Thank you for the fascinating discussion yesterday! I loved reading your comments.
You know by now that my life largely centers around words. It’s what I do for a living; I teach and coach speech, dialects, text and voice. All of that is about words and their use and how that changes according to the context in which the words are written. That includes regionalisms and dialects and how they change the texture and rhythm of speech.
I write this blog daily. Words. I write another blog that is all about books and literature. I read and review books. Words. I minored in English Language and Literature. I majored in Drama and Speech. Words and the use of them and, yes, misuse of them, and topics like ‘trendy’ word usage are always on my mind. Occasionally I will write about those things because they fascinate me. And I will have opinions about those things, just as you have opinions about them. No one, including me, uses words ‘correctly’ all of the time. If I tried to do that, I would be so self-conscious and self-aware in the moment that the emotion that fuels my words would be stifled. Who could live that way?
So, I hope you understand that I can comment on current trends in word usage and the ways in which words have been changed, for example, from a noun to a verb, and still respect and honor the incredible variety of sounds, speech, regionalisms, and dialects that are out there. Try as I might, and as careful as I am about the posts I write, I write a blog post every day and chances are I will offend someone at sometime. That is never my intention. Nor is it my intention to make anyone feel self-conscious. Everyone’s voice is welcome here.
Okay. On to something else.
My friend Barbara sent me a package. I picked it up at the post office yesterday and had to wait while I got an oil change and my tires rotated and then stopped at Target before I finally got home and could open it! Do you want to see what was inside?
These are acrylic jewelry stands which are being repurposed as tables and desks by miniaturists. Since I have a couple of modern projects going, these will be perfect!
Love this cup and saucer! Barbara ordered it from the Etsy shop Twelvetimesmoreteeny. I’ve several plates from that same shop in Hummingbird Cottage.
This modern table is from The Little Dollhouse Company. Perfect! The question is: will it go in the Top Secret Project or in the Loft that I got from Target?
And this miniature dollhouse is also from The Little Dollhouse Company. It’s for Caroline to work on. Somehow, Barbara knew that Caroline had been bugging me about getting her own dollhouse.
Cool!
Also in the package was a piece of pottery belonging to Barbara which she decided should be in Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I am very grateful.
A gorgeous basket in the Clematis pattern. Isn’t it lovely?
The other side.
Thank you so much, Barbara! Goodness, you should have seen the smile on my face as I was unpacking everything!
And speaking of words, Rest in Peace, Pat Conroy. I loved your writing and the passion you had for words and literature. Thank you.
Happy Saturday.
It’s fun seeing all the goodies! What a lovely, generous friend you have in Barbara.
I always enjoy your posts about words and word usage, and always learn something. I tend to get lazy about my speech and writing, so am grateful for the reminders. Language is fascinating, indeed.
Barbara is wonderfully generous, Karen. Thanks!
What fun gifts! I love to see all the doll house items even if they aren’t something I would do personally, I get to enjoy it through you. I forgot you got the loft, much has happened since then.
I love your posts about words, language and other topics. You write and express yourself so well. I’m not a great wordsmith but I appreciate those who are. Pat Conroy, an artist with words, RIP.
The Roseville! Just, The Roseville!! Sighs, smiles, dreams!
hugs,
Linda
I wouldn’t decorate in that mid-century modern way here at MHC, but getting to play with it on a miniature level is such fun!
So sad about Pat Conroy. Too young.
I had no idea they made so many different minature items. How amazing and cute.
Oh, you would not believe how many miniature items are out there, Barbara!
You received a wonderful gift! Cute miniatures…I especially got a kick out of the dollhouse for Caroline, who lives in a dollhouse. In my world, that was humorous! Words are a funny thing…and you’d think we’d be pretty good at it, when you consider that is how we communicate…but evidently a lot gets lost in translation! I went back to your post last night, and read all the comments…it was fun to read! Enjoy your day! ;)
Yes, no matter how careful I am, it happens.
I love the idea of a dollhouse within a dollhouse, Donnamae! Now, should it be something Caroline is working on in her studio? Or should it be finished?
Good question! I would think it would be a project…you know a project within a project? ;)
That’s what I’m leaning toward, Donnamae. xo
Maria was correct, Claudia, a favorite thing is brown paper packages wrapped up in string, or our modern equivalent of cartons secured by packaging tape! My daughter and I often joke about winning a contest wherein the Grand Prize was unlimited time “looting” a FedEx delivery truck and keeping anything we unwrapped….a la Supermarket Sweep!
I’ve only read Prince of Tides, years and years ago, but remembered enjoying the prose. He had more stories to tell….
Oh, what a great idea, Wendy! Can you imagine the fun the winner would have?
Such a wonderful collection of goodies! Barbara was very generous indeed. Love Carolines new dollhouse.
Blessings,
Betsy
I do, too. It will be fun to paint it and have it be Caroline’s work in progress!
I’ve read your blog for several years and can’t imagine that you’d ever intentionally say something hurtful. I hope the reader who got upset will realize we were all (gently) poking fun at people who misuse words to be cute or trendy, and that she’ll feel free to comment. None of us will whip out our red pencils and correct grammar and spelling (which I’ve been known to mess up too!).
Those miniatures are great. You’re inspiring me to start my own dollhouse!
Oh heavens no! I do not look at comments and think about grammar! I just enjoy them, as do all of you. Thank you, Bonnie.
And I couldn’t be happier that I’m providing some dollhouse inspiration! Go for it!
where are those darling vases from that are sitting on the modern table? You are a lucky lady that was quite a box of wonderful :)
I just purchased my first McCoy and now im wondering if I made a good deal or got stiffed. Its a McCoy Grapes and Vine Brown and Aqua Vase/Pitcher 9 1/4″ tall total with shipping was 17.50. Your opinion?
I think of you and Don often and can empathize . I had to put my 16 year old sweet kitty down on Jan 1st and I still look to see if she is there when I open the front door.
You guys take good care
First, let me express my sympathy on the loss of your kitty. I’m so very sorry to hear that sad news and all I can say is I understand.
Those vases are beads! They were also given to me by Barbara, a while back, and don’t they look fabulous as vases?
Great deal on the McCoy – I believe it’s part of the Rustic line that was made by McCoy. I have an aqua vase in that line. If it totaled $17.50 with shipping, you did well! Congratulations!
You are kind to get back to me with that info. I appreciate it all
Happy to be of help, Sue!
Oh, the dollhouse for the dollhouse. Too perfect!! I, too, think it should be a work in progress.
I absolutely love the “handle” on the new basket. That is a lovely piece!
And all of the sweet miniatures. Such a nice gift! I always think I am looking at “real” furniture/ pieces when I see them. It amazes me how people can craft those pieces, or even envision some of the things they use to create objects which look so perfect!
I hope you had a good day ~ I imagine you are beginning to pack for your vacation!! Bet you are both looking forward to the trip.
I am always blown away by the things created by miniaturists!
I love those acrylic “tables”. They are quite expensive in real life. The artist in residence at the studio must be doing ok. :) Those bead vases are adorable!
So clever.
Since it’s Don (the mini version of him) that’s in residence, I can’t say he has a lot of money! Maybe they were a gift?
Love the minis!! The Roseville piece is gorgeous! What a special friend,
Judy
I just love that basket design, Judy!
Don’t think, “She’s lost her mind…” that this escapes me…I should know by now from reading your blog long enough…but did you study drama because you had firm plans for an acting career first and foremost?
Wow, are you lucky to have friend Barbara; she sent you lots of treasures. I think the acrylic ‘tables’ are just perfect for the Top Secret Project. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of that dollhouse you got from Target and how you’ll embellish it. THAT, to me, was also a ‘find’ – I’ve never seen a kids’ dollhouse or playhouse with a mid-century design which seems reminiscent of what I imagine a NYC loft might look like…on the one hand, not really my thing (definitely is my husband’s thing!) yet I’m also strangely attracted to clean lines, expansive spaces, etc.
We are flirting with rain here in SoCalif today; drizzle on and off; weather forecasters say we might get ‘something’ in the night…so, here’s wish’in and hop’in they’re right. Our city has been back on water restriction for weeks now and things aren’t looking good for summer. Again. (You’d think we’d be used to it by now, since it’s been YEARS of drought at this point.) Sometimes, March can surprise us here; fingers crossed. We’ve had so much drama for many months in BIG PREPARATION for El Nino rains…that didn’t come. At least not in SoCalif although the north got some rain. Today, I had to laugh at all the piles of sandbags, plastic-sheeted hillsides….throughout my entire city! Laugh in a sad way, not a mean way. Rueful. We all hoped it would be so…that we would be blessed with rain; everybody tried to stay informed of the deluge…the deluge that wasn’t. Even today, I saw one guy hurriedly, almost frantically digging out a drain/culvert/ditch on his hillside property although it was only sprinkling…trace sprinkles. They put the worry in us. I’m sure the weather people feel gut-punched, too. It had been looking promising with El Nino for awhile there…I guess it was better to have been prepared this winter (what winter??!!!) than not…but it sure has turned out to be one big anticlimax.
Anyway, back to my first question…actress? I’m sure I remember you saying you’d done some acting when younger. Forgive me…the aging brain…
I was an actress for years. I eventually got my MFA in Acting and worked for a few years after that before I decided I’d rather teach and the next part of my career started. I did a lot of acting over the years, starting when I was in junior high right on through to my late thirties.
I feel embarrassed I went momentarily brain dead on this. Of course you’d acted! And it’s so ideal how yours and Don’s careers intersect. You both understand the other’s work. You understand the business.
Wow, what a sweet friend you have! That piece of pottery is gorgeous. And I love the miniatures. I clicked on the link for Twelvetimesmoreteeny and oh my goodness, I could get in a lot of trouble! I don’t have a dollhouse, so I guess that’s a good thing. ;-) My eyes immediately went to the trio of blue and white canisters with the roosters on them.
Speaking of pottery, I mentioned you in my blog post today! Happy weekend.
Isn’t she amazing? Her creations are little gems and for those of us who love a pottery, oh my!
I love your posts on words – meaning and usage. They’re always a fun way to learn something new, and to be reminded of things learned and long forgotten.
I was completely unfamiliar with Roseville until reading your posts about it. What a beautiful, and generous, gift to receive. I really like the shape/style of this particular one.
I do, too. It’s so graceful and beautiful!
Oh my gosh…that basket..love that handle…and the rest too!
It’s so pretty!
Claudia, can you direct me to a source for those adorable little nesting acrylic mini tables? I have the Target loft too and now I have to have one of these little darlings for a coffee table. I see it on a flokati rug in front of a cozy fireplace, stacked with coffee table books about Paris. Thanks!