Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Twitchy, Lamps & Fonts

January 16, 2012 at 11:14 am by Claudia

I’ve had a twitch in my left eyelid for 2 days now.

It’s as if the eyelid has been possessed.

Meanwhile, it’s very cold here. I had my flannel pajamas and a shawl on for most of the day yesterday. Very cozy and, frankly, warmer than a pair of jeans and a sweater, which I also had on for a short time until I realized my pajamas were a much better choice. Does extremely cold weather make you sleepy? Must be the urge to hibernate that runs through us all.

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to sit here in my blogging chair and see this funky, cheery desk across the room. Seriously, it makes me smile. It brightens up that corner of the room. I brought the lamp down from the studio and replaced it with another cute lamp that I found at Target.

This isn’t the best photo; I took it very quickly. The wall needs painting, as does every other wall in this house. But you get an idea, right? A soft pink color on the shade that really suits the colors in the studio.

Here’s the question of the day: Brenda and our friend Nola have been bugging me about my font. The one I was using previously is Century Gothic. (I love it.) For some reason, they have trouble reading it. Yesterday, while on the phone with Ms. Brenda, we tried other fonts and this is the one I ended up with. It’s called Josefin Slab.

But at the end of the evening yesterday and again when I woke up this morning, I had a little trouble reading it. (Perhaps because of the dreaded twitch?) I spent an obsessive 2 hours this morning trying different fonts. Now I have no idea what I want.

What do you think of this font? Can you read it? Is it too dark, too light?

Let me also say that there’s no guarantee I won’t be messing with it throughout the day. But I promise to leave it alone for a couple of hours so I can read your comments.

Let’s close with a shot of the sky this Monday morning:

I’m glad I snapped it when I did, because it looks totally different now.

Go figure. Now I’m liking the font again. I’m sure that will change in about 2 minutes.

Update: Now I’ve changed it to Merriweather – Josefin Slab was just too light. What do you think? And yes, I know I’m slightly obsessive, but the look of my blog means a great deal to me. And if you liked the old font, let me know that, too.

Filed Under: blog, decorating, DIY 35 Comments

A Windy Friday

January 13, 2012 at 12:17 pm by Claudia

This is the kind of weather day that makes me want to climb inside the dollhouse for extra protection. The winds are relentless, I can hear them constantly. I worry about the trees, which seem to be losing more and more limbs lately. I used to like the sound of wind. No more. It makes me edgy and nervous.

I had a long day yesterday: four hours of driving in the rain, a full day of rehearsal – all on about 4 hours of sleep. But it was a good day, as well, with a terrific group of actors to work with and a director who is a truly nice person as well as very talented. Got home around 9 p.m., ate some pizza and went to bed. I’m catching up on all my email and comments. Thanks so much for all the wonderful, supportive comments on my two projects. I love creating and it’s tremendously satisfying, but it’s even more so when I can post photos and get such wonderful feedback from friends.

I want a real-sized version of this sofa in my living room.

Anyone want to climb in the dollhouse with me? We could have a cup of tea or coffee and a nice, cozy chat.

Filed Under: DIY, dollhouse, nature 28 Comments

Before & After: From Curbside Freebie to Pretty Desk

January 12, 2012 at 7:30 am by Claudia

Our little freebie, found on the street, has been transformed.

This was the before:

After:

I covered foamboard with vintage fabric from the 40’s to disguise the unsightly holes in the back. I wasn’t sure what to do with the slide out shelf, which was originally covered in this yucky contact paper:

I almost ditched the shelf, but at the last minute I decided to cover it with the rest of the vintage fabric.

The two different levels will be handy when I’m doing research and need a lot of books. Or for when I’m using the laptop and it’s not on my lap.

The only things I spent any money on were the two baskets, which were on sale at Michael’s for a few dollars each. Everything else I had on hand: primer, paint, fabric and accessories. The desk was found on the street. Total cost: about $8.00. Frugal has become my middle name.

Some of these photos were taken yesterday morning and some in the late afternoon which explains the difference in the light. I’ll probably add some reference books to the middle shelf as I have another Shakespeare project coming up. I also want to think up a neat way to hold business files. I need to find a lamp, as well. But this will do nicely for now.

When I first saw this piece, I was thinking, “What did Don bring home now?” It’s not at all what I’m usually drawn to. But, now I really like it. It’s the perfect size for this little corner. And it’s a little off-beat. I’m sure ours will be a beautiful relationship!

I’m driving to New Haven today for some more work on Macbeth. See you tomorrow!

Filed Under: decorating, DIY, vintage 44 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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Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

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