Here I am in Hartford. Same hotel as last year. Same room.
It’s like I never left.
That’s a bit unsettling.
As hotels go, this is a nice one. The staff is very friendly, this particular suite is nice and big, there’s a free breakfast every morning. But the sky outside, both today and yesterday, is gray. It was gray and wintry when I was here for a few days in December and January. Of course, the sky back home is also gray today, but somehow it’s easier to take in my cheery little cottage.
The bed has been transformed:
The duvet has been stashed in the closet.
I brought my little traveling Teddy Bear with me. Don gave him to me in 2009 when I was going to be working away from home for 6 months. He’s adorable and a good traveling companion. But it has just hit me: I’ve never given him a name.
Me, who names everything!
Look at that sweet face! Suggestions?
After doing this sort of thing many times, I’ve learned that living in a temporary space for an extended period of time is tolerable only if I bring along some things from home. When I stayed in San Diego for six months, I used a lot of inexpensive items from Ikea to brighten the space. I haunted my favorite antique shops for pottery and pictures that would personalized the space. If I’m working a long way from home, I pack boxes with pillows and throws and personal tchotchkes. I make sure I have some creative supplies, whether it’s for a quilt or some yarn. I take my camera. And lots of books to read.
I remember this checked sofa from last year. Not my favorite style. So I covered the back with a quilt I made. It helps a bit. And I brought a favorite vase from home and added some flowers from Trader Joe’s.
You learn to do what you can to make a temporary space your own. When I move to the apartments, this particular form of decorating will be easier. I won’t be in a sea of brown and beige, the predominant color scheme in this hotel room.
The selection available on the hotel cable is sparse but NESN, the channel for my beloved Red Sox, is available, so I can watch the Sox every night – something I can’t do back home.
And Mabel is sitting on the table, waiting for some action:
I have a long day ahead – we rehearse until 7 pm. So I’m writing 2 posts this morning, this one and A Favorite Thing.
It’s been a terrible week. My thoughts and prayers are with the city and citizens of Boston and the citizens of West, TX, who have suffered terrible loss. I won’t go into my feelings as to the shameful actions of our Senate this week, except to say that if you have to have a background check to work at Target – and you do – you should have to have an extensive background check to own a gun. Enough said.
Happy Friday.
Name suggestion for the bear? William (as in Shakespeare, of course!)
I like that idea, Jeanmarie!
How about Max to go with Mabel.
Such a tragic week. So so sad. I’m not happy with our Senate either.
Your homey touches are perfect. Hope all goes well.
(((((HUGS)))))
Me too, Debby. I’m looking forward to meeting old friends and making new friends today.
Nice touches there! I like both name suggestions so far– my thoughts were an explorer’s name since he travels with you: William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, Admiral Bryd, Louis Jolliet– you get the idea. Been a very gray week here too :(
Great ideas, Diane!
You can’t stop evil people. Maybe they should do background checks for people buying pressure cookers. Very sad day.
No, but we can sure make it harder for them. Doing nothing is unacceptable. We owe it to our fellow citizens, to those who have been tragically lost to gun violence – one of whom was a beloved friend of mine.
How is Boston doing, Linda? The Boston I know is resilient and strong and won’t let this tragedy change the life of the city. But you live there. How does it seem to you?
Right now very scary. The terrorist that was killed appears to have had another pressure cooker bomb. What was he planning next…….who knows.
I hadn’t turned on the news yet and had no idea that they’d found the suspects. Thanks for alerting me, Linda.
I think you have to have a background check to buy a gun? The problem is not with people who own their guns legally. Criminals will always get the guns. Mexico has very strict gun laws and look at the mess they have.
I LOVE what you have added to your room.
Terri
This was a bill to expand background checks. It would have expanded background checks to include sales at gun shows and over the Internet. Right now, it’s far too easy to buy a gun without a background check in both of these places. Polls show that over 90% of Americans support expanded background checks, including the vast majority of gun owners.
Thanks for the compliment on the room, Terri!
Hi Claudia,
I always look forward to your posts when you are away from home. I love having you show us the local interests and how you live away from home. I travelled when I was working about 6 times a year for a week or so and always took a small quilt and pictures with me to help me feel less homesick. When I travel now I take my little quilt, pictures and usually things the little grandkids give me to keep me company.
I like the name William for your cute little friend.
Enjoy your stay and I hope the weather improves so you can get out and take lots of pictures.
Hopefully, the weather will get better for Monday – my day off!
Claudia, it’s not that I have ever stayed long term in hotel rooms, but the changes that you have made, have done wonders for it’s personality.
I love the flowers….
Jen
Flowers, I’ve learned, are a must!
Dear sweet friend,
How about TB—initials for traveling bear? Never mind tuberculosis occurred to me! I wish I could send you sunshine,but it cool and cloudy in midle TN.
What a great job you did with the hotel room..Looks very homey..Quilt looks great..
Love how you personalized your hotel room. I know I said it before but I’ll say it again – your quilt is gorgeous. I love all that color. Totally agree with you on the extensive background check to own a gun. Amen.
It looks so warm and cozy. Enjoy your stay :)
Such nice homey touches you’ve made. Maybe it will makes things more tolerable for you. I like all of the names so far but perhaps Meriwether and William best of all!
Blessings,
Betsy
It’s certainly been a rough week — I’m in Texas though not near West — but I’m following what’s going on there. All of Boston has been shut down — I can’t imagine the feelings of the townspeople. At least they’ve done away with one, but the other is threatening more violence. And all their school friends say what great kids they were….
Expanded background checks should be the norm, not something that has to be debated. Good grief.
But happy times here — we have five new kittens!!
Your hotel room is looking homey! I agree that William is a perfect name for Mr. Bear — he looks just like a William!
Have fun during your stay!
Being on the road I always want to have some home comfort with me, you do such a good job. I like Spirit for the bear. Have a nice day!
Yes, it’s been a horrific week…all around…’nuf said! Love your homey touches…that’s a great idea! How about naming your bear using Don’s middle name. Sometimes the simplest things take so much thought. But it is a pleasant distraction from our world today! ;)
I think adding your personal touches would make staying away for weeks much easier! Love your quilts. I have been touched by the events of this week and I am praying for all involved. Sending you hugs!
Linda
I vote for William also..It is gray and cloudy here today..storms coming again..Please..no trees down again..I am also ashamed that so many Senators voted no..But I am also proud of our two Senators from PA that did the right thing and stood up for what they believed in!!
“Mr. Backup” “Roadie Bear” “Wayfrum Holmes” .
Wayfrum Holmes..HAHAHA..I just got that Don..Love it!!
Hi Claudia, love what you’ve done with the place! :o) I agree with you on the couch. I think I’d have to hit up a discount store for a very inexpensive blanket to cover the couch, in a solid color that will complement that sweet quilt you made. If I’m not committing a faux pas (one never knows these days), how about naming your bear Boston in honor of the people there? (Unless that would be too painful of a reminder, which could be the case.) Blessings! Bess
I thought his name was “Traveling Bear”, TB for short LOL! Love the flowers, and enjoy your stay in Hartford :-)
Claudia, I Can’t wait for your latest adventure! You make it all sound so fun!
I will be praying for the People of Boston, and our Country as well. And for your Health, Safety, and Peace of mind, while away from your Beloved Family. -Judy A-
Muggins is the name choice for Mr. Travelling Bear. How discouraging for all the families who have lost loved
ones to gun violence. The Senate has a lot to answer for along with the NRA. Not a good week for American citizens with
so much tragedy occurring, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Claudia – you have really cozied up your “home away from home!!” Your quilt looks beautiful on the bed!! Hope you enjoy your time away and all goes well for you!! I’m with you on the Senate this week – pitiful… They should have done a better job for all of us… What a week of trajedy… Have a nice weekend!! Francine
That’s what we all want right now in this disturbing world, to make our homes safe, a sheltering place, and you’re doing your best to do that in your current home away from home. Stay safe and well, Claudia, and go home to Scout and Don soon.
Dewena
I like the name “William” for your teddy friend. Love how you are making your space cozy and I love that pink vase! ~hugs, Patti
I love that you personalize your space away form home and I am so with you on the background checks.
Hugs,
Laura
I love the way you have made your room feel homey and personalized. Your bear looks like a Buddy to me…or a Buster…lol Happy nesting in your new digs- xo Diana
Happy to check in at last and see your quilt as well as the photos from Prague!
This week I began to see a bit of color in the garden and my true signs of spring, the bloodroot unfolding. Had to share that. We expect flurries tonight, but I’m hopeful that Sunday and Monday will bring some sunshine our way.
We are in agreement about the senate! You have certainly cheered that room up a bit :) As to that darling little Teddy how about Toto Teddy since he’s meant to be toted along! :)
Claudia, I do see your touch, and I hope the time will pass with peace.
I don’t have a word worthy of my frustration with our “lawmakers”.
Love how you’ve personalized the room. How smart to bring a vase, too!
As for the cute teddy bear – how about “Sparky” in honor of Don?!
Best wishes for your time in Hartford, Claudia. I like very much all the personal touches you gave the place, a wonderful idea! Ann
I’m writing this comment after the fact of this past week- so I won’t add a comment to that.
Teddy bear looks like a Gracie!! We can never have too much Grace and protection!
Love what you have done to your room!! Have a wonderful time and God Bless!
The name is Suzan – I have never misspelled my name as Susan???
I thot I had lost you!! you haven’t been showing up in my emails lately and all of a sudden I realized it! then I couldn’t remember your exact blog name. Fortunately the search engine was smarter than I! LOL
I vote for sweet face for the bear. Cause it is such a sweet face. Karen
Karen, I’m not sure why you’re not getting the emails. Have you checked your spam folder? If it still remains a problem, you might try resubscribing to emails. I subscribe via 3 different email addresses and I’ve been getting them every day. Glad you found me again!