Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for dollhouse

I’m Stuck Here, So I’m Rambling

October 26, 2010 at 9:57 am by Claudia

A different view this morning. (Note painting by door that gets crooked every time we go in and out. Annoying.) Normally I’m ensconced in my chair in the den. However, that chair is not good for my back in its current condition. So the laptop, camera and heating pad have moved to a new location in the living room. I’m sorry to say that my aching back is still aching. Thanks for all your advice. In case you’re thinking that I clean the siding on my house on a regular basis, let me assure you, I don’t. The side of the house where I was merrily cleaning away gets that green, mildewy stuff occasionally, especially after lots of rain. I ignored it for a long time (2 years) and that is why I was wielding a brush the other day. And the cleaning didn’t injure me…not looking where I was going was the culprit.

Okay, since I’m stuck here, I submit some rambling thoughts for your reading pleasure:

::  If my beloved Red Sox couldn’t do it, the two teams I wanted to see in the World Series are in. Love the Rangers and the Giants. Mostly, I love that two scrappy teams beat the big guys. They play with such heart! Can’t wait for the series to begin on Wednesday. I might be watching it from the floor, but I’ll be there.

:: In the “Drives Me Crazy” category: the misuse everywhere of the word literal or  literally.  I hear it all the time: “I literally died laughing.” “We were literally sweating bullets.” No…you weren’t. Otherwise, we would be mourning your death or watching bullets pop out of your body.

I hate it when a word gets twisted into a casual, less-than form of what it was (i.e., ‘awesome’ – that’s another post entirely.) The latest example? A commercial for Dodge Minivans that has the tag line (I paraphrase): “…this minivan literally gave birth to all other minivans.” Really? That would have been a sight to see.  And this misuse was okayed by an ad agency. Someone actually signed off on the copy. Yes, I know that language changes, but it shouldn’t be cheapened for a lazy writer’s ad copy. Each of the sentences I referred to would be just as effective without the insertion of ‘literally.’

:: The kids have new clothes:

Scout obviously didn’t want this picture taken. Note slightly pissed off facial expression.

The ever-elusive Riley. Any photo of him requires some sort of sneak attack.
:: When I said there were no orange pumpkins here at MHC, I was sadly mistaken. What was I thinking? 

After the dogs reminded me about the dollhouse porch, I was shamed into taking a photo of the pretty display of lovely pumpkins – orange pumpkins.

:: I forgot how much I like crocheting. I’ve started a throw for the den and now that I’ve memorized the pattern, it flows and an almost-meditative feeling comes over me.

:: My Mom is scheduled to go home this Thursday. We don’t know how that is going to work out, as she is not really any better. There will be someone to help out a few hours a day. My Dad desperately wants it to work, but he’s 87 and this is enormously stressful for both of them. I’ll write more when I  know more.

:: Last but certainly not least, I had to share this photo with you. It’s my husband as young boy playing the steel guitar in his godfather’s Polynesian band.

He was 11. I can’t even begin to tell you how cute I think this is: the Hawaiian shirt, his sweet face, the look of concentration, the retro starburst clock. Oh, and his haircut. I just want to squeeze him.

Have a lovely day, my friends.

Filed Under: baseball, dogs, dollhouse, husband 34 Comments

Storms & Pumpkins

October 15, 2010 at 6:33 pm by Claudia

Oh boy. We’re in the middle of a nor’easter here. Rain, lots of it, and very windy weather. We don’t want to put the heat on yet. It’s just too early. But this damp, cold weather is getting to me. We’ve cleaned out the gutters at least twice this week and with all the wind, I’m sure we’ll do it again.

Here’s what we plan to do this weekend:

That, and watch baseball.

I’m inclined to leave the cabinet the way it is for a while. I might paint it, but the funky handles are growing on me. I also don’t want things to be too matchy.  So for now….it stays. Who knows? I may change my mind by tomorrow. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas, my friends.

I found the most wonderful pumpkin last weekend. Gorgeous, actually. Well, to me it is.

The light gray color, the texture and color of the raised, veiny areas, all of it makes my heart skip a beat. I think I have placed a moratorium on orange pumpkins for this year.

Where do you think I’ve put it?

On the dollhouse. It remains in the first-coat-of-primer state I left it in when I had to do all my prep for my work in San Diego. But, I’ll get back to it. For now, it’s all decked out for the season.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Filed Under: dollhouse 30 Comments

Snow, Dollhouse Chair and a Gift

February 17, 2010 at 7:08 am by Claudia


Yes…more snow arrived yesterday. There seems to be about 6 or 7 inches on the ground. Fortunately, it was the light, fluffy kind which made shoveling much easier. As Don and I shoveled for the second time, I shouted out, “Wouldn’t it be great if this was our last snow of the winter?” I’m ever hopeful.

I’m priming the interior of the dollhouse after a few days away from it. Not very exciting…but it must be done. The little chair I was working on taunted me, so I tried a wash of aqua.


What do you think? I think it needs something more. Maybe a bit of antiquing glaze? I’d like it to look “artfully worn.”

I won a giveaway at Mary’s blog, Across the Pond. Mary is a seasoned traveler and is going on a big trip soon. She gave us a series of clues and we had to guess where she was headed. By some stroke of luck, I guessed correctly: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. I also correctly guessed she would be visiting Victoria Falls. Doesn’t that sound like the most wonderful trip? Mary is going with some very close friends and I can’t wait to hear all about it. She sent me these lovely prizes:


A travel journal – now I have to go on a trip (and not the kind where I am also working!)



Mary is such a sweetheart – she also included two envelopes full of wonderful things for creating: labels, tags, cards, so many wonderful treats! Thank you, Mary!

Tomorrow is the second anniversary of Mockingbird Hill Cottage! I’ve recently passed the 400 post mark. What a wonderful 2 years it has been!

Filed Under: dollhouse, giveaway, snow 24 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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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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