I’m actually writing this post on Thursday, a rare thing for me. But yesterday and today will be 12+ hour days. Last night I didn’t leave the theater until after midnight, didn’t get to sleep until after 1 am and had to get up today, write a book review and all my notes for the actors.
It was too much and my brain felt like mush.
So…I’m going to write this post ahead of time in order to give myself some time to write up notes tomorrow morning.
I’m tired. Tonight (Thursday) is an Invited Dress Rehearsal and Friday night is our first and only preview.
On my walk, I discovered this:
There are many little shacks called music shacks, which are soundproofed and are essentially individual practice rooms. This one is named in honor of George Gershwin who worked on Rhapsody in Blue during his stay here. George Gershwin! My favorite. He actually walked these streets and wrote perhaps my favorite piece of music here.
It blows my mind.
That’s Tom Brokaw on the right, with a packed house – including the dangerous scooter-ites.
I’ve found some more darling cottages during the last week. I know I could find even more if I had some more free time, but I am here to work!
Feast your eyes:
Hello! Look at all that gingerbready detail! I gasped when I saw this cottage. The porch furniture, including a wicker swing, is painted yellow and that’s a vase of yellow gladiolas on the right.
Another view. I want to do a little dollhouse in this style. Yes, I do.
A leafy lane:
A sweet little green cottage.
And this, my favorite so far:
Eeek! Could you die? This little Carpenter Gothic gem is tiny, but it so reminds me of the cottages I see at other Chautauqua-like communities. The owner has done this to perfection. Feast your eyes on the deep pink hanging plants, the white rocker, the wicker funeral basket filled with gorgeous flowers, the hooked rug, the adorable screen door, the rocker with cushions covered in a faded flowery print.
Upstairs? Those are little decorative bats on the wood siding. Chautauqua has a bat population that is harmless but evident. They keep mosquitoes at bay, so most of the residents feel affection for them. How about a close-up of the porch?
That side yard has a table with an umbrella and wicker chairs. Here’s another view:
Simply charming. Sigh.
This has been quite an experience. Lots to see and do but less time to sightsee this week as we near Opening Night, which is Saturday. I fly home late on Sunday.
Happy Friday.
Good Morning Claudia, This area and the cottages are just beautiful! I fell in love with the last cottage, very cozy and I want to move in! Doris
Isn’t it charming?
I didn’t think the bats were real! Those cottages are so beautiful, thank you for all the snaps.
Tana
Oh, they aren’t real! They are decorative. I’ve edited my post to make that clearer, Tana!
What a sweet little town with charming houses and I love Rhapsody in Blue!,, It is a thrilling song! Habe you seen the movie about George Gershwin?
Diane
Yes. And I’ve read nearly every biography about him. I’ve loved Gershwin since I was a teenager!
I also like Glenn Miller and the Jimmy Stewart movie.
I just love those cottages. It’s a dream to live in a little house like that.
Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to do these lovely posts. “Break a leg!”
Thanks, Sylvia!
That LAST cottage! Did you notice the porch floor was painted pale pink! Just beautiful and the details. Yes, I could live there.
Oh gosh, it is! Such attention to detail!
Love that last porch and the pink and white! So pretty!!! Enjoy your last days there. I know you will be glad to get home!
hugs,
Linda
I will, but it’s been lovely being here, Linda.
Love love love those cottages!! Beautiful!
Have a safe flight home! Bet you can’t wait!!
I’m ready, Marsha!
Your stay has given me another reason why I must visit the Eastern part of our country. I would really and truly love to see the inside of those cottages. Would they mind if you knocked and asked for a tour?
They might. I hesitate to disturb anyone here. They are very protective of their cottages.
That last cottage stole my heart…it’s perfect! I need to move! And I, too, love Gershwin….his music just envelops and transports me to another time and place. Hope you get to enjoy a little more of your time there….before you know it, you’ll be flying home! ;)
I should be able to enjoy a bit more tomorrow and definitely on Sunday, as I don’t leave for the airport until 3:30 in the afternoon.
What a charming place – just as I pictured it in my head :)
It is definitely charming!
lovely post, I enjoy the fact that you write personal entries in spite of your busy schedule. thanks.
You are most welcome!
What gorgeous houses and decorated so cute!! I am so glad it’s almost time for you to go home, but am glad you have enjoyed your stay in that beautiful place.
Judy
I really have, Judy. Plus, everyone involved with the theater company is lovely.
I am also happy that you will be home soon..but I have thoroughly enjoy your time there..that is the most wonderful thing about your blog Claudia..wherever you go we get to go along with you..how wonderful is that..I so envy these cottage owners..I would enjoy having one lovely porch to sit on and enjoy and most of them have two!!!..
There is so much porch sitting here. You can’t walk down a street without seeing lots of people sitting on their porches. At night, very late, when I walk out of here, there are people sitting on porches, chatting, reading by lamp light. Lovely.
Thank you Claudia for sharing pictures of all these beautiful homes!! Wishing a safe flight for you and thanks again for letting us be part of your journey. ps Wish I could twitch my nose & visit there in person…
I hope you can visit here someday, Marcy.
Gosh, they are lovely houses, so peaceful looking there! Have a wonderful time. Such a wonderful opportunity
Hugs
Thanks, Nancy!
Love those cottages! Incredibly charming. Hope you get some rest tonight, but if not, glad to hear you’re at least coming home on Sunday. I know you’ll be so glad to get home and not only get that needed rest, but to be with Don and Scout again.
Being a lover of green, I really like the green cottage, but I love the beautiful white cottage. What a charming porch and love the beautiful arches and balcony. Such beautiful detail. Thanks for sharing!
Chautauqua reminds me of an area here called Mt. Gretna…Much smaller scale but the houses look the same..Bet you’ll be glad to be home..
Be still my cottage loving heart! Thank you, Ms Claudia, for sharing this visual and sensory feast with us!