Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Eight and Done

January 30, 2022 at 9:21 am by Claudia

We got about 3 inches of snow, but the winds were/are bitter and it was well below zero last night. Still, we have power and the snow can be easily shoveled. Next Friday, we’re supposed to get snow and ice and that is worrying. I know many of you were in the path of this storm and got much more snow. I hope you are safe and I pray you have power.

Today, I introduce you to Madeleine. I wanted one more girl and I wanted her to have curls. Most of the curly haired Blythes have too many curls for my taste, but one day last week, I saw this girl and I was enchanted. There is no other way to describe it. I thought about it for 24 hours and then I went for it. It helped that she was very reasonably priced.

Here she is. She arrived on Friday afternoon all the way from Spain. I now have 4 girls from Spain.

She was dressed this way when she arrived. The dress, the little sweater, the scarf, the socks and shoes, and that adorable tote bag: all of it charming.

She had originally been named Kate and I was going to keep that name, but to me, she looked French. I started thinking of names and right before she arrived, I came up with Madeleine. I think it suits her. (My paternal grandmother was named Madeline – different spelling – but there’s a nice connection there.)

The tote bag had a scroll of instrumental music inside, as well as a book. When I examined the book more closely, I saw it was a Tintin book! Tintin is a beloved French comic book character. So my instincts about her were right. And, of course, wearing a scarf is very  French.

Isn’t that the sweetest face?

Normally, I immediately want to dress a new doll in something I have in my wardrobe stash, but this outfit is so adorable that I’m going to keep her in it for a while.

Of course, the other girls in this family are fascinated by her curls. Sophie, for so long the only child here, now has 7 sisters. (I’m not sure she’s thrilled with that.)

Quite frankly, I have no more room on the top of the sheet music cabinet for another doll. I managed to create some room for Madeleine and her curls, thank goodness, but 8 (!!) is enough. Or to spin it more positively, 8 is great!

I now have 2 girls from Russia, 1 from Belarus, 1 from England, and 4 from Spain.

Can I say that few things make me happier in my daily life than looking up from my chair and seeing my girls. I’m so lucky that Don is almost as enchanted with them as me.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, Madeleine 34 Comments

Snowfall

January 29, 2022 at 9:18 am by Claudia

Snow is falling as I write this. I suspect we’ll have a couple of inches of new snow on the ground – not all that much when compared to what’s happening on the coast. The winds are going to be an issue and the wind chill will plunge temps to below zero, but as for the actual snowfall, it’s not a big deal. I’m thinking of those of you in the path of this storm and sending prayers for your safety. Stay inside. Stay warm. And I hope your power stays on.

We watched an old Hitchcock movie last night, though I missed about half of it because I fell asleep. That’s what happens when you wake up at 4:15 am. I’m glad to say I caught up on my sleep and feel much more rested today.

Yesterday’s session was devoted to the bride and her gown. It was quite complicated, but ultimately satisfying. Now for the dreaded ever-so-slightly different shades of blue.

Oh boy.

In cases like this, I often resort to looking at shapes, though I do know that the darkest shade of blue is at the top of the puzzle. There are a few butterfly bits to add here and there, as well.

Stay safe, my friends.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: jigsaw puzzles, snow, winter 14 Comments

Whimsy

January 28, 2022 at 7:17 am by Claudia

For some reason, both Don and I woke up at the same time this morning feeling quite rested. I turned on the light. We got up.

It was 4:15.

I reminded myself that I routinely got up at that time when I was working on the movie and then proceeded to work for 12 hours. I don’t have to work a twelve hour day today, so no big deal!

I actually like waking up early – maybe not quite  this early – but I love to rise when it’s still dark. There’s something lovely and quiet and mysterious about it.

Some guidance for my day today, and every day: a quote that appeared when I opened Upstream  by Mary Oliver to a random page. These words jumped off the page:

               You must not ever stop being whimsical.

Mary gets me.

You know how much I love whimsy, how much I believe in whimsy. I cannot imagine my life without it.

On that note: Ben (from the movie) sent me an email yesterday and one of the things he asked was “How is the doll’s house looking? Show me!” So I sneaked into the office where Don was recording and took a quick picture.

Lots of little details yet to go, including dressing the bed – something I’m avoiding. I need some lamps, a couple of plants, more kitchen stuff, a few more books. And I need to address the porch area and add some window boxes.

And more whimsy:

Maeve in her hat. My longtime online friend, Jill (I met her many years ago through miniatures) left a comment on Instagram re this photo. “I see a little attitude in this one. Or is it just me?”

That made me laugh out loud. Jill is right!

Maeve does have some attitude.

Okay. Time to go.

Yes, we’re getting snow tomorrow but only 1-3 inches, which is nothing. We’re relieved.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, dollhouse, miniatures, whimsey 20 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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Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

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