Hello helooo!
The beginning of January days, flowing in waves of time.
I like that it is 2013.
I especially love February.
So, I look forward to it.
Rose roots arrive in the garden for planting.
I study them, excited.
I normally love cold and winter.
But this year, my bones don’t like the cold.
Lucky for me our days don’t get below 50′ huh?
Nights are about 30ish?
Such a wimp I am.
But some how, I have morphed.
I used to say, I wish I lived where it snows.
I wish it got bitter cold, and we had real autumn.
And now, I feel like, thank goodness I live in Southern Arizona.
And it won’t be cold for too much longer.
And there is no snow.
(although a day of snow like we get sometimes is fun)
And lots of sun.
Oh beloved sun.
I wrap myself in my shawl my granny made me last year, and drag my garden recliner around.
Searching for the perfect sun rays to sit under.
Sometimes, most of the time, I am in my driveway in my recliner.
I know, it’s hilarious.
But, the sun hits so perfectly there.
And evenly.
For some odd reason, I feel like Bill Murray out there relaxing in my driveway.
In slippers and 3 layers of pajamas.
With a blanket or shawl.
Why Bill Murray? I have no idea, haha.
Does Bill Murray even do such things?
I have no clue, but he comes to mind 🙂
I breathe.
I close my eyes.
I hope and dream.
And hope some more.
And truth be told.
I pray a lot too.
I recuperate from a tough month plus, of some bizarre unexpected not feeling well things.
I talk on the phone dozens of times a day to my mom and dad.
I told them, you spend your whole youth trying to get away from your parents…
And then one day all you want is to be with them.
They both let me go on and on and on for hours on that phone.
We are very close.
They are such nice people.
Lovee has been building things in the garden again.
He’s so crafty.
I light candles in the evening, turn up my space heater, and wait to get toasty.
Miles and I go for strolls every so often.
Matty too, but Matty can’t stroll because he drags me down the street running.
So, when I want a calm stroll I take Miles.
Otherwise we all go.
I breathe that cold air.
We walk through a tiny vintage neighborhood, down two roads to get there.
With towering, crazy tall pine trees, and cute shrubs.
It feels like Northern Arizona in there.
I love it.
I hide out in the cottage too.
Lovee has been done with the inside for a while, but there has been little time to go in there and just waste away hours, dolling it up.
But, I am there now.
Doing just that.
Slowly, happily.
It’s ever so cozy in there now, especially with Mister Lovee’s Christmas gift heater.
Warm and toasty.
The perfect place to be on a cool winter day.
Crawl into the loft, and heal mind, body and soul…
The view of mountain tops make me so happy.
Winter skies have been so beautiful.
Cinderella skies…
I can hear Mister Lovee hammering and making things outside.
Not far from the cottage.
Right in our invented Fanciful, Arizona.
I love hearing him out there.
I wish he never had to go to work.
It’s so nice to have him home, making stuff.
Knowing here is there.
I got cable for the first time in 10, 11 years that I have been here.
I was going crazy in the house, not feeling well.
Way out here, with no guests or anything.
And Netflix was getting crazy boring.
I like it, that cable.
How rotten right?
Do you have any shows you think I would like?
I am enjoying HGTV and EWTN and The Food Network, and my fave person right now, Jimmy Fallon.
I know, weird but true 😉
Only, his show is on too late, so I have to catch him on Hulu, through my Roku.
Get a Roku, they rock.
So, here I am.
Getting back into the world.
Loving commercials and things.
ASPCA commercials are too tough for words.
I have been so detached from the commercial world for so long.
But mostly, I am wrapping myself in my shawl my grandma made me, and just being.
I love that shawl.
It’s the best gift ever.
To always know she is there, and made every loop and knot with her hands.
I must see her soon.
January days.
Is it shivering cold where you are?
So glad to be back.
So so glad.
Okay, off I go for now.
Love, Vanessa
Vanessa:
It is so good to see a new post.
What a lovely view you have from your cottage. I do believe I would spend all my time in there. Especially during winter with that cute new heater!
You know what? I have a copy of that Joan Walsh Anglund book. Oh how I loved her when I was a little girl. Hallmark issued some Joan Walsh Anglund dolls back in the 1970s or so. I wanted one soooo much. Hrmmppphh…my neighbor friend got one and I didn’t. I was so jealous of that doll! Now, anytime I see one of those lovely little books at a vintage shop, I have to purchase it.
xoxo
Kim
Hi Vanessa,
I like this post. Calm, every day stuff is the best kind of stuff. Can you tell me where Mr. Lovee got that heater? I am thinking of it for my porch…
Cheers to you and your sweetie and your furry kids, from New Hampshire.
Dana
Oh! Great stove, V. Lovee has great taste.
What a catch, that one.
And I totally think Bill Murray would sit outside in a recliner in the garden with blankets. Have you seen the movie with him as FDR yet? I haven’t, but want to.
Hi Dana, we actually saw the heater on Alicia Paulsons blog – and were
both like – COTTAGE! Then I forgot about it, and was totally surprised
Lovee ordered one. Its from here http://www.plowhearth.com/ There are
other awesome ones too.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/8/2013 10:46:54 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
ps: here is the actual heater stove section 🙂
http://www.plowhearth.com/fireplaces-stoves-and-heaters/department_s2011_d3050.html
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/8/2013 10:46:54 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Such a wondrous post. It makes me want to curl up by the fierplace and snooze away my time, dreaming of fairies flying around me and me with a smile on my face.
It is cold here but to my surprise….it will be 49 on friday. WHAT…here in Michigan? Oh well such is life, maybe another mild winter. We need the ground to freeze so many folks can get well from their colds and flu.
Thank you for sharing this awesome post.
Hi Sweetie, nice to hear from you. January and February sound lovely in Southern Arizona. Here in Denver though, not so much. I have lived here all my life and wish I could just be knocked out after New Year’s til sometime in March. We don’t get much snow here. It’s just brown and dry and dead and a lot of strong cold wind. March usually brings the snow and moisture for the upcoming Spring, and them April is awesome again.
Have a lovely cool month. Your little cottage looks so pretty and cozy. Wish I could be there too.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
Your little cottage is the stuff of (my) dreams! I am so sorry you haven’t been feeling well, I can all too much relate, but I am glad you have such a wonderful place that gently holds you during these times and a wonderful husband who, like mine, does the same. It has been cold here in NJ, but alas, no snow and that makes my soul so very sad. I love snow so! (Makes Hubbs sad too). We’re in a bit of a thaw now; we’ll see what the rest of January and Winter have in store for us! Rest & be well my inspiring friend! Peaceful blessings & good health in 2013 for you & yours!
So glad you’re recuperating well Vanessa. I can relate to what you say about relishing communication and time with your parents now you’re older, I’m just the same here! Your cottage is looking so gorgeous and toasty and cosy. A gorgeous post with beautiful images and such lovely words, thank you.
Keep the heater heating, the layers layered, and the shawl pulled tight around you as another cold front is coming to sunny Arizona. This weekend brrrrrr freezing cold temperature will blow through. Thankfully its only for a few day! So cuddle up with Lovee and the fur babes.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie
Oh the heater looks so cozy with the teapot on top.
Wish my adult children thought so much of me as you do of your parents. How special they must feel. Keep warm. I think I will go curl up with a quilt and a book.
I was glad to see your post. When it’s too quiet on your end, I worry about everything being o.k.
You have such a beautiful view! I agree with everyone else, that is one cute heater! Your cottage looks so cozy!
I also like that picture of Mary you have on the table. It is very pretty!
I can relate to Miss Linda in Mich. It’s supposed to be in the mid 50’s here in Chicago by Sat. & we still haven’t had any snow!
It has been a very strange winter.
My comment on favorite channels would be that HGTV rocks!
What a wonderful post! I am sure 2013 will bring you lots of blue skies and perfect health! We are having record amounts of snow here in my part of Canada. I think you would love those cold days…..everything is so still and peaceful. I love all your pics of the cottage….you have done a brilliant job decorating it. The only thing missing is a turn table…..vintage vinyl is so much fun! Big hugs,
Nathalie
I love the new heater. It looks so warm and cozy. I would spend so much time in the little cottage.
Hope you are feeling better.
You are so right about the point where you want to be with your parents and want to talk to them. I told my BFF yesterday the thing I miss the most about my mom is getting to tell her the important things and the little things. ENJOY every moment you can with your family. Those are the memories that you’ll hold in your heart.
Love the roses.
It is so crazy I’ve always been so warm natured. But this year I find myself freezing and going around with layers of clothes and socks. I still would like to see one “good snow” here.
And my grandmother used to say she was getting dolled up 🙂
Very beautiful shawl. I don’t blame you for loving it. Love your heater, too. How wonderful to have such a sweet space and sweet guy to build things. Hope you’re feeling back to yourself soon. Until then, take care and let the winter heal you. Your page is beautiful always. Diane
I adore your dried roses! There is something soooo Victorian about them. The shawl your grandmother made you is divine, so very pretty and cozy all at once!
Our weather here in the central Calif. valley is very similar to where you are. 50 degrees during the day and 30’s at night. And I throw LOTS of blankets on me at night to keep cozy warm…I like the weight of the blankets and I would rather be in a colder room at night than in a too warm one. I like the feel of winter in the air. But during the day, in the house, I do like the heater to be on at least 70 degrees. Spoiled, I am.
What fun it must be going on walks with Miles. Every photo you post of him reminds me so much of Baby. I know she was the best dog. Gulp…teary eyed here.
Another year ahead with good things in store. The good with the unknown, but isn’t that really the way life is?
Yeah, lots of prayers too, they help so very much.
Lots of love,
Miss Teresa
Pity you couldn’t wriggle your nose and be over here in Queensland Australia dearest…you’d be nice and warm…just below 100 degrees today! I’ve actually put the airconditioner on for the first time this summer…I’m lucky I usually get a beautiful easterly breeze up the range escarpment even when it’s warm. It sounds like you’re listening to your body, doing the things you need to do at this time…you’re wise…just keep listening…
I talk to my Madre & Grandma at least once a day, if not every-other day. Sometimes we don’t have anything to talk about and just yammer away about nothing…which is ridiculous but it’s nice to have that freedom and the bonds of togetherness.
We have had a bit of a cold snap this year in Florida, about 45 at night, and it came early too. Usually doesn’t get chilly until Valentines Day and even then, it lasts only a day or barely a week at most. Like you, I need the warm sunny days and I’m fine with the heat. It’s still green here and loads of succulents and cacti are blooming, so honestly it never feels like winter time. I have to rely on my friends to remind me, hahaha. One of these days though, I’d like to vacation in the mountains during or after Xmas, just to have the experience of true snow and the serenity of being snowbound in a place of stillness.
I love my ROKU also, lol. The boyfriend has been picking out *his* shows lately since I have my girlie ones during the regular season. Right now we’re watching “Sons of Anarchy” – which is NOT for the faint of heart – oh my, no. Just finished “Breaking Bad” and waiting for the show to resume in February. I would like to either start “Downtown Abbey” or “Portlandia” because I’ve heard that is hilarious. I need the laughter.
Glad you are feeling a bit better and staying snuggled up. The fireplace heater looks so inviting and cozy. 🙂
I’m sooo glad to see you back, Vanessa! I was getting a tad bit concerned since I knew you had had some health scares. I pray that you are back to normal now!
Yes, you and I share that closeness with our parents. Mine are 79 and 80 now, and I count myself so fortunate that I still have them in my life and that they are in pretty good health! We are separated by miles, but I am so thankful for the phone! I talk to my mother daily, with only a rare exception. I love it, and she does, too!
I am so glad to see glimpses of your cottage. What FUN it must be to have another place to escape to! Such a cozy little beautiful place, and what a view! On Black Friday 2011, I bought a little black electric heater with a lot of charm, and I love it! We don’t have a real fireplace, so I love my pretend one with faux logs and faux fire! It is at the foot of a chaise lounge in our living room, and one of my frustrations is that my rascally border collie continually jumps on my precious little faux fireplace when he wants to go on a barking rampage about something going on outside. ARGH! It has some little toenail-y scratch marks on the top now. Ah, such things happen with furkids.
After many days with highs in the 40’s (brrr to me), we have finally been getting some days in the 50’s, and that has been such a welcome change. Right now it’s raining. It started yesterday, and the last I heard, it is supposed to continue all day. We really need the rain!
Thank you for the warm, cozy hug of this post!
Your little cottage looks so cozy! And I love that little fireplace heater, good one Lovee! Did you see that it is supposed to be lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s over the next few days? Yikes! I better get some logs for my fireplace stocked up. Also, January is national hot tea month and a good cup of hot tea will always help warm the bones.
Winter is a beautiful time to recuperate. I know as the days grow longer, so will your strength. Your recent health scares will fade away, Lady V.
Roku box is the way to go. We’ve had one since last year. And got another one for the living room. It’s the best investment we made since getting rid of cable. Though I do miss my HGTV and Turner Classic Movies.
RE: TV Shows
“Parenthood.” The show makes you laugh and cry.
love this little moment of time i got to peek inside your (no such thing as walmart) world! thank you!. we’re in NC..it is warmer here lately; although i know global warming is bad, i cant help but love this weather! I rode my bike around a gorgeous neighborhood yesterday (popping mural flyers in mailboxes), wearing just a light sweater & i was sweaty! i dont watch much TV, but i like Game of Thrones. the only annoying part is that i have to wait so long between seasons 🙁
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Hi Mz. V….A Friend is Someone Who Likes You…petite cottage reading. The stove is darling (I go over to Alicia’s blog where everything is cozy too). You might be in a contemplative stage of life….sometimes being sick forces us to lay low and rest.
My Grandmother used to live in Lodi, CA in a vintage neighborhood, where everyone had lemon trees (and being kids, we would take the lemons!) Those neighborhoods feel like there is all the time in the world……
One of my favorite tv shows is Big Bang Theory ~ my engineer husband got me hooked on it……and of course, Downton Abbey and Antiques Roadshow.
p.s. it’s a snow globe blizzard right now in Utah
That Mister Lovee is such a dreamboat to gift you something so warm, practical, and yet so darn cute at the same time!!! Isn’t it fun when they create out of doors? I must get my hubby to do something as well, but it’ll be a while. Everything in my wee cottage is crumbling around us :-(.
That is so funny about you in the driveway with jammies and your grandma’s shawl! Can your neighbor’s see you there…sitting in your underwear? I just had to say that because it rhymed so well “-))))).
Oh Vanessa!!! I hope you are feeling better <3 <3 <3!!!
Love, me...OH! I must send you an email "-O!
Hi Vanessa, I’m just catching up from being sick for several days and love love love this post! I must ask about that heater!!! I love it so and really need/want something like that for my breakfast nook/kitchen.
It’s been warm here in NC lately and I spent several hours yesterday working on cleaning up some flower beds. Tomorrow it is to be in the 70’s and i hope to be out there again. I thought of you several times yesterday as i weeded and snipped black eyed susan seed heads to share in other flower beds. (i’m dying for snow and cold to come back here!)
i’m glad your feeling better and hope that you get perfectly well soon!
love & blessings
~*~
Hi Vanessa! You mentioned February, then you mentioned Bill Murray. Bill Murray starred in Groundhog Day, which is February 2nd! Maybe that is the connection!!!! It is so fun to see your flowers, whilst everything here is brown and crunchy and dull. That shawl is so pretty. I love curling up with blankets, fuzzy socks and furry babies to keep me warm. Plus, it’s such a great time to make fires in the fireplace. Happy New Year to you and yours! xoxo