What it is about gypsy firelight? About candy skies turning to night, and flickers of wicks in wax? Something about the glowing twinkle of candle light, conjures great magic…
I study details of something I am working on under the golden light….
I dream, I voyage.
The imagination is such a spectacular gift, isn't it? To get to travel to so many places, hopping from one star to the other, all whilst sitting under the trees, in the privacy of your own home? Just fantastic.
The lights flicker, and I transport myself to any place in time…
You can be anything or anyone you want to be, if you set your imagination free.
You can be a gypsy.
You can be a firefly.
You can be a mermaid in a sea of leaves…
An ocean of pumpkin vine leaves are what I superhappilygidilysplendagorically wade in all morning and night.
Pinch me, a pumpkin sea of glee, and it was free! (in a way)
This place for me, is a place where time stands still, and where much of what I bring to life creatively, finds me.
As night turns to day, I am amazed at the vines growing on this side of the garden….
I technically have 3 pumpkin patches, in different places. But the vines growing around the gypsy wagon are extra surprising.
And, I'll tell you why…
You see, the two pumpkin patches on the other side of the garden were planted from store bought packaged seeds. Some new, some 6-8 years old. The new seeds were planted in early spring and took about 1 month to germinate. (the old ones took about 3 months)
However, the vines around the wagon, came from seeds inside some interesting pumpkins that I purchased last October. The pumpkins didn't start to soften until June, when I broke them up (2 pumpkins – one teardrop orange thing, and one funny guy that stayed green the whole time I had him).
So, I broke up the pumpkins in June and plunked some of the seeds into the ground. And what do you know? 2 days later, they sprouted, and continued growing, as you can see.
I think I will do that again next year. Buy a couple unusual pumpkins in fall, and plant them when they start to go soft in summer. That was a great trick, as they sprouted practically overnight.
These pumpkin vines have been sooooo much fun to watch. They have put on quite a show, climbing trees and growing on birdcages even…
I am so thrilled, I can't even tell you. But, the best part is that, there are about 20 babies hidden in there…
And, I dare suggest that they might be Kabocha pumpkins? Does anyone know for certain?
I think they are. And if that is so, then I am extra elated, as Kabocha are sweet and delicious.
(Ooooo, I hope they are kabocha)
So, you see, I not only let my mind wander amongst the leaves, I also dream and hope that they are gifting us edible treats…
Everyday, while under the trees intertwined with vines, cotton candy sunset skies visit, warning that night is on its way…
And every night, the gypsy firelight adventures amongst a sea of leaves, begin all over again…
Simple pleasures can be the greatest source of delightment. Wouldn't you agree?
See you soooooon!
🖤,V
3 random things for today.
1) I have been working on one little section of a painting for 3 days. The details are making me see double 😉
2) I hope to be finished with creatures + paintings soon. I might just pop them in my shop randomly as I finish them, as opposed to having one huge update. No sure yet, but getting close, I hope 😉
3) I have listened to this on repeat all day long. I love Sierra's voice at 2:00 minutes.
That gorgeous Gypsy Garden beckons me to take a seat under the moonlight and sip upon a sweet, aged port wine in a crystal glass……
….tabla drums plucked by expert muscians resonating thru my mind…. the stars dance around me as I wade through the green waves of pumpkin leaves at the entrance to the wagon. I curl up in a cloud, resting my head on the moon, cozy in a Gypsy Fairytale 🙂
Thank you! I needed that :o) Those pumpkins are fantastic…good to know about using seeds from the actual pumpkins 🙂
Keep spreading your Magic!
Oh you are so blessed to live in such a magical fairytale place. The Gypsy Garden is beyond beautiful by firelight and moonglow. And to be surrounded by those wondrous pumpkins (don’t you love that word?)! Pure enchantment! Thank you🖤
I love the fairy kingdom you’ve created for yourself. And pumpkins – what a treat! Thought of you lots in the Netherlands, as the hotel where we stayed in Delft had two gypsy wagons in their courtyard. Alas, someone was in them the whole time we were there, so I never got to take pics. But they weren’t nearly as lovely as your gypsy wagon. Miss you! xoxox
Oh, I do love your magical gypsy garden. You possess such a knack for setting down a bit of this and draping a bit of that and making your surroundings look beautiful!
I have an unsightly computer desk area with cabinets above, and I told my mother that you would probably know just exactly what to do with this area. You see, I put great faith in your ability to transform the mundane. : D
Perhaps if I sit on my front porch tonight with a gypsy candle or two, with our little porch lizards peeking out at me from behind their shuttered hideaways, perhaps, just PERHAPS, a Vanessa-esque idea will creep into my mind, and I shall leap to my feet and start a computer desk decorating frenzy before the ideas fade away. : )
Hey sweet one,
I so love wandering your garden with you… I adore that you take us on such fabulous adventures filled with flowers and faries…
your pumpking patches are deevine… I do believe you have a magical “green” thumb …. to amass such beauty in the desert is an amazing feat… that is why hummingbirds fly to you and little animals love you… as do us humans…
Thank you for the trips to far away places… you are one special lady…
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
I enjoy touring your land with you. I can just close my eyes and transport myself right next to you at your magical place in the sun. Every new post is a new adventure. Can’t wait to see your new little creatures. I have been waiting.
Wow… I am absolutely in love with your blog, your work, and the inspiration it fills me with!! So glad I stumbled upon it from Jenn at Noodle and Lou. Just loving the whole Gypsy feel… brings back memories of my childhood (not as a Gypsy), but with parents from the sixties and the whole vibe.
Thanks for the beauty of your garden and pics!!
Hello my dear Vanessa…I have not been a very good friend lately. I have come by to see what you are up to and then tip toed away without saying a word. So much has been happening in my life lately…which lead to me being semi-unplugged.
There is always magic here…I love your Gypsy Wagon life…and those vines…and the squash…be still my heart. xoxo
A gypsy wagon and pumpkin vines. What more could a girl want? It’s MAGICAL!!! 🙂
Always a joy visit you!
Hugs,
Zuzu
I am so in love with your pumpkin patches! I love unique pumpkins for sure! My plan next year is to have a fantastic pumpkin patch…
My Beloved Fanciful Friendling, how your images take my breathe away. Every little detail is mesmerizing and your PUMPKINS!!!!! 5:00 am mornings have given you the most beautiful gifts. I too planted pumpkins from a pumpkin purchased in October, but mine are no where near as bodacious as yours. Mine are weence really ;-O, but I’m enjoying the process of watching them grow.
I hope you have the most loverly of days today!!!!!
toodles…love me 😉
Oh your little gypsy wagon/pumpkin patch is sooo wonderful! Do you ever camp out there over night? It looks like it would be so much fun to do so.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
I wonder…are there mosquitos in that fabulous Gypsy garden? Because, if not, it may very well be Heaven on earth. Your real world looks just like my imaginary world. Thanks so much for these beautiful pictures! 🙂
shay
I’ve also spent many a night sailing in a sea of tall grasses. I think I’ll miss it when summer is gone.
What beautiful pumpkins! I love the vines, too! One year we had our garden space filled with pumpkins and peanuts! What a fun crop to harvest! Enjoy your day, sweet friend! 🖤
Well my dear…
Your pumpkin patch has turned into a pumpkin forest! I love the wildness of the growing vines…they look so happy and content…that is…if pumpkin vines can think! I know they say plants can tell when people like them…it sure looks as though all of your plants know who waters and tends to them…very…special…YOU!!!
Loved the photos…
(I will be checking in OFTEN to see if you have posted goodies in your shop).
Stay cool…
Eat popcicles, put ice in your hair… someone said if you lay your arm in cool water, maybe with a few ice cubes in a shallow container, (and if you are outside sitting in the heat) that it will help cool your whole body. And drink lots of iced tea!
I love Dr. Pepper, but I am drinking more iced tea, as it seems more refreshing!
Toodle looou!
=^..^=
Miss Teresa
Oh, these are so nice!
Those leaves are as big as elephant ears. I have never been able to grow such lovelies. Maybe it’s inattentiveness on my part, maybe the climate?
Believe it or not, pumpkins are my most treasured crop every year. In previous years, I have watched and babied and watered and only got TWO pumpkins!! TWO!!!! Out of all the gardens I’ve ever had.
Boooo!!!!!!!
These are just adorable. I can’t get over how thick and fat those vines are. I’m also amazed every last bit hasn’t been devoured by wildlife since you don’t fence them in. That’s amazing.
Vanessa, your magical pumpkin patch enchants me…and I fear you have cast a spell upon me, because I am smitten with Coco Rosie as well…can’t put my finger on it really – perhaps it is the magical gypsy firelight. Please, may I just sit a while in your gypsy caravan…I promise you won’t even know I am there x
gypsy wagons and baby pumpkins…what more can a girl ask for? ….. oh, and of course, fairy lights and candles and a most amazing imagination….. it’s all good…..
Yes, I totally agree…it’s usually the simple things in life that get me giddy, tee hee. Love the pumpkin vines…amazing Vanessa, just amazing! Excited about your new things going in the shop!
Hug Hug,
Jamie 🙂
I love the atmosphere and beauty of your gypsy abode. It looks warm and enchanting and so mystical. All the pumpkin vines and gourds give it an especially exotic vibe. Thank you, Miss Vanessa, for inviting us in. 🙂 And thank you for including the CocoRosie video, too.
xoxo Theresa
Random things for you:
1. I could eat Indian food EVERY day!
2. I don’t know how to swim. 🙁
3. I prefer eating carrots and apples cooked, as opposed to eating them raw!
Hi Vanessa! I love your gypsy wagon! I love how magical it is surrounded with your magical pumpkins and enchanting garden. I love wandering through it with you. Thank you for sharing it with us and inviting us in. I imagine enjoying midnight margaritas in the twinkling firelight! Looking forward to the new goodies in your shop.
Hugs, Teresa
3 random things:
1. I love BIG dogs. Especially my big red dog! 😉
2. My clay class starts tomorrow.
3. Ahoy! I love pirates! heehee
how how how how how do you do this ms. v? you create magical spaces with the snap of your pumpkin patch!
you KNOW i would love to wander into your yard, knock on your door, show you my warm biscuits with strawberry jam, and join you for tea. if you can create the kind of magic you show here on your blog, surely i can create the magic of an invitation for tea.
right? 🙂
kj
how did you ever aquire a gypsy wagon?? it’s amazing!
fiveorsixgirls@gmail.com
deb
So romantic and rich in color! I love the little enclave you made, and could spend hours there, barefooted, in a long ruffled prarie skirt and blouse, falling off one shoulder, hair a wild mass of curls and tangles. I would done on crusty bread and ripe pears and cheese.
You take the most dreamy pictures! That top one is exactly what I imagine when I long for Autumn in the midst of Summers never-ending heat. Ahhh- I cannot wait for Fall now! Thank you 🙂
It’s amazing! I wrote a blog post today titled “Gypsy Dreams”!!! Great minds think a like!!! Your post is simply magical!!!
Actually not today….but Monday….the same day you did…..
ok…..this is comment number 3….but I just went back a realized that the Gypsy Wagon in the pictures is actually IN your back yard!!!! I am SO jealous!!!! Amazing……magical…….wow…..I love it.
I love your Post… the Gypsy Wagon and especially your delightful Pumpkin Patch… the leaves are gi-normous and surreal! What a Blessed Girl you are, to have such magic right in your back yard coupled by a fertile imagination and way with words and photography to Bless the rest of us by sharing it all… THANK YOU!
Dawn… The Bohemian
I want to fall asleep and wake up in your Gypsy garden! At dusk. With candles glowing while wearing sparkly jewelry and eating cupcakes! Your posts always makes my imagination run wild and helps me forget the annoyances of the work day.
I just love the night pictures with the candles burning and the lit wagon beckoning you to step inside. What magic awaits you in there, your fortune to be told by an exotic beautiful woman with delicately pointed ears, maybe the wagon will transport you deep into a faerie forrest. I do so love your wild imagination and beautiful way with pictures. I just finally figured out how to become a subscriber… Yea! I am slowly figuring out the computer blog thing, even if my magic wand won’t work on it. Thank you for your beauty!
More pumpkins! Oh my….I’m sure the great pumpkin will visiting you in October!
Oh The Magic! My garden faeries are on their way to play with their cousins for the day. Please send them home at twilight. They will all need baths. Superhappilygidilysplendagorically Indeed!
**blows kisses** Deb
Magical, simply magical. I only WISH I had half the creativity you have. Jackie
Magical post, one of my favorites dear one! Vines are magic to me. Always loved them. They are like little free spirit dancers. Love them! You have tickled my imagination, again friend. Thanks! Blessings.
What an enchanted place! And your little pumpkins are so lovely, keep a couple of them for Halloween! 🙂
OH This is all such magic!! I think you may well be a faerie, I do!! Magical pumpkin rides at midnight and all!! 🙂
Thank you for your magic!
It makes my heart leap!
Vanessa, I love your photos and wonderful stories. I have been following your blog for quite some time and enjoy it very much. I am going to Arizona from Michigan for the very first time next week. You make it look like such a magical place, with all the lushness of your garden, and fairy tale living. My son moved to Scottsdale and absolutely loves it there. I am looking forward to visiting this place that will be completely foreign to me except for what I have read and seen in photos. Thanks for sharing the beauty of your world.
Sincerely,
Janet
Where ever you live looks absolutely amazing; lovin the gypsy wagon in your garden of magick. . . keep us posted with more beauty -thanks for sharing! ! !