Mockingbird Hill Cottage — Page 1564 — Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Use Other Stair

December 4, 2011 at 9:50 am by Claudia

Last week, when Don and I were out and about looking at everything vintage, he saw a sign that he loved. He called me over and I agreed it would be a wonderful addition to our home. But we didn’t see a price and, since old signs tend to be pricey around here, we moved on. I thought about it several times during the course of the week. Turns out Don did, too.

Yesterday I was visiting the same shop and figured it was time to at least ask about the price.

$24.

Hello.

Welcome home.

But please use the other stair. If you can find it. The only ‘other stair’ around here is the spooky one that leads down to our outside-entrance-half-basement. If you want to use it, more power to you.

It’s no secret that we love words and fonts and signs. We have signs scattered around the cottage. This one is made out of wood and measures 24 x 18. It’s old, chippy and battered. Just the way I like it. The dark green color perfectly matches the green fabric on our desk chair – a lucky coincidence.

And as Don says, it balances “all the flowers.”

Really? There are too many flowers here? I don’t think so.

But he’s right. Being aware of the weight and balance of a room is important.

Evidence: Christie’s beautiful rose painting on the left, graphically wonderful sign on the right.

And it’s fun. Everyone needs a bit of fun in their home.

Presents for Your Loved Ones (or You!)

December 3, 2011 at 10:57 am by Claudia

Every once in a while, I treat myself to a little something. The challenge is to get something for a wee amount of money. Do you do that, as well?

Yesterday, my little treats arrived.

First up: This is both a personal and business-type treat.

My business cards from Moo. Have you visited Moo? They offer business cards, mini cards, Christmas cards…you name it. I ordered the mini cards about a year ago, and though they are lovely, they’re just too small for me. This time I went with a regular business card. The process couldn’t be easier. I uploaded a favorite blog header photo and the rest was a breeze. You can put what you like on the back. I included my blog URL and the URL of my future Etsy shop. The card stock is of a great quality; thick and durable. I ordered 50 cards for $21.90, but they have all sorts of quantities.

These would be a great stocking stuffer for you or someone you love. And Moo has no idea I’m writing about them, I’m just pleased as punch by the quality.

Next up: While reading one of my favorite blogs, Pretty By Hand (you should see the wonderful quilts and embroidery created by this blogger,) I came across this post. It was all about the pin toppers created by talented Gigi Minor of Pinks and Needles. I was instantly smitten. What’s a pin topper? Here’s the one I ordered:

A little bluebird. She makes these. You should see the amazingly scrumptious pin toppers in her Etsy Shop. They are so lovely, so whimsical that I dare you not to fall in love with them.

Little bluebird is flying right over the pincushion I bought from Betty. I can tell you right now: I will be ordering more of these. She has cupcakes, flowers, a little sewing machine….I want them all.

Oh drat, there’s a dog hair on the pincushion. But then, there are dog hairs everywhere here.

I’m thinking these would also make excellent stocking stuffers or gifts for someone who loves sewing and needlework. Or they could be a special treat for you.

Last, but not least: Many of you may already know of her blog, but for those of you who don’t…stop everything and read Susan Branch’s blog. Yes, that Susan Branch. Writer, illustrator, and nester. She writes the most wonderful posts – all about food and home and the seasons and pets and everything that makes a house a home. You really feel like you’re sitting by the fire in her home, chatting away.

I’ve known about Susan for a long time, but when I first discovered her blog, I did that thing you do when you are instantly entranced by someone. I went back and read every entry. I even bought 2 of her books because I now have a big old crush on her.

Give yourself a little present. Make a cup hot chocolate and settle in with her wonderful writing and illustrations. And make a cup for me!

Smooth Sailing

December 2, 2011 at 9:31 am by Claudia

During this time that my Mom has been in rehab and, soon, a nursing home, my Dad and I have talked on the phone several times a day. Mom will never be back in the house she and Dad shared. That this is terribly sad is an understatement. My Dad is heartbroken. So our calls cover everything: the good, the bad, the sad, the heartbreak.

Dad worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for over 40 years. That probably accounts for the fact that he hates to talk on the phone. If Mom was home and well, these phone calls would not be happening. One nugget of good that has come from all of this is our talks. We’ve come to know each other on a deeper level. I’ve shared things with Dad that normally wouldn’t come up in the course of a one minute “Hi Dad, how are you?” conversation. And he’s done the same with me.

The other day, he told me a box was coming in the mail. Yesterday, it arrived. Packed carefully inside was this:

A beautiful wooden boat with cloth sails. Maybe a schooner? Here’s the story he shared with me. When Mom and Dad retired to their beautiful home in Northern Michigan after living downstate in Dearborn for nearly 40 years, they visited Mackinaw Island. This move ‘up north’ had been a dream of theirs for a long, long time. They had finally done it. When Mom saw this boat, she bought it for my Dad and gave it to him with the words, “There will be only smooth sailing ahead.”

That was 25 or so years ago. Dad gave this to Don and me with the wish that there be only “smooth sailing” ahead for us. I cannot put into words how deeply this touches me.

I really love this little ship. Welcome to Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

Thanks, Dad.

By the way, the whole time I have been taking pictures of the boat, I have been straddling this:

When Riley sprawls, he sprawls. He has yet to get up for the day. Typical boy; he likes to sleep in.

Have a lovely Friday.

Use Other Stair

Presents for Your Loved Ones (or You!)

Smooth Sailing

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Archives