Mockingbird Hill Cottage — Page 1690 — Mockingbird Hill Cottage

How I Met My House

April 22, 2010 at 11:03 am by Claudia

AnNicole at Our Suburban Cottage is having a How I Met My House party today.

We had been looking for houses in about 3 different areas of the Hudson Valley in New York. Some were on one side of the Hudson River, some were on the other. Each time we saw a listing that we liked, we would get excited because the photo of the house would look so charming. (We were in the market for something older with charm.) Inevitably, we would finally visit the house and it would smell, or be about to fall down, or be on a busy corner. Each time, disappointment.

We had been renters for years: both of us moved around a lot before we got married. Having a house in the country had always been my dream. So, we kept looking.

Finally, one Friday my agent sent me a photo of this house. I fell in love – could we see it right away? I didn’t want to miss out – the price had just been lowered. No, she was going away for the weekend and couldn’t show us until Monday. I showed it to Don. He loved it.

We waited through what seemed like an endless weekend and finally saw the house on Monday. The property was overgrown. No matter. We walked up to the house and I fell in love instantly with the wrap-around bluestone porch. While I was rhapsodizing about the porch, my husband walked in and saw a house flooded with light and a kitchen that had high ceilings (he’s 6’4″.) This little farmhouse had recently been gutted and taken down to the studs because a previous owner had been an eccentric cat lady. The downstairs was open, the pine floors were wide plank, and the den was two steps down from the rest of the first floor.

I had had a wish list – storage, a basement, 3 bedrooms. This house had no storage but there was a shed on the property, the basement was entered from the outside and believe me, nothing could be stored there, and there were only 2 bedrooms. But when you fall in love, you fall in love.

I complain about the lack of space all the time – but each time I do I immediately say “But I love this house.”

We named it Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I’m away right now for 10 weeks working across the country. I keep my home in my heart, counting the days until I can be there once again.

Adding Some Pretty

April 21, 2010 at 10:48 am by Claudia

Day 4 – 5:30 am.

I’m getting enough sleep because I can’t keep my eyes open past 10 pm. I am going to have to force myself to stay up later if I want to break this cycle. I do love the quiet morning, though – watching the sun come up, hearing the sweet song of the birds.

When I sent some boxes out here, I tried to include some things that would add a bit of color and personality to the apartment but I wanted them to be relatively compact.

I found these net curtains at IKEA when I was here last year. They made a world of difference over the window – diffusing the light and covering up the vertical blinds. I really detest vertical blinds. I strung some wire across the top of the binds, then I gathered and clipped the fabric to the wire. I draped a panel across the top – much prettier!

I am always on the lookout for vintage tea towels and dresser scarves. This pink tea towel softens up the black metal coffee table.

As does this beautiful crocheted piece given to me by Elyse. It sure makes a difference on this wooden table.

Some new things have been added to the apartment. Unfortunately, this lamp is one of them. And, joy of joys, there is another by the sofa. Besides the fact that it isn’t my taste at all, the light is rather harsh.

IKEA to the rescue: this little lamp was only $19. It has a lovely pale green glass base. As for the floor lamps – I try to pretend they aren’t there. Do you recognize the mug? I bought it last year and I found it way back in one of the kitchen cabinets! No one moved it or took it. I’m so happy it is here!

This ribbon board also survived. I bought two of them last year and took one home with me. There is my 39 Squares sampler, held up with one of Elyse’s clothespins. The Mockingbird Hill Cottage badge was made for me by Jeanne. Isn’t it sweet?

A few little touches to make this place more me. I need some more little pretty things around here. Sigh. I’m on the lookout.

It is raining here today. Rain was the top story on the news here last night – I forgot how big a deal it is in San Diego. Don and I used to run outside when it thundered – we would get so excited! I’m off to coach some actors this morning. The read through of King Lear was very satisfying – we have a good cast. If all has gone according to plan, the artistic director should be flying in from London today. Cross your fingers.

Another Early Morning & Vignettes

April 20, 2010 at 9:19 am by Claudia

This morning I bounded out of bed, so happy that I had slept until 6:30 am.

It was 5:30 am.

And so the adjustment to the time change continues. Another sunrise for you – each morning view has been very different.

I drove out to the beach and dropped in on my favorite store yesterday – Vignettes. No sooner had I arrived then my friend Joy appeared. What a happy coincidence! And then Lori, the owner, appeared. And then we talked non-stop. I took a few photos but since so much chatting was going on, I didn’t get as many as I had planned. Plus, my camera batteries conked out half-way through the visit.

I also lost my favorite sunglasses and no amount of retracing my steps through Rite-Aid, the antiques mall and Vignettes uncovered them. I’m sad. I really loved those sunglasses.

On my way back home, I got a call from the company manager saying he was at the apartment complex. I hastened home and began my search for the board. I spoke about it yesterday – I need a board under the sofa cushions or I will be hobbling around like a very old lady. Last year’s board wasn’t there. I found another that seems to work just as well. As I watched 24 last night (why oh why was it canceled – what am I going to do?) my back thanked me for the support.

I’m homesick. When I’m home, I talk to the dogs constantly. They are always there. Here: it is just me. Today I begin rehearsals and that will help. The director is still stranded in England. I’m sure I will have much to share with you as the week progresses.

Have a wonderful day.

How I Met My House

Adding Some Pretty

Another Early Morning & Vignettes

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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