Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

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Random on Saturday

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So far, late fall and early winter seems to consist of a stuffy head and very little energy. I’m hoping that disappears ASAP, because I’m over it. Sometimes, it’s triggered by allergies and/or a weather change. I also think it’s too dry in here with the heat on so I’m going to start in with the danged humidifier again. I was tired yesterday – so was Don – after a busy week. Multiple trips to NYC, my birthday, Thanksgiving…that’s a lot for us. So we both took it easy.

I’m planning to do more of the same today as I have to go back to the city tomorrow to do a bit more coaching in the morning on Anastasia. Then, it’s back home.

We’ve been watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel  on Amazon Prime. Have you seen it? It’s a new series that won multiple Emmy awards and we both agree that it’s the best thing we’ve seen in years. In fact, after the first episode ended, we sat on the sofa and could only say, “Wow. Wow! WOW!!” Incredible performances by everyone involved, pitch perfect set design, and a music soundtrack that feels like something I would have picked. Whoever decides on the music must be my twin. Anyway, I – we – recommend it highly. We’re watching Episode 8 tonight, which is the last episode of the first season. The second season debuts in early December.

The book that Don gave me for my birthday (found in a local used bookstore):

Can’t wait to dig in! Maybe I can start using a slew of ‘descriptive” French phrases when complaining about you-know-who.

And I have to share the birthday card from Rick and Doug, which echoes something I had remarked on just a few days earlier:

Ain’t that the truth!

You might remember that I buy one or two Vintage by Crystal designs every year. Her work is exquisite. This came yesterday:

She calls this a Butterfly Rider. I am enchanted by her. She comes with an ornament hook.

Crystal’s work is made primarily of spun cotton and paper ephemera.

I think I’ll try to take a photo of all my Vintage by Crystal pieces so you can get an idea of her sense of whimsy. And you know that I love whimsy.

Happy Saturday.

Paris, Part Three

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Good morning! It’s so cold here this morning! I had to run an errand yesterday and I noticed that the last time I was in the car before leaving on our trip, I had the A/C on. What a change in a little over two weeks!

We’re still coping with jet lag. Yesterday we fell asleep on the sofa at about 5:30 and slept as if we were drugged. We had to force ourselves awake to eat dinner, as well as not succumbing to sleep until at least 10 pm. Woke up at 5 am, just like yesterday.

I feel as if I am half in this world here at the cottage and half in the world we just left behind. I miss our trip. I miss the luxury of spending all day with my husband; exploring, learning, being. I miss seeing new places, chatting with those we met along the way, marveling at the beauty I saw everywhere. I’ll freely admit that I wish I was back there, much as I love our little cottage.

We’ve each said at different times that we feel transformed. We’re not the same.

Some more of Paris for you. (I have at least one more Paris post after this one.)

I’m in love with the Seine. Completely and utterly in love.

On the Right Bank.

The Place des Vosges. Gorgeous, with a little park in the center of the Place.

Notre Dame and the tip of the Ile de là Cité.

I think someone was moving, but I briefly considered stealing this table.

We went to Montmartre on our anniversary (more on that tomorrow) and the first place we sought out was this café, the Café des 2 Moulins. (Moulin means windmill and Montmartre is known for windmills.) This is the place where Amelie was filmed, her place of work. They now pay homage to their appearance in the movie, but it’s not over-the-top. We had lunch there. Absolutely charming.

There are obviously a lot of Amelie fans, as several people took the same photos we did!

In looking back at my photos this morning, I noticed that the street address in a couple of them is 21. Twenty-one is my favorite number, as it is the day I was born. I’m drawn to it – apparently, I’m drawn to it subconsciously, as well, as I had no idea that these numbers were there until today.

Another example:

Look familiar?

We went to the Marche aux Puces at Clingnacourt/St. Ouen on the weekend and I found a few things. This is a famous flea market and it’s HUGE. I had no idea! The antique/vintage section of it opened a bit later than the rest, so we had a bite to eat while we waited. Don bought a sweet watercolor, we bought a vintage lithograph (!!!) which will be sent to us. And I found a few little treasures – I went for “little” as I had to transport anything I bought home with us.

I found these two eggcups, which are darling. They’re not vintage, but they are so charming. And the morning glories just won me over. There were four of them, but I bought two.

Another egg cup – this one is indeed vintage. There’s a marking on the bottom that I can’t quite make out. I’ll have to study it further.

I bought this miniature pitcher for my collection. Isn’t it lovely?

And I finally found a vintage match striker. I’ve been wanting one for a long time. They were used in cafés and often served as advertising for a company. I really love them (oh no, another collection?) but I’d never found one stateside. There are some very high-end dealers there but that’s not what I was interested in. Finally, I found a wonderful warren of aisles that were just the ticket. That’s where I found the egg cups and pitcher and the match striker.

The name of the company that is advertising on this striker is Frémy Fils & Cie. (Frémy Sons and Company).

The other side: Eaux-de-vie et Liqueurs.

With matches:

And on the French bistro table:

I love it.

More tomorrow.  I’m starting to feel a wee bit human again.

Even though we’ve been less attentive fans in the past couple of years, we’re thrilled that our Red Sox are in the World Series, so we’ll be watching tonight.

Happy Friday.

 

 

Fading Beauty

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I find aging flowers to be beautiful in their own right. Such texture, beautiful fading colors! Some of the first-to-bloom zinnias are fading now.

Aren’t they lovely?

We had a great time with Rick and Doug yesterday. They’re leaving on Friday and we’re driving them to the bus station. Doug knows a lot about travel and all the little, helpful details that we should know and he shared them with us. Today, we booked our trip on the Eurostar from Paris to London. Each time we do something like this, I get really excited.

This is my dream trip. It’s a dream come true. We were never able to do this before now.

I’m so friggin’ excited! With all that’s happened recently in my professional life, knowing that this trip was on the horizon really helped. Screw ’em. I’m going to Europe!

Today’s idea: go to bookstore and buy Bob Woodward’s new book. Oh, yes. I’m going to settle in with that book – a book I know is driving someone mad. Or madder than he already is.

Remember that little framed print I purchased recently for $10. I found the perfect place for it

In our half bath upstairs. The frame is the same color as the one on the other print. That was my grandmother’s. It’s very fragile and evokes such a strong sense memory of being in her house. I wonder if it was her mother’s? I’m not sure. Anyway, I think they look splendid together.

Okay. I’m off to get ready for the day.

Happy Tuesday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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