Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Gifts, Shop Update & a Rose

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The heat and humidity have broken and it’s a glorious, sunny morning here at MHC. The grass has had the temerity to grow and I see a few days of mowing in the near future. (Sssh – don’t tell anyone, but I sort of like mowing.)

I have to share something with you that I received from my friend, Judy Clark. Judy has a wonderful Etsy shop that is wildly popular, 20 North Ora. Her pillows, banners and other creations are simply beautiful. Judy and were talking a while back and she mentioned that she’d like an Obsession Scarf. I knew that she had made a Nisse doll for Brenda, so I boldly asked if we could do a swap. (I wrote all about my obsession for these sweet dolls here.)

She agreed. I sent her the scarf and here’s what arrived on my doorstep the other day:

I think I got the better end of the deal. Oh. my. goodness. Isn’t she sweet? I am thrilled. I love the fabrics Judy chose, don’t you? Judy also sent along those cute pinwheels and a banner/bunting/garland (I’m never sure what to call these) that I found the perfect place for:

The dollhouse looks rather festive now, don’t you think? Just in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Thank you, Judy. Your work is exquisite and I will treasure your creations. Make sure you stop by Judy’s shop and see what she’s been creating.

I suppose it will be my Diamond Jubilee later this year, too. Yikes. Perhaps someone will design a bunting/garland in honor of that occasion? (I’m going to try to ignore it.)

Speaking of Etsy, I have a little update for you. I’ve listed my Crochet Flower Garland.

Initially, I’m listing the garland in the same colors I used in my own garland. I’m making them as they are ordered, so allow a few days before shipping. Each garland will have 12 flowers – 6 in aqua and 6 in the pale aqua. I’ll also include a length of ribbon.

I use Peaches & Creme yarn for these because it has a slightly stiffer quality that works well for the flowers. I ordered it in other colors, as well, so if you’re interested in the garland in another color combination, email me or convo me on Etsy and we’ll talk.

And it wouldn’t be my blog in the spring without a flower photo:

This is the New Dawn Rose that I planted last year. I’m training it to climb up the porch railing. I think this is my favorite rose (don’t tell the others) because that soft, blush pink is so beautiful.

I have to store up all the gloriousness (is that a word?) of the garden in my heart and mind. Its time is so fleeting. I’m so glad I’m home this spring to enjoy every moment of it.

Happy Thursday.

Birds Simply Need a Good Birdbath

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Those of you who have been with me for a while should remember the damage we suffered last fall from Hurricane Irene. We lost a massive limb from our Sugar Maple. As we watched in horror, the limb fell in slow motion, crashing to the ground only about 5 feet from the house. One of the casualties was my birdbath. The bowl of the birdbath was broken in two. The base somehow survived. I took the two halves and decided to use them in the garden as garden art.

That left the base standing by its lonesome throughout the fall, the winter and early spring. I found a replacement bowl at Lowe’s the other day and it fit perfectly.

I couldn’t stand the thought of my bird friends not having access to a nice bath or drink of water. It didn’t take long for them to discover it.

When the catbird appears, the robin is right behind him. They take turns. I’ve seen the robin take a bath and catbirds always take baths. They love birdbaths.

How can you not smile watching a bird take a bath? It sure must feel great on a hot day – and the last few days here have been incredibly hot and humid for this time of year. Like much of the country, we are suffering from way too much heat, way too early. Hopefully, in a day or two things will be back to normal.

I’d like my own version of a birdbath.

Happy Tuesday.

Poppies for Remembrance

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The Poppy represents Remembrance Day in Europe and Canada. Memorial Day is, like Remembrance Day, a day to honor those who have died while serving in the Armed Forces. There is a famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written by John McRae in 1915:

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row….
Memorial Day has become a day for picnics and family get-togethers, a sign that summer is about to begin. Stores use it as a merchandising opportunity, a chance to display all sorts of summery things in the hopes that you’ll spend your money there. For most of us, myself included, the real meaning of the day has become somewhat lost. So many, too many to comprehend, have lost their lives serving our country. Though I know that sometimes wars need to be fought, far too many of them never needed to be. And the loss is devastating.
It doesn’t seem right to say “Happy Memorial Day.” If we were really honoring what this day is all about, I should think the day would be rather solemn and reflective. I’m wondering: Has the meaning behind Memorial Day changed to just another Monday holiday?
Those are my thoughts today. What are yours?

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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