Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for spring

Peepers, Birds, Books, and Stickers

March 18, 2022 at 9:10 am by Claudia

Out the window: brown grass and no leaves on the trees – but the birds are singing and we heard the peepers for the first time last night! That means – no matter what the date is on the calendar – that SPRING is here! I was sitting in the den last night and thought I heard a peep, so Don and I went up the stairs to the window, opened it wide, and we heard one peep followed by a chorus of peeps. I cannot tell you how happy this makes us. We responded with a hearty “Welcome!” I have yet to hear the bullfrog. I hope he’s still there.

I read a lot yesterday: Orfeo  by Richard Powers. His writing is beautiful, his intellect unmatched. It’s been a bit of a slow go, only because there’s so much to take in, and Powers’ build to the climax is always slow and steady. I refuse to be a speed reader because, to me, the beauty is in digging in and savoring every word. I should finish it today.

I don’t know if you’re into stickers. As a rule, I’m not. But, I saw this book of stickers on Amazon and was attracted to the subject matter; vintage and bibliophilia. I think it was about $20. I love the illustrations and the book is truly jam-packed with vintage beauty. I use a planner religiously, as you know, so I sometimes add a sticker to that day’s page.

Don’t get too excited by the Country Living feature coming up. They only used two of my egg cups and frankly, they’re fairly mundane. No enchanting figurals at all – just a jadite egg cup and a small Delft egg cup from Holland. I’m happy, though, that they’re using the Delft, as it was a present from my mother and it’s precious to me. But that’s the world of art direction and stylists. Clearly, they had a certain look in mind.

Still, it’s flattering to have even two of my cups featured!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: birds, books, spring 16 Comments

Day Three Hundred Eighty-Eight

April 5, 2021 at 10:43 am by Claudia

Hello, from some of the sheep.

I hope you had a Happy Easter, if you celebrate that holiday. Ours was low key, as expected, and we were perfectly fine with that. We had a nice day and did some preliminary work outside – it felt so good to be out there! Though I sure got tired quickly. I’m not used to fresh air and physical activity, I guess. It’s sunny again today and it looks like the temperatures will be in the sixties for the next two weeks. Huzzah!

There’s much to be done outside, but we’re taking it slow – after all, why hurry?

I also watched the latest episode of Gardeners’ World  and an interview with a miniaturist who lives in England. Then, a nice dinner and a new series (in French with subtitles) that we’re watching – it was recommended by Darko. It’s called The Bureau, all about spies. The lead actor is older now, but he was Amélie’s boyfriend in the movie of the same name, back in 2001. I recognized him immediately.

The mini egg cups were out yesterday.

Both Don and I are in the grips of Spring Fever. It’s sunny, it’s beautiful, I can see tiny buds on some of the trees and on the lilac bush, the daffodils are blooming, perennials are emerging from the ground – boy, do I feel the need for this change, this sense of renewal, after a year of the pandemic. We can’t wait to sit on the porch, to go to the nursery to buy plants, to mow the lawn.

Thankful.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

 

Filed Under: Easter, putz sheep, spring 20 Comments

Day Three Hundred Seventy-Two

March 20, 2021 at 10:31 am by Claudia

More egg cups from the cubby cabinet. Bunnies, a chicken or two or three, a goose, a rooster, two pigs, chicks, a wooden sailor (a birthday gift from Scoutie,) a little girl dressed like a bunny, two dogs holding up a cup. From England: a walking ware cup and a little cottage. From Prague: a square cup with a hand painted egg (a gift from my husband from his time filming in Prague.) From Holland: a Delft cup. From France: a beautiful hand painted cup with delicate flowers and two morning glory cups that I found in Paris. A wood/ceramic cup from my mom. A wonderfully crazed and boldly painted flower cup that I found in a local shop. The green and white cup was one of the first ones I purchased and the chicken cup next to it was another gift from my mom. Oh, and two wooden cups and a face cup. More to come.

It’s sunny today and it will be nearly sixty degrees, an entirely appropriate forecast for the first day of Spring. Happy Spring! I am well aware that the weather here can change on a dime, but for now? I’m celebrating.

There are books to be read, puzzles to solve, drawers to be sorted, and walks to be taken. Too soon for any work on the garden but next week I’m going to start cleaning the siding.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: egg cups, spring 24 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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Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

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