Mockingbird Hill Cottage — Page 427 — Mockingbird Hill Cottage

The Line-Up

July 14, 2021 at 9:34 am by Claudia

Today’s version of the line-up.

Gloomy skies, a bit of rain this morning and the possibility of thunderstorms this afternoon. Tomorrow might actually be a dry day. And Friday, as well. I won’t know what to do with myself!

There’s not much to report. I was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday because of the ongoing rain (allergies to mold and mildew) but these things usually last for one day. I’m feeling better today. But, because I was feeling not so hot, I didn’t do much, except vacuum, water plants, and make the bed.

I think I might start another painting today. Don is, as I write this, trying to figure out how to use the portable background screen that we’ll use for his self-tape auditions. (It’s huge! Much bigger than I imagined.) We bought it from B&H in Manhattan, our favorite source for cameras, etc. Trying to find any spare space in this cottage to do this kind of thing is challenging, but the screen itself becomes a temporary background wall and we need that. But it’s more STUFF – and that, we don’t need. Ah, well.

We were talking about Bastille Day while we were having coffee this morning and, in reading about it on Wikipedia, we saw this painting by Monet:

Rue Montorgueil, Paris, Festival of 30 June 1878 – his depiction of the first celebration of the French Republic. This celebration eventually led to an annual celebration on July 14.

But look at this painting! My heavens, Monet was brilliant. With slashes of paint, he has recreated the energy, the crowds, the flags blowing in the wind…it’s mind-boggling. The more I study it, the more I am amazed. I love everything about this painting. I could study it for hours.

Studying paintings is something I’ve always loved to do but now that I am making my stab at painting in oils, I look at them differently.

And boy oh boy, am I humbled.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Number Seven – White Rose

July 13, 2021 at 9:39 am by Claudia

Number 7 in the Pottery Portraits series: Roseville White Rose.

I’m fairly pleased with it. When I finish a painting, Don always says “This is my new favorite!”

He’s adorable.

The rain continues, though most of the thunderstorms in the area spared us yesterday and for that I’m grateful. We might get one today, but so far, it’s drizzling off and on and it’s very gray out there. This will continue for this week and then it looks like next week might bring us several days with no rain…fingers crossed.

I admit it – I suffer from lack of sun and there has been very little sun for several days now. I’m more tired. My mood is not bad, but it’s definitely a bit dark. I obviously could never live where it’s cloudy and rainy most of the time. Anyway, this is no big deal in the larger picture of life, but I do have to force myself to stay upbeat. Plus, the constant rain plays havoc with my allergies, so I feel foggy.

Ironically, the garden is blooming like crazy so I’ve made a vow to get out there today and observe the flowers. I don’t want to miss them because of the weather. Bee balm, phlox, day lilies, balloon plants, hydrangeas, coneflowers everywhere, roses…it’s quite beautiful.

And mama robin patiently sits on her little eggs. I watch her a lot – every time I go into the kitchen (and sometimes from the bathroom as well) I check on her. So does Don. Yesterday, despite the fence that is now up, some of the chickens from next door got on our property – I think there were three of them on this side of the fence. I assume they entered from the place where the fence stops, but I’m really not sure as I didn’t see them come over. I just heard them and immediately knew they were too close. I let my neighbor know and in the meantime I went out there in my pajamas to try and herd them over to their property. Two of them flew over the fence, but one didn’t know what to do. In the meantime, the rooster was crowing, trying to get the chicken back on his side of the fence. He was clearly distressed. Eventually, my neighbors managed to herd her back. A few hours later, I noticed the fence had been extended. Hopefully, the chickens, who don’t like to get too close to the street, will no longer stray.

Anyway, I had to walk back and forth under the tree where mama is nesting and she didn’t like it. Just a chirp or two, but she let me know my presence was not wanted. We try to avoid that area as much as possible so she doesn’t have to worry, but sometimes it’s unavoidable, as it was later in the day when I had to go outside to clear lint off the dryer vent. You know, of course, that the minute there are live babies in that nest, those gentle warnings will be much sterner and some dive bombing will occur.

2021 – The Summer of the Bird Nests.

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Rain (Dreaming of Provence)

July 12, 2021 at 8:56 am by Claudia

In process. It looks lighter in color than it actually is due, I suppose, to the light coming in from the kitchen door. More tweaking today before I add the background color.

And the rain continues. It rained during the night, was raining when I woke up (way too early, by the way) and then turned torrential for about 45 minutes. Thunderstorms are predicted for later in the day. And this same weather forecast could be repeated for most days in the next week. Also flash flood advisories and warnings everywhere. I don’t remember the last time we had this much rain.

We are fairly positive people, but this endless rain is bringing me down. Don’s a bit better with it, but not much. Lord knows how long the grass will be by the time this is finished!

In the midst of the torrential rain, there was mama robin, patiently sitting on her eggs. She is amazing.

I cleaned a lot yesterday and washed the sheets. Then I rewarded myself with a session at the easel. I always feel calmer after painting. It centers me. It’s the result of my entire focus being on one thing. The rest of the world goes away and I can feel my tension and worries melting away. It may be only temporary, but it’s lovely, nonetheless.

Oh, for a little stone house with pale blue shutters in Provence. I will transport myself there in my daydreams and smell the lavender and wander little streets in very old towns, visiting the markets and buying fresh flowers and french soap.

It works for me!

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

The Line-Up

Number Seven – White Rose

Rain (Dreaming of Provence)

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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