Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for studio

Sunsets and Video Attempts

January 17, 2025 at 9:03 am by Claudia

Last night’s sunset.

We had a bit of snow yesterday – not much – but it’s still on the ground this morning. Of course, the temperature is very cold, so of course it would stick. I’ve been reading of a potential winter storm headed our way Monday into Tuesday and, as I said before, we are headed for temperatures in the single digits next week.

Oh, what fun. Actually, the storm might be cool, but doing any sort of shoveling or snow blowing might be problematic if the temperatures are dangerously cold. I’m saying a little prayer that whatever happens, everyone stays safe.

My heavens, I spent way too much time yesterday trying to do a video tour of the office/studio. First of all, I talk too much. The videos were too long. In one, I cursed, so I had to toss it. I know you can edit those things out, but I’m new to this, and that kind of thing is above my pay grade. In another, I accidentally showed all the extra crap (Etsy boxes, paper towels) that I had removed from the room. Then I didn’t like way I filmed it. And on and on.

I finally filmed the tour without narrating it. Then I added my own voiceover. It came out better, but I want to do another one in landscape mode (horizontal) because when I use the portrait mode (vertical) on my phone, YouTube cuts off part of the top of the video. So annoying! Other than that, I like the way the video and my voiceover worked, so I think I’ll show that to you today. And later today, I’ll shoot it again, but in landscape mode. If I don’t end up throwing my phone across the room and it works, I’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.

Visit YouTube – my account: claudiathechroniccollector

Tour of the Tiny Studio/Office

Even though I’m complaining, it’s kind of fun. I just had to let the pace of the video edit the length of my narration, which is a far better way to do it, as I’m a talker (see my ‘solitary’ message in the sidebar!)

I figure you’re accompanying me on this new phase, so I can share my growing pains with you.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: office, studio 31 Comments

Pondering

November 2, 2024 at 8:59 am by Claudia

Most of the trees are bare now, but some of our young oaks are hanging on to their gorgeous leaves. That may change tonight – we’re going down to 28 degrees. The same for Sunday. The porch plants will make another trip inside the house. Sigh. I know I could let them go at this point, as far as the forecast goes from Monday until November 16, the nighttime temps will be in the forties. So I can have flowers until at least mid-November.

You know me. I can’t let them go if there’s a chance to save them. But I do go a bit crazy with all the plants everywhere.

Don, per usual, is always game to help me transport them.

My lord, these days are dragging by as we head to November 5th. Our goal here at the cottage is to find things to keep us busy and to talk each other down when necessary. So far, so good. We also decided to watch favorite movies for the next few evenings. Last night was Hannah and Her Sisters. We’ve yet to decide on tonight but the theme is ‘comfort.’

I’ve started We Solve Murders, by Richard Osman, and I’m really enjoying it.

A corner of the studio/office/whatever just after I straightened everything up. It’s a wee bit more cluttered now, but only a wee bit. Don has yet to clear off his desk. Ahem! I might take a stab at it today – make some piles of things and dust off the surface.

Maybe I should just call it the studio now? I’m not really doing any coaching prep there. I’m not really doing any coaching at all. Maybe I can just embrace “Studio.” Or maybe it’s just a “Glorified Cubby.” I will ponder that over this weekend while I eat some of Don’s apple pie.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: studio 24 Comments

Rain and More of the Studio

January 10, 2024 at 8:14 am by Claudia

We had lots and lots of rain yesterday and overnight and the sump pump is working overtime. It is very, very windy out there. Generally? It’s a pain in the tush.

I have to watch a filmed run through of Dial M for Murder  this morning and take notes to pass on to the actors.

As for the Christmas tree: I took down all the ornaments on Friday or Saturday (can’t remember now) ahead of the snow storm and stashed the bins in the shed. The tree stayed with just the lights through Monday. Yesterday, we took down the lights and removed the tree. We were ready. We got it on December 7th and it was up over a month. It was very dry toward the end, but it was still going strong. Thank you, lovely Christmas tree.

More pictures of the office/studio.

Lots of instruments are stashed on the left, a perfect plant corner, some of D’s vintage cameras are on the shelf under the blue bench. The stone doves came inside for the winter and they’re on the floor in front of the bench. And my beautiful French cabinet, which stores miniatures.

The project that I’ve ignored for a long while. I’m determined to take this on during these winter months.

My studio partner’s desk.

On the far end of my desk.

This should give you a pretty good sense of the office/studio at this point in time. It’s jam-packed, for sure. When you have two people occupying the same space and they both have lots of STUFF, this is what you get. It works, though I’d love more space in which to move when I’m working. But then again, I’m not up there every day, so it’s just fine!

Okay. Have to get going!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: office, studio 17 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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