Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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The Abandoned Toys

August 30, 2014 at 8:59 am by Claudia

old toys

Do you see that plastic container full of dog toys?

Scout hasn’t played with them for a few years. Riley stopped playing with them even before that.

But there they sit. I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. They certainly don’t make for an attractive display. They are directly in front of me as I sit in my blogging chair and there’s no denying their presence. Every once in a while, I contemplate getting rid of them. Or hiding them away somewhere in the house.

Can’t do it.

I suppose it must be what parents feel when they contemplate favorite toys that their children have outgrown. We all know my dogs are my children, so I guess I’m just a typical parent.

I think they’ll stay there for a bit longer.

golden zinnia

I pulled a lot of weeds yesterday. A lot. The gardens are looking a bit cleaner, thank goodness. I pruned a few bushes. It felt good to be working in the garden after my stint indoors.

This weekend? I’m taking it easy. I’m awaiting the newer version of the Hamlet script which should be arriving in the mail today or Tuesday, so work on that is temporarily on hold.

But I have a lot of reading to do for future book reviews and for me. I have some NY Times crossword puzzles that I haven’t touched yet. I have to check up on my dad. I have some old movies to watch with my husband. Maybe a bit of lawn mowing.

mg buds new and old

And some flowers to photograph.

What are your plans for this three-day weekend?

(Last day to enter the giveaway for a copy of The Long Way Home by Louise Penny. If you’re interested, stop by Just Let Me Finish This Page. I pick a winner this evening.)

Happy Saturday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: flowers, giveaway, Just Let Me Finish This Page, Scout 33 Comments

Emerging

August 29, 2014 at 9:11 am by Claudia

I have emerged from the No Direct Sunlight Zone. No more antibiotics, thank goodness. A trip into NYC earlier in the week. And yesterday…a hike up in the mountains.

It’s been a long time! And my achy muscles have confirmed that this morning. But it was worth it.

aug friday me

Can you tell that I’m happy?

aug friday rocky path

The rock formations are incredible.

aug friday view

And you can’t beat the views.

aug friday view 2

It was so nice to get back up there. But it’s been so long that I’ll need to build up those hiking muscles again.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

aug friday new dawn rose

A few New Dawn rose buds are starting to open. This is a treat for me because most of them opened while I was away in Chautauqua, which made me sad. Hello beautiful rose.

And the morning glories keep coming.

aug friday morning glory

Reminders: There’s a giveaway going on over at Just Let Me Finish This Page. There’s also a book review today of Invisible City by Julia Dahl. Stop on by.

Happy Friday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: flowers, hiking, nature 28 Comments

Out and About in the City

August 28, 2014 at 9:26 am by Claudia

How about some photos of NYC today? After editing them in Lightroom, I realized a lot of them are of green spaces and parks, due, I’m sure, to my need to take refuge from Tuesday’s heat.

NYC - stand of trees

This gorgeous stand of trees is located on 81st Street, just off Central Park West.

NYC - leaves on ground

Ummm….that’s a lot of leaves on the ground for August. Gulp.

NYC - 81 & CPW

Central Park West and 81st. Several years ago, I was up here every day when I was coaching Shakespeare in the Park. The best part? Walking along the streets at night, catching a glimpse of the interiors of the apartments; a bit of curtain here, some bookshelves there, a beautiful lamp, art on the wall.

NYC - brownstone1

A brownstone. Check out the gorgeous detail.

NYC - brownstone2

More brownstones. They don’t make them like this anymore. Unfortunately.

NYC - brownstone3

Be still my heart. May I please have a little pied à terre in this building? I’d be perfectly happy with a little studio apartment where we can spend the night when we have to work in the city.

That seems reasonable, doesn’t it?

NYC - empire cake2

Love this. A bakery full of cakes and cupcakes. (I managed to keep myself from entering the door, but it wasn’t easy.) Love the fonts used in their logo.

NYC - empire cake1

Perfect.

Now I want a cupcake.

NYC - Union Square

Union Square. Nearby? The Strand bookstore.

And from home:

NYC - morning glory

More morning glories. Sigh.

If you stop by Just Let Me Finish This Page, you’ll see that I’m having an extra-special giveaway.

Yep.

Happy Thursday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: giveaway, morning glory, New York City 27 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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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.

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Lambs Like to Party

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