Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for gifts

All Together Now

August 18, 2018 at 8:03 am by Claudia

Yesterday’s recycling efforts were thwarted when I packed up all the bags of trash, stuffed them in large contractor’s bags, loaded them in my car, along with a bin full of bottles and cans and cardboard, drove the five minutes or so to the Transfer Station, only to see the gates closed and a handwritten sign on brown cardboard shoved in the gate saying “Closed on 5/17.” No reason, no warning. I wasn’t happy.

I suppose Dan could have been sick or unable to come into work for some reason, but doesn’t the town have someone who can sub for him? The station is only open 3 days a week as it is.

The joys of living in a small town.

It was extremely hot and humid and I had to haul everything out of my car upon returning home and shove huge bags into the trash cans. Plus, my plans for mowing a bit before the rain came in the afternoon were curtailed when the rain came much earlier.

What to do? Clean the bathrooms, vacuum, do a load or two of laundry and play with my egg cups.

I started retrieving them from various shelves and cabinets, upstairs and downstairs.

I pulled a chair up to the cabinet.

I had to take into account the wood on the doors that blocked some of the cubbies.

I played and played. At times,  I’d stop and look at everything and then I’d smile. Some of my larger egg cups won’t fit in the cubbies, so I’ll put them all together on one of the hanging shelves. But the vast majority them did fit and I can’t tell you how neat it is to see them all together in their new home.

This is what it looks like at the moment. That may change. You’ll notice there is a space waiting for Sleepy, if I ever find him.

Don is just as delighted as I am. Every time he passes the cabinet, he remarks on what a difference it makes in the cottage.

It does.

I think our cottage is full of a lot of wonderful things, but my favorites are those that have a sense of whimsy. These do. So do the Jumping Jacks hanging by the kitchen door and the signs and graphics and little charming knick knacks. I hope they say a lot about Don and me. I think they do.

By the way, reader Jay suggested it might have been hung on a wall with what is now the bottom being the top, etc. That makes sense to me as the writing above the cubbies would have been right side up that way. Perhaps a mail sorter for a little office or hotel? I like it the way it is because it works for our house. Clearly the dealer did, too.

I stopped by the post office yesterday and there was a package waiting for me from Dottie, a reader of this blog. She had written me to say she had something she wanted to send me.

Inside was the most exquisite little mug with a Shakespearean theme.

The design goes all the way around the cup. So beautiful! I will treasure this always, Dottie. Thank you so much!

Okay. I’m off to make a second cup of coffee and, hopefully, recycle and mow a bit – though it might storm today.

Happy Saturday.

 

 

Filed Under: collecting, egg cups, gifts 42 Comments

Treasures in the Mail

September 23, 2017 at 8:00 am by Claudia

A rare post written the night before, but since I’m leaving early on Saturday morning, I don’t think I’ll have time to dash off a post then. I’m heading to the Miniature Show. I have no idea what to expect, but it will be fun!

Today, which will be yesterday when you are reading this, I managed to finally get to the post office. Two packages were there for me.

One was from reader Carol, who wanted to send me a Nancy Drew book that she had. I was thrilled when I opened the package and saw this:

I only have to get five more of the Russell Tandy illustrated covers to complete my collection and this one, The Clue of the Broken Locket, has proven to be illusive and/or wildly expensive. And here it is, sent to me as a gift by Carol.  Isn’t that a great cover illustration?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Carol. I am honored you would think of me. This will be a treasured part of the collection. Bless you.

As if that wasn’t enough, dear reader Nora told me she wanted to send me something in honor of Stella. In fact, Nora’s card was addressed to both Stella and me.

Inside the package were two vintage aprons. This one, with beautiful hand embroidery. Isn’t it stunning?

And this one:

With the map of California! How perfect for Stella, since a trip up the coast of California is what brought us to Antique Stove Heaven and Stella.

What treasures! Thank you, Nora! They are almost too pretty to wear!

My cup runneth over, as I said to Don, when I texted him pictures of the Nancy Drew and the aprons.

Today’s morning glory. A big thank you to Mother Nature for blessing my garden with these beauties as we head into Autumn. I use the word ‘Autumn’ loosely as the temperature is 89 and humid. Go figure.

I’ll talk about the miniature show tomorrow. I can’t guarantee many photos as I know that this is an artisan-based show and I’ve read that some miniaturists don’t want their work photographed, which I completely understand.

And Don comes home on Saturday night, which will be very nice, indeed.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: gifts 26 Comments

Mini Gifts & Violets

May 11, 2017 at 9:19 am by Claudia

I was the lucky recipient of a package from Barbara. Inside were presents for Caroline and Mini Don and a couple for me, as well.

For Caroline: two Petite Princess chairs, a lovely wooden tray (looks like tole!), three pieces of china in a sweet bird motif, a pillow and a Maxfield Parrish!

A clearer shot of the Maxfield Parrish.

Also in the package for Caroline:

Three Nancy Drews with cover illustrations by Russell H. Tandy. It took me a while before I realized that they actually open.

The famous orange silhouettes inside the cover.

More illustrations and text. Amazing.

Mini Don received some treats as well:

British-themed pottery (perfect for a Beatles fan) and a metronome.

And two beautiful Swarovski Crystal bunny rabbits for me. Aren’t they sweet?

It ain’t easy taking a good photo of faceted crystal!

Thank you so much, Barbara! We are thrilled with our gifts and humbled by your generosity.

I finally got a shot of the violets that grow under my sedum. It’s actually larger than this, but this is all I could capture without trying to lift the sedum branches and handle the camera at the same time:

Today, I’m buying mulch, more potting soil, impatiens and maybe some other plants. Then weeding and mulching, which will continue through tomorrow, potting and planting.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: garden, gifts, miniatures 38 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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