Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Anastasia / Joy and Sadness

Joy and Sadness

January 25, 2023 at 8:39 am by Claudia

I’m back from NYC after a full day of rehearsal. The show is in excellent shape, the band has been added, and on Friday, it will be presented in workshop form to producers, etc. I left the house at 7:15 and returned home at 7:30 pm. Sorry I didn’t get any photos, I was too intent on getting to rehearsal and then, at the end of the day, catching a slightly earlier bus. But it was a lovely sunny day in the city – the only sunny day I encountered on these January trips.

But, I have to say, the last couple of times I’ve walked all those blocks, it’s been so much easier. Just had to get back in shape. The same thing happened when I worked on the film. I wish I had access to the city a bit more often because there’s nothing I like more than walking in a city.

Today we’re dealing with a snow event which will bring 3 – 5 inches, but then, in an all too familiar pattern, will turn to sleet and then rain. This happened a lot last winter. Frankly, we’d love some beautiful white stuff on the ground to help brighten up the bleak landscape. Anyway, this ‘event’ impacted my decision to go in yesterday rather than today. Because you never know – and the snow was expected during my travel times.

On Monday, we learned of the death of Peggy Hickey from cancer at the age of 60. Peggy was the choreographer for Anastasia  and for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, both of which were directed by Darko. The latter won several Tony Awards. I knew she had been ill, but what I didn’t know was how long she had been ill – over a decade. For all those years she had been fighting cancer and, at the same time, doing some of her best work as a choreographer. I don’t know how she did it. She had two daughters and a wonderful husband. She was loved and adored by all who knew her. She had a marvelous toothy grin that made everyone happier and the joy she exuded as she worked was beautiful to behold. I texted Darko on Monday and he was – and is – devastated. Four of us at rehearsal yesterday had worked on Anastasia  and knew and loved Peggy. I wasn’t at Monday’s rehearsal, but I know it was extremely difficult for Darko. He and Peggy were close colleagues and friends.

God bless you, Peggy. Rest in Peace.

So much loss lately. Don is still having a very hard time with the loss of his friend.

A little Blythe photo for you – maybe it will bring a smile to your face – it does to mine.

Mei reading her journal.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: Anastasia, Blythe dolls 21 Comments

Comments

  1. kathy in iowa says

    January 25, 2023 at 9:36 am

    condolences on the loss of a friend and colleague. prayers will be said.

    glad the job and travels have gone well, that you could switch a day to avoid having to get around in the snow. hopefully you don’t get rain or sleet so today’s snow can stick around a while.

    thanks to colder temperatures and lovely, moody gray skies, we still have five inches of snow on the ground … and we are to get maybe another inch of snow today. it is beautiful!

    there was a school shooting here on monday … two students were killed and the founder (of this school for at-risk teens) was injured. thankfully will (the founder) is said to have made it through surgery. and that the shooter is in custody. said to have been gang-related and not random. scary and sad.

    otherwise nothing new here. getting groceries for members of my family and me today … best i get going.

    hope everyone has a good, safe day!

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 11:30 am

      I’m so sorry to hear of the tragic shooting. This has been a week full of tragedy.

      Stay safe, Kathy.

      Reply
  2. Elaine in Toronto says

    January 25, 2023 at 10:37 am

    It’s very sad you have lost another friend, Claudia. I’m so sorry. On a happier note, I’m happy for you that the rehersal yesterday went well. Glad you had sunshine. We’re expecting a snow event today, too, 15 to 20 cm or about 6 or 8 inches. Time to snuggle in like Mei is doing. Lovely she has her own comfy chair. What a cutie. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 11:30 am

      She is a cutie!

      Stay safe, Elaine!

      Reply
  3. Darlene says

    January 25, 2023 at 11:03 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss! She was beautiful! Cancer sucks!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 11:30 am

      It does.

      Thank you, Darlene.

      Reply
  4. Linda MacKean says

    January 25, 2023 at 11:38 am

    This year has started off with several losses and I guess now that I’m in my 70’s its to be expected but it’s still hard. Sending comforting thoughts your way. Love the Blythe girl and yes she does make me smile.. Hugs

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 4:39 pm

      She was ten years younger than me, though. So unfair.

      Stay safe, Linda.

      Reply
  5. Barrie says

    January 25, 2023 at 2:08 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. It does sound like she had an incredibly rich life.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 4:39 pm

      She made the lives of everyone she worked with richer, Barrie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  6. brendab says

    January 25, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    So sorry about your loss and Don’s friend. I know it has been one person after another these past two years…my journal is full of the names…my columns have been about some of them…I have had more health problems, but I am moving forward. Prayers accepted. Thanks for telling us about NYC. I love hearing my granddaughter talk about it and love to remember the times I have been there.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2023 at 4:40 pm

      Prayers are headed your way, Brenda. Feel better.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
      • Brendab says

        January 25, 2023 at 4:52 pm

        You are so sweet
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          January 26, 2023 at 8:58 am

          xo

          Reply
    • kathy in iowa says

      January 25, 2023 at 10:50 pm

      just stopped by tonight and saw your comment. i will be praying for you, brenda. and everyone else here, too.

      take good care of yourself and tell people what you need (iowa’s a long way from florida, but i’d do what i can for you)!

      hugs,
      kathy

      Reply
  7. jeanie says

    January 25, 2023 at 5:14 pm

    I’m so glad to hear the show is looking good and hope the producers workshop goes well. So glad you won’t have to go in on Wednesday. We’re getting snow now — It’ll have to snow longer and harder to get to the predicted 6″ max. I’m not a fan but have to admit, it looks much prettier outside with the ground blanketed in white. And the birds are chowing down like there’s no tomorrow. I’m glad I loaded the feeders before the snow.

    I read about Peggy yesterday or the day before and assumed you probably knew her. I’m so sorry. She sounds like an amazing woman.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2023 at 8:59 am

      Our storm ended up being a dud. For once, we really wanted some snow!

      Peggy was an amazing woman. It’s a profound loss not only for her family and friends, but for the theater.

      Stay safe, Jeanie.

      Reply
  8. Tana says

    January 26, 2023 at 12:37 am

    I am so sorry for your loss of a friend. It is never easy but as we get older, it happens more often. But 60 is so very young! You and Don stay close with all the yucky weather coming your way.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2023 at 9:00 am

      Thank you, Tana. 60 is way too young. It’s heartbreaking.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  9. Gayle Olson says

    January 27, 2023 at 8:58 pm

    I need help, too. My only sister/sibling died of a rare lung cancer a year ago, my only son died of glioblastoma last April. I am heartbroken. I don’t even remember why I am posting this sad news.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 28, 2023 at 9:40 am

      Oh Gayle! I’m praying for you. I’m glad you shared this with us. I can’t imagine your pain and I’m so sorry you are experiencing such devastating loss. Know that prayers are being sent your way.

      Much love.
      Claudia

      Reply
Please check back to follow the conversation!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Instagram

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Searching?

The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives

All Content © 2008 - 2025 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT