Hello from Hartford!
After packing the car to within an inch of its life, saying goodbye to my husband and doggie, driving two hours, stopping at the Trader Joe’s just outside of Hartford to get some groceries, then jamming them into the back seat of the car, I arrived at the apartments yesterday afternoon – about 2:45.
Unfortunately, since others in the cast were arriving around the same time at the train station and airport, I unpacked everything myself. I guess I made about 10 trips back and forth from the car to my apartment.
I was tuckered out and my ankle was complaining – but just a wee bit.
Actor/Staff lodging is always loaded with a mishmash of donated items. Though I must say that the Company Manager has really worked to make things more consistent. The desks are the same in every apartment: basic IKEA desks (and I was wrong in my memory of it – it doesn’t have a glass top, rather a faux wood laminate.) The dining table is basically the same, as well. The sofas vary, as do the various coffee tables and side tables.
The following group of photos is basically what I saw when I arrived.
That gray throw on the sofa is mine. I must say the table on which the television is perched is so hideous that it’s fascinating.
Basic IKEA desk and parsons chair. I brought the lamp from home – there is never enough lighting in these apartments, though that’s getting better, too. The framed photo is also mine. I moved the desk over closer to the window and the outlet.
Yikes.
When I arrived, there was a huge yellow lamp on the top of this table. It overpowered the whole thing and the shade was askew because it was a too big and too close to the wall. I moved the lamp over to the kitchen counter, where experience has taught me a lamp is needed.
Dining room before. It is what it is.
Kitchen in the midst of unpacking. You can see the yellow lamp on the left. You can also see three things that I always bring when I have to create a home away from home. The first is extra lighting (you’ve already seen the desk lamp.) I bought that smaller lamp from Target, knowing that I will be using it in our shared office space when I go back home. I wouldn’t have purchased it otherwise. The white box contains some pottery that I brought from home. And there are two bouquets of flowers from TJs.
Flowers are a must. There’s nothing that makes a space more friendly and welcoming.
My pink hobnail vase filled with a bouquet of alstromeria – $3.99 at Trader Joe’s.
And a bouquet of stock – $2.99 -on the coffee table. I used an empty jar I found in the cupboard for a vase. I have to say they smell heavenly.
I brought my favorite mug from home. I also bought a small square of cork at Target so I have something to pin notes and schedules to.
I always add a framed family photo. And this time, I brought this favorite piece of McCoy because I realized that not only would it be pretty, but it would be a great way to stash charging cords and keep them out of the way.
Another piece of pottery brought from home becomes a pencil/pen/nail file/scissors holder.
I get a splash of color that is very welcome as well as something functional.
Of course, books always warm up a room, don’t they?
That sofa is very nice looking, but boy oh boy, those cushions are too squishy. Like Goldilocks, I tried them all, and settled on that cushion closest to the wall as the best of the bunch.
The lamp from Target; purely by chance, it matches the sofa. Who knew? The last apartment I was in here had a purple sofa.
Kitchen, with yellow lamp and humidifier.
These apartments are in a converted office building and the ceilings are very, very high. The windows are quite tall.
See?
The bedroom is too dark to photograph well. I brought my bed quilt from home – the one I made for our previous bed that no longer fits our new bed. The coverlet on the bed here was perfectly fine, but I like the quilt I made – it’s pretty and it’s lightweight. I tend to run hot.
This year, the theater bought new mattresses for all the apartments. What a change! It’s firmer than our bed at home, but I had no trouble with it. In previous visits, I had to keep track of what mattress seemed to be the best for me and what apartment it was in – or had been moved to. I panicked at the thought of a bad mattress. Remember the time I switched out a mattress from the apartment next door in the middle of the night?
That was fun.
I haven’t hung the quilt yet and I might not. I’m waiting on that decision. I’m rather liking the expanse of white walls at the moment.
For some reason, we don’t start rehearsal until 2:00 today. We’ll have a Meet and Greet, the design presentations, and then a read-through of the play. We’ll be done at 7 pm.
Happy Tuesday.
I think the yellow lamp in the kitchen looks great! (Noticed the matching yellow towel.) And the vases, flowers, photo and books are definitely homey touches.
And yellow bananas, Rebecca!
Nice homey touches Claudia. Makes a world of difference to have some of your personal things with you when you have to be out of town. The TV table made me laugh!!
It’s so hideous that I have blocked it out and I no longer see it, Vera!
I think it is so important to make the space homey and yours while being away from home so many weeks. Love your touches and I like the new lamp. Sweet flowers always make a place brighter. I hope you feel rested and ready for the work!!
hugs,
Linda
Pretty rested, though I woke up earlier than I would have liked! It’s a nice slow morning, which helps a lot.
I knew the ‘Claudia’ touch would do wonders to your home away from home and you did not disappoint. Love the pops of color your added with things from your little cottage and of course the TJ flowers. That pottery piece you are using for power/charger cords is such a clever idea – what McCoy piece is it? Have a good day !
It’s a hanging pot in the basketweave pattern, Regina Anne!
Claudia, you have already made your place look comfortable. All your special touches really work nice. Enjoy your day at work, Doris
Thank you, Doris!
I have absolutely no knowledge of theatre production so I know I will enjoy your posts about this job. e.g. I had no idea that staff/actor lodging is an element of production. My fiancé worked on a film that was made here in our area (a Hollywood production with Steve Carrell) and he was agog at the stars’ trailers, the catering, the sets, and everything that went into the effort. It fascinated us, and now I will be treated to your experience as well! I can’t wait! The apartment looks much better with your personal touch, too.
It’s not an issue if the actors live nearby – as in NYC actors acting in a Broadway or off-Broadway production. But if you have to travel to work and be away from home, you have to be provided with housing. We don’t get the fancy trailers, but Don has certainly had a trailer to stay in on various shoots he’s done. According to the union, you have to be provided with one – I’m pretty sure.
Oh, that makes sense. Mysteries revealed!
That last photo with the desk by the huge window — it looks like you’re mixing dollhouse scales there. haaaaaaaaaaa! I love that you add so many comfy touches — I do the same. What’s the point of staying somewhere if you can’t make it your own while you’re there? :D
I know! I don’t know how tall these ceiling are, but maybe 18 feet? It’s incredible!
Not too bad! :-) And it’s your place.
I like the lamp on the kitchen counter. Really, I do.
Regula
I do, too. A nice sunny yellow!
your additions look great, claudia. making places where we stay, even temporary ones, more colorful, cozy and (as much as possible) our own styles is important and it looks like you’ve succeeded!
hope the work goes well, you have fun in hartford and then hurry home!
kathy
Thanks, Kathy! When I’m away, I have to make a space more ‘me’ or I go crazy!
Anything board-like to stick under at least one cushion on the couch to firm it up?
It certainly makes a difference when you bring a few things from home!
Much easier this trip without having to bring Scout along, I would think?
Nothing board-like yet. I may ask company management for something. We’ll see.
It was an added challenge with Scout last year, but I had such a great adventure with her that I will treasure that memory always. But this year, it would be impossible. She needs too much help and I would be worried about her all the time, not to mention the fact that going on walks is harder for her, which is what she’d have to do. She is not as robust as she was last year. If I had Scout’s care all to myself, I wouldn’t have been able to take the job this year. I would have had to turn it down.
You’ve really made it look homey…from the flowers, to the lamps….you know just what to do! I’m still chuckling at that tv stand! Enjoy your day! ;)
I should auction this oddity of a table off! Maybe I could earn some money!
Now, there’s an idea…but how would you describe it, so someone would actually want to buy it? The end table, circa1950?, at least has those leather inserts going for it. Maybe the oddity will grow on you…doubtful though! ;)
I have been with you for several of your jobs over the past few years, and I always look forward to how you Claudia-ize your new surroundings. Wow! Those windows are huge! Is this the same apt. “complex” you have been in for other Hartford stays? The kitchen for sure seems to be the same one I remember.
If it gets as cold there as it is here (we are up to 4* right now!!) you may want to hang that quilt for that warm feeling it gives, or wrap up in it!!
I’m happy you have a nice mattress this time! But the middle of the night switch you did was a “fun” one — at least to read about. I know you are looking forward to getting started. Have a great first day!!
Yes, it’s the same complex. It’s cold here today and we have some snow on the way….
How funny, that stepped end table is exactly like the ones Mom had when I was growing up in the 60s. I once worked for an artist that took scented candles when she was traveling, she said it made the hotel rooms seem more homey.
I brought scented candles with me – I should have mentioned them. Pine scented, in this case!
I like seeing how you make these little temporary stock apartments your own. Love the new Target lamp. They have the best selection of lamps, I think. My first thought when I saw that sofa was, “I bet it’s squishy.” Yep! I can’t sit on squishy couches for more than a few minutes, otherwise my back is killing me. Glad to hear you have a newer mattress to sleep on this time.
Same thing with my back. I need the support!
It doesn’t take a whole lot, just a few persona touches, to turn a dull place into a cozy spot. You’ve already made a good start and I know it will only get better. Glad you are settled in.
Me too. Now I can get to work – in just about an hour!
I love seeing how you made the place more your own, Claudia. I love the tall windows and white walls…makes any color just pop in the space. The flowers add life, and the yellow lamp is like sunshine!
The last lamp I had like this one – in another apartment – was orange. I like this one much better!
Thank you for a glimpse of your away life, Claudia. It’s obvious you’ve been temporarily housed many times and know what you need to make the apartment feel like home.
More times than I can count – one time I was away from home for 6 months! That required a full-out IKEA visit.
Wow, six months is a long long time! Were you far from home? I’ve never been away from home for a job longer than a couple of days.
I was working at the Old Globe in San Diego – guest teaching and coaching. Don and the dogs were back home out east.
Your temporary home looks cosy and homely. I do rather love the high window! x
I do, too! But they don’t keep the cold out too well!
Is there a blind to drop at that cold looking window Claudia? Shame they don’t hang heavier warmer looking drapes for winter.
You have made it look 100% better already though – hope you sleep well.
Hugs – Mary
P.S. I think perhaps Don may have snow by now – glad you got out and arrived safely.
There are vertical blinds, but they’re a pain to control.
Don got snow – so far we’ve just had snow flurries. When I left rehearsal this evening, all I saw was wet pavement.
Hi Claudia, What a great idea to bring some of your beloved items from home for these temporary digs; and what a terrific improvement you have made with just a few accessories. It reminds me of the movie musical “Calamity Jane”, where Katie shows Calam , how to glam up the cabin simply by adding ” A Woman’s Touch” , which is exactly what you have done here. The rooms now look feminine and pretty! :D
I remember that song and scene in Calamity Jane!
I think it’s better the mattress be harder than softer. Also, the yellow lamp on the kitchen counter was genius; it brightened up the space. Your flowers were transforming and, all in all, with your improvements, I don’t think the little apartment is so bad…and, OMG, the window (tall, vertical) is HUGE, so I hope you get a lot of great light from it! Congrats; fine job!
I get a nice amount of light from one of the windows. The other faces a building, so not so much light there.
I’m glad you arrived safely in Hartford Claudia. Your apartment didn’t look too bad even when you arrived, but it looks so much better after you’ve added your things. I do the same thing. Whenever I travel, I have a framed photo of Dennis and me. Our trailer that we spend most of the summer in at the lake, has pictures, crocheted afghan’s, a table cloth, ceramics. And vases of flowers. Other people there come in and they laugh. They say it looks like a mini home. And that’s just what it is! I hope your work goes well and swiftly so you can soon return home to Don and Scout.
Blessings, Betsy
I would do the same thing if we had a trailer, Betsy!