2023-09-09 14:20
If you followed the white rabbit, then you have for certain found yourself at our 2023 Mad Tea Party.
Alice in Wonderland awaits your arrival at her table.
With ruffles and teacups and old… Read More
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A Fanciful Twist Blog
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love
garden
summer
country house
older
vintage green cabinet
fairy tale
mad tea party
cabinet
mad tea
Artist, Vanessa Valencia, weaves her tales of art and life. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of drama.
2023-08-31 17:33
August sublime...
With raindrop symphonies and droplets on windows.
After the heat of July, the moody weather of August has been a dream.
Big fluffy clouds and loud thunder set the mood.
T… Read More
2023-08-15 04:26
The loveliest little mornings...
With my sister who is visiting me for several days.
I have always loved my sister.
We laugh at the same things and understand one another in a way no one el… Read More
2023-08-03 21:19
I was going through a stack of old magazines, when I came across an old favorite.
Victoria magazine October 1998, which features the amazing house in a beloved movie called Practical Magic… Read More
2023-07-23 22:58
A place to hold your treasures...
Knick knacks, tchotchkes, favorite old books and tiny things we hold close to our hearts.
Maybe that's why so many of us love a curiosity cabinet so much… Read More
2023-07-14 17:40
The thick of summer, when all the wonderful things fill our baskets.
Not only have I been elbow deep in canning plum jam, but the early apples are coming in as well.
I love nothing more tha… Read More
2023-07-10 20:02
Oh, lovely summer...
With stunning golden hour and winged creatures buzzing with joy.
So many memories of previous summers return in those warm rays of sunshine.
Peony poppies and baby qu… Read More
2023-06-23 15:34
There is no better place to go for clarity and healing than the garden.
At least, that's what I believe.
My gardens have been those healing and pondering places for me for over 25 years.
A… Read More
2023-06-15 17:01
This is a story about a boy who lived life to its fullest.
I have emerged from my grief with tear-salt raw face, to share with you a truly beautiful story about a sweet Matty dog.
Who I'm… Read More
2023-06-11 16:37
Hello lovely friends.
Writing to you from where the desert meets the forest.
Sitting under a canopy of wisteria, with my hair dancing in the breeze.
I collect buckets of these lovely lavend… Read More
2023-05-03 03:25
I made it a priority to admire and collect flowers for the 1st of May.
Time goes by so quickly, that if you do not slow yourself down to stop and smell the roses, they'll be gone before you… Read More
2023-04-29 20:19
There are a few places where you might find me on these beautiful spring days...
But undoubtedly, all those places are most likely different nooks in the garden.
Painting outside, at the he… Read More
2023-04-23 02:33
Welcome to our golden hour tea party.
My sister and I have been spending endless hours enjoying the lemon and flower filled garden.
Of course, I took her visit as the opportunity to have a… Read More
2023-03-31 07:27
I'd like to invite you into the citrus grove with me...
For a blue and yellow lemon infused tea party.
With way too many photos, alas it's impossible to choose.
But if I know you, you likel… Read More
2023-03-16 20:53
Oh, what a curious March it has been.
I have so many tales to share.
Kick up your feet and prepare for the longest post ever, perhaps with a warm drink and a treat.
The last time we met, we… Read More
2023-02-25 21:15
What wonderful surprises February has held!
We got our snow, which usually happens in February, but sometimes passes us by.
The country house has been an absolute wonderland and the dogs h… Read More
2023-02-03 21:58
The dreaming in February begins.
January was spent recuperating from December.
Snuggling by the fire, cleaning up holiday mess and painting every single day.
Sometimes, very often, into the… Read More
2023-01-14 21:23
It's been the loveliest little week.
The light has been dappled by clouds, but every so often the sun streams in.
I enjoy the conservatory, dusting dollhouses and going through my seeds.
Fl… Read More
2023-01-07 02:57
Another lovely winter's day, in the cloudy nook.
I did not intend to be writing to you from the same place as the last post, however, this is where you actually will find us every day.
So… Read More
2023-01-03 21:50
And then it was January...
With found garden roses, right before a wild winter storm.
Cloudy light and chilly air make roses very happy.
I pick my blossoms and reflect upon time.
How have… Read More
2022-12-29 03:25
I have returned from the loveliest holiday trip to my parent's house.
Luckily, just in time to enjoy a glorious winter storm.
Winter rain always makes me happy because I know it is doing it… Read More
2022-12-24 06:48
Dear lovely friends...
I am wishing you a warm and delightful Christmas from my neck of the woods
I can hardly believe that the time is here.
I have baked and baked my heart out this seaso… Read More
2022-12-23 18:48
Hello friends!
It's Christmas time, down to the wire.
I was frantically hunting for gifts tags just now, when I remembered...
I have oodles of printable tags that I have made for you through… Read More
2022-12-19 06:39
Every day we get a little bit closer.
With baubles and shimmering stars strewn everywhere.
The magic of Christmas is definitely upon us.
Clowns and puffs of tulle...
Bobbing in coo… Read More
2022-12-03 16:44
Cozy December is here, and I can hardly believe it.
It's so chilly and festive these days.
I love lighting my candles in the evening and making a heap of books to enjoy.
The evening light… Read More
2022-11-20 17:12
I had gone into the garden to collect some tattered zinnias.
I decided to take some books to enjoy in my cozy chair under the lemon tree.
But when I entered the garden, another kind of magi… Read More
2022-11-11 17:02
This month feels like a wonderful secret...
The weather, the sights, the sounds.
The key limes become yellow when ripe and are easy to pick.
Many of them fall on the garden floor overnight… Read More
2022-11-06 01:29
Our favorite time of year is here.
With colorful leaves, caramel apples, carnivals and dancing around the crackling fire.
Costumes and twinkling lights sparkle up the night, as we set our ta… Read More
2022-11-05 00:28
Dear Friends, I know Halloween has come and gone, and there were no posts here.
My blog service has been down for a week, which has been very stressful.
I am not able to upload photos as I n… Read More
2022-11-03 16:31
Dear friends,
I am so sorry our October was foiled in blogland.
Alas, Typepad (my blog service) has been down for over a week.
As well as just middling the whole month of October.
I wa… Read More
2022-10-26 03:46
Wonderful, beautiful, magnificent autumn...
Dear friends, how I have tried to get to you sooner.
Alas, my beloved October has spun right out of my hands, and here we are in the very last da… Read More
2022-10-14 05:24
Cozy October is the most wonderful time!
I am here trying to enjoy every morsel.
Apple crisps on repeat, watching the glorious moon, and doing some delightful crafts.
I've been making star… Read More
2022-10-04 20:51
With wind and rain, and lightning...
Magical October flew right in.
The very longing of the heart's delight, all you could ever hope for...
Swirled in on that last September night.
With so… Read More
2022-09-29 20:04
Hello Friends!
I'm not trying to be a ghost, I promise :-)
I thought I'd stop in really quick and say hello and give you a little update.
I know it's super annoying to visit someone and not… Read More
2022-09-24 18:34
Hello friends!
I am so excited to share some fun news with you today.
After keeping this news to myself for so long...
I can finally share my Halloween feature in the current issue of Holid… Read More
2022-09-22 21:26
We awoke early, plucked right out of a vivid dream.
Beckoned by the early morning garden.
Autumn had arrived.
We strolled around in the delightfully crisp air for an hour...
Peeking around… Read More
2022-09-17 18:48
Greetings from the tiny cottage friends!
I have been having the most lovely few days at the country house.
Many of you who have been here for the long 15 years of me blogging know all about… Read More
2022-09-16 00:42
Hello Friends!
I am writing to you from my country house studio today.
I have had such a busy few days, that I decided I needed to escape to the country.
Spend time listening to music and f… Read More
2022-09-09 03:35
I'm inviting you in today, to one of my most beloved secret nooks.
In my conservatory, I have a large table that I fill with dried garden findings and favorite books.
It's a very special sp… Read More
2022-09-07 04:04
We had a lovely weekend, waking up with the roosters at the country house.
It's so utterly cozy.
Light some candles, reach for a good book.
And, you'll never believe this, but my white pump… Read More
2022-09-02 17:42
The garden went into September with a Little Red Riding Hood Feel.
There is shade from all the growth of the trees and roses due to all the rain, which creates a positively moody ambience… Read More
2022-08-29 17:50
The most unexpected little adventure took place in the monsoon garden today.
And because we celebrate Alice every summer and have for over 10 years -
I only thought it proper to invite you… Read More
2022-08-23 17:58
Oh summer...
I'm just getting used to you, and somehow it has become the end of August.
The garden is full to bursting from an incredible monsoon season.
Lucky for us, summer lasts until H… Read More
2022-08-19 00:57
For the last 5 years I have been doing a bunch of projects on a house.
A house that has become very dear to me because of how much I've done inside and outside.
It is a curious place filled… Read More
2022-08-16 01:19
Hello Friends♡
Happy fresh new week.
I found some roses in the August garden Today.
I simply could not believe it, as some of these only bloom in spring & autumn, so I brought a f… Read More
2022-08-13 18:56
Happy weekend friends.
I have a little visitor in my home this weekend...
Speaking of visiters vs. visitors.
I've decided to come over to have a cup of tea with you before rushing off to do… Read More
2022-08-09 01:35
Hello friends
I thought you might like to join us in our daily morning adventures.
We begin by flipping the lights on in the kitchen and grabbing a basket to gather garden findings.
We are… Read More
2022-08-06 19:23
Hello friends!
I hope you are well in your neck of the woods, and that you are having a swell summer.
My summer is really in full swing right now...
With zinnias and cosmos becoming 4 fee… Read More
2022-05-20 14:43
Hello from the land of giant flowers!
Belled, ruffled, swaying in the breeze.
All brought to you from Teddy.
Because, let's face it, it's Teddy's garden now.
He's in charge, master verbena… Read More
2022-05-01 16:14
It was such a beautiful day in the garden today.
I was compelled to take bunches of photos to share with you.
I started out with a cup a tea and a little reading in the early cool breeze… Read More
2022-04-23 23:49
I was tending my roses in the garden this morning...
When I realized that it felt like the perfect moment to have a tea party.
The weather was beyond glorious, the birds were tweeting madl… Read More
2022-04-17 00:33
Happy April dear friends!
There are blossoms beginning everywhere, I even saw my first poppy this week, followed by 3 more.
I am painting flowers day and night, when I am not busy busy with… Read More
2022-03-24 01:52
Wonderful truth!
It is spring once again.
Oh spring, how I missed you.
Now, if only it would last longer.
I'm enjoying it through the eyes of a puppy.
Scampering out into the cool morning… Read More
2022-02-22 01:51
Hello friends!
An update from my crazy little world.
Land of wild puppy, and a combination of super chilly and oddly warm days.
I'm not sure why my photos are uploading fuzzy, when they ar… Read More
2022-01-10 20:14
Yes, it's true, we have our very own Teddy!
Can you believe it?
I almost can't, someone please pinch me!
For the last week I have disappeared into the new baby nights and getting to know my… Read More
2022-01-03 04:14
Chilly days bring many cozy nooks.
They're not planned, but sort of evolve on their own.
The only thing the prints and patterns in my home have in common, is that I like them.
Over the year… Read More
2022-01-02 04:09
I awoke to rain splashing on my window, and cold snowcapped mountains.
Huge fluffy clouds filled the sky.
I was busy most of the day, and decided to relax at the fire when afternoon rolled a… Read More
2021-12-20 06:31
Hello Friends!
I finally finished my little mushroom sculptures.
I decided to add gold leaf and antique mica flakes as well.
They were extra fun to sculpt as I worked on the details.
I ha… Read More
2021-12-15 22:41
Hello December, and hello friends!
I finally got some baubles twinkling up my house, after being so crazy busy the last month.
I got really busy a few days before Thanksgiving, and then it… Read More
2021-11-24 20:14
Oh, beautiful November...
When the garden puts on a last show, autumnal specimina make their way to the mantel, and arbors get gobbled by summer's vines.
And finally, finally certain growin… Read More
2021-10-31 21:25
Happy Halloween dear friends!
Today we would like to take you with us into a tale, a place in time, that we've conjured up for this year's festivities.
We invite you into our old-fashioned… Read More
2021-10-28 23:08
It's not Halloween without a little tea party now, is it?
We have sweets and treats a plenty, and an endless selection of tea.
Cauldrons of magic and cackles galore.
We've saved a spot ju… Read More
2021-10-16 15:43
I've been having so much fun this October...
Sparkling things up (truth be told, I began in September) and enjoying the twinkle lights.
I made tulle pom-poms that are pretending to be ectop… Read More
2021-10-06 06:32
Welcome October (5th)!
How could I be 5 days late?
Well, I've simply been bewitched by one of my favorite months.
I've been glittering things up, painting late at night, enjoying cool walks… Read More
2021-09-24 19:20
Hello friends!
I finished painting my piece of furniture last week...
And now I am spooking it up a little bit.
Truth be told, I had painted it peachy pink and fully decorated it for Hallow… Read More
2021-09-22 20:15
I woke up this morning, groggily opened the door, and felt it immediately...
The tinge of cool swirling in the warm breeze.
Bliss.
Memories.
I whispered, I know you.
I threw on my shoes and… Read More
2021-09-21 06:21
Two more days until the official first day of autumn.
I can feel it in the evening air, can you?
This is a similar intro photo, as seen in the last post, only taken in the opposite directio… Read More
2021-09-14 19:02
Oh wing and petal, butterfly summer of my heart...
Where blossoms have grown into trees...
And in the darkest nooks, fairy tale mushrooms have appeared in abundance.
Whispering tales of au… Read More
2021-09-06 21:35
Hello friends!
I've been trying to get here for 3 days to tell you all my stories.
I had garden chores and endless things -
But here I am, with an extra long post for you today.
The tale of… Read More
2021-09-02 02:08
September, of Studio and garden...
My two most happy places.
The rain, well, I shan't repeat myself over and over -
But the rain has created this space I tend and wander around in at first… Read More
2021-08-29 15:15
The end of August opens the door to a wave of garden magic.
When monsoon rain is still here, and flowers begin another spring.
The wildness of my garden is beyond words.
You'd have to stan… Read More
2021-08-24 04:36
Did someone say, day 8?
I simply couldn't help myself, I thought I'd stop in for a little hello.
Sometimes I have top rub my eyes in my disbelief of what this garden is doing.
It was dry ca… Read More
2021-08-23 06:44
It is day 7, how can it be?
We must have a tiny celebration, so...
I thought it would only be appropriate to have you over for golden hour tea.
I'm sneaking you into my secret sitting room… Read More
2021-08-22 00:50
I thought today might be a lovely day to venture into the past...
Into a time of delicate lace, embroidered flowers and pink velvet trim.
Can you even begin to imagine that such a beautifu… Read More
2021-08-21 04:39
Ah, golden hour...
How can one resist it?
I am lucky to face north, so I get both morning and afternoon light in both gardens.
I feel so small strolling through my paths, with the rain turn… Read More
2021-08-20 02:17
Into the night garden...
Just as the sun is setting, candles are lit, with curious birdsong echoing.
Through the secret garden gate, into the wild.
A perfect evening for tales, as a storm… Read More
2021-08-18 18:06
I sit at my window, looking at huge fluffy clouds and tree tops bobbing in the breeze.
The sun peeks in and out from behind the clouds.
Bright, then shadows, then bright again...
Windows be… Read More
2021-08-17 22:55
Day two and here I am, as promised.
I spent the day doing botanical kitchen experiments and paint chemistry yesterday.
I had sooo much fun making tempera paints, I was like a mad chemist, p… Read More
2021-08-16 19:09
Where you shall find me, if you can find me...
Is here!
I hope you enjoyed our Mad Tea Party in the last post, I know I did.
I loved everyone's contributions with their own party, such a de… Read More
2021-07-24 12:00
Hello and welcome dear Wonderland guests.
I have a tale for you.
Of course it is true, and real to be sure, but some things you simply must see to believe...
You see, grown Alice woke up on… Read More
2021-07-15 03:17
It's time to plunge right into the fun of one of our virtual Mad Tea Parties!
Yes, It's true!
(details about participating will be shared at the end of this post)
I started these tea partie… Read More
2021-07-03 16:53
It is time for apples my pretties...
Come closer, go ahead, don't be shy.
Take a bite.
I would be a nice witch though.
I'd recruit Hansel and Gretel to deliver garden goodies in a beautifu… Read More
2021-06-30 02:52
Hello dear friends!
I hope you are doing well in your neck of the woods.
I've been working on so many arty projects lately, including this lil' cutie...
She is a recently completed custom B… Read More
2021-06-23 19:56
Hello vintage summer.
Cosmos, old books, zinnias, early apples, sandal tanned feet, ice cubes, hollyhocks.
I've been right here...
Playing with watercolors at night, going through old paper… Read More
2021-05-23 15:11
I wanted to take a moment to share my tale about the last year with you...
Before time escapes like petals in the wind.
A tale about a garden I set out to build at the beginning of the pande… Read More
2021-05-01 22:12
Welcome May...
There are so many flowers in the garden, and because I owe you a few posts...
I decided to make this one extra floriferously long.
I was in the garden early this morning fill… Read More
2021-04-09 23:27
Spring is all around...
The Gene Boerner roses are in full bloom.
I've had 2 dozen spring gardens in my life, and yet every year the miracle of blossoms is uniquely amazing.
The wisteria in… Read More
2021-04-01 15:03
Oh apple blossoms...
Yes, they are still around, definitely making garden insects and garden human happy.
I realize I might have become utterly boring, what with incessant garden chatter … Read More
2021-03-21 21:57
Spring is finally here my friends!
I know some of you are still in the cold, but in the high desert things are definitely changing.
The camellias are always in full bloom on the last day of… Read More
2021-03-05 16:27
Spring is in the air in my neck of the woods friends.
We had our cold snap last month, as we normally do in February, and now the fruit trees are happy to blossom.
They always need a cold… Read More
2021-02-24 17:14
A beautiful morning.
How I love a beautiful morning.
When the air is crisp and cool, the sun bright and golden.
I fluff pillows and dust shelves.
Read a few pages of a book, light classica… Read More
2021-02-18 00:10
The winter garden has been the most kind to me this year.
The birds are poking holes in the oranges and sucking out the juice, so I've been making sure to have my fair share as well.
I have… Read More
2021-02-10 20:46
January to February, like a hazy winter blur of lovely things really.
(I encourage you to press play on the video at the end of this post and then return back here to the beginning, to have… Read More
2020-12-31 21:37
I have this little secret belief...
That perhaps whatever you are doing when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st...
Is what you will be doing more of in the new year.
So, I have m… Read More
2020-12-29 20:20
Christmas magic still fills the air...
As it is only the 5th day in the 12 days of Christmas.
I always feel that, the certain kind of cozy twinkle light ambience that surrounds us on the d… Read More
2020-12-21 23:40
And then, just like that, the saddest day was upon us...
We had exactly one whole gifted year with him, after his diagnosis with terminal cancer.
But still, there are never enough hugs.
Nev… Read More
2020-12-06 04:02
The Christmas goose has made a bed of ribbons and sparkles to lay her fancy eggs in.
I had decided that this year I would have a really natural Christmas.
Just greens and garden findings.
Bu… Read More
2020-12-05 00:09
It's time to crack open the Christmas cabinet...
Or maybe I already have :-)
My poor colorful glass collection has slowly become overrun by holiday baubles.
I love seeing them here through… Read More
2020-11-07 02:57
November is such a peaceful month in many ways.
The garden continues to flourish, but also it's time to peek around searching for the seeds of next spring.
Which flowers to pluck seeds from… Read More
2020-11-03 04:10
Floriferous Novembers of the high desert...
Some of the best memories ever.
The marigolds are plentiful, fluffy in orange and yellow.
The smaller French marigolds are from seeds my mom gave… Read More
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