A little art alchemy is what my world is infused with, as my deadline looms, and I hit the 72 hour crunch…
I had hoped to share some most magical squeal worthy excitement with you today. Alas, I must finish my work. And then, we will plan to party like its 1865. Sound good?
I have been so busy. I mean, busy (albeit, an exciting creative vibe busy). Below is a little more than half of my deadline (all completed art pieces on the front). I say half, as there is also clay involved. (I removed the color of the canvases, to surprise a little later)
My behind the scenes is truly, Mad 😉
I can't even begin to tell you what my checklist looks like.
And yet, I have this habit, that goes like this -
Whenever I am really busy, I also throw extra projects into the mix. Like tilling a small parcel of land, and starting my first lawn from seed :) (we'll see what happens)
When I was in college, and I had HUGE papers due, I would decide that during the paper writing, I was going to do such things as reorganize every cabinet in the entire house. It is almost like, the more I have to do, the more I get done…
Do you find yourself doing the same thing? I wonder what it means…?
I do know this much – My sanity is in the garden. I will tell you a tale one day, about how I discovered my passionate love of soil in 1994.
The Milk Thistle I spoke of a few days ago, is blooming…
Isn't it amazing?
I don't know what is happening to me? I am hyper-nature-sensitive these days. And moved profoundly, by all of the little details…
I can't get enough of the beautiful and strong leathery roses. I watched, as the 40 year old rose bush changed from winter to spring. Then buds emerged, then petals peaked out. And now, I am crazy in love…
Can't get enough…
When I take breaks from my work (of the art variety), I roam our property. Yesterday, I found wonderful sights.
The garden has been ever so kind to me this year. My first 4 years I tried planting seeds here, to no avail (although my sunflowers always grow). Wrong timing, animals nibbling, and I didn't understand the soil.
But, it got better and better as the years went by. And maybe this year, everything I have learned about successfully growing here, will come to fruition? (beets, carrots, pumpkins etc.) We'll patiently wait and see… (okay, maybe not so patiently, but we don't have a choice 😉
I stood in front of a giant dumpster that Mister Lovee ordered (to fill with winter brush), and snapped a photo of a precious nature finding…
I stood there, just totally dumbfounded at the tender complexity of this little guy.
Then, I said to Mister Lovee -
"I don't know what is wrong with Me this year, I am so super hyper sensitive to everything that is growing. I don't remember being this crazy over every little detail. Where was I before?"
This was his answer - (as he made a graceful filigree movement into the sky, with his hands)
"Bing bing bing, out in the stratosphere somewhere……who the heck knows……"
I laughed and laughed at his answer, and then went back to work…
Which is just what I am off to do now.
Wish me luck ;)
The superb news is that, in 72 hours, my intense deadline will be on an airplane, and I will be party planning, and having a ball here with you!!
🖤 ,V
ps: Here is a photo of a voluptuous blonde, hanging out by the pool, in the simulated tropics 😉
She gets in the pool, off and on, all day. I change her water, and fill it to the top constantly. She is hanging in there, doing okay. She feels your love. I know this much, to be true…
Hope you reach your deadline soon with no more stress. There is always a deadline attatched to everything, know matter what it is. That’s life, it makes us stronger.
Your flowers are so whimsical. Love them.
I was wondering if you are planning to make some little elves to add to your ETSY site? I would love to have one. I will keep checking.
keep up your amazing work. I never tire of looking at your blog.
V~
If I was there I’d hope right into that pool with her 🙂
Lots of love your way my dear friend!!
there is nothing more exciting then a stack of canvases. Looking forward to what you unveil.
Awww your little baby dog looks like she is having a well deserved snooze next to her little paddling pool. My husband and I had a visit to a local dog rescue on Sunday! Very exciting, watch this space for a new arrival to our family! I love this time of year, I think we are a little behind in the sunshine stakes in the North of England but our little gatrden is just about starting to bloom – in fact I have just bought some lettuce and salad leaves to plant as well as a fig tree which I hope will survive our cold climate 🙂 Happy week xxx
vanessa, i look forward to your posts so much!! you always capture the magic of the wonderful things growing around your home. i love the thistle pics! we have those here in NW washington and i love to see them, though they are not very cuddly! i can’t wait to see what’s on those canvases! and i can’t wait for the party! crystal raindrop wishes to you this damp day in washington. i love it that you have so much sun! and live outdoors!
hi!
My goodness me! But look at all those paintings!! You have been a busy little bee-lette indeed!! I’m glad to hear your saving time for frolicking in the garden, too!! 🙂
I can’t wait to hear what your ever so exciting news shall be!! Hooray!! 🙂
Happy Painting to You Miss!! 🙂
oh
oh
oh
i so NEED a pool
where i can plop down–
in and out–
and have someone lovingly change
the water for me…
but i do not.
still i DO have the Atlantic Ocean
so i will not complain 🖤
🙂
listen,
when i am busy packing my carry~on
for a long trip i always decide
to
Clean the Entire House
in case the plane goes down
🙁
and my sister has to move in
and redistribute the beads
and the books 🖤
and the china
and such…
why oh why do i do this?
i have no idea…
so what this means is that
You Are Not Alone, missy!
PS–that milk thistle 🖤
makes me think of Dr. Seuss,
for some reason
🖤
Aah beautiful Baby! I think what you are doing is call;ed productive procrastination. I have the same problem!
I love your detailed pictures of plants-they are amazing aren’t they? x
My little Magical Muse, how you delight me. You are my JoY. One does need to live on their little patch of earth for quite a few seasons before learning where the summer sun hits hardest, where the shade stays, who will grow and who will not…such a pleasuring in getting to know your own little piece of earth. It can can take up to a lifetime. Therein lies the comfort. **blows kisses** Deb
P.S. Wondrous photos again,of your wee elfin world out there…
i think, somehow, you are sending the nature sensitivity through the air all the way to nola. i took a walk yesterday – to clear my art over loaded head – and all i could do was marvel at everything blooming! beauty everywhere! i didn’t want to go home….just stay outside, under a sweet olive and breathe deeply!
I’m with you my friend on the nature… still getting over those humming birds you have in your garden. I did see a heron the other day which was quite a sight in the middle of town.
As regards your afflication, your doctor is diagnosing one of two ailments:
1. Distraction syndrome – suddenly cleaning the toilet and doing all those other household chores we dread is more preferable to completing the hard work for hte deadline. Cure: just get on with it girl!
2. Pressure fever. Some of us just thrive with a bit of pressure and if you haven’t got enough pumping up the guage then clearly you need to add more. Cure: just get on with it girl!
My attempts at growing little seedlings are always scuppered by the slugs. I have a sunflower just popped out of the soil today on my windowsill. He will have to grow into a big strong boy before I risk the great outdoors and all those beasties.
Brightest blessings to you and yours.
Hi Vanessa! Sorry to hear you are so crunched on deadline, but I am sure the end results will be just lovely. I’m entranced with nature very much this year, too. Don’t quite know what it is. I am so in love with that milk thistle. A few years ago, we tried to grow it here – but alas, it would not grow in these parts. 🙁 I always seem to want the most exotic types of plants and flowers for our garden – much to the frustration of the hubby! LOL
It was wonderful to see Baby relaxing in the shade. Give her a big ole hug from me!
xoxo Theresa
Love the hot blond hanging by the pool 😉 That Mr. Lovee of your is quite hilarious…so glad you are enjoying your treasures from the earth V! And so glad your deadline is almost over, because we are ready to par-taaaay!
Jamie 🙂
I wish I could take a dip with her! Can’t wait to hear all of your exciting news!
More love for your blondie on it’s way….
Sometimes I stop to just go outside and enjoy nature and find myself wondering…have I been asleep this whole time? How did I miss all of earth’s amazing beauty?
You inspire me to continue to enjoy everything that is wonderful…some of the best things in life are absolutely free and natural.
I wish your Baby the best too, such a sweetie.
Oh how I admire you being able to push on under such pressure. As for creating even added pressure I think it has something to do with how creative minds work.
For instance when I clean the house I can’t just do one chore at a time. I have to do a little bit of each. Sort of visit each chore as I work my way towards completion. Maybe it’s a herding mentality…I feel like I’m herding tasks together and each one pushes me to complete the next.
Ahh..but I do look forward to the magical adventure you have in store for us. Good luck and congratulations and I’m sending more pink healing and loving energy to your beautiful Baby!
I don’t know why that is, but I seem to do that too…and the plant tenderness has been growing on me – in me ? – for years. I think the seasons work their magic on us slowly through the years, till we’re able to really see the enchanted world around us…
What a bathing beauty, that blonde Baby of yours. Sending lots of good vibes her way!
You’re not the only one who adds to their to-do list when they’re super busy, I’m notorious for it! Maybe the idea is that completing a long to-do list is a satisfying feeling, so completing a ridiculously long one is even more satisfying. Or maybe we’re both just crazy. ;o)
Baby looks very relaxed next to her pool, she completely deserves to lounge around and chill out. Tell her to have a drink for me. ;o)
oh heavens, my dear, it is the thing I excel at the absolute most…adding to my already overflowing plate! deadlines are the best for my productivity…and my rearranging and spring cleaning and tea drinking and garden puttering…who needs to sleep? 😉
many fuzzy cuddles to your dear pup. she looks oh so comfortable and blissed in that poolside pic. xoxoxo
your pics are great!!
I used to do the same thing when I was in college and had a paper due.
I would clean like crazy, before I could settle down and concentrate. I always thought it was a form of procrastination.
~elaine~
vanessa, my wild wacky wonderful neighbor: where to start?
how about with ‘if you want something done ask a busy person’. you prove that theory!!
then your garden and your little details: it seems to me you are thanking the universe and you are being thanked back.
i think this is happening to me too. seeing is its own miracle.
so i can’t wait to see what’s on the other side of those canvasses. i am spilling over with inpatient excitement!!
and vanessa, the girl is beautiful and looks so content lying there. i found out today my girl has a tumor that must be removed and hopefully she will be okay, but she is older and who wants surgery and maybe radiation…
btw, i am leaving here abit silly, which you manage to do to me quite often
have fun with all those distractions, ms v.
love
kj
We finally, finally have some flowers here as well and most of the snow is gone! I’m off to my mother’s house for a bit – she has tussilago which, to me, is the REAL spring flower, little yellow faces sticking up through the soil, next to the snow.
In my town, there are crocus here and there but ONE amazing secret garden which just seems to shine, look:
http://blog.afiori.com/2010/04/another-secret-garden-and-mysterious.html
Seriously – the rest is still brown, dirty snow, tiiiny flowers in certain spots and then one house has a huge flower bed complete with fairies.
oooohhhh…
i just saw your wee houses 🖤🖤
over at CRESCENDoh!
🙂
i recognized them
straight away
on the home page!
yippeee!
🖤
I’ve been the same this year – sensitive to every budding and blooming thing – and am chalking it up to the harsh winter we had here. Although my husband would agree with your Lovee about simply being in the stratosphere. He says I have “Shiny Object syndrome”, hehe.
Baby looks so peaceful and content and LOVED. Sending prayers and soothing, healing vibes across the miles…
Can’t wait to hear your news and see those canvases. Also waiting with bated breath for Mad Tea Party details. 😉
Blessings,
~ Carolee
What a beautiful and gentle soul you are.I have loved reading your blog and will visit again.
Karen
I do more when under pressure too. All or nothing with me. What a beautiful rose. Sometimes it’s nice just to look at the flowers.
I don’t do well under pressure…I just come to a stop until the pressure equalizes. HA! I admire those who can handle deadlines so gracefully.
Your photos are amazing!! Love them all!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Baby looks so relaxed by her pool! Ahhhh!!!
Good luck with your deadline.
Love your pictures.
I love it when I can capture a hummingbird of film.
Roses are my favorite flower. I have plans for a flower bed along my back walk. A climbing rose bush that will grow up between my 2 bedroom windows. A couple of the new Knockout yellow roses. (They seem indestructible here in the south).
I love planting, digging, growing. I have a wee bit of a herb garden in pots on the patio amongst the flower pots and the pots of tomatoes (which are blooming).
I am definitely the same way!! The more I have to do…the more I NEED to do…and the more I get done! But yes, whenever a deadline is looming I decide to tackle something I’ve always wanted to do instead…go figure!
I know what it is! I know what you’re working on and if I’m wrong then shame on “Them!” Hubby and I were just in Tuscon and the Hotel Congress is having a featured artist for something or another…I don’t remember, but that’s just my brain these days ;-O. Am I right? Do I win the prize? Oh I certainly do hope so!!!
Sunday evening hubby and I were sitting in a cheap motel on interstate 10 when I read your post about the hummers and how they buzz about your head (real hummers, not imaginary) and I was so delighted by the visions. Then I read further about your darling Baby and tears welled up in my eyes until I could no longer read your words. How lucky you are to be able to be outdoors with her most of the day. She is such a joy to see and an even bigger joy to read about her life and how she’s enriched yours.
I love you, my fanciful friendling and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
funny how you can love someone you’ve never met face to face, don’t you think? yeah, me too ;-).
cori
you’ve made me smile again. thank you. x
Sweet Sweet Vanessa
Your soul is ‘pure’ …
your words inspire me more than I have time to express in words.
For now…
just feel my heart…
and know that I adore your heart…
and your world
and your fur babies
and your mister (who is so perfect for you…just like my greg is)
and art
and your magical, mystical garden…
and every little itsy bitsy thing about you!
xo
Sending Sweet Baby lots of wishes.
It is a delight to have a garden. When I go walking in my local park, I like to imagine that’s it my garden since I don’t have one. One day..I will..
I’m glad Baby is enjoying the pool and sunshine.
I find when I am in crunch time or have deadlines, Nature, stillness, looking sooo close keeps me humming and I become more efficient. I go up north during the cold months to revive like that. It is soo beautiful to be so out of touch, surrounded by quiet and nature. I love how your photos are getting so clear, your heart is so into it. You can just see it. I wrote an article for Jenny Doh’s Crescendoh.com on how art saves. I think maybe that same refreshment is what you are getting. Love the calm that you give yourself. You are a brilliant, dear soul. Love to you friend.
Me too…the busy I am the more productive I am. I also think the gardening, organizing also give your mind time to rest and actually work out any obstacles. Even if you don’t think there are any. We have a pool like that for our doggies too. The little one loves to walk in and splash his feet in. The big one prefers stepping down on to the steps in the real pool….
Hang in there, V!
I hope you enjoy the crunchy time. It’s like peanut butter when it’s going good. That was so gramatically not kosher, but you know what I mean. Speaking of Kosher, Oynas said he’d love to bask by the pool with Baby. He refers to her as “The Lovely Madam from the Arid Lands”. We think that is SO hokey and make fun of him like crazy. Then he gets all pouty so we feel guilty and give him a pickle. All ends well.
Look forward to the party~ 🙂
Her own pool, eh? Is it wrong that I am envying Baby right now?
Isn’t Mister Lovee just the silly one!
I can’t wait to see what you have been working on:)
Baby looks so sweet and serene. I am glad she’s nice and comfy.
Love,
LuLu🖤
all the mystery is so exciting! I hope Baby gets better…..
so, I had to go through your blog to find out why Baby is ill. I finally found the post and wanted to cry. Our pets are not ‘pets’ either….they are members of our family.
Just know that she knows how loved she is and that when the time comes, you will absolutely know it and will have moved to a place that makes it okay to let her go forward without you. Until then, relish the time you have with her and makes some memories!
Just thinking about you and sweet Baby and sending you virtual hugs. Surely you, Mr. Lovee, Baby and Matty live in a magical place where hummingbirds dance and wishes come true.
I do hope blondie gets well soon! Poor baby!
You are a kindred spirit oh fanciful one…or should I say Thee fanciful one ;)The more work I have to do the more work I pile on until it is a mad scramble of creativity/productivity that ends in a sigh of relief & a day spent in bed recovering! When I have all the time in the world I can’t seem to get my bootie in gear to nary a thing! No wonder the house never gets clean 😉
{hugs}
Johanna
I have been thinking of Baby and praying for her all week. Do have a lovely weekend, Vanessa! Twyla
Oh, the joy of feeling that a huge work is complete, and flying away! I can just imagine what exciting news it will be when you can share it, and a celebration…always a reason to be here at A Fanciful Twist.
Your flowers are lovely, it’s a gift when you can be tuned into the miracles of nature, and God’s wink of a symbol in all creation.
Wishing you lots of good news!
Karen
Thinking of you…
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
you know, i dont think its procrastination at all. i think when you’re busy and you organize a shelf or plant a fig tree (ahem) or whatever is you are doing, its a release valve. it’s a way to do something purposefully without having to tax your brain so much, giving it a rest, but still doing something instead of shutting down, does that make sense?
time to let the mind drift…..
for me now, too…the spanish moss in the trees is flying in the wind like a gypsy’s girl tangled hair!
we’re expecting a storm and its making me restless….
love to my furry and not so furry peeps!
xoxoxox<3~~~ooooo<3~~~~~~viiivivivrrr***
so happy to have found your lovely blog! i adore your whimsical art and can’t wait to see more! good luck finishing everything for your deadline. delighted to see those flower photos too. so much solace in the garden 🙂
xoxo, juliette
Can’t wait to know more about your latest project! All very intriguing. And these nature photos are gorgeous. I’m like you – the busier I am, the more other little projects I come up with – either to make me busier or procrastinate with the main projects, who knows? In any event, good luck with your deadline. And big hugs to you and Baby. xoxox
Hi Vanessa, I too tend to add more to my deadlines…ugh. I must admit, it is nice to know that others do the same! My hubby calls it procrastination. Whatever it is I go crazy and somehow get it done! Good luck with your show and I look forward to seeing whats on those canvases! Also big hug to your blonde baby.
Hi Vanessa, I’ve been reading your fabulous blog for a while and after reading about your sweetie Baby I remembered an instruction to healing a dog from the book by Dr. Shivani Goodman “9 steps to prevent and heal cancer” sounds smth like that…
There was described the same case and they several people at one time) made a few sessions with the dog sending her Love, White Light plus appropriate visualization that everything is already perfect in the healing zone. The dog was completely healed!
Whatever method you choose, I wish Baby to be healthy and joyful very soon!
Sending Love her way!
Thank you for so much inspiration spread at your blog!:)
Regards,
Zara