Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Sophie

September 10, 2021 at 9:46 am by Claudia

I didn’t get to my oil painting yesterday because I cleaned a lot in the morning, then my sister called and we had a long conversation, and then, right at the end of the call, our mail, delivered by Lori, arrived with a quick honk of the horn. That’s always a sign that Lori has a package for us.

I knew what it was.

This girl:

Note: She was wearing her original outfit, which consists of a white blouse and blue overalls and a fun hat, when she arrived. I, of course, immediately had to dress her in another outfit that I had ordered. It was made by the woman who customized this doll and was included in the package. I ordered the tights from another seller, and I can’t stand it, they’re so cute.

Her name is Sophie. She’s just under 12 inches in length.

She looks a bit uncertain about her new home.

Blythes have an eye mechanism that is controlled by a cord in the back – one pull downward and the eyes shut, then you hear a click, and when the eyes open, they’re in another color and position. I had to google how to do this. It’s pretty neat. So, the eyes can look to the right, to the left, and look forward. Four different colored eyes.

The woman who customized this did a lovely job. If you’re at all interested, google Blythe dolls and see what a regular off-the-shelf Blythe doll looks like. A wee bit scary. Hats off to all those who do the amazing work of transforming these dolls.

Sitting on my right.

Surveying the room and wondering why there is so much pottery everywhere.

The seller included a set of hands – you can change out the hand positions. And two outfits, which she generously threw in for free.

This sweet dress.

And this.

I’ve ordered a few items of clothing for Sophie, all of which are shipping from other countries, so I’ll share them with you at another time. Suffice to say, the clothing that various creatives make for these dolls is charming and fun. (I can’t imagine making doll clothes, though my grandmother did – and beautifully.)

I think Sophie will eventually need a pal. I don’t want her to be lonely.

If you saw my post on IG Stories, this is what I said:

“I look at it this way: we all have our ways of retreating from this sometimes unbearable world. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t eat sugar. I’m on a diet.

So – dollhouses, miniatures, reading, oil painting, gardening, and dolls are my escape.”

And there you have it!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: Blythe dolls 44 Comments

Catching Up

September 9, 2021 at 9:11 am by Claudia

I don’t have to coach today which is a blessing. Because of the time difference between Ben’s place in London and my cottage, coaching usually occurs smack dab in the middle of the day and, for whatever reason – mostly because it takes a lot of energy to coach, I’m tired at the end of the session so nothing else gets done. Yesterday, I went on a walk beforehand, had some lunch, and then did prep for the upcoming session. I’m glad I got the walk in, but heavens, there’s a lot that needs to be done around here.

So, that’s on the agenda for today, as well as some time spent painting. As you can see, the vase has some texture in the form of those cream colored marks throughout the lower part of the vase. I’m going to attempt that today.

It’s a rainy day here today. We had thunderstorms last night, but today’s rain is a gentle one.

I’m also planning on finishing The Chalk Pit  today. I’ve been preoccupied lately with two jobs upcoming and ironing out all those details, so I’ve neglected my reading.

And it looks like my doll will be delivered today. Hurrah!

Side note: Do you believe those idiots in Florida and Texas are calling women ‘host bodies?’ Maybe I should call them ‘sperm receptacles.’

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: books, oil painting 18 Comments

Mid-Week Ramblings

September 8, 2021 at 8:58 am by Claudia

This was the state of the sky on our walk the other day. I took the day off from walking yesterday, but I’m going to get back out there this morning before my coaching session. I like this kind of sky – deep, dark, foreboding. Interestingly, no rain occurred that day.

Today, on the other hand, we’re supposed to get big thunderstorms with gusty winds in the afternoon and early evening. And maybe a bit more rain tomorrow, then six or seven days in a row with no rain.

Don’s off to recycle. I’m going to try to get some chores done before I coach in the afternoon.

I’m still waiting for my doll to arrive. I’ve been tracking her journey from Liverpool to the States. There was a murky period there where England said it was ready to leave the country and the US said it had been notified that a package was being prepared and nothing happened for at least four days. Sort of like purgatory for international mail. But over the weekend, it was processed through JFK, then went to the Jamaica, Queens postal facility, then to Stamford, CT, then to Jersey City, NJ. Now it’s in Albany. I’m betting it gets here Friday. But – that being said – I’ve seen things leave Albany and end up in Springfield, MA for no rhyme or reason. The circuitous, sometimes baffling, journey of mail is weirdly fascinating. And often maddening.

Nothing else to report of any note. The new dollhouse is still filled with dishes of dried coffee grounds, hopefully absorbing all the musty smells. Since I’m busy with coaching, I’m not feeling impatient. I’m going to let those grounds sit there for a while.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

 

Filed Under: life 16 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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