Spring, morphing into summer bliss, filled with lovely moments…
Big hats, so many to choose from, all scattered from room to room. Yet, I always reach for my favorite, and head out for more apricot picking…
A tart recipe from Orangette leads to baking (incredible crust too)…
I choose my ripest apricots (and nibble a few in the process).
Yumm. Easy. Fresh.
Day turns into evening.
The dough is in the fridge, and soon it will be time to prepare the tart for baking (when it was time, the dough rolled out like butter, simply incredible).
Meanwhile, we play in the hidden garden.
We are thrilled with our wildflower mix this year. I keep every package, of every seed I plant, in a big folder. Of course, the big wildflower-mix box, got thrown away. Mister brought me the box on a whim, so I don't know where he bought it.
Isn't that funny?
Garden Irony. I like it.
In our own secret garden, Little Mister Matty Matisse and I, canoodle.
He fills our lives with furry sparkle glow.
He is precious.
He helps balance our feelings.
On a hot day, with the scent of childhood memories surrounding us, we turn our heads up side down as we roll around. The grass is like a big furry green monster. I love it.
Summer skies.
The fresh and moist grass reminds me of the park, and of being 7 years old.
The drip of the sprinkler.
The scent of sunscreen and tropical fruit.
He looks into my eyes.
I wonder what he sees?
Love? Kindness? Joy?
I hope so.
We play.
No worries..
No place to be..
But here, in this moment.
Him and me.
As evening descends upon us, I go inside to bake my apricot tart.
My proper tart tin is at the city house, so I make do with a pie plate.
It works…
I decide to sprinkle a handful of extra sugar on top of my tart. The fruit is ripe and sweet, but for some reason after baking, it became very tart. Maybe that's why they call it a tart ;)
(nothing a little extra sugar sprinkled on top can't fix, and it does)
We go to bed.
Windows open.
Crickets chirping us to sleep.
And then, another summer morning warms us into waking.
We have something to look forward to…
I whipped heavy cream with sugar, to dollop on our apricot tart. There is something quite special about an apricot tart, made with apricots you picked from your very own great big apricot tree, isn't there?
Blissful summer morning indeed.
I always sit with my legs off the ground, criss-cross-applesauce. I don't know why. I suppose it isn't very proper of me 😉
Did I mention you should run and make this crust?
It is really incredible.
Simple summer days, are days to love.
Sleeping with butterflies, ain't half bad either. Lucky girl. They fluttered all around her…
And now, I am going to work on things (so many things I wish I could share, but I can't ruin the surprises, since the party is right around the corner) under my new canopy of colors in the sleeping nook.
MaraMay is the artiste behind this scrumptious and amazing paper garland. She has an adorable shop. I may be addicted to her garlands (I am)…
Isn't it divine? The work involved is amazing!
Just the touch my little cozy nook needed.
Now, I must be off to paint and make things, and oooooh, eeeeee, I wish I could show you the goodness, but one must save some fun for the party 😉
ps: About my wildflowers: One thing I do know (after some investigating) is that our wildflower mix came from Ace Hardware. I think it was this cottage garden mix, because the flowers on the cover, are quite exactly what is growing in our garden. I watered it every day, and it grew and grew, and is growing and blooming more every day (and I am still watering it, bright and early).
pss: Pumpkin LOVE!
What a life, dear V! Sounds splendid and the flowers and the tart look lovely – so does Baby! xoxox
Oh my gosh – the tart looks magnificent. I want to eat two pieces with a cup of tea. Yes, fresh fruit tarts make me a bit of a glutton, lol.
I also love the bit of color in the garland in the all-white room. My bedroom is all white and black with tiny *hints* of blush pink, but I’ve been wanting to “zest” it up a bit. The paper garlands are a simple and fun way to do that. 🙂
Matty’s a beautiful, precious little wolf isn’t he!
The tart looks delicious and so does your space, you have a magic touch Miss V.
Well, Miss Vanessa
You are an amazing photographer…the photo of Matty’s eye was not lost on me…I also saw the reflection of you taking the picture of him reflected in his eye. Amazing. *****
The apricot tart looks wondrous and scrumptious! I made a cherry pie with fresh cherries and there is just no comparison to FRESH fruit! It melts in your mouth.
The paper garland is so sweet…
Well, “I’m merrily off to no where’s in particular” (song from the ‘Wind in the Willows’ Disney version)…back to ironing shirts, hee, hee!
Can’t wait for the Mad Tea Party and your surprises!
XOXO
Miss Teresa
how wonderful! And oh yum.
I wish we’ll get warmer weather here very very soon…
GOOD NEWS – I won’t be running off to Rome the night before the party this time because I already went to Paris! Paris! Paris! Yes, I have to say it three times. I had rose flavoured pastry + coffee in a gold room, I saw two real sea horses and a movie star and a tiny sparrow flew into my head. It was magnificent!
i’m sending my owl to you to pick a piece from this fantastic tart for me…
I cannot wait to see what you have prepared for the party Vanessa.The flowers are everywhere here in the Garden of England and it feels like paradise.
Your tart looks soooooooooooo yummy Vanessa.
Vanessa:
Yummy tart ~ yummy Baby love ~ yummy Matty love!!
Everything in this post is beautiful because of it’s simplicity.
I must say, I know how difficult it is to create a delicious green space in the desert. It can be hard labor….but the magic is worth it. I am truly starting to believe that you REALLY ARE magic.
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Ahh…that garland is divine. What a bliss day. Having those in between the rains with the kids. Pick the strawberries and lay in the grass to eat them and watch the clouds. We have had so much rain though that we have mushrooms everywhere. Such a summer’s beginning… strange to be sure. Love these posts dear. Blessings and thanks.
Darling Vanessa…such beautiful pics, and your apricot tart looks delicious! I have been away for the weekend, so just read your last post also – oh my! What a wonderful teacher your gorgeous garden has been…I am beyond happy for you. Isn’t it such a relief to ‘let go’. We really can’t control it all, can we? Ebb and flow, I like that – someone once said these words to me when I was freaking out about something…”Sun comes up, sun goes down”. It kind of put everything in perspective for me – I quite simply adore you and your outlook for it is one that we share…to see beauty in everything around us, and to find joy in the simple things x
Oooh, first signs of a pumpkin and a yummy tempting tart that I would love to have a taste of! Thank you for more views of your garden and puppy children. Love that garland, too! I can’t wait to see what you and the Mad Hatter have in store for us very soon . . . .
ms. amazing vanessa,
here i am with no room but anything but fun and festivity. so much appreciation.
so much love.
i know your life is as imperfect as mine, but manohman do you SEE!
love from your pal kj
What an amazing, wonderful fulfilling day. The smell of nature at its best, afury friend to play with, fresh wildflowers and a homemade apricot tart for all to enjoy. How wonderful is that…..
Dahling- pups with black spots on their tongues are said to be magical and royal. You see the Emperor and Queen of Merry Wuffdom proclaimed it years and centuries ago. So in Matty you have a magic royal Mat-and that is that. And Baby is too because she belongs to you and won Matty’s heart full of puppy love. Their names and furry ways will certainly be recorded in the books of the Royal woofy ways and days. What a proud mom and pop you should be and are. xxoxoxx
ps and yes there is nothi8ng like a fresh tart baked in mouth watering crust from ones own trees surrounded by the wildest of flowers and summer breezeo.
love, love, love. I love your decor style (I popped on over to the the city house post-super cool!). We have a few of the same things I noticed.
When are you going to put together a photography and editing class?
I’ve just watched a couple of your you tube videos which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mostly I love the piece of music on the one titled ‘strange beautiful lady’. The music is uplifting and great food for the imagination.
Your blog is very beautiful and intriguing.
Thank you for sharing
best wishes
Robyn
Aaaahhhh…summer sun, summer flowers, summer breezes, this was joyful. Apparently, Chicago is trying to best Washington State in grey days and rain. Your pictures give me hope! Have delightful day, Vanessa. – Kathy
Hello,dear Vanessa:-)*
I am here for th fist time and I wil stay here….
SOooooooooo beauty,SOooooooooo fun,SOoooo lovely place to be!!!
I am happy that I find you hre in these Wonder Blogland world!!!
Beyound nice photos and you makes me happy!-)))***
Love and sunshine hugs for you,
***Violetta***
Hello, Vanessa. I am here from Frosted Petunias {found your link there}. I so enjoyed what I read and have seen that I’m staying:) Just lovely!!
Leslie
OMGoodness OMGoodness OMGoodness where to begin with this ever so delightful post! First, Matty has some Chow in him! Just look at those purple spots on his tongue. This would explain his fierce loyalty and protectiveness. I used to have purebred Chows and they are wonderful animals…just need extra care in socializing. Now, the photos. Summer skies is so fabulously dizzafying!!! What a glorious image. Like captured JoY. Oh, wait, no, that would be Baby smiling at the butterfly. Oh Vanessa, it’s not the camera, it’s your Magical Eyes.
“on ne voit bien qu’avec le cÅ“ur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.
It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Thank you for bringing the magic back into my life. When angels landed me here on your blog almost two years ago, never would I have thought I would be living the life I am today…all because of you. And ya know what? This is just the beginning for me!
Have I told you lately how much I adore you.
**kisskiss** Deb 🖤🖤🖤
ooooooOOOOOoooo and photo #6 from the bottom is also dizzafyingly beautiful. Oh you are making me eyes see MaGic!
What an exceptionally beautiful day indeed. There is nothing better than picking your own fruit to make a delicious homemade tart. Spending time with fur babies in the great outdoors surrounded by pretty wildflowers sounds like heaven to me. Best wishes to you all! Tammy
this must be what heaven looks, smells and tastes like. becuase you seem like an angel to me.
i wish that i could know the laze of a summer afternoon. but living vicariously through you is enough.
enjoy the day.
xo
erin
Hello Sugar
pie,
Sorry it took me so darn long to find my way back!!
I knew it would be worth it though! To spend some summer light with you here.
Thank you for being creative and kind YOU, who you are is very nice!
love,
Miss C
Forgot to say how scrumdidlyumptious your tart looks!!!!!!!!
Did I ever tell you, VanessaPie, that canoodling with a puppyhead is the BEST?!!!? You didn’t need telling, but I find it important to point out. I love it when Scoutie gives me a playful bite and then licks my fingers to say she was just playing.
Is sleeping with a dog the best thing, ever?! (the second best?)
Did I mention Apricot Pie?! HUH?!
You sure do know how to live.
Miss Vanessa, I just love your message from Deb, she is sooo sweet… although my sky looks the same as yours, I dont have have the heat attached, your summer posts are sure to get me thru winter…
Wonderful summer post, wonderful flowers
just wonderful
xxx
Sheree
I would love to try that crust! I have never had an apricot off the tree! I’m sure it is amazing! Save me one! 🖤
Why hello there! Let me start by saying how amazingly delicious that apricot tart looks. I don’t think I’ve ever had fresh apricots, and they really do look wonderful. How fun are those photos of you and Matty. I play with my baby boy like that all the time, as well. He knows not to bite his mama and I love when he wraps his strong paws around my arm and holds tight. There’s nothing like puppy love! And Baby is truly being graced by the faeries – see? They sent a butterfly to send their best wishes to her! The paper garland is so lovely – I think I will definitely check out this shop post-haste! Have a wonderful evening…Theresa
Matty has nice chompers! Ha! My pup, Flea is growly to most everyone but his little pack just like your little guy. I’ve told his groomer and vet that they must never retire. Guess Flea loves them since he met them in the first couple of days he came to live with us….
You have an award at http://lenorita-lenoramoore.blogspot.com/
I just linked you on my tiny little nothing blog LOL!
I came upon your blog and I have been obsessed!
I even said I want to grow up to be you HAHA!
These images and all your creativity has created this spark!
And I have this great backyard and I have let it go toshambles!
You have inspired me to get out there!
And get a dog!!!
Seriously thank you .. it’s like your happiness and your willingness to share your life through your colorful eyes has gotten me out of a slump…
I will forever be grateful!
Looking forward to more rompings in the Garden!
Thank you again!
have a good night!
What a way to start my morning. Drinking my coffee and being inspired by your gorgeous post. You really know how to touch someone emotionally with your photos and thoughts and feelings of summer days. Beautiful Vanessa! Have a lovely one! Xo,Jenn
you have such beautiful photos!!!
love the peaches!
madeleinesfashion.blogspot.com
xoxox
ah – so nice to be back among the land of the living so I can get my daily dose of Vanessa’s Enchanted World!
Oh I love how your grass looks like a great, soft quilt of green!! And, of course, your beautiful tart is making me want second breakfast!! tee hee! what a delight! 🙂
”’head out for more apricot picking”’
🙂
oooowwww…
now
THAT
is the life!
🖤
THAT
and a pup at your knee!
🖤🖤
Drink It All
In, missy!
Drink It All
In………………………..
The tart looks delicious. May I have a piece …
That tart did indeed look sweet…and did you know that I read somewhere Butterflies sometimes signify transformation…
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
just stopping by to say hello!!!!!!!!!!!
lizard crawl, baby crawl, foot rubs before bed.
what we do in summer, nature growing bed.
cocoon wraps in the shade, skipping around the day, upside spinning seeds on their blooming way.
here in cali. our sun is glowing and the doggies are a swoon,
summer solsitce soon calling fairies to dance around the moon.
our garden is flashing to yours across the clouds summer rain, all to keep us fresh in our united earthly mane.
Beesutiful u all r
-blessings across rainbow bridges*
Miss V….
Does it ever rain where you live?
All your cool outdoor vignettes and they are never drenched!
T
just popped in
to see
your apricot tree
once
again
and then
turn green with envy!
🙂
🖤
Your blog is so beautiful. Just love your garden.
Lovely post about all the wonderful simple summer pleasures.
A bit ago, I started writing a collection of children’s poetry. This past weekend I made a honey cake. I decided it would taste so good with apricot jam, and then I decided if I ever publish my poems I would call the collection Honey Cake and Apricot Jam.
The trees on your property are beautiful. I love old fruit trees!
What beautiful wildflowers and yummy apricots. Summer is such a magical time…I love being outdoors. I keep trying to figure out a way to move my computer out there without ruining it…my laptop just isn’t the same…lol hugs!
Hello Vanessa,
breakfast with apricot tart and cream… sounds and looks delicious !
I like your wildlife garden, just like mine 🙂 Several kinds of poppyflowers are blooming in my garden, but I’m the poppyclass teacher so I MUST have poppies in my garden ! ( or did I name my class the Poppyclass because I love poppies so much… of course !! )
Can you sign me in for the tea party ? I can’t miss this party after being here for the first and second one…
When I look at the websites on the left I’m sure I won’t make it again this year to visit everyone… I think I’ll pick a letter to start with and start from there…
greetings from Belgium
Inge
web.me.com/pinkepinke
pinkepinke.etsy.com
Hi Vanessa,
As always you have thought of everything, beauty, inspiration, puppy love and something wonderful to eat, of course. My friend Joyce and I are getting together this week to take some photos for our Mad Hatter Party. She has the cutest grandkids so we will be having a ball in Vanessa style of course! Have a beautiful day.
Karen
This is what summer is made of…paper garlands, poppies turned inside out…
sweet pups rolling in the grass.
happy summer beginnings to you!!
x..x
Pumpkin love…we have one plant growing and have such high hopes for it! Our growing season has been cut so short due to frost well into June!!! Yikes!
Loving all your photos! Matty is such a dear! And Baby looks so happy
Hugging you all
SueAnn
As inspirational as ever! Thank you! That pie looks too good to eat. (Yum – pie! 🙂
You are an amazing photographer…the photo of Matty’s eye was not lost on me…I also saw the reflection of you taking the picture of him reflected in his eye. Amazing.
All your cool outdoor vignettes and they are never drenched!