Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Sunsets and Video Attempts

January 17, 2025 at 9:03 am by Claudia

Last night’s sunset.

We had a bit of snow yesterday – not much – but it’s still on the ground this morning. Of course, the temperature is very cold, so of course it would stick. I’ve been reading of a potential winter storm headed our way Monday into Tuesday and, as I said before, we are headed for temperatures in the single digits next week.

Oh, what fun. Actually, the storm might be cool, but doing any sort of shoveling or snow blowing might be problematic if the temperatures are dangerously cold. I’m saying a little prayer that whatever happens, everyone stays safe.

My heavens, I spent way too much time yesterday trying to do a video tour of the office/studio. First of all, I talk too much. The videos were too long. In one, I cursed, so I had to toss it. I know you can edit those things out, but I’m new to this, and that kind of thing is above my pay grade. In another, I accidentally showed all the extra crap (Etsy boxes, paper towels) that I had removed from the room. Then I didn’t like way I filmed it. And on and on.

I finally filmed the tour without narrating it. Then I added my own voiceover. It came out better, but I want to do another one in landscape mode (horizontal) because when I use the portrait mode (vertical) on my phone, YouTube cuts off part of the top of the video. So annoying! Other than that, I like the way the video and my voiceover worked, so I think I’ll show that to you today. And later today, I’ll shoot it again, but in landscape mode. If I don’t end up throwing my phone across the room and it works, I’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.

Visit YouTube – my account: claudiathechroniccollector

Tour of the Tiny Studio/Office

Even though I’m complaining, it’s kind of fun. I just had to let the pace of the video edit the length of my narration, which is a far better way to do it, as I’m a talker (see my ‘solitary’ message in the sidebar!)

I figure you’re accompanying me on this new phase, so I can share my growing pains with you.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: office, studio 31 Comments

Full Moon and a Little Video

January 15, 2025 at 9:14 am by Claudia

Monday’s full moon. It actually looked much bigger than this. It was cloudy and mysterious and wonderful. I only happened to see it because I went outside to start my car. I’m so glad I made that spur-of-the-moment choice!

There’s not a whole lot to talk about. We’re staying inside and avoiding the cold. We finished watching the two seasons of Shrinking. It’s so darned excellent – truly one of the best things we’ve seen in ages. Now, since we’ve already paid for a month of Apple+, we’re watching Ted Lasso. So far, so good!

Breaking News: Don finally cleaned off the top of his desk! With such a small shared space, things have to stay organized and clean. I’ve had to do the same thing: be in a ruthless mood and dive in. I usually end up with a big bag full of trash. It’s always going to look slightly cluttered because we have separate work spaces and Don stores a lot of instruments up there, but we do our best to make it work.

If you missed Monday’s post, I have a link there for Don’s new album. You can listen to it for free. I listened to it yesterday and I was blown away by the clarity of his voice and his acoustic guitar. It’s Don Unplugged. I’m so proud of him.

Another little video is on my site.

Visit YouTube – my account: claudiathechroniccollector

Fashion Dolls

I like adding some music to these mini videos.  I may do more for other collections. And the dollhouses, I think.

Would you be interested in a little tour of the office/studio with some narration? If so, let me know. I’d have to wait for a sunny day when Don is out of the house for a while.

The tree is still up and Don has made it clear that he still needs the sparkle, so we might keep it up until the end of the week. I’m fine with that.

Why not, right?

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: life 34 Comments

A Bit of Ennui and Some Music

January 13, 2025 at 9:19 am by Claudia

I haven’t been taking any pictures lately, though I did take this one the other day for my Blythe IG account. I’m always taken by Pru’s expression. Boredom? Ennui?

Yes, the tree is still up and we’re hoping to keep it up until at least Wednesday.

A member of the Blythe community who lives in Altadena, CA lost her beautiful old Craftsman home in the fires. Corinne, a student from my days at Boston University, also lost her home in the same community. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I can only read about the fires in bits and pieces because it’s just too much to take in. I pray the Santa Anas depart as soon as possible.

We’re due for more frigid weather, apparently, with high winds (again!) on Tuesday through Thursday. But I will not complain. We have heating oil and we’ll be fine.

Don has been doing some recording lately. He deleted his YouTube channel content, but he is posting new recordings on his Bandcamp account. He recently recorded some songs with acoustic guitar accompaniment resulting in a new album titled That’s All I Know.

You can download the songs for free. He’d love it if you gave it a listen.

Here’s the link.

He’s real proud ot it.

Thank goodness, All Creatures Great and Small  has a new season airing on PBS. We watched the first episode last night. Boy, do we need it!

Alright my friends. I’m going to sip my coffee.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday,

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, Don 28 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.

Thanks for stopping by.

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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.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

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