There are so many things I want to share and say sometimes. What I was going to share with you today, went right out the window after a stroll through the yard and tea at the Gypsy Theatre.
I woke up knowing I would have some daunting tasks that I had to prepare myself for. Still lots of paperwork to get through. And, the 3rd return of a printer, and so on and so forth. What I decided last night was to set my alarm clock so I could get up a bit earlier and have some "me" time before the dreaded tasks.
I made some tea and strolled through the garden… I found myself at my little porch outside of the gallery, known between me, the bunnies & birds as the Gypsy Theatre.
As I was sitting there, I started thinking of all the incredibly kind and wonderful people I have met here. The astounding generosity. I realized, there are things I have not shared that are ever so important to share.
Things as silly as the ice star Mr. Lovee wanted me to send all of you weeks ago, on a cold Arizona day…
To things that we see everyday, and think of, that impact us greatly. Like the ribbons still tied around our tree in memory of the Coble children…
Not only are there huge things that impact us… But there are special everyday things we all do. All of us have one or two. They are things that are part of our lives that we take completely for granted. Things we notice that make us let out a little swoon. Like places we pass by, where we see the same little old man in the window, everyday. Or, the scent and moisture seeping out of our favorite dry cleaners, on a busy street… Or, the first breath you take when you open the door to Starbucks or any favorite coffee place. Or even, the overwhelming sweet smell that jolts you back to the 80’s (in my case). When your first boyfriend lent you his jacket at a football game or at the carnival & it was swathed in Drakkar Noir.
Well, today’s little life findings that made me swoon were more on the lines of finding Moss in a dry desert garden… Bending over to run your fingers across it while saying "Ohhhh, I looove moss…."
And then stumbling upon it again in a crack in the concrete 🙂 Double Swoon!
But then we go on, not realizing how that little jolt of loveliness is quite essential to getting through the day. Yet those things, are things we would hold onto, things that we might even refer to over and over in our memories if tragedy hit, and we were trying to remember the good times… When Mr. Lovee had his bad accident, I would roam the yard, praying for some sense of normalcy. Will we ever be able to go to a coffeee house, and sit and laugh and sip as we once did… His 3 month recovery felt eternal…
I thought of that today, standing in front of the metal contraption I use to call Mr. Lovee when I can’t find him in the yard…
One day he walked me over to it. He took the pliers that are balanced right on the bar, and said "when you can’t find me, don’t scream LOOOOOVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Just do this." With a quick motion, he swung the pliers into that big round bellish thing, and RING RING RING. Yikes. That’s loud. But it works!
So, you see, today, as I was roaming, I realized how important the little things are. And how things we do, can change people’s days as well. For the better and for the worse.
Speaking of acts of kindness that change people’s lives. Have I got one for you. You remember my friend Carolyn? Who lost her son and then had to have major eye surgery in November? Well, she is still house bound. And, I will tell you what, there have been some crucial acts of kindness from strangers and friends, that have helped her get through this… We received a paypal donation from someone very dear to my heart, that I know through blogging. I had told her about how our office was taking a collection for Carolyn. A fund to help get her through the workless months… Every bit counted, I’ll tell you what… That was so amazing, Thank you Miss N… The people who donated at the office were incredible too. The outpouring was jaw dropping!
Also, one of our very own fellow bloggers did something that was quite remarkable…
One day I get an e-mail from the ever darling, Polly over at Counting Your blessings. She says to me, you know, my mom and I choose someone every Christmas to donate 12 gifts for the 12 days of Christmas to. And, would it be okay if we choose your friend Carolyn this year? Lump in my throat – but of course it would be…
Like Clock work, a few days before the 12 days start. A giant box appears. Filled with wrapped gifts… Gifts that truly, I mean truly, made a huge difference in Carolyn getting through the head down for 14 days in a row thing. Being in that horrid contraption. Everyday she looked forward to it. And, may I just say, the gifts were beyond thoughtful and really really really good. Which was a HUGE bonus. The act was huge in itself, but then for the gifts to be phenomenal?!?
Carolyn kept asking me if I had told Polly all the things she likes and such. She thought I had something to do with the gift choices because they were just tooooooo perfect. Nope, I had nothing to do with it at all. It was all Polly. So Miss Polly, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. You are an angel!!!
Carolyn is such a trooper, if you knew her in real life, you would understand how valuable those 12 days of gifts were to her. To feel loved & less alone. She has the best sense of humor too.
She said that depending on if she was happy or sad, she would give me the following funyun faces…
So the way I look at it. After today’s inspirations hit me, and all these memories and little loves came flooding in… I realized, you can change your little day path. You can even, find your own personal picnic place in your own world and shake things off. Delve in and hide, even for just minutes… It changed my whole outlook on my day…
So, when you are in my neck of the woods, and the Gypsy Theatre beckons, be prepared to get all mushy and moss loving.
Oh, and when the Gypsy tells your fortune, and speaks of you finding gold… Remember to ask what kind of gold…
And in a sweet PS: I told Mr. Lovee to bring me back a treasure from his real world thriftventures last week. That night, I sheepishly asked… Did I get a treasure?? He replied "the treasure is in your room, you have to look very carefully to find it…" I searched and searched. Things looked very normal… Until I peeked into the dollhouse. And, a tiny little girl we had never seen, was sitting right in the children’s room. Swoooooooooooon.
With that, I say, Happy Day! Would you like a thriftventure find from Mr. Lovee? Leave a comment describing what kind of things you love. Mr. Lovee will draw a name and send you a lovely thriftventure treasure. We will name the recipient in a few days at the next blog post…(example: I love kitchen stuff, I love random trinkets, I love bird stuff, I love blue stuff)
See you sooooon! xoxo
Fabulous …fantastic ..incredible post! You made my day. Reading all about the divine goodness all over the place is scrumptious! The wonderful things for your friend Carolyn are beyond the realm of the real world…magical I would say. Bloggerville abounds with love and caring and moss lovers! you are an enchanting girl! ..Please thank Mr Lovee for thinking of us.. uh, I like French things….crows…rose things ((hint hint… THank you for being you .You are the Royal Princess of Bloggerville! I bow to you..
I wish you could just blog and get paid for it. I can speak for all of us that we enjoy whatever it is you have to say! Is there any way we can help your friend Carolyn? Please let us know!
I love the smell of “Sastuma” perfume or anything citrusy, my two year old with his hat on backwards walking into a room like he owns it, turning on the radio and hearing an alternative 80’s song that makes me feel grounded and truly myself, gorgeous vivid colored flowers at Farmers Markets, the sound of the waves and view at Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove, Ca (where I grew up), my husband making a run to the candy store to get me caramel popcorn because I coyly implied that I was craving some, the color periwinkle blue,etc…
~Christine
Oh, you are so wise you wonderful girl! What a lovely post. I agree, I wish we could have you just write and create for us full time! It is so fun to see a cupcake girl(don’t know that that is their official name but the is how I always think of them!)! I am so glad your friend Carolyn was the recepient of kindnesses, when something so hard is happening you really need lots of that. Hope she is doing better. And what a sweet mister Lovee! I love treasures! Pretty things, pink things, old things! Have a lovely day!
What a guy, that Lovee of yours! Did I read correctly when I saw that you had to send your printer back again?! What happened now? How’s Carolyn doing now?
I love reading your blog. Mr Lovee sounds so sweet. I love little trinkets like buttons, broken jewellery, beads, pieces of ribbon or paper .. I gather them in a shoe box.. I like to just look at them thinking one day maybe I’ll make something.
This post is so magical. I feel like I was roaming with you. Carolyn sounds like a very special and wonderful person. How gracious and giving for Polly and her mom to give her such a lovely treat. I love pale pink glove boxes, seam binding, and rhinestones.
Karla
Such a sweet post from a very sweet person.
Did I tell you I also LOVED my envelope that you sent my postcards and print in? It is the little things that mean so much, isn’t it?
I love….oh my, my list would go on way way too long…for years I’m afraid…so I’ll just keep it short and say, I love….hmmmmmmmm how do I keep it short….well, I love a good story, a kind friend, anything romantic, 16th C. art, children’s faces, my dogs, and pretty papers!
Hugs…
Oh! I have enjoyed reading your blog so much. You have such a gift with your writing. Any illustrated books in your future Miss V? I love your tree and mushroom in the children’s room. I would love to have a life-size one in my studio. One can always dream…Anything old I find fascinating-as I like to imagine what secrets it holds. I love trees, mushrooms, animals and elfish wee ones…anything woodsy. Good Night!
Well I love your Mr Lovee and wish my Mr Lovee would bring me treasures. This post was so delish with your words and thoughts and pictures. You are so young, I don’t know how you got so wise. You are and more. I love beautiful feather treasures.
Today I had the day off for MLK Jr. Day, but Trina had to work, so I got up late and took a shower and played my newfound love, Banjo-Kazooie (a Nintendo64 game) for a while, and then took leftover Beef Stroganoff that we made last night to have lunch with Trina and work, and befriended a couple of dogs while I was there (the folks at sock dreams bring their dogs to work). Today was bright and sunny, but really cold and windy, so it felt so nice to be outside a bit. Last night I started feeling not so well, and I’ve been kind of feverish and sluggish all day, but it was so nice to just go and spend 30 min with Trina in the middle of the day. I came back and our cat, Teagan, was making every effort to get on my lap and monger my face (he loves to rub up against my beard), and our other cat, Piccoli was laying in the sun up in our guest room. I made a pot of Jasmine green tea, and drank the whole thing (and then proceeded to head to the bathroom every 10 min for an hour). The other day we got The Beatles White Album on record, as well as a Benny Goodman record, and I’ve been recording those today as well, so that I could put them on my iPod to listen to 🙂 Trina came home from work at 4, and ate some dinner quickly, and then had to run off to inventory night at Sur La Table (which I would have been going to as well, had I not been sick), but I enjoyed another 30 minutes or so with her, and now I’m just reading blogs and thinking about another pot of tea… maybe black currant with cream and sugar… I should probably also take some ibuprofen and a multi-vitamin. Have I ever mentioned I love clarinets? I do. And Trina? Yes, I really really do.
We do so often forget to appreciate the little things we do every day and so often forget about because they become routine. Some things I love that are routine – how I always say, goodnight and I love you to Trina as we’re going to sleep, and she says the same back – putting on chapstick and shea nut butter on my hands when I climb into bed (I get really dry skin in the winter), and then smelling like cookies (from the shea butter), taking the bus to and from work and seeing interesting people, as well as just getting a chance to wind down from work before getting home – shaving with a razor, it gives kind of a fresh feeling, and forces you to slow down and take some time – the way Trina wiggles her nose when it itches, also the way she pushes the end of her nose in when she’s thinking – the brisk, cold feeling of a winter day when it’s bright and sunny out – looking up through the branches of trees at night when there’s light from street lights coming through them (or in the day when sunlight is coming through).
Things I would love from a thrift store… records (Beatles, pre-1950’s Jazz, Classical, that kind of stuff), birds, interesting glasses (like alcohol glasses, we can always use port glasses, as we seem to break them regularly), old books, old clocks, pocket watches, pyrex bake ware, games for atari 2600, nintendo, super nintendo, sega genesis, or nintendo 64 (yes, I have all of those), pretty much anything else just random and wonderful that would be unique and that you might get excited about finding 😀
Well, that kind of turned into a long comment… I should make a longer list of things I appreciate in everyday life…
*claps hands* Wonderful post, so inspiring and thought provoking as always! I love so many things too numerous to list but most of all I love surprises! Just like what you described finding in your room!
What a wonderful post!!! You know me, I love everything.
XO….Kimberlee
I love this post…I think I say that every post of yours! 🙂
I really appreciate your attitude and your kindness. These days it seems hard to find love in the world but through your posts and your comments you show your true colors!
And I love paper treasures especially ones with someone’s writing on them!
Sometimes Miss Vanessa you actually bring tears to my eyes, and this post was one of those times. It is filled with so much love and kindness. It reminded me to not take things for granted and to look for the wee things in life that we may otherwise overlook when our minds become too filled with “busyness”.
I am so happy that Carolyn has had so many wonderful random acts of kindness shown to her…she truly deserves it and I hope she is soon completely healed and back on track!
As for what I love….my children and my wonderful husband of course and I love sparkly things, vintage jewelry with rhinestones, old rhinestone buttons…glittah! A girl’s gotta love glittah!
But mostly I love that I met you, you have become a very dear friend and I love what you have brought to my life. I know!! I’m sorry I got so sappy! 😉
Darling girl, I have a lump in my throat and can barely think to comment from all the goodness that sparkled from this post. Have I run out of words? Is that even possible? What a joyful gesture for Carolyn. It never ceases to truly amaze me that there are SO many INCREDIBLY giving souls in Bloglandia.
I think stopping to marvel at the moss is akin to taking time to smell the roses. Looking around and finding the magic in some part of a day is something we all should do.I think perhaps we’d all have better days.
Mr Lovee is a true gem too….imagine winning a treasure from one of his ventures. SO if it should be my name in hand I would rather be surprised. Because to me ANY thing would become a treasure because it was especially chosen.
Love,hugs and joy and a wee squeeze for Mr Lovee,
Lisa
XOXOXO
God Bless You, Vanessa. Your awsome!
Oh what a breath of fresh air…I forget so much to look at all the sweetness in life…Lately, I have taken the time to thank all that is for bringing things into my life. It takes a moment to slow down and look around…I need to remember that. It helps me to be the happier version of myself.
Let’s see, I would think that a shorter list would be the things I do not love from thrift stores. Any vintage fabrics or kitchen linens…
I loved his Ice Star…it was beautiful…we are having lots of ice up here this year. It makes it seem so much colder…
~~Ice Star~~
like a name for a pure white pony…
🙂
i would only find *ice wonders*
in my freezer,
here in florida…
my ~~ideal thrift find~~
would be small birdy-ish.
if you would like it,
then it would be perfect for me…
not that i need anything,
you understand,
but small birdy-thingys
are
ALWAYS welcomed…
don’t you think?
Lovely! Truly. I’d love to go thrifting myself in your neck of the woods but in the absence of that, a chance at a treasure chosen by another so special as he would be wondrous. Favorite items include old ledgers/note pads written in with pencil and bird things.
What a lovely post, Vanessa. As always. Sending good healing vibes for your friend.
As a Thrift Store has exploded in my house, I’ll pass on the finds. 😀 But I’m looking forward to seeing what he finds for everyone else. 😀
nice photos :).
This was just so full of goodness. That was an incredibly nice thing for Polly to do for your friend. People are truly wonderful, aren’t they?
The ice star was beautiful and I love moss, too. There’s a little patch of it in our backyard. I love the color of it and the velvety feel. It somehow feels so decadent!
If Mr Lovee should come across old books with wonderful illustrations that would be for me! I’m a true book lover.
ooh, a chance to win something lovely!! I think I will have to say that I love tiny little bluebirds. That was all that I could think of. Is that weird, not being able to think of what you like? Anyways, hope I win!!
Hi Vanessa, I found your blog from the article in Somerset Studio. I loved your beautiful collages as soon as I saw them and am thrilled to discover all the other lovelies on your site and here at your blog. Oh I am so jealous of the dolls house in your previous post… Anyway keep up the good work, your posts are a delight to read!
Ruth
PS. I love blue teacups and old costume jewellery!
Well, girlita, you took me on a very special and welcome trip with this post.
Moss, yes — especially pushing through concrete (imagine that kind of strength and yet being soft to the touch) and all the other wonderful moments you wrote about.
I like random stuff. Bird stuff.
it has been said already,but what an amazing post!!you do know how to make all of us more aware of things going on in our life!I applaud you for that!And mr lovee too!You want to know what I love?I love life and everything in it!
hugs Dees
what a nice post – I do like that yard bell! Lots of good things to remember each day in there.
please tell mr. lovee that I like polkadots and old ribbons, the colour green, thin china cups, stripes and geraniums. And pretty much everything else too…
Vanessa, as usual, this is such a lovely and wondrous post. I share your take on things. And truly, we can all make our little world a better place through kindness, by taking care of each other (or showing we care) in challenging times, but also by really noticing what is around us. Sometimes “duty”, challenges and “have to do’s” send us off track and when that happens to me, I like to pause and look around as I’m sure to find ample evidence of how my life is truly blessed by just appreciating the details of my life.
I love vintage images but at the moment I’m totally enamoured with owls!
Hola preciosa,
As usual, your post is full of enchanting delights and heartfelt wisdom. I’d been having a less-than-stellar day until I read your words, which cheered me right up! How wonderful to hear that Carolyn has been so blessed, not only with your friendship, but the “kindness of strangers.”
As for Mr. Lovee, he is a thoughtful, caring genius! (And I already have quite a few treasures here, many of them from you – so don’t include my name in the drawing). xoxox
You know Vanessa… I found your blog by chance really and every day, no matter how busy I am, I always log on and read it. My heart sinks a little if there are no new updates – but then I do realise what a busy girl you are!!!! But… when you write it’s always wonderful, completely from the heart. You make me remember my inner child!
There is so much attention and focus on what is wrong with the world and the people in it, when deep down there are people like you, all over the place. You remind me of this fact when I read your posts and it brings a little bit of lightness and joy into so many peoples lives – you have no idea how much, I’m sure!!!!
You sound like you really have your soul mate with Mr Loveeee – what a lucky pair you both are, to have found each other.
I don’t have many treasures, in fact I wouldn’t even know what to ask for.. but if Mr Lovee does go scouting – I’d be happy to let the Universe and your joint magic decide what was ‘right’!
Have a wonderful day.. so glad to know your friend is getting better.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You are truly lovely inside and out.
I adore all that you post.
Thanks for your kind visits and lovely words!
Love Jeanne
X0X0
Dear Vanessa, I have been out of touch with Blogland and am truly sad to have missed an opportunity to buy some of your lovely and magical dolls on Etsy. I am delighted with your theater and feel as though I am with you as you write about sitting in the garden with your tea…you have a gift, my dear, for whimsical enchantment! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! I got up early today so that I could make the rounds and visit some of my Blog Friends and say hello! I love your new yellow doll house! I just bought some black and white flooring for mine and installed it- Super Fred is helping me put the roof on and finish the trim. Santa brought me small yard gnomes for the lawn. Life can be so good, can’t it? I am dreaming mine will be Calamity Kim’s Quilt & Pie Shop someday! Please come visit when you have time and thank you for the JOY!
Hi my sweet Nessy Ness thanks for your message….you know how to make a girl blush!!! Trying to get back to blog world when I can. LUV Meesh
You are the queen of lovely blog postings,Sweet Vanessa! 🙂 And Thank You to your Mr. Loveeee for sending the ice star!! 🙂
Oh….MOSS!!! words cannot express my love of the stuff!! 🙂 I just moved a bunch of it from the back yard into a bird fountain in the front….And it makes me ever so happy every time I pass by it!! 🙂
Such warm and fuzziness all around here today!! 🙂
What a wonderful inspiring post! I love cat stuff!
Vanessa,what a beautiful post on your blog.Kindness and the simple little things in life can really be the best medicine some times.The children’s room is just darling and I love the ice star!Thank you for putting a smile on my face today.
What if I said, I lvoe MR Lovee?? He sounds like a treasure himself. As you are, it is so nice to come here and visit you. I love simple joys too. The littlest things can bring the biggest smiles.
I love things from the sea, mermaids and shell treasures, polished pebbles and pearls. I love green and blue and bubbles and dreams. I love you and Mr. Lovee and this blog land Gypsy Theatre.
Thanks !!! Kisses!!!!!
Thrift-ventures!??! Squeeeeeeee…!!!
I’ve recently gotten big into vintage dishware. Love the vintage dishware!!!
Hi Vanessa,
what a wonderful uplifting post! You are very inspiring, and would like to add you to my link if I may. I come here cause I have made 2 ATC/Paper Collages already and hope you will come by and see them being the “lovely Professional” that you are, and I mean that with all sincerity!
Have a lovely day!
Jeannene
(Love Conquers All)
I just adore your blog. I haven’t visited in awhile – in fact I haven’t been blogging in awhile – just soaking in my world, albeit wet, around me {I love the rain}.
Thanks for the smile – I love how you always make me smile 🙂
Vanessa, sweet pea,
This is why I love coming here.. You have the heart of a child and spirit of a great wizard. You are living in the moment my dear. Appreciating the simple little things. The smell of fresh clean laundered sheets coming in from the outdoors and making your bed in the morning and enjoying it. In a world with busy minds and bodies this is not always an easy task for most. Enjoy the moment you are in and you will never lose site of your dreams…
Thanks for a beautiful reminder to take time out to smell the roses…
Jo-Anne
Vanessa, thanks for reminding me there are some beautiful, kind people out there. I have had a bad day and was sitting here full of rage when your kind words brought me back down to earth. Thank you. It’s moments like this that are just meant to be. Catherine xxxx
Thriftventure find? From Lovee!!!!! Lets see, I love vintage fabrics, little still life paintings and pretty tea cups especially.
Miss V, may i tell you how incredibly wonderful your posts are!!! You are such a sweet, caring, life-affirming person, you are a great credit to the blogging world. Thanks girlfriend, for your your inspirational posts!
Oh dear, i forgot to mention, I LOVE the COOKIES and TEA photo!!!!!!
And I was no.44 post again, hee!!!
V, I’m glad you took a break from the paperwork to post this. It melted my heart and made me feel so good. When people share love, especially with virtual strangers, it makes me believe that the world really is the good place I know it to be. Thanks for reminding us about finding the small things, noticing the little joys.
Thriftventure finds? I love go thrift finding…lately I’m into old dolls and Marie Antoinette-ish goodies.
What an inspiring, beautiful post. What an oracle you are! Thank you for lifting my spirits on my lunchbreak at work! (-:
I’d like to play that game of thriftventure finds.
I like: something that came from Mexico or Hawaii.
Well I love YOU! Ms Fanciful and the caring, love and support here in this lovely post!
x….x
Oh Vanessa what a world of delight in you posts – again I have had to catch up on a few and almost had a tear of woe at missing your dolls – they are gorgeous and inspiring – but then you go and write a post filled with wonders and I immediately felt better. Love to your friend, she sounds a delight and I am so glad she got those lovely gifts – such generous people make the world smile.
I was sat in my dining room today working away and I heard birds singing – in a city this is such a rare occurance it seems and I just stopped what I was doing, closes my eyes and listened to the beautiful music – just a small thing but it truly made my day.
And oh gosh I have to tell you – You won my anniversary blog draw!!! I finally got round to drawing the names today and it is you my dear – I have your address so there will be a wee parcel winging its way over to you soon!! xxx
A kindred spirit you are, Miss V! I love these kinds of posts to inspire me! So positive and uplifting and full of energy. That is why I like you.
And what can I say about Polly? She is such a great girl too.
Happy day to you and much love,
xo
What a great way to end my long day at work – reading about the start of your day. Your pictures are wonderful and I love the ice star – how cool!!! Thanks for sharing all that. And by the way, I love birds LOL
I just stumbled onto your blog & I’m in love! Such magical talent!
Dear vv
What Polly did for Carolyn and what you did for Carolyn is beautiful and right and inspiriting!
Thank both of you!
Just so you know, I’m mad about Moss!
hi to Lovee. He’s such a good, understanding Lovee!
Cheers and here’s to a wonderful night of creating beauty!
xo
c
How amazing to have a man who knows exactly what kind of trinket you will love most… I love you and your blog and Mr. Lovee… I love ravens, crows, teacups, miniature things, Scotties, monkeys, giraffes, cardinals, my doggies, old books, new books, magazines, buttons, vintage patterns, abstract art and on and on and on…
I enjoy your blog and I love MOSS too!
Pam 🙂
I enjoy your blog and I love MOSS too!
Pam 🙂
I had not heard about the Coble family tragedy, and it brought me to tears. Beside that how can we ever not be grateful for the smallest blessing in our life.
I like to walk around the garden with my tea, early in the morning..but not at this time of year..it is freezing. BTW..loved your ice star..!
hugs
xx
What a lovely post! So, true it is the small things and the moss in the desert also fills me with joy. Those little bits of green, that whisper of fertility in an otherwise “barren” place. I put barren in quotes here as ours is not a barren desert. Nature is so wonderful for leaving us such brilliant reminders that life is good.
Today, I am loving teapots, cameras and bicycles, trees and bees and blueberries….
This post warmed my heart on a day that was a little sad as I said goodbye to a dear friend who is going overseas for half a year.
I’ve been sitting thinking of the little things that bring joy to my life… sitting and drawing on a stormy afternoon… curling up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a book on cold wet days… the feeling of the sun on your arms after a week of rain… a nice, quiet evening spent with the members of your household… walking around my beautiful grassy, tree-y uni… wearing new clothes for the first time… waking up in the night and realising it’s hours before you have to get up… eating chocolate and dried apricots while watching a favourite movie (world’s best combination)… the hug of a close friend… a feeling of achievement from something you’ve done… getting the water temp in the shower just right… finding the best bargains… falling in love with a CD and listening to it over and over again… rereading a favourite book… sitting down and talking silliness and seriousness with a beloved friend… looking forward to something that turns out to be even better than you hoped… those days that turn out just right, for no specific reason…
And my list could go on. And all of them are things that, even on bad days, are still there to bring a little puff of joy. Thanks dear Vanessa, for reminding me of that. xo
Wow, that comment was longer than I planned. haha
I love your entries!
Ms. Polly is such a sweet person!
Mr. Lovee is so cute with the comment about ringing the bell if you need to find him!
I love anything purple….purple paint, purple candies, purple card, purple hearts, etc
Oh Vanessa! You just touch me so much when you write these kind of posts. What a wonderful thing Ms Polly did. I am just amazed by all of the wonderful people I have met while blogging. Your Mr. Lovee is a true prince. What a sweet little present he found for you. You are a blessing and are blessed sweet girl!
Oh Vanessa, what a lovely post. It always cheers me up to read your fabulous blog each day (when I’m supposed to be doing some work) and to have such an insight into your world. Your Mr Lovee is such a sweetie, you are lucky to have someone that understands you so well. My Mr Lovee is lovely in his own way, but he really doesn’t ‘get’ creativity and is so utterly hopeless with gifts. As you probably already know, my favourite things are anything to do with Angels x
Aha! So it seems, I love everything you love! Dreaming, sharing, thrifting, painting, creating, random acts of kindness and my personal Mr. Lovee, Randy. He is sweet and genuine and loves my creativity, too! Great post, you are too cute!
As Always….Beautiful Story!!
Hugs!!!
Michelle
p.s. I HEART Random Trinkets!!!! 🙂
a lovely dose of goodness and beauty.
your posts never fail to warm me in some level.
……….
we have a starbucks in my town just recently, and it is the most boring, unremarkable place ever, so perhaps they are different in the US, i dont know, but for some reason here they are just ridiculously unninviting. do they make magic coffee or something??? hehe.
love ya!
xxx
Ummm….I love Mr. Lovee! lol Really, he sounds like such a great guy, so happy you have him.
Really I love old papers, ephemera. Can’t get enough! 🙂
Joy
What a lovely post, as always.
I had not heard of the Cobble family, what a loss.
So wonderful that special goodies were sent to Carolyn. I’m sure they helped to brighted her day.
The Gypse Theatre! How Wonderful! Everyone needs a special place.
Love the Doll House. I’ve been thinking that my oldest daughter and I should refurnish my old doll house. It’s not near as fancy as yours, but all doll houses are magical!!
Swoon and double swoon 🙂 thank you for the reminder to count our blessings. Loving the little details in the moss, the ice star (even the cute yard bell)! A lovely thing Polly did for Carolyn, we need more people like her in this world. I feel too greedy to ask for anything, so let the other ladies enjoy the fun!!
You had me in goosebumps at your second paragraph, tears by the fifth, and now I’m just swooning, like everyone else. Beautifully written.
What an uplifting yet melancholic post! A contradiction from you Miss Fanciful!!!!
So sorry to read about the loss of those precious children. That would be life’s worst nightmare. I am dreadfully and beyond sorry for the family. 🙁
And so happy Carolyn was the recipient of such a sweet and thoughtful gesture from Polly! I will pay Polly a visit now, to see her blog. I have not yet met her.
And you, seeing the joy and the beauty in everything and then reporting back to us, it is a constant pick me up to read this blog missy! Keep up the good work.
I love moss too!!!
xoxo
Gillian
**** I love the idea that everyone in the world has their own special little fairy.
*** And this is somewhat strang but I love how when a person cries there’s a melancholy beauty and hidden strength in showing vulnerability…and though they may not feel it at the time, they almost look more beautiful with their eyelashes wet with tears, their cheeks dewy and their l lips rosy and full of emotion. And how each tear runs a track down their face, telling a story.
Your post just makes me so happy… in so many ways. Thank you, Vanessa for such a sweet, lovely, touching post!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
I have enough thriftventure treasure to start a thrift… so don’t enter me. However, I just want to say that I love visiting here. You brighten my day. Your magical world makes mine happier and I’m so glad that I met you.
ps.. bluebird girl would make an awesome post card.. just a suggestion.. you know for Easterish.. upcoming springishness. 🙂
Hi there—I’ve never posted before, but look at your lovely site all the time. I was so touched by your posts this past week….there’s nothing like a friend by your side when you’re flat on your back-or worse, on your stomach!
I live in the middle of godforsaken Nowhere in Texas and have to drive 30 miles for the simplest groceries. So….I spend a lot of time alone. I was walking in the woods last week and saw a deflated balloon in a tree deep off the path of my woods. I happily, knee-deep in chilly mud made my way to the stumpy little tree, and the pinkish-red balloon was just shreddy and ribbony. However, in my heart of hearts, I just KNEW it might be one of your balloons! Although it wasn’t, it cheered me up just as much as if it HAD been one. It was just a bursted old bit of rubber, but I ambled out of the thicket with a lighter heart and humming a bit of something nice…maybe Mozart. Anyhoo—I had brambles in my hair, but the rest of my day felt more magical and full of possibilities….thank you for that.
-Laura
Okay, you know I love YOU but that’s not gonna work, so…. I’ll leave it up to Mr. Lovee as he has great taste (he chose you didn’t he??)
D.
What a lovely post. You have such a wonderful blog and are so sweet. How do you find time to do all that you do? I would love to be included in the treasure give away. My DH loves anything “monkey” and I am always on the look out for something for him to add to his little collection. Thanks for being so special.
Susan K.
I am not sure whether I posted a comment here or not 78 comments and I would love to read them all but time won’t allow at the moment.
That being said; I lovelovelove the way you think…and it seems I am not alone :)…I have made it a practice to remember to be thankful for the little/simple things in my life…as I go to sleep at night I count them in my mind and fall asleep feeling richer and happier.
One of the happinesses in my life is to have started a blog where I can share a small part of my life…and finding your blog…where I am reminded by each of your posts just how one is responsible for ones own happiness. Than you for that xoxox
moss! me too!
ooooh…look what I’ve missed! What a lovely post Vanessa. Truly inspirational and full of simple beauty. Thank you for the gift that you bring to all of our day!!!
If I didn’t miss Mr Lovee’s wonderful proposal to shop for us…I love teeny houses and dollhouse sized pitchers:) Hugs to you sweet Vanessa!! xoxox..jenn
Thanks for another fanciful footpath! I love the ice-art! I didn’t know about the family who lost their 3 children. I have 3 children and it is difficult to even contemplate such a thing. I just wrote on my blog about the Carrollton Bus Crash that happened 20 years ago. Many families lost their children to a drunk driver.
Have a blessed day!
KJ
I’m truly, truly humbled… You were the gift dear one!! Blessings… Polly
I keep a list of something every day that makes me smile; it forces me to really LOOK at the world around me and to enjoy it. Today, your moss made me smile. Thanks.
BTW, i love the color purple and anything that sparkles.
What a great post. Love the pictures too, especially the drawing of the lady in the pretty pink and black dress.
Hey Vanessa mou…miss your posts! finally got a chance to sit and read!!
hope Carolyn is doing well – she’s so lucky to have you as a friend…you’re wonderful!
have fun sweets!
Some time ago I was searching online for a friend who slipped through the cracks. I had no luck finding her at all … so I decided to look up her sister’s name. You and my friend’s sister share the same name. That is how I discovered you. My detective work got side-tracked because your blog was magical and witchy in wonderful ways. So that inspired me to create a blog of my very own. From that day forward I view life very differently. As events happen, I started doing an internal blog. Little, meaningless things can now have big meaning if I narrate them big. My mental bloggings don’t all end up on my virtual blog, but they do make more world view more interesting.
I think your blog is very charming … mine is not so much. I think am more cynical and masculinely influenced. My favorite people are all men; my boyfriend, father, son and brother. At the same time, I noticed we have a lot of similarities. My boyfriend bought me the Mark Ryden Christmas card to give out because Ryden is my favorite artist. Or one of them. I was so excited to have those cards, I blogged about it! When my sister-in-law received the card she thought that Santa Worm’s riders represented me, my son and boyfriend. I didn’t even think about it, but think she is right. I was happy to see this card on your blog. Too … Danny Elfman is my favorite composer. I have his collection on CD, and I have Lisa Germano on my iPod. I love “In the Maybe World.” I also live in Arizona. I grew up in Scottsdale, but now live in Mesa. And I make jewelry. It is my second artistic passion. Making lampwork beads is my first. I am completing a BA right now, while working full-time so my creating is very neglected. Maybe that is where the cynicism comes from. Four more months and I am going to burst my creative bubble.
Anyway, your blog always make me think. Something about the mention of Drakkar Noir made this post extra special. Recently I was in a store contemplating organic pizza sauces, and the scent came slinking over as its wearer zipped past behind me. I did not see the culprit, but I was immediately taken back to a moment in high school. Then I had to wonder if they still actually made that scent … they do! The olfactory memory is amazingly sensitive.
I just had to tell you thank you for the inspiration!