One enchanted evening, a group of folks gathered together for a wee soiree of the American Independence day variety. This little gathering has been taking place for 20+ years, at the home of Mister's long time beloved friend. I have had the pleasure of attending for the last 10 years…
Groups of lovely people stop by with treats and tales. Guitars are played, and song are sung, while everyone munches an gathers round for the clock to strike 9 p.m. That is when lawn chairs fill a hidden little street where this house sits, right under the city's famous "A" mountain. The place where all the 4th of July magic happens in the sky.
Did I mention, Miss D (my visitor who came over, and I made a flower banner with, last week), is married to Mister's friend and together they own this perfectly situated 4th of July home? They have been married for 6 years (or so?), and lucky for me, we get along beautifully and are kindred as can be!
So, as I was saying, year after year, at 8:59 p.m. we all scurry into the street, to await the magical sky explosions!!
There were two more rows of giggling happy people behind me. Children carrying on, and lots of oooo's and aaaa's being practiced.
And so, the fireworks commence with perfection…
Truly an incredible view…
What colors and shapes!
Orbs of flaming prisms…
WOW, here comes a big one!
I took over 300 firework photos, and they were all so fun, I couldn't choooooose!
I made caramelized melt in your mouth, better than a boyfriend rice krispy treats, to munch during the fireworks. I noticed right before the fireworks, people were munching them like mad. So, I pulled Mister Lovee aside and asked, "why didn't you put those rice krispy treats out on a plate for everyone to enjoy?" And he whispers back, with serious eyes, like an undercover spy, "When I opened the bag, they were immediately discovered and I was bombarded. But I stole you half of one." We both roared with laughter.
After the fireworks, we all went inside, where the was much more music. Many more people, and oooooodles of children gathered. Precious funny children. Miss D was showing a bunch of my postcards without me realizing. Then little kids were coming up to me, asking me questions about my art. I never met a more curious group of youngsters. One little tiny gal, even sat (the only time she was silent all evening) and looked at each card. Oh, melt my wee heart…
Every year, I get the famous question, "Vanessa, are you bringing your deviled eggs?" I love being asked that question. Isn't it so fulfilling when groups of people are waiting with bated breath for your special deviled eggs? I know, I am easy to please, but, oh it tickles me so!
I walked in the door when we first arrived and Adam, our friend asks, "did you bring them?" I made two trays (40) - I wanted to make one more tray, but Mister Lovee thought that was a bit over the top…
I love this table shot at the end of the night. So all American 4th of July. Chips, pickles, hot dog condiments abound, and empty deviled egg trays. Yay 🙂
Next time, I will make more deviled eggs ;) I'll share my secrets one day, for making them, if anyone wants to know? I didn't even get one photo op 😉 of those bad boys…
Would you like to hear a funny 4th of July story before I go?
So, the band are sitting with their guitars playing requests, and a young boy asks Mister Lovee, do you know "Enter Sandman?" And, oh this is too cute – Mister Lovee says of course, and starts singing and playing, "Mister Sandman, bring me a dream…" Not knowing his request is off by about 40 years.
Oh, I couldn't speak I was giggling so hard. It was a precious moment. And the look on the boy's face, priceless. Luckily one of the band mates knew the correct song because he has a young son who loves Metallica. Haha!
I best be off to enjoy my absconded bit of rice krispy love… (actually, I did that yesterday morning)
For now, I have ooddles of things to get my little art job day going, so I must run…
🖤,V
ps: I have seen so many movies, I don't even think I can catch up with my recommendation list. I did see a very moving documentary a couple of weeks ago, The Loss of Nameless Things, that has stuck with me in the midst of 50 other films.
Lost in Austen was cute. The Fox and the Child was lovely. Might I confess, I really enjoy documentaries more than anything else most of the time. I super enjoyed Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton… Yes, there is still a smidge of the fashion loving gal I used to be, living in me. I used to make funky clothes in school. I even made a pair of shoes. My sister had a huge fashion show of her clothing line about 6 years ago, and I featured my jewelry. Those were crazy fun days…
pss: Did you have a delightful weekend? I can't wait to hear what you munched and did 😉
Okay, I am veering so, I best be off, See you soooon 😉
your pictures always make my day. happy and enchanting.
enchanted indeed!
~k
V~
OH MY!! How jealous of your party am I 🙂 Rice Krispie treats and deviled eggs..yummy
And your firework photo’s are incredible!! So colorful. I watched fireworks from my back patio (they set them off by the airport which is a stone’s throw away from my back yard) with my kiddos and reminisced about when I used to watch them as a kiddo myself. Oh the memories!!
Have a delightful week Miss V!!!
Kylee
p.s. What kind of music did the band play??
entirely enchanting, vanessa. 🙂
and your pictures of the fireworks were wonderful!
What delightful love!!
Loved seeing the fireworks pictures more than I liked hearing the ones that went off next door! The kitties aren’t too fond of the noise. Would love to know your secret recipe for deviled eggs – I’ll bet they are heavenly!
what gorgeous fireworks photos!
absolutely wonderful <3
Just received your package as I sat down, here, hilarious!!!!! Thanks soo much for the free print and goodies dear! I still can’t believe that. Funny world.
You had such a marvelous time…thank you for sharing your pics of the firework extravanganza it was a blast…unfortunately my plans were sitting in front of the T.V. watching the Macy’s Fireworks, since my foot was in an ankle/foot brace & I was feeling the best but there is always next year…3 cheers for the red white & blue and your deviled eggs too…have a honey of a day – may sweet things come your way! grace & peace 2 “U”, Marlene ;O)
Thank you for sharing the firework pictures. I always know I’ll be too excited for taking photos so I just sit back and enjoy.
I’d like to know your recipe for deviled eggs, you just can’t have too many yummy recipes for those things!
wow Vanessa, you are quite the talented photographer! beautiful fireworks shots.. glad you had a great day.. we did too. what could be better? friends, family, parades, good food, music and fireworks!
have a sweet week!
vivian
Sounds like you had a lovely time! I like the way you all took your chairs out into the street for the fireworks-very sensible! I am not sure I even know what a devilled egg is but it sounds suitably partyish. And your rice crispy treats look a treat! Happy belated 4th July to you!
x
We spent a similar…friends and neighbors traditional get together. After a wonderful shared bbq we walk up the street to the golf course where hundreds vie for the best viewing position. I always say I’m going to bring my camera, but somehow never do…thank you so for capturing the firework magic for us here!!!
x..x
steph
I would LOVE your deviled egg recipe! I just adore them…We were of the same mind this weekend, I too made Rice Krispie treats to bring to a gathering (the host yelled CRACKALICIOUS!! at me and threatened me that I could leave with my bowl, but if there were left overs, he would be having them…he wouldn’t even let me take them out until the end…giggle!!) We watched the fireworks from Willow Lake, but not having a tripod…no pictures from my camera. This is ok, because I really got to sit and enjoy it this year!!
{{Looks at Vanessa’s Firework pictures, of the ouststanding variety}}}
Oohhhh,aaaaaahhhhh, ooohhhhh,aaaahhhh!
{{clap clap clap}}}
{{snarfs a pinch of rice crispy treat}}
xoxoxoxoxoxox
What a fun party!! I thought “Lost in Austen” was cute too, very interesting concept for sure!
It sounds like you had a wonderful, fun-packed holiday weekend! I decided to pass the fireworks this year and stay home with a movie and a box of pizza. I just watched Inkheart, it was lovely! The visual effects were incredible, truly a magical tale. Your pictures weave a story of their own, I wish I had thought to bring along a camera on times like those. (Must remember..have camera attached to hand at all times…and buy lots of superglue…heehee) XO,
~Krista
I had a great day with my mom. When I got home, I was able to have a spectacular view of the big firework display in Manhattan. Though I’m in The Bronx, I still have a clear view. The fireworks were amazing. A great 4th.
Oh it looks like such a magical evening with the wee folk. Don’t they just make holidays so much fun? I have to confess that while the swaddled ones frighten me so I simply adore them when they’re above four. Such cute little inquisitive souls and I’m sure you’re the most famous amongst them because of those devilishly divine rice crispy treats and yummy eggs. Why just yesterday hubby was asking me when I was going to treat him to some deviled eggs and it occurred to me that I never have made them for I have no recipe…would you be so kind as to share yours? ;-)!!!!!
xoxo Cori
As an indoctrinated kitchen goddess, I am always interested in devilled eggs recipes. Would you please share yours? Sometimes I will put green onions and tiny bits of roasted red bell peppers in mine, but I’m always looking for something new & creative. Paprika, sea salt and best wishes, the kitchen goddess.
Those are great shots of the fireworks! I’m snickering at the Sandman story..hahaha:P Mr. Sandman is more to my liking than anything by Metallica. Sometimes the “generation gap” is a good thing 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the day with friends and the little ones..they are the ones who actually make the holiday fun;)
Have a great week!
Vanessa: I love that even your daily blog is a story. Don’t know how you do it, but keep up the good work. Martha
Sounds like you had a “Blast!” 🙂 Your firework photos turned out great!
oooh thanks for the fireworks and the table of goodies….I needed that! I was stuck moving all our stuff so painters could come re-do the house. It’ll be worth it though when it’s all done-then I’ll have that burger! AND do share your deviled egg recipe!!
What a beautiful post. I love your fireworks, it looks like you had a wonderful time. That little girl must be in heaven to peek into your magical world.
Oh Vanessa, have you seen Inkheart? OMG, I just watched it the other night and fell in love.
Happy artwork.
Karen
would you by chance have just one
deviled egg left for me?
i love them so:)
i would trade you for a platter of
irish scones with clotted cream and
peach jam
those photo’s of the fireworks are
perfectly happy making:)
Ooohhhh the fireworks are amazing and beautiful. They always are 🙂 And I couldn’t have dreamed of a much lovelier evening than spending it with those who mean dear to you 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I also thing the little story you told was funny. OK, I admit I’m not a Metallica fan but I can just imagine requesting a song and then when it’s time to play . . . it’s a totally different one (and an old one too) LoL
Beautiful pictures !
Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics nice job keep it up !!
this weekend our sun returned to us so it was a great one!! looks like you had an amazing one too.. I love to see how others celebrate their holidays and yours was no exception!! fantastic photos as ever Vanessa!!
http://ellencrimitrent.typepad.com
great pictures!!! Looks like a great weekend. Love the pic of the guitar.
I hope we don’t have to ask twice for the recipes, please, please share! And the Sandman story is too cute! Love the beautiful pictures of the fireworks. I guess I need to read the owner’s manual for my camera, all my fireworks pictures were blurred. Sad…but the fireworks themselves were wonderful and the evening activities were fantastic!
Oh what a delightful soiree it looks, indeed!! All the pretty firey worklings, and yummy food!! Hoooray!
Oh, and The Loss of Nameless Things….I’d not heard of this before, but I am off to Netflix now….it seems quite haunting.
I hope your week is getting off to a most lovely and relaxing start so far, Miss Twist!! 🙂
Do you have a special recipe for the Rice Krispie treats ? They look especially golden and carmeilized.
And of course we want to know the secret recipe for deviled eggs. My Mr. LOVES deviled eggs and I make them just about every other week. If I make them for a party I have to do double batches so he can keep a special stash all to himself.
It’s always so nice to come over here, Missy Vee! Every post is a party.
I love that the youngsters were asking you about your art. Have you ever thought of having a “camp day” at your studio, where you could teach a small group of small people a little something? I bet you’d be great at it.
And yes, I would LOVE your recipe for the famous Deviled Eggs!
xoxo,
Kate
Oh my sounds like a deeeeeevine day for you!!!
Your photos of the fireworks are sublime….!!! How exciting…see I did get to see fireworks AFTER ALL!!! Thank you!!! The rice crispy treats well… I could have eaten the WHOLE thing myself…
Secret recipe for the deviled eggs… well it just so happens my eggs expire on the 9th…. perfect time to make some deviled eggs eh??? *hint *hint… *wink *wink…
Loved your little story…. cracks me up about Mr Sandman…
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
Hello Miss Vanessa,
I love your post! Full of joy!
~ Gabriela ~
What an absolutely perfect 4th of July! Thanks for the front row seats for the fireworks! We sit on our roof to watch the ones over the ocean, but they are far to the south, not nearly as pretty as your photos =)
I giggled, too, over the sandman song.
xo Isa
wonderful photos – terrific gathering!
Oh I am so glad your wee package made it to your wonderful, enchanted world 🙂 I am so glad it filled you with glee! I left a little bit of extra chain on the bracelet so you can get Mr. Lovee to take off links if need be since they are not soldered and you can open them with ease.
Please do share your recipe for deviled eggs when you have time!
Much love to you and Mr. Lovee dear one,
LuLu~*xoxo
What a wonderful, magical time! Great fireworks shots! xoxox
How very lovely! I took pictures with my fancy-dancy camera of the fireworks for the first time. I will have to share some on my site soon….
As for what I did…I took a trip all by myself…I visited Galena IL….a very quaint little burg…you would love its artsy ways. I met the owner of a company that makes jewelry components I used and had just a ton of fun with her…we are like new-old friends.
But the best thing I did was surprise my college roommate on Saturday at the 4th of July party at her mom’s house. Today is her 40th birthday and there were surprises afoot! She had NO IDEA that I would be there and I rocked her world. You see, at 35 she developed breast cancer…beat it…then got brain tumors…still working on that…and her dad died….I needed to be there to comfort and support her. What I found was that my words and thoughts meant more to her than I ever thought possible. You see, the cards and letters and jewelry I had sent her were sprinkled all over her house. As she said, “You are with me all the time.” I had no idea. You never know the extent to which your life touches another. To know that my words gave her hope and pointed her heart on a path to self love and respect is more than I can imagine. It is one of the best things I have done and will continue to do.
Thanks for sharing your always magical world with the rest of us!
Happy Independence day to you and the faboo Mister Lovee!
Enjoy the day!
XoX
Erin
Your fireworks photos are fab. It sounds like a fantastic evening! 🙂
I missed the fireworks this year, but would never miss deviled eggs…they are a favorite and I have to say—I think Mr. Lovee is off on this one (a rare occurrence)40 would not have been over the top!
listen
just so you will know…
if i ever moved anywhere NEAR you
i would just move in there with you.
seriously
i would.
warning*warning*warning!!!
🙂
{{ say,
do you still have that reddish-pink-princess chair
i love so much ?? }}
what fun with friends!!! Lovely photos!!! Hugs. Barb
oh what fun! it is wonderful indeed when people beg you to bring the coveted dish that only you can make! My niece calls them doubled eggs (hehehe)I refuse to correct her:)
All of my family converged onto my house on Friday night! We all went out to an Italian restaurant and laughed and ate and laughed and ate. On the fourth, the girls all got pedicures and had such happy feet for the rest of the day. A cookout ensued with plenty of hotdogs and hamburgers!! And of course, deviled eggs, baked beans and potato salad!! Desserts a plenty was had by all!
We laughed and ate and laughed and ate and laughed some more. Then story telling commenced and we all had such fun!!
Great stories, great food and great people!!
Loved your fireworks, that is one thing we missed this year. Just too dry here to have them. But I had yours to “oooo” and “ahhh” over…thanks ever so much!
Hugging you
SueAnn
I didn’t do anything – we lost remember 🙂
Thank you sweet thing for sharing your celebrations with us…the photos…the little anecdotes…I love it here at your house!
I really enjoyed your adventures. As always. We don’t celebrate the 4th of july here, but we did have a little big party for our little big girl who turned three here. Maybe next time we should throw in some fireworks. I think she would love that.
If I ever visit the USA, can come and play in your magical garden?
Just stopping by to wish you a beautiful day…..
What an enchanting party! My favorite gatherings are the ones where guitars are brought out….And what a HOOT about “Mr. Sandman” – I must admit, I would have done the same thing, haha! No clue about Metallica….
And yes, yes, yes – do share your deviled egg recipe! One of my summer potluck favorites. 🙂
Have to agree about the rice krispies treats too, although I’ve always heard a different “better than” to describe them, hehe. I wouldn’t go quite that far, but they ARE amazingly good. 🙂
~ Carolee
What amazing photos! I love spending time on your blog and sharing a little bit of your extraordinary life! Wish I was there! lol
Oh, my gosh, I have a set of those cups with the little faces!! So cute, they are always fun to use….yummy!
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