June 24, 2008

A little Pre-Party looooove! (June 28th, here we come)

Heloooo to you lovelies!!!  Party details can still be found here.  It is not too late to join in the Mad Tea Party Fun!! Links to those participating, are in the right hand side bar…  Right over there 😉

So, yesterday I escaped from my studio in the country, and went to my house in town.  I don’t know why?  I just felt the need to escape.  I know I know, how could I leave when I am trying to prepare for our party???  Well, I just had to.  And it was gooooood.  You know why??  It was perfect refueling annnnd, I got to see if I wanted to bring back any treasures to the country abode for the fiesta…  Little did I know, all the characters that inhabit my world, living at the city abode, were in a peaceful party swing themselves… 

Perfect for a little pre-party magic…  You know, this post is actually my 200th blog post 🙂  So, it is super fun, the party will be 201.  Hopefully leading us to 99 more adventures and counting… 

      

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I started my pre-party escape by leaving my little blue world in the country…   It is a lovely, lovely drive…  The backside of the Santa Catalina mountains is astounding…

      

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I arrived to my beloved garden, and was so glad I had chosen to visit home.  Being at the country abode makes me totally forget about how I miss my city home…  My sis lives there too, so it is taken care of beautifully.  She is very good at keeping my garden watered.  I love her for that!!  I have to tell you, my pride in my courtyard garden, comes from the fact that, I planted every plant in this garden.  And, every one of them was planted from smaller than gallon size babes…

Under the over grown arbor we go…  The lilac roses are intertwined with the jasmine and both are out of control…

      

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Come on, let’s make our way through, and get this pre-party started…

      

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Peeling paint beckons us in…

      

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We enter very quietly, because we can hear the ferns whispering about what has been going on in the garden…  The ferns were saved out of a 99 cent grocery store plant sale bin.  They were teeny tiny, and have flourished indeed…  I am so amazed!!

      

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Seems there was a summer solstice party here on Saturday night…  I even caught a glimpse of a fairy, welcoming the sun…

      

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Party remnants lingered…  Making for a perfect pre-party find…

      

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The secret about my abode, is that well… Should I tell you??  Okay…  I keep..  M- M- shhh, whisper…  Mermaids…   Yes, mermaids…  You see, they live very peacefully here.  With seashells and trickling water….

      

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However, there is an even huger secret…  They don’t realize that you and I are not mermaids too.  So, they are urging you to start oiling and massaging your tails for the party…  So they will be glisteny and perfect…

      

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This is a glimpse of the singing mermaid…  Can you hear her pre-party song???

      

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She doesn’t think it is odd at all, that she lives in a birdcage…  She has been living here,  ever since I made her 7 years ago…

      

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Let’s sneak inside…  Oh my goodnesssssss!!  It is the magical mermaid!!  She says, she has been waiting for us…  She is about 5 feet tall, and very very old.  She brings me pure joy!  She says she would like every one of you to take a bit of her magic with you…  Make a pouch with your skirt hem, ya that’s it…  Okay, here you go, take all you can carry with you…

      

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She begs me to please bring out all my tea accoutrements.  You see, being the bad girl I am.  I still have not totally unpacked everything from when the house flooded months ago…  When we had to move out and replace all the plumbing.  Can you imagine??  So, this pre-party event was like Christmas.  I got to open up all my beloved treasures that live in that green cabinet…  And if anyone knows how I pack things with tape and bubble wrap, you can imagine how long it took me to open each item…

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I have yet to hang my heart painting back on that wall (as well as all the other art).  I made a whole series of those heart paintings in 1994…  I am itching to revisit them…  As for getting the house back in order…  I am being real slow at this.  Maybe we can have a "help Vanessa move 15 years of stuff back into their places" party??  Whatta ya think??

At least I got the tea sets squared away…  I couldn’t invite you to a Tea Party Pre-Party and give you a paper cup, right?  Then again, it is a pre-party… 😉

      

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Oh, look!!  Here come all the characters for the pre-party…  Can you hear the peacocks over my bed??  Oops, they are about to jump out!  Eeeeek!!  😉

      

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Oh and, what is a party without Miss Lovely…

      

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Look!  She has her tea cup in hand!!

      

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Oh and, Miss Woman in her Drawers!!  Oh, she is totally ready for the wacky event…  This might be a peaceful pre-party, but trust me, we are going to double up on wacky in the country garden, for the main event…  Be prepared for homemade wacky fun!!

      

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Even if you are wearing your jammies for the party 😉  make sure you choose some appropriate baubles…  Or here, I’ll lend you this one…  What do you mean??  Of course it goes perfect with your pink polka dotted footsie pajamas!!!

      

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Okay, what’s the deal?  Are we going to have any treats at all at this pre-party???  Well, we can’t use that set for our tea…  I already chipped a tiny piece off a cup, and the characters have grounded me from using it…

      

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Let’s go see if there are any edibles left over from the summer solstice party…

      

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Oh are we ever lucky!!!!!  My cousin Marcela left some of her amazing pistachio lemon cakes behind!!!  Yummy yummmmyyyyyy!!

      

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Okay, now this is really turning into a fun pre-party, right??  Let’s have some hibiscus tea too!!

      

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And make sure you get one of those wee cakes…  Here, you can use one of these mini cake plates I made…  Do you think I should make more??? 

      

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Did you choose your tea cup???  Come on…  Quick, we have treats to eat!!

      

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Oh yummy, lovely time!!  Are you getting in the party mood for Saturday???  Make sure you try one of those Mexican chocolate, cream puffs (in the bowl).

      

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I sure am.  But remember, we are doing this to have fun.  So, ppplease don’t stress out or anything…  I just want to share good times with you!!  😉

And if you want to dress up in a mermaid tail…

      

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Or a butterfly mask, do so!!  But, if you don’t have time to play dress ups, come as your lovely self!!!!  Dance under the moonlight, and eat cherries out of cold Shirley Temples…

      

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You could even come as a character or a pet??  Ooo, that could be fun…  I think I would love to attend as a character…  Boy oh boy, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to attend a party just for one night, as your 20 year old self?????  Man oh man…  (my twenty year old self is the B & W, on the left)  Well, guess what??  You can!!  At our party, anything is possible!! 

      

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You can even come as your five year old self!!  I bet your 5 year old self would be even funner than your 20 year old self 😉  What do you think??  20 year old self, or 5 year old self??  I choose 5 year old self 😉

      

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Either way, I can’t wait to see you here for the soiree!!  You all are soooo much fun!!!  I can’t even tell you how you make my wee heart pitter patter!!! (Boys are included in the note below too!! Sorry I addressed it to the girls only 😉

      

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Okay, back to painting doilies!!  I had to cut my lovely long nails off due to all the gluey mess…  So, now they are shortish…  Long nails and art don’t mix 😉 I just wanted to see if I could grow them really long, like in the Guinness book of world records.  Hee heeeeee  😉  Okay, I am getting loopy… Off I go…   I hope you like my wacky party makings for Saturday!!!  Fingers crossed!!! xoxo

      

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Oh, also…  The list of the Mad Tea Party People is up!!  It can be found in the right hand side bar 😉 and, has temporarily replaced my regular blog roll.  Make sure you let me know if:  1) You don’t see your name on the list   2)  If you want me to add your name to the list 3) If you don’t want your name on the list  & 4)  If I have your blog name or address incorrect (I used pretty much, exactly what the computer gave me when I typed in your web address, but I can make changes).  You can also contact me for any other reason 😉 

Yippeeeee, closer to party time!!  Woo hoooooo!! 😉

Party details can still be found here…. 

  1. kayellen says:

    So glad you took time for yourself to recharge!
    Love the pictures and the mermaids!!!!
    Can’t wait to have tea!
    Smiles,
    kayellen

  2. Hi! I love all of your posts in June! Loved the visual of you at your family’s pool when you were a teenager. And I had so much fun listening to Cyndi Lauper! And this mermaid with the blue tail, netting and lights has just captivated me. I’m too chicken I think to have my own party on Saturday, but I’ll look forward to all of yours! xoxo

  3. Paris Parfait says:

    Fun, fun, fun – and more fun ahead! Mermaids and magic and delicious treats to eat! It’s all so exciting! And yes, you should make more of those adorable little cake plates. 🙂

  4. Hi Babe……god its been far too long. Glad to see all is glittery and lovely!!!! I would love to be part of the fun…….so it looks like the shop will be partying along with you!!!
    Kiss kiss Michelle

  5. marie neige says:

    Hi! I am French, a French grandma’, I live very very far away from Arizona and don’t know how I got onto your blog. I LOVE IT! and yet …. I am about twice your age (which is not a reason, mind you).
    I am new on the “blogsphere” (as we say in french) and haven’t yet discovered all the mysteries of it!I would love to take part in the “party” if you gave me a little more details or explanation. Do put me on the list. My blog address is: marieneige.canalblog.com,
    the name of my blog:
    Ici… là-bas… ailleurs…
    Merci pour votre originalité et inventivité and that crazy mind of yours! It’s wonderful!

  6. thank you for inviting ALL of us,
    even our 5 year old self!
    {{ i so HATE to be left out when i am 5 }}
    🙂
    i think i will come as my last-week-self
    as my tan looked ~fresher~ then
    before
    all this rain.
    anyway,
    thanks for inviting ALL of me~s…

  7. I think I failed to mention when I asked to be a part of your party that tomorrow is my ONE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY! So I have some giveaways planned as well for this coming Friday….
    I simply love the photo of your drive….AMAZING!

  8. Mary says:

    ooooo~ sounds like *F*U*N*
    I chose my 5 year old self!
    With Kindness,
    Mary

  9. Mary says:

    ooooo~ sounds like *F*U*N*
    I choose my 5 year old self!
    With Kindness,
    Mary

  10. Sonya says:

    I love your town garden. It looks like a lovely oasis. And please add me to the party list!

  11. Karen Young says:

    What a lovely adventure. I have so enjoyed going for a visit to your town home. You have a beautiful, magical garden and I had so much fun.
    Karen

  12. Nancy says:

    Ooooh….for as much fun as your pre-party tea party was, I can’t wait for the main event!
    You surround yourself with such beautiful and unique things Miss V….just like you! I love your house in the city with all your tea sets and Miss Woman in her Drawers, how cool is she!!
    Oh, but you taped up all your belongings during your Great Flood of ’08? Hmmm…I’m surprised you’re not still there cutting through what was surely 23 miles of tape!!! 😉
    See you at the party!!

  13. Alberta says:

    Alberta and Ava would very much like to attend!

  14. Kathryn says:

    Oh my — What a wonderful little magical journey you are taking us all on. I can’t believe all of the mermaids as a mer-lady was just given to me on Monday by a coworker. She is hanging out at my desk right now but will be featured on my dry sink vignette next week. She will make it to the tea party too! I just love your garden — hugs to your sister for keeping good care of it. I’m thinking of a special party favor for all guests who travel my way — it is of the bauble variety. It just came to me this morning while washing my locks. I will see you Saturday!

  15. Ravenhill says:

    Such delight you have in store for us. Even the pre-party arrangements are fun and you are making me so excited from all the wonderful suspense. I will be there!!!
    ~Emily

  16. OohLaLaura says:

    OOOH! I love your city house. That wooden mermaid is magical. I am in puppy love with my mister singing bird—thanks again!!!
    I’ll see you at the party.
    And happy OFFICIAL 200th post!!!

  17. Mandy Saile says:

    Hi there, what a great and whimiscal and fun fun fun entry, ha ha. I just kept reading and hoping for more…that entry was a real treat, thanks, you’ve cheered my day. Happy Creating and Partying:D Mandy Saile of Bijou’s Whimsy

  18. Carrie West says:

    Hello~Just stopped by to say that you are just sooo magical!!!
    Magical mermaid!!~

  19. cdm says:

    Just stopping by quickly to let you know that I’ve moved blog homes, you can now find me at:
    http://catondarlingandmoore.blogspot.com
    and yes we will be at the party.

  20. benson says:

    hmmm..it doesn’t appear that I’m on the list *feeling a wee bit left out* but your mermaids made me feel refreshed!

  21. Bella Casa says:

    You…My Lady…Are Amazing!!!

  22. Dapoppins says:

    I just love visiting and seeing all the color!
    I will be at the party, even though your creativity far outshines me…and that is the only time I am going to say that!… Because of you, I stayed up late making Madd hats! I tried to make just one, but you know the saying…one hat is just never enough!
    And I even invited a guest, a dear dolly from my childhood. She is getting a make over inspired by you. I can’t wait to show her off.
    My regular blog friends are going to think I have gone a bit crazy, but I don’t care! There is such delight in playing!

  23. Monica says:

    Cool blog. It really is like falling down the rabbit hole.

  24. Mary says:

    What beauty! I can’t wait to check out the actual party. 🙂

  25. 3rdEyeMuse says:

    wow. double wow. hmmm … make that quadruple wow!
    please thank the magic mermaid as I can use all the sparkle-glittery magic dust she can spare … Saturday is just around the corner … eeek!
    and thank YOU for illustrating your latest adventure in such technicolor!

  26. ambika says:

    Congrats on the 200 (+1) posts!

  27. Velvet Brick says:

    Oh Vanessa! I am so excited about the party Saturday! Thank you for the little visit today! The mermaids are simply enchanting and charming! And the lemon pitaschio cake?!?!? Oh where does one find the concoction for that treat? What a wonderful visit it was to your other beautiful home…thank you for taking me with you! I have decided on my party shoes…now I am trying to decide on my party adornments! I’m so excited – I do not know if I’ll be able to sleep Friday night! : ))
    xox
    VB

  28. Ok..I couldnt do an all nighter last night as I didnt make it past midnight.So I’m up with the sun making a few things for the tea party and hopefully they’ll be done ( ha ha) Otherwise we just may show up hair half combed and barefoot if we’re lucky. I’m planning to “send” a few “representatives” to the party 😉
    Love the mermaids!

  29. Wow!! It’s always a party over here even before the real party!!! I just can’t wait for the feastive event this Saturday. My 5 year old self will be here swimming with the mermaids and dining on those tasty cream puffs!

  30. Marjorie says:

    oh Dear!! What wonders always await me when I wander here!! Sweets beyond description, and mermaids and fancies, I’m smitten!! And the 20 year old You looks just the same as now, my sweet!! 🙂
    I do hope I do this tea party justice….I’ve been such a bumble head as of late!! 🙂
    Happy pre-party planning!! Hooooooooooooraaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! : )

  31. Hi Vanessa!!! I love your post! amazing! I love it! See you at the party!!
    xoxo

  32. O! MY!!! what FUN VV!!!! Please add me to your list of party gals and guys!!! WOOT!

  33. waterrose says:

    Looks like a fun pre-party party in the city! I have awarded you the “Arte Y Pico” award…please visit my blog to see the details!

  34. Tricia says:

    Oh, Lovely tea items! I would like to choose that beautiful blue and white striped on the inside cup, if you don’t mind. All the tea accroutements are so beautiful and I especially love the miniature set, ah well, a chip in one…all the more character, don’t you think!
    See you at the party dahling! I would also like to wear that mermaid tail if no one else has spoken for it yet…hehe.
    Oh, one more thing…that pistachio lemon cake!!! Oh, looks perfectly divine and delish!

  35. Vickie says:

    Wow, if the pre-peeks are this good, I don’t know if I’ll be able to take the party scenes!! Everything is gorgeous and magical. I’ll be back to visit!!!

  36. Laura Bray says:

    Good news! A famous flamenco dancer just RSVPed and said she will be coming to my tea! Perhaps you know her, Princess Florinda?

  37. Bethany says:

    Oh yummy lemon cakes!! I am sooo excited about this fun time 🙂
    Just what we need over here with all the yucky rain we’ve been having….have fun with all your pre-party prepping!!
    xo

  38. Anastasia says:

    looks like some great preparations for the big party Miss V…always fun things happening down your way!! love your little girl photos!!

  39. lila says:

    Well, it looks like going to your garden is like going down the rabbit hole!! Mabe it is where your party should be!!! Seems fitting indeed!! Lila..Whimsy Wishes!!

  40. Missy says:

    please add me to the party!

  41. calamity kim says:

    I have the faeries all working hard to decorate and bake up some lovely Mad Tea Party Fun!!!!
    Yeehaw!!!!
    Thank you Vanessa for hostessing this shindig! We were getting bored and lazy with the heat! Now we are jazzed up and starting to sparkle again!

  42. Donna O. says:

    I’m swimming upstream with the mermaids!Yikes! I’ve worked everyday this week at the real job and haven’t had a chance to make anything soooo maybe I’ll be fashionably late!!! Holding my breath and swimming some more!
    D.

  43. Susan says:

    I will be there for the party, using the tea set I had when I was a kiddie. I know it will be so much fun. Thanks for inviting us.
    Susan

  44. Hi Can you take me off the list I am working alot on a custom order that has had me consumed and not able to be online to morrow! Have fun!
    xxoo Denise

  45. i’m off the whole weekend so i posted my entry a day early! 🙂

  46. stephanie says:

    Mermaids…glitter….5year old selves! I am working feverishly to prepare!
    Margarita’s in lovely teacups will be the fare here I imagine…

  47. LiLi M. says:

    Please, please please can you put me on the list of party people??? I was in doubt (I am a Libra) the whole time, but now i have finally dedided to go for it. Let’s party; thank you for hosting!

  48. Sadie Lou says:

    Hi There! I just found you through Whim&Fancy’s blog! Nice to meet you. Thank you for allowing me to look at your beautiful photographs here!
    ~Sadie Lou

  49. Heather says:

    I am amazed at how green it is there! You live in such a beautiful place- love the mermaids!
    My girl is drying for the party tomorrow 🙂 she already has her hat on!

  50. Jackie says:

    I think you should come to Canada and decorate for my 40th birthday party in July!! I love all your posts, you decor and creativity!!

  51. tinker says:

    Dear Miss Vanessa of Fanciful Twist – If it’s not too late to RSVP, I would love to attend your Mad Tea Party and celebrate your 200th post. While I have been a shy correspondent (otherwise known in some parts of Bloglandia, as a ‘lurker’), I have delighted in reading many of those 200 posts – and I am so looking forward to your next 200,000!
    May I join in, please – I would so love a nice cuppa tea!

  52. Polly says:

    Extremely creative and just as darling as always! Hope things are well. We’re neck deep in swimming pools and fireflies these days. Kids in the summer! Blessings… Polly

  53. sherry says:

    Well darling, if I can seriously come to the fete in my pjs…I’m thinking that may just happen. Been feeling “off” today (caught whatever bug youngest son has) but I do NOT want to miss this party so I think pjs might just be it!!
    Oh if only I could attend at my 20 year old self!! That would be bliss!!!
    Looking forward to the fun and festivities…and oh wouldn’t it be fun to have a mermaid in the garden?!?

  54. Lissette says:

    I am so in love with that mermaid! And the tea cups are lovely. See you tomorrow!

  55. Chani says:

    Love the fairy looking up at the sun!

  56. Mya says:

    Oh Vanessa
    i am so excited about the party, can’t wait
    You live such a colorful life with all of your beautiful things. Love the mermaids and your wonderful garden. Thank you for being your wonderfully creative self.
    See you tomorrow.
    XO-Mya

  57. LiLi M. says:

    Hi, last time i was here, i wanted so eagerly to be on that list, that i even couldn’t read clearly anymore, so I forgot to say; congrats on your 200th post and what a lovely post this is…and inspiring too, but I have published my post at midnight already, which is kinda in the future to you as I’m living between 6 and 9 hours ahead of you.
    Have lots and lots of fun today!

  58. Laura says:

    OK Vanessa, this is the best party ever and I finally got pictures of events up. I am dismayed that we arrived without a hostess gift! I swear we had one when we went into the portal! Thank you for such a lovely time!

  59. Sandra Lujan says:

    wow!!!
    everything is stunning!!
    you did an unbelievable job!
    smiles,
    Sandy

  60. cindylou says:

    OOHhhh LA LA , what a party, I very very much enjoyed it. Thanks for posting, that was soooo much fun!

  61. Rosa says:

    Oh, every single thing in itself is delightful. Together, it’s just magical. What a fantastic party!

  62. tess1960 says:

    Breathtaking photographs! What a fun and lovely garden you have.
    Ohhh.she (the mermaid) is so stunning. What a wonderful find. you mst have been thrilled when you found her.
    Have a happy, happy another weekend! I envy your abilities sweet lady.

  63. amy faldet says:

    Just checking out what last year’s was like! This is fabulous, dahlin’! Blessings.

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