Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Rain and More Rain

October 25, 2022 at 9:06 am by Claudia

Another rainy day here at the cottage. We’re going to have do a lot of raking after this is over. Leaves on the driveway and walkways need to go. They’re too slippery.

I was so tired yesterday that I needed a little pick-me-up. So I dressed a couple of the girls and photographed them. Never fails to cheer me up. Lucy seems made for that red color and Holly, who already had the dress, tights, and boots on, added a sweater and a beret. Then I bring them back in the house and show them to Don, who truly enjoys seeing them. (I’m blessed.)

I figured out that part of the reason I was so tired  \during and after my trip into the city was the fact that I had mowed the day before, kicking up all sorts of leaves, leaf mold, etc., and I was suffering from an allergy attack. It’s settled down a bit today, thank goodness.

Today, I’m washing bedding, cleaning the bathroom, working on the puzzle, and reading.

So heartbreaking to hear of actor Leslie Jordan’s tragic death. We were shocked. His daily videos during lockdown made us all laugh and brought us together. He was extraordinarily talented, and kind, and good. He and Don had the same agent years ago and Don met him. Jim’s production company is currently producing Mayim Bialik’s television series, Call Me Kat, and Leslie was a cast member. He’s heartbroken. So many people I know knew him and loved him. And, because of his warmth and generosity and humor, we all felt like we knew him.

Rest in Peace.

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blythe dolls 24 Comments

Rainy Monday

October 24, 2022 at 8:12 am by Claudia

This is the best I can do for you today – a quick photo of the coffee table. I’m exhausted and it’s raining outside and very dark inside, so photo possibilities are very few and far between.

These days in NYC are very tiring. It’s not the actual work, that’s not at all tiring. It’s – as Don calls it – the logistics. Driving to the train station, the hour and a half journey on the train, the subway, endless sets of stairs in Grand Central and the subway stations, maneuvering through a sea of umbrellas in the rain, running to get some lunch before the matinee. Then, a matinee that started late for some reason,  which required a speed walk to the subway station after the show ended so I could go up and down stairways again before I caught the #6 train, stopped at Grand Central (more stairs) and just made it to my train home. I didn’t get the chance to drink enough water, and the water I would have purchased at Grand Central was an impossibility because I had to catch the train. We won’t mention the runs to the bathroom. So I was dehydrated, which didn’t help.

When I was working on the movie, I faced much the same situation, but since I was there for 6 weeks, I built up my stamina and was in great shape by the end of my time there. Now, I do this sporadically, so every time I go in it’s like I’m doing it for the first time. It’s always been a tiring process, but I certainly feel it more at this age. Now, just imagine, Don used to have to do all of the same things for a 5 minute or less audition. Much worse.

All that is to say I’m tired today.

As I remind my husband on a daily basis, I don’t need the problem solved, I just need to talk about it.

At least I got to see the show again! It’s delightful and funny and moving.

I have to type up my notes this morning and send them to the actors. And then I’m going to do nothing. Maybe I’ll start my new puzzle. I read a lot this morning while sipping coffee. Very nice indeed.

We’re due for rain for the next three days. Sigh.

I know. There was a time this summer when I yearned for rain. Now, we’re getting too much – not really, of course, our water table needs it – but “too much” for my state of mind.

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: coaching, New York City 25 Comments

Sunday in the City

October 23, 2022 at 7:25 am by Claudia

I finished this puzzle yesterday morning – Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. I have another one on the way and it should arrive while I’m in NYC today.

I mowed several sections of our extended lawn yesterday. It felt good to get out there and mow but pushing through all the leaves took a bit more “oomph.”  There’s still quite a bit to mow and then…we’ll see if we have to mow again. We’re getting rain for the next couple of days so we might well have to.

The other day, a woodpecker flew right up to one of the windows in the den and looked in. I said hello. Then he flew up into the maple tree.

I’m writing this early as I have to get ready to head on into the city for a 2 pm matinee of A Man of No Importance. I’m looking forward to seeing it again because I love this production so much and also because the director, John Doyle, makes a lot of changes during previews and it’s been almost two week since I’ve seen it. It will be exciting to see those changes.

Another day of wearing a mask for 7+ hours. But I’m happy to do it.

Thanks for all your lovely responses to the interview! I really appreciate each and every one.

Okay. I have to start getting ready.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

 

Filed Under: coaching, New York City 5 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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