Welcome, I couldn't be happier that you're here. This change has been in the works for awhile with a lot of thought and time involved. I knew I wanted to integrate the 2 blogs I had at Heart of the Nest and Imagination Cafe and in to one whole blog. It became tiresome to maintain 2 of them. I wanted the new blog to have it all, a place to talk and chat about the every day as well as showcase my art (see the albums on my sidebar). Typepad provided the answer for me so I plugged my nose and jumped in the water.........at first treading lightly I began to really get in to just floating along using trial and error all the way.(I wanted no assistance, I wanted to conquer it on my own) And since I needed a name for my new space I finally came up with one that fit who I am in total. Thus A Whimsical Bohemian was born. In a way it's like having an Extreme Makeover.........the facade has changed but it's still me inside. You know?
So when it was all done, or at least ready to unveil I knew I wanted to have a sort of grand opening if you will. Nothing with a lot of splash and fan fare but just to commemorate and welcome those who followed me here. (I am so appreciative if you did or if it's your first visit with me ever)
When it came to how to celebrate the grand opening I sought a little advice from a few varied sources:
I asked Mr. Gnome(author of "There's No Place Like Gnome") first, he's rather wise and rather seasoned and has a colorful view of life. BUT he really wasn't all that helpful. He suggested I take everyone on a round the world tour.......uh, if I could afford that I'd be blogging this from some Villa in Tuscany. So I thanked him anyway and moved on.
So I asked the Magic Troll, he's a jolly fellow who ALWAYS has a smile on his face....unfortunately his suggestion wasn't going to work for me either. He suggested a nudist party, "after all the weather is hot outside" he said. Truly you couldn't pay me to open an envelope carrying a million dollars in public sans clothes..... let alone my new blog. So I thanked him and moved on. He laughed and said "well, suit yourself". Funny Troll.
I then caught sight of Daisy and Lucy hanging out in my studio. "Ok girls, I have a question. What should I do to commemorate my new blog?" Daisy just turned her head with complete disinterest and Lucy said "unless you're serving tuna I could care less". So there you have it, my assistants are worthless in the idea department.
It was then I decided to try a more International direction and approached Niko. She is so lovely with skin like porcelain. She has a winsome smile and her voice is soft as silk. Unfortunately there is a bit of a language barrier as I don't speak Japanese and she understands only a wee bit of English. I thanked her anyway and we shared a cup of tea.
I decided to ask Guillame. He is from Provence and grows fields and fields of lavender. He smells heavenly all the time and although he's getting old he still works very hard. He said he wasn't a good person to ask when it came to celebrations or parties and such but he'd go get his wife to see what she could suggest.
When I see them together I am reminded of my height difference with G. They are the loveliest couple and she bakes the most amazing pastries! Her name is Aveline and she hugs like a loving grandmother and always smells of sugar. She pondered my question and asked me some questions in her lovely accent and then said, "It is not necessary to worry so much. Just remember, you are inviting old and new friends in to your new home.....it should make them feel wanted and welcome no matter what it is or what you serve. Everything is right that comes from love. Do you understand mon cher?" Oh yes, I DID understand. I hugged her tightly and thanked her for her help.
So I decided to set up a little area under Orangewood B&B - we can have some tea and a bit of relaxation. No big fan fare. Just a bit of color around and a place to chat. Sometimes that can be just as nice, don't you think?
Soon I will slice the lemons for homemade lemonade because tea doesn't always refresh on a hot day. I had to wait because we have a wasp nest that is buzzing like they're having a convention. I didn't realize it was so bad until, well, they started to arrive at my little gathering. I'm afraid their little colony won't be around much longer......the great G hunter is on the case. But anyway...........
I decided to use my much loved tea/coffee pot that my Mom gave me years ago. You ARE ALL that special to me and deserve the best. It's bone china, she had it for years with me nearly begging for it since I can remember. Then one Christmas she gave me a gift carefully wrapped and she had a sheepish smile on her face.I opened it carefully and there it was..... the tea pot. I was overjoyed!!! It is truly my prized possession. Aren't the violets beautiful?
I set out some flowers made of palm fronds, although not real blooms, they add color and flair. I like to be different and I'd like to say I made them but I did not. I do love fresh flowers though.
I set up the table with my best Indian scarves and because of the sun I set out a couple of parasols in case it gets too bright for you. Unfortunately Orangewood no longer provides any shade. I know it seems meager as there is no food about but that is only because the wasps made it impossible. I hope you don't mind. Like I said a sip and a chat is always lovely in and of itself.
You may find you'd like to sit back and read a bit, maybe lay a blanket on the ground and just leisurely drink your tea or lemonade and browse the pages. I won't mind a bit. It's all rather casual here. OH and be sure to look in that middle magazine as the wonderful and talented Colette is featured in it.(in fact her art is on the cover) Yay Colette!! I just adore her "Laundry" series.
I just love COLOR! Don't you? I think I am going to get some more of these in other colors this week.
I hope you enjoyed your first visit here at my new home and will come again.....I want you to know you are wanted and welcome here any time. Aveline was right..........everything comes from love!
this figure atop the box was made by Jackie at Fat Jak Originals. I won this treasure during ONE World-ONE Heart.
If I am lucky enough to be on your sidebar or bookmarked somewhere I hope you will change the url to this new one and come again! Now I need to set out and visit all of you......
All my love,
Lisa - A Whimsical Bohemian
