Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Baubles, Bangles & Beads

December 14, 2014 at 8:38 am by Claudia

12-14 - Stringing beads2

I’ve taken to stringing beads.

There was a time, a few years back, where I became excited at the possibility of making jewelry. I purchased beads and tools and wire – everything one might need to fashion an earring or a necklace. And, in fact, I did make some earrings, some of which I still wear. And I made a necklace, which remains unfinished to this day.

It wasn’t for me.

But I have these supplies, you see, and I find myself dipping into them occasionally for the dollhouse. For example, the doorknob on the front door is made from a jewelry finding.

Since I want the newly made dollhouse Christmas tree to last, I am hesitant to glue anything to it. Ideally, I’d like it to be like a real-sized Christmas tree; ornaments go on, ornaments come off, and the tree is unchanged. That would give me some decorating leeway from year to year.

Today I planned on making tiny individual ornaments. However, I quickly realized that I did not have either the skill or the patience for that little exercise.  Oh, no.

“What about a beaded garland?” said I. Which led to a long bead stringing session, longer than I had planned. I took breaks to do the dishes, vacuum, dust, take a shower, and do the laundry.

12-14 - Stringing beads

Lots and lots of beads.

I ended up with this, which I will most likely tweak and tweak again. I also plan to add another garland in multi-colored beads.

12-14 - beadedtree

Caroline might like a bit more on the tree. We’ll have to negotiate.

12-14 - DHtreeinden2

12-14 - DHpresents2

Caroline has been wrapping presents. I haven’t even bought any yet. Caroline, you’re embarrassing me.

But it’s not quite enough. Caroline agrees. Off to string more beads.

12-14 - DHtreeredux

Better! Those are pretty little glass beads that I had in my jewelry stash.

The wreath is on the front door:

12-14 - DHfrontdoor

And a quick shot of the new bedroom rug – this time with accurate colors. I didn’t want it to be pink. That’s why I went with this rug. There’s a little bit of pink in it, but it’s predominately ecru and light brown.

12-14 - DH bedroom

We’re off to NYC today. It will be a quick trip. We have our girl to think of and we have to make sure she’s not alone too long. We’re taking the train this time because it arrives in Grand Central Station, which is absolutely glorious at Christmas (or any time of the year) and then we’ll head over to Don’s new agents’ office, near Times Square. I’ll hang around waiting for him, then we’ll head up to Rockefeller Center. After gazing at the tree and indulging in hot chocolate, we’ll hightail it back to the station and head on home. I wish we could spend a bit more time there but when both of us are going, we just don’t have that luxury. Little Scootie (another of my nicknames for her) is more important than anything.

Happy Birthday to my cousin Eileen! Eileen, I hope you’re reading this today. Sending lots of love your way.

Happy Sunday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

 

Filed Under: Christmas, dollhouse, Don, miniatures 37 Comments

In & Out With No Stops Allowed

December 13, 2014 at 9:09 am by Claudia

nyc1

A trip into the city for professional purposes, whether it’s an audition, in Don’s case, or some coaching work, in mine, is always a whirlwind. Drive to the bus station in a neighboring town. Take bus into the city, which takes about an hour and a half, exit the bus at Port Authority and either briskly walk to the destination or grab the subway. Audition. Or coach. Grab some food to go. Return to the bus station. Wait for the bus. Return home, which takes another hour and a half.

You can see why I very seldom do any window shopping or travel to another part of the city. There’s really no time. So, tomorrow will be fun change for us. We’re going in to see Rockefeller Center all lit up for Christmas. (Don has a ten minute meet and greet with his new agents, but we’re not really counting that.)

It was very cold and windy as it often is in a big city where the streets and tall buildings end up being a sort of wind tunnel. My destination was about 12 blocks from the Port Authority and I got there in time to order a hot chocolate to go. I needed something warm to drink!

I was there to coach an actor who is replacing another actor in a play that is currently touring. He needed some help with a Scots dialect. I also worked a bit with the other two actors in the play. They couldn’t have been nicer. My friend and former colleague from back in the Old Globe days is the producer of this production and he’s the one who called me in.

nyc2

I was right around the corner from the former Ed Sullivan Theater, now home to the Late Show with David Letterman and soon to be home to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

I love, love Stephen Colbert, but I must confess that I’m curious as to how he will transition to being a late night talk show host without the persona we’re so used to seeing on the Colbert Report. And I’ll miss David Letterman, of course.

Today, I’m going to work on the mini Christmas tree and take care of some other chores that need to be done.

The big news? It’s sunny today. I can hardly believe it. I feel like I’ve emerged from a dark cave.

Happy Saturday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

 

Filed Under: coaching, New York City, On The Road 36 Comments

Off to Manhattan

December 12, 2014 at 7:28 am by Claudia

I’m off to Manhattan this morning, so I’m a wee bit rushed as I drink my much needed coffee and gather my things together for the trip into the city. Any trip in ends up being a rather big deal, simply because of the amount of time it takes to get there. The Kindle is charged, as is my phone. I know where I’m headed once I get off the bus.

But it’s cold out there!

Two more items arrived yesterday for the dollhouse, and that’s the last of the deliveries for a while. I purchased these from an Etsy shop called Green Gypsies.

DHbedroomrug2

This extra large rug is perfect for the floor in the bedroom. The floors needed some softening and, besides, Caroline’s feet were getting cold. This photo is making the rug look a bit too pinkish. It’s more muted than that. I’ll try for a better photo soon.

And in the kitchen:

DHkitchenrug2

This charming retro design that I’ve had bookmarked for almost two years. I finally hit the purchase button. Isn’t it perfect for Caroline’s kitchen? And we all know it helps to have a nice rug underneath your feet when doing dishes.

That’s a carton of egg nog on the counter that Judy sent me last year.

Photo taking has been difficult because it’s been so dark and dreary around here. My kingdom for a sunny day.

Ah well.

I’m off, friends.

Happy Friday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: decorating, dollhouse, miniatures 31 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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