Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Spirea, Wildflowers, and Audrey

June 14, 2025 at 9:07 am by Claudia

Almost forgot to post today! Don is off to a gig at a Farmer’s Market. The protests weren’t scheduled yet when he booked it. So we’ll be protesting virtually, as he has our only car. And I’ll be praying for storms in the DC area.

I’ll keep this brief.

An indication of the size of the spirea, but it’s also misleading as it surrounds the hydrangea, so from this aspect you’re missing the fact that it goes way back. I’ll try for another photo when it stops raining. It was a tiny little bush when I purchased it and I had no idea it would spread so much. I need to cut some of it back.

Another of the wildflowers that pop up near the big garden bed. This one is so exquisite! If anyone knows the name of this one, I’d love to know.

If you missed yesterday’s post, Audrey made her debut. She’s a Little Keiko doll and I did the face up. Not perfect, but pretty good! Her eyes are green, by the way, but since I purposely took a moody photo on this rainy morning, they look darker than they are. I was sure her eyebrows were going to be darker than they are and that would have been fine, but they match her hair perfectly.

I’m praying for the safety of all involved in the marches, and of everyone at risk in this insane assault by EYEC (purposely misspelled.) We will  overcome.

Stay safe, my friends.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: life 13 Comments

Blossoms and a New Face

June 13, 2025 at 8:49 am by Claudia

The catalpa at sunset last night. It is packed with flowers and the scent is utterly intoxicating. We had to run outside to take in the beauty of the moment. We are blessed.

Mowing is on the docket for today. Because…it’s going to rain tomorrow. And Sunday. We’ve had so much rain this spring. The garden is lusher than ever because of that, but we could use a break. I had to spray/seal a doll’s face yesterday – several times – and I do it in the secret garden because it’s a bit protected from the wind. It is so wet back there. I was trudging back and forth through mud, it was like being in a swamp.

Speaking of that doll, here is the finished product. (I’ve had the head for months and months and only just now got around to painting her face.)

This is Audrey. I didn’t have a name until the very last minute.

Not perfect by a long shot, but that’s okay. She’s just for me. The hardest part was glueing the eyelashes in because, unlike a Blythe, there are no eyelids with a slight slit in which to insert them. Oh, and attaching the body to the head was incredibly frustrating. I cursed frequently, as it was the end of the day, and I was TIRED. I think I’m going to tighten that connection a bit more today.

I decided to go for red lips, because why not?

The Little Keiko Doll sisters. I’m a bit of a sap, but when I bring a new kind of doll into the family, I always think she has to have a sister. I don’t want them to feel lonely. The Blythes, of course, have lots of sisters.

When I got Wren, I eventually had to get Lily – by the same maker, Eat Zongzhi.

And a few months back, I ordered another head from Landazz dolls. Ruby needs a sister. She won’t arrive for a few more months, and to save money, I will do her face up myself.

Then, that will be it for the face ups and more dolls. It’s getting a little crowded over on the shelves. The only exception I would make, and that would only happen if I had some extra cash, would be a red haired girl from Dragonfly Blythe. Since she’s not customizing any longer, there are only so many available, and most owners don’t want to give them up. Understandably.

Probably a bit too much doll info today, but I’m still a little jazzed from working on Audrey.

Stay safe. If you’re marching tomorrow, stay peaceful.

Sending lots of love and support to everyone.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, dolls 12 Comments

Grrrrr!

June 11, 2025 at 6:49 am by Claudia

I’m cranky because someone was snoring and woke me up at 4:30 am and I couldn’t get back to sleep. Meanwhile, it’s 6:31 and he’s still sleeping. Ah, well.

This will be brief because of said lack of sleep and my rage at what is going on in California. Bless Gavin Newsom for standing up to evil. Purposeful misspelling to avoid the trolls: EYEC needs to be abolished. “Multiple Felonies” needs to be removed from office. March on Saturday.

The catalpa tree in bloom, though I can’t believe there are any flowers still hanging in there because of all the torrential rain we’ve had.

The peony should open fully today, it hasn’t been sunny for the past few days.

I’m sorry, friends, that’s all I can give you today. I’ll be more lively on Friday.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: life 24 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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