Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Home Again

October 29, 2025 at 8:59 am by Claudia

First: I’m wiped out from the past 4 days. The work itself was lovely. But traveling back and forth, having to arrive in Manhattan 3 hours earlier than I needed to be there because of bus schedule changes, killing time for those 3 hours on a very windy day, speed walking to make from the theater to the bus station – all of that took a toll.

And, of course, it’s been a while since I’ve worked in Manhattan, so I’m not used to the pace of walking around the city.

I’m so grateful for the work, an unexpected gift from Darko. And the staff and creatives at the Roundabout Theatre Company are wonderful. It’s a terrific place to work. I got to see and work with old friends – a sound designer, a lighting designer, an actress who I had worked with many times. The young men I coached were wonderful. They were eager to get feedback. So the work part of the trip was extremely satisfying.

We’re having lunch with an old friend of ours today. She is an actress. Don has known her since he was 19. They both worked at the Old Globe. I have coached her many times over the years. She’s been in Maine doing a one-woman show and now she’s on a road trip, visiting all her friends that live out here in the Northeast and Canada. She is the best at keeping in touch with people. We’ll grab a bite to eat with her today and it will be so nice to catch up.

This miniature arrived here on Monday. I found it on eBay. It’s a vintage Morris Chair and it reminds me of our version of that chair and my grandparents’ version of the chair, and I had to bid on it.

It’s handmade. I don’t know who the maker was as there is no signature.

The cushions are leather.

And the back has three positions, just like a real Morris Chair.

It will be in the Beacon Hill. In fact, it’s stashed there right now.

I really love it.

Okay. Time for more coffee.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: miniatures 18 Comments

Day Off

October 27, 2025 at 8:32 am by Claudia

I had to dig into my photos to find something to post today. I didn’t take any NYC pictures except of Gilly and they weren’t that good. I didn’t get back until 10 pm last night and I’m really wiped out. It was an intense 36 hours or so. NYC has an energy that can be exhausting, especially if you’re schlepping a handbag and an awkward and heavy duffle bag around town. The duffle was an unfortunate choice but I thought it might be easier to stash at the theater yesterday after I checked out of the hotel. It wasn’t. My little suitcase on wheels would have been better. Live and learn.

Anyway, enough about that. I’m really, really tired and have bad sinus issues going on, and the hotel room was the smallest I’ve ever stayed in – kind of a micro room – but it had a great shower. The show is wonderful and powerful and funny and I’ll be going back in for the day tomorrow to work with a few cast members. But I’ll be back in the early evening, in time for the World Series game.

I had a little brunch with Darko yesterday before the matinee and we talked about the show and caught up on our personal lives. I adore him. He’s a wonderful guy and a brilliant director. And he’s been so kind to me.

I am wiped out!

Today, I’m going to try to do nothing. I need to rest. I’m not sure what time I have to be back at the theater tomorrow, so I’m going to check into that when I finish this post.

I’m grateful for this unexpected job that came out of the blue.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Into the City

October 25, 2025 at 8:36 am by Claudia

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.

Filed Under: life 7 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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