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You are here: Home / Archives for Dad

Chimes

November 25, 2015 at 7:50 am by Claudia

11-25 living room

It was a sunny, sunny day yesterday with the light flooding into the living room. I was sitting in Don’s chair, camera on the coffee table, Scoutie beneath my legs. Without the leaves on the trees, winter sunlight is unfiltered and beautifully bright.

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The birthday cards from Don, Scoutie, and the wonderful card Don gave me from my parents are on display on the piano. The Maxfield Parrish “Pierrot’s Serenade” is on the left. A McCoy vase and singing birds in the center, along with our lithograph of the Aquitania, one of our favorite things ever.

I love wind chimes and I’ve always wanted some for our porch, but it was never the right time. I’d see some chimes and almost  buy them, but there was always something more pressing that needed those funds. So I’d hem and haw and regretfully walk away.

When I was sorting and cleaning at the condo with Meredith I saw two sets of wind chimes. A smaller set was in front of the house and a bigger set was in the back on the lanai. The set on the lanai had a lovely sound, not light and tinkly, but deep and resonant. I asked Mer if it would be okay with her if I took them. Of course, she said.

11-25 windchimes

They’re hanging right by the front door.

I absolutely love them. So does Don. We hear them a lot. The sound is beautiful and strangely comforting – perhaps because my parents chose them. It feels as if they are speaking to us. Both of us have remarked that the chimes remind us of my mom and dad in the best possible way.

You see? It wasn’t meant to be all those times I almost bought some. What was meant to be was this.

This lovely, magical sound, once heard at my parents’ condo, now heard here.

Happy Wednesday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: Dad, living room, Maxfield Parrish, McCoy pottery, mom 41 Comments

Post Birthday

November 22, 2015 at 8:52 am by Claudia

Between the blog, Facebook, and Instagram, I received hundreds of birthday wishes. My cup runneth over! Truly lovely and deeply appreciated. Thank you. All of that love brought a smile to my face more than once during the course of the day.

The morning was difficult, with tears and sadness. Then I received a birthday call from my dear cousin Eileen. It’s the first time we’d be able to talk, other than via email, since Dad’s death. It was a long, wonderful conversation and by the end, my mood had completely changed. Talking about family and loss and memories with someone you grew up with, someone who shared the same larger-than-life (Eileen’s words and perfect ones at that) family is healing. I felt lighter. It was the best birthday gift.

Then I spoke with Meredith and Little Z and there was more healing. Another wonderful gift.

I took this selfie during the day yesterday.

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63.

It is what it is. I took it because I’m wearing a beautiful gray sweater that Don gave me 21 years ago. My first birthday present from him. I still wear it. I still love it.

Don made me a wonderful birthday dinner.

11-22birthday dinner

Those are my favorite Crabbiless Crab Cakes. Oh my heavens. Mouth watering good.

And I had birthday cupcakes. And a card from Don and a card from Scout. And a little present. My other birthday present has not arrived yet. I’ll share it with you when it does.

But the thing that Don gave me that moved me beyond words was a birthday card.

From my parents. To their daughter. From Heaven.

I cannot express how beautiful that gesture was. He is a wonderful man and I am blessed.

The end of the day:

11-22sunset

I’m not kidding. It was spectacular.

Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes. Thank you for being there.

Happy Sunday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: birthday, Dad, Don, Eileen, Meredith 45 Comments

Birthday

November 21, 2015 at 8:43 am by Claudia

11-21 newbornclaudia

Newborn Claudia.

I found this photo at my parents’ house. That’s my brother, Dave, on the left. God, he was a beautiful child. Simply beautiful.

Things I love about this photo: the cowboy gun belt my brother is wearing, my dad’s bow tie, the lamp, and that barkcloth used for the curtains and the pillows. I have a remnant here that looks an awful lot like this print. Mom looks beautiful, but tired, doesn’t she?

I was very sick when I was born. I turned blue and had something called infant diarrhea. So, though I was born on the 21st, I didn’t come home until Thanksgiving Day. For years, my dad would utter thanks for my homecoming during our Thanksgiving blessing.

All three of these loved ones are gone.

Obviously, this day is bittersweet. I’m trying my best to be happy, but I have to tell you, I’m mostly sad. And I think that’s to be expected. I just lost my dad three weeks ago. I’m still mourning the loss of my mom eighteen months ago.

Anyway. Happy Birthday to me!

I think it will be a low-key day, spent with my husband and doggie.

On the business side of things, I’ve listed a new Obsession Scarf on Etsy. It’s the chunkier version of the yarn I’ve been using, so it’s a bit wider and just a bit shorter in length – though the length of all of the scarves varies according to the particular skein I’m working from. It’s in a gorgeous gradient called Into The Woods. Beautiful.

11-21 intothewoodsscarfblog

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Happy Saturday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: birthday, Dad, Dave, etsy, mom 112 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

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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.

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