Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Christmas music was playing, snow began falling – our afternoon of decorating the Christmas tree was magical! It really was like something out of a movie. I’m glad we waited until what seemed like the right time for us. It turned out to be the perfect time.

Here’s what it looked like just after we finished.

There will be more shots of the tree, but it’s essentially the usual – vintage Shiny Brites and the large bottlebrush ornaments. We have less of the little ornaments on the tree because they were needed on the feather tree. And our tree this year is so full and wide, there’s no way we could cover it with ornaments. Nor do we do that anyway. I’m not into the trees where every inch is covered with ornaments. Though I appreciate the look of them, I like to see the tree, as well as the ornaments.

We’re really happy with both of our trees. I also have a little tree upstairs in the studio and, of course, there are the usual trees in the dollhouses. And lots of little bottlebrush trees decorating the doll shelves. Oh, and the little white tree in the den, which is always the first one I set up.

I’ll be taking more pictures soon.

Here’s a closeup of the feather tree:

Mostly vintage Shiny Brites, along with some pretty acorns I found in Heidi’s shop years ago. A little wooden Santa that I’ve had since I was in high school is hanging from the top of the tree. And a wooden angel by Debbie Thibault is guarding the tree. I’ve had the angel since we lived in San Diego.

This feather tree has to be one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received. Don loves it and his chair is right next to that table, so he gets to look at it all day long.

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On a somber note, Jubilant Sykes, a wonderful operatic baritone who was loved and respected by everyone he met, was brutally murdered on Monday at his home in Santa Monica. He was stabbed to death by his son, who had mental health issues. I worked with Jubilant in 2013 at Hartford Stage. Darko was directing him in a play called Breath and Imagination  and he asked me to come in for a day or two and work with Jubilant. What an extraordinary man he was, full of kindness and humor. And that voice! He sang “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” at the end of the play and it was glorious. I remember him vividly and to learn that he left us so tragically is devastating. Prayers for his family who are dealing with the unthinkable.

Google him. There are many videos of him singing. His voice was a gift from God.

Rest in Peace, Jubilant.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.