Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Waiting

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An older photo of the kitchen in progress just to remind you I am still waiting for the replacement wallpaper – this seller is so SLOW! Again, a tracking number has been issued but nothing has happened since. And that was 5 days ago. I always suspect she hasn’t dropped it off at the post office yet. I’m trying to stay calm, but it occasionally drives me nuts. I can’t do anything until that arrives. I also can’t do anything until I decide on the hallway wallpaper and I can’t figure out what I want. Since I will be papering 3 floors, I don’t want a wallpaper that’s too expensive.

I can’t seem to make a decision.

But, that 3-D printed “mini Stella”  that I commissioned has been shipped to me and should arrive on Monday! I can’t wait to see it in the kitchen.

So, I’m just in waiting mode. I’ve done a lot of work outside this week, but the grass hasn’t grown enough to mow yet – it’s very dry here. I painted Don’s birthday present, which took about 4 days from start to finish. And now, I’m out of things to do!

I’m attempting to read Maggie O’Farrell’s newest book, Land. As per usual lately, my attention is scattered. But I’m going to make myself sit down and read a chunk of it today.

And vacuum.

That’s it. That’s all I’ve got for you today.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Flowers and the Birthday Present

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They’re coming! My beautiful coneflowers have buds, but this is the first bloom to show a hint of the color. I cannot wait to see them all in bloom. It will take a while for the coneflowers on the side of the house to bloom because some of them have been eaten by the deer. Grrrr! I sprayed everything with the deer concoction yesterday afternoon after spending a long time outside pruning, pulling poison ivy, and weed whacking.

Don had a wonderful birthday. He had a gig in the afternoon and the audience was wonderful and 6 of his friends showed up, so he was very happy. Singing and playing for an audience on his birthday? Perfect. I’d already given him one of his gifts – a desperately needed new pair of jeans – earlier in the month. After dinner, I put candles in a rich and dense chocolate cake (purchased at a local store) and sang Happy Birthday to him. He opened up a gift from a friend, then my card, then a new journal that he really needed, and then this:

As I explained on Instagram, I haven’t painted in oils for a few years, and – as you know – in the midst of this process I was sure I was going to have to throw in the towel. At first, I was going to paint the shed in winter, and I still want to, but snow is a tricky thing and so I stopped. (I’ll work on it again later.) Then I thought of the cottage. Don loves this place, especially in the spring and summer. Since I can’t paint a straight line to save my life, I decided that ‘impressionism’ was the way to go. And I sort of like painting this way. I wanted to show everything lush, and green, and in bloom. I used a photograph I took a while back as the inspiration, but I added lots of extras.

This is always my favorite view of the house, which looks very different from the front. I love our big old maple tree and the big garden bed, and the porch. So does Don. I was going for an almost magical feel.

Anyway, I was very nervous about it. Very insecure. But, he loves it! He went on and on about how much he loves it and he’s a real lover of Impressionism, so I think it was successful!

Until it totally dries, it’s on the piano, but eventually, Don wants to have it framed.

Hurrah, we had a lovely day.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

It’s Someone’s Birthday

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I love this man.

He’s truly the best man I know. He continually strives to be a better person – that’s who he is. He had a very, very hard childhood; his parents split up, his mother was very troubled, they moved constantly, lived on food stamps. It’s amazing to me that both Don and his brother turned out to be such good people.

He is wildly funny, incredibly talented, both as an actor and as a singer-songwriter. He is kind, compassionate, loving, generous, principled. His example inspires me to be ‘better.’ I learn from him every day.

He didn’t have a blueprint for a good marriage and his first two marriages failed. I was fearful of any kind of commitment. That this marriage works is a testament to our mutual vow to stop repeating destructive patterns, to do it right.

He is as honest as the day is long.

As part of his recovery program of well over 45 years, he helps others. He has been a mentor and guide to many people over the years. I’ve witnessed it on a daily basis.

He is the light of my life and I am eternally grateful that I met him, that I took the leap that terrified me but did it anyway, because the life I live now with him at my side was worth it. It means everything to me.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I love you forever.

______________________

Joe has had the breathing tubes removed and can use his voice a bit. He’s very, very tired. He’s under very careful supervision, is getting a lot of tests, and has already had a session of occupational therapy. Recovery will be slow, but so far, so good. We are all so thankful.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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