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 reading

Morning Sun and Tiny Shoes

October 27, 2022 at 8:43 am by Claudia

Sun coming up view this morning.

Well, the septic tank was pumped yesterday, to the tune of a lot more money than last time. But since last time was six years ago and we won’t need to do it for another five years, I guess we can live with that. It’s one of the things that has to be taken care of, but isn’t at all fun to pay for.

We had unseasonably warm and humid weather yesterday and it was uncomfortable. Funny how quickly one’s body adjusts to a new and cooler season. Today, however, it’s cooler and it was quite windy when I woke up. I noticed that a lot of the catalpa leaves are down, as well. Sigh – I hate to see those big heart-shaped beauties go.

I’ve started reading The Furies  by John Connolly, another favorite author of mine who successfully blends a detective style mystery with the supernatural. He’s a wonderful storyteller. Next month, which isn’t at all far off, the new Louise Penny drops, as well as the newest Michael Connelly. As you know, I usually hold off on reading the newest Penny because I want to delay the pleasure. I’m sure I’ll do that again this year. Last year, I had to hold off because I was working on the movie. And then when I started it, I had to read in little bits because I was so busy. I don’t want to do that again.

Cute shoe alert:

From Cora Huang. I have shoes from other makers that I love, but the vast majority of the shoes I have are from Cora. I love what she creates and she lives in Connecticut. Two days after she shipped the shoes, I received them. In a Blythe world where most of what I buy is from another country, it’s really nice to receive something quickly. Of course, she has to make them first, but once they’re shipped, they’re here before you know it.

I’m thinking it’s time for Don to make another apple pie.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: autumn, Blythe dolls, books, reading 26 Comments

Friday Thoughts

October 14, 2022 at 9:24 am by Claudia

• It rained yesterday and kept on raining all night and now there are thousands of wet leaves on the ground. But the sun is out today and it’s very pretty out there.

• I swear, the best thing on television is the ongoing January 6th Committee hearings. Unbelievably powerful. Yesterday’s hearing did not disappoint. As we all suspected, an incontrovertible case was made that the man-who-shall-not-be-named was behind it all. All of it. It makes me sick to my stomach.

• I’ve started two different books but I’m clearly not in the mood for them. One of them is The Marriage Portrait  by Maggie O’Farrell. Don’t worry, I will  read it because I’m a big fan. I’m just not in the mood for it right now. I need the pace of a mystery, I think, so I’ve started Victim 2117  by Jussi Adler Olsen, a favorite writer.

There’s also a new book from John Connolly that I want to read. It just came out two days ago. November will bring the newest by Michael Connelly and Louise Penny. Good reading ahead! Oh, and the newest Jussi Adler Olsen has been published, as well. Connelly and Penny have new books out every fall, like clockwork. Deborah Crombie, however, takes years between books. How long has it been now? 3 or 4 years? Her newest isn’t coming out until February. But it’s coming and it will be the perfect winter read, of that I’m sure.

• I sometimes contemplate posting 3 or 4 days a week rather than 7, especially on days like today where I really don’t have a whole lot to say and I struggle with coming up with a post. I haven’t made a decision yet but if I did make that change, I would post on set days of the week so you wouldn’t have to wonder when you might hear from me.

Thoughts?

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

 

 

Filed Under: autumn, books, reading 46 Comments

What Are You Reading?

October 9, 2022 at 9:31 am by Claudia

This morning in the secret garden. That golden light is one of the best parts of autumn.

There’s more mowing to do, but I’m not sure whether I’ll tackle that today or tomorrow. I’ll wait to see if my perpetual state of congestion clears up. As I look out the window in the den, I see leaves gently falling from the maple. It’s quite lovely. As Don said the other day, “We really do live in a beautiful part of the country.”

Don went to a specialist about his hand. There’s a swelling on the tendon and it’s making it hard for him to straighten his thumb. It’s called trigger finger. Contrary to what he was told before, this doctor wants  him to use his hand, to work the thumb back and forth, and to go ahead with all of his activities including playing the guitar. He got a shot of cortisone and will go back to see the doctor in three weeks.

I learned that there are a lot more preview performances for the show than I previously thought there were, including next Sunday at 2 pm. So, I put in a request for two tickets and, if they’re available, we’ll go to next Sunday’s performance, where I’ll take notes. Don knows Jim, of course, and he wants to see the show, so this would be perfect. Fingers crossed!

I finished reading the Simenon this morning and I’ll start Maggie O’Farrell’s newest later today. I also have a New Yorker puzzle ready and waiting.

Since I’m back in reading mode, it’s time to ask a question I haven’t asked for too long.

What are you reading?

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Filed Under: autumn, books, Don, reading 62 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • …
  • 79
  • 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