In the interest of being honest here, I feel like most of my subject matter for the last month has been my stuff: first, my egg cup collection, and then the McCoy collection. Then there are all the gifts I’ve been receiving lately, which have been delightful surprises, of course. I talk about them because I think it’s important to highlight both the giver and the gift in this space; to say thank you, both privately and online.
But I feel uncomfortable. Am I showing off too much? Do you read these posts and think, “Geez, this girl gets a lot of presents. Enough, already!”? (I think I’m breaking a rule or two by using an exclamation point, quotation mark, and a question mark in a row.)
If you had known me for a long time, you’d know I’m pretty self-effacing, an interesting quality in one who was an actress for a big chunk of her life. But actually, I know a lot of actors who are self-effacing – including my husband. I don’t like to show off or be in the spotlight.
So you can see why I worry just a tad about this sort of thing.
But if you came to my cottage, I’d share these things with you. And since I want this blog to be like a visit to the cottage, well…
That being said, will you excuse me if I share two things with you today? Pretty please?
I succumbed to another piece of McCoy. This one is a real gem. I’ve been wanting it for a long time.
Isn’t it lovely? It’s about 6 inches high. Gosh darn it – I love the leaf and berry motif that is on a lot of McCoy Pottery.
From the rear.
I’ve always thought of this vase as the companion piece to one I already had:
They make sense together. Both have the leaves and berries, both are about the same height. They’re petite vases. As I was taking photos yesterday, I ended up setting them on this desk. I think I’ll keep them there.
Then, my sister (that scamp) sent me another package this week. She is a talented knitter, crocheter and weaver, among other things. See what she made for me!
A beautiful table runner. I have it folded in half in this photo because I’m still sick and I wasn’t up to tackling the stacks of mail, etc. that are currently on our kitchen table.
Her work is so lovely, don’t you think? Thank you, dear sister, who always has several projects going, most of which you give away because you are that kind of person.
My greatest delight nowadays? Hearing my little nephew’s voice on the phone. That Little Z! I’m simply crazy about him, as is Don.
Okay.
I’ve been talking about this on Just Let Me Finish This Page, but for those of you who don’t know about it, tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day. Many, many bookstores around the country are planning events. Our Independent Bookstores are essential and must be supported in this age of chain stores and online monoliths. So go out tomorrow, stop by your local independent bookstore, buy a book, and thank them for all they do. Thank them for persevering. Thank them for the caring and personal relationship they have with their customers. Thank them for sharing their love of books and reading.
Do it.
Happy Friday.
I always look forward to what you will share next with your readers. The glimpses into your cottage are delightful. The woven piece from Meredith is beautiful – such talent.
She is very talented, Barbara.
Claudia, I come to your blog to visit you and your cottage and your life. So sharing whats in the cottage and your lovely collections is a good thing my friend. You are loved and so the gifts you get are special also. That said… I love the new piece of McCoy!! That is gorgeous. I found a white piece of McCoy yesterday for $5 at one of my local Antique Malls…happy dance and I also found a new mini. Photos someday on my blog :) Meredith is such a talented lady and such a generous friend and sister. I love that table runner. She showed it on her blog but didn’t say who it was for, how like her to surprise you again. Hope you are feeling better today.
hugs,
Linda
Still feeling pretty crappy, Linda, but I might be just a bit better. Hard to tell.
You have such good luck with mini pottery – I really can’t find it around here!
I love it when you do house tours or share things in and around your house. Wow, Meredith did a brilliant job on the runner. The colours are very Springy indeed!
I hope you get to felling better soon.
Hugs all around :)
Deb
Just a wee bit better, but still most definitely under the weather, Deb.
I love both the vase and the runner; and no one who regularly reads your blog would ever think that you are a showoff! Feel better soon; it is spring!
Aw thanks, Carolyn Marie. I hope I feel better soon. Right now? Not so hot!
I love the house tours!! That is why I love to visit you every morning .
You are one of the few bloggers that still blog every day. I have gradually taken some blogs off my favorites because it sometimes week or months before they have a new post.
Not that I feel they need to blog every day. I just don’t feel the need to check on them every day like I do you.
I think your readers appreciate your dedication to your blog and that is why they send the gifts. It is a ‘thank you’ for making our mornings special. At least it is for me. I do have something to send you but I can’t find your address here. I thought it used to be posted but maybe I am thinking of another blog. If you wouldn’t mind emailing it to me I will get this to you! pam
I emailed you the address, Pam. Thank you for thinking of me.
I love blogging every day, though if I’m totally honest, there are days when it’s a wee bit hard to come up with something. Somehow, it all works out!
It’s a lot fun for me to see all of your “prettys” as my granddaughter would call them and much like visiting with you. I aways look forward to seeing what new, old thing you have to show us. I also saw that beautiful runer on Meredith’s blog and wondered who the lucky recipient was. How blessed you are to have her for a sister and vice versa. I can hear the love in your words when you talk about each other. And I agree, little “Z” is a hoot!
Blessings
Betsy
I truly adore my sister. I hope to actually see her face to face soon! The one thing we are not happy with is how far away from each other we are. It’s a big pain, to tell you the truth. If we lived nearby, we’d be at each other’s house every day.
I love seeing what pretty things you have in your sweet cottage! Now you have me looking for McCoy! I think I actually have a yellow piece tucked away somewhere and I need to find it.
Have a beautiful day!
Susan
Oooh! Good luck finding that yellow piece. And then bring it out and proudly display it.
I saw the table runner on Meredith’s blog but she didn’t say who it was for…surprise! It is lovely. I enjoy coming to visit you every day and seeing what’s new at the cottage. Love your new McCoy piece.
Thank you, Marilyn. I saw it on her blog, too. Imagine my surprise when I opened the package and realized it was meant for me!
Oh my goodness I so enjoy when you show your collections and pictures of your lovely home! Since your McCoy posts, I’ve actually gathered up different pieces of pottery I have (tho none are McCoy) and am now displaying them together in my dining room. Some are my mom’s from when I was a little girl so the display warms my heart when I look at it.
If I can inspire my readers, so much the better! So happy you gathered up your pottery and are enjoying them as a group, Cindy.
I come to visit to hear and see what’s going on in your life. And you’re right, lately it’s been about pottery (I consider egg cups pottery). But, that’s what you want to talk about…and since I’m here to hear what you want to talk about…I’m all ears and eyes! I love these informal house tours btw…glimpses into your life. That is a gorgeous vase…you just can’t stop, can you? Lol Meredith is indeed a special sister and friend…you are so lucky to have her. Beautiful runner…when you’re feeling better…take a pic of it on your table! ;)
I consider egg cups pottery, too! I will definitely take a picture of it on the table asap, Donnamae. Thank you for your kind words.
The fact that you share your things with us is the reason so many of us return to your blog every morning! I never ever thought of you boasting! It is, as you said, we are having coffee and chatting about McCoy pottery!! Or egg cups. Or books. It is what we do with our other friends when we are together.
I do hope you are feeling better soon. These spring colds/ allergies are miserable. Take care…
That’s exactly the way I want this blog: as if you’ve come over for some coffee and, perhaps, a cupcake. And we chat.
Thanks so much. I’m still feeling crappy, but a wee bit better, Chris.
I smiled when I read the title of your post–she got more! They’re beautiful!
You NEVER show off and you can never get enough presents! Well, maybe, but only because of limited space. Show us as much as you want.
Hope you feel better soon. (freeze dried stinging nettles may help your allergies)
jane-in-tx
Crossing my fingers that each day gets more allergy-sinus free, Jane. Thank you for your kind words.
I find your blog to be very well written, interesting and I learn about different things that otherwise is not part of my “world” so to speak e.g. pottery, acting, the theater, new books. I love hearing about your lovely dogs too. So Thank You!.
You are most welcome, Kaye, It’s truly my pleasure.
Claudia, You my Dear, are a very Humble person.You needn’t to worry about “Showing Off.” (My Mom used to say).Just Thank-You for sharing,the Joy and beauty around you everyday.
I’m a new fan of McCoy pottery,Thanks entirely to you, and their beautiful pottery!
-Judy A-
It’s going to look like I’m fishing for compliments!!
But, seriously, Judy – thank you.
I have always found when people are good friends,( as I like to think we friends here are.) there is very little, or no Jealously, only the opposite. sharing of joy, and accomplishment, and bearing one another s burdens. -Judy A-
PS. if you still worry that it looks like fishing? THEN LET”S GO FISHING!! :-)
I love seeing what other people have, what they collect, new finds/discoveries and how they choose to display it. My favorite posts are always the ones that include something from inside of your cottage. I look forward to my “daily visit” with you, and reading whatever you share with us. The table runner is absolutely beautiful!
Thank you, Debbie. It is beautiful, isn’t it?
Love the new McCoy piece, and REALLY love your new table runner. Pattern [I am the original gingham geek], colors and workmanship. Although maybe ‘workmanship’ should be changed to ‘artistry.’ I’d love these for my own coffee and dining tables. Matching placemats too.
And about what you share/post about in your blog? I think the great Tina Fey has the right view – “Do your thing and don’t care if they like it…” PS – I do like it. Very much. And I agree with those who’ve been saying that your posts are basically what we’d all be talking about over coffee around your kitchen table, or out on your porch. A virtual coffee klatsch.
Thanks, Janet! I generally try to vary the conversation around here, and I was worried it was too much of the same kind of thing.
Are you kidding Claudia??..I love seeing your “stuff”…lol..Please keep sharing these things with us..
Well, I’ve never shown this much of it in such a relatively short time period! I guess that’s why it seemed to be a bit much. Thanks, Nancy.
I enjoyed the McCoy series very informative! Beautiful pieces. This is your blog….do whatever YOU want. If someone is not interested they can simply delete!
I LOVE your gift from your sister …..that is AMAZING!!!! Sooo pretty and thoughtful.
Have a good weekend!
Addie
Oh, thanks so much, Addie! Usually, I don’t give a fig, but today I thought differently.
Yes, yes! I spied an indy bookstore just last week in a town near where I live and I have a trip planned next week to go explore it in-depth. They are becoming scarily rare.
Your sister is skillful; that’s a lovely table runner. Gosh do I wish I could have inherited the crafter’s gene and perfected such expertise when younger; can’t now, my hands are too stiff and arthritic. But I love to appreciate the work of others! When I think of what women are still doing…and some men…with handcrafts, same as their ancestors, keeping it alive, I just feel so grateful. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, tatting, quilting and so on … creative, productive, unique; history-making. Beautifying our homes, and us!
I will tell you, for a long time I visited a blog written by a soulful and earnest young gal; 20s age group. Her life is somewhat confined, I believe, so she doesn’t really do too much beyond showcasing her parents’ home and her bedroom, more often than not, and it’s beautiful and she’s creative but it became monotonous for me although I think she tries really, really hard to have an interesting blog. With you, you get out, you show us the locale or side trips, you talk about a variety of subjects, you photograph your collections, your home and your yard; you mix it up, so I enjoy reading you when I can. And when you do these pieces on the egg cups or the McCoy, I’ve learned a lot. Same for the doll house. So, keep doing it. You have my attention! I appreciate that you have an active blog; it seems like a good form of expression for you, too. Win-win.
It is indeed a good form of expression for me. I’ve found it to be life changing. And my writing, something I’ve always loved to do, has grown and improved.
And I meet and get to know all of you!
I think sharing the things you love is wonderful, it is both educational and fun for all of us. Glad you like the table runner.
Hope you are feeling better,
Love you,
Mere
A wee bit better but still can’t really talk. Voice is really weak and I’m coughing a lot.
The vases are beautiful and look so lovely set out on the table. And, Wow, your sister did a beautiful job. Love it.
Thank you, Barbara. She is so talented! And I’m loving those vases in their new home on the table.
You’re not showing off, but generously sharing your life. Blogging is such an out there experience. I’m not brave enough to do it. I couldn’t find anything about the little piece of pottery I found in my Mom’s house. I asked for it and she gave it to me, saying it was my Grandmother’s. It looks like a horse watering trough. The glaze is turquoise. No marks except for USA on the side. It’s probably an inexpensive little thing but I like it, since it was my Grandmother’s.
Could you send me a picture of the piece, Wendy? That ‘horse watering trough’ description reminds me of a piece of McCoy. And some McCoy only had USA as the marking.
I can send you a photo, Claudia. Can I get your email address? The replies you send to me say not to reply to that email address.
Just go to the top of the sidebar and you’ll see an icon that is an envelope. Click on it and you can send me an email.
Its so nice to see someone that loves McCoy as much as i do! I collected a ton of it in the Maryland and Pennsylvania area in my 20s when it was only a few dollars. Now I’m in my 50s and living in LA and often think “maybe i should sell this” and then i just cant! I still love it just as much!
Oh, lucky you, Heidi. You were the smart one, gathering it up when it was so affordable.
Don’t sell it! It obviously brings you joy, so display it and love it!
Love your new piece of McCoy! Such a gorgeous color. Your new piece from Mere is beautiful too. Aren’t sisters special?
Love,
Judy
They sure are, Judy. I know how close you are to your sisters. I feel the same way about Mer.
Hi Claudia. I hope you feel better soon. I love the tours of you house, the doll house and the pretty flowers in your backyard. It’s all very special because you created it and shared it. Thank you.
Ah, thank you, Heather. That means a great deal to me.
Claudia, I never in 100 years thought you were showing off. You are just so sweet to show us all what we “kinda” begged for. Taking so many photos, and placing them on your blog, is certainly not an easy task I would think, and I certainly do appreciate you doing this for all of us. Just want you to know, yours is one of my favorite blogs. Each day, I go through most very quickly (probably 60, and always save yours till the last, so I can enjoy every photo as I sit with a cup of coffee, and relax. Oh, and I love, love those two small vases. LOVE!!!! You are my FAVORITE!!!!!!! Hugs to you… Bonnie in Wi where it is suppose to get to 79 degrees today. Yippee..
Oh, thank you so much, Bonnie. You made my day!
It’s going to be warm here today, too! Huzzah!
Claudia, I visit two blogs daily, and one of them is yours. I love all the pottery posts, as I do believe you are keeping me from searching for more for myself. I can just enjoy the pieces you have and are acquiring and get satisfaction from that. My wallet thanks you. I have enjoyed the egg cup posts as well, as I would never have realized how cute, clever and fun of a collection that is.
Since you live in a completely different area of the country than I do, I enjoy learning more about the area you live in and the area’s you travel with for your work. Keep on doing – what you are doing.
Annie