forest magic, tents, a bit of HP and a sneak peek


It's been three years since the last time we went camping and I have been dreaming about pitching a tent among the redwoods again.


These pictures of our tent are from my favorite camping trip to Big Sur four years ago. We went in November and it was just beautiful. I love camping in Fall when the weather is cooler and the leaves have already turned colors. Big Sur is the quintessential California coastal town. Quirky, artsy, down to earth and curiously magical. It's one of my favorite places.



We had the best campsite on this trip. Tucked away in a quite spot between giant redwood trees. Our family tent is HUGE. 'Too big to be allowed', lol, which is why my son and I named our 10x16 Coleman tent 'Hagrid'. But I love this tent...well I love all tents. It has a hinged door that swings open, these huge wings that make a cozy front porch and 2 dividers inside that create 3 separate areas.



When you camp here in Fall the entire forest floor is covered with dried leaves instead of dirt, creating a soft carpet that is magical against the lush evergreens. I remember sneaking out of our tent early in the morning...probably to go to the restroom, and taking this picture of our campsite. And I think my most favorite part of camping is waking up as the sun comes up and watching the sunlight slowly filter through the walls of our tent and then stepping outside and breathing in the crisp forest air. Pure bliss.



But I also love to stay up at night, curled up in a blanket just outside of our tent with my candle lantern and watching the little village of campers nearby. Tents of all sizes and shapes softly lit by fading campfires fascinate me. I imagine all sorts of fanciful things...like finding a circus tent deep in the woods!

Anyway I have been crazy busy. Making lots of out of town trips, painting a little and most of all being immersed in all things Harry Potter as Sebastian and I gear up for next week's opening day for DH2. We have our tickets to the movie marathon. Yes...we will be watching 8 films back to back! Movies 1 to 4 on Wednesday, then 5 to 7 on Thursday and finishing with DH2 at midnight. It's going to be insane but we had to do it of course.


Oh and here's a little sneak peek at the fairy shoe I made for Wendy's Fairy Shoe Swap. I wanted to have it done early because of all the stuff I have going on this month. I'll post more once all the swapping is done.



Here it is all wrapped up and ready to send out.

Wait...one more thing. Yesterday was the London premiere for DH2. We watched a 4 hour live stream and this is a video of the very end when the cast, filmakers and JK Rowling gave their final speeches. It was amazing, touching and it made me cry. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the movie next week!



I hope you're all having a great Summer so far!



10 comments:

Linda said...

The peacefulness of camping is the best. There are so many noises...that help you dream your dreams.
Your faerie shoe is wonderful, can't wait to see the rest.
We are all looking forward to the Harry Potter movie. we are on pins an needles waiting.

Anonymous said...

Camping is our favorite thing to do, too. We've been twice already this year and plan on many more before the snow flies. I agree...Fall is THE BEST time to camp. The smell of the forest when the sun hits it and the crisp crackle of the leaves underfoot. I've never camped in CA before, but have done tons in CO (where we live). It sounds like similar experiences can be shared even if you don't live in the same place!

Lovely slipper....very fairie like!

Hugs
Jan

AlphaBetsy said...

Oh, this makes me want to go camping. How beautiful. I have never been, but have always wanted to and this makes me want to make it happen more than ever.

I am so excited for the final Harry Potter. We are going on Friday and I can not wait.

Blessings!!

Celia said...

I wanted to go to the HP marathon here....but I couldn't find anyone to go with me....my daughter didn't want sit through that many movies....so I'm going to have my own marathon at home! And then we will be seeing the final one this weekend. I can't wait!

Marfi-topia said...

you make camping sound so beautiful!
I love that painting...it looks so ethereal and cozy.
hopefully we will be going to watch the movie too, Helena is very ill right now, so we'll see.

Margaret said...

Fab camping photos! I can just imagine to be there!

I love your fairy shoe, so wonderfully wrapped too! Mx

Ana Cristina Caldatto said...

que belas fotos camping! tranquilo... com muito verde!

chillin with Quillin said...

the tent in the woods looks so peaseful,and your painting is really lovely!, like the shoe to its gorgeouse, whoever gets that will surley love it!!!
Paula

Anonymous said...

I love your camping photos. The Redwoods look so beautiful! Oh Anna, I can't wait to see the full view of your magical fairy shoe! The sneak peek is amazing!

A Magical Whimsy said...

Thank you for posting this video with the July 7th opening for Harry Potter 8 in London. I only saw bits and pieces of it online. Practically our entire family is going for the midnight showing tomorrow night of HP 8. Can't wait! I would love to know where they are doing back to back Harry Potter movies from start to finish...that has got to be insane! But absolutely amazing at the same time! What lucky ducks you are!!!
Love your new banner BTW...