Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Chloe & a Big Thank You

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I’d like you to meet Chloe. Chloe accompanied me on my trip to San Diego last year and she has decided to come along for the visit this year. Knowing how much I would miss our dogs, my husband gave her to me last year right before I left MHC for a 6 month stay in San Diego. I miss them so much it hurts. I have a need to cuddle a furry creature and Miss Chloe fits the bill.

Thank you, my dear friends, for all the wonderful comments you left on my previous post. You inspire me and you lovingly push me to take a risk and go for it. How can I not? I have read your comments several times. Like Jodie, I believe that ‘we are the authors of the life we create.’ It is easy to forget that at times. Thankfully, I have all my wonderful friends to remind me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – blogging has introduced me to so many generous, compassionate, caring, talented people.

For those of you who wrote to say that the reason you are drawn to this blog is because it is authentic and real: thank you. When I was working with Amber on the blog redesign a couple of months ago, I emphasized that I didn’t want it to look ‘too slick.’ That was the only way I could think of to express my sincere desire to keep MHC what it has always been: about our cottage, our life, our dogs, my creative endeavors, decorating and gardening. So the fact that you think this blog I write is authentic makes me very happy.

Well, it is Sunday night and I have finished a long, long week of work. The first few weeks of Rep rehearsals are always exhausting. 3 Rep shows are in rehearsal and I am also coaching a 4th production that is moving onstage this week. There are not enough hours in the day. Eventually, I will have more free time…but for now…this girl is tired. I have one day off on Monday and I have several errands to run. On Monday evening many of us will meet to honor the life of my friend Raul who died a few weeks ago. He was a Stage Manager at the theater for many years and a very good friend to both me and my husband.

Have a wonderful Monday.

What I Miss & Thoughts on Blogging

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Some thoughts running around in my head today:

:: I miss getting mail. I’ve always loved watching for the mailman/woman’s arrival at my mailbox. I bet you feel the same. Will something wonderful be tucked into the box? Of course, nine times out of ten, the delivery consists of bills or circulars…but the anticipation is wonderful. Here? Rehearsal schedules. Period.

:: Even though I am very busy, I miss my daily chores back at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. My husband has those responsibilities now. I miss the fluffing, the cleaning, the rearranging and of course, the gardening. Here? I make my bed, I do my dishes, I do my laundry and occasionally I vacuum. There is nothing like the comfort of taking care of your own home.

:: I’ve been thinking a lot about blogging. I tend to gravitate toward nesting, crafting, gardening, decorating type blogs. There are the big superstar blogs that get thousands of hits every day and have thousands of followers and are always being featured in some publication. I am a fan of some of these blogs and enjoy reading them. Every blog has its own growth curve. When I started out, I couldn’t imagine anyone reading my posts. I also went through a period where I really avoided adding the followers widget. Eventually, I gave in and added it and I am honored that there are other bloggers who like my blog enough to become a follower. I’m sure that in the blogging world my stats are modest, though they make me happy. I’ve had giveaways but am not comfortable with asking readers to become followers. It doesn’t sit right with me. I am a modest person. I am shy. So my followers list grows slowly but steadily.

But I do have this wish to be published. My secret dream? To be in Artful Blogging or Where Women Create. Promoting myself has never been easy for me. It is something that I have to force myself to do. Really force myself. I’d love to see my blog mentioned in a magazine or in a list of cottage blogs or (gasp) be profiled in Artful Blogging. Oh my gosh, what a thrill that would be. Maybe by confessing my secret wish, I will be compelled to take action. This has always been a challenge for me. When I was an actress, I fought that battle all the time: how could I be nicely aggressive when it went against my nature? This year, I vow to take a few steps in that direction.

Thank you, my friends, for being there – for reading this blog. Being able to share my thoughts with you is simply the best. You are the best.

Vignettes, Part 2

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Hello, everyone. All 3 Repertory productions have had their initial read-throughs and discussions. Rehearsals are jam-packed, with all three rehearsing at once. I am also coaching a 4th production at the same time. Yikes. Needless to say, every day is busy.

Some more photos from Vignettes:


This is my friend Joy’s space. She is wonderfully creative. Her space is called The Vintage Rabbit, which is also the name of her blog.

Some of Joy’s handmade bookmarks.


I would love these old lockers – if only I had the space in little MHC! More mirrors on the right.


When I first entered the shop, Lori was busy creating vignettes on the shelves of this cabinet, which had just arrived. It is a massive piece.

I love sharing these photos with you and hope you are enjoying them, too.

By the way, my friend Susan has a new etsy shop. It is called Life in the Sass Lane – isn’t that a great name? Susan makes the most adorable ribbon tag blankies that any child would love. Some are of vintage fabric, some are wonderful shapes (like owls or strawberries) – all are delightful. Stop by and visit!

Have a wonderful day.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

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