Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Before & After: Display Shelf

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A friend of mine, who had a booth in Heidi’s shop, died last year. Reyna was a lovely person, with a gravelly voice and a big heart. She was always very kind to me. She had a great eye, especially for vintage books. I miss you, Reyna.

Heidi gave me a few things from Reyna’s space. One of them was this little display shelf.

I am drawn to charming shelves and cubbies and all things that display tiny treasures. This one is a smallish box with a mirror backing. I know there is an actual name for this kind of thing but can’t for the life of me remember it. Anyone?

Back to my story: it has been sitting in the bedroom gathering dust for a few months. My desk project inspired me to bring this little gem downstairs and re-imagine it.

Here it is. I painted it with my favorite Benjamin Moore paint; the name of the color escapes me at the moment. It’s everywhere here in the cottage: on the island, on the kitchen table and now on this little shelf. The mirror was nice but not what I wanted, so I used some scrapbook paper I had on hand to cover it. (In fact, I spent no money at all on this. 2012: the year of being especially frugal.)

Perfect for displaying my growing miniature pottery collection. You’ll be proud of me. I even did a little sanding to distress it.
Yes, I know you can see the seam in the scrapbook paper. I don’t care.
There it is, under the Lost Lamb print that I adore. Where is this in the cottage? In a little corner of the den – right over the desk. The desk that will be revealed either Thursday or Friday. That little corner needed something in addition to the desk to make it mine…to say “This is Claudia’s work space.”
I like it.

It’s Time

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My house is a mess.

After a lovely Christmas, I inevitably wake to harsh reality. The fact is, there is much purging and organizing to be done here at the cottage. Clutter is running rampant. My closets are a mess. Everything, and I mean everything, needs to be sorted into keep or throw away piles. The spare bedroom/office/husband’s studio looks like we just moved in and are using it to store everything until we decide where to put it.

I still haven’t put away the summery things on the porch. Really. It’s December 27th.

More than in any other year I can remember, I have avoided certain tasks – like sorting, organizing and purging – none of which are things I usually want to do. Clean out the closet? I’d rather read a book. Put everything away in the shed? I have to google something. Wade into the mess that is the office? I need a nap. I just haven’t been able to deal with it.

I have a theory. I’ve been suffering from emotional overload this year, much of which I’ve shared with you on this blog. When that happens, I retreat to a safe place. It might be a book, or this blogging world, or my favorite music. I don’t seem to be able to cope with those other, not so fun, tasks that need to be done. I feel overwhelmed at the very thought of them.

I have a feeling that if I just make myself tackle one, the others might follow. I know I will have a feeling of accomplishment.

I’m just about ready.

Unfortunately, I have to tackle some script work today and tomorrow. That has to come first.

But the wheels in my brain are turning. It’s time. Wish me luck!

(I love the way the Hipstamatic camera app makes these messes look sort of fuzzy and artistic. Like I purposely made the mess to take an artsy picture.)

If you’re here for our Defending the Small House Series, Brenda and I are taking a couple of weeks off. We’ll be back with a new installment on January 10th.

Christmas Eve – When Do You Open Your Presents?

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I have become obsessed with these adorable creatures. I see them everywhere on Scandinavian blogs. In my usual fashion, I had to know what they were. After googling, writing emails and visiting websites, I discovered they are Nisse or Pixies and that this particular design is from a Danish company named Maileg. Thanks to my Danish friend, Dorthe, for helping me out on this one! Until I find a way to order a larger-sized pixie, I ordered the little ornament from Garnet Hill. Half off. Much to my surprise, they overnighted the package and it arrived yesterday.

I love him.

He will be displayed year round.

Who says toys are just for kids?

Today will be filled with baking, helping Heidi out in her shop for a few hours, reading a script and wrapping Don’s presents while he is at work. Yes, he has to work tonight. He’s feeling much better, by the way.

I found a ‘new’ vintage ornament at Heidi’s yesterday.

Beautiful, isn’t it? But there’s something even more special painted on its side.

A bluebird. Such sweetness.

I have a quick question. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning? What’s your family tradition?

I’ll be back with my official Merry Christmas tomorrow morning.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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