Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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We Can Chat Again

March 26, 2025 at 8:18 am by Claudia

Some of you noticed that comments are working again. Thanks for leaving your comments, which helped to confirm that. By the way, I forgot to turn the comment replies back on before I answered you. But it’s back on now.

I was working with my security company on another ongoing issue; the fact that they couldn’t back up the database, which they do on a daily basis. I won’t go into details, but they were finally able to get into the database and fix that issue. They sent a message saying it was working again and that a backup had been successful. So, I figured I’d try leaving a comment and much to my surprise, it worked. I tried another one, and again, it worked. Then I started to see some comments from some of you. When I discussed this with the tech, he tended to think the issues weren’t related and it was a coincidence, so I guess there’s a chance that comments might disappear again. But I think they were related.

It’s been such a long slog, full of worry and frustration. I’m grateful we can have conversations again.

As to the blog and the future, I’m not sure yet. I have to renew with my host in June and frankly, I’m wondering if I should add something like a tip jar here. I’m not entirely comfortable with that, but I’m thinking about it.

Both Don and I work so hard to stay positive, but it’s been very hard to stay in that place lately. And it’s still a bit cold and gray outside. Next week should be better. I was all set to go outside yesterday and start a bit of cleanup but, as seems to be the rule around here lately, the wind really kicked up and that was that.

March: you’ve been a dismal month.

Grocery shopping is on the docket today. I have to get my car inspected tomorrow. Exciting, right?

Just trying to breathe, stay in the moment, and stay hopeful.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

 

Filed Under: blog 36 Comments

Grieving

March 24, 2025 at 8:21 am by Claudia

I’ve spent the weekend mourning my dear friend Jan. So many memories. I had a long conversation with Joe yesterday. He cried and cried. Bless him, he took care of everything from the moment Jan called him on Christmas Eve to let him know she was in the ER. Everything. And he’ll do even more this week. He’s exhausted, he’s not sleeping well. I wish I could wrap my arms around him right now.

The weather here is a bit colder than it’s been and it looks like it will be that way throughout this week. March is always a crap shoot. I haven’t opened the blinds yet, but I can hear the sound of tires on wet pavement, so I guess it’s raining again.

The blog crap continues. I tried a newer theme temporarily, wondering if maybe that might be the problem. Nope. Still couldn’t leave a comment. The database is definitely a problem and hopefully the security company will be able to fix that in the next few days. That’s all I can do for now. Making a decision on the future of the blog depends on many factors, most of which are concerned with its viability.

For those of you who are leaving comments via email, thank you! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your taking the time to connect with me. I miss the comments as much as you do. So thank you, thank you.

It actually doesn’t take any longer to send me an email by clicking on that envelope icon than it does to leave a comment on the blog. I’ve timed it.

Don has been great. He patiently listens to me when I need to vent or talk about the latest about the blog. It’s been such a hard time lately and, thankfully, he understands.

I’m really looking forward to getting outside in the next week or so and starting to clean up after a long winter. So is Don. I think we’ll feel better when we can lose ourselves in those chores and feel like we’re accomplishing something – anything.

The other day in the midst of high winds, we saw a hawk land on one of the lower branches of the maple tree right outside our den. The evening sun was setting and his feathers had a gorgeous golden glow. Truly stunning. A moment of beauty that we sorely needed.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

 

Filed Under: life 22 Comments

Jan

March 22, 2025 at 8:45 am by Claudia

My friend Jan passed away at 2:30 am this morning. From the day she was admitted to the hospital until today was just under 3 months. Joe had said that she slept a lot yesterday, but at one point, she opened her eyes and said “Thank you.” He started crying.

I’m so glad he had that private moment with her, that moment of acknowledgement and love. He has been there for her every step of the way, as she was for him. I’m still numb, as I was sleeping when the text from Joe came through.

We all called her Aunt Jan back in the late seventies and eighties. When both Joe and I were living at her place, we called it Aunt Jan’s Home for Itinerant Artistes. She loved people and they loved her back. She was the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, and Joe was the son of a Methodist minister – PKs, both of them. She was generous and kind and funny. I’m very grateful to have been her friend. When I started feeling trapped in Detroit, feeling that I had to stay there to watch out for my sisters, both Jan and Joe encouraged me to audition for graduate school, to make the move that would change my life. They knew I had to make that change even before I did. I’m forever grateful to them.

May she rest in peace. I know that heaven is celebrating a new angel.

Stay safe.

Filed Under: life Leave a Comment

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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.

Thanks for stopping by.

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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!

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