I have been busy in the studio.
Organizing closets and drawers and oodles of too much treasure.
Treasures like felt balls and broken jewel bits, dried paint brushes and antique keys.
As you can tell, the simplest things are pure treasure to me.
Oh and, if you happen to search for me in the studio…
And find me missing?
Then I am probably hiding in a tiny cottage.
An hour before sunset (one of my fave times of day).
With herbal tea and a book.
Carrying loot (of the printed page variety) up the ladder, into my favorite little nook.
But not before I talk to once upon a time pirates…
About how I once fancied myself a true Goonie.
Goonies being the end all be all when I was a teeny bopper.
And how I still have my old trusty pin all these years later.
I wore it on my denim jacket from Judy's.
Laden with rhinestones and metal studs and buttons and pins.
What great times.
But that is another longest tale.
Filled with great 10, 11, 12 and 13 year old stories of exploring old mines in the abandoned desert.
Lately I seem to be telling those tales to him.
All cozy in his cupling.
Whilst dusting this and that's.
And then running off to the piano to figure this out…
When I find it in a big old hard back music book.
I have a kind snail audience.
Not too critical at all.
The tune sets the perfect mood for my current book of choice.
Oooooo, I am such a wimp, yet such a spooky tale lover.
This one seems pretty good, ooo, I just got a chill.
I grew up in an era of very scary movies.
So, even though they make me shiver, a part of me loves them.
Especially during daylight hours.
The Winter People, by Jennifer McMahon.
It's hitting the spot.
A real ghost story.
And told ever so well, thus far.
Wish me luck.
You better believe, I will not be sleeping in the cottage alone.
Because I might faint if I want to get back to the house in pitch darkness at 1 a.m.
Eeeeeee!!
Have you read it?
What are you currently reading?
I am working on compiling a list from all your suggestions last year.
It's one darn good list, I tell ya.
You guys rock.
What's tickling your fancy these days?
Looooove, me
I grew up with those kids!
Nostalgia nostalgia….
Vanessa:
You shopped at Judy’s? I worked at Judy’s when I was fresh out of high school. They had the best clothes. I got a discount too, so I was very well dressed at that time! 🙂
“Winter People” sounds so good. I think I may try it when I’m done with my current read, which is Sarah Addison Allen’s new book called “Lost Lake.” I am loving it. Just enough magic to make it….well, magical. But never losing the reality of important times and relationships and people. 🖤
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
*sigh* The Goonies are my childhood too. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched that movie. I’ll have to track down that book – it sounds wonderfully spooky. Happy reading & daydreaming!
I adored the ‘Goonies’…I found it just recently on DVD and HAD to buy it! It is a classic for sure! It’s everything a kid would want to happen to them growing up.
Ah….ghost stories.
Well, after seeing ‘The Woman in Black’ I do get chills down my back at times as we have a long hallway in our house that spooks me when I turn the lights out at night.
I did start reading a book recently, which I could not finish as it involved a dark creature who invaded houses with children in them. It is called ‘Fairytale’ by Raymond E. Feist…a very creepy fairytale. No…I would have had nightmares for sure if I had finished reading it. I have chills right now just talking about it as I really DO believe in creepy things that go more than just ‘bump’ in the night. And my most recent read was ‘Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell’ by Susanna Clarke, which is about two magicians in England during the reign of Napoleon, who call upon a dark fairy from his own realm. And the fairy is not a cute, sneaky, tiny fairy, but a fairy the size of a human who is a selfish male fairy who steals pretty ladies among other strange deeds. It is a very loooong novel, 782 pages, and was written in 2004, so ten years ago and it has been printed in 36 countries.
‘Winter People’ kind of sounds like witchcraft like ‘A Practical Magic’.
I do love to read!
XO
Miss Teresa
The Winter People sounds GOOD… and i’m always on the lookout for a good read. Right now i’am reading Dean R Koontz….. Phantoms….. its deliciously scary… I bookmarked that list of books you got last year and i plan on making a list too. :)Hug! deb
Oh! And the ‘Ghosts and Goblins’ music score looks intriguing. You will have to do a short video with you playing it and play it for us all…it looks like a difficult piece.
Dearest Dear Vanessa,
It is very fun to read a bit spooky book this time of year, isn’t it? But not too spooky! No point in reading something that would make you lose sleep! I think my favorite creepy, just-a-bit scary book is “Her Fearful Symmetry” by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s quite deliciously creepy, I think! We are currently surrounded by mountains and mountains of snow right now, so I’m not trying to do much to scare myself, as it looks like scenes from “The Shining” right now! I am currently re-reading “Ascending Peculiarity”, which contains some very entertaining interviews conducted with Edward Gorey. I’m hoping in our travels this summer, we will get to go to The Edward Gorey House in Edgartown, Massachusetts. I’m also re-reading a small volume of eccentric children’s stories, written by Carl Sandburg, called “Rootabaga Stories”. A fun use of language, somewhat similar to some of the more fairy-tale like poems of e.e. cummings.
Hugs to you!
Betty
I have a different suggestion for you…
Lately I have been searching around like crazy for a beautiful wall calendar. I have found nothing here in boring Sweden, and I have been thinking: Why hasn’t Vanessa put together one from some of her wonderful paintings? Since I know you do alot of prints and other paper art, in my head it seems like the next logical step 🙂
I adore your blog! I think I’ll return to read more =) much love.
Oooooh this story sounds interesting…going to grab the sample & try it out! 🙂 I am currently reading two books (anyone else do that? lol!); _Bristol House_ (it’s got a ghost, but it’s more a mystery than just a ghost story) and _Summer in the South_ (old family secrets & “Toddy Time,” something I plan to start having daily myself…LOL!). Aaaack now I want to go curl up and read all day…and all night…
I sure did, and my other fave was, Contempo Casuals! And did you ever hear of a super rhinestone glittery shop called Dollies? I looooved it in there! Fun fun fun!! I should dig out my Denim Jacket <3
Jen, I am halfway through. It is such easy smooth reading, and it jumps from era to era, but int he most seamless enjoyable way, it’s great so far. (goonie power!)
Miss Teresa, I am halfway through the book. It’s quite good, and not illy or over done. I am highly impressed, as I am not very easy to please in the book reading realm. I am so enjoying it. In fact, I might trade some chores for more reading today 😉 (thank you for the reading tips of those mean fairies 😉 xo
I am almost done with the list Miss Deb, so I’ll just pass it on to you when I am done 🙂 Ooooo, Phantoms! I am loving my read so far, halfway way through, eeeee 😉
It is quit a difficult piece. I just drop a few notes if my dinky little hands can’t reach 🙂
For some reason I do excessive sharps and flats well. In fact, I write most of my music in keys that Mister Lovee looks at like, you gone crazy dove? 🙂
Love your reads beloved Betty! Oh, and The Shining? When I watch that movie I practically choke from trapped in the snow claustrophobia. Deep breaths, deep breaths 😉 (although I am sure it is beyond beautiful)
Oh my goodness, I was just thinking that today. I did attempt to make one in 2010/2011 but the cost was silly. Yesterday I was on the hunt for a calender, an I was like, heck, I’ll just make on myself 😉 Good idea!! 😉 (seeds voyaging to you soon)
Danka Adrienne 😉 <3
Sara, me toooooo!!
Oooh….I loved the Goonies. And Lost Boys…did you like that one, too?
Your afternoon of pre-sunset reading sounds heavenly. The beginning of that book is intriguing.
Hey…you should record the ghosty goblin song. I love old music from school books and such.
Oh we loved Goonies when the kids were growing up…still do. This is a blast from the past, when we were having dinner at the Blue Boar in San Francisco many moons ago, who would but come walking in, SLOTH from Goonies. John Mutuszak and his entire entourage came in and took over the entire restaurant. Party time and Great Fun !
Of course, The Lost Boys was EVERYTHING! 😉
I have the soundtrack permanently recorded in my brain 😉
LOVE it.
Oh you would love these old books I forgot I had bought 10 years ago.
They are really tall, brown with gold leaf faded. Beautiful book pages,
very elegant too. And someone went through and made a typed table of
contents in each one.
Its amazing. I think I have a stack of about 6. You would love
them Laura 3
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 9:48:46 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Baby RUTH RUTH!!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 9:53:28 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh yes, I definitely loved the Goonies too!
Those curtains are so pretty! I need some curtains for my new house. have any cute ones you want to get rid of? I could buy them from you! It would be so much easier than having to shop around at thrift stores, etc.
Is that weird? I just imagine you having piles of lovely treasures laying about everywhere. If the photos on your blog are a good representation of what you own, you probably shouldn’t have a yard sale or I would just end up buying everything!
Alia,
Ooooh, I could never sell my collections. Although you might be
horrified at how much stuff is really lying around here.
We are like the scary places the American Pickers dig through 😉
Over2 decades of collectingfrom me. Plus stuff that was
already here, and L o vees collections too.
I grew up not ever going to a thrift store, yard sale or antique
store. So, when I discovered them at 17/18, my fascination flew way over
the top of norm and into obsession beyond obsession.
My curtains, sniffle, they are the bottom half of my most beloved favorite
nightgown ever.
It had light pink and creme stripes with flowers, and the beautiful lace
edging.
When they fell apart, I decided to make the bottom half into
curtains.
Sigh…….. I am a beautiful pajama nut/lover 😉
Oh my gosh you made me laugh…we say that all the time !
Oh that is why they are so unique looking! They are just the sweetest.
I definitely have a collecting problem too. Vintage linens are a particular weakness, but somehow I have never ended up with any curtains. I have about a million tablecloths, but no curtains! I guess I will just have to be on the look out from now on.
I love going to yard sales, thrift stores, vintage shops, etc. But Mister B has no patience for it, so I mostly just end up going by myself. It isn’t always as fun, but at least I don’t have some pestering me to leave the whole time!
😉
Sometimes, I blare out, UNA FORTI DE LAGRIMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Once, Michael Jackson came to my house to use the bathroom.
OKay okay, he didnt.
But HIS SISTER DID!!! 😉
I know it backwards, forwards and inside out. I watched it on repeat
for years and years (like you guys). Plus I was young so my brain sponged
it up.
Es una casa de locos, POR DIOS! hee hee 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 10:23:33 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I have a guy who is a fellow forager of old and rusty things. He goes
to goodwill every time he takes a break from his office stuff. And, he
buys alll soooorts of things. You wouldnt believe it. We would go
on road trips when we were first together, buying all sorts of treasures, it was
amazing.
Ya, I think curtains are hard to find. But easy to make
😉
That sounds like so much fun!
However, I guess I just have to accept that while I like to spend my money on old, rusty, vintagey, things, I have a man who likes to spend his money on shiny new things. Oh well!
Maybe I need to get a sewing machine….
Shiny new things are good too 😉 All sorts of things are good,
hahaha!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 10:48:21 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh these tidbits of your cottage are dreammmmyyyyy! And what a place to read tales of ghosts! I am currently reading… school books! Lame I know!
Gotta love good crazy. Thx for the fun !
I will finally take some proper photos soon. Oh school books, oh my!!
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 11:28:30 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Goonies are good enough. Because? We never say Die… The Lost Boys, I still watch that once a year or so.
What I am reading however is “Happy All The Time” by Laurie Colwin.
Spring just poked her head in here… a welcome sight, trust me.
This was one of your best posts ever, over the top memories!
Ah, music…
I play both by sheet music and by ear, but do better if I hear a piece first, then I ‘fudge’ along and play by ear. Ha!
My oldest son has his computer piano all set up with all of the improvisations like your brother does. I just need to get over to my son’s house and record what I make up while playing the piano. I used to record my piano playing on a cassette recorder boom box! I know there is so much ‘out there’ to help us record anything these days… Yay!
I am already doing a score for my space novel…I know, it’s like ‘Get out of here!’ Yeah, making up music is one of my weaknesses.
Ahh, Love the Lauper too!!!!She still ROCKS!!!!
I am reading The Fault In Our Stars…by John Green! My teens told me I should read this Awesome book and mostly because they want me to go and see the movie with them that is due out Real soon!
Also, trying to organize and get rid of some of my stuff I have been holding onto!
My freesias and mini daffodils are a blooming.
Oh yes, I purchased a shrub called a sweet pea shrub from Home Depot for my valentine present! I will see how it makes it through the hot AZ summer!
Hugs to you and the Boys! 😉
I very much want to read The Winter People!
You must try Ghost On Black Mountain by Ann Hite. Of the 3 books I’ve finished so far this year? I **adored** it! Ghosts and a twist I didn’t see coming. Appalachia. One of those that makes you hold your breath while reading it’s so good!
Oh, I want to read The Winter People too. Right now, I’m reading Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen, which I’m loving. Next, I’m going to read Alice Hoffman’s new book, The Museum of Extraordinary Things. I can’t wait. I love all her books, especially Practical Magic.
I just finished my book today in the hammock. It was the most subtle
but good ghost story. It kept me reading, and the writing was very mellow
and smooth. It was good. Not what I expected at all I think?
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/20/2014 9:04:58 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Vanessa, you make me smile!!!
Mandy
Oh oh oh – can’t wait! Thank you so much!
You are a wonderful cook and lovey must be a happy Man.As far as books Oh no scary books are not My cup of tea.Not really even mysteries unless they are the sweet type that happen in a tea/coffee/knit shop…..You know the kind.I go for adventure /romance in British Isles or Australia.Jewels,tea parties,cozy cottages next to the Irish Sea with a pub close by. Hugs Denise
I love the movie The Goonies. I rented that on VHS years ago for my daughter and then had to buy it. Some of my fave movies are “kids” movies. Like Hook, ET, and others. I read about that book you are reading and want to read it.
I am reading a Michael Connelly book The Gods of Guilt. I love the crime/detective type novels.
I just finished The Winter People as well as another Jennifer McMahon book…I think I have only one of hers left. I also recently read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and am currently rereading Rebecca.
I love reading your old blog posts for creative inspiration – especially the ones about your cottage – and Autumn! I don’t think I had read this one in the past, but I was reading it tonight. Look at the stuffed white mouse in his little teacup that you told stories to. Too cute! Thank you for blog posts – they are so inspirational and calming. I hope you will always share some posts with us. 🙂