I have spent more time in the last two+ years (since I took up art full time) with my own thoughts than ever before in my life. I have also become stronger in my beliefs for how I live my life, and what I fill it with than ever before. I am open to a path, I see it take its twists and turns and I try to keep my eyes open to learn…
I have also shared before that all I know about this little life, is what works for me. And, I try to share some of that with you. There are some things that I feel so passionate about that I could explode in a cloud of confetti when I start thinking about them (in a good way).
As I lay in the warmth, under the big beautiful tree, thoughts and messages fluttered past me like dragonflies…
The shadows that trees cast are so amazing. Imagine, being a creature winged or not, but living amongst such dramatic dancing shadows…
I look up, and ask myself, what do I believe? I base this on self, because, I think we forget about ourselves far too often…
I believe in self-acceptance. I believe in being kind to me. I believe in protecting my heart and soul. I believe in not getting sucked into other people's negativity. I believe in looking at the bigger picture. I believe that we all have a right to be happy. I believe that sometimes, things are trivial and we drown in them.
I believe that at times, many people forget how special they are, just as they are. Probably more often than anyone wants to admit…
I believe we all have something good to share. I believe noone is better than anyone else. I believe we all should allow ourselves the freedom to cry and purge.
I think the flow of creativity and happiness comes when we embrace who we are…
We should give ourselves permission to mess up, to not be perfect, to share our imperfect journey with others, without feeling shame. Do we all have someone we see ourselves as in our mind's eye? Do we say, "things we will better when I get back to who I was, or who I can be?" I ask, what about who we are now? Shouldn't we love the person that we are at this moment in time?
Indeed!
We are all a menagerie of good things. But it seems it is easier to see the bad things, in ourselves and in others.
Doesn't it puzzle you, when someone reacts to something you say negatively or in anger, when you didn't intend that at all? Or how, sometimes, we interpret things to be negative easier than we interpret them to be positive?
I think peach pits are just as lovely as flowers. Mister and I collect all our peach pits from our peach tree in a large jar. I don't see them as dried out old seeds. I see them as memories of something that was juicy and sweet.
So I share my humble little thoughts… Thoughts that I was lucky enough to start melding into a way of life, when I was a young 18. When I was forced to ask myself, who am I, what do I like to do, who am I standing all alone here? Thoughts & lessons, that I still bind together, as I add them to my life journal. And ideals that I hang on to fiercely.
When I left my city life, there were many things that came with that. I used to be a huge people pleaser. I loved being in my office, having parties, I loved all the people. I had a great wonderful time with them all. But a couple of them, didn't understand my path to the country, and were angry about it. Even though, it had nothing to do with them.
After explaining myself and not getting anywhere, I eventually accepted their not understanding as okay, and let it go. I had to embrace the people who were encouraging me to go off and make art full time and follow my dreams.
I share this with you because, I can't tell you how liberating it is when you accept that you can't please everyone. It is not humanly possible, and it is not necessary. It was a gift of acceptance I wish I had embraced sooner…
I like to say this to myself, "My life is mine, and I want me to be happy in it, I deserve that."
I think we have to be a little selfish. Even if it is just a little. Even if it is just an ice-cream cone between screaming kids.
I remind myself of the thoughts in this post, all the time. Sometimes I have to stop, look in the mirror and say, Sargeant Vanesssssa, stop being so mean to yourself!!! ;) And, that is okay too.
So, I say to you, we all have a right to happy. And to not feel guilty for being happy.
So, those are my notes, from a tree… Thoughts flying in the breeze. Errrr, hot wind. You are lovely, just the way you are!! It's not cheesy, it's true!!
🖤 ,V
ps: Some of you like me sharing movies I have seen. So, in the past few weeks I saw:
Tom & Viv, Enchanted April, Up the Yangtze, Ladies in Lavender, Goodnight Mister Tom, Dark Matter, God Grew Tired of Us, Doubt, The Times of Harvey Milk Docu (and the recent film MILK), Stone Reader &, I can't remember the rest 😉
Oh V to the Sweetest~
and wisest. And comfiest in your own skin.
I dont know whether to laugh or cry! I swear I was just emailing someone about some of these very things! 😉 I think you are a “all that is good” nymph, or goddess, and when we come to visit your little piece of paradise, you tap into our innermost fears, and gently coax us back into being true to ouselves, and remind us to BELIEVE.
You are truly magical that way.
and coming from a girl embracing her tree…well, you know.
It’s a sanctuary it is.
Namaste, my friend 🙂 and thank you once again
xoxoxoxoxox Roo
I say HERE HERE darling girl! You said it all……we have spoken of this on many occasions. You have articulated it beautifully……we must always be our own champions. You have embraced life in the best possible way – THE most important gift we can give ourselves is to live our best lives!
Funny how trees are in both our posts today….that’s the kindred part of us I think.
XOXOXOXOXO
wonderful wonderful essay – loved every word of it…and it’s so so true for so many of us
(by the way – I believe we have the same sequined sofa throw – did you get yours in Athens?!)
Said so perfectly……….beautifully. Just like you 🙂
Beautiful post. I’m so glad you share your thoughts with us. I find you inspiring and motivating. Thank you!
Julie Fillo
What a perfect post. I must say that (unfortunately) my Mother is perhaps the most totally negative person ever. It is very difficult for me. I may be back to read this post over and over. Thank you
Denise
Oh Lisa posted today I’ll have to pop over there too. 🙂
Vanessa, You had me at this:
“Doesn’t it puzzle you, when someone reacts to something you say negatively or in anger, when you didn’t intend that at all? Or how, sometimes, we interpret things to be negative easier than we interpret them to be positive?”
YES! That makes me a little nutty when people misunderstand me. Or when they ASK for help and you offer it, then they use it against you, as if you are the enemy. Some people are far too troubled, and yes, I agree that when they don’t get it, it’s best to LET go and forgive them their ignorance. They may be so caught up in their own imaginings that they fail to see any point but their own.
I’ve learned in recent years to encourage, to lend support, but also to allow others their journey. They must be able to govern themselves through life!!!
Your photos are brilliant! You’ve given me ideas AGAIN! I love how you inspire me all the time. Thanks for your constant encouragement and support too, you are a very kind soul V.
xoxxo
Vanessa,
Your post today was amazing to me. For the past two weeks I have been facing challenges that could easily crush my spirit, and yet I know that I need to allow the criticisms and reality of my imperfections to just flow right past me and not settle into the cracks. Because it is from these little cracks that spring worry and doubt in my weaker moments. Your post felt like it was written directly to me, and was exactly what I needed to hear. I think people relate to you so much because you have a way of just being real and letting the beauty of that inspire others. Thank you for sharing that with all of us — the power of a few words from a faraway “friend” can change someone’s day entirely!
I had a quick moment and thought I’d pop in for a little visit. I’ve been in need of some Fanciful magic to replenish my soul. Your lovely post and wise words did the trick. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your sweet soul. You always make me smile.
Take care my friend, Deb
I love this post, Lady V. Sometimes we need to re-evaluate what we believe in. So we can see how far we have come and see where the path is leading us.
Yes, Miss Vanessa!
Maybe some day we’ll trade broken pencils and other beautiful things, and celebrate under a tree…
Lots of love,
Colette
Evening~ I stopped by to enquire about you question about wings. My conclusion was that you meant figuratively I have wings.
Well then yes indeed I know. It is where I conjured up the name ittybittybirdy. My whole life I was also a people pleaser. No one understood me and so I never truly tried to understand myself but tried to change into something others would understand. LOL how silly a girl I was, so much I lost during this time and how hard it has been to fly from such a cage. I am somedays like a caged bird with the door wide open. And yet I dare not fly away, the world is so large and I so small. But when at last I do spread my wings I find how silly it is to see life only from the ground. How large things seem from down here. But when you are up up up in the sky you truly see that so much that brings us down, that consumes us is so so small.
this post about your life and your choice to follow your heart is so inspirational. The girl I am today is not who I was a year ago and the child I was is but a shadow. For now my inner child has been let free and she is the one who is real! I have a long way to go. It is a daily battle with my mind and heart to spread my wings and leave the safety of the cage. But when I do I truly feel at peace. And you are right that is when the magic of art begins!
Chelsea Ann
How can you possibly know, my sweet Miss V, how much your words touch the soul? I am not in the most happy place right now and your words tonight give me such hope …especially this…”My life is mine, and I want me to be happy in it, I deserve that.” I try to live a life without regrets but that is the hardest thing, is it not? Every day that I waste away not living my life the way I want to, and not being happy in it, not living up to all that I can and should be, is like one more ice pick in my heart. So today was a hard day. But not as hard as some and so then I have those pangs of Catholic guilt that I just need to cut it out and put up with it all…it won’t kill me (maybe not physically). After all, there are people (particularly Tiny Dancer and Sport-O) who are counting on me… I should not appear ungrateful for the bounty I have…it is just…hard. I cannot tell you how much it lifts my spirit to come and visit your little corner of the world, even if it is just through this blog.
My other Life Resolution is to live a creative life. To surround myself by creative challenges. To associate with creative people…you are that fairy-angel to me dear sweet Queen Bee Miss V! I just wanted you to know that today….and everyday.
Enjoy the day!
*kisses & hugs*
Erin
Dear Mesquite Tree;
This helps me more than you can know. Or maybe you do!
Love,
Me
So true, so true…
Words of wisdom from you once again 🙂
*big hug*
You are wise well beyond your years… What an amazing creature you are! Such an old soul in such a young and vibrant package. XOXO Chrissi
Lovely post! It was nice to read something so positive first thing in the morning! Being able to accept who you are is one of the most important steps to having a wonderful life.
As usual, your thoughts are spot on! Thanks for the reminder to always no matter what…love ourselves and be happy in the moment…OUR moment!
On another note, mmmmmmmmm…..Enchanted April, one of my all time favs! I will have to check out the rest. What did you think of Doubt?
Happy Thoughts!
Kim
So beautiful! Thank You for this lovely, lovely post! 🙂
You have hit it spot on, Vanessa. I think your thoughts are true of so many people, always wanting to please and too quick to be negative. Life is far too short to dwell on the negative. It’s an easy route to take, but it makes for a stressful life.
xx
Lenita
*Le sigh* – sounds divine. I would love to lay underneath a tree and just slow down/breathe in some of nature. Perhaps this weekend when I’m off on a ladies roadtrip.
Also, I can’t help but laugh at you calling yourself Sgt. – that’s what a friend calls me when I’m in my “get it done” mode. Heh
BTW, how was “Ladies in Lavender”? I have that in my Netflix queue but haven’t seen it yet.
Oh Miss Vanessa…you know this post just echoes my thoughts but you said it all so perfectly. You should be so proud of yourself for taking the path you knew right for you. It takes courage to walk into the unknown.
Thanks for your sweet comments.
<3 ya
Emily
Lovely, Lovely Vanessa~
Look how many lives you touch every day with your words and what a difference you make in other people’s lives by just sharing things some need to hear so they can believe in themselves again and know it’s ok to be ourselves, just the way we are 🙂
I hope you and Mr. Lovee’s day is filled with love,
LuLU~*xoxo
Oh V~
You so so so so inspire me 🙂 My 7 year old told me this morning “Momma, you rock”. I looked at him and said “Thank you” (with tears in my eyes) It sounds cheezy but those 3 simple words made my morning and made me realize that as long as my children think I’m great then that’s all that matters 🙂
So “you rock” Vanessa…..
Kylee
p.s. I watched Little Women last night for the bazillionth (is that a word??) time and I cried just as hard as when I watched it for the first time eons ago…Isn’t that crazy??
Oh Vanessa thanks for this post…in the last couple of years I’ve been on a similar path to find true and simple happiness, I too moved from 5 years in a big city of over 2 million to a small town of just 56 thousand, ha ha, it does so simplify life and allow you more time for more important things instead of fighting gridlock, or that stinky pervert on the subway! I am learning that it’s okay and infact a beautiful ability and feeling to fully accept the charmed little life I lead and to not feel bad about it, to learn that I accept happiness and goodness as much as anyone else and it’s been a long process but I’am also learning to let go of those negative people who don’t want me to have those things for myself…I feel like you were in my heart and head as you wrote this post and it was very touching and very important to voice and very nice to hear someone else back up my thoughts…indeed how freeing it is when we realize we can’t control other people…they are on their own path and we on ours, we only have the power to plant and care for the flowers or pull up the weeds along ours…ahhh growing older isn’t bad at all when you start to realize these freeing things, ha ha. Thanks and Be Well.
I needed to read this today. Its been a bad week for my creative spirit. Thank You.
Thank you for these lovely thoughts. Starting my day out right coming here for your good, positive vibes…
Oh Vanessa! You are doing what you were born to do. Thank you so much for always sharing your self and your wisdom. Can you feel the love so many send your way?
A truly inspiring post! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. 🙂
These are things I need to remind myself of as well.
V.,
This post touches the soul! In recent days, I am learning to slow down the paces of life and BREATH in the beauty that is each day.
Your post is remarkle and so TRUE!
live life beautifully my friend!
xo,monica 🙂
Hello Miss Vanessa,
What a fabulous post! Loved every word, well done.
~ Gabriela ~
Inspiring post, wonderful mind set to start the day….I love your uniqueness and that you share it in your blog.
Vanessa,
I couldnt agree with you and your wise tree’s thoughts. Our own happiness is just that. Our own and no one can take it away without our permission. I choose happiness and to think positively everyday and avoid the poison of negativity at all costs but it will always be there, unfortunately. Just keep doing what you are doing, it obviously brings you joy and gives so much to everyone else, including me! Sending you extra Happy thoughts today and everyday!
Michelle 🙂
You’re so lovely.
Thanks for being such a big, happy ball of positivity. I wish there were more ‘yous’.
P.S. LOVE those scissors!
Wow, this is so wise and I agree with you on all of this. I love how you illustrated this point with your lovely photos as well. I think we all can be very hard on ourselves and can be so mean to ourselves when we wouldn’t treat our best friend like that and just can’t be right. I often think of how I would treat my little nephews or my twin sister. And, I do say to myself, “that is so mean! give the girl a break!”.
And, one thing I do know for sure came at a big cost. I was in a horrible accident and had a near death experience and it was nothing like what I thought it would be(I will just say a little about it because I think it is good stuff to know!). From what we all hear growing up, I expected to be judged and found very much short of goodness and all of that. Instead, everything “Up on High” was lovely! There was no judgement-The Folks Up on High said that was a human thing that had still not figured out but it was mostly based on fear.
They also said that there was no suffering greater than the Love that was all around all of us which was free. They said that they thought I was doing a good job, that if I ever needed to take a break that was fine but not to worry that They were counting me being sick or making mistakes against me-that stuff was also just human stuff.
They said that we all know how to be kind but some of us lose our way when we let fear in and it causes us to hang on tighter to worldly things. They asked me to daily try to let go and said that this is life’s work and it would be hard as I would get caught up in the silly details of life and get bogged down, but to keep trying anyway and to try and notice the little details that were everywhere.
Anyway, when I came to in the hospital is was like a huge weight was lifted from me. They had invited me to take pleasure in the little things and to laugh and to remember that there was enough for everyone.
I am an introverted extrovert(my own conclusion) and I can get down on my myself very easily so I may not seem super positive, but little things make me very happy(finding a sparkly bead or broken piece of robin’s egg or a friend’s funny story) and I do love to laugh and I find something beautiful and so many funny things everyday.
So, I continue to try. And yes, I go ga-ga over a batch of sharpen coloured pencils in a gorgeous little antique glass-how beautiful is that! And, what a gorgeous journal! Thanks for reminding me!
Take care,
merle
p.s. oh dear-this is long!
A beautiful post. I know just what you mean about people being more prone to reacting negatively to things rather than positive. I wish people could be more open and positive in their outlook – and that includes myself. I need to be better at letting things go, not holding grudges, and try to view things in more positive light.
I’m glad you don’t let anyone keep you from your true path – you’re a great artist.
58cherries
Such beautiful truth and exactly what I needed to hear today. (Judging from the comments, what a lot of others needed to hear today too)
Truly words of wisdom, and how blessed you are to make these discoveries and live this life while you’re still so young….
And yes, negativity is indeed puzzling! There’s far too much misunderstanding – and the internet, with all it’s limitations, is such an easy place to get caught up in negative drama. Without actually hearing someone’s tone and inflection, or seeing their expression, I think it’s easy for someone in a fragile state of mind to assume the worst, and to read things in a negative way…
‘
What a wonderful world it would be if we could instead just give each other the benefit of the doubt, and assume the BEST about the other person. 🙂
To a certain extent, I think it’s a choice, don’t you? Seeing the glass half empty or half full, that is…And how much sweeter life becomes when we choose the latter…
~ Carolee
I love your wisdom posts. They are the best! Thank you for this today. The peach pits were really special. And your handwriting is beautiful, and seeing the photos outside. I love that.
Thankyou for your wonderful post…Though I am not a negative person with other people,I realise that I give myself a hard time.But, you are right,I should embrace the person I am (even if I do have a few more wrinkles haha)thankyou for your wise words.
Sue xxx
Excellent post Ms. V! Thanks so much for sharing this. It is definately human nature to not please everyone and that can be hard sometimes. If only everyone could understand that then i think it would help everyone be happy in their own skin.
what a wonderful post!
i am always amazed at those folks who get mad at us for following our dreams and moving on to different places and experiences. i guess it is part jealousy and part simply that they can’t think outside their own boxes.
and thanks for reminding me that it’s ok to be selfish when it comes to my happiness. i forget about that more often than not…
Vanessa, beautiful and inspiring – just to let you know that someone on the other side of the world is following your blog. I couldn’t agree more. I love your poem about the pencils. It’s beginning of winter here – NOT the time to lying under trees so your wonderful words brought warmth to my chilly day.
vanessa,
you are so inspirational! I can’t wait for my time in the country with my art 😀
xoxo
Lauren
I love your philosophy on life, and I should put it into practise far more often than I do.
I also love the fact you have a stray crochet hook in with your pencils. The pencil tin on my desk often has knitting needles and crochet hooks in it, and more often than I care to admit I pick them up and try and write with them before I realise it’s not a pen I’ve picked up.
Vanessa,
I heard a song the other day by Ingrid Michaelson, A Lady from Spain. I think you stopped by that day. Well, anyway, I love the lyrics because she says “I can be anything I want to be…” Oh, it took me skatey-eight years to learn this. And then there were those years being a mom that I put my wishes away for another day. You are so blessed to know this now. Right thinking, I always say, is the key to happiness.
Once upon a time, I seemed to be planning parties to please so many people. For my husband’s work, for the girls, for friends and family. Then one day I just stopped, and instead I started planning art dates with just me instead. An the most magical thing happened, I met the seventeen year old version of me…at sixty! I love spending time with the seventeen year old me.
You are blessed Miss Vanessa with talent, inspiration, love and beauty.
Karen
I look forward to my journey everyday…every moment of every day. I love it!! It makes me happy and it is cool to know and see that you are too!!
Amen dear one, Amen!!
Hugs
SueAnn
i just love viting your posts, they always make me feel so good… your parcel arrived today!! it is so pretty when the baby isnt screaming at me i will post about it:)
%*_*% rosey
Vanessa,
You have accomplished more in your short life more that most people do in their entire lifetime.
You are fortunate that you found out who you really are,and what you needed to do to move yourself forward towards a life YOU are creating for yourself and not one that was created for you. Such a big difference.
Just knowing that you cannot please everyone and accepting that fact, puts you on a par above most people who spend their entire lifetime doing just that, “pleasing everyone but themselves”. And I don’t believe it is selfish to put yourself first. How can you even begin too tend to the needs of others if you cannot take care of yourself. It is a simple thought, putting yourself first, but one that is very difficult to implement into your daily life especially when so many others are pulling and tugging on you to help them.
If I could share with you one piece of advice it would be for you to live your life “simply and lovingly”. For one measurement of real happiness comes when you learn to love yourself.
What a beautiful expression on living and life – Thank you.
I love your thoughts from the tree…sometimes we get lost in the confusion and demands of life and lose track of what is really important. How lovely to write about these things and help your readers to rethink what life is all about. I appreciate this so much. It’s very uplifting.
That was a lovely post Vanessa! You’re right, you can’t always please everyone (although I can’t imagine how someone would not be pleased by your loverly self 😉 I live in such a close knit community and it’s nice but many times I wish I lived in the country to have a little space. One day maybe…one day!
Thanks again for helping with my bloggy blog & Etsy header, hopefully will post and have it up and running tomorrow sometime. I wanted to do it today but was in a cleaning whirlwind and couldn’t stop. Gotta clean while I’m in that mood ya know, tee hee.
Jamie 🙂
Vanessa,
Thank you so much for adding my blog to your bloglist. I enjoy reading your blog so much and it’s quite a compliment for you to like mine.
regards,
Julie Fillo
Hmm…you’re pictures are giving me ideas for a summer-writing-getaway! Spangles, textiles, gold scissors and china tea cups? Too lovely for words…
I just want to print your post and highlight all the parts I take for granted. I think with a busy family and homeschooling the kids and sometimes a lot of self-doubt; I forget to take care of me, to value me for who ‘I’ think I am, not what others have perceived me to be (or think I should be.) I have to remember to be kind to me. Thanks for the eye-opener today. I knew there was a reason I usually start my morning coming to your blog for new posts. Happy day to you and lots of hugs.
Your thoughts are beautiful. You are beautiful. This post reminds me of the wonderful book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. EVERYONE should read it. And very Zen I might add, your thoughts; relish each moment, blame no one, enjoy and define no exacting truth, for each of us has his/her own reality.
Christine ~ Zwee!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful post Miss Vanessa…
We all have people in our lives that can pull us down if we let them.
I have decided to call them my sandpaper people.
Everytime I get rubbed or sanded… “is that a word?!” lol
the wrong way I stop and pray for them:)
Have a wonderful week sweetie!
Thank you for your creativity and your heart felt entry.
Hugs
K
Look at all the people you inspire. How amazing!!
Your posts are absolutely beautiful. You give me courage to continue trail-blazing my path to a more authentic life despite the fear of judgment and rejection I encounter every day (real and imagined).
I cannot thank you enough for your honesty and bravery.
Exactly what I’ve been sharing with my daughters [14 & almost 13] – be true to yourself…”own it”…
Again a lovely post – boldly straight from the heart – thank you 🙂
I can watch “Ladies in Lavender” over & over…My Mom borrowed it for 2 whole weeks – once or twice that week I wanted to watch it and, gasp, couldn’t!
What a perfect time for me to stop by for a “visit”. Your post today said the words that I needed to hear today. I only wish that I could walk away from the city and live the creative life like you have done. Each visit to your site stirs the creative muse inside me……I can’t wait for the summer break from school. SO MANY ideas waiting to be touched! Bless you, Vanessa!!
~Allie
I AM HAPPY TO BE ME!!! BUT!!! I SO WISH I COULD JUMP INTO ONE OF YOUR PHOTOS AND PLAY BENEATH YOUR TREE!!!!!
xoxxo
Hello,
I am coming over from Clare’s site. She ask everyone to stop over. Great post. I love the pictures.
Because of this post I think explains one of the reasons I love reading your blog and you feel like a friend I have known forever. You are so gifted and beautiful and it shows through your work and words. Thank you for blessing each of us. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Thank you, this essay of enlightment is
just what I needed to remind me of what
is real and good and positive in life, and
just what I needed at this time in my life.
Beautiful sentiments and oh, so true! And gorgeous photography…
Just stopping by from Clare’s blog…
Sargeant Vanessa, I adore you. You are one of life’s treasure. Truly. xoxox
Sargeant Vanessa, I adore you. You are one of life’s treasures. Truly. xoxox
V~
Another guess. Alice in Wonderland Tea Party???
Kylee
Catching up on your blog, and have a movie recommendation. 🙂 If you haven’t seen it yet, find & watch THE PRICE OF MILK…magical and mysterious and quirky and wonderful!! 🙂
This was a really beautiful post, Vansessa!
I would really love to hear about your journey. I mean, your adventure from city to country. You mentioned moving to the country to focus on your art. I want to know your story!
I work as a textile designer for a big corporation but I dream every day of moving out into an old house into a beautiful countryside and focusing on art and fashion and creating things and really soaking up life. I’m still young and have time but how will I ever know when is the right time and when is it okay to go for it? How will I know if I can survive that way?
I know the first step is to believe it is possible…
What a lovely thought! Love it! It’s true…people are silly when they make other’s feel “less than”. 🙂
((Hugs))!!
You are such a nice positive influence on my blog reading list. I’m having a really bad day/week and all I have to do is read your blog an I feel a little better:)
Also I LOVE what you said about the peach pits, what a beautiful thought.