Today is a funny day. Today is a day where I just want to be in the moment. I want to feel the sun tingle my skin through the cool breeze. I don't want to brush my seaweed hair. I want to be hyper sensitive to tiny things in the drying garden… I want to have chats with imaginary friends. I want to whisper "hhhey" to microscopic bugs…
I want to squinch up my face in a silly happy way, towards the heavenly sky as its brightness sparks glowy orbs… Whilst twirling a little guy in my fingers…
I want to get real close to a crack in my giant spool table…
And, just lean on my elbows and stare at beautiful nature finds & rusty treasures I have collected in abundance…
I want to know what it is like to have golden fur… To be able to smell things at outrageous levels… I want to burry my head deep in exploration…
The best part of having this blond pooch to be your friend, is that when you sing, her tale wags in time… So, I sang a lil' tune to her as we roamed… And I guess I also serenaded our neighbor, because, I heard a voice say, "hey how's it goin'" and looked up and he was facing me in the distance, eeek! But maybe he was on the phone, haha! One can only hope. Although, they already think I am daft, so it doesn't really matter at this point…
I walk around the yard hauling a mannequin and a gypsy tent… I mean, c'mon, a little singing isn't going to affect their already established opinion, heeheeeeeeeee!!
Today is also a day, where I don't know how I am going to get anything done with these beautiful pages beckoning me… And boy do I have tons to do!! I need to sequester myself in the studio and get all my holiday treats for the shop finished up…
The house looks like a colorful tornado blew through. Actually, I really don't care, ha, is that so bad? But, I should probably tidy up a little…
The magazines above are Artful Blogging Winter 2009, the December issue of Mary Engelbreit, November issue of Domino and at the bottom, the more than scrumptious Martha Stewart Living Mag for December. Oh, it is soo goood!! Doily love galore, and I LOVE DOILIES!!!
As for Artful Blogging Winter 2009, I thought I should share a bit of it with you… I can not tell you how much I adoooore Artful Blogging Magazine!! I have every issue, and can look at them tons of times without getting tired of them…
We were lucky enough to have the Mad Tea Party featured with a lil' Q & A article in the Winter 2009 issue.
It is a really fun spread, which features some of the photos from a few Mad Tea Party participants. I wish everyone could have been in it. I am sure it was not easy for the editors to choose photos. But I do know, they look for high resolution images as the first factor… They told me there was so much goodness to choose from, it was a very difficult task… I can only imagine. I was blown away at each blog I visited during the party…
There is also a great letter from the editor at the beginning of the issue, talking about what they look for in featuring blogs, and in the back are some great blogging tips…
Guess whose paw got a little mag love?
Here are some tiny tidbits from the issue. I don't like to share too much, because I don't want to ruin it for anyone… But I can't resist a little sharing…
While I was taking photos of these pages, I remembered I didn't show the promised snippets of the Fall 2008 issue.
That was such a beautiful issue also… With so many crazy beautiful photos from people's blogs… If you don't have that issue, trust me, it is incredibly inspiring!! From Pixie Blossoms to SouleMama to everyone, the goodness exudes! Mr. Lovee has been reading all the issues, and says he is blown away with it and enjoys it… So, there you have it, a man's perspective…
Oops, Snippets is spelled wrong… Oh well ;)
Oh I almost forgot again., geeeesh, my brain cells… Here was my lil' feature in the Fall 2008 issue. I wouldn't normally bring this up again, but a couple of people who don't get this magazine overseas have asked if I was going to share photos… So, here ya go 😉 ;) Sorry I took forever to do this…
I suppose, I best go tidy up my lil' collections. Put them where they go and such…
I was playing with a bag filled with little ribbon scraps from the Collage Contessa. She sent them ages ago (along with some other treats, thank you!!!) I am enjoying them 😉
Anyhow, in that bag, I found a perfect little trim to play with… Yippeee! It works perfectly with some other little collection factors I am playing with…
So, the Skelly and the Girl are waiting for me to clean house, and… (weird morning lighting)
The headless scarecrow and I have a dancing date at 2 p.m., which means I really do have to go…
Off to dance to the beat of my own tune…
I hope I only freak you out a little tiny bit, with these cronically long and all over the place posts… My goodness… Shall I really hit the save button??? I am running on pretzels dunked in raspberry jam. ;) Just one of the habits I have picked up from the Kiss Hair Band Boy (err, man)…
See you extra soooooon! Oh and this week's giveaway, a 14 postcard set from the last post. Oh, and I forgot to mention, all my postcards come with envelopes ;) So, leave a Hello, and into the hat your name shall float…
Ooooodles of 🖤's, V
Oh, pick me, pick me!! Hee! Would love to be entered into your drawing!! Just adore your pics and posts, girl!!
Take care,
Hilda
I love the “crazy” way you blog. It’s how I think… one thought leads to another, then another, and before I know it, I am so far from where I started, I have forgotten exactly what it was i was thinking about!
I have always been “different”… sort of like a round peg in a square hole, and always used to try to fit in. Not anymore! I decided to accept myself exactly as I am. My grown up babies think their mama is a little nutty, but nutty in a nice way and they just smile at the crazy things I do now. It is all just harmless fun, I am not hurting anybody, just filling my life with things that make me happy.
I love reading your blog with my first cup of tea for the day, you always manage to amke me smile, and what better way to start the day?
I really enjoy reading your blog. I only found it recently but already it’s one of my favorites.
Be back soon,
Tracy M.
You’re blog (& Etsy shop) is the best!! I love the way you blog too, hehe…very entertaining and I of course LOVE all of your whimsical and bright colored photos, makes me smile! OOO, love those postcards too! I’m going to your shop to snag some now!
Greetings! I’ve spent this weekend making my own little creative nook, but during breaks I’ve enjoyed a cup of tea, and a few pages of the new Artful Blogging. Work, tea and blog break….work, tea and blog break- and of course I love seeing the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as I take a sip here, a sip there- I’m thinking I need a deeper tea cup because all too soon, my break and bloggy escape is over.
It’s been worth it though- I now have a space, albeit small, to call my own.
Michaele
I’ve been really wanting to read Artful Blogging magazine, however it is so expensive but I need to splurge because artful blogging is my passion!
Hello, Hello! I just relish your artwork. What a delight!
Hi Vanessa!
I got artful blogging today and have just been reading and writing about the lady whose husband didn’t like her beautiful old dress form. I love this magazine and I discovered it in the magical world of A Fanciful Twist so thanks!
Have a good rest of the week!
Sarah
You are totally tantalizing me as I went out searching for a new Artful Blogging just today and the Holiday special issue. I love those Stampington mags, they are so delicious. I was able to pick up a Where Women Create and from the little glances I have been able to steal so far, it looks yummy in the extreme!
Your free and easy writing is utterly refreshing – keep it up!
Lorrie
Loving your hairy blonde friend with the tail – I have one of those too! I didn’t know about Artful Blogging, but I do now, and I’ll definitely check it out – how fun!
I just get tickled that you and your beautiful talents are featured in so many wonderful issues! What eye candy and inspriation! You are loved by so many of us, Vanessa! Continued blessings in all that you touch and create! : )
VB
Hi Vanessa
I was lucky enough to win the Autumn/08 Artful Blogging issue in a blog giveaway from Lesley @smallmeadow press who was featured & I absolutely loved it! Your contribution was wonderful, colourful & creative.
Vanessa,
Congratulations for the great magazines that your blog or work are in. I am so proud to say,”Yea, I read her blog daily.”
You never creep me out or make me wonder about you. I think you are one of the most talented ladies I have ever met via blogasphere. I so enjoy living vicariously through you and your magical mind.Keep up the great work. My family & neighbors think I am a little daft too so no worry. I think this makes us very special. I just show mine in a different way than you.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo
I love your long, creative and visually beautiful posts. So keep them coming. I’ve seen Artful blogger at Barnes and Noble, one day I must get a copy. Congrats on being featured in it.
Hhhey! I read the article of you and the Mad Tea Party and I sat there and squeeled because I “know” you!
I would love to have your lovely postcards. Thanks.
Dawn
whenever my furry companion buries her nose in my scent I wonder how i smell to her.
i’ve always wanted to know what emotions smell like.
Oh I’d never heard of Artful Blogging magazine! I have to go find one NOW! (This is when I hate that the closest Barnes and Noble is 45 miles away).
Congrats about being chosen again to be in the magazine…your Mad Hatter’s tea party was so much fun and such a visual delight.
I am making some mushrooms for Christmas decorations this year again….should be fun…I love the red with the white polka dots…we both love fungi!
best,
carol
Hehehehe! Your blog post always leave me giddy with delight! And o my goodness, I walked right past Barnes and Noble today and didn’t go in, and I should’ve because now I gotta wait to buy Artful Blogging for another week!!! So I’m now practically bursting with creative energy!
Your posts are perfect, I love how long they are!
xoxo
~K
you are enchanting as always. and the pooch-just like our Rex, beautiful and curious!
Pick me! Pick me!
LOL
I love reading your blog :o)
Congrats on being featured in the Fall 2008 issue for your blog! You truly are an inspiration and your blogs is breathtaking as always. You are so dedicated so kudos to you!
congratulations on all your publications this year! you have been quite busy, indeed! I love visiting you through the blog and through the magazines! So delightful!
Vanessa,
I love your blog whenever I feel a little sad (or when I can check it) I always feel a little more magical when I read your blog.
Thanks,
I love your blog! They are always so much fun!
I like to skip along with you as you blog merrily along. It brings a smile to my day!
Nooope, not even one tiny little bit freaked out over here. It’s ALWAYS a treat to see what fun you’ve been having. I can get lost in A Fanciful Twist.
I love reading your posts! I’m not freaked out one itty bitty bit (hee hee). Sure would LOVE to win that pack of postcards. Ohhhhh weeeeeee.
So much fun…I love your whimsical ways and you always put a smile on my face while reading and dreaming thru your blog. Congrats on your photos in the mag…so beautiful and colorful! Not too sure about the headless scarecrow tho’ Ha Ha!
oooodles of loooove right back at you miss vanessa! what a fun post! it’s been soooooo grey over here… now not pleasant stay indoors and snuggle grey… more of a crank the heat up it’s freezing cold where oh where are my slippers and sweaters winter’s on it’s way grey… not as pleasant.
beautiful spread for the mad hatter tea party!!! fantastic article. i say we should put one together for the super phantasmagorical halloween party we just had!!!
oh and pleeeeeeeease enter me in your giveaway!!! you know how i loooove your postcards!!! yipeeee!!! i’ve been a super busy bee creating for a shop update of my own…
have a beeeeeeautiful mid-week!!! xox
You are SO funny!! Your blog always makes me smile!! I have to go pick up an issue of “Artful Blogging” at Barnes and Noble now. Shoulda’ gotten it the other day when I was in there! Oh well. I never mind a trip to the bookstore, anyway! Thanks for the smiles!!
Inspirational as always Miss V
~k
Oh my heavens…I must go out and see if I can procure a copy of that!!
you know when you drive somewhere and when you get there you dont really know how you got there? thats how i feel when i read your blogs i get to the bottom and i think did i really read it all? like on auto pilot. am i making sense? by the way pretzels are our fav snack now i have to try them dunked in jam…. mmmwwwaaaahhh rosey
Hey Vanessa,
I love your postcards especially the ones of the chairs. Put me in for the drawing. Your post was as charming and sweet as ever.
Kris
thank you for the little peeks….whet my whistle, must run out tomorrow and get my copy!
laughing at your getting caught singing to your sweet pup!
Whoa ! You’re so sweet. I love all the photos that you took in this post.
What luscious eye candy!!! Amazing!!!!
I have to get the copy with you in it for sure!!!!!!
Enjoy your day toots!
What an awesome publication Artful Blogger looks like! How could I have not known about it till now…?
Hello Vanessa,
What a great post! And FELICITACIONES in all your magazine features! Awesome!
~ Gabriela ~
I am loving the blogging spree you have been on … such a delicious treat to awaken to. As I sipped my peppermint coffee, I found myself imagining you setting up your glorious little bounty, readying for the picture … do tell, did you reposition the bougainvillea ever so slightly, time after time, until it pleased your magic eye? Endless thanks for helping me to see with new eyes. **blows kisses** Deborah
Congrats on your publication in the Magazine… I love all of Stampington’s Publication and you are right, you never get sick of looking at them! Have a wonderful day!
swooooooon, wow Vanessa, wonderful post! Lots of things and all together. Love that! We became pals since Artful Blogging. I got that mag and I would like to say hello to some people. Great blogs, amazing artists. I have a pile of mags to read…I did not have the time yet. I love mags. And thanks for that link…hehe, cute. I think you are a sweet girl and I would love to visit your studio one day, because all these images are so attractive. If one day in Flagstaff, let me know, hu?!
Xoxoxo
I love Artful Blogging too. It’s always filled with such inspiring goodness. And the new ME magazine is out!? I must go purchase. I love that one as well.
Also, please put my name in the magical hat. I would loooove to win some postcards!
Why you don’t freak me out at all – your posts are one of the highlights of the day!
Karla
Your blog is amazing, I do love you bright pictures with the magical stars, etc…very inspiring! Congrats on being featured in Artful Blogger…I just had to run out last night and pick up the winter edition, thanks a ton! Now I’m looking for the Fall edition, hope I can snag one!
BTW, I’ve given you a Kreativ Blogger award because you might just be the MOST CREATIVE blogger I know and I LOVE reading it! Stop by to pick it up 🙂
Hello hello hello!!! Is it too strange to say I love you?
hooooray for hiding in cracks of old, wooden tables and talking to the insects for a day (or all the days ever!) And for artful blogging and mad tea parteeees and beautiful creations and words by You! 🙂
And I believe I spotted a foxling party in that spread!! EEEp! Hoooray for Miss Fox!!
Never never worry that your posts are long and rambling. We love them just the way they are, in fact I look forward to them! So glad you were able to find a piece of trim to use in your creations from the baggie I sent. I have so much trim, needed to share. Congrats on the feature in the Artful Blogging mag. It’s my new favorite magazine too! I think I’m only missing the first issue and now the Winter 2009 issue. Is that out already? I need to pick it up. Have you read the Studios magazine yet? That’s another favorite of mine. Talk to you soon! Thanks for the colorful wake up to my day.
Hola!!!
Sin duda este es uno de mis blog favoritos.
La revista no la conocia,al menos por mi pais lamentablemente no llega.
Un gran beso
Oh Vanessa I love how you view the world! And I just love to listen in on your chats with imaginary friends. 😉 I too enjoy living in la la land and taking in all of the little things in life and in this amazing world of ours. I soooo enjoy my Fanciful Twist visits my dear!
Well, congratulations on all the wonderful press. Thanks for sharing this with us! Your amazing!!!!!
Take care buddy!
Good morning, Beautiful! I love to come here and see what amazing things you have prepared for us to enjoy…. your posts have the power to transport me to an imaginary world—a world that although created by you, soon becomes my very own; filled with my very own colors, fantasies and metaphors…. as the nature of an imaginary world depends upon each goddess’s nature…
Te mando un beso. Y otro dÃa de fantasÃa y alegrÃa gitana… 🙂
Cielo
ARe you kidding?! You must now how fun it is to take all these wild jaunts with you. Your images are smoking! I always smile when I come over here.
That Artful Blogging magazine has gone to be one of my top ten necessities. I haven’t gotten this one yet, but you’re right about Fall 2008, and the others.
I got a cool new miniature cigar box that looks like a theatre and I just thought of you. I must figure out what to do with it. It’s great with something fires imagination, isn’t it?
I would love to win the postcards!
I always love your colorful and entertaining posts!
I was going to sit with chai at hand and catch-up on my favorite blogs but now off I go to buy an Artful Blogging magazine!
Hello!!!
Vanessa, on a serenely beautiful, but blustery, white snowy Alaskan day, your blog post filled my senses with an EXPLOSION of color and delight! Love your pretzel and jam snack idea…yum! Try mine….HONEY Brown Rice Cracker with uber thin layer of peanut butter and (Hmm, Hmm) not so thin layer of NUTELLA. It is the “I really should (be fill-in the blank) so don’t have time to cook” way to a “scotcheroo” (Those peanut buttery (not marshmellowy) rice krispy treats topped with a mix of chocolate and butterscotch chips). Hmmm…maybe I do have time to cook?
The Mad Tea Party pics look so darling all together Vanessa! I haven’t had a chance to pick up the issue yet, so it’s really fun to see your photos! I have been scrambling to get thru my boutique’s holiday fashion show and open house and I am missing out on all the fun things! xo Shannon
ok, hello :). seriously, you’ve made another lovely post and now i just want to get that magazine too…
You always seem to brighten up my day 🙂
Thanks
You ARE Artful Blogging! I just ordered a copy of the latest issue the other day. I can’t wait to get it! It’s hard to find around these parts.
Vanessa, you are so much fun! I would love to be your neighbor! And I’m sure your actual neighbors think very highly of you! I have the Fall issue of Artful Blogging. I love it. I must search for the new one now!
V. thank you again, one more time, as always for inspiring me and lifting me up.
What a happy visit! I so enjoy Artful Blogging as well (and have seen A Fanciful Twist within!). Beautiful photos as always, and that dear blond pooch is adorable!
well, my love…pretzels dunked in jam sounds much better than what you were talking to me about before;) heeeheee
yahooooo for Artful Blogging and YAHOOO for you!! I’m so excited to be included Vanessa:) What a THRILL!!!!
Thanks for your get well wishes. I’m feeling a bit better each day:):):)
big xoxoxox to you and hooray for dancing to your own tune! jenn
heyyyyyyyyyy, just found your blog (by way Danita’s blog) and am so happy I had a moment to peruse…You have been officially added you to my favorites…and I am adding myself to your drawing!
love your random thoughts of thinking 😉
There’s a Winter issue?!? I just ordered the Autumn issue…now I will have to go back and pick up this one. Love your photos! Love the pooch!
I am a long time reader and lover of your whimsies. I sing to my cat and heehaw with my accordion at him. 🙂 He loves it!
Good nighties to you!
A wonderfully fantastic post! A treat to read~ the postcards are devine!
Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
amzanioli@yahoo.colm
Howdy Miss Blog Queen! LOL ‘-)
Hope this note finds you well.
Chris
Oh Wow! I never even knew there was a blogging magazine!! I’m so out of the loop sometimes!! That is one I’ll look out for next time I’m at Indigo books. I thought that was so cute, you singing out loud to your dog on the walk, and the neighbour!! haha! My face would have been lobster red!!
Lovely photos as usual!! I do enjoy reading your blog…you def deserve a feature in that mag!!! You have a way with blogs, an exuberance that is so charming and fetching….and sooooo addictive!! Bravo for VV! and Fanciful Twist!!
Hi Vanessa, Congratulations on Artful Blogging Magazine, your Alice Mad Hatter Tea party looks beautiful in the issue. As always your post is filled with inspiration and eye candy. You are the funnest lady in all of Blogland, and I always leave with a pocket filled with inspiration. Karen
Yay pretty girl!!! Sooo happy for your spread in Artful Blogging!!!!
Your work is so deserving to be featured again and again…hope to see more in many other issues 🙂
Yes, I agree about the “how can anyone get anyhting done with all that yummy inspiration this month in the mags!” Have a pile of work to tackle myself but I did fall for buying at least 1 today to drool over. (I’m so weak, I am!)
Oh Miss V~ I Loved the artful blogging article…I enjoyed the pics and the Mad Tea Party was the best..I look forward to the second annual!tee hee!
~Hugs,
Miss Ann-Denise
I enjoy your blog and art! I never knew
about the Blogging magazine. Delightful!
A true feast for the eyes!
Oh this was a scrumptious post!What glorious colors! Isn’t it amazing all of the colorful wonderful people you find through blogging. I love the pages of Artful blogging, at first I am so amazed at the gorgeousness. Then I remember I see that whenever I visit blogland! I love that you and your lovelies have been recognized there although part of me doesn’t want to share you!
Oh my, I thought for sure I had entered….hmmm, wonder what happened? I love your blog, the fanciful, the whimsy, the beautiful photos, the way you just live life. Would love to win the give away, hmmm bet you read that a lot, huh?
Crazy is good.
Trust me on that one 🙂
I wish I could get my hands on that magazine.. sooo very magazine deprived here. And such a magazine junkie, that it might actually be a good thing..heh..
Just thrilled to be mentioned at your tea party!!!
We really had a wonderful time..and my bunnies too!
Hugs,
Kay
I so wish we can get ‘Artful Blogging’ over here, so much goodness. Congrats on all your features, I can’t believe they featured the ‘Mad Tea Party’, how cool?!
Hola preciosa! I finally got my Artful Blogger magazine in the mail today (ever since I’ve had a subscription, it’s been going to the wrong address) and was delighted to see your delightful tea party featured. Simply divine, dahling girl! xoxox
Hello! Oh, I hope I win 😉 You have the best stuff!
I so enjoy reading your blog and especially love your photography. Fun, fun!!!
Hello,
I recently came across your blog and enjoy reading your posts and viewing your art. You are truly inspiring so please continue to dance to your own beat!
Thanks,
Nancy
Hello! Cute pictures, as usual. Such a fabulous weblog you have. I just wish I were so talented and creative.
Deidre
I can only hope to one day have my Blog featured in Artful Bloggers- it was dreamy to see my photo of the tea party in there but they misspelled my blog name- clamity kim- the mr said it sounded like Clamidia Kim and no one wants to check her out! teehee! at least they liked my picture! one can dream!
I like your crochet flowers- rock on craft queen!
xxxooo
maybe I should change it to: K-Tastrophe Kim!!!! hardey harr harr!
(*<>*)
I so enjoy your website. Your creations fill me with wonder.
it looks like we have the same desk with “secret” drawers….
I am so tickled (pink) that we’re both in the same issue. And that I can look at the Mad Tea party without having to sit at the computer!!!
xoxo
Congrats! Todo es maravilloso en la revista, muy linda! te felicito y te lo mereces!
Un abrazo
Thank you, thank you, thank you for including me!
I just found you blog and I have to tell how much I LOVE it! Looking at everthing you post it feels like I’m chasing someone through an incredibly beautiful maze that will lead me to something extraordinary.
Is it too late?? Please pick me! I love coming to your blog for a little creative escape!