Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for Blythe dolls

A Rainy Friday Morning

August 30, 2024 at 8:33 am by Claudia

I’m sort of liking using a telephoto lens and not necessarily from a great distance. I love the softening in this photo. It’s so lovely and calming – at least, to me.

Sometimes I rely too much on my iPhone. It’s convenient. It does the job. But…the big girl cameras have been ignored lately and they need some attention.

It’s Friday. We woke up to rain. Sitting here while it’s still dark, hearing the rain fall, sipping some coffee? Oh my goodness, the perfect way to start the morning. The rain has stopped but I think we’ll have a bit more this morning. I was going to mow a bit today, but that can be put off until the weekend.

I finished another book yesterday, returned it to the library, and picked up another one. I started another John Sandford. It’s been a bit slow-going because my attention was scattered, but I want to give it a nice chunk of time later today.

Family Portrait

In case anyone missed this bit of information from Monday’s post, I am now moderating comments. That does two things – it eliminates any stress I might have discovering an inappropriate comment after it’s been posted, and it eliminates any stress you might feel having read it. It’s a pivotal time in this country and I will occasionally address the election. Just as in 2016 and 2020, “bad actors” will appear. They are not welcome here. A lot of bloggers moderate comments, I’ve just held off on that until now. So, if you think something has gone wrong because you don’t see your comment, don’t worry. I will approve it shortly. I’m on it!

I loved all the comments on what books you are reading. I hope you got some good ideas from other commenters.

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: bjd dolls, blog, Blythe dolls, flowers 14 Comments

Flowers, Dolls and Lots of Rain

August 9, 2024 at 8:20 am by Claudia

The second Rose of Sharon has started to bloom – the color of the flowers is slightly darker than those of its neighbor. Hang in there, bush – we’re going to be pummeled today with rain as a result of Tropical Storm Debby heading up into the Northeast. Lots and lots of rain and some winds – there’s even a tornado watch at the moment. Yikes!

Did I mention the other day that we needed rain? Apparently, Debby has responded to my request.

Don’s response to Debby? He’s going to make an apple pie. We haven’t had one in a while, so it’s time.

Yesterday morning was spent running to the post office for a box for an Etsy order. On my way there, the tire pressure sensor light went on, so I drove to the gas station and filled up my rear right tire, which was the culprit. Then I ran into the grocery store to grab a few things, came back home and packaged up the Etsy order. Then back to the post office to send it off.

I don’t have the space to have a variety of boxes on hand, nor do I want to amass a lot of boxes that I don’t need. So I end up seeing the two guys who work in our post office a lot. Kevin and Gene. They are such great guys; kind, helpful, and funny. Kevin is going to retire in a year and a half and we’re already sad.

The Olympics have been spectacular and such a godsend in the middle of this election season. We’re ready to get back to our normal schedule, but I know we’ll miss them. I have always watched the Olympics, ever since I was young. The stories behind the athletes are so inspiring. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re not watching, you’re really missing out. I am not an athlete – never have been – and I am incredibly inspired by them. Don and I sit here screaming our heads off as we cheer for the swimmers and runners.

Sophie was overdue for a photo. My first Blythe. She is so lovely. A couple of years ago, Rosa, her customizer, told me that she had been her very first customization. I was so impressed. Little did Sophie know when she arrived here that several more sisters would eventually share this space. Someday I’ll show you the freckles on her forehead. Adorable.

Remember little Wren? She’s on her way to me, hopefully arriving on Monday or Tuesday. I haven’t told Lily yet, it’s a surprise,

Stay safe.

Happy Rainy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, flowers, garden, rain 32 Comments

What Are You Reading?

June 14, 2024 at 8:09 am by Claudia

Yesterday, we mowed, tag-team style; the front lawn and the secret garden. We wanted to get it done before afternoon thunderstorms hit us today. Like some of you in the midwest, next week we will also be suffering through 5 days of temperatures in the mid-nineties. I am not looking forward to that. The week will become about watering everything in the gardens twice a day. And staying indoors in the a/c. Currently, we’re having temps in the mid-eighties, which is plenty hot enough for me.

No time to snap a picture outside yesterday, so here is one from last week – Lucy and Bertie watching me mow the corral:

I just picked up a book from the library, Sarah Perry’s latest, Enlightenment. I’m a big fan of her books and I hope to start it today. I tried to finish The Poppy War  by R. F. Kuang, a book I started a while back but put aside as I read all the Daniel Silva books I had missed. I am a fan of Kuang’s as well. She wrote Babel  and Yellowface, both books I really enjoyed. The Poppy War is part of trilogy that she wrote several years ago. I think she’s a fabulous writer, but I just couldn’t connect with this one. So, Enlightenment  it is.

Which leads me to the question: What are you reading?

Do tell!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, books, reading 34 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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Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

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