I am busily working in the studio, all sorts of fun things on the horizon. I know I have been saying that for a month (or two). But I have a busy behind the scenes, and also shipped out a bevy of secret loves and deadlines over the last two months. Here is a tiny teeny peek at one of the girls on a voyage…
Now I am saner, err, well, my schedule is getting saner ;) and I am back to finishing up shop treats…
So, in keeping with the post title…
Actual Truth.
There are new loves in the studio almost complete for a shop update.
The Elfin have their base coats on and are on their way to almost done…
Random Truth.
I am getting worse about reading details. But when I read this, the memory of pouring over love notes, reading into every letter, made me nostalgic for dramatic love letters (I still have all mine from beaus, even elementary school ones). I am ever thankful for this wee book sent to me amongst many other treasures, from beloved Miss Deborah…
Tid-bit.
Sometimes I sleep with paint on me. My thumb looks like that now :)
Actual Truth.
My friend Laura rocks. Plain and simple. I can't explain how wonderful she is. I am lucky, not only to have her has a long distance friend, but for the fact that she got me back into letter writing. She sends snail mail letters that I crawl up and savor. They make me laugh, they make me feel so alive and so, "she gets me." I have finally written her a 12 page letter. (note to self – send that bad boy out already)
Actual Truth & Lovelies.
I write all my letters (okay, one letter so far) with this fab ring on, from beyond talented Ann-Denise Anderson…
While decked out in this totally wonderful scarf she made me (isn't it sooo good? Love it!)
Tid-Bit.
I knocked this over and didn't bother picking it up. Ever.
Truth.
This is how my table in the center of my studio looks now. There is even moss growing. I should be ashamed of my mess. But I ain't… I say I am, but I am not really truly. If I was, I suppose I would pick it up. I just can't. My limbs won't do it.
Actual Truth.
I just ran down to the studio and grabbed a gumball and am chewing like a mad woman.
Random Tid-bit.
A Mister Moose overlooks the goings on in the studio. ( from darling Miss Deborah 😉
Very True Lovelies.
I love butterflies. I like to collect them. They say Vanessa means butterfly? Who knows… But I have nests with butterflies and speckled eggs all over my studio. Have for years. They make me happy for some reason.
Actaul Truth.
The ones under glass make me a tiny bit sad (I got the ones below at an antique store). When I was a kid my grannie's garden had so many butterflies it was outrageous and astounding. A true phenomena I think. Us kids, would catch them in jars, and my Aunt Denise would yell at us, and make us let them go. She was right.
Unbelievable Truth (literally).
I showed Mister Lovee my dream-boat greenhouse that is in Country Living Magazine April 2009. It is unreal, grab the issue if you don't have it. Start your letter to Santa :)
I asked Mister Lovee if he would build it for me on the slab where my old bath-tub used to be. He said Yes! I said, when can you start, he said, I'll start on it tomorrow. Ummm, I don't know about you, but I don't think he took my request very seriously at all 🙂
There is other wonderful goodness in Country Living this month (April 09).. YUM!!
Funny Truth.
Martha is all about butterflies and speckled eggs in the April 2009 issue. Check out the beauties in this months Living Magazine spread. Right up my alley!!
And there I thought eggs and butterflies were my pairing?!? ;) ;)
Okay, so how about a few more random truths…
I am totally double jointed. I can do weird thing with my hands and toes. I can touch my toes to my head. I can touch them both to my head, at the same time too. Mister Lovee thinks it is crazy, but I bet a lot of you can do it??
I run around our crazed wacky country property looking like a hagette. I get in a bad mood when the kitchen is a mess, that is the one place I try to keep tidy. And the sink is always sparkly.
And the last piece to this most non-sensical blog post… Mister Lovee had me go outside and take these for you a few minutes ago…
I am so glad I did.
Oh wait, there is one more thing. Don't forget, St. Patrick's day is right around the corner, and my free brooch tutorial is still available right here….
Look at that! One last Crrrazy Unplanned Truth.
I just got an e-mail from Mister Ireland (12 seconds ago), inviting me to his world, and this place. Too bad he is a little too late (years late in fact). Anyone want to join him? haha!
I best be on my way, my dancing partner (Mister Lovee) awaits my computer departure, so we can take a little spin… ;) xoxo, V
ps: See you Saturday at the Carnival Soiree!! (Details in last blog post)
Oh what a fun post filled with sweet tid-bits. The garden house is to die for! I keep wanting hubby to build me one and have pictures stored up with ideas. Will it ever happen? Probably not, but that’s OK because half the fun is dreaming about it!
Wouldn’t it be funny to greet Mr. Lovee with plans and details first thing in the morning? “Here dear, enjoy your coffee, and while you’re drinking here are some dimensions and ideas for my garden bower.” What fun to see his reaction.
The night sky is beautiful! Thank Mr. Lovee for his thoughtfulness and have a lovely evening sweet friend. Now I’m off to bed :)!
xoxoxo Cori
Hey, I got here before anyone else…hee hee!
Love your girl in that first photo!!
Oh you need to see pics of my “tree” with butterflies and birds on it. I’ll email you pics when I post about it. I am doing the butterflies and eggs thing too 🙂
Truth-
I was truly happy to see your messy (using that adjective in a completely complimentary way) studio. Mine is messy. I was working on some jewelry today, happily soldering away, humming to the music playing in the background and I looked at the worktable, saw piles of paper, stacks of ribbons, bunches of beads, in amongst the pickle pot and assortment of pliers, and thought to myself, “What a mess! I should organize and tidy up.”
And then I thought, “Naw, I like it like this.”
When all I ever see is photos of pristine, organized to the hilt, studios, it’s good to know someone else likes messy too.
Yours looks grand.
Being Native American. The Butterfly is one of ya Totem Animals hun. Whenever ya see one float by ya it means Changes are forthcoming. I have the Butterfly as my totem as well.
They have such beauty to them ashame they only live for 2 weeks. I can see why ya Grammie had ya release them.
I adore ya dolls. The first one reminds me of one of my faes in my magical forest.
Enjoy ya night hun.
Big Hugs~
I was about to go to bed when I saw your post. Now I have lovely images of butteflies, garden houses and a sky filled with the moon shining to help me sleep. Kisses to you.
actual truth
i randomly bought my first ever country living style mag today!! not the one you are talking about but something similar and gorgeous.
love the info, so much fun.
%^_^%
When my mom and I were going for one of our morning walks a few weeks ago, we came across a glass frame full of butterflies and moths, sticking out of a dumpster. We were appalled, and marched it straight home unashamed for my little sister, who collects desert beetles and such and puts them in cases. She loved it! It is sad though, not seeing them fly around with flowers.
There is a movie that really reminds me of you that I watched a couple times this week. It is called The Fall and is by Tarsem. So beautiful! (and artsy, and there are butterflies)
love, Cait
Oh I have that CL issue! I could live i that little room. To wake up looking up at the vine climbing over the roof!? Bliss!!!
I love this post, so full of YOU. I do think someday I’d like to hang out with you – I believe it would cause a welcome transformation in me. I think I have a wild gypsy woman lurking inside that needs some outside help (and maybe a hammer?) to break free…
Great pix here!
xoxo,
Kate
Wee Hee! I just came back and followed all your Rabbit Trails. What fun and talented friends you have…all of them lovely!!! Do you hear the hammering of nails yet :)? Must buy that magazine on my way home from work!!!
Have a whimsical wonderful day!!!
xoxoxox Cori
what a fun post – so filled with – well – er – um – uh – truth, tid-bits and many lovelies!
hope you enjoyed (or are enjoying) your light fantastic, and have a terrific day!
Oh V~
I was soooo excited to read this post!! I can’t wait to see the Eflins once they are painted. What cuties I’m sure they will be!!Also, I am definately going to check out the brooch tutorial as I am ever so excited for St. Patrick’s day because it’s my birthday..YIPPEEE. It will make a lovely accent to my birthday outfit..heehee
Oh and I loved the Ireland tidbit. I have been begging my husband to take me to Ireland..No joke…for a while now…seriously…I am so intrigued by the history of it all. I think it’s a sign 🙂
Have a lovely week Vanessa!!
Kylee
One time, one summer, when I was a long-legged, long-haired girl of 19, a butterfly flew in the open window of my VW Bug as I was driving…he settled upon the empty seat next to me and we drove together in silence for a few miles…at a stop sign, he left through the window he came in. And I thought, “What can this mean for me?”
TRUTH: I adore you. **blows kisses** Deborah
Vanessa, I could spend hours on your blog… you are so inspiring. I read your (entire) bio… very interesting life. You are so lucky to be doing what you love at such a young age. Art was born into me as well but I didn’t really pursue it until I was about 40!! The important thing is that I AM pursuing it. Thank you for all the loveliness!
Okay Miss V You make me smile!!!! I loved the post and I think the glass house is a must, if there is one thing I could have before i decended to the heavens above it would be just that….a conservatory! So tell Mr. Lovee that we are all waiting with baited breath!!! I will live vicariously through you!!hehe See you saturday!!!
HUgs and gratitude, Ann-Denise
I can’t stand a messy kitchen either, drives me crazy. I think that’s part of why I don’t like to cook. I want one of those greenhouse rooms too, have for years.
Have a sweet day!
Tracy M.
Oh Vanessa, just love your post and all your truth’s, hehe. I get all grumpy if the kitchen is messy too, that is funny.
I was thrilled when this months issue of Country Living arrived in my mailbox but haven’t actually been able to sit down a second to look at it, so I’m glad it’s a good one. You and Martha are on the same wavelength with your butterflies and eggs, sweeeeet!
Can’t wait for your shop update, always a fun treat! And thanks for sharing your Shamrock tutorial…I may just have to get all glittery with the girls, yay! No one’s pinching this girl.
And the St. Patty’s Day cards, loving them as usual! My oldest will be thrilled…she always asks if you have any printables out, ha. You have us spoiled Miss V. I have a little note ready to be sent your way too…must get on that!
Jamie 🙂
i love to write real letters, but i haven’t done it in so long – i keep promising myself i will start again – you have inspired me to do so!
oh, and i had forgotten how beautiful the moon rising over the mountains in arizona is! i would move back in a second if my fella would…
I am glad you aren’t and didn’t go anywhere with mister ireland. we should go here…http://www.sirenuse.it/…..in Positano, Italy. Ready? Get your passport.
Lovely moonglow, preciosa! And the glimpse of the lovely girl and your work-in-progress is all very intriguing, as ever. I expect Mr. Lovee actually will build that abode for you! xoxox
P.S. And letters – real letters? Priceless. Most of mine have been lost in my gypsy-like nomadic life, alas. But I still have a couple that are precious to me.
I can’t wait for the Carnival Soiree–it’ll be my first blog event, and I’m having so much fun planning it! I was inspired by reading about your past events. So I can’t wait until you do another, because I’ll definitely take part! :o)
When I read in this post about butterflies, I looked up at one of my corkboards, saw four colorful butterflies attached (er, created ones, not dead ones!), and said yeah, seems I collect those too! Haha! And thanks for the note about that Country Living article…that greenhouse looks right up my alley too, so gotta snag that issue and cut out the pictures. :o)
Handwritten letters are definitely a lost art….oh the ones I used to write long before email came in to being. It needs to come back now and then, nothing like seeing that envelope in the post all in ones own hand.
Those moon photos are amazing!
I am anxious to see more from the sneak peek, I always love to see your beautiful dolls in their full glory.
You KNOW how I feel about that greenhouse room…..I want so badly to have a shabby chic escape like that right in my own backyard. I have a feeling Mr. Lovee wasn’t kidding when he said he’d build it. 😉
I’m rolling with my mojo over here!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Truth
I just made one of your St. Paddy’s Day pins – they are adorable! Thanks for the pattern and tutorial.
Oh my goodness, I almost couldn’t stop laughing!!!!!!!!!! You are too funny girl!
Oh yes – Vanessa butterfly 😉 I’ve got them all over too.
The ones under the glass make me sad sometimes also. We have a great home video of me opening one up on Christmas morning. I’m all excited but suddenly look straight at my Dad and ask seriously (and maybe a little disgustedly), “It’s not real is it?”
But I have some beautiful ones… and the artist doesn’t mount them until they have lived out their lifespan.. which is sadly only 30 days or so from what I know.
We used to get them at a store called Mariposa in the South Street Seaport in Manhattan. Some of the murals are breathtaking…
http://mariposainc.tripod.com/photos/mariposasmural001.jpg
http://mariposainc.tripod.com/photos/skybound.jpg
PS I love the passage in that little book, about the love letters… so true… and nothing beats a good pen pal
oh my gosh congrats on the greenhouse ~ that is so exciting!
(ps thank you so much for linking you are the absolute sweetest soul)
Exciting truth:
I’m getting a big ol’ honkin’ letter.
OhBoyOhBoyOhBoy I’m getting a letter from Vanesssssssaaaaa!!!!
I’ll get my velvet blanket and my tea cozy ready!
SMOOCH-
Laura
Love your new girls! And, I always love your photos and stories. This time of year I am always on the hunt for broken robin’s eggs-so magic!
One of the above posts referred to this latest episode of you as “following a rabbit trail.” Ah, you are indeed Alice. This was completely marvelous and wonderful. I too keep my kitchen clean. Art stuff is everywhere ELSE but the kitchen is clean. You’ve given me a fresh breath of air and a reminder that Spring is coming. Hallelujah!
Kathy in Chicago
You simply must have that greenhouse.
Yooooo hooooo Mr. Loveee! She needs it!
I have missed you. I just love visiting here. You always make your posts so magical. I just love your dolls. So pretty!
hugs,
Tammy
Every time I read your blog I just smile. You are so good at this. Love the dolls, love the marbles and your friend Deborah is very talented(as are you).
My goodness, all kinds of goodness in this post! I just got my copy of Country living, haven’t even opened it. I will be tomorrow! Now I want to make some eggs with paper cuts to hang from my chandelier for Easter!
If he indeed builds it for you (you know he will!) I suspect you may never come out to play! ‘twould be splendid in there with your head in the clouds:)
No kidding about obsessively reading the love letters, and especially after a breakup. I’m in the process of a divorce and looking at these things, photo’s and tokens of affection are bittersweet. That said, I’m happy to have been given the chance to find someone to be love and friends with, even when the romance has fizzled.
*Grabs my copy of “Country Living” mag off the shelf* and takes it to peruse on my lunch at work. Yay! 🙂
Oh yes, I too LOVE that wonderful little “garden house” in the British Columbia lady’s wonderful home. My husband doesn’t want to build me one. Wah. So I’m going to build one, some day…
Love all of your truthful tidbits and of course you!
Christine
wow- your photos are such pieces of art! the one with your red ring- AHH! Sooo amazing!thank u for sharing!
Oh I love all your little truths and tid bits!! 🙂 And I,too, get all grumpy when the kitchen is a mess……and then I get grumpy that I got grumpy!! tee hee!! what silly silly little muffin am I! 😉
I’m SO excited about yout greenhouse!! Hooray!! Mr. Lovee is the bestest!! 🙂
Happy day to yeeeeee miss bubble gum dropling!
Just wanted to let you know that the artist of the fabric covered rock featured in the Country Home Magazine also has I blog….here it is…
http://resurrectionfern.typepad.com
She’s got some beautiful stuff over there.
And also seeing your pictures makes me want to visit the desert and feel the sun, smell the air….the weather in Alabama can be likened to a hormonal woman….or man for that matter….but one thing’s certain…it can’t make up it’s mind.
I love that doll (can i call her that). I do love butterfly and to think I was considering to put some in my room(i wonder what my hubby would said if I made our bedroom into a girlie room, hmmm).
Your very blog takes my breath away,
just when i think it’s safe to come in..
I CLICK
and fall off
my chair!
xo, me 🙂
A gorgeously beautiful post as always – you write and illustrate so richly!
Hey gf,
Oh what lovely messes you have all about you! I agree the kitchen must stay clean for a girls sanity! Have a great weekend!
Chelsea Ann
Oh, wow! You have really been creating even more magic lately. I’ve been gone from blog visits for so long and just had to come by and see what you have been up to. It’s all so beautiful, as always. Oh and I just love butterflies too. I remember the monarchs when I was little. There were hundreds of them fluttering about every year. Where have they gone? I’ll see a handful now and again in the warm weather but not like when I was a kid. Well, looks like you are as busy as ever. Hope all is well! Take care my friend.
See ya,
Deb
Miss Vanessa…you know you always make me smile! 🙂
I love wee books of quotations, gumballs and butterflies! But. I swear, it is an absolute “cootie” thing with me that I can not STAND to see them under glass with pins in their little bodies! Way too “Dr. Frankenstein”! 🙁
And OMG! Has it really been a year since we were all celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with glitter pins? Seriously, it’s time to slow this ride down!
I swear, not a day goes by when I don’t think about how I wish I lived in your magical world…but at least I can visit from time to time, eh?
You are just “Too Much”!! I am so happy I have discovered your blog. You, my sweet friend are truly an inspiration! We are leaving today to go out of town, again! But I will try to sneak in some computer time on Saturday.
And just so’s you know, No, not all of us can do the toes to head thing. Maybe that’s my problem :0)
See how you are?
xo
I am on a journey…the journey of five rooms. Each room is calling out to me to add color and texture. I am answering that call and your blogs remind me of the importance of that request. Color reflects upon itself and creates a magical lightness! I need this in my life. How delightful that your are surrounded by color and light!! And all your creatures great and small dance in this light. How wonderful is that?
Hugs
SueAnn
An absolute pleasure as usual.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Love Renee
OOOH glitter on things. Me likes.