Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Archives for film

Resting Up

November 26, 2021 at 9:16 am by Claudia

I’m so out of the rhythm of posting every day! I was sitting at the table this morning, working on my jigsaw puzzle when I suddenly realized I had to write a post. Two more weeks, then maybe a recovery day or two, and then I’ll get back on a regular schedule.

I worked two days this week but they were the toughest days so far. On Tuesday, I had to meet up with the van in Manhattan at 5:30 am, which meant I got up at 3:30 am in order to take the subway to the meet-up point. Then we drove to a beach on Long Island. It was beautiful in the morning, as you can see:

But don’t let that fool you. It was unbelievably cold and windy all day. And we were outside. No room in the interior of the cottage that was being used, so everything had to be set up outside. I had on three layers: long underwear, two pairs of socks, a thermal shirt, a sweatshirt and a down jacket, along with a hat and scarf. And I was still freezing, as was everyone else.We were out there for more than 12 hours.

Words cannot express how cold it was. All in all, it was a 14+ hour day. Came home, collapsed (after a long, hot shower) and then back at it the next morning. We filmed in Manhattan. Lots of scenes, lots of apparently complicated set-ups. We went overtime until midnight (started at 10 am), so I didn’t get home until after 1 am. The two-day combo knocked me out. I didn’t do anything yesterday but sleep in and laze around the apartment, getting back to the jigsaw puzzle which I had ignored for 3 weeks – no time. Last night, I went to bed early and slept in again. Thank goodness for this 4-day break. Everyone needed it.

It’s raining lightly at the moment. I don’t know if it’s supposed to rain all day. I hope not, as I have a couple of errands to run.

I’ve always heard this: filming is hard work and not at all glamorous. Boy is that the truth! But it is endlessly fascinating and I’m learning a great deal just by observing the process. My hat is off to everyone involved. I can’t conceive of doing this on a full-time basis. (Maybe it’s my age!)

Don and I were relieved not to have to make a big meal for Thanksgiving. He’s home. I’m here. Since our families are spread out across the country, we haven’t really had a traditional celebration in years. And we’re vegetarians.

The girls:

They’re still in these clothes, but I plan to give them something else to wear later today.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. I had a lovely, low-key day. Don concocted a great meal, there were cupcakes with candles in them, and presents.

In truth, I am so damn tired. This experience has had such highs and lows. But I’m very grateful for this opportunity and that is what I’ll take with me. Gratitude.

More tomorrow. You’ll get three posts before I disappear for 5 days.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: beach, Blythe dolls, film, On The Road 32 Comments

Checking in on Saturday

November 20, 2021 at 10:28 am by Claudia

A quick post today. I’m exhausted from a very busy week full of long days. And we had to get our flu shots this morning.

From last night’s shoot.

I think this is rare in the word of film dialect coaches, but look what I got this week!

I’m hoping they’ll let me take the canvas back piece at the end of the shoot. Wouldn’t that be cool? On the other side is the title of the film: Spoiler Alert.

I’ve chatted with Sally Field (more on that in the future) and she’s simply lovely. And fun!

Something happened this week that was completely unexpected and a total surprise and I wish I could share it with you but I am bound to secrecy. Sorry for the tease, but rest assured; at some point I will tell you the whole story.

And this little one arrived all the way from Spain. She arrived very quickly!

Her name is Olivia. Her nickname will be Livvy. She’s adorable. I adopted her from her owner via a Facebook Blythe group. She was made by VegaDolls (also in Spain) and I fell for her hook, line and sinker. VegaDolls are usually expensive because they have a distinctive look that is absolutely charming  – too expensive for me. Since this was a ‘second-hand adoption,’ I got a deal.

I adore her.

There’s one more coming next week and then that will be it. She’ll arrive when I’m back in the city so I won’t see her for a while. I guess you could say I commissioned her, based on another doll the customizer had done in the past. She’s so, so cute!

But I’ll keep her a secret until I am back home and can open that box!

I’ll tell you, scrolling through Blythe feeds has kept me sane during the filming process. There’s so much time spent waiting. Instagram has kept me going.

I’ll write a more detailed post tomorrow.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, film 28 Comments

Sunday at Home

November 14, 2021 at 9:30 am by Claudia

After another good night’s sleep, I’m feeling a bit more human today. Of course, I have to get up at about 4:45 am tomorrow, so the whole thing will start up again. But, in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy this sunny and cold day. The leaves are off most of the trees – the hard frost that happened over a week ago took care of that. The burning bush is a gorgeous red and the oak leaves are still hanging in there – some gold, some red.

I got my first check yesterday but it was only for one day of work. Next week’s check will be for a full week’s work.

I’ve missed Don’s cooking! And our evenings together. And our routine, which we treasure more and more. He said he’s finally relaxing now that I’m home. I feel the same way. So we’re grateful for a little time together before I have to go back to the city.

Here’s Jim on the set during a night shoot in Greenwich Village.

And here is another shot of my gorgeous Maeve:

As with most redheads, green suits her. I grabbed this outfit right before I headed to the train station on Thursday. I had received notice that she’d be delivered either Thursday or Friday, so I wanted to be able to dress her in some fresh clothes.

I have a lot to do today before I drive to the set tomorrow, so I’ll make this short. I try to post whenever I have a chunk of  spare time so that I can check in with everyone.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, film, Jim Parsons, maeve, On The Road 34 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »
  • Email
  • Instagram

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.

Searching?

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

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives

All Content © 2008 - 2025 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT