ULLABENULLA

"Sweetly At Home"

This beautiful hand carved and hand painted door header graces the enchanting home of fellow blogger Anita of Castles, Crowns and Cottages in Minnesota. Lovingly created by her husband Ruben, chief scribe of the blog  Rattus Scribus, who also happens to be the brother of Nancy of Fete et Fleur it set the stage for a delightful day spent with this wonderful couple!  These are the JOYS of Bloglandia!  Anita is a Fourth grade French Teacher in a French immersion school, and her home is pure Provence!  Filled with lovely hand made touches and treasured antiques, that sing of 'Castles', 'Crowns' and 'Cottages'!

Both Anita and Ruben are self taught musicians, Anita on the harp and Ruben on the guitar.  My husband, who ended up staying for a couple of hours talking with Ruben, and I were serenaded with lovely music filled with joy and friendship!

Anita and I had planned a day of antiquing but ended up staying in her home and talking all day!  We had so much in common and so many things to chat about, time just flew by!  The hand colored photo below, is Anita's Grandmother, obviously true beauty and style runs in the family!  

 

This delightful 'Castle Theatre' below, designed by Anita and created by Ruben, has been the place for a number of inspiring tales told on Castles, Crowns, and Cottages, and will surely continue to keep us all enthralled!

 

And look closely below, and you'll see a wonderful tiny velvet slipper crafted by Anita, in front of a enchanting bouquet also created by her hands!  Truly their home was FILLED with treasures such as these...

 

As you can guess, their Christmas Tree was also a true work of art, nestled in a corner, covered in glitter, feathers and romance!  

  

THANK YOU DEAREST ANITA AND RUBEN for a lovely day, and dreams of many more! 

THANK YOU NANCY for making this day happen!

May Angel Award!

Dearest Anita of  Castles, Crowns and Cottages has named me her May Angel on her blog!  Even more touchingly she wrote this poem - which I am honored to share with you here!  Thank you Anita for letting me be part of the magic you share!!!  

(Underwater Angels by Zena Holloway)

   

Glittered dreams are far from futile
When within them hearts unfold
This my friends is but a story
Of dimensions left untold

Wake up dear ones in the company
Of friends and artists minds untamed
Bringing dreams down from the heavens
In an image beautifully framed

Not with baubles, gems or trinkets
Though her art is fine and rare
Friendship, kindness are her treasures
Up at Castles in the Air.

Wardian Adventures...

What better way to spend a pouring rain kind of day, then playing with friends and creating treasures?  Yesterday I treated Nancy of Fete et Fleur and myself to a day at the Castle, to create Wardian Cases with John McRae!  I was intrigued with John's inventive use of Mica and Dresden and have totally fallen in love with his techniques! This morning I looked in awe at our creations again, did we really make those?  Above you see our finished pieces all lined up in a row, pretty wonderful don't you think???

Here's John putting his 'golden hands' to good work.

We were all happily focused and content...

My case is the one to the farthest right, with a half golden ball (below)...

And here is Nancy's - in front to the right with the delightful chains hanging from it...

Peeks From A Royal Birthday Tea!

Here are a few magical glimpses at Lucille's Birthday Tea at Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon in San Francisco.  Amy, Queen of Crown & Crumpet set a delightful table for us, overflowing with treats, decadent sandwiches, and a variety of teas.  The Salon is filled with color, and whimsical 'sweet' touches - a perfect place to celebrate a special day!  Here is Amy waiting on our Birthday Girl Lucille - Their smiles tell all!!!

And here are the ladies who celebrated with the Birthday girl, including Lea who also blogged about our enchanting day HERE!

A Mile-high cake sat on our table, although not edible it sure looked sweet!  Similar cakes and confections graced the room.  

  

We felt like Royalty and played tea like little girls.  Surely the Queen herself would have been happy to partake in our fantasy..!

Celebration Tea!

What I really love about my little neighborhood - is that I am surrounded by some pretty amazing artists and incredible friends! Today is the Birthday celebration of one of these wonderful women, for whom I made the paper-cut above.  Can you guess who???  Non other than the delightful Lucille, queen of felted fairy's and gnomes, whimsical fairy-houses, and lover of toadstools...  A flock of us are off to celebrate Lucille's special day at the Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon in San Francisco!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCILLE!!!

A Peek At A Special Day - Flora's Blue Door!

Nestled in a corner of S. San Francisco is a delightful nursery called Flora Grubb Gardens.  A true plant-lovers destination, the grounds are filled with a whimsical variety of plants, pots, garden treasures and amazing ideas!  Lea, Lynnette and I took our mutual friend and gardener Michelle there for a Birthday in the city!  I fell totally in love with this antique blue door, propped up against a back wall, and had to pose the birthday girl in front of it!  Her smile tells all!  What a wonderful day we had!!!  For more details on our day see Lea's post HERE!  

 

Dancing The Blues...

Thank you to everyone who has commented or emailed me about my DiZzY's!  It's been disconcerting to say the least!!!  I have an appointment with a specialist on the 28th, and hopefully will get some answers then...

Fortunately I have friends like dearest Lea who believe that I can dance even when I am feeling 'blue'...  Just look at this oval treasure she recently gifted me with, I feel like I should be waving my gown at the Petit Trianon not the Danish Landscape you see me in above...  She used a special 'transfer technique' that she learned from our mutual friend Marilyn Radzat and blogged about it HERE!  I love my Dress!  I love my Hat!  I love my Mouche!  And I love all the delicate details she wove into my essence!   Thank you Lea for showing me that 'Dancing the Blues' can be beautiful!!! 

Rumor Has It...

There is a very special BIRTHDAY today!  One day before the Year ends...  Can you guess whose???  Someone special has donned a CROWN just for her! 

And written a song only SHE will understand...  

The melody is filled with soul, passion, art and glitter filled ribbons woven just so...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  QUEEN OF CROWNS!