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 12/4/2013 4:41:32 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I absolutely adore that mug! A tiny swish of Bailey’s in my hot chocolate makes it just perfect, dontcha know. 😉
I totaly get that self sufficient thing. I have wanted to do that for years! Unfortunately I seem to be getting more dependent on others or at least on stores, etc the last several years. If I could get this health thing under control, I might be able to grow a pumpkin patch like yours! Of course, by then I’ll have sold my house and have no where to plant them. 🙁
Oh well, I’ll just visit blogland and make my little makings and bake my little bakings and learn to be happy with that.
love & blessings
~*~
ps…hugs & kisses to Matty & Miles! Oh and I LOVE that mermaid!!
Yes all I could think when I saw all that greenery is how fresh and Christmassy it must smell! You have me craving hot cocoa as well. I hope to get the same attitude of not sweating the small stuff. Good way to be! I am glad your electronics are getting fixed though. Electric gadgets are just so much less reliable than things like books 😛
I’ve been trying to help Christmas creep into the house but I have a cold that is zapping my energy. I gotta get busy. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day for getting things done. I love all your fresh greenery. I like to do that because it makes the house smell so nice.
And yes I do have houseplants. I have a Christmas cactus that is in full bloom right now.
I like to watch the shows about Alaska. I would like to be more self sufficient but you know it is really hard work.
Hot cocoa would be nice on this damp, chilly night.
Your Christmas is so pretty!
Yes plants come inside for the winter.
Love Limoge, but most drink my tea or
chocolate in something heavier.
Yum, the smell of warm chocolate and evergreens. I would love to be at your house to smell that. I don’t have plants. Everything I try to grow dies. I don’t know if it’s the Tennessee soil or just me. Probably me because even bagged soil didn’t help.
Everything looks beautiful. I use to put the China away, but now it’s just stacked in the bookcases. I like my vintage finds, and I don’t feel too bad when it breaks because, I gave it a second life.
It’s dull and gray here in Michigan, but….No Snow. t was 46 yesterday, a little balmy for this time of year. Oh well such is life. snow will come soon enough. Arctic blast coming in from Minnesota… not sure when. Got lots of wood for the fire place so we are prepared. Love your china cups, so much fun. I would love to walk through your house and see other fun…
I hope you have a wonderful day. I’m up early so it’s off to work I go.
Lovely post! I think your mantelpiece is so inspiring! We have the same trees here, they smell so nice I think.
Enjoy your cooler weather and hot chocolate, Vanessa! Hot chocolate is my favorite hot beverage and I try and make time to have one every afternoon between 3 and 4. Time to sit for a minute and take a breath {and some chocolate in!}. The peeks of your home are just lovely. I love how you did your mantel. Simple yet very festive looking.
I think, little by *very little by little* I am trying to keep that sort of mind set for life…..whatever happens, don’t worry….because I’m such a worrier….as you know. tee hee. I’ve been better lately….a wee bit, at least. ; ) Thanks for sharing your lovely world!! : )
I just cherish these dull grey days here. They are not common, and
make me feel as though I am in a far away place of drizzle and cold…. 🙂
Stay warm Miss Linda!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 12/5/2013 4:45:23 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Ohhh Vanessa, I love your ferns they are sooo big! I have just one, same kind and it did better this year cuz I was more aware of moving it as the summer weather changed where the shade and full sun hit. Gosh, I think I may need to re pot mine too, poor thing! Glad you mentioned covering plants! Yikes here we go again!
I need to find one of those adorable winking Baileys cups they make me smile! Lovely job on the mantel and all encompassing. Cheers<3
I love the greenery. And the chocolate that overfloweth.
I wish I was sipping…actually, I’d probably slurp it…at your place while you played me Christmasy carols. That would be cush.
I’m completely addicted to greenery, hot cocoa and Alaska: The Last Frontier too! Oh, I love being curled up on the couch with my warm drink watching that show and plotting ways to be more self sufficient.
The husband and I already keep a garden, repurpose things, buy second hand and try to fix things… I think our next step is chickens! That’ll be a fun adventure.. I hope! 😉
Mmmmmm…that hot chocolate looks so tasty! I agree about using the good stuff. No one ever comes to my house for a cuppa without getting to pick out their tea cup from my large collection, and that includes the fanciest china ones! I Love having people over for tea, I always do up a full tea tray for them not matter what! Alas, it doesn’t happen very often. Maybe I just need to throw more tea parties? The only one I usually have is for the Mad Tea Party blog party every year, and even then there is usually only one or two other people. Maybe next year you should come! I mean you are welcome for tea at my house anytime of course, but that would be a specific occasion. Tea parties are the greatest. Hot chocolate parties are good too!
Also I wish someone would just sit around my house and fiddle around on instruments. Mister B plays like every instrument ever, but he never does it when I am around. He always waits until he is alone to improvise. I try to tell him that I love plinking and planking noises in the background, but he just won’t listen!
Oh please please please come to my wee little cottage and decorate!! Standing on tippies yelling into the wind…PlEaSe come to my wee cottage to decorate!! Yours looks ever so lovely with all the fresh greens and I love that you converted your headboard into a fireplace surround, but then you are known for being the most cleverest one in the rhelm…me thinks me spelled that wrong…oopsies!
So, it is elen thirty eight and I’m still in my jammies, but I’ve got some ever greens in the backyard that need pruning, cleaning, and being brought into the cottage. Must run for now…I am feeling very inspired by your photos <3<3<3.
Much love to you...from me
Oh dear! 11:42 and I’m still in my jammies…don’t tell anyone ;-0
Or, I converted my mantle into a headboard, then back to a mantle, teee
heeeee ;))) YAY for jammies and Christmas inspiration!! xoxox
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 12/5/2013 12:41:32 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh thank You for posting Dear sweet Vanessa.What a delight You are to Me :)Yes, You do put a smile on My face when all is going well with You.Your’s and Anita’s Cottages and Crowns are the only blogs I allow on My E-mail alert type thingy…..and there are hundreds of blogs I have on My blog roll.The two of You are My all time faves.I want to wish You and Your Sweetheart Lovey a Wonderful Christmas and if Lovey celebrates Hanuka,I wish Him a wonderful one.God continue to bless both of You with all Your heart’s desire.Please keep in touch-Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage
Pass me the hot chocolate please! 😉 I love hot chocolate!
I have been a zombie of late, in a world of my own, like Alice in Wonderland.
It may snow tonight! Seriously snow! It was 28 degrees last night with a high of 50 today..and the clouds are rolling in with more cold weather for tonight.
I made homemade tamales today…turkey, beef, and the pork ones will follow. It is a huge undertaking for one person. Luckily the turkey, and pork were left over and were in the freezer, and the rump roast beef was left over too. But making the masa dough is a chore! But yumm! yumm! There is noting like homemade tamales.
So we are attempting to keep warm and are waiting for the snow. I think it really is going to snow this time. It’s been ten years since it snowed here.
Enjoy your piano playing, I loose myself when I play the piano too.
Ta! Ta!
Miss Teresa
I’ve been a little “down in the dumps” the past week. It was around 82 degrees here yesterday in Florida, and I’m working through some post-holiday angst, fighting off a cold, plus wondering if I should even hassle with putting up the Christmas tree when there’s 2.5 weeks until the actual day.
I think the holiday celebration in the middle of the week (on a Wednesday) is bumming me out too, since I’m only off one day. Ideally, I should be grateful that I’m paid and have ANY day off work, right? Luckily I’m aware of my shortcomings and don’t need the Universe to give me a kick in the posterior or a “wake up call”
Haha/oi vey.
Anyway, your beautiful holiday scenery have helped sway me. You always remember the magic, so thanks for that. I think once I consume some caffeine and take a shower to really wake up, I’ll put up the tree. Heck, once I have it all out and put together, there’s no going back then! Haha.
Vanessa, I love your chalkboard frame. How did you make that? Or have you a tutorial and I just don’t know it?
Ishould totally make a tutorial, I will do it very soon 😉 Good
idea Miss Sharon.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 12/14/2013 7:35:26 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,