I have a tiny adventure for you, on the cusp of where, Arizona nights meet the winter solstice…
You see, I was going to throw you a proper holiday party tonight. You know, blinking reindeer earrings, garlands as a collar. The whole bit.
But then, the moon turned up.
Preparing itself to put on an eclipse show later..
And so, with la luna - encasing my thoughts…
I hired a hay ride (of the imaginary variety), to take you through my neck of the woods, on a beautiful winter evening journey in Southern Arizona.
Where enchantment, like glowing flames, drips out of the sky…
So, picture this.
It is 68' F as the sun sets.
The air is perfect. Not humid, not dry.
It smells fresh, clean – but dashed with a hint of Mexican Moon… (ps: Mister Lovee won me over when he handed me a cd of him and his band covering that tune)
Okay so…
You jump onto a horse drawn hay ride.
(Now, humor me for just a second, if you will)
Ottmar happens to be on the same hayride (of course ;).
Your shoulders start to move back and forth…
Cheesy scenario?
But good, right?
The glow of the moon is astounding…
And then, you see where the hay ride is taking you….
Gypsy nights.
The lights glitter and glow, and you can't help but jump off the hayride and dance, right there under a sparkling tree…
You close your eyes under the moon, and sway…
La Luna plays…
December in Arizona.
Oh so yumm.
Gypsies twirl, in their embroided skirts, throwing their heads up in laughter…
And you join in.
How can you not?
No one knows you here, break free ;)
It's a Christmas party, in the gypsy garden, under the moon, in the desert…
Lights swirl…
Hair flows in the breeze…
You feel the music from the tips of your fingers, to the tips of your toes.
And the moon, oh the moon…
Are you a gypsy tonight?
Enchanted evenings…….
Happy Winter Solstice!
Now, back under the moon I go.
Hope to see you there!
Oh wait, I think I hear you now…
Oh how fabulous, what ever have you got on?
You are in full costume…
Do give me the details of your ensemble.
My goodness look at you, you're a vision 😉
what a fabulous solstice celebration! however, i have shown up skyclad for this special Yule night, so cover your eyes if you’re prudish ;]
My dancing boots have no heels but I think I can move a little better that way. And I’m wearing leggings under my skirt because I rode all the way from Oregon and it’s chilly here! That’s okay, that means I can flip it about and not worry about flashing anyone. 😀
Oh but I’m wearing a huge white feather fascinator in my I-let-it-go-wavy-today hair and I really do feel like quite a gypsy when I do that. And with white accessories that moon is going to make me glow like a moonflower.
I hope you have some nice strong coffee so I don’t fall asleep!
I may not by a gypsy tonight, but I am a wolf. Goddess of the Hunt and of the Moon.
Because of your delightful Halloween Blog Party this year, my husband insisted I throw a Christmas Party. Please join my festivities, frolicking and gifts as we near the end of The 12 Guys of Christmas.
http://www.wolfhowlings.wordpress.com
Delight-full moon tonight.
Hoooooooooowwwwwwwlll…!
SPARKLEISHOUSNESS, BAYBEEEE!!! Rhinestones, glitter, twinklelights twinklestars, eclipsing moons, I am in I am in I am in for it all! sing with me Veevvaaallaaaaa: Feliz navidad Feliz navidad Feliz navidad prospero ano y felizidad I wanna wish you a sparkly solstice i wanna wish you a sparkly solstice i wanna wish you a sparkly solstice from the bottom of my gumball heeaarttttt! XOXOXOXOX (my slippers are BIG FUR BOOTIES, but i can gussy em up with sprinkles if necessary!!!)
Thank you for the wonderful ride, I’m definitely dancing, I love dancing and I love the moon. 🙂 I’m wearing many bangles that tinkle when I move and a flowing colorful dress full of stars…
I will be wearing a fitted 14th century dress with sleeves that nearly trail the floor, made for my by a friend who needs some magick tonight, and sparkly, shiny shoes. My hair is all wild and finally half way down my back, I will dance dance dance health and happiness back into my tiny corner of the world.
I will be observed bemusedly by a tiny Chihuahua the color of toast.
I am wearing a dress made of silver stars. When I twirl to your gypsy music they sparkle and the moonlight plays off them – flashing signals to the fireflies in the distance. “Come here, let’s be one.” <3
I’m a crab born under the moon sign but I feel a touch of flamenco coming on…….peacock feathers, moonstone vintage sequins, fishnets (yes!), a passionflower in my hair and matte fiery red lipstick…..oh and my fur wrap dragging behind me – – – (for the hayride, of course)
Thankyou for the wonder-filled night. The moon looks amazing. The coloured lights are beautiful, and the music has me swaying…
I am only wearing a modest white blouse and a dark flowing, swirly skirt..with low heels that are very comfotable. But what I lack in elaborate appearance, I make up for with my dance partner. None other than ‘Roux’ (aka Johnny Depp). He must have grown tired of ‘Vianne’ and had his fill of ‘Chocolat'(the movie), and so has surprised me with an appearance, here…at your place. Lucky Me!!
I’m wearing my full circle patchwork skirt and a purple sparkly shirt, oh and of course my dancing boots. Who can resist a night of dancing under the moon? Beautiful post as always Vanessa. 🙂 Solstice Blessings!
Dearest Vanessa,
Because it is so cold and snowy here and I am so happy to have a chance to be warm at your party, I find the dress I bought years ago and never wore. It’s made in India and it’s something like you would find at Mexicali Blues or Hippy Gypsy. It is sleeveless and dyed bright blue and purple and has tiny moons all over it! On my feet, I’m wearing the shoes I wore at my wedding, super-comfortable Pumas that look like something between a sneaker and a ballet slipper in a super soft shade of lavender. I’m wearing the hoop earrings I haven’t worn in years and I’ve brought my favorite dance partner, my husband, who might even sell me at a garage sale for the chance to live in Arizona! Thank you for the beautiful party and Happy Solstice to you!
ahhhh I am coming from afar…east coast is where I’m from…the heavenly glow of the moon & the twinkling light of the stars guide me to the “gYPsY gArDeN pARtY” but you see were I came from its very cold so I am dressed for the arrival of magical snow…
my head dress is cast with magical dew & a pale pale blueish glow on the white fur & a large Snowflake Jewel in the center of the hat…resembles the hats worn back in the day of Dr. Zhivago’s times…my long flowing white shoulder to toe jacket has the tiniest little pearl like diamond sparkle snowflakes…my boots are covered with the magical dew white fur that is on my head dress… the sled that carries me to the party glides with delight knowing that it is taking me to Enchanting Night of festivities…
ohhh I am giddy with wonder & joy knowing that I will dance with the sugar plum fairies & all that will attend…oh how I wish this night would never end ~ have a honey of day & night & may sweet things come your way! ;0) xox
Oh my beloved Ottmar…I’ve been a fan since the late 80’s! My favorite cd (and cd cover photo-whew) is Barcelona nights. He has a blog you know and is such a multi-faceted guy.
Happy Solstice!
Thank you so much for the lovely pictures and beautiful music. I love classical Spanish guitar.
Happy winter solstice to you!
Tracy M.
I’m still dancing Vanessa…does the music ever stop?!? 😉 😉
Jamie 🙂
The moon in one of the photos actually looks like an eye! Simply divine! And the music…. I think I shall play this one all day long! Thank you for a moment of relaxation and fun!
OOh Lovely Gypsy night under the moon!!!! Thank you thank you for the lovely hayride and the magical destination!!! What am I wearing you ask? My little peasant nightshirt with my patchwork skirt sewn with glittering thread and coins dripping from the scarf around my head. Oh! My ankles are jingling and jangling encircled with bells as I dance to the magic of the gypsy spells…tee hee!
Oh Fanciful Beloved One, did you see the eclipse from your gypsy wagon? My sky was filled with rain pelting down. No moon could I see. Thankfully you captured glimpses for me…and everyone else of course ;-). Such a magical sky you dance beneath.
xoxox Cori
Oh gosh am I sucker for a hay ride. I fling myself on them when I can! I hope you have a lovely holiday tonight and this week! I appreciate your gift to the Universe with your perspective, your light and all you create. Blessings friend from very chilly, snowy, southern, Wisconsin
Bright blessings for the solstice, thank you for letting me ride in your gypsy caravan!
Glad to see the moon you see is as beautiful as the one I’m looking at tonight 🙂
A fab and pretty Winter Solstice celebration. I am dressed in my favorite grey scarf which has pandas on it, a beloved red blouse with cap sleeves, a pretty vibrant blue skirt and true pretty gypsy earrings.
Happy Winter Solstice and Full Moon.
I want to be gypsy. I want to dance under the winter moon. I feel the music.
But the song I have going through my head is one from my youth
And when that moon gets big and bright
It’s supernatural delight
Everybody’s dancin’ in the moonlight.
Dancin’ in the moonlight
Everybody’s feelin’ warm and right
It’s such a fine ‘n’ natch-ral sight
Everybody’s dancin’ in the moonlight.
Everybody here is outa site
They don’t bark and they don’t bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Everybody’s dancin’ in the moonlight.
I think they must have been singin’ about this occassion.
Thank you for a lovely party Miss Vanessa
Reminds me of an old Bob Seger song: “A gypsy wind is blowing warm tonight.
The sky is starlit and the time is right”
This was wonderful, delightful, whimsical, and absolutely magical. I hope your Christmas is all of that and more. Hug each other, laugh and love each other. It’s Christmas. Make merry!! – Cheers, Kathy
I can’t right from the flower-child love celebration in my tie-dye and braids, to your moon dance!
mmmmm…
We were supposed to see the lunar eclipse from the Northeast the other night. But it snowed, and the sky was overcast. Your post is so lovely as always.
Stopping by to wish you and Mr. Lovee a Beautiful holiday.
Merry Christmas,
Karen
I am lucky to live along the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver. In the dark we journeyed to Red Rocks the world renowned natural amphitheater that sits between majestic red rock god like natural sculptures and overlooks the prairie. In said place we played percussion instruments and danced among the rock gods, drumming up the sun on winter solstice. We said good night to the moon and her shadow play and whooped and sang the return of the stronger rhythms of the sun. What did we wear? What we always wear in the mountains, layers. Layers and masks, layers and magic, layers and light. It was all an illusion. The sun is always shining. The solstice is all about limited human perception. But I love things that have to do with calendars, survival and ancient wisdom. I honor what this time meant to my ancestors.
What a beautiful party you’ve thrown for us, Vanessa! And such gorgeous photos, too. 🙂 What am I wearing….hmmmm. Long flowing skirts, flowers in my hair, lots of glittery make-up, and shoes perfect for dancing (like flat renaissance style shoes). Thanks for an enchanting time! xoxo Theresa
Thank you for a lovely party. I got a chance to dance with Mr. Loveeee…he kept talking about you ;} The moon was bright and the lovely gypsy garden glowed. What a party!!!!!
Ken and I did see parts of the eclipse…it was amazing and worth waking up for.
xoxo and Very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Yes I am a gypsy…
A gypsy party is very welcome and fresh music to fill my dreams.
My bare feet seem to float whenever I am in your gardens.
My gown is made of gauze tonight, layers and layers that feel as if I am totally free. Of course there is shimmer and my hair flows free and to the ground unbound as well.
I wish I could stay longer.
Such beautiful photo’s of your part of the sky 🙂 A very Merry & Happy to you and yours! Hugs & love & many thanks again for your kindness throughout my Summer/Fall ordeal. ~Jo
Oh thank you for the view of the moon (and Ottmar who I’ve long loved)! The clouds and rain have been long covering my own piece of the sky…Merry HoHoHo Miss V!
La ringrazio per intiresnuyu iformatsiyu
Amazing picture shared by you. It’s really beautiful. I never found such a great and amazing pictures. Thanks for this one.