Could I enter into October 1st with any more goodness than today? Where to start??? A giant storm rolled in at 2 a.m. Wind, rain, the whole wonderful shebang! Funny enough, September 30th was like a delightful Spring day. Mr. Lovee had just returned from almost 2 weeks away. The sun was shining, we hors d’ouevred under the sun, not too warm out. Like a lovely Spring day… (don’t forget it was over 100′ degress for 3 months and impossible to be outside)
Best of all, I am not in trouble for the purchase. Want to know what it was??? Well, it is a treasure that has inspired me to change up my wall a bit…(what you are looking at are, 3 Black Apple originals, a John Derian Plate, a real photo of a drama group in the early 1900’s, a precious Napoleon III icon from the wonderful Paris Parfait & an old deteriorating heart with a cherub and a key hole in the middle.)
As for the treasure that caused the changes… It is a wonderful red chair. I had seen it a month ago on an excursion with my mammie. And, it plagued my mind… I had to have it… What do you think? I love her. But she is a huge chair. Huger than I expected. This is why I get myself in trouble. Because I never ever measure to make sure items fit. I have to say, I am pretty good at eyeballing, but sometimes I fail terribly…
I am reminded that I didn’t share a crucial fact about this chair. Let me just say, Mr. Lovee is never cozy. He is sooo picky. But this chair, leans back a tad, and you snuggle in. It is the most cozy chair I have ever sat in. It hugs you ever so perfectly. Mr. Lovee thought so as well, wow! That is probably why he liked it. That, and it lives in my own boudoir 😉
Back to our Spring like Sunday…
Huge wonderful Basil growing in my shopping cart planter… I tossed seeds all around a few months ago, and these were volunteers. Pretty special to me…
We all love it around here. This type of Basil has the most wonderful licorice flavor.
A little cream chesse mixed with Rosemary, Basil & tomato, rolled into long strips of salmon. Topped with some avocado chunks.
My favorite bruschetta, drizzled with a wonderful red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, garlic salt, fresh pepper, dressing. Also a cold sweet potato soup topped with sour cream and mint. A perfect good-bye to summer, don’t you think? Perhaps that was the trick. A summer munching feast to let fall in…
And then today…. Water droplets of love…
And clouds, how I love CLOUDS!!!
Spooky fun things making their way out!!!
A few orange leaves…
And a man who brings wonderful delicate feminine gifts to a spoiled little girl…
Real gold and Coral? Sheesh. What a nice mannie indeed. My winter coat awaits its very own lapel pin (but first it needs a bath at the local dry cleaners, I should have it dry cleaned after every winter, not before, so silly).
Oh, and how can I forget. I have 2 new art pieces coming my way. I purchased them from the talented Xenia Schmidt.
"A Joyous Song"
"I know what you are thinking"
Isn’t that exciting? Also, I have decided I can not do it all anymore. I am a multi-tasking queen who is always stressed and overwhelmed. I am going to do some major weeding out of things in my real world that I just don’t have to do. Along with bills I don’t need to have. There are just some things I am getting stronger to face. I am so not good at quitting or giving up on things. But, I simply can’t do it all. And the idea that I won’t do that to myself anymore, makes me feel free. Have any of you gone through such feelings? What have you done about it???
I have been de-cluttering, reorganizing things (my life included) and paring down lately too. I’ve gotten rid of a TON of stuff and pared down the blogs that I visit. It is all very good and I feel tons better. I think it helps the feng shui. 🙂
What joyous and delicious looking treats to sit and eat with a loved one, out doors in perfect weather! G could eat salmon breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The red chair is fabulous, like any moment it will bend its legs and dance about the room. I can see why you wanted it.
I LOVE Black Apple’s art and have been planning to get a print or two for my collection. I will now have to check out Xenia, love those paintings!
How sweet of Mr.Lovee to bring you the delicate pin – but now I want to see more of what looks like a most fantastic coat! I am sure it brings him a great deal of pleasure to spoil you!
OK, now on to the other part….that I will email you about or this comment will be way too long!
Love and hugs,
Lisa
XOXO
I thought I had seen the original Greta and the Gramophone in one of your previous posts! I am waiting on pins and needles for my Famous Blue Waistcoat.
I, too, am trying to declutter and organize my life and myself. A fabulous step towards this was the purchase of a brand-new, functional washing machine. YES. One day at a time…
I LOOOOOVE that chair!!! It has been feeling a lot like fall around here too, although the weather man has been warning about a dreaded heatwave (as heatwavy as it gets in Ohio anyway).
Good for you for lightening your stress load!
xxoo
I love the Chair…It is beautiful!!!! And your Pin…WOW. You are a lucky girl.
Kimberlee
Your chair is the perfect throne for you, or perhaps one of your super bake girls to rest on after a bake off!
Your pictures and treasures are great!
Your man is a thoughtful one, hang on to him with all your hooks.
Downsizing your workload and weeding out unnecessary expenses is so liberating. You will feel like a million bucks afterwards.
I hope you enjoy your October missy, I’ll look forward to the next post, WHEN you have the time. Take your time!!!
xo
Blue
first of all…..about that food…um…i had to wipe drool off my keyboard!
and concerning ‘doing it all’, hon, i’m always trying to figure a way to do more, cut out other activities so i can ‘do more, it boggles my mind, how much stuff i need and want to do!!!! I wish i could stop reading the paper or watching stupid tv or sleep 3 hours a night like Martha Stewart (i am convinced she is an alien!!!). I have a kazillion things i want to do and stupid housework chores and errands suck up all my creative time and energy….*big sigh*!
Oh, i love that rusted pumpkin, the coral and gold pin and your winter coat is fab!!
and the red chair!!!! Lurrrve it!!!
i am really really trying to weed things out. really really….
that red chair is special
Ooh, such deliciousness! Gorgeous food and that basil looks like the French basil, which is tres yummy! 🙂 And the Napoleon III icon looks fab with all that other wonderful art. Mr. Lovee is so thoughtful; of course we knew that, but the beautiful coral pin is a wonderful romantic gesture. I hear you about the trying to do it all bit; I’ve been overwhelmed throughout the summer and especially the month of September with guests, etc. and it’s time to make some changes and prioritize. I’m tired of feeling overwhelmed! Glad the weather changed at last in Tucson! And the chair is wonderful – so Victorian! Love to you, ma petite gateau noix! xoxox
P.S. The Xenia Schmidt pieces are wonderful (and five is my lucky number).
here’s to a wonderful October!!!
love basil…yummy! the fragrant leaves go down well at our house!
ohhh i love John Derian’s plates and decoupage art – so beautiful
your collections look so good displayed together…wish i could pop over and have a sneaky peak around your place…you can make tea and we’d chat all day long!!
oh and maybe you can dye my hair roots – they’re looking kinda gray right now haha
…i might leave them go even grayer for halloween yeah???
Lovely post, wow what a great place to live, I thought your ‘keyhole’ place was fab, but outside looks pretty good too. I am also in the de-cluttering of my life stage, at the moment it feels like a bad idea, the house is in the middle stages…a tip!!! Its a bit stressful…I am sure the calm will come soon…I am keeping the faith…
Suzie Sews
What a lovely start to a lovely month, love the chair and all your new treasures. Good idea to do a little sorting out of priorities now before the Christmas rush beins. Did I say Christmas and we haven’t even had Halloween yet. Now where is that broomstick?
Love the chair and your new treasures!! I love looking at your pictures .. you make me wish I was there!! the food …mmmm looks yummy!!!
darling one….I had similar thoughts when I was faced with having to own and run a brick and mortar shop which was more than full time….or doing art full time…I could not do it all, in the end I chose art…which I am thankful for but…it made me more neurotic I think.
I love your gold chair and your new art pieces!!!
xoxoxo
I go through this feeling every Spring and Fall. It’s liberating. Go with it. 🙂
Love your finds…
🙂
Such a fanciful gourmet you are Curiosa! I love your new french chair…it is tres magnifique! Don’t let Mr. Jack O’lantern eat up your basil the pestilencia!!!
And that grouping on the wall is yummy 🙂
What a lovely and perfectly divine chair!:)
And basil….oh my Dear Basil….the most wonderful of herbs ( second only to lavender!)
It is a pretty chair, doesn’t look the most comfortable tho. I do love me some basil and avocado tho…mmmmm!
Delicious new treasures. The red chair is a wonderful find. I’m always decluttering my life and stuff. Then I go out and buy…more stuff.
Well — I sort of have the opposite problem. I need to light a fire under myself to get anything done. I’m a BIG believer in naps. And I think of myself as someone who needs lots of time to think and dream. And then it’s time to go to bed when I’m finished thinking and dreaming so I go to bed. I love my bed, too. I have books and magazines in it. Yes… in it.
When I manage to get going and DO something then I give myself a huge round of applause…. YAY. I did it!!! I emptied the dishwasher AND cleaned the kitchen window. YAY me.
You get the picture.
I love the new arrangement on your wall…my Mother would love your chair, she is a girly girl like you.
I know what you mean about too many things on ones plate…I have been going through that lately. I have resolved only to comment on my favorite blogs and to allow only an hour at the time at the computer…three times a day…that seems fair, don’t you think?
Love your rolled up salmon recipe…I will try it this coming weekend at my dinner party :]
Oh my, what fabulous goodies. That chair, it looks like she has a pretty flip hair-do…
I just pulled all my basil and made pesto yesterday to freeze for the winter…love that fresh, bright green pesto in the dead of winter!
Your Mr Lovee is just the sweetest, that pin! I’ve never seen anything that pretty!! Well…I am off! I’ll be back to visit in a couple of weeks, come say caio!
oh, can I come over?? What a wonderful day it looks like you had! And that chair! Absolutely gorgeous! I can see it with all of your other treasures! An absolute must have! I also love the art pieces you bought…thanks for sharing. I had not seen her work before. Too funny about what you said about not being able to do everything. I am so feeling that way!!! I feel like I need to decide what my direction is and stop trying to go in 4 or 5 all at the same time…but how to chose??? How are you going to decide???
The chair is just Gorgeous! And spring in Oct. are you sure you are not in Australia? lol The food looks so YUMMY! Oh I am a pack rat, and that goes beyond just things. It is responsibilities too. and the thought of giving any thing up is not good for me. The Idea of giving anything up, Not GOOD, I CAN DO EVERYTHING, I HAVE IT ALL UNDER CONTROL, just ask me!
love Erin
That chair would make the perfect seat to sit upon whilst reading fairy stories….
The gift, the art pieces (on wall & Xenia S.),basil,nature and other goodies-overwhelming in a lovely way! why you even thinking of weeding out. I won’t!
Oh my god! I LOVE that chair!!!! Lucky girl!!
Greetings, Miss Vanessa! I love your new red chair…it makes me want to sit in it and yell “off with their heads!”. I want your coat and that’s with only seeing what little of it is in the photo, I absolutely LOVE basil, mozzarella and tomato anything (preferably as a panini)….let’s see, what else? Ah…the best for last. Your new pin is absolutely beautiful….Mr. Lovee is truly a gem and you are indeed a lucky girl! Not only did he think of you in his travels, but he has great taste….not an easy find in a man! Hang on to him dear girl…you really seem to suit each other very well. As he’s a lucky guy to have someone so artistic and original about who can also cook!
As for decluttering and destressing your life…do it! You’ll wake up happier every day….and you know, then you might find you have more time to pop out a baby or two. ;-))))
you know my dear one this is exactly what i am doing right now…i am just a few months ahead of you…realizing that i cannot do it all was VERY difficult for me…i had to grapple with giving up…quitting…and it is not…it is surrendering…and letting go…not a weakness but a strength…acceptance…openness to what will be…love, love the chair…i had a similar one my daughter stole…it looks made for a queen…blessings, rebecca
Oh my gosh, that chair!! It’s gorgeous! And the two pieces of art that you got are pretty cool too. What a nice guy you have to come home bearing sweet gifts! Blessings all around… Polly
I’ve definitely been trying to declutter, destash, and reconsider things in my life lately. I wonder if it’s that time of year?
Your bruchetta and your cozy new chair are both to-die-for! I love seeing photos of your awesomely creative living space. 🙂
Oh my…what a wonderful chair…chairs are like jackets…I could buy a million of them, but after a while one just runs out of room…I am glad you found the perfect spot for it though…and Mr. Lovee is an expert present buyer…how nice to be thought of.
It’s hard for me to let go of things…but after spending so much time visiting a love in a 22ft. Airstream, I go home, and look around and decide that it’s too cluttered…and it is exhausting to “keep up” the house. I think too…it’s imperative that you must take rests, and time for yourself (that’s what my walks do for me…time for me by myself to regroup) It’s hard when you’re used to doing it all though…and plus, being the fall…you are starting to NEED to slow down and be a little more internal. Remember that, and be extra gentle with yourself during this time…
At least the chair that you got is pretty. So are your new art pieces!
What a fun post! I love love love your new red chair. It’s perfect!
what a prize your mr. lovee. i hope the smother of kisses didn’t leave him TOO breathless 😉 and i am whirling in dreamland myself over the season change to the most precious time of year, FALL!
xxx00
I don’t know how I found your blog exactly but I discovered it this afternoon and have been happily wandering around and immersing myself in your wonder for HOURS! You are one inspirational little pixie ps ~ did you get Baby at a yard sale?
ok…
so THIS is why one breaks one’s foot
the left one
chasing a Luna tic…
all of your treasures
are lovely
miss Fancy
especially the fancy one…
xox – eb.
Goodness, you have a lot of friends here. I do love your chair and all of your special new things. I got a special new something in the mail today myself, thank you dearie! So happy to have it! By the way, I noticed that your pumpkin head was eating your leaf, silly guy. And most of all, I am so happy that you have Mr. Lovee to spoil you. Not everyone has that, we are lucky indeed to be among those who do. I love the pin very much, I am sure you will treasure it always.
xo,
m
DO NOT
let that basil-eating pumpkin-head
get near your lovely pink throne-chair!
🙂
you will *NEVER* get him out!
i know about those guys…
I – LOVE – THE – CHAIR!
Now that is out of the way…
I used to tend to take on too much and do too many things. I started weeding out these activities, and, I feel much more in control and free. Sometimes I don’t even have anything I HAVE TO do at that moment. And that is a great feeling.
Don’t feel guilty about saying no!!
Wow that wall is amazing…the chair is gorgeous and the art is perfect…I just love your asthetic!
that pumpkin head is seriously threatening!
i dont want to see that on a dark night, no siree! but then again, being yours, he’s likely to be enchanted and partial to copious amounts of cake things, so perhaps he might be welcome over here come october the 31st.
🙂
this is a marvelous post, and those paintings, all of them, are just amazing – i must check out these links now………
xxx
Oh, Vanessa…that chair is too wonderful…as well as that beautiful pin from Mr. Lovee…you are indeed a pampered girl…and do get rid of the things that slow you down…I did it years ago…and I love feeling so light!!!!
xoxoxox
What a fun post! Love the emily wall and I am filled with envy! What beautiful art came to you in the mail too. And a smart man who knows jewelry is always a good thing! And good for you, knowing when you have too much going on. I have finally realized that is a major sign of growing up for me(still doing that), learning to say “No, I cannot do that” It does make the other things more enjoyable I think!
Oh, and I looooove the chair! Want to climb right in and read or something!
Is Mr Lovee your husband, or your lover?
What does he do?
The chair looks like it could come alive any moment doesn’t it? It reminds me of a piece of furniture from the animated “Beauty and the Beast’. It could dance with Belle or Mrs. Potts. I adore it! You had to have it, for sure.
And I love your art piece, “I know what you are thinking”. Xenia is wonderful.I’ll go pay her a visit.
As for cutting down on or cutting out unnecessary things, it is the most difficult thing to do. I think artistic people have even a tougher time than most as we fill up ANY free time we have with creating.Creating art, stories, lists, chores, whatever …we have to DO something. So I’m right there with you! I haven’t quite figured it out yet but I’m trying.
Now, I’m off to see if I can get my chair to hug me like yours. Chair envy…I’m so ashamed. ‘I know what you are thinking’….
D.
I found you through Etsy & have read every blog entry on your front page! I LOVE how you write and the feeling your words gives me.
I’m adding you to my favorites!
that chair is awsome! stunning… the new paintings look very very cool…. the bruschetta made me hungry … and yes when you get so many things in your life that you feel you might smother under the mountain then it’s time to purge.. which can be fun. I like to have a yard sale, or I give away or trade things, or if its somthing causing extra bills and not a necessity then its time to give it up…. that would be tv for me… I only ever watch LOST personally… 🙂 hope I helped a little
J’adore your art pieces and that wonderful chair (doesn’t it look like a caricature with golden locks and attitude?) Beautiful photographs from your garden, you are talented in so many ways, cooking, gardening, aren’t you the domestic goddess? 🙂 You see Mr. Lovee knows it and even gave you a lapel pin to prove it, lucky girl! Good luck with the simplifying of your life.
You always reminded me of a little wind up toy (in a good way I mean)I was always thinking where does all that energy come from?Dearie, just take a step back and take a deep breath and let go of everything you don’t need in your life right now.I am sending you a big sloppy kiss from holland and hope you will get your balance back soon!hugs Dees
That red chair is fabulous! What a great place to snuggle in with a good book and a cup of tea on a chilly fall day. And when you described the last summer munching feast I was drooling!
I’m currently going through my studio and tossing out a lot of things, too. For me, it’s the change of seasons that does it. I always get inspired in the spring and fall.
A cozy chair for snuggling is just what the fall calls for. The skies here have turned gray and rainy, too… I just love it. Enjoy.
Yes,I’m mostly in a hurry..but I stillhave got to much energy and I have to spend it 🙂
But I’m always trying to make my life easyer and every few months I do “the big cleaning” in my life and stuffs..and I’m always taking the time for myself:my painting,the coffee with my best friend,my karate trainings (help a lot in the reduction of stress)etc..
I like beautiful art pieces you have..
the chair isn’t right my style but if it’s comfortable 🙂
and can you lend me Mr Lovee for a while? 🙂
Oh my gosh Vanessa! Can I just come sit in that red chair, eat some smoked salmon and listen to you talk about art. Wonderful!
Oh, this is such a pleasant place to visit, and today you even fed our tummies as well as our minds.
It does feel so good to downsize one’s life, doesn’t it? Much more satisfying than it is to acquire most of the time.
Love the Chair, looks like shes waiting to swallow you up!
Sandra Evertson
Geez, Vanessa, you made my head spin! You are one busy girl! I can see why you had to have the chair…perfect for reading or just dreaming. Mr. Lovee sounds like a “keep”.
Wonderful
Love those bottom two portraits!
What a rose of a rose to bring you a rose! Makes two weeks awa seem better i bet!
That basil leaf!! Wow!
Lovely post again! I really love the chair. And all the art work ofcourse, I love the black apple, her paitnings are so great!
Well I know about these feelings and you really need to take more time for your self and the things that are important to you. I was always stressed about other people and what they were feeling and how I could help them. I still have that but now I don’t get tired of it myself because I think of myself more. I found a card that had these really great dutch phrase on it, I’ll try to translate it but it may sound a bit weird, but the meaning is great so here goes: ‘if everybody thinks about yourself, there will be thought about everyone’… I know it’s not translated well, I hope you understand. It helped me really much. Just do the things you REALLY like to do and think about you…. You will be all right!! I know you will… Good luck sweet Vanessa, xxxxxx
THAT RED CHAIR was made for you! Wow! It looks like one of your paintings! ..Hey..all that food talk made me hungry! Why do we always think “FOOD!” heh heh ! All your purchases are so very groovy!
Oh my,that lovely chair!!Those yummy hors de vores !!!That insanely sweet coral stickpin!!!So much yummy-osity to behold!!!!
I have taken the Halloween decorting plunge too,YAY !!! Finally!!! Results to follow soon!
YAY wonderful October has arrived! I am so happy that fall is here love love the red chair and to dine on such lovely goodies.
XOX
Kristen
my goodness! I can’t believe the comments on here, you are supposed to be my little secret! I tagged you for a crafty tag, don’t feel like you have to do it but I am curious what your answers woudl be!
Your new chair is fit for a Queen Faciful for sure. Your Mannie did you right, with your new jewels and you’ve given yourself such beautiful artful treasures.
Hope all is well!
Keep cool bella!
That chair is fabulous!!! I’m glad Mr. Lovee appreciates it!!
Oh, and I am terrible about giving up on things, but sometimes we just have to prioritize. I find after some horrible events in recent times, I just think some things are more important- like family, friends and being calm and still more often. Organizing one’s finances is a great start- I find I work on this sporadically. I hope this works for you and makes you feel more at ease.
((hugs)) Eileen
You had me at the salmon with avocado. And I love that you have basil growing in a shopping cart. I have a shopping cart that I took in from the street. It served as a clothes hamper for a while, but now is in the garage holding tile. Maybe it will need to move to the garden next summer. Ah, you can tell summer must really be over when you get into the mindset of “next summer.”