A girl named Vanessa Valencia & a bevy of other folks, were invited to a Carnival Soiree. A magical one. A magnificent one. She dreamed of what she might wear, what treats she might munch, what rides and games and shows she might see.
She heard from an old fortune teller, that she could travel back in time, to an old fashioned carnivale circus the very day of the Carnival Soiree.
All of these thoughts fluttered in her head, as she drifted to sleep one evening. Her dreams found her standing on a hill, watching the spectacular sight of a Carnivale Circus pull into town…
As she stood on this hill in her dream, she realized she best get home and get ready for the festivities to begin. She couldn't wait!
Later that day, in the distance, she saw rides and circus tents, become assembled. The excitement boiled over!!
She made her way to the Carnivale, as the scent of popcorn and corn-dogs and cotton candy filled the air. Children screamed as they looped through the air on rides, and people giggled in sheer delight.
Little children lined up for treats.
And the grounds were beautifully decorated with remnants of tickets, bits of sparkles, popcorn and shreds of crepe paper…
There was nothing more exciting than a Carnivale Circus coming to town. Nothing. Clowns greeted the masses, smiling ear to ear…
Balloons decorated the skies, and as the sun started to go down, lights bounced and glowed with twinkling magic…
Making everything look like you were seeing it Through the Secret Keyhole…
As it got even darker, a certain kind of deeper magic began to take shape… Her painting titled, Stranged Beautiful Lady Carnivale, seemed to be beckoning her, to believe she could enter this place created of paint… She couldn't tell if she was still dreaming…
But little by little, it seemed more real…
Until, she could no longer believe her eyes. The night had turned into the Carnivale in the painting. She could feel herself, walking right into it…
She had the time of her life, more magic was happening than she could believe. If you closed your eyes, and envisioned the carnivale circus of your dreams, magic floating in the clouds, this would be it… And for a split second, she even felt like she was the Paper Dress Queen of the Carnivale…
And, true to fairytale form, just as the magic was spinning in a perfectly iridescent soap bubble, she felt like she was falling. Tumbling tumbling, through the sky.
She was tumbling quickly, and the carnival was becoming intangible… It started to fade, as the tunnel got darker…
Just then, she realized, it was all a dream! Her eyes still closed, she could tell she was in her bed. She tried to make herself fall back to sleep. Oh no! It really was all a dream.
The light streamed in her windows, telling of a new day, morning… She twisted and turned in her bed…
She felt something tickling her wrist…
She still had her eyes closed, as she faded in and out of sleep, but leaning more towards waking… She wondered what the strange feeling on her wrist and fingers was. Like she was twisted and tied…
She slowly opened her eyes, and what she saw, made her let out a silent scream…
There was only one explanation for what she saw. She had brought back a red balloon from her dream. Her dream was not dream at all. She had in fact visited a Magical Carnivale Circus, and had proof tied to her wrist… How oh how, did this all happen?? Traveling through dreams?
But, it gets even better, in her left hand, she held a bit of circus tent fabric. Oh me, oh my…
She must have grabbed a hold of it as she spun back to earth through dreamwaves…
You see, there is no way to deny, that you really were there, especially when tiny bits of the carnivale charge up your hand…
And just in case, physical proof still hasn't erased all doubt that you really were at the Magical Carnivale Circus, just ask your dream-keeper… She will whisper the truth…
"You really were there…"
Thank you Miss Lisa for a lovely event, and for all the magic you share!!
I have a little Carnivalee Fun pack giveaway of fanciful artsy treasures for for this event. I'll draw a name in a few days 😉 (leave a few little words and in the hat your name shall go)
🖤, Vanessa
ps: Beautiful wooden carousel that plays a lovely tune was a surprise gift from my beloved friend Paris Parfait. Opening the parcel caused me to positively faint!! (I have thanked her profously xoxo) Black and white circus images, were loose pages found in an antique store.
I love carnivals! Thank you for the trip Vanessa!
i am so so excited for this carnival to start!!
although my dreams weren’t quite as lovely as yours 😉
As usual – wonderful! The artwork, story and photography, it really is a magical fun carnival!
What a magnificent post, you are the Queen of storytelling. Queen, do I know that little face? Queen of the Carnival, I like the version with you. Ahhhh and the red balloon. I am always wondering why you have not begun your adventure of picture books for children. I know I am still a little girl at heart, and I would love to read your picture books to little children someday.
Happy Carnival
Karen
Oh, and Vanessa, please stop by my booth to see the dancing elephants.
Karen
What special fairy dream dust do you use at night to have such wonderful dreams? I must know! I want to secure some of that dust for myself.
what a FABULOUS tale! I enjoyed every word of it!
and now I’m definitely ready for a carnival soiree!
You really do live your dreams, Vanessa. You have put me in the mood for a carnival. I love the painting of the Queen of the Carnivale with your face. I hope your weekend is magical! Twyla
i have said this more than once…. this is more than a blog, this is an escape and i from the bottom of my heart thank you for it.
%*_*% rosey
through the keyhole i spy
a red balloon…..
that floats me up high
to land on the moon
where i’m gifted with a wondrous sight
The queen of the carnivale!
I’m giddy with delight!
everyone knows shes the true keeper of dreams
her imagination nearly bursts at the seams
High in clouds, the circus unfolds
fancifully twisted tales
are worth their weight in gold
so today i will prance in carnivale glee
where whimsys the norm
and treats are fat free (hee hee)
thanks for the fabulous carnivale soiree
step right up! its stupendous!
hooray! hooray!
xoxox roo
So delightful! Your stories never fail to bring a smile to my face!
Miss Vanessa! I have been living in a carnival this past week. Your tale is much more fabulous! Mine involves a mini man that’s teething. Anyways, I hope to take a nap on a cloud of cotton candy this afternoon and dream of tents and balloons, rides and games!
muah! Ashley
Sweet Vanessa, You are definately one of the remarkable story tellers. And, added to that your beautiful artwork and talent for setting up the most magical settings make these stories live.
Thank your for the amazing journey to a cirus of years gone by.
Hugs Karen
MIss V~ Ohhhh, I love it…The horse & carriage is so magical, I wish I could shink down to itty bitty and take a ride! I hope you have a fab day and enjoy the carnival soiree!
Miss Ann-Denise
Oh beloved Magical Muse, I had not stopped Awe-ing over the picture of tippy-toed feet when I burst into a joyful laughing fit at you as the Carnival Queen. Too perfect! Hmm, when Mary Engelbreit invented her Queen of Everything, she must have had YOU in mind. Ever so delightful…inspiring…a little child to lead us…please do thank your Mama and Papa for all of us for setting you free to be you. **blows kisses** Deborah
nothing beats the magic of carnivals.
Dearest Vanessa, as always,your dreams and stories and art are magical! And I’m thrilled the French carousel played a part in your latest dream-like scenario. xoxox
I adore your world! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! this was a most wonderful adventure!
Oh, to wake in the morning with a beautiful red balloon tied to your wristie! Thanks for taking me away with you on a lovely journey through your treat-laden dreams!
Beautiful Vanessa 😉
Thank you for the journey.
I went to Disneyland and thought of you;-)
My hubby even had a yummy corn dog like your carnival picture!
Hugs,
kayelen
WOW! YOUR ART,YOUR BLOG,YOUR PHOTOS , SO MAGICAL…
Wow, what a magical carnival journey!!! I couldn’t imagine such beauty until I stopped by your party!!!!! If you have time, stop by and enter my give~away!!!!! Take care!
This was so much fun! I felt like I was there. There’s nothing like a carnival.
This is SOOOOOOO fantastic!!! I feel like i just traveled to a very special, magical world or wonder…wish I could live here. I am totally enchanted. I am really excited to have found your lovely blog…it truly is a fanciful twist!!
xoxo
Carrie the SnipPet Girl
What a great Carnival and way to spend the day. Popcorn and Corn Dogs to eat along the way. I’m having so much fun attending the event, tonight when I retire it will be a day well spent.
WOW! How do you do it? I love your little stories and pictures.
Thank You,
Tracy M.
V~
Oh what a beautiful carnival dream post!!! I felt like I was amongst it all. I think I’ll go re-read a few more time..heehee
Kylee
How magical and fun! I feel like I was there too!
oooohhhhh…..
i have been away soooo long
i Need to explore
here
🙂
“””She had brought back a red balloon
from her dream”””
oooohhhh……
yes, explore
more
here
what a magical way to start my saturday!
Well…I feel like I could jump through my computer and land right at your Carnival Soiree…Happy Games and Have fun…Love seeing your pictures and seeing that you are having a beautiful wonderful Day… Cheers my friend!
I wish I could just jump into the computer and be a part of it! So fun! When are you making more of those gorgeous dolls of yours?
Thanks for the ride!
That was a lovely magical tale to start my day with. It will have me seeing fairy dust where ever I go for the rest of the day!
Oh Vanessa, what a wonderful dream! Can I join you?
Here is my Carnival Soiree post, come check it out when you get a chance…
http://www.stampinmom12.blogspot.com/2009/03/magical-time-to-be-had.html
..Lisa is putting on a wonderful time, isn’t she? See ya soon, wanna ride the teacups with us too?
Jamie 🙂
This was a great story especially the part where she awakes with the proof of her dreams around her wrist and in her hand, How magical! I love the cart with the horse. I have one of those too. I love you paper dress queen of the carnival.
What a most magical tour! I think I’m going to take a trip over to your soiree…once I can get away for a few minutes from mine…How delightful it is to dream…
XO,
Rosalyn-Sue
Oh my! Your carnival is beautiful…the images are absolutely drool-worthy! Thank you for allowing us a peek inside your enchantment!
Nichole P.
Maravilloso!!!
Quede sin palabras al ver fotografias tan bonitas y que representen la escencia del carnaval-circo-alegria.
Muy divertido y colorido.
Besitos amiga.
Vanessa~
You are a marvelous storyteller! Everyday I come to your site hoping to drift away from the everyday world and float into your magical world of creativity and enchantment. Have you ever considered writing a children’s book? I would own a copy of every one that you wrote!! 😀
Happy Saturday!
~Allie
Just beautiful.. thank you!
I had so much fun visiting your blog, and what a great story! Very sweet photos. Thanks for the escape from reality! Lovin’ it! ~Nan
what a lovely dream, I could almost smell the popcorn…
Thank you for sharing your dream to all of us…it was devine and soooo sweet to think it could be all real…have a honey of a night and sweet dreams! Marlene :O)
what a wonderful time!!
~k
Oh to fall in to such a beautiful dream…to see the lights, hear the crowds, taste the popcorn…experience the magic. I can hear the carousel’s music playing and feel the slow up and down movement as I ride the painted horse up and down. I hear the squeals of the little children on tip toe. I tried to ask the strange beautiful lady where I was she shook her head and all she said was…follow the red balloon.
What a superb gift from dear Paris Parfait. I am sure that felt like falling in to a dream as well.
You weave magic my dear friend!
XOXOXOXOXO
So, I texted you one comment, because I didn’t want to dirty up your blog with my inappropriate thoughts, but I will say that you are adorable and I love your face in your painting. It made me guffaw!
Ahhhhh…what a wonderful sight on such a magnificent day! I could almost smell the caramel corn and pink spun sugar cotton candy. A wonderous site (sight!) indeed!
Kathy in Chicago
How wonderful.I shared your dream travelling…and can still hear the carnival music.Your stories and art are
enchanting.
fairy love
Sue xx
enchanting – beautiful and all things lovely! I absolutely love looking at all of your inspiring photos.
I do wish wish wish you could come to our fancy schmancy bohemian soiree in may- it would be sooooo you!
Anyhoo- hope all is well in fanciful land.
hugs.
Kristin
OMG, Vanessa, I’ve been at your carnival soiree for ever, I’m in a magical utopia right now, Just beyond words magical and enchanting. I’m so glad you are having fun at the Carnival Soiree and are sharing your magic with us, I’m sure all the attendees are even more happy now!
XO!
Lisa!
P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment in post no.7 for the giveaways!
Magic and Joy!
A beautiful story, Miss V.
Loving the carnival! 🙂
I had fun…and the nice thing about your adventures…I can have them again and again! Time to go again!
That was awesome!
I lived in Venice for a brief time (unfortunately, not during Carnivale) and I was living on a shoestring so was never able to buy one of those sublime masks, but LOVE them. Why am I not surprised you have one? I love living vicariously through you!
Wow……what a great post…..i am dizzy with everything—I loved the painting with the carnival in the backround.
Every time I open one of my favorite Stampington magazines–there YOU are! And very deservedly!
Thank you for letting me slip in to a magical carnival-So much FUN!
You make every day life seem so magical. Thank you!
Yes you were there indeed:) The difference between you and me is that you brought back a wonderful red balloon and I would’ve brought back a half eaten corn dog..haha! Magical posts as always Miss V!!
I love the first image of teh circus coming to town..sometimes I wish I was living back in that era, don’t you?!
What wonderful dreams you have!! I think I’m going to have to open myself up a bit more to the magic…
Hi Vanessa! I love your work! Congratulations! It’s all so magical and fairy-like!
Since I’m a big fan and stuff, I was wondering how you reverse the chronological order of your posts – coz I want to do that on my blog and can’t seem to find out how… Would you mind sharing with me how to do it? I have a blogger account, is it a typepad feature only?
Sorry for asking, but I’m sort of new to this stuff and want to learn 🙂
Thanks,
Teresa
Thanks for always taking me away to a wonderful place! I am so glad to have your blog to come to! I’m sharing you with my friends too! Kathy J
Beautiful, truly Beautiful.
-Valarie
That was so beautiful – I had to show my friend (an ex-trapeeze artist, floored by an injury)…you made both of our days. Thank-you.
And thank you Vanessa for a lovely tale……
Yours is the only blog that I faithfully follow, I start my day so light and airy after reading your posts.
I love old carivales and really let my imagination go with this one!
(I have been so much more creative and ‘myslef’ since I found you, thank you V)
What a beautiful Magical Dream…did you notice me…I was there 😉
We are having Sunday Dinner at my parents house today. I will take a photo of their Carousel Horse to show my blog friends…I am inspired by your post.
Thank you for the lovely bog. I really enjoyed the get away to the carnival. This reminds that summer is on its way
kathy
oh I am just gasping at the tale you wove here today…
a corn dog even???
I ADORE the black and whites of the circus train…have you read ‘Water for Elephants’ and/or Modoc?
circus tales always make me smile
Love love love it!! I had a wonderful time at the soiree, too!! Wasn’t it just amazingly magical? And boy, after seeing that corndog…I want one now! LOL!
Thank you for the amazing, beautiful trip you showed us!! 🙂
Oh, Vanessa I have fallen in love with your painting – Stranged Beautiful Lady Carnivale. It reminds me of all my six children and myself walking through the fair each year.What a beautiful work of art.
sweet wonderful magical interesting colorful festive fun….and wish tickets too!
What a lovely photo story. Your carnival is magnificent!
There is something about being at a carnival that always makes corndogs taste so good. Perhaps it is the good company and atmosphere ???
Sorry, me again, just to say that never mind! I just realized what a stupid question that was … I kind of lost my brain for 2 years (motherhood – that happens, you know, your brain leaves you for a while – and nobody warns you…) and am still in the process of recovering it :-). So, thanks for the magic and sorry about that!
xoxo
teresa
there’s always something magical happening where you are! What fun! the paintings are lovely too!~
me,me , me!!! Pick me!!! Always amazing, always so much eye candy!!!
I only recently found your blog, and I love it. It’s like stepping into a fairytale each time I visit. Your art and your photography are so inspiring with all of the beautiful, vibrant colors throughout!
~ Jennifer
I love the look of that carousel Tara sent you. Isn’t she lovely? Show more of it please!
“There is no use trying; one can’t believe impossible things.” (Alice)
“I dare say you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.†(Queen)
your stories draw us to when, as children, we thought nothing was impossible, and that magic and fantasy and sparkling stars were ours to catch and hide in our little fists.
wishing you a joyful dreamy day
What a magical trip! Thanks for taking us along!
What fun and waht a wonderful gift from Tara
Ooh I saw Faerie love above. That’s enchanting!!
Greetings O Fanciful One!
Your strange beautiful lady is beautiful indeed, but strange? How so? In what way? She appears to be peaceful and dreamy and quite content with her place in the world.
Such a lovely dream you must have had,
but don’t you find it odd to awake with a balloon in your hand :)?
Hi Vanessa,
I left you an award on my blog. Do you do awards? I don’t know? But right now I have to go. For the little pups have had their food and now they must be ushered out the back door :0!
xoxox Cori
Oh Magical faerie paper-princess, you have outdone yourself methinks!! 🙂 How delightful it was to visit the carnival and munch on cotton candy and cinnamon-sugar fry bread! 🙂
Come one Come all!! Hooooray Hoorah! 🙂
Thankeeee for all the carnival magic!!
Oh, Missy Vee…
For a minute I was worried you were tripping out there in Blogland, for I completely missed the buzz about this Carvinale Extrordinaire. Now I understand you were having Another Adventure, in your magical-Alice-kind-of-way.
It looks like you had a glorious time (as if you could have any other?).
xoxo,
Kate
Miss Magical Vanessa of the Royal Gypsies, I do realize that Cori left you the same friendship award, but who else would be at the top of my list…**blows kisses** Deborah
A beautiful journey….
That was so fun! I haven’t been to a carnival in soooo long. I think it is time to find one….some where…
Dancing pixie dust abounds….red balloons soar in the heavens…yes you were there..and we can see you….such fun…another exciting story!!
That was truly a dream. The pictures were pure magic. So glad to have that adventure with you…
-Britten🖤
i haven’t left many comments lately…but i have been reading…your stories make my days brighter…
thank you ever so much
harmony
Wow, that was incredible! Thank you!
Miss Vanessa! What a FUN post! I loved your photos…especially the one of you in your own painting! OK, the one of “creepy doll’s” feet wasn’t my favorite, I swear, I can spot any part of that doll a mile away! 😉
I do hope you had fun at the Carnival, even if it was just a dream!
deeeeee-lightful Vanessa! You are the queen of all things spectacular:):)
xoxox…jenn
What great pictures! Please enter me in your draw. :0)
I loved your carnival the mostest! What a beautiful dream……I can still smell cotton candy and kettle corn…mmmmm
thanks V!
Happy St. Patrick’s day Vanessa!
Sorry I missed your blog carnival celebration…FUN!!!
SpOOky Cheers!
Chris (-:
My kind of dream…seems so real…or was i really there too?
Elizabeth
Color and light! Dreams filled with delight! And to know that you are a fellow time-traveler makes my heart sing! I have yet to bring the past to the present…I am so envious! Your balloon gave me hope that next time I will hold on tight before I slip away. More color and more light. That is what I need. Thank you for feeding me today
Hugs
SueAnn
You and your blog are enchanting!
Oh, isn’t Tara fabulous, and I didn’t even know just HOW fabulous! I love that cart, too, with the horsie.
This is so pretty. I’m sorry I’ve been ill and busy and just now am seeing it all. but, yay!
Such a magical story, love how you painted the lights at the carnivale, really wonderful + to have your face on the ‘Queen of Carnivale’ and wake up with a balloon in hand, the best story telling yet!
As customer, all of us prefer good quality products to lower ones even though a little high payment. Untill now, I take
herve leger as my best choice since the products there are
original and technicolored. The Herve Leger Bandage Dress is
more attractive than others. And your chest will be a little colourless if without one or more Herve Leger Skirt