Come on in, and I shall tell you a tale. A tale that leads to another tale, and another tale, and another tale…
You see, I want to tell you a story, about a very special place called Crescendoh. Some of you have heard all about this lovely place I speak of, but if you have not, you can read all about it right here…
However, before you skip into virtual lands, won't you stay for a spot of flower essence tea, while I tell you a story, of the true variety?
Oh goodie, so glad you have decided to stay for a bit…
You see, a few years ago I started my virtual journey. A journey of sharing a little bit of my life and art, by way of this virtual world, with no idea of why.
I had no clue if there was even a destination point. In fact, I didn't even consider where the road would wind towards, I simply jumped in, head first…
It has been (and continues to be) an exciting journey, with the chance to meet so many different lovely people. And, as you well know, the facility of sharing that this virtual medium provides is incredible.
One day (a few years ago) I received an e-mail from Jenny Doh, who at the time, was editor-in-chief at Stampington and Company. I thought it was a joke at first 🙂
However, it was no joke, as she was inquiring about some of my work for an issue of Somerset Studio. I was super delighted, created some artwork, shipped it off, and did cartwheels when it was published 😉
(I like to think that if you dream, and work hard, anything is possible. Something good is bound to happen when you combine those two, don't you think?)
I have since shared my work in several Stampington publications, and am ever grateful for such magical twists in roads, and that initial experience with Jenny.
Speaking of magical twists, here is where my story starts to morph into the intended tale…
You see, Jenny Doh recently left Stampington to start her own company! A company called, (you guessed it), Crescendoh…
A few months ago, Jenny asked me if I would consider sharing a story about how art has saved me, for a moving and inspiring section of Crescendoh called, Art Saves.
I said yes because, art did save me. Art has saved me. And, art continues to save me.
Only, I have never really told the tale, of what led me to leap off the bridge into art, as a total way of life (about 15 years ago).
But I will, (for the first time) this coming week (The week of May 10th 2010). When my Art Saves story goes live at Crescendoh. (butterflies in stomach!!)
To be very honest with you, I have this whole push-pull thing going on. Part of me has no problem telling it like it is, and being very honest and open. Yet, another part of me has this sacred protective Mother Warrior side, who wants me to keep some things private.
However, when I get talking, I can't be anything but honest. And, if anything I can share about my life can help anyone else in any way (no matter how minor), then I am willing to share.
So, honest little tid-bits of my life (that I have not shared before) will be be a part of my Art Saves story at Crescendoh next week. (once my story is up, all you have to do is follow the "…" after my intro line, and a page will open up with the story).
Crescendoh is a very special place, with ART as the core, and oodles of goodness surrounding it. There are many inspiring Art Saves stories being shared over there. Take a peek…
But before you go, won't you let me pour you a second or third cup of flower essence tea?
Oh, I knew you would say yes 😉
I'll have another myself, before we bid each other adieu, for now…
🖤 ,V
ps: To all the Mother's of human and furry children, I wish you an absolutely splendid and beautiful Mother's day!
I was up at 5:20 a.m. filling a basket with my bright coral roses, and a few of my pink frosting roses…
Just for you 😉
pss: Silly me!I completely forgot about my Free Mother's Day Cardlettes!!
You can still get them by clicking on this link for a printable pdf version! (give the file several seconds to open)
See you super Soon! 😉
Can’t wait to read the piece in CrescendOh. And your roses and your gypsy caravan are gorgeous (oh and those cards), Oh Talented One. Love you! xoxox
And a happy furry mother’s day to you! That is so nice and brave of you to share your story and I am sure it will help some someones! Your blog helps me by making me smile every time I read it. Also I added the Mad Tea Party button to my blog, yay!
Thanks for the beautiful roses! I have 2 wonderful daughters, 17 & 11. Happy furry mom’s day to you :0) I can’t wait to read your stories
:OP
Wheeeee VVVVVVV…I am so excited to hear how art saved you 😉 And your feature in Crescendoh, yay for you! What a lovely basket of flowers you picked…you shouldn’t have 😉 Aaaand Happy Puppy Mum’s day to you too my dear! Big hugs,
Jamie 🙂
I will be waiting for your story this week! Congrats and good for you for just being honest. That is what we love to read, true honesty, from the heart.
I’ve enjoyed looking over your blog, I found you over at Dollybelle.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Roxie
Oh My – I LOVE your blog- it is eye candy for me- i love mad hatter tea party- i love the frilly girly pink-tulle-sweet party stuff- JUST love it- I will be using your blog for much inspiration for doing my 8yr olds b-day or if i get to do parties in my store- in which i hope i can figure a way-without moving furniture.
JUST love it.
Karryann
I love reading the Art Saves stories, I can’t wait to hear yours! I just printed out the adorable Mother’s Day cardlettes, my mom is going to love them!! 🙂 ~Lauren
Vanessa I don’t always post to your your blog, but I’m always anxious to see what you blog about. I just love your whimsy and color… I want to be more like you : )
So I’m adding color to my life a little at a time. It’s going to be very important to me!
I think about your baby not being well and have held her in my heart. It’s so hard..
I’ve added chickens and ducks to my life and they give me more joy than anything. I don’t know why I’m telling you this???
You are such an inspiration to me!
Thank you ~
Pattee
Oh! Thank you, thank you for the sweet
Cardlettes! They are so charming…just like you are.
And have a very, very lovely Mother’s Day weekend with your furry babies and Mister Lovee.
Hugs,
XOXO
Teresa S.
Oh! I quite forgot! I think it is wonderful that Jenny Doh has asked you to tell about how art saved you. I love all of the Stampington publications…and it is interesting that Jenny has branched off on her own incredible journey to inspire fledgling and independent artist alike so we can all celebrate how art saves.
Congratulations! and I will look forward to your tale.
By the way, your roses are glorious!
A happy mum’s day to you….good to hear the fur baby’s are doing well today 🙂
I am looking forward to hearing your story…thank you always for sharing you may never know who’s life you touch with your sweetness and honesty 🙂
Hi V! Just stopping by your neck of the woods to put a smile on my face. This post was very cool, I had no idea about the art saves. I couldn’t agree more though because it truly does. Art puts me in another world, something I couldn’t live without. Anywho Happy Mother’s day! because Fur Babies count to:)
Thank you so much for the cardlettes! I just adore your artwork ~ The roses are incredibly gorgeous…would love to have them all over my house. The Gypsy wagon is so very interesting to me ~ fascinating, really. I’m looking forward to the article you are sharing.
Prayers for Baby continue along with healing energy ~
Happy Fur Babies Mom’s Day!
xoxo
Pat
well, of course you knew ;). what you perhaps didn’t know, but i suddenly felt i reeeally had to tell (i’m silly i know), is that even though i have a hard time keeping up with leaving comments behind me right now i follow your posts almost religiously and it really brightens my day every single time i see a new one from you in the reader :). i’m so very happy you decided to share all the things you are (including the story that i’m just longing to read later 😉 ) and do! also, although i only have human babies at this time of my life i completely understand the deep love one can have for the furry kind and i’m sending all the good, healing thoughts i can to your baby (and you) and wishing you the very best of mother’s days!
spring hugs,
I love reading the Art Saves stories, I can’t wait to hear yours! I just printed out the adorable Mother’s Day cardlettes, my mum is going to love them!
it is truth vanessa! ART SAVES!!!! i’m looking forward to reading your story! maybe i’ll love you more…
I love looking at your photos: They are always so beautiful and inspiring. Those roses are magnificent!
I can’t wait to read your Art Saves story!
Such beautiful photos, roses, and art. I am a newer follower, but have found your posts to be a visual delight. 🙂
This post was a wonderful reminder to me, as well. I’m a writer, myself, and it was for the stories that I started my own blog. I was convinced by a dear friend that I had something to offer others…
I was contemplating a story when I woke up this morning, which I’ve been hmming and haaing over, but your post was a wonderful confirmation that I need to write it. 🙂
I look forward to reading and viewing more from you in the future!
And a Happy Mother’s Day to you, dear Vanessa! May you experience extra joy today as the mother of two very fortunate fur children. Very much looking forward to your Art Saves article. So sweet that you are willing to share your life and thoughts with us.
CONGRATULATIONS !! on your Cresendoh story.. will be looking forward to reading all about it soon…
Now I must say … I just saw the video below of your little fur babies… one in particular that just grabs my heart… so beautiful…
Wishing you a HAPPY “FUR” BABY MOTHERS DAY….
And sending love to baby that she continues to have many many days of love and fun with her mom…
LOTS AND LOTS OF HUGS
JO
Can’t wait for your story. I had already found Crescendoh. It is truly magical, so glad you will be part of it. Thanks for the cards and the lovely pictures. You have such fun stuff to look at.
Happy Furry Mother’s Day to you!
Tracy M.
Thank you so much for your blog. I have followed it for awhile now . It gives me a place to escape to when things are not so pleasant in my shades of gray world. I cant wait to read your story. I want to thank you again,people like you and Suzi Blu and the others who blog their stories,Who would think you all can reach out and touch so many people. Sometimes I dont think I can ever leave my bubble here in the middle of nowhere WYOMING but I can escape through my art and your lovely blogs.
Aahh! Beautiful, sweet, dreamy images of your beautiful little world and I hope you have a most blessed Mother’s Day of the fur baby kind. They are the best, are the not? They’ll never stick their tongue out at you (at least not a sassy tongue) and they’ll never stomp their feet (well at least not in anger) and pound their fists on the floor. They are truly the sweetest babies in life.
much love to you, my Fanciful Friendling.
xoxo Cori
Ahhhh…those roses are divine! That is so sweet of you to think of me 😉
I am most looking forward to the tale of your artistic beginnings. It has been a joy to read of your journey and to make your acquaintance. Being in a Stampington publication would indeed be a dream come true!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Lovely, Lovely post.. thanks so much for sharing. Your pictures have inspired me to redecorate my home with my items…my sewing room is a mass of vintage things and lots of silks…so I want to include them in my other areas as well. I totally enjoy the gypsy boho look and this is perfect.
Thank you again, and Happy Mother’s Day.
Hey Vanessa, just went over and read your ‘Art Saves’ interview, and it was amazing – Phew! You have certainly worked hard to get where you are today – making art surrounded by such beauty…I think I need to make some art tomorrow…
Oh, what beautiful pictures and your stories are ones I will keep up with I am sure =)))
xoxo
I can’t wait to read your story! I hope you had a beautiful Furry Mother’s Day!
I shall be there with bells on to read your beautiful tale, and I know it will be an inspiration as always!! 🙂 Art is magic, and sorrow, and beauty, and wisdom, and fear, and silliness, and bumble bees and birdlings, nests and leaves, wind and snow and seas and forests…..and I thank goodness for a little peak into it’s lovely realm from time to time!! 🙂
Happy Monday to You Miss!!
And what beautiful roses you’ve gathered there!!
🖤
Well, I must say I haven’t been taken by such lush loveliness ever! I too am a guest curator this week on Art Saves and this is how I found you. I absolutely love your sense of style, color, art and sensibility. Here is to many happy returns – and btw girl you rock!
First, every single photo here is dreamy. It was your expert attention to the finest detail in every set that drew me into your magical world. The teacup, the fabrics, the flowers…all so perfect. To me, like string to a cat’s brain. How exciting for you, and so well deserved…so much more to come, for you, My Lady, are one in a million. The day I fell into the rabbit hole and landed here was like winning the lottery, only better! **blows kisses** Deb
Happy Mother’s Day to the Mombie of the two cutest fur babies ever (even if one does like to hog the camera time).
Hello Vanessa,
there is nothing like pure coincidence… I passed by at your blog after a long time a few days ago, now I did the same at Crescendo and who’ s name and story do I see over there ?…:)
It’s nice to read your ‘secret’ story and your story proves that art can save life. Art makes life every day again.
greetings from belgium
Inge
Happy Mother’s Day to you! And you are so generous with your cardlettes. yay!
I’m going to Jenny’s now…
You are so delightful! I’m very glad to meet you! Your story was real and inspiring…Art has always been there for me too! We are lucky girls!
Hello, dearest Vanessa
I was just over at Crescendoh and read your beautiful story of how art saved you. It is an honor to be your friend. I would have loved to have seen all of your angel canvases when you found your muse. I can only imagine that they were enchanting and stunning like all of your art work is.
You have been a wonderful inspiration here on your blog…we all needed your refreshing spirit and whimsical ways.
You are blessed with a rare gift to give to others what you have experienced yourself.
Thank you time and time again for posting fabulous photos, heart warming stories, and
just all the goofy stuff in between.
You will always be a bright light where ever you go.
Hugs, fairy kisses, doggie smooches, sunshine and rainbows come your way,
from Miss Teresa
Hope you had a wonderful day! You are right when you are positive and do what you love, good things return. Congrats on the article and now off I go to read!
Happy furry mothers day, dear girl. I could live in your gypsy tent, so me. Congrats on the cresendoh piece can’t wait to read it!
xo-jj
Hello gypsy faery! Can’t wait to go read your article! Every photo was delicious and perfect! I completely adore your gypsy wagon and the roses. They give my heart a happy jump on a cold, rainy, blustery day in Wisconsin. Blessings friend.
Oh, V!
I just read the piece over at the Crescendoh link. Beautiful! You are so brave to share so much. It IS a scary feeling, isn’t it?
You have such a rich, warm life to share. You will be rewarded with many lollipops by the universe.
I’ve been out of my home forever and a day, it seems, and am just now catching back up on your blog.
More soon
XOXO
Laura
Vanessa, your photographs are like gypsy candy. You could ‘easily’ make a book of just your beautiful photographs, and I’d be first in line to buy it! Gypsy teas to you, please pour me another cup! Amy (-:
Dear Vanessa,
I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your Furry Babies Mama Day! 🙂 And thank you for the beautiful roses and the cardlettes. 🙂
Your piece on Art Saves was SO inspiring. And a very moving and courageous piece at that. Art DOES indeed save. I am rediscovering that now, myself. Thank you so much for sharing your journey…it truly helped me to know you a little better. You have a wonderful heart! xoxo Theresa
Thank you ever so much for the beautiful roses. They really brightened my day.
And your art saves intro is wonderful and full of magic and light! Thank you for sharing your self with me. I will hold it with delicate hands and will treasure it!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Dearest Miss V,
I just finished reading your very inspirational story. Thank you so much for sharing with us. As always, you are a constant inspiration to us all.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blissful day,
Betty
Just read your story, how beautiful…. what a generous soul. I adore your photos so full of colour, which is so important in this chaotic world, eye candy makes me smile. Ciao