Something wonderful happened…
Last week we had a day time record low, 38'F.
This week, we are having a warm record high.
It has been between 74-78'F for 3 days, sunny in the most delicious way.
It's exactly what I needed.
Some healing sun.
Nature love.
And, beautiful beautiful evenings.
They say it might snow on Monday.
Told ya, it's a bizarre Arizona.
But for now…
It's magical nights.
Glorious days.
Playing in lots of clay.
Slowly, peacefully, working around the yard.
Picking up towers of cactus that froze last week.
Whilst little green tufts burst through the earth this warm week.
Wild weather times.
All the while…
Lovee is still making things.
And I am still throwing paint around like mad.
When I first started painting (11ish), I did it for my soul and well being more than anything.
I was doing what I called, painting my emotions, when I was under 16.
Throwing paint around was the most healing thing I could find as a young person.
And I just kept doing it as a way of life.
I used to paint large abstract pieces, angels too, which I sold locally.
Still painting abstracts.
Mostly because it feels so good to release emotions in mad painting.
I end up with stacks of abstract paintings I never share because I use them as therapy.
Lots of hair, and floors, and gardens, and clothes full of paint.
Sanity lives somewhere where paint meets air.
Also, enjoying a yoga mat in the garden.
Breathing.
Hugging the furs.
Birds birds birds.
Lovee.
Blue skies.
Moon, meets clouds and plane…
A little baking…
And then…
That sun.
After a warm day…
I never really knew how much I adored the sun.
These days it seems so important in my life.
Even as it sets, it leaves a mood for evening picnics…
I was inspired to bake bread…
There is little like freshly baked, homemade bread.
Hot, right out of the oven.
Is there?
Such a perfect evening for a warm winter picnic…
Turtle brownies for Mister, baked in a heart cake pan…
Flicking melted milk chocolate around, like paint 🙂
Then we eat…
Lovely days and nights.
Such a huge nature treat…
It might snow Monday, can you believe it?
38' to 80' then back down to possible snow.
All in 2 weeks.
I don't care, I am just so happy for sun today!
Woo hooo!
I meant to be here 3 days ago, but I just couldn't peel myself out of the garden.
Back soon next time 😉
What is your current fave treat to yourself?
Hot water? Good reading? Fireplace?
Love, Vanessa
ps: Random thing.
I am crrrrrazy about Michael Mcdonald.
You?
pss: Mister Observant.
Ears move around like antennas.
Listening.
Ready to find what is going on that shouldn't be.
Matty (Matisse).
What a cutie your pup always is!! And your warm weather and evening picnics and sweets and breads and, and…..oh me oh my!! The low over night here was 17, and is set to be 9 degrees on Sat evening….Brrrrr!! I dont even want to step foot out of doors!! We have been quite the little house-hermits round these parts! tee hee!! Happy Mid-week to yeeeeeeeee Miss Twistling!!
Michael McDonald is one of the most brilliant, soulful, artists on the planet 🖤
My New Year’s resolution is to bake more bread…right here in gorgeous, quirky Arizona. Your bread looks wonderful !
Love those ears! We had snow this past friday, first of the winter. we might get more this coming friday. Oh how I want snow! The sun has been glorious since the snow stopped friday. but the highs only in the 30’s. i’m not quite ready to give up my winter yet, but i’m going through my seed catalogs today and get my order ready so that on friday (pay day for me) i can place my order. love the picnic setup and that brownie heart cake is a-dorable! 🙂
love & blessings
~*~
Oh lovely, lovely warm winter picnics. Fresh bread and tomatoes and delicious brownies. I need some of that. Desperately, I need some of that.
It has been 80 degrees here for the last few days…sunny and 80. Today, it’s chilly and hazy and blechy.
Thank you for sharing your picnic.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
The picnic looks like fun & the brownies look yummy. I love making bread by hand. My mom gave me a bread machine some time ago but I never used it. I just love kneading it by hand.
We finally got our first snow here, not even an inch. It was snow though & I was excited.
The temps. have been below zero at night with wind chills below zero during the day. Today was nicer, in the 20’s.
It’s funny how you say the temp. will get DOWN to 38 & this time of year I would say it’s going UP to 38.
We can’t complain, it has been mild here all winter. It’s supposed to get back up in the 40’s real soon.
My guilty pleasures right now are the fireplace & hot baths before bed!
Marmsee, I think the day it was 38 for a high, it must have been in the
teens for a low. Unheard of for here. My citrus trees are so sad,
and we had to cover everything with blankets etc. But, a little snow
thrown in would be quite fun. The way I look at it, if it is going to be
that cold, then send down the snow, hahahaa 😉 Make a snow man for me too,
just in case 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 1:46:40 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Dixie, cheers to MM love 😉
Last night I didnt want to make a complicated bread, so I used what I knew
and whipped this one up. Of course, it was the best texture and flavor I
have ever made, and I didnt write down what I did, haha! Will have
toretrace my steps I think 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 2:07:27 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Laura, I have most of my seeds ready to go myself. We have spring of
the brain 😉 I sort of dont want full Arizona summer. But this
weather can stay forever if it wants ;)))
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 2:16:05 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Kim, I will have to bottle some of it up and send it your way ;))
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 2:19:05 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Laura T, wow your first snow??? Dont you normally get lots
more? It was weird to only have a high of 38 (teens at night)last
week and now be 80. Its like, what?? Weirdness, but so Southern
Arizona. I miss having a fireplace, yummmmm!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 4:13:01 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Such a beautiful post.
I have to wait a few more weeks to cut back, but I think some of the flowering plants other than lantana did not make it…too young, not yet a year old.
Ahhh you’d never get bored with weather like that 😉 I wish we could get a break from the snow. I’d love to be somewhere tropical right now, but the grass is always greener on the other side eh? I always want snow in the Summer tee hee. BEAUTIFUL picnic. Looks so yum! I think you SHOULD share your abstract pieces! I think that everything you create is beautiful 🙂
It’s so cold (got up to 2 degrees today), that I’m missing the warmer weather and the windows open. However, swings from 80 to 38 would give me a headache!
SJ, you know what? I thought a bunch of my plants were dead last
year, including young lantana… and lo and behold, they all came back when
spring warmed up. Even plants I thought were serious history. So,
now I will wait to see what really makes it – and hope for some good surprises
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 5:14:46 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Jenn, thank you!! You are wonderful – and I agree with you. The
grass is always greener. We want this, then we want that – then we want
what we thought we didnt want, hahaha 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 5:33:24 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
This looked so peaceful and recharging at the same time.
I want one of those brownies.
And a fresh bread tomato sandwich.
Now I’m hungry.
Kyra, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr 2 degrees oh my!! Yes the weather swings are
so odd here – but in a strange way we are used to it. Sleevless in the
day, sweater at night. 80 today, might snow tomorrow, oy vey!! haha
😉 Weird weird for sure….
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 5:39:06 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Laura, as you know – if I was near or you were near, you could have as much
as you want 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 5:55:39 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I too am loving the weather here in AZ Miss Vanessa. The rain is suppose to come here this weekend but we need it!
Your baking is so heavenly!<3
I kind have to say it, "Love is in the Air!"
I have always enjoyed Michael McDonald! I have his greatest hits CD that I love to listen to now and again. I think I shall! Thanks!;)
Miss Kelly, me too, I LOVE that CD!!!!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 6:50:47 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh my Heavens, that looks like perfection….the fresh, yummy eats, the twinkle of lights, the last rays of sunshine….and loving company….
You are a lucky girl, indeed 🙂
Your weather sounds like our weather. My daffodils are up already (because we haven’t really had winter) We had about 30 minutes of snow last week after days and days of rain. Who knows what will happen next week.Today was sunny and cool. The sunshine makes me happy. I don’t care what the temp is as long as the sun is shining.
Your bread looks so good. Your picnic looks so good. Your painted hands look like me when I paint anything.
Fur babies look like they are enjoying the sunshine, too.
My favorite treat is Chai tea (I made the mix and it so yummy, I had to give my BFF the recipe today when she was here and had 2 cups of it).
And the other favorite thing is that my alarm has not been set once since Dec 30 which was the last day I worked because I retired (insert multiple smilie faces here).
Ah! Your evening picnic looks fit for a King and Queen! And the homemade bread! Divine! I can almost smell it through the internet! Ha!
My treat to myself and my son Ty is to go through In-and-Out Hamburger drive-through about once a week. We have friends and relatives (former Californian’s) who, when they visit they will seriously go there three times in one week just for the scrumptious hamburgers as you can’t get them on the East Coast or the Mid-West. That, and See’s Candy is another sweet treat you can’t get everywhere but on the West coast (although they do ship it nationwide) which winter is the best time to ship it!
Another treat is buying the latest copy of Art Doll Quarterly and being amazed at all of the great doll makers worldwide. That is a real treat!!!
Oh…and about weather
My sister said it was -17 this morning in Minnesota where they live. Bone chilling weather for sure.
Miss Teresa
This post should be called a fanciful feast. Lovely! I have loved Michael McDonald for many a year. As a young twenty something in the early 80s, I was taken by the his No Lookin Back disc. I had it on cassette. When life got unbalanced I would take off inmy car and drive through the mountains singing to that disc. The songs still hold up. Especially, Know You By Heart and No Lookin Back. Very fun!
Silver and blue, and a white tennis shoe.
All of these things then dinner for two.
I remember a song I heard on the wind,
It sang of a gust that tickled my chin.
I laughed and I rolled the dough into bread,
Just as a flicker flew in and said:
Do you remember the very last spring,
When the seedlings were singing and laughing in earths bed?
Squirming and rolling and tossing their skins to shed?
Oh, I said in a wee little voice,
Yes, they were there in skirts of their choice.
And then all of a sudden they burst into bloom,
With stars and sun filling the room.
Moods whispering to colors galore,
Whisking and flying form hands through magic doors.
And then the night suddenly comes
Around the house rolling like drums.
Oh I sit and listen to the tune,
ANd wave across to the shining moon.
And here and there a story is told
Of jewels and treasures beyond gold.
And while I dream from me to you
I just want to say A Whoooppie Do.
And so I smile and chat a bit to remember
The merry magic of heavens wits.
Cheers to the weather and building galore,
Sweet thank yous for the magic door.
xoxo Somehow I miss you even though you are there.
What a wonderful treat for yourselves 🙂 I love picknicks! Right now our weather is too cold -25 to being outdoors longer times. But I do hope I will be able to do some skiing later. Barbecue in the winter is a pleasant treat 🙂
We had lots of snow this weekend, it was great to go out and play in it and then warm up with tea and a yummy stew.
Have to admit that for some reason I’ve been very tired this week so my favourite treat has been getting home from work and curling up in bed for a cheeky half hour nap.
Miss Cameron, thank you for the reminder, lucky, yesssssssss!! Nice
days, good love.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 7:56:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Renee, CONGRAT CONGRATS WOOO HOOOO!!!!! YAY!! No alarm, happy
days. My daffies are up too!! And my hyacinth. I am sooo very
happy for you and your new freeedom!!! Yippeee!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 8:28:10 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Miss Teresa, we have a brand new In and Out burger right down the road a
few miles. And a couple int own too. The lines are crazy to get
in. And, my dad is the Sees candy man. He always buys lots of boxes of
chocolate, and always always always gifts Sees candy at Christmas. I love
knowing the places you speak of……. American places to love!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 9:33:10 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Jenny, there is something about that sort of music. Its very young
and free and strong….headed somewhere, freedom……. Love No Looking Back
too!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 11:21:03 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
G.G.Pinkster – fairy of kindred heart. Angel in the wind…..
Dew drops, rose petals…….. Secrets drifting in breezes…. Goodness,
light. Thats you!!! xoxox
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/23/2013 11:50:59 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Rachel, have fun in your snow for me!! WE are getting rain today,
wooooo! I think the cold calls for warm naps for sure 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/24/2013 4:15:41 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
OH MY, -25,
brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!
Stay warm and cozy!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/24/2013 1:43:29 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I love everything about this Vanessa. From your homebaked bread to your shared picnic in the garden, to those divine looking brownies in the heart shaped tin! But the one thing that resonated most with me was your yoga in the garden. It is summer here in Australia, and we have been enjoying beautiful weather. I am typing this now at 8 in the morning, on my back deck. The gum trees are swaying in the warm breeze, my little fairy fountain is trickling beside me, Pip, as always is at my feet, and I am enjoying all the birds who come to visit, landing in the branches near my deck. Lately, we have had so many kookaburras, delighting me with their laughter – a reminder for me to laugh, at life, at myself…not to get bogged down in the yucky stuff. I am about to close my computer and roll out my yoga mat. I have been enjoying my yoga practice out here, with Mother Nature as my companion – ain’t life grand? Sending you, Lovee and the guys big love x
your posts are such a tonic to worn edges toward the end of a week. I actually feel myself calming down. (no need for a glass of wine when I visit) I wish I had such a gift as you. My posts are quick with nothing soothing about them. Your writing is such an art… as is the art you create with paint and canvas….and photography…and flowers and everything. I’m sadly jealous I don’t have your gift…but I’m so happy that you share yours. As for Michael McDonald…oh yes, he is the real deal…….
Tina!! Heloooooo there beautiful you! Cheers to yoga and
kookaburras, love them! And to loving the good stuff, and hanging on to
soul peace…. yes! xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/24/2013 2:06:25 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
val, thank you sooo much for being so supportive, you are lovely! And
hear hear to MMc 😉 That voice, oh my!! haha 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/24/2013 4:00:28 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Your the sweetest! And I just noticed that I could comment to your comment to my comment (is that rightly put?)!! Tee hee…..I’m…….slow. ha! I can imagine the citrus trees being sad, indeed! Brrr! When I was a wee one in FL there were a few very frozen winters that did quite a lot of damage to the orange groves….but all I remember is being in awe of all the icicles hanging from the branches!!
Marmsee, the weirdest most awesome thing… so last we when it was 38 in
the afternoon, I went for a walk, and I could see these massive things hanging
from some pine trees… they were HUGE deadly chandeliers of pointy
icicles. Sooo beautiful, I wish I had had my camers. If you get more
or still have snow, make me a tiny snow heart, pleeeease ;)))
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 1/24/2013 7:35:33 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
healing sun and sanity and creativity all do go together. So happy you have had bits of all this wonderfulness. Loved the idea of a picnic in winter, lucky, lucky you.
Back for a super quick visit, just to tell you I used your pizza dough recipe last night and it was awesome! Thankyou for sharing xxx
I am always sitting on the edge of my seat when you say you are creating in clay and show photos of your hands splattered in creative passion. (And I need to start proof-reading my comments!)
Can’t wait to see what you are creating.
So happy to hear you have an In-N-Out Burger in your neck of the woods…I heard they were going to be expanding out of California…maybe even as far as Texas! Cool! I still have to wait behind ten cars sometimes before being waited on…but it’s worth the wait! And if you go inside to order, it is insane!
Miss Teresa
Off to a swap meet tomorrow! It’s mostly car related but people haul in the most amazing junk and goodies and collectibles too! It’s in Turlock, CA.
I am so happy to hear you speak of painting your emotions out. I totally know what you mean, only I have just discovered this for myself in the last of years. I caught glimpses of it as a teen years ago, but had no idea how important it was for me, so I let go of it. Now that I have found it again, it is a clumsy dance, but so wonderful still. Thanks for sharing about it, because I don’t find too many who seem to know about it.
Идеје Ñте овде дали ћу разговарати изузетно драгоцен. Показало Ñе заиÑта пријатно изненађење за Ñтицање да очекују ме након што Ñам Ñе пробудио данаÑ. Они Ñтално Ñу на бину и лако да буду ÑвеÑни. Захваљујући доÑта тих драгоцених идеја које имаш иÑпод деле.
Oh wow! Again – very romantic! Fancy the notion of an evening picnic in winter! We got in the 50s but no warmer. I am still bundled up like an eskimo!!! It will be a chilly weekend here. I think it’s time for tomato soup!!!! 🙂