Well, hello there friends! I hope all is wonderful in your world. I took a few days to catch up on my life, doing stuff at the city house and the country house all last week. I also wanted to give you a little bit of time to see the Halloween Party post. Although, there is still oodles of time to sign up…
I have fun things to share, but before I even go there (next post), I really want to share some of the parts of daily life that are making me smile these days.
We have had a few days of rain, greatly beloved drops in the dry desert. Such a treat!
I love hearing rain on my skylights, and playing music that transports me while the raindrops plunk down. I don't know what it is, but as I get older my imagination gets heartier. Sometimes, I can daydream myself to other places and really feel like I am there…
I dragged a very old church candelabra wall hanging that I have had for many years, out of the "treasure area," and brought it inside for the first time…
As I lit the candles it continued to pour rain outside. A wonderful cool off from the super hot days. I climbed into my bed and put on music that literally, took me to another place. And just like that, I dreamed myself into a voyage.
Reminds me of that quote by Norman Vincent Peale (who the Beale's adored, by the way). The quote is: "Imagination is the true magic carpet. " Isn't that wonderful?
I made friends with the right side of my bedroom in the country. I have my bed pushed much more to the right side of the room than the left, which makes for a "cozier" spacial quality (or snugger, whichever way you look at it ;). But now that the bookcase has been gone for about 4 months, I feel more peaceful. I love my books to bits, but I needed this change. I am finally used to it and am enjoying my old dressing table where the bookcase used to be…
Mister Primavera likes it too…
I have been going through containers full of jewelry that I had hanging in my walk-in closet at the city house before our wee flood almost two years ago. Can you believe I still have not totally unpacked?? I unpacked my favorites, but there are still forgotten treasures I must rediscover…
I seem to never have enough time to do all the things I want to do. I need a second self or something like that ;) A self that only plays with jewelry and costumes and eats candy apples all day…
I saw Mombie yesterday and she was so excited that I was going to re-find jeweled treasures in my boxes. I only went through one box that weighed about 50 lbs. It held oodles of vintage baubles…
The most remarkable thing is how easily time washes away memories. If I had never opened this box, I would have never remembered half of the things that were in it. So very strange to go through it all…
I admit, it was fun, but I quickly packed it all back up, to play with at another time. An intense day of dress-up is in store, hopefully in the next year 😉
The most exciting thing that is happening in my little world, which in fact, causes me to pop out of bed every morning and run outside…
Has to do with some seedlings…
You see, I found a bunch of old seeds. Vegetable and flower seeds. Most of the packages said, if it is warm and sunny, plant them. So, I did. And 5 days later…
I know it is probably the wrong time of the year for almost everything I planted, but they were experimental seeds as far as I was concerned. And now I have babies!! Plus it is always warm and sunny here..
I mostly planted seeds for pumpkins, radishes and sunflowers (and a few other surprises to my garden). Who knew growing pumpkins was so easy and wonderful??? Read here…
They are growing so fast! We'll see what happens. YAY!
I have had to transplant some, but I have about 12 little sprouts. I am keeping a little log of when I planted, when buds showed, and their progress. So, we'll have to wait and see…
Some other teeny tiny seedlings are showing signs of life too, woo hooo! Look at their size compared the the dried rose leaf on the upper right hand side of the photo…
Nature has been rather glorious on its own lately as well. Although, it actually is usually pretty lovely if one takes the time to notice…
Prickly Pears show their knock your socks off colorful fruit.
While birds take turns devouring another type of Prickly Pear…
All this goes on, while a man-boy plays in the dirt and builds little garden walls with rocks he has lovingly collected (which each have a story, of course, haha!)…
And I spend delightful Sunday hours fainting over cacti flowering beauties while raindrops fall upon my shoulders…
Nature is truly astounding. And, as you might recall, the hummingbirds in my neck of the woods are very friendly. They never cease to amaze me…
I am so happy I took the time to stop and share some of these tid-bits of nature and summer in my neck of the woods. I almost opted to bypass this post altogether and lounge in the garden chaise whilst eating dreamsicles :)
Oh and, a major winner discovered by accident. Homemade Caramel Corn, made quickly in the microwave. YUMMMY!
Beyond easy, beyond delicious and beyond economical for gift giving. Follow the directions to the T (paper bag and all) and you will have perfect results! (recipe here)
I used dark Karo Syrup because that was all I had, but I will use light next time. This was delicious but really intense due to the dark syrup. I am sure the light Karo works even better. Also, make sure to use non-salted popcorn if you use microwavable popcorn.
And if you don't like microwaves, then use this oven made Caramel Corn recipe my Mombie uses. Although, I personally would only use half a teaspoon of salt, because of the saltiness of the baking soda.
So with that, I must be off for now, but I will be back real real soon with much excitement! How is your summer going?? Make sure you get lots of popsicles down before it gets chilly ;) Like I always say, we wouldn't want to have any regrets now, would we? ;)
🖤 ,V
The desert is BLOOMING!! and you capture the birds in flight spectacularly my dear!!
I believe you are going to make a fabulous old lady…I mean that in the very best of ways…your treasures are going to be deep and vast and you will be known for miles and miles as this wonderful eccentric wild and beautiful woman!! You are probably known as that now a wildly eccentric beautiful YOUNG woman.
x..x
p.s.
lookout you may have started a Maxine of your own!!
On our ridge the smoke like fog has been crawling over the hills and riding the breezes into our colorful edible gardens. The crows have been calling but not landing in our trees and 5 sweet young deer, sleep in our tall grasses next to the garden fence and look at us with big eyes, not afraid.
I visited my Grandmother and Grandfather in Nebraska. It was so green and full of plants and birds. She is 100 and he is 98! They remember all the good old stories and times. I love them, oohhh sweet loves. They had orchards and gardens and animals and horses and so many dreams. So many experiences.
Friday night Natie and I danced until 3 am to honor Les Paul’s life and music – twirling in our kitchen and jumping all around. And we have been making salad explosions of all kinds with cool drinks.
Summer bliss.
Oh my goodness~~so much wonderfulness! I love your room and all your vintage jewelry treasures and the prickly pears and the cacti flowers and the humming bird and…
The arrival of rain in the desert must be like sun here in the Northwest, although I think we have more sun than you have rain. I went positively balmy a few months ago when the sun finally came out :~)
It is winter here in Australia and every time I read your blog I slip away into each post and enjoy summer as if I were actually there. I am longing for summer here, but am savouring the warmth of the fire while there is still need for it. Isn’t it funny but nice how each season makes you appreciate the next.
Hi Vanessa,
Such interesting foliage and birds in your neck of the woods. We have had so much rain this summer, but everything is nice and green. It’s raining again tonight, I guess the last bits of Bill the Hurricane. Norman Vincent Peale…I used to go to his church, Marble Church in NYC when he was still preaching back in the early 80’s. I took my husband to see him and my mom. He was amazing, and he clearly changed the way I see life.
Have a lovely evening.
Karen
Oh, Vanessa, I want to fly over the ocean and play dress-ups with you!
It appears to be a magical time in the desert! It is winter here, but right it is about 31 degrees celcius – can you believe it? Something really freaky is going on with our weather.
I love hardy cactus and succulent plants – and when they flower it is such a treat isn’t it? Pretty blooms in your post. 🙂
It is 2AM and I got up to play and who better to play with than you!!! Oh to play dress up right now would be just divine!! Speaking of jewelry…several years ago, someone broke into our peaceful house and stole all of my jewelry!! All my memories; gone in one swell swoop!! Several weeks later, I received a box in the mail from my sweet mama! I opened to find a jewelry box filled with wonderful necklaces, earrings and brioches!! So sweet! I cried and cried for my loss and for the lovely new sweet memories I could now create! To me, that was the most beautiful gift I had ever received!!
So nice to play with you this morning Vanessa!! Hope to do it again, soon!!!!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Your bedroom is beautiful and the chandelier awesome! When I moved recently I rediscovered a lot of things Ive collected over the years. It gave me good laughs as well as tears of memories. Your collection is amazing. /linnea-maria
What magical photos!! It’s always such a delight to “visit” you…
Can’t WAIT until the Halloween party, teehee!!
~ Carolee
Oh!!! Last of the Summer Sproutlings, AND caramel corn in the same post!!?? I love it to bits and buttered corn nugget pieces, Miss Twist!! 🙂 I wish your wee green babies all the best on their new journey to squash and pumpkin-hood! 🙂
I still have the itch to plant (as all the little seeds I planted in Spring did not fair so well….save for the cosmos) It’s just too forested and moist here for sun-loving things like veggies and sunflowers, alas. But we do have a wild moss garden (planted by elves, no doubt) that I cherish each morning!) So I truly can’t complain! 🙂
Beautiful bedroom and I adore the candelabra!
LOVE homemade caramel corn…can you send me some??? ‘-)
Have a great week!
XOXO
Chris (-:
Oh Vanessa, I’m so glad you’ve gotten out all your baubles and shared some with us! I would die to have a collection like that (one day 😉 And I always love your bird photos, amazing that you can capture them in action like that. I’ve gotta figure out the settings on my camera better, ugh, tee hee. And that caramel corn sounds lovely…my girls would love it, I’ll have to pick up some syrup at the store, yay. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jamie 🙂
thanks for sharing that wonderful post, good way to start my Monday, in hot sunny Florida, I’ll be taking a long drive through the country and noticing all the wonders of nature!
Karey
Wowowow, such beauty to be found everywhere! I love the ones of the birds, how active they are!
Insightful Blog,
I too can relate to having bookcases and many, many books to fill them with.
I recently cleared out two book-cases in my house and while as a writer I am very attached to books as well, I gave them to a good cause. 🙂 I miss them dearly though.
You should stop over to my side of town and give it a read..
You can follow mine:
http://definedsentences.blogspot.com
Happy Blogging,
Meme
What a fabulous post – baubles, nature, and a recipe! Thank you. I’m so in love with those prickly pear fruit – sooo gorgeous.
Hello Adventures in Travel?
Yes, I’d like to book a room for two please, in Veevala’s magical wonderland. Yes, during hummingbirds pose for pictures and the scent of caramel corn hangs in the air season, if it’s still available.
What? OK, if the serene & lovely white bedroom with the incredible candlelight flickering off the mirrors is occupado, we’ll take the gypsy garden. Lovely cacti and man-boys and earthen fairy gypsy girls bedecked in lovely baubles are part of the package, yesss?
FABULOUS HEAVEN. We are willing to pay top dollar-i just cashed in all my checks for gumballsssssssss…….
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX ROOOOOO
Oh my…that caramel corn looks just divine! Now I have my mouth all set for that. I may just have to make some…I need a reward for all the repair people I am having to call forward. I tell you, when it rains, it pours…unless it’s real water…cause I haven’t seen that in a long while. Although, I am peeking out my window and seeing some mighty dark clouds headed this way…Methinks it’s just about time for a dance!
Mmmmm carmel corn! Sounds just wonderful!
I was happy to get the little bit of rain we did here. It poured for about an hour Saturday, and unfortunately that’s all the rain we got. Hopefully we’ll be getting more though…there’re some ominous looking clouds out lately 🙂
I don’t have time to read all the other comments on this post but I must make a specific comment just to be sure that this does not go unnoticed…
The photo you captured of the two birds ‘devouring’ the prickly pears is ASTOUNDING!! Just LOOK at the poses those birds are in, both in mid-flight. MY GOD!!! Am I the only one to point this out – that this is not just any old photo – but an amazing piece of nature art, captured?? 🙂
In other news… can I please have a dig through your jewelry?????? 🙂
I can totally relate to “If I had never opened this box, I would have never remembered half of the things that were in it.” I have boxes of knick-knacks up in the closet that I packed away 5 years ago….
Such a lovely blog, Ms. V. Thank you.
V~
Oh that candelabra is wonderful!! I wish I could come across great finds like that. Your room looks so dreamlike and fanciful!! And it’s so good to see Mr. Primevera again 🙂
Have a great week Miss V!!
Kylee
p.s. I am still oooing and awwwing over your black Chi Mihara shoes in your last post…..(sigh)
p.s.s. AND THAT POPCORN looks delish 🙂
Your garden’s looking gorgeous, so much beautiful colour! You’ll have to keep us posted on how the seedlings grow.
Hi Sweets, I saw you in my Artful Blogging magazine, yesterday. I have a post about it coming out tomorrow am. Your blog is always such a treat! I would love to join your Halloween Party again this year.
Caramel corn will be on my menu of treats. ;D Your snug bedroom looks so bright and lovely. Very feminine. Good luck with your garden. It’s so much fun to harvest.
Your bedroom is beautiful. The desk you have is what I had growing up. Actually, I want to get another one. Happy to see your seedlings. Maybe you’ll have pretty plump pumpkins for Halloween!! That caramel popcorn looks so good!!!
I’m working on my own collection of vintage baubles. I’m so drawn to all things sparkly and have been collecting pieces here and there. It’s by no means as lovely and vast as yours, but one day…oh, yes, one day it will be! lol
I want to play in your containers of jewelry! Perhaps I can 😉 I have a proposal for you on my blog if you care to check it out!
Oh how I love the rain, albeit for only one evening. The baubles are fabulous and I can’t wait to see what goodies your seeds will produce!
Now I’m hungry for Caramel Corn, but will have to settle for a “Drumstick with Caramel Center”…..
Denise
Oh My Magical New Age Hippie…so much yumminess…let’s start with Mr. Lovee. YESH. Won’t need that estrogen supplement today. The birds in flight and landing on the cactus should be in an Arizona Highways Calendar, on the cover of a national birding magazine, or a TV ad for visiting Arizona. Spectacular. The hummingbird. Your magical little fingers are lightening fast as a hummingbird. Had to skip over the food photos for I have discovered my required daily calories at my age are 3. Perfect time to plant pumpkin seeds-they will be ready for Halloween. How I adore you, you little breath of magical new life.
**blows kisses** Deborah
I love the rain in the desert! it always smells so wonderful afterwards!
And you made me remember something – my mother used to make prickly pear jelly. it was delish! so long ago . . . but i can still almost taste it. thanks!
I`ve never tasted caramel corn, but it looks so so so yummy.
Prickly Pears are so beautiful btw.
Is that your bedroom? Amazing! It looks like an ad for a magazine. The esthetic is minimal, but exquisitely styled, the execution of your design is beautiful. Vintage white is so soothing, the candelabra is a grand touch. Most of all, the room looks comfortable. Hugs your esthetic.
Peace and love,
E
Is mister primavera made of wood?? Does he have any markings on him… I assume of course he is Italian…
Isn’t it exciting to see those little plants reaching for the sky? A little “hope for tomorrow.” When I planted all my flower seeds this year I used to go out every day and say, “C’mon little sprouts!” I’m sure it was that and not the sun or water that made my garden go nuts this year. 😉
Congrats on the rain! I want to put on all those necklaces at once. What in the world are prickly pears? Surely they are from your imagination? 😀
My sister made a whole vegetable garden and yesterday I went to see her and my mum and we sampled everything!! Yay!! http://blog.afiori.com/2009/08/while-i-was-out-doing-this-medan-jag.html
Experimental seeds, gorgeous cacti and caramel corn – bliss! xoxox
My list:
1) Rain = Loveliness to me
2) You have a Treasure Area? We need pictures of said Treasure Area, methinks, in all its splendid glory.
3) Vintage anything = happiness
4) Vintage anything with a story = whirling happiness
5) Prickly Pear Purple is amazing — Prickly Pear birds — WOW what a shot!
6) Lovely Man in the dirt has nice deltoids. 🙂
7) Caramel corn — please pass the bowl.
Hello friend.
I have missed you.
I have been gone. And sick. And buried under piles of things (figuratively, not literally). And I realized that some joy was missing in my life. And that joy comes from A Fanciful Twist and a certain Mister Lovee and of course the radiant Miss V.
So I am back and I am so glad that you shared your blooming landscape with me. I never knew such natural treasures existed, as they look like something from an episode of Star Trek (Capt Kirk and crew) on a jungle planet ruled by women in scantily clad minis and white go-go boots (since that is what all the aliens would wear, right?). Thanks for the inspiration!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
oh, the birdies! love.
I just started my own blog and stumbled across your world. What a wonderful, fanciful world it is. The photography is absolutely gorgeous. Really inspiring. I would love for you to follow my blog http://funkoliciouscreations.blogspot.com/ and share with me any tips you may have on creating such a successful . Thanks
Cacti is my favorite plants in the all world.
It really is a great idea.I will have a trial of this idea as soon as I got the pattern.Thank you for constantly posting of so many useful tips.They are such a great help to me.Thank you very much!