Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Friday Thoughts

August 16, 2024 at 9:06 am by Claudia

Yours truly is tuckered out today. Since Sunday, we’ve been working outside for several hours every day – mowing, weeding. working on some areas of the back forty, cleaning gutters, weeding some more, clearing the trails in the woods, etc. Today, I’ve opted for some rest, though I do have clean the tub and floor in the bathroom. On one hand, we love that we are strong enough for some physical labor, on the other hand…we’re sort of tired.

Yesterday, we spent all morning on a self-tape audition that Don had to submit. It was rather complicated  but it went fairly smoothly and Don was happy with it. The rest of it? You just have to let go because there’s no controlling the outcome. As I always say it’s a bit of a crap shoot. In fact, every potential job in theater, film, or television is definitely a crap shoot.

Control is an issue of mine as an adult child of an alcoholic. It’s also an issue for my sister. When you grow up living in an environment that can go out of control at any minute, having any sort of control is desperately needed. It’s why I don’t drink and never did drugs. It’s also why I need to feel in control of most situations, but of course, that isn’t always going to be the case. Don recognized this about me early on. I sometimes have to cede control and that is a good thing. Don – even though he’s also an adult child of an alcoholic – is more spontaneous. I’ll always opt for control, though. It makes me feel safer.

I can hear the mourning dove calling as I write this. That makes me smile.

Uh oh. The thought of mowing the back forty just popped in my head. You see? The urge to go outside and do something is back. But the bathtub! And the floor!

We’ll see what happens.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: flowers, garden 19 Comments

Flowers, Dolls and Lots of Rain

August 9, 2024 at 8:20 am by Claudia

The second Rose of Sharon has started to bloom – the color of the flowers is slightly darker than those of its neighbor. Hang in there, bush – we’re going to be pummeled today with rain as a result of Tropical Storm Debby heading up into the Northeast. Lots and lots of rain and some winds – there’s even a tornado watch at the moment. Yikes!

Did I mention the other day that we needed rain? Apparently, Debby has responded to my request.

Don’s response to Debby? He’s going to make an apple pie. We haven’t had one in a while, so it’s time.

Yesterday morning was spent running to the post office for a box for an Etsy order. On my way there, the tire pressure sensor light went on, so I drove to the gas station and filled up my rear right tire, which was the culprit. Then I ran into the grocery store to grab a few things, came back home and packaged up the Etsy order. Then back to the post office to send it off.

I don’t have the space to have a variety of boxes on hand, nor do I want to amass a lot of boxes that I don’t need. So I end up seeing the two guys who work in our post office a lot. Kevin and Gene. They are such great guys; kind, helpful, and funny. Kevin is going to retire in a year and a half and we’re already sad.

The Olympics have been spectacular and such a godsend in the middle of this election season. We’re ready to get back to our normal schedule, but I know we’ll miss them. I have always watched the Olympics, ever since I was young. The stories behind the athletes are so inspiring. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re not watching, you’re really missing out. I am not an athlete – never have been – and I am incredibly inspired by them. Don and I sit here screaming our heads off as we cheer for the swimmers and runners.

Sophie was overdue for a photo. My first Blythe. She is so lovely. A couple of years ago, Rosa, her customizer, told me that she had been her very first customization. I was so impressed. Little did Sophie know when she arrived here that several more sisters would eventually share this space. Someday I’ll show you the freckles on her forehead. Adorable.

Remember little Wren? She’s on her way to me, hopefully arriving on Monday or Tuesday. I haven’t told Lily yet, it’s a surprise,

Stay safe.

Happy Rainy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, flowers, garden, rain 32 Comments

Muggy and a Monarch

July 15, 2024 at 8:41 am by Claudia

Wouldn’t banning assault weapons be a good thing to do?

Just thinking.

Heavens! I’m either completely lethargic, like I was Saturday, or I’m on overdrive, as I was yesterday. Maybe yesterday’s energy was due to my not venturing outside until later in the day. The a/c was on and I dusted, vacuumed, did a load of wash, straightened the slip cover on the sofa in the den (always a pain,) took many photos of the things I wanted to add to my Etsy shop, listed all the items (which means measuring, weighing, etc.) and then watered everything outside.

I wish I had that kind of energy on a daily basis.

It’s completely crappy out there; hazy, hot, and humid. I am doing my best to stay positive. Gratitude: working a/c units, my husband, who keeps me laughing, and the knowledge that this will break on Wednesday. Hopefully.

The day lilies on the far side of the house are blooming. As we sat down for the evening last night, Don said “Oh look! There’s a deer right outside the window!” I knew that meant trouble, and sure enough, he was ready to chomp on the day lilies.  I knocked on the window and he took off. Sweetheart, you’re beautiful, but stay away from my day lilies! This property is full of green things you can eat. Head on up to the woods.

My first Monarch sighting was yesterday.

I followed him around as he dined on every one of the coneflowers. But he was skittish and it was hard to get a clear photo.

At this point, I was on the porch leaning over the railing trying to catch that second when he would open his wings. A bit blurry, but I got it. I take that back – ‘she.’ She doesn’t have the black dots that the male has.

Don’s gig on Saturday was cancelled at the last minute. The owner of the bar (which apparently has a terrific menu) called Don because she hadn’t had any customers the night before and she was panicked about money. (She pays the performers, unlike a lot of other venues where the only money comes from tips.) She was very apologetic. Bless her heart, she’s trying to make a go of it and that’s very hard these days. I hope things pick up for her.

And, yesterday, I reached the point where I could I could not stand my hair any longer, so the team of Don and Claudia whacked 3 inches off. So much better!

There are a few new items in the Etsy shop.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: deer, flowers, garden, monarch butterfly 22 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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