Thursday, November 29, 2012

Marble talk – a story

I've lost my magical ring… Oh yes silly me—the other day at work. I took it off to wash my hands and never in a hundred billion chances did I ever remember to put it back on my finger, or remembered that I had decided to wear it to work that morning. It didn't help either, of course, that I should, and did not, pay attention to sensations… for no wonder my ring finger was itching like crazy... like, telling me something perhaps? So now it’s gone! Forever gone!


A scary thing that of not paying attention to your feelings, or worse yet, forgetting things. Not only because forgetfulness is a terrible thing, but also because magical stuff that belong to you should be handled, or wore, only by you, and by no one else. If this ever happens, it could be disastrous.



You see, magical rings are like any common witch’s wand, and you’ll never know how these things would behave in the hands of a stranger. We are told that it is very difficult to use someone else's wand; and this is so true. So I’m hoping that whoever had found my magical ring won't stumble upon much trouble; much less provoke it. In the mean time, I'm sitting here in my garden thinking about what can it be done, and what shall I do about replacing my magical ring?...


Best go find Mr. Ollivander faster than fast!!


Remember Mr. Ollivander from Harry Potter’s movies? He’s the proprietor of a wand shop in Diagon Alley. So I guess I can always go to him and ask him to make me a new wand o’ ring. Only problem is, where in the world is Diagon Alley located? Does anyone have any ideas?  Besides, if I can remember well, Mr. Ollivander uses only three types of magical core for his wands: phoenix tail feathers, unicorn hair, and dragon heartstrings, and none of these are really suitable to me.  You see, I have another idea!  I found this little frog wandering in my garden and fell in love...


I wonder if I should kiss him? Maybe it will magically transforms into a handsome prince. In the original Grimm version of the story the frog's spell was broken when the princess threw it against a wall in disgust. But I couldn't do that.  I love frogs!  In other early versions it was sufficient for the frog to spend the night on the princess's pillow. Shall I take it inside and put him in my pillow? Well no. I have a better idea.


I’m thinking I want my new magical wand o' ring in real frog core. Yeah, that’s it! Wouldn’t that be extra nice? Ah yes, besides living in fresh water and on dry land, some frogs are adapted for living underground as well as on trees... and how cool is that!  So, I want a magical ring made out of frog core. But who on earth would make me such a thing—I wonder? Not that I don’t have any other rings, mind you… I particularly love this one, but, sadly, this old ring won’t perform the same magic as the one I lost… no, it’s not the same; not even close!


Maybe if I follow the floating lights that from time to time I see in the garden in the darkness of night, they could take me to a certain witch in the woods who would design a magical ring just for me? Remember Merida in the movie “Brave”? Have you seen that movie yet? Super super cute, by the way! Just like Merida in the movie, I too have seen these will o’ the wisps magical lights dancing on the horizon, I have hear them whispering tempting invitations… pledging the answers to lifelong questions, the realization of dreams, a key to secret treasures, for sure. Perhaps, these wispy little lights would take me to a certain shop somewhere where I can find hand-crafted magic rings in every mood imaginable? Oh I do hope so!



In the mean time, I guess I’d just have to keep imagining, keep dreaming and making up silly stories for you to read… marble talk? Yes!  ;)

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities”. Dr. Seuss



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Monday, November 26, 2012

This and that and an enchanted little town

I cut some grasses from the garden and made a lovely bouquet for my table… this is my latest tabletop arrangement—soon to be taken down, because I’m about to start decorating my table for the holidays.


Last month when we went to Florida we visited the nation’s oldest city and most charming and unique little town I've ever seen—St. Augustine. Have you ever been there? There's a distinct charm prevalent throughout St. Augustine and you can’t help but feel enchanted as you stroll through the quaint streets that  much remind me of the small villages of Spain. Every time we're in FL we have to visit St. Augustine. I so want to move there! But is it possible to have anything like a rose garden in St. Augustine? I mean considering the heat and humidity factors of the Florida climate? Any knowledgeable gardeners out there who might know if roses grow in FL? ‘Cause I must live in a rose garden wherever I am ya know! ;)
 
 
While strolling the pedestrian-only shopping streets in the heart of the historic district of St. Augustine, my sister Lissette and I discovered a lovely bohemian chic boutique with long, flowing dresses in soft and sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous prints, blouses and dresses with beautiful embroidered details, bohemian jewelry, sandals, and shoes. I was in heaven!  Here, Lissette and I admiring this lovely dress in deep burgundy and green... and yes, I bought it! You know I had to, right! ;)
 
 
Anyway, as I was saying, or meant to say when I started my post, when we visited the city’s visitor’s center I found a barrel full of faux ancient manuscripts.  I went bonkers with excitement over them, and they were only 4 for $1.00! I almost bought the entire barrel! ;)


I love the ancient looking patina and the mystery old manuscripts hold...


Of course, I haven't dared myself to unfold any of these ancient manuscripts… not one! Would you have done it? Imagine if by doing so we liberate some creepy spirits from the past? Or bring upon ourselves some archaic spell? You know, like the ancient Egyptian funerary manuscripts that were buried with the pharaohs? These funerary manuscripts included lots of magic spells for whoever unrolled them.


Best let these manuscripts be... or shall we go ahead and unroll them?


Oh yes I think I should.  Who knows, maybe I'll be the first one to uncover evidence about the times when Cicero and St Augustine lived! I’ll be famous… I’ll be rich! I’ll be moving to St. Augustine for sure! ;)


Well my dears, for the moment, spells or not I’m truly loving these replicas. They look marvelous displayed around my house… just love them! Oh and don't forget... one must throw themselves into dreaming with reckless abandon. Long skirts, layers of lace, and of course, as true bohemians, wear your old snow boots covered with sheepskin with pride ;)
See ya super soon!




Saturday, November 24, 2012

Family time...

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving Day... So much to be thankful for; including YOU, and YOU, and all of YOU my dear readers (silent ones too)


I know you all had an extra special day, at least that's what I want to believe.   I know I had some blessed couple of days... working all day Thursday and Friday at home... cleaning and prettying up things and cooking and baking and washing dishes and rearranging things again and again. Oh, believe me, this is pure joy to me!  I am never too overwhelmed with holiday preparations; never too tired of working extra hard when it comes to my home and family...


My husband got me some roses from the market in my favorite color to embellish our table. Love them.


No big centerpiece, just simply the best I could ever had!


We had a house filled with people we love, amazing food simmering in the kitchen and plenty of pumpkin everything to finish off our day!


I made the most yummiest of dessert ever after my FLAN, of course: A PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE.



This is an absolute amazing recipe, absolute hit! Perfect texture, nice creamy density without being heavy. Just perfect amount of pumpkin flavor.


I have eaten this so many times and every time it is amazing. Our friends and family love when I make it.  One thing I must remind you, however, if you're planning on making a cheesecake, is to not forget (like I did) to bake your cheesecake in a roasting pan of hot water to prevent cracks from happening. Hence all the extra amount of whipping cream on my cheesecake to cover cracks.




My daughter baked a yummy cherry pie.  Super delicious too!



I was feeling very tired by the time the last piece of pie was served, but I had a wonderful little helper!



I washed the dishes while she swept the floors...


 and beyond!


Have a happy rest of weekend, everyone!


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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Happy Thanksgivings!

Roses... reminiscent of summers past



Rose petals scattered around the house…



lovely in any setting 


My latest thrift store treasure... this pretty vintage Italian Florentine table… only $12.00—


I don’t know much about antiquing, but I did a little bit of research on the Internet and found out that this little Vintage table was originally part of a nested table set. Italian Florentine, gold gilt and hand painted on gesso over wood. This little table alone is sold for $84.00.  Now, that's exactly why I'm so madly in love with Mr. Goodwill Hunting! ;)  And aren't we all!


So, have you decorated your home for the holidays yet? The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all have amazing decorations and have thousands of Christmas lights beaming from our homes? I know you may find this hard to believe, but I don’t decorate much for the holidays. Only last year I bought my first Christmas tree ever. I have already decorated it and is looking marvelous embellished in beautiful Vintage ornaments. Found at our local Goodwill of all places... of course! No, I'm not a bit ashamed of saying this... not at all.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day my friends!

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Sunday, November 18, 2012

A movie and a book

As I type this I'm watching Guillermo del Toro's movie 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.' Have you seen it yet? Creepy movie, I'd have to say.  Awful creatures, creepy mansion... but the gardens, oh the gardens.... such a magical magical place they are... as magical as the mansion's incredibly lovely library room with its tall tinted Victorian windows.  But that's about it as far as I'm concern. 


This morning while at Barnes and Nobles I discovered Robin Brown's book, "A Bit of Velvet and a Dash of Lace".. Have you seen it before? I was totally amazed by her designs and fabrics, and textiles. Then I discovered she has a BLOG too!


Love love Magnolia Pearl's style and every piece of their beautiful, unique, and vintage clothing! Look at those awesome fairy blouses and bloomers! Love this style so much!





AND that bird's nest of a hair do! My goodness!



I so want my hair braided like that!  But how do these girls get to do that?  It seems mighty hard to me... 


How lovely... a bird-nest hair do! How cool is that!


Although really...  there are days when I don't even have to try...  

You just wake up looking like a true Hitchcock heroine!  Oh well! :) 

Wishing you a most pleasant week.