What is it about our fascination with people's lives? Who they are, what they like, what they collect… The more intersting and avant-garde, the better. Would we secretly like to know, what people have in their closets? In drawers? If given 3 minutes in your favorite artist's house, with free reign to snoop, where would you look? Would you go straight to the shoes?
How about at their jewels? Their textile collection? Then again, you only have 3 minutes… Can you guess who these shoes belonged to? Whose initials are F. K. ?
A peek at someone's laundry line, or into their closet could tell you a lot about them, couldn't it?
What on earth would she say, if she knew we were snooping through her closet? Admiring her skirts?
I am not sure…
Perhaps she wouldn't mind too much. And, I will say, she sure did leave treasure troves of her belongings for us to admire… Thanks to one of my most beloved books titled "Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress," we can take a hearty peek into Frida Kahlo's textiles, jewels, shoes, and more… All courtesy of the Museo Frida Kahlo. Photo of the outside of the museum at Casa Azul, can be found here…
Thanks to this book, you are able to see Frida wearing those beautiful shoes above…
Don't worry, I am not just teasing you with this incredbile book, filled with Frida's beautiful garments, as well as lovely tales…
I would love to share my copy with you. I have ordered another, so I am not left without this treasured book ;) You see, I was just remarking at how I have loved seeing the explosiveness of Frida over the last several years, everywhere I turn.
When I was a young girl, in and around Mexico, Frida could be found in giant paintings & photographs, in many of my friend's homes in Mexico. This is a large photo we have…
One friend's parents had a painting of Frida, so huge, it must have been 6 feet tall at the very least. It was in their conservatory like foyer, where real parrots flew about freely… When I was really young, I had no idea who Frida was. Only that she was very very familiar, like an aunt…
It was kind of like, how I thought Neil Diamond was my father (story for another time). Or more like, I thought my father, was Neil Diamond. At age 5, I would play his records, smiling at his face on the album covers… Until I found out the truth, which scarred me until, umm, now :) The truth being, my father is not Neil Diamond, and Neil Diamond is not my father. They just looked alike to me…
Of course, Frida Kahlo is not my aunt. But, that would have been fascinating, don't you think? When I was around 13 or 14, and figured out all the details about Frida, I couldn't help but admire her, and feel for her. And of course, love her work, whilst being madly inspired by it…
Anyhow, the point is, I have a copy of this beautiful book to share with one of you… I know, another giveaway, so soon! I must be mad ;) I think it is just that you all are so much fun, I can't help myself!
It might inspire you to channel her for a day… What would your day be like if you were Frida Kahlo? Would you start by choosing your wardrobe?
Let's play at my country house. C'mon, jump in…
I have set up a little Frida world of my own…
Would your rooms smell like wonderful oil paint? I don't know about you, but I am already feelin' the inspiration…
My paint palette always has paint on it. Ready to go…
Would you search for your secret Cigarro money stash, hidden in your flour jar?
Let's see, do we have enough pesos to…
To pick up some bird seed, paint supplies and take a tiny trip to the Dulceria? (dulce = sweet = sweets = candy= dulceria = sweets shoppe)
Mexican Candy stores are just bliss. I won't go into detail now, but I will visit one soon and bring back lots of detailed photos 😉
So that is all we have for you today… But, if you want to get a chance to own this book, leave a comment, por favor!! Here is a lovely Frida Video…
As for the Magical Berry bag, which I am stunned so many of you LOOOVED. It is going to live with…. Barbara! Woo hooo!! Yay for you! Pocketful of Sunshine, lovely blog!!
I will draw a name for the book, sometime later this week. You will love it!! I sure do! Back to playing dress up – of the Frida Kahlo Variety…
See you soooooooon!! 🖤 V
ps: Don't forget to have a piece of Pan de Dulce before you go…
pss: "Hablando De Pajaors y Otras Cositas" part I, is hidden in my archives from last year, somewhere…
psss: How rude of me, I didn't ask… Did you have a lovely weekend?? I see the magic tea worked?? I can't believe the weekend is over. I wanted to change a few photos on my VanessaValencia.Com Website, which I have had for about ten years but realized you might not know about it. Anyhow, I ended up spending 15 hours adding a Pottery Page… Eeeeks. I need a day off sooon! xoxo
(The first 8 photos are from the book "Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress." The 11th photo is from "Frida Kahlo, I will Never Forget You." The "Dulceria" Photo is from Z.com student travel abroad. All the other photos are mine)
What beautiful photos! I can wait to see your pictures of the Dulceria. Your color palette is just magical…
Frida!!! Your giveaways get better and better! I just LOVE her clothing!! Must go watch the video!
The book of Frida looks wonderful! Love all the beautiful pictures and your idea of seeing into someones house. I often wonder about people who I look up to. I try not to idolize anyone but admire and take from them a lesson.
Oh I love the…. I can’t think of the name of it but it is the fudge made from goats milk in Mexico. It is like carmel Oh yummy!! I use to have a friend that would buy me a block or two when they would go to Mexico. I think to visit a candy store would be Heaven on earth.
Please add me to the drawing. You have wonderful giveaways. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
I periodically check in on your blog because it brightens my day. This colorful Frida blog is a real pop of cheer today. Thanks.
i am already addicted to your blog. if i could astro travel it would certainly be to your gorgeous studio, house, shop and take tea and sweets with you, and perhaps look through your fabrics. your words are so enchanting and i wait patiently for the next entry. congrats to barbara:) i’ll be back mmwah rosey
wow another giveaway!!! love love love your pics, especially your own frida outfit and the mexican candy store yum! count me in the draw, i would love to win that book!!!!!!!!!!
Bobbi Jo, you are talking about the most delicious creation on earth!! “Jamoncillo!!!” I will send you some in the winter 😉 So it will ship…
OK- I HAVE HAVE HAVE to win this time!!!! I would love to pour over those pages. I went to a Mexican wedding last week ( my first) and it was the BEST wedding and reception I have ever been to, and I have been to loads. It was so lively, so loving, so FUN. The dancing was amazing and the music…so cool.
I want to win that book so bad. 🙂 I am very much in love with learning about Mexican culture and art now, so PERFECT!!!
I just added the movie Frida with Salma Hayek to my list to rent thanks to you. 🙂
PicK Me! pICK Me! Pick Me! PiCk Me! pick me! PICK ME!!!! pReTty, PreTTy, PrETtY please!
I love how you describe Frida as feeling like a part of your family! I remember discovering Frida’s paintings as a 14 year old girl growing up in Australia and feeling as thought I’d found a long lost ‘kindred spirit'(as Anne of Green Gables would say!). The book about Frida’s wardrobe just looks soooo beautiful.
xox justina
I’ve recently fallen in love with your magical blog. Your words and photos always bring a smile to my face. Thank you:-)
Lucky Barbara! And I’d love to enter my name for the lovely book!
I always enjoy your blog, sweet Vanessa!
Oh, and I’m having a blog party! I’d love you to come if you’re in the party mood! Everyone’s welcome. The more the merrier!
Take care!
Becky
Swoon, swoon,swoooooooooon! Oh how I would love it if you picked me. I’m a huge Frida fan and my mother in law could be her twin! You are so generous and such a delight.
All the best,
Janet
Vanessa, I was reading away and admiring the images and later I looked up her bio because you really had me interested in this woman. Then just when I thought I was totally inspired, I saw your very modest comment about your GORGEOUS new web site. Congratulations on this wonderful web site, all of your hard work surely shows. Karen
Wow! What timing – I just finished watching the movie Frida for the second time after finally purchasing the dvd. And I was also just wondering about her beautiful clothes and jewelry she wore and wishing I knew more about it. 😉 I’d love to have this book. If I don’t win the drawing I’ll definitely be ordering a copy of my own.
sneaking out from the woodwork to enter my comment into this stunning giveaway! Love ya!
wow, what a lovely post/tribute! and congratulations to the winner! Well deserved. When i was a nanny for several wealthy families, I’d gaze at the oversized art work on their walls, smaell their candles in their bathrooms, and adore their inspiration books
Ummm. Pan de Dulce is so yummy. When I was a young girl I remember you could by it out of the trunk of this old car. All different colors too.
Oh if you ever find yourself in my neck of the woods I sure would love if you would stop by for some homemade rolls. I might even learn how to make jam for such an occasion!
Frida is AMAZING! Such a great inspiration to all women world wide! And those SHOES! Crazy wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!!
oh my, how i just want to wrap myself up in brilliant colors. sigh.
and now i am off to peruse your website!
All I can say is “WOW”. I adore the book, clothes,and shoes. God willing, I hope you pick me.
Kris
other people’s shelves are my weakness…i LOVE pouring over other people’s shelves!
this book would make a great add to my library…i absolutely adore frida…and her work…her life…and clothes…
i actually got to sing a song about her on my friends record…
she was beautiful….
Wow! All those colors! I love that-so much to look at & take in. I’m not sure who’s house I’d look in if I had the chance…might be hard to look if you can’t take! Lovely post.
Another magical adventure! Frida has been an inspiration to so many. Her work was recently shown in my area…fascinating.
Her story is quite tragic, yet she rose above adversity. Her use of color and symbolism is stunning.
Count me in on the giveaway…I’d love to add the book to my collection.
Elizabeth(bluebirdsandbubbles)
Oh wow!!
Every post you do just inspires us all.
So many fabulous photos and words!!
colour and texture to delight our senses
What a wonderful giveaway.
Alison
I spent a lot of time studying Frida in college. Every chance I got, I would pick her for a paper topic (and other times it would be Diego). She inspired me to paint once (the only time). Not because of what she painted, but because of what inspired her to paint. I too wanted to release years of buried emotional confusion and pain in that very way. I didn’t continue painting. I have other outlets that are satisfying, but I have always felt like there is painting in me. Frida was such an amazing woman. It is difficult to not be moved by her creativity and passion.
I think Frida and I would have been good friends. She’s one of the coolest people I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting. I would love to be the lucky recipient of this gorgeous book!.
Oh, I think you must be related to Frida somewhere, she would be so proud of you! I want to be Frida, oh, what fun to play dress up like her! Except I am still plucking my eyebrows. I have always been fascinated by how she did not. Is that shallow of me? I just love that she was that comfortable with herself! Anyhow, I would love a Frida book! I think you must have had such a magic childhood, thanks for sharing it!
I am a newer Frieda fan than you, but I totally could live in that house with the flowing skirts & paint smells it must have had. A few trips to the sweet shop would be necessary too!
I would loooove to win that book! I can’t believe those shoes aren’t from right now, they look so contemporary. She was ahead of her time!
I’m not sure I can leave a comment on this post as I live so far away. I just wanted to tell you how happy I am with technology when it enables me to get so inspired by each of your posts. I love your photos and reading you, no matter the subject I know it will be fascinating. Thank you !
You take such wonderful photos 🙂
I would LOVE a book about Frida. Some months ago I painted several ATCs with Fridas portrait on, and I`ve been planning to make an art doll of her. She`s really a woman to be inspired by 😀
Oh, and my weekend was great thank you for asking 🙂
I would love to have Frida in my life. I so admire her ability to be creative despite all her health problems, as it’s something I struggle with terribly. I’d love my own copy of this book.
I have always adored her….and thought that Frida was just about one of the most beautiful women ever!
Those Vogue covers….she is so gorgeous. And now…..I’m quite certain I will wander into the dressing table and attempt a little Frida up do….yes, I’m quite sure I shall!! I’ve always longed to be so vivid and bright….I have more a tendency to be pastel, and muted…..but those daring and striking colours…they call to me today!
Her paintings are so wonderful….have you ever seen her sketch-journals? SO amazing! I’m sure you have! Your book looks like an all-afternoon-on-the-couch-with-much-tea-and-cookies kind of affair…..As anything with costumes and textiles (and the added helping of Frida) should be!
Your posting today is so lovely! And I’m drooling over those shoes!! 🙂
Happy Day to Youuuuu!
All fabulous stuff but I just can’t get past those eyebrows:)
Please please put this in your drawing! I love the bright colorful pictures. It seems the “south of the border” residents are so much more confident than we when it comes to color. Ah, to have that confidence! But I would settle for the book–ha ha ha
I admired Frida for her confidence, her talent and her colorful life. I’d start my “Friday” day layering cotton petticoats, colorful skirt, white linen blouse and lots of jewelry. Then I’d walk to the Zapateria looking for some new shoes!
My co-worker would always create an elaborate altar for Frida on the day of the dead, complete with sugar skulls and mountains of colorful marigolds.
Please enter my name in your contest. How generous of you.
– Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
I am inspired to play dress up today and go on a huge adventure. I want to dance in the street in my long flowing dress and eat Pan de Dulce. Do you think my boss would be mad if I call in sick? Thanks for all the fun, Vanessa!
Twyla
I hadn’t heard of her before the Hayek movie came out. Shows you how Podunk my college’s Art History Dept was!
After I saw the movie, I searched everywhere for more info about her (and him). What a complicated and fascinating pair they were!
Please enter me in the drawing for the book. 🙂
Have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Kate
BTW, I forgot to tell you how much I like the teapot with the woman’s face on it on your new pottery page!
Congrats.
Kate
I think I could possibly have this book for breakfast this morning! Thanks for showing it, i will order a copy after the drawing is over and one for my sister too!
a post after my own heart!!! I love love love Frida and loved reading her bio a long time ago which they made the movie from, but it was not as good as I imagined. I still cringe on how her bus accident left her with soo much pain and where the pole stuck into her body. How I wish I could see all the treasures you see at the moment!!!
This book looks amazing! What incredible photos. AND OMG!!! I WON!!! How cool is that??!! I am SUPER EXCITED (can you tell?)! I promise to give this beautiful purse a loving home and to cherish this sweet gift. BTW, I the stars you have been using in your photos are just the best!!! I’ll drop you an email with my address tonight.
Oh Frida…we love you so up here! A wonderful jewelry artist sweetie friend of mine just flew out to SanFran last week to catch the large display of Frida art that is now on tour. She said that there may be a rumor that it is coming to Phoenix! Wouldn’t that be wonderful to see?!?! She said it was about 5 people deep, and that was with reservations, which is a little hard to elbow through…but would still be very lovely to experience. Frida is an amazing woman…and I would definitely run to her shoes and jewelry first!
Congrats Barbara and Wowzers! Thank you for having another giveaway and what a special one. It is neat to think Frida was like an Aunt to you, having seen her portrait so much as a child. And thank you for the magic tea – I did not clean my bathtub and I am happier for it!
Frida is my hero ! I, too, have a miserable back issue that has encouraged me to do paintings in bed..good ones, too!!! What a wonderful Aunt she would be….great example I try to follow as much as I can.
The magic tea let me skip vaccuming the staircase yesterday and I ran off instead to hear comic book artist Lynda Barry speak at the library instead. thank goodness for magic Tea..She was so funny and so inspiring !!!!
Count me in for eye candy book !!!Yum-Yum
My husband ADORES Mexican candy. Whenever we go to Olvera Street, he buys a bag full, then makes himself sick on the drive home by eating all of it! Books are like candy for me…add me to the drawing!
What a wonderful give-away and how generous you are with your loyal blog readers! Frida’s wardrobe is timeless..looks like it could have come right out of the pages of Anthropologie. Loribeth
What a beautiful post!
Hello doll~ Oh my, what a wonderful give~away! And your having a lot of them aren’t ya! No complaints here! Please enter my name in this fabulous giveaway. AND,
the artist I would LOVE to snoop on is YOU!!!
3 minutes in your country (and heck, city) house and studio!!!!! HEAVEN!
Take care!!!
Oh my gosh… gorgeous pics… my favorite bright colors… My favorite woman artist… Her clothes and jewels are so gorgeous.. I want to dress like that… And yes, please enter me in the drawing.. If I don’t win, I’m going to have to order this book. lol.. Thank you wonderful V….
That is an amazing book! I saw it at the exhibit, but couldn’t afford it, alas. My daughter is named Frida, and I love Frida Kahlo’s work. She is so inspiring. Yay!
O! Wish I could go to Mexico with YOU!!!!! I will be WISHING and WISHING for that Frida book! Instead of parrots, my birds around me would be my beloved CROWS and BLUEBIRDS!!! xo, Cinda Frida Oliverio LOL
I read her biography years ago, every day after breastfeeding my son when he had dosed off at siesta time. It was very hot and humid, and I felt lonely because we were living abroad for a year and a half. Reading about her reminded me of my home and family. My parents always loved Frieda, and well, when you´re far away Chile looks a lot like Mexico.
oh, frida is one of my favorite artists! i would love to have this book. please toss my name in your magic giveaway hat. 🙂
oh, i want that one too! and this is actually something that my better (?) half would love too :). that bag with the berries would have freaked him out, but he loves frieda (could almost be jealous 😉 ). how incredibly sweet of you to have all these give-aways!
I love Frida! What an awesome book and giveaway! I really hope you pick me. 🙂
Have a great week!
If I were a little butterfly snooping round my favourite artist’s house I would head straight for the kitchen. You can tell a lot about someone by what they have in their cupboards. Then straight of to their studio so see what they see as they create.
If I were Frida’s companion for the day, although I think our date would begin at 9pm, we would drink, dance, sing and I would ask her for her one favourite song!
Take a break and have a wee day off to play, you deserve it, you work so hard 🙂
We named our sweet little dog Frida. It was the eyebrow that made us do it. The book looks lucious!
Mmmm I’ve been lovin’ Frida for long time too! Love how she sported her mustache…although I try to hide mine.
🙂
ohh I still remember the day I found out about frida..I was in junior high, and feel in love with the photos..wonderful!! ohh those Pan de Dulce…I want to taste it so bad..looks so yummy!!
Hello again, hopefully number 61 is my lucky number because i’d love to see more inside that book! Thanks for a splash of colour on this overcast winter day, its a great escape coming here.
I love all the color in your photographs! I want that book!
Vanessa – what a tremendously thoughtful and most excellent give-a-way! my fingers (and toes) are crossed. 🙂
ps – love the box that the cactus lives in & the palate … oh! and the ring that looks like a cut citrine (far left) … oh gosh, and everything.
10,000 xx’s ~M~
I would make a comment on this post even if there were not a giveaway…you are generosity personified.
I love, love, love all your photos and stories. The image of parrots flying freely in the Conservatory like foyer with a 6 foot Frida Kahlo painting, is one I shall never forget…I would have loved seeing that in person.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Frida Kahlo exhibit in Philadelphia.
Great post…one of my favorites.
Ok, I’m so shameless it isn’t even funny…I have to have that book. It hurts to want it! But, if I don’t win can the consolation prize be close up shots of every single ring you own all clustered together?
i think i will try my luck today! frida is new to me but from what you have posted i am quite intrigued. i’d also love a piece of that pan de dulce.. mmmmmmmmmm!!!!
I have been a fan of Frida Kahlos forever, I have a necklace that I got in LA on Olivera Street with her photo in a small glass oval with silver around it…that I adore. I would love the book…so please enter my name in your drawing…don’t you love all her adventures and her crazy relationship with Diego? I would go for her jewelry ~!….I have a folk art piece from Mexico that has a little doll of her and Diego made out of clay.
best,
carol
Frida deeply touches my heart. I keep a picture of her in my art space. She was such a unique talent. I would love to enter and win this fabulous book.
I have spent the later part of the summer reading ~Frida by Frida~. If I were to spend the day with her, I would have her tell me about her colors. For my ~Frida~ wardrobe I would start with the jewelery pieces, match the clothes to these pieces and last but not least, choose walking shoes.
Another beautiful post! I am so inspired by your blog.
I just saw the Frida exhibit at SF MOMA last month – it was the first time I’d seen any of her work in person. It was really amazing, and I left with a sense that I knew her just a little bit better.
Sarah
Ok, I know you are “super” busy and get this all the time, but I “tagged’ you on my blog! Hope you don’t mind.
~ Michelle
You’ve done it, my Dear….I’m inspired again!
Bringing up Frida before I got dressed for the day was just enough to send me over the edge:
http://marmeecraft.blogspot.com/2008/08/channeling-frida-or-dressing-up.html
tee hee! 🙂
Vanessa,
Frida has been on my mind of late too. I keep turning corners and finding her. Probably you know Duhbuduh Designs (http://dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com/du_buh_du_designs/2008/08/frida-and-sculptures.html) created a lovely Frida doll recently. But I also discovered a Frida dollhouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetelsita/2169695411/in/set-72157603641252078/) made by Elsita the other day and now that fall is beginning have been planning meals using the aromatic and spicy Frida’s Feasts (http://www.amazon.com/Fridas-Fiestas-Recipes-Reminiscences-Frida/dp/0517592355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219839189&sr=8-1), a lovely cookbook and memoir by Diego Garcia’s daughter, Guadalupe Rivera.
Please enter me into your drawing!
Oh, Frida. She was the first famous artist I chose to research and like on my own– appreciation for Michaelangelo and Monet and Cezanne came later– Frida was my first love.
OH! I liked this post, especially when you pointed out how frida is everywhere these days. It’s true, and I love to see her honored in whatever way. She was truely a great artist, really trying to explore and express herself in sometimes difficult and painful ways. Also, I LOVE THOSE SHOES I wish that the giveaway was a real live pair of frida shoes! just kidding. I’d love to be entered in.
I am not sure where my comment went…I wanted to invite myself over to play dress up and everything!
G and I are going to see the exhibit of her paintings in SF…….I am actually hoping they have this book for sale there. She, to me, was an inspiration for sheer determination in the face of hardship and physical pain…and her art reflected that. She was also a great example of a female artists success. I would so love to see some her colorful and wonderful wardrobe in person!!
I think we should all go back to petticoats. ha!
XOXOXOXOXOX
Oh, Miss V, what a wonderful post & giveaway! It makes me want to pin my hair up in braids and go find a colorful, swishy skirt.
Your postings are always like a wonderful and delicious trip though secret worlds of texture and colours, I just love visiting your blog…again thanks for the honest writing and beautiful photos and inspiration. Vanessa, I am having a small giveaway (just one of my favourite illustrations as a signed print) in celebration of my 100th blog post..if your interested please do pop on by and enter a comment to enter the draw. Thanks and ‘see’ you soon again. Be Well, Mandy Saile of Bijou’s Whimsy.
She was a fascinating woman, as well as an amazing artist – it’s no wonder her popularity endures! I saw an exhibition of her work in London and one was on in San Francisco last month. Please toss my name into your hat! And I want to go with you to that Mexican sweet shoppe! xoxox
The few teases of the book look wonderful Soooooooo I must also look wooful and beg pick me pick me :c}
I live in a wonderful little colonia in Mazatlan Mexico, where Larry and I are the only “Gringos” for many many blocks. It has always been my dream to live in this amazing culture!! So when we retired “we loaded up the truck and moved to…” And you are so right both Frida’s and Diego’s birthdays are celebrated here. And many many El Dia de los Muertos alters will have a picture of Frita to be honored as a family member.
Pattie
ooooohhhhhh how I would love to have that fabulous Frida book! I have adored Frida ever since I was little too. My grandparents have a huge portrait of her hanging in their beach house and I would have the most lovely conversations with her:) Thanks sweet pea Vanessa!! Happy Wednesday to you:) xoxox…jenn
Beautiful! I must take a lot at that book and run my fingers over the pages!
I’ve missed your blog…don’t know why but I took a little break from blogging – but I’m back and yours was the first I had to consume myself with!
Oh my, so many Frida fans. She is my favorite 20th centurey female artist and has been a source of inspiration for years. I did not know about this book but now I do 🙂 Your give away is most generous and I thank you for the opportunity to enter.
k
Vanessa,
I spent my birthday with Frida on a recent visit to San Francisco. Oh, to be able to rummage through her closet…what a privilege! Yes, I would love and treasure the book!
Have a wondeful day!
Mary
Vanessa, I’m sorry, somehow I posted my comment to this post on the previous one. How odd. Sorry, I’m copying it to this one:
Your Neil Diamond story is the cutest! But I can relate to it because when I was very little I associated my father to a little picture of Napoleon! That’s got to be worse, I thought my father was Napoleon! lol
I love Frida, what a complete rebel she was. I also feel some connection with her because I had spinal surgery and those paintings where you see her spine are really touching.
Also, since you have Mexico connections, do you know Lhasa de Sela and her wonderful songs? She has a bunch of songs about pajaros, I think.
Oh to me Frida is like my alter ego….the eyebrow and all! If it weren’t for wax, and such, mine would be one instead of two 🙂
Enter me to win this amazing prize Vanessa!!!!
I adore Frida, and one day, I can say, that I knew the real Vanessa Valencia, of the famed
A Fanciful Twist Museum; A Bizarre Arizonian Collection
xoxoxo
Twenty years ago, in a Spanish class, we had to research and then do an oral report on a Spanish-speaking person. My teacher knew I liked art, so suggested Frida Kahlo. I’ve been a fan ever since. I was thrilled when our Art Museum in Reno featured a Kahlo traveling exhibit – both her paintings and ones others had done of her – a couple of years ago.
Are those really her shoes? I thought they were yours at first (and it wouldn’t surprise me if they were, you have such funky pretty things!) Oh yes, they are hers! I am amazed! I am in love with the delicate embroidery on her white shirt too, those scalloped edges are the icing on the cake. What a wonderful, lovely book you are giving away.
Oh wow, this is so funny…we must REALLY be on the same page, dear, because I just sent you and email and came here to find that you are thinking of Frida this week, and I am doing the exact same thing.
In fact, I just finished drawing a portrait of her today which I am going to paint tomorrow, and yesterday I watched “The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo” yet again. Such a wonderful inspiration to us all! I have been drawing with my sketchbooks in bed a lot lately, since it’s just so cozy in there. When those naughty voices in the back of my head start telling me, “You’re being lazy! Get outta bed!” I ignore them and think of Frida and all the art that she accomplished while lying in bed. 🙂
Do you have her diary/drawing book? I hope so! It’s truly magical.
Oh WOW!!!! This was one of the most refreshing and inspiring posts I have ever read. What fun!! Simply beautiful.
How colorful! The candy look delicious from a distance and it’s better that it really is at a distance….lol
I am ready for a book outside of the norm to absorb myself in…
i will be looking for this book…i have many, many books about frida, (even a cookbook!) but not this one! i adore her and her’s and diego’s artwork. i would love to go to see la casa azul someday before i die!
What a beautiful post. I have been a fan of hers for a number of years now, and would love to add this to my collection.
But as an esthetician, I must say that I would loved to have gotten my hands on those brows!
What a wonderful post!!! I love Frida, I’d love to be put in for the givaway please, the book looks amazing
You thought our dad was Neil Diamond??????? That’s ok. I thought he was Paul McCartney. In photos when our dad is younger, he kinda looks like him, only the hair, or lack thereof, gave him away!! You must check out my blog post from today. I think Frida would have enjoyed my new ring. There are some new silk embroidered blouses at Picante, we should go shopping. I got some amazing new Mexican earrings, too. I love jewelry. Want to go to Mexico City? How about Oaxaca? Please?????
I love the photos with the gorgeous rings – I’d make a beeline for the jewelry box. Jewels have a mystic about them and tell much about the person who wore them. Although, maybe they just reflect the mood of the person at the time – pearls for a quiet mood, turquoise for those times when you vibrate with excitement.
Hmm, might have to think more about this.
Lorrie
I too love Frida and her paintings and her blue house and her Mexico. I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Though I might go on out and buy the book myself. Thanks for sharing it. I’ve only recently started visiting your blog and I am completely charmed by it.
This is such wonderful inspiration, thank you for sharing
and you are so very generous, you know that, yes? 🙂
well
when i think of frida
i think of more than her fashion
and art.
i think how she suffered so
and spent much of her life
flat on her back
in bed
in pain
and yet she continued to paint.
may be we love more than her connected eyebrows
and funky jewelry,
may be we love her more for staying
herself through her pain.
we admire her for her gumption.
:-/
PS–it goes like this:
i thought my dad was
frank sinatra.
these things happen….
mm-(wiping pan dulce from my face)
I was here yesterday and just as I was smelling the indigo oil paints I got interrupted and didn’t get back until now…
Well darling, with flowers in my hair and a bohemian lantina look I fell far into your fantasy of our day in Frida’s world….The best part was having a Cigarro again…and not worring that it is bad for me. IT’s not in this place ! Shall we go now for some dancing and a tequila ? There I will tell you about Leon … and Diego….
Your post is wonderful. AS ALWAYS.
How about those rings !?
Hello Vanessa,
Frida’s life story is just incredible…”Hablando de pajaros y otras cosas”, is that the name of the book?
Is it in Spanish? En Espanol? It would be great to read it all! Please, enter my name in the draw as well. Thank you so much!
~ Gabriela ~
Dear Miss Vanessa, I have been so busy lately with baby Oscar that I haven’t been able to visit you as often as I would like. I love the photos.
The shoes! I would definitely go for the shoes!
All that color and all that Frida… just made my day better. I’m at home sick..looking at bland white walls and craving for a bucket of paint. Now to convice the husbandly..sigh..
Oh I love Frida! I discovered her almost 20 years agao when a teenager before she became really popular from a woman I admired who had an art history degree. The more I learned about her and her life and her work…well, the more I was hooked. You can’t escape her color and pain and beauty!
I love the frida image with the green floral background, her style is gorgeous and so inspiring – thank you! I must get this book!
What a giveaway! If it’s not too late put me in your drawing.
I’ve been saving some Frida U. S. postage stamps to make into pendants. She is a fascinating artist, and of course, there’s her jewerly.
thanks, Leslie