Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for birthday

It’s My Birthday

November 21, 2011 at 7:00 am by Claudia

It’s my birthday today. It’s one of those odd number birthdays that I can never really get behind. I think the only odd number birthday I was excited about was my 21st. I was 21 on the 21st. I liked that.

In honor of the day, I’m sharing 11 (odd number) things about me that you might not know.

1. I was very sick when I was a newborn – so sick that my parents had to leave me behind in the hospital. They finally got to bring me home on Thanksgiving. For years, every Thanksgiving meal was started with “Thank you for letting us bring home our daughter on this day.” My dad mentioned that to me the other day. It was the first time in a long time that we talked about it and it made me smile.

2. I have a dimple in my right cheek. I have a smaller one in my left cheek, as well. And I’m talking about my face. My parents love that dimple. (So does Don.) Mom used to give me ‘posing’ instructions for the annual school picture. I had to sit with that dimple facing the camera. No argument; Mom said to.

3. I cry very easily. I’m a sap.

4. I can burp on cue. Several times in a row. A lovely talent. My brother once told me burping like that would give me an ulcer, just to get me to stop. It worked. At least for a while.

5. I have brown eyes and one is a deeper shade of brown than the other. I actually didn’t realize that until a few years ago.

6. This is to be expected with the business I’m in, but I can speak in most any accent and can quickly imitate the way someone sounds. (Nothing malicious, mind you. Although if you cross me, watch out.)

7. I’ve been in 12 weddings. Just picture the many late 70’s – early 80’s bridesmaid dresses I wore. And the lovely hair-dos.

8. I often dance around the house. I’m not a dancer in any way, shape or form. Whenever I start to dance, Scout starts barking. Either she thinks something exciting is about to happen or she’s begging me to stop.

9. If I step into the shower and see a spider, I will turn off the shower to safely escort it to dry land. I’ve trained Don to do the same thing. We had a spider hanging out in our bathroom for such a long time that Don named him Sam. If I accidentally kill a bug, I feel terrible.

10. I know how to lash and can make a lean-to. Not that it comes up anymore. Just one of the skills I learned as a camp counselor oh-so-many years ago. I can tip a canoe, too.

11. I used to decorate the inside of my Barbie case with wallpaper from my godmother’s sample books. Then I’d fashion a hanging lamp with a pipecleaner and a dixie cup. You see? Even as a child I was decorating and re-arranging. Then I’d play Barbies with my godmother’s daughter, Kay, and proceed to tell her what her Barbie had to say. It was as if I had written the whole script. Bossy. My mom said my ‘directorial’ attitude used to make her want to throttle me. Who, me?

That’s all for now or you’ll know absolutely everything about me.

Filed Under: birthday 58 Comments

Sweet Birds in the House

November 5, 2011 at 8:00 am by Claudia

I’m having a cute attack. No, I don’t mean that I’m cute. Let me explain.

Some of you might remember my birthday gift from Don a couple of years ago. If you don’t, here’s a photo:

It was this parakeet lamp. I fell in love with it when I saw it in Heidi’s shop and Don took the hint and bought it for me.

It is truly one of my very favorite things in this cottage. I love it. I adore it.

Now look at this:

This little bird lamp was part of the same Petite Princess line as the chest. I didn’t know there were lamps in the line until I saw it on eBay. Then I let out a little shriek and bid on it. It was only a few dollars. It just arrived in my mailbox.

Don’t you think it’s just perfect for the bedroom? It may sound a little crazy but when I saw it, I felt it was meant to be. It’s one of those things that will have a special meaning for me. Both of my houses will have sweet bird lamps. I’m smiling.

My order of beadboard and trim arrived on Friday, as well. Now I can get back to work on the bedroom. I haven’t even touched the last two rooms which will be the bathroom and the craft room/studio. I will have to hold off on more furniture for the time being.

But I have that 1/2″ scale dollhouse kit waiting for me in the meantime.

Linking to Beverly’s Pink Saturday.

Filed Under: birthday, dollhouse, Don 34 Comments

Entertaining is Exhausting

June 25, 2011 at 10:23 am by Claudia

So say these two. I’m inclined to agree. The week has been about clean-up outside and clean-up inside. And a party. Now I need to rest.

Don thanks you for all your lovely birthday greetings. He was truly surprised and amazed as he read them all. You are the best!

We had a lovely day yesterday culminating in a wonderful evening with a group of musician friends. Stir-fry, salad, munchies and sugar-free Julian apple-raspberry pie. Though we tried to steer our guests to the other sugary pie we had on hand, it didn’t work. They know a good thing when they see it. Delicious! A good time was had by all and I think Don really had a great day. We have declared this the birthday weekend. Maybe it will be the birthday month…

Since it has been incessantly raining for the last 3 days, I was scrambling to find some roses that still had petals.

This is the simple jar of roses that sat on the table.

The sun is out, though more storms are forecast for later in the day. I may mosey on outdoors and pull a few weeds. Perhaps I can persuade the birthday boy to move the stuff off the porch and onto the side of the road where we will add a big FREE sign. I want my porch back.

Have a great weekend.

Filed Under: birthday, dogs, garden 22 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.

Thanks for stopping by.

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The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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