Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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On Friday

August 14, 2015 at 8:24 am by Claudia

I held off saying anything about this until my sister wrote about it and she now has. My nephew, her eldest son, was jumped by three strangers last weekend while walking a very short distance to the hotel he was staying in with his girlfriend’s family. They’d all been together for a family wedding in Columbus, which is where my nephew lives while attending Ohio State University. The three attackers appeared out of nowhere, beat him up, and left. It all happened within a minute. Maybe less. He was punched repeatedly in the face and kicked in the ribs. He’s okay. But his face is swollen, he has two black eyes, and very sore ribs.

He had been planning on coming home for a visit this week and he arrived the other day. Now Meredith can take care of him and make sure he’s recovering.

Attacking someone just to do it. Just for the thrill of it. That’s what happened. They didn’t take his wallet, they didn’t steal his phone. They just beat him up.

I’m sure you can imagine the words I have been using when speaking of the attackers. I won’t use them here. I’m furious and outraged and sad. My sweet and funny and kind nephew; I hate that he’s had to experience something like this. But thank God, he’s okay. There’s no lasting physical damage.

If you have the time, go on over to Meredith’s blog and give her a virtual hug, won’t you? She could use one. And send some love and healing to my nephew. Thank you.

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I went to the eye doctor and had my eyes examined yesterday. After many years of needing no glasses for distance, my eyes have changed and now I should wear glasses for driving and watching a movie or a play. I could still pass an eye test for driving and recently did. But the fact is, I need them. And I also need glasses for reading, which I already knew. I got a nicely worded lecture on NOT using readers, which I have been wearing for a few years now. Guilty, as charged. I already knew I shouldn’t be wearing them, but budget constraints kept me from ordering real glasses. So, while the constraints are still holding us firmly in their grasp, I knew I had to get glasses. My eyes were getting tired and were not making the adjustment to distance after working online. And I’d noticed that I wasn’t seeing quite as clearly when driving.

Thankfully, they have different options there and I’ve order two pair in what are called Value Packs. So, while they aren’t completely inexpensive, they are much less expensive than a trendy frame, etc. They’ll do.

We talked about progressive lenses, but they’re much more expensive and you have to change the way you read, which is something I didn’t want to do. I decided to go with one pair for reading and one pair for driving. I did ask the doctor about computer screens and if they were seeing a whole new category of eye strain due to people spending hours on the computer and she said yes. Some people get glasses specifically for work at the computer and have another pair just for normal reading. Welcome to the 21st century.

It’s a beautiful day out there. I think it’s time to mow again.

There’s a book review up on Just Let Me Finish This Page – the first book in a great new series. Stop by.

Happy Friday.

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Filed Under: flowers, Meredith 44 Comments

Computer Screens, Groundhogs, Flowers & Miniatures

August 13, 2015 at 8:53 am by Claudia

Now there’s an interesting post title, don’t you think?

The rain we had on Tuesday was very heavy – I’d use the word torrential. The ground and gardens and trees got a very good soaking, indeed. Now it’s sunny and quite lovely out there.

As you know, lately I’ve been reading first thing in the morning. I’m getting so much more accomplished in terms of my personal reading and the reading I must do for review books. And I feel more centered and calm as I start my day.

I am going to get my eyes examined, however, because lately my eyes feel very strained after working on the computer. Making the adjustment from screen to distance to book to whatever is not so easy as it used to be. So I’ve been limiting my time on the computer even more. And that’s a good thing anyway, isn’t it?

I bet there’s a whole new category of eye strain that is centered around looking at a computer screen for hours.

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Look who I saw the other evening. Henry. Or Henrietta. He spent a long time dining on the grass. I must admit it was good to see him again. I’m sure he’s suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome, since all the youngsters have gone off on their own.

8-13 big zinnia

A particularly lovely and larger zinnia from the chicken wire fence garden.

Don, Stop Here!

I did some more work on the Top Secret Project yesterday afternoon.

8-13 TSP siding

One side of the building has been board and battened (is there such a phrase?) and painted. But I’m out of the basswood strips I’m using for the batten, so that means another trip to Michael’s. I haven’t even touched the inside of the studio yet.

Can I have a life-sized version of this, please?

Happy Thursday.

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Filed Under: flowers, garden, groundhogs, miniatures 34 Comments

Book Review: The Reinvention of Albert Paugh by Jean Davies Okimoto

August 12, 2015 at 8:55 am by Claudia

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Today I am reviewing The Reinvention of Albert Paugh  by Jean Davies Okimoto for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book (from the publisher): Dr. Albert Paugh is flunking retirement. After selling his Vashon Island veterinary practice, he soon finds himself not only lost without his work, but suddenly single. His efforts to carve out a new life, both as a bachelor and a retiree, only leave him feeling like his “golden years” are fast becoming “years of gloom.” His regrets pile up until he moves to Baker’s Beach where he gets to know a very special neighbor, learns that friends are the family you choose, and finds a new sense of purpose. The Reinvention of Albert Paugh  is a sweet, funny love story about retirees that will delight readers (and dog lovers) of any age.

My review: Charming. Delightful. Heartwarming. This book is a treasure.

The author has created a wonderful character in Albert Paugh, a veterinarian who finds that life has thrown him some curves as he navigates his post-retirement years. Devoted to his practice, even more devoted to animals (especially his dog Bert,) he is now at sixes and sevens.

What do you do when the work that gave you sustenance and peace is now forbidden (due to a non-compete clause in the contract drawn up by the new owner of the veterinary practice)? What do you do when the not-very-exciting or even particularly peaceful marriage you’ve been in for over 25 years dissolves? That’s where we find Albert Paugh at the beginning of this story.

Okimoto has described Vashon Island in great detail, and its beaches and cottages and nooks and crannies are vividly realized. It is a character in itself. The supporting cast of characters are beautifully drawn, with Albert Paugh at their center. He’s a well loved citizen of the island, kind, compassionate, and utterly befuddled by this new experience of being on his own.

And what about those single ladies in his age group who have suddenly taken a special interest in him? What to do?

In many ways, he reminds me of Father Tim, the central character in Jan Karon’s series of novels. Good, kind, devoted to animals, wryly observant of the eccentricities of those around him, he is trying to find a sense of purpose in his life. Helped by those friends he holds dear and the devotion of Bert, Dr. Paugh’s quest for reinvention will have you cheering him on.

I really loved this book.  I loved the cast of characters, the story, and Vashon Island. Like the best books detailing small town life, I found myself wanting to live in its pages. I want to know these dear people. Okimoto is a gifted and wonderful writer.

It’s refreshing to read about characters who are in the sixties (and even older) who are real and complex, and just as interesting and compelling as any thirty-year-old. Bravo for that! And the reminder that love and passion can knock on the door when you think you’re too old to ever experience it again is life-affirming in the best possible way.

The back of the book says that this is “the third book in Jean Davies Okimoto’s Island Trilogy, following The Love Ceiling and Walter’s Muse.” It’s clear that some of the characters are recurring in all three novels. You can bet I’m going to read them.

If you love Jan Karon’s novels, if you love dogs (and cats), if you love books about small towns filled with rich and sometimes eccentric characters, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. It’s absolutely delightful. I didn’t want it to end.

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About the author: Jean Davies Okimoto is an author and playwright whose books and short stories have been translated into Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German, Danish, Korean and Hebrew. She is the recipient of numerous awards including Smithsonian Notable Book, the American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults, the Washington Governor’s Award, and the International Reading Association Readers Choice Award. Her picture book, Blumpoe the Grumpoe Meets Arnold the Cat was adapted by Shelly Duvall for the HBO and Showtime series “Bedtime Stories.” Her debut novel for adults, The Love Ceiling  was a season’s pick by the King County Library System, named to the ABA Indie Next Reading Group List and ebook Fiction Winner in the 2009 Indie Next Generation Awards. She has appeared on CNN, Oprah and the Today Show. Jeanie, who is also a retired psychotherapist, began writing for adults when she and her husband Joe retired to Vashon Island in 2004, where they  (and their dogs Bert and Willie) are visited by deer families and their six grandchildren.

Good news! One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of this book. Leave a comment on this post and I will draw a winner on Saturday evening. Good luck!

Happy Wednesday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Tagged With: The Reinvention of Albert Paugh by Jean Davies OkimotoFiled Under: TLC Book Review 45 Comments

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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.

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