Mockingbird Hill Cottage

I got a call from Darko yesterday. He’s currently directing a show in NYC and it’s in Previews. Long story short, he asked me to come into the city today and tomorrow, watch a performance tonight and a matinee tomorrow, and take notes. There’s a young actor in the show who needs some vocal help. So I’ll travel into Manhattan this afternoon, check into a hotel, grab a bite to eat, and watch this evening’s performance. I’ll return home after the matinee performance on Sunday. Then I’ll go back to the city for the day on Tuesday and work with the actor – returning home the same day.

Unexpected, but welcome. It throws off my routine, which is increasingly hard for me these days, but it’s work and some additional income. And most importantly, it’s a chance to be of service. That’s the most important thing.

This rug arrived in the mail yesterday. I really like it in the Modern Dollhouse. The company that makes these rugs sometimes uses velvet (as in this rug) and the texture is really wonderful. It has weight, as well. It’s substantial.

I need some potted plants in this room.

Alright, my friends. This is short, I know, but my head is in ‘travel day’ mode so I’ve got to get moving.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

The first in a small series re: the Burning Bush. It was a bit cloudy when I snapped the picture this morning. I’ll get one with the sun shining on it later today. As I always say, the bush has become huge and it’s sometimes a pain in terms of the garden. But it provides shelter for the birds and nests are built within its branches. And of course, the big payoff is this glorious red. What a gift!

The sunlight hitting the dried hydrangeas this morning.

Well, it’s Friday and that means the World Series is starting tonight. I love the Dodgers (at least this version of the Dodgers,) but my family comes from Canada (except for my paternal grandmother) and I have deep ties to that country. And let’s face it – Toronto winning the Series would drive the clown mad. Anyway, we’ll be watching every game because we love baseball.

I’m in the middle of Clown Town, Mick Herron’s latest in the Slow Horses/Slough House series. He is such a wonderful writer. We watch the series on Apple+ and you know I rarely watch a television series based on books I’ve already read because I’m very protective of the characters that have been firmly established in my brain. But I made an exception with this one, as I’d read everything Herron has written in this series well before it started to air. It’s so well cast and very true to the world Herron has created. The actors are brilliant. Anyway, Clown Town  doesn’t disappoint.

Next week, Louise Penny’s latest, The Black Wolf, will arrive on my doorstop. Will I delay reading it as usual, or will I dive in?

We’ll see. I suspect it depends on the state of the world.

I’m going to do a little repair work on the Beacon Hill today. Don and I are in self-protect mode, so we’re laying low for the day.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

You get to see Lucy and her friend today. (I haven’t taken any pictures in a few days.) Lucy is always adorable.

Oh, wait…I forgot that we drove into our neighboring town yesterday to visit the antique barn. That was where we were headed on Sunday when the traffic stopped us in our tracks. I spoke to the owner and he said Sunday was insane. Traffic was backed up for miles coming into town from the interstate, going out of town, and on every road in town. And they had the best day of sales that they’ve had in 21 years. We have to remember – October weekends in the fall? Do not go into town.

I was looking for a box to corral my jars full of paintbrushes and tools and I found one:

It’s very old and you know I like old. Someone painted it and it’s one of my favorite colors, so it was a no brainer. Oh, and it was very inexpensive.

Sorry – I just ran upstairs to take these pictures and it’s still darkish up there.

By the way, if you follow my IG Blythe account, Sophieandherpals, you can see a very short video I shot yesterday of my little corner of the room – my wee little studio. I’m really enjoying that space right now. I just have to get moving on the Beacon Hill. I have all sorts of ideas, but I have to force myself to do some repairs first.

It rained all night last night and, since we are in a drought, we are very grateful. We’re on a little break from baseball until the World Series starts on Friday.

And yes, I am heartsick at what is going on with the Evil Clown and the White House and his despicable gang of pranksters, but that is all I can say right now because I’m trying to retain my sanity. Sometimes I think I’m hanging on to that sanity by a thread. I’m heartened by the fact that the two teams playing in the World Series are from California and Canada, a state and a country he detests because they refuse to “play ball” with his BS.

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.