Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / McCoy pottery / Home for a Pit Stop

Home for a Pit Stop

March 30, 2011 at 8:11 am by Claudia

Home. Briefly.

I lead a fairly quiet life. I like that. So when I am catapulted into an intense weekend full of new people, places, lots of talk, meetings and parties, I don’t sleep very well. Sunday night I had a total of 5 hours of sleep. The grand total for Monday night? 2 hours. Yes, you read that right. I just couldn’t sleep and knowing that the alarm was going to wake me at 4 am didn’t help.  I was to be picked up at 5 for the hour drive to the airport in order to catch a 7 am flight.

By the time I got home to MHC, I was a zombie. 22 hours with the family then off to Boston. So, I threw some clothes in the wash, took a nap on the sofa, cuddled my husband and dogs and went to bed early. And that was hard to do since Jean Harlow was the featured star on TCM last night. Dinner at Eight – oh, how I love that movie. I think I made it through about 3/4 of it before I had to give up and say goodnight. Platinum Blonde (my other favorite Jean Harlow movie) was on too late – 11:30. Don isn’t up yet, but I think he watched it. Harlow was so talented, so funny and brave in her work. I think she is underrated as an actress because she was so beautiful. I have become a big fan. And every time I watch her, there is a more than a tinge of sadness at the realization that she died so young.

I took these photos this morning, as the early morning sun poured into the kitchen. The vase is one of my favorite McCoy pieces. Sometimes called The Strap Vase, it’s quite tall and very heavy. A week (or two?) ago when I started to clean up the front yard, I gathered some weeping willow branches that had fallen to the ground. I like the way they look in the vase – beautiful in their spareness.

As much as I’m looking forward to my time in Boston, I would be happy to stay here in my cottage. I’d like to work outside, catch up on sleep, clean, and just be with my family. There is always a push-pull about traveling for me. I get excited about being in a different place, yet I want to stay home at the same time. I wonder if any of you feel the same way?

Ah well. More coffee. Maps to print out. Packing. Last minute check list. Rental car to pick up.

More later from Boston.

Filed Under: McCoy pottery, Mockingbird Hill Cottage, On The Road 23 Comments

Comments

  1. Mereknits says

    March 30, 2011 at 8:16 am

    Hi my wonderful sister. Have a safe trip. Love you a ton, call from Bosotn if you can.
    Mere

    Reply
  2. Crystal Rose Cottage says

    March 30, 2011 at 8:47 am

    Good morning Claudia….Glad your home if only briefly to spend time with your hubby and pets. Speaking of Jean Harlow, when my dad was a teenager he went to the local theater stage and Jean Harlow was making a personal appearance. I always remember him telling the story of how she seemed to “glow” while standing there in a sequined silver gown. I have read her biography and yes it is sad she died so young and was so loved by William Powell. Luckily, I don’t have to travel on my own away from husband and family. I don’t think I would handle it well. Have a safe trip!~Hugs, Patti

    Reply
  3. ImagiMeri says

    March 30, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Good Morning Girlfriend,

    I feel like you do……whenever I’m gone. It is quite the push and pull with feelings. We spent the last weekend up at my brothers cabin and although the scenery was lovely, and the weather beautiful………it wasn’t my bed, or my home. I did not sleep well with maybe a total of 10 hours over the three day period. I’m wiped, and sore from a bed not like mine. Take care, it will all be over soon, and you’ll have some beautiful piccy’s from Boston.

    Love ya’
    Meri

    Reply
  4. Olive Cooper says

    March 30, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Hi Claudia, sleep is so critical to health but not easily achieved when traveling for me unless I am in a cabin in the mountains. You are too cute staying up to watch an old classic movie. Be safe and try to rest. ♥O

    Reply
  5. Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness says

    March 30, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Prayers for your safe travels and stay.

    What a lovely photo, and I see binoculars at the window. I too keep mine there so I can spy on the backyard birds.

    Reply
  6. Joanne says

    March 30, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I know what you you mean sleeping somewhere other than my own comfy bed next to the musical sounds of my snoring Hubby is very difficult for me. Click, Click, Click~ There’s no place like home. Blessings, Joanne

    Reply
  7. The French Bear says

    March 30, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Hang in there Claudia, Spring and being back at home will come! Have a wonderful trip and keep safe!! I can’t wait for the next adventure update!!!!
    I have never known much about Jean Harlow….now I will have to do some research, thanks!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

    Reply
  8. Terri Gordon says

    March 30, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Hi Claudia, I am so much like that. I get all excited about taking a trip and then two days before I wish I were not going. I am such a home body. But once I get there I love it. Have a great time and I hope you can sleep better, it is so tough doing things without enough sleep. Hugs, Terri

    Reply
  9. Susan S. says

    March 30, 2011 at 11:15 am

    busy, busy, busy….sounds fun though! Love you willow branch pics in the pretty vase! You need to get TIVO or DVR then you could watch the movies you wanted to at anytime of day! :)

    Reply
  10. Kim says

    March 30, 2011 at 11:40 am

    I don’t travel much- but seems every time I do I get ill and long to go home- so I must be a true homebody. I do love to see new places though. I am glad you are able to have a little time at home Claudia- I hope you get enough rest before you are off and running again ♥

    Reply
  11. Donna says

    March 30, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Oh, Claudia – have a save drive! I’m sure your rental car will have GPS. I couldn’t live without my Delilah (such an overstatement! Of course I could live, but she does make driving easier!) I’m writing this from my sister’s computer at my dad’s house and things keep disappearing. It’s been a rough two weeks with some issues with Dad so I haven’t kept up with things the way I should. If things weren’t so hectic right now I would have LOVED to try to get together while you are in the area, but with your demanding schedule and my never-know-what’s- happening-from-minute-to-minute schedule, I’m afraid it won’t be possible. Enjoy beautiful Boston – but dress warm! And be forewarned – they are predicting a (potentially) big snowstorm on Friday, April 1st (and unfortunately, they aren’t fooling!)… Donna

    Reply
  12. Cyndie says

    March 30, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Yup, I go thru the same things when traveling. Only thing is that we mostly drive to vacation areas so towards the end of a long day of driving, I get drowsy and am sure that I will sleep like a log once I get to the hotel, but that’s when I suddenly “wake up” and can’t sleep! I need my TV on to lull me back into the dreamy state and my husband likes it quiet and dark, so we have quite the quandary for the first few days, at least until I settle in. But then after a few days I am homesick – and that’s another new issue!! LOL Quite the travelers, are we!

    Reply
  13. Julia says

    March 30, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I hope you enjoy your time in Boston. I know you love your cottage and would be happy to stay there all the time. I understand. I think you are supposed to get more S¡™£! up there this weekend. I hope you don’t have to drive through much of it. We are headed that way and hope we miss it too.

    Reply
  14. The Quintessential Magpie says

    March 30, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Claudia, the older I get, the more I want to be home. I adore traveling, but I like to be in my own bed. And sometimes then, I don’t sleep well. So I understand feeling like a zombie.

    I am going to go catch up on your other posts and see what has been going on with you. I’ve been MIA for a bit, and I have missed you.

    Enjoy your time at home and have a safe trip to Boston…

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    Reply
  15. Kerrie says

    March 30, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Yes, I am perfectly happy to stay in my home and have peace and quiet. I love traveling but love to come home. Camping is fun as we only go for a couple of days nearby now and then and it is very peaceful camping….. I love your spartan branches, too! There is beauty everywhere…

    Reply
  16. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    March 30, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    Hi Claudia, I’m so glad that you’re checking in with us. I love how you are so connected to your home and family – I feel the same way. How lucky are we?? Take care, xxoo

    Reply
  17. Lucille says

    March 30, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    You are not getting that much time at home before you have to leave again. That is very hard. Myself, I’m a homebody and so I understand your sadness at having to leave your little family behind. Claudia, I have a little trick for you. I usually sleep well but on those nights when I cannot fall asleep no matter how hard I try, if I turn my bedside lamp on, eventually I will doze off. Try that next time you can’t sleep. It might work for you also.

    Reply
  18. Queen of Dreamsz says

    March 30, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Hi Claudia,

    I’m the insomniac here…Thomas can lay down and be asleep in 10 seconds! no kidding.:0) I have a much worse time getting to sleep if I’m away from home and my time schedule needs to be turned around. I’d be just like you with very little sleep.

    Have a safe trip..and thanks for dropping in for a visit!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie ♥

    Reply
  19. June says

    March 31, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Have a safe trip Claudia and I am so glad that you were able to come home to your cottage for even a little pit stop. So sorry about the lack of sleep. I hope that you will be able to get more rest in this coming week.
    I am a huge fan of her movies too…actually any movie of that era (almost).
    sending hugs

    Reply
  20. Leann says

    March 31, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Wow Claudia it’s been a while since I’ve visited with you my sweet friend – 8 posts to be exact! You have been one busy lady. I love my visits your photos and stories make me feel right at home – thanks!

    Catch up on some zzz’s…

    Leann

    Reply
  21. Monica@The White Bench says

    March 31, 2011 at 8:31 am

    Have a safe journey. Your vase is gorgeous.
    Monica x

    Reply
  22. Elizabeth and Gary says

    March 31, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Hi Claudia,
    How exciting for you, with new adventures ahead. I love Boston!Gary and I traveled there on business once for me but serveral times for him. I love all the brick buildings. Your McCoy vase is lovely. Be safe, big hugs, Elizabeth

    Reply
  23. Rizzi says

    April 1, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I FEEL THE SAME WAY, NICE TO GO AWAY, BUT VERY NICE TO COME HOME.
    WHEN YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP,THAT’S HARD ON YOU. I HAVE A HARD TIME SLEEPING ALL THE TIME. I THINK GETTING OLDER DOESN’T HELP.
    WELL, YOU HAVE A NICE, SAFE TRIP, AND GOOD WEATHER. RIZZI

    Reply
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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.

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