We have been having…
Way too much fun in the studio these past few days…
Then again, can you really have too much fun?
Oh, make sure you don't have a gumball, from my childhood gumball machine, because they're felt balls, and without the proper magical elixir, you might choke.
(weird comma usage, I know)
By the by.
It happened.
It got icy…
Frosty kisses from father winter, in autumn.
Of course, everyone gets extra active in the studio, when it gets cold.
Then again, they are elves 😉
The garden seems to be a-okay.
So, we'll see.
It will be interesting to see how long it hangs on.
There are about 100 tomatoes still out there on their vines.
My father is a real, honest to goodness, tomato pro (amongst other veggies, as he owned a produce brokerage for 30 years), so he has me doing all these experiments with my tomatoes.
Leave some in, leave some out (covered), put some in a box, etc. etc.
You'll learn something here kid, is what he says.
(he either calls me, my love or kid, or, mijita)
So, frost watch is in action.
Frost looks like powdered sugar…
Poor spider…
So, while it is cool outside, we are staying toasty inside.
It went from summer to winter in a day. We need to switch from cooler to heater.
Oh oh, you will never guess who stopped by?
He wanted me to send extra hugs to Rooooster (hugs from mister teal boots Rooster cakes!).
Then he stayed for tea.
Of course, I am babysitting a miniature ornery pup, so things got a bit hairy…
🙂
His tea was too hot, his tea was too cold, his tea was not sweet enough, his cake was too small.
You know someone like that in life, I am sure, tee hee 😉
Oh and, the phone kept rining off the hook.
Which I doth loathe in real, as well as in imaginary life.
My previous career made me phone phobic.
Whilst in the studio, my babies come to visit me…
I must confess.
Lately, the boys have been having a minor conflict.
You see, Miles really lives up to his given name.
He really does think he is King Miles of the Santa Catalinas.
He also has no idea he is HUGE, and thinks he is still a little baby.
So, the thing is, Miles likes to cut Matty off, getting in front of him for hugs and treats. He just runs right over Matty, and puts himself in between Matty and me, or Matty and Lovee. Of course, we do the parenting thing. No Miles. Sit Miles. And he does. He is a love. But then he does it later again, ha!
Lately, Matty is sick to death of it.
But I can't take sides because, Matty isn't a saint himself.
He taunts Miles with his treats, takes toys away from him, and is silently in charge.
They never fight, fight.
But, they do wrestle like madmen, and have so much fun running around together, it is palpable.
This is Miles coming between a hug with me and Matty.
This is how Matty feels.
"You dirty rat, I'll get you!!!"
So, in this case, I get on the floor, and we have a group hug.
Then there is peace in a fanciful twist.
90% of the time, they are in love, and all is well.
I adore them more than I can ever describe.
Oh oh, not to change the subject but…
I have been finding so many butterfly wings and lifeless butters lately…
Poor little butter…
I can't help but collect lifeless insects and butterflies that I find…
It seems so sad to just leave them out there…
And, because I am paranoid…
When I find a little bug, and I am not sure he is dead, I put him in a bowl on the porch for a few days, so he can leave if he/she is still alive.
Then after, I put them into one of my boxes.
Buggie love.
So, that is the 411 around here.
I slept with paint and glue all over me.
Is that wrong?
I guess it doesn't matter.
Not really.
So, for now we have studio fun, and frost.
Frost on purple roses…
And, frost licking…
He was most concerned about his frozen solid stuffed christmas tree.
As he cocked his head to the side in bewilderment.
Imagine being like, oh, this looks interesting, I think I am going to lick it?
Ahh, what a life 😉
Off to see the wizard!
Love, V
ps: Tell me something totally random. I mean really, anything.
Like, you stubbed your toe bad, or you ate a gallon of pralines and cream. Or or, you are angry or happy or, you you…. you were abducted by aliens. Or, you wish you were in….
Here is mine. Let's see, first thing that comes to mind.
I should have not had that weird little burrito, especially after cereal and yogurt. I thought that if I had the cereal and yogurt first, that it would cancel out being bad with half of a weird little burrito. But, it was not a very good a combo. Oh and, my nose has been frozen for 3 days. Any ideas on how to warm it? I put my hands over my face and breathe. Warms it for like, 4 seconds.
Dearest V, Always a pleasure to visit your little cozy Queendom. Must catch up w/ you soon. Looks like we finally will have a house, complete with canal and rowboat and plenty of room for your art! 🙂 Miss you! Lots of love to you and Mr. Lovee xoxox
Randoms thoughts indeed-listening to Enya’s My!My!Time Flies!. But for cold noses I like to wear a big tall fluffy warm knitted cowl, so I can snuggle my nose down in it when cold 🙂 Wamr wishes . . .
My random thought (really, more my current obsessive thought): I want to start painting again, but the first step is soooo hard for me.
Since I started Art-ing on a more regular basis (daily), I’ve stopped biting my fingernails…for the first time ever in my 40 years here 🙂
I had to ask for the seat belt extension on the plane yesterday….sigh…..i think they purposely make them short……..but then i kid myself…sigh
I`m back in blogland after a nice long rest….catching up on all your lovely posts!!!
GYpsy Purple xx
Oh I know how to warm cold noises! 🙂
Midnight Marguerite’s🖤 I love to visit, but have to fly………………
Well, my dear…
I was laughing all through this post…doggie ‘jealously’ fights over mom and dad…and who gets the first hug.
And the poor bugs! Macabre bug collecting, dead bug bodies…oh…sorry…it’s past Halloween!!!
And what a lovely light dusting of frost…it makes your garden indeed look like a fairy realm.
Well, let’s see…random thoughts…hmmmm…well, I like ham gravy over cottage cheese…I don’t know why. I would like to be Johnny Depp’s older sister, because I know we would hit it off as I am one goofy girl and can change my accent to Russian, English, African…and I change character at any given moment too…eccentric witch with a cackle, London prim and proper lady, Hunch Back of Notre Dame, running around the house like characters in ‘The Goblin King’ Ha!
Is that random enough! Smiles and giggles on this fine, crisp, autumn day!
Oh I long for warm summer days again…It is frosty here in Michigan. I went to take my furry ones out for their bathroom moments….The wind was blowing so hard 20-30 miles per hour and they just sat down, and looked at me as to say” what are we suppost to do?”…then the wind died down they pulled me back into the house. I suppose that we will try again later.
The other day in my car after running errands and on my way home my gps which was turned off in the glove compartment suddenly came to life on its own. Turned itself on and started talking to me from the glove compartment. It wanted me to turn around and go back the way I came from. I wanted to listen to it (but I had to pick my kids up from school) and go where it told me to. After all, if it was inspired enough to turn itself on and lead me in a new direction, who am I to not listen? I wonder every day now where it wanted me to end up.
Hugs,
Lisa
cold nose… ginger tea maybe?
Random things:
-my hot water humidifier was up on a small table near the bed, and now my ceiling is cracking (its ok, we rent LOL)
-I just got a tattoo of a bee, and its peeling and itchy and sore. But its beeeeautiful!
-I left my glue gun on all night last night. Its the first time, and Im always afraid I will burn the house down.
– Never cut/chop onions with a food processor. They wont brown properly.
– you said random.
🙂
A few months ago when I first saw a picture of your sweet Matty dog, my jaw dropped. He is the spitting image of my darling angel dog Nunzio who died months back. He was some kind of mix as well, same bat ears, same ginger color. He showed up on my front porch one stormy night in New Orleans and hid behind my my legs. He was with me for nearly ten years before cancer took him from me. This post about Matty’s little angry moments nearly seals the deal for me, they’ve got to be related. Far fetched I know…but gawsh they look alike. I must find his pictures and send you some you just wouldn’t believe it. Well that’s my random ( but not so random) thought for you. I looove your blog, it is a huge source of inspiration to me. Hasta Luego.
Andrea
Hmmm… something random just for you!
My Grandma made spaghetti tonight and I am quite delighted to eat it! Ok I suppose that’s not so random…
Anyways, love Matty and Miles, such little rascals! And the frost licking, too cute!
Please keep the chilly weather way over there 😀
We’re having the warmest fall in Sweden since at least before they started measuring the temperature. It’s crazy and wonderful! No frost yet – normally we’d have knee-deep snow by now. Fingers crossed winter will simply stay away!
It’s starting to get chilly here in Oklahoma as well, but no frost the past few weeks. (just a bunch of earthquakes!)
I’m jealous of your tea guest! Your pups are gorgeous!
Scrolling past the comments I read the Goblin King part from Teresa in California, so I had to go watch the Magic Dance scene from Labyrinth.
I just got the Winter ADQ today and saw one of your dolls – beautiful!
V,
Frost is lovely, and so are your pictures. And don’t worry, siblings have spats all the time, as you probably know. (I sure do.) They will move on with time. (Or not…my kitties still have standoffs. But I do egg them on because I want some entertainment…sorry, not helping.)
Anyway, something totally random…hmm…I am reading a book called The Luxe (that should be underlined) and it is ahhh-mazing!!! I love stories about the 19th century, don’t you? Throw in frilly dresses with lace and I am totally there. Oh oh and did you know that I might possibly kinda not really could go to France??? Okay, nothing is set in stone, but if I keep my grade up in French class, I could qualify for going on a trip with other selected students. And my mom would come too, of course. She always has to come with me on trips and such. I would be scared to go alone anyway. I am a baby like that.
Okay, rambling, I know, but I am soooo excited for this weekend! It is a three day weekend and Aqua and I have plaaaaaans…teehee we are going to have tea at my house on Friday whilst watching Thor (swoon swoon) and then a sleepover. After that we’ll go see the play Greece, go to see The Three Musketeers, and then make a gingerbread house. Oh and I am also going to be working on little crafties of my own…check out http://www.awoodlandfantasy.blospot.com for more details on that front. Although….I really want to post the goodies I am making for Aqua for Christmas but then she’ll find out and that won’t be good. I’ll let you in on the secret after it’s all done. 🙂
Well, I’ve been going long enough. Hope that was random enough for you, Vanessa. Be careful what you wish for….:)
Hugs and hexes and have an amazing week,
Jessica
A Woodland Fantasy
P.S. Have you seen the TV series on ABC called Once Upon a Time? Oh my goodness gracious…I love that show! If you are as obsessed with fairy-tales as I am, you will adore it too, trust me 🙂 <3
llololoollloolol “especially after cereal and yogurt” Thank you for that:) –The frost on the pink petals is beautiful<3
We have started getting cooler too. I got to have my first warm cereal of the season. Lots of rolled grains, rye, oats, barley, wheat, soaked overnight in almond milk with lots of grain germs, wheat, oat & rye, with yummie cranberries & pecans, local honey, lots of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, & cloves. The only thing that would have made it more perfect was edible glitter sprinkled on top!
You continue to be an inspiration for my garden. I live in Austin, TX, and we’ve had a horribly dry year plus. I love to garden, but I was getting a bit disheartened. But I see your garden and I keep plugging away at it. I’m starting to see the results too! Thank you. I love seeing photos of your garden.
Once Upon a Time is a wonderful show. Also, if you like them a bit darker, Grimm is looking pretty good too.
My little girl is watching a movie and has the sniffles, I am in the room right off that one and can hear her sniffing every 2 seconds…sniff…..sniff…..sniff….it’s been like a little comforting rhythm to work by, knowing she is just outside….smiling to myself cuz I know she won’t use the tissues I put next to her 😉
this wild random thought of mine… is should I paint polka dots of brown & soft pink on a raspberry pink dollhouse with a dark chocolate roof with magical copper brown glitter…for a little whimsical geisha gal by the name of Witty Bitty “WeesaBee” ~ who sells wings for one to fly & bee who they want to bee… that’s my random thought of the day…
doll house will be on its way to a exhibit in a quaint little seashore town in new jersey that has gingerbread cottages & homes through out…the town its called “Ocean Grove” its a little magical place in its self ~
hope you all have great random thoughts …. toodles noodles everyone & a honey of a night too ~ ;O) xox
goodness I can’t believe you are having frost already 🙂
you know I had a funny dream the other night, I came to visit you, but you lived underground in a place filled with tunnels where the walls were covered in silver trinkets and candles, it was very beautiful. Then mr lovee came in all grumpy and told you you had to throw out all your whimsical stuff and dressing up clothes and grow up ! very strange heehee
Love your blog so much. It is like air to me. Random thought: Living in Sydney, when the weather is getting warmer and more humid, is it wrong to wish for a week of rain? I just really love the smell of it.
mad madam mel, that is SO hilarious!!!!!!!!!!! I have to tell Lovee
that tale 😉 He will get a kick out of it. Especially since he is
way more whimsical than me, if you can imagine that, and loves to dress
up. He dresses himself up for all of my parties etc. I tell him
nothing, just to come and dress up 😉 Oh, the underground place sounds
beyond mysterious, like some Russian tunnel, where they hide rare art or
something 😉 haha! LOOOOVE the imagination! Thank you for
sharing your dream!! I love it! haha!
oh, by the way. Arizona is funny, since we dont have much moisture in the way of clouds to keep some warmth in,
it gets crazy dry cold by night and early morning dew leaves a light frost, and
then beyond sunny warm by lunch time. Like, get a tan warm. Strange
little place, I tell ya!
Anna, I want rain toooooo! Oh, we need rain here. We don’t get it very often. Maybe a handful of times a year….. A week of rain would be bliss!
Oh my goodness Vanessa, did Miles get splinters licking that tree!?! Hmm, anything random…well, the hubs has been home for two weeks, which has not given me much time to work in the studio or catch up on blogs (I miiiiiss you 😉 It’s been nice to get a lot done on the honey-do list, but I need my creative time back, tee hee!!!
Hugs (to Matty and Miles too),
Jamie 🙂
Totally random…
Coke is better out of a glass bottle…
Matches in Ecuador are made of wax paper, and so difficult to strike…
I was so tired when I got my coffee this morning that I poured it into a cream pitcher, and when I was done laughing I tried to drink it only out of the pour spout…
P.S. — best nose warming happens in that little nook in my beloved’s neck, and I usually get a hug and kiss out of the deal at the same time…
We have had more butterflies than ever this past year but I can not say that I have found any bodies or wings. The fact that you have frost already amazes me, but we are having our first snowstorm right now as well.
My son gave me a “new” computer and it is correcting my words as I type. Not sure I appreciate that.
Yesterday was my mother’s 83rd birthday.
Hello Vanessa,
Long time no see but your blog is as enchanting as ever. I’m back to blogging again, after a v. long break from Willow House, with a new blog and I’ll be keeping up with your magical goings on. Could that be considered random?
Something random is I finally learned Magic last night! No not magic as in witches and wizards, but Magic that card game that nerds play (I am pretty nerdy, did you know?) Anyhoo, I have always wanted to play it since forever, but never have. Until last night when a friend of Mister B’s from work, came over and taught me how to play! Yay. It is fun and I want to play more.
Oddly enough, the sun is shining and it’s gorgeous here in the Seattle area. It was up to 60 degrees (in my car in the sun) yesterday and it this keeps up I’ll get to actually see the lovely full moon tonight! I’m excited to see the Latin Grammys tonight and hoping to see Il VOLO win their 2 nominations! Those boys have voices from Heaven! Yesterday I was super hungry after doing a fast for 30 hours. I was up at 3 am, which would actually make it today I guess. I dug around in my fridge and found mashed potatos, pease and hollendaise sauce and put them all together. It was pure bliss… I like the idea about the cowel neck sweater, I do that, too and it’s lovely. Especially if you have a touch of perfume on the cowel.. Hugs to you and Mr. Lovee and Miles and Matty! <3
Sibling rivalry, gotta love it! It’s a phase… right? My bit of random: my sweet 8-month-old baby, Aurelia, growled at 2 boys at the grocery store today, she really scared one of them! She’s a growler. Hope he’s not traumatized 😉
Random things – My cat Sophie is chewing all the cords off my electrical goods.
This is the only thing that gets me through the day at the moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf5UEEs-ve4&feature=related
I met an amazing man this year and he changed a very important part of my life.
I’m waiting for something very important to happen in a few weeks, and I’m really almost praying that it does … even though I don’t pray, I am wishing on all the stars.
I wish I had a clawfooted bathtub full of coffee.
Well you did ask for random.
Hi Miss Vanessa! I have missed you!!!! This is my first day back in Internet Land! For my random, here goes…we experienced a huge freak autumn nor’easter on Saturday, October 29th which knocked out our power (including heat and hot water) and cable (including phone/internet). It was fun living a pioneer life for a few days – but it kept on and on and on. As a result of huddling near a fire and shivering from cold hair washings, I got a wickedly bad cold and complete laryngitis! But other than that, me and the hubby and the pups are fine. We’re very grateful for little life necessities and, of course, hot coffee! I have missed being here and reading your post brought a big smile to my face! Thanks for sharing some sunshine!!! xoxo
a couple of days ago, my coworkers (friends) and I blissfully and randomly burst into song….Africa by Toto. 🙂 Lol! so I’ll randomly serenade you:
“””It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from yooooou
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in AAAAAfrica
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had””””
haha 🙂
Well, while airing the house in the morn,
A hummingbird flew in lightly forlorn.
He was talking so fast and so free,
About the garden and a special tree-
As he joined me for Melange Special tea.
And while we sat and sipped-
PaChuco our furry doggie pouty lip,
Snuck out the door for a runaway trip!
He bounded so free and alive,
Right past the bees and their hives.
Down the deer run trail,
Laughing and wagging his tail.
He ran and ran to Chamberlaine court,
And then sat on the road like a wart.
He sat there and did not move,
Checking the scene with his groove.
So catching the stride with PaChuco by my side-
More adventure’s do call, trails into trees hall.
I bought some postcards from you on etsy a few years back. I recently moved my studio and was unpacking. There they were. As perfect as before and are now properly displayed in the gallery. They made me smile then and again today.
I burned my arm really bad making popcorn the other night. I put aloe on it, which usually helps, but it got infected and my arm got all swollen and red. I don’t have health insurance, and can’t really afford to see a doctor. The pain was intense and it was beginning to feel like an emergency. Then I found this tiny packet of special burn cream in my dad’s old first aid kit, and it’s working! But the thing that touches my heart the most is that even thoough he’s been gone for 5 years, my dad is still helping me.
My random bit – I painted my toenails the richest shade of Aubergine for Autumn – never once in my life have I had that color on my toes…..loving it!!!
Here I am! Late again! OK, random truthness. Earlier this week,I got a letter from my ob/gyn saying he is retiring. *Very sad face here.* I like him so much, and I have seen him for sooo many years.
Oh, and after getting my hair trimmed today, I found I had locked my keys in our minivan! Argh. And what’s worse is that *eekness* our extra keys are MIA. My dear hubby came and rescued me and called our insurance company because he had an inkling that they might cover a locksmith coming out, and guess what? They sent one out, and as far as I knoooooooooow, we will not be charged.
Oh, and I am enjoying watching the new show called “Once Upon a Time.”
OK, time to shut down the old random thought generator before I must be forcibly stifled! I enjoyed hearing all about your goings on!
Oh Dearest Vanessa!
I’m glad you told me not to eat the gumballs, because they looked so special that I wanted to try one! I saw right away there was something different about them and thought they might be sugar-coated and that’s why they were not shiny, but fuzzy-coated is not so nice! Thank you for warning me!
My random thoughts:
-When did I get so shy about singing out loud? Mr. V loves my singing and we met because of music, but I feel very bashful now! Something in my heart is just BURSTING to sing again, so I may have to. And Mr. V must know because he shared with me an interview with Brian Eno who said that singing keeps him young! Something to consider since I am really only 19, but somehow, I have gotten stuck in this 49-year old costume! What store can I return that to, I wonder?
-Would it be very bad of me to wish that the weather would get no colder than it has? NIghts are very cold, but days are sometimes 40’s but have also been in the 60’s!! Could we skip winter just this year? Please? I promise not to whine about it next year (much).
I love your purple roses so much!
Biggest hugs to you, your Mr. Lovey and the Funny Scrappy Dog-Boys!
Betty
Mr Teal BOOTS! Oh, he is so dreamy still-he hasn’t aged a BIT!
Randomness: i am so totally uncoordinated that no matter how hard i try i end up eating my Asian food with a fork, no chopsticks. Maybe the hot green tea makes me jittery?
I started watching football. Just Louisiana teams, college and pro. Why? I dont know.
I did just eat way too many carbs (biscotti!) and i want a nap, but like you, i find naps often make me feel uckier than when i started out…..
I wuvs doggies. but that isnt random, its FACT.
xoxoxo
Roostah
I want to just get in my car, drive out of town and see where it takes me.
Lovely post today as always!
Thank you,
Tracy M.
Aaaaahahaahahaha… Your fur babies remind me of mine… ^-^
It’s been so cold & windy & rainy here the past few days, that I was sure Winter had come to stay! @_@
But it’s gorgeous today (still cold though!)
I’m in love with your ‘gumballs’… My sweety has an antique machine, kinda like yours… I’m hoping you would take my imitation as the sincerest form of flattery if I felted her some gumballs? =D
I do so love & enjoy all the fun craftyness that surrounds you. ^-^
Your buggies are beautiful! I think it’s super sweet that you put them in a bowl on the porch, just in case. I spend a good deal of time rescuing spiders & putting them out in my garden. Everyone but my sweety thinks I’m nuts. She’s usually the one calling me to come rescue the poor arachnids… =D
Ok… my random thing… my new favorite perfume is called Earl Black (for when grey just isn’t dark enough). XD I’ve spent years saying I’d love to have a perfume that smells like Earl Grey tea (my absolute fav!), then I found some on Conjure Oils’ website. I am in heaven… and I smell like tea. =D
XOXO
Random thought – a couple days after your original post – just catching up on blog reading – I really need to let go of some toxic relationships.
Not trying to sound dramatic – nothing dangerous, just not constructive – but hard to move on from some relationships when they involve others.
Resisting temptation to delete.
As always – love your blog.
Vanessa, visiting your blog is like visiting a secret friend, who you can be silly with and share secrets and blow bubbles and play and just plain escape from the real icky world and leave with a bunch of flowers, veggies and a big smile on your face. I am envious of your “real” friends who get to spend actual time with you because I don’t know if they really know the value of being friends with you and how honored they should feel!
O.K. onto the randomness…I accidently got a new girl furbaby. My friend was gifted with her, but she has 3 kids and 3 furbabies, so she couldn’t handle another one. She conned me into visiting her to “see” the furbaby, but she knew I was a sucker and would take her home. Yes, she came home with me without the blessing of my hubby, kidling, grammy and my furbaby boy Lucky, who is 13 yrs. old. Scout is so full of snuggles and you sigh looking at her sweet face, you laugh watching her steal things that are bigger than her, but also she can be a terror and yip and bite, which leaves me with plenty of battle scars. My hubby finally came around and now she is officially part of the family, but I am soooo tired! It’s like having another baby again. And she is 3 lbs. full of energizer bunny energy!! Puppy races, instigating the big, old grumpy dog, piddling and leaving “gifts” everywhere. It’s quite exhausting! But I love her and I love my grumpy old furbaby and I just want them to get along and not be stressed since he is so old. That’s my random story/thought/ramble. I’m so glad I found your blog! P.S. The purple rose with frost photo is amazing, it would look gorgeous matted and framed. P.S.P. The apple pie looked amazing! I’m sure it tasted that way too!
oooh, I just thought of another random thought. The other day on my lunch break, I was walking through a parking lot and saw a heart shaped balloon flying by. A mother was loading groceries in her car and her arms were full, so she couldn’t catch the balloon her child had released from the back seat. Suddenly a man walking through the parking lot, jumped up Michael Jordan style as the balloon was about to take flight into the air and caught it. He brought it back to the mother and child and they smiled at him. He then left, also with a big smile on his face. I love witnessing things like that!