Lots of eastern swallowtails flitting around the flowers lately. A few groundhog sightings, mostly the adult groundhog who lives under the shed. We had rain yesterday but today is sunny and lovely.
There are so many flowers in bloom now! This is the time of year that makes so proud (if I might say so myself) of what I’ve created here on the property. There were a couple of plants here when we moved in and, of course, lots of trees. Everything in the six garden beds was planted, on a budget, slowly over the years. And now, almost 18 years since we moved here, we have such a lovely property. I was driving back from the library the other day and I was coming up to the house, preparing to turn in the driveway. I couldn’t believe how lovely it looked! And I had the thought that people driving by might just smile when they see it.
Anyway. It’s just beautiful out there today and I’m going to try to take it all in and appreciate it.
I went down to the mailbox on Wednesday to get the mail. Often, there are envelopes from SAG/AFTRA for Don. He gets residuals from his many appearances on television over the years. At this point, the checks are for very small amounts of money – sometimes, as little as two cents! I’ve been wondering if I would ever see an envelope addressed to me, since I qualify for residuals from Spoiler Alert. Well, I saw three SAG envelopes and as I quickly flicked through them, there was one with my name!! I couldn’t believe it! I walked back to the house and told Don. Honestly, he was more excited than me. Now, let me say the residual from Spoiler Alert was modest – quite modest. But I didn’t care. It was just such a kick to get a residual for my little scene in the movie.
So Don isn’t the only one getting residuals.
I bought one of these dresses last year and I just purchased another one – one a year. They’re by The Pumpkin Belle, who lives in England, and they are simply exquisite. Magical! It arrived the other day and here are two of the girls modeling it;
Mabel, a pinky vision of loveliness. There’s a blue tulle petticoat which you can just barely see. Helen hand dyes her fabrics and the detail is simply stunning. There are three little bottoms at the bottom of the sleeves, as well.
And Harper. Isn’t the dress gorgeous? Helen does something to the fabric because the dress has the most beautiful scent. These dresses are a treat, of course, only for special occasions. And the girls are NOT to play in them.
I’m working on little painting of a flower. I’m not sure if I like it all, but this is the time to experiment, so I’ll keep tweaking it. I’ve also been watching a British series from a few years back: Landscape Painter of the Year. It’s fascinating. I know there’s also one for Portrait Painter of the Year. I like watching what the painters create in the four hours that are allotted to them. And how they use the paint.
And then I get overwhelmed and think, “What are you doing??? These people have talent.”
But that’s normal. And, in the end, this is for me.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Definitely watch Portrait Artist of the Year. It’s great! Artists do portraits of British actors, musician, celebrities of all kinds–some really famous. It’s fascinating and wonderful. You won’t regret it.
Is it on Amazon Prime, Terri?
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
I have seen ” Landscape Painter of the Year.” I wish American television would make programs like that, instead of “Big Brother” or those bachelor programs. I do not watch them. I never have or never will.
The doll dresses are beautiful, they seem very French to me.
Take Care,
Kaye
I do, too. I am proud to say I have never watched one episode of an American Reality Show.
Thank you, Kaye!
Stay safe.
Both Mabel and Harper look beautiful in their new party dress. So glad you were able to buy it from The Pumpkin Belle. It didn’t take long to arrive, either. Sometimes we get so used to seeing our familiar surroundings we need to see them with new eyes. That’s exactly what you did coming home from the library. You and Don have worked hard to have a lovely home and garden. Congratulations on receiving your residual cheque for Spoiler Alert. And don’t ever forget, Claudia, you have tons of talent, too. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs, Elaine
I’m blessed and I know I have many talents. Thanks, Elaine.
Stay safe.
you have talent, too!!! happy for you to be painting again.
i don’t have cable tv or any streaming thing, but occasionally have found episodes of “portrait [or landscape] artist of the year” posted on youtube and love them. highly recommended for anyone who loves art, especially painting, and for anyone who paints. and i agree about the state of american “reality” programs compared to british tv shows … which is to say there’s no comparison. british shows easily get the win, in my opinion.
beautiful dress!
beautiful flowers! and i’d bet people do smile when driving by and seeing your gardens. i know i do that here. same with Christmas lights on people’s homes.
sad to learn of robbie robertson passing on. lots of good music from him and “the band”, but i really love his solo work and especially his eponymous and “storyville” albums.
happy to have my old, metal lawn chair back home, nicely filling a bare corner and with its new cushion in place. the cushion has welting/cording, the fabric is striped and i am pleased that the upholsterer lined up the stripes on the welting with those on the flat top and bottom parts of the cushion. there’s a reason i’ve gone back to that shop several times … they care about the details, too. :)
happy friday to everyone. stay safe .
kathy
also happy you got (earned) a residual check for your work on “spoiler alert”! may such checks and work keep coming for both you and don!
kathy
xoxo
So glad your chair is back home, Kathy! We have an old metal lawn chair in our living room, as well! We love it.
Stay safe.
Your property sounds beautiful with all the flowers! And that dress is gorgeous… very fun! I would think the residual checks, no matter the amount, would be a thrill! Happy Friday!
Yes, it was definitely a thrill, Barrie.
Stay safe.
The dress simply screams tea on the porch! It’s beautiful.
Great job on your property, Claudia. You and Don have worked really hard to make it what you want.
My friend in Cornwall watches the Painter and Landscape Painter competition, as well as British Sewing Bee. At least I can watch Great British Baking on Netflix.
I have fallen in love with the portrait painter and landscape painter series. Excellent!
Thanks, Wendy.
Stay safe.
I’m glad you got the residuals!
My past few days have been spent praying for the people of Maui. I very-nearly moved to Lahaina in 1988. It is (was) one of my most favorite places of anywhere I’ve ever been. I had ten days to walk its quaint streets with beautiful old buildings and historical landmarks; the wonderful waterfront. I was able to explore upcountry with local farms; plantations; old churches; unique vintage-Hawaiian homes. I fell in love with the place and the people although I’ve always been enamored with Hawaiian history since I was age 12. Now, I.can’t.imagine. Buckets of tears shed by me and so many others who’ve been fortunate enough to visit the islands; our 50th U.S. state. She is hurting.
Wish we could have sent some of our unusual-for-August, Southern Calif rain of yesterday, so unexpected from a hurricane off Baja.
You and Don have a good weekend, Claudia. Loved seeing ‘the girls’ today.
The fires on Maui have been horrifying. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but Don has. And so many people, you included, have visited Lahaina and have a special love for that place. So much loss, it’s unfathomable.
Stay safe, Vicki.
dear Claudia/Don — new dress is very beautiful (on both girls) — you can tell them that “not for play” b/c they are not gonna outgrow the dress — NOT possible w/real girls — seems I have used that phrase alot w/our 2 girls only to find out sometime in the future they have outgrown the dress while I was “saving” it. Big disappointed faces — I think I lost Mother of the Year b/c of it,
haha!! hope your weekend is a good one — be sure to enjoy your beautiful spot on earth. stay safe
Thank you so much, Linda!
Stay safe.
That is quite the fancy dress!
It is so cool you are getting residuals. I loved your scene in Spoiler Alert. You were the best.
Thank you, Kay!
Stay safe.
Love, love, love that you are getting residuals! YAY! And do you really think the landscape and portrait artists of the year started at that level? Of course you don’t! Go paint!
Very small residuals!
I am painting, Jeanie.
xoxo