Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / porch / Porch Club

Porch Club

January 31, 2011 at 7:12 am by Claudia

I’m joining my friend Jill of Gypsy Brocante at her first Porch Club. I grew up in a very small bungalow that housed our family of 6. Thank goodness it had a porch. Summer evenings were often spent on the porch, saying hello to neighbors, reading a book or watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. I then spent many years without a porch – in dorms and a series of apartments. When my husband and I rented a house in San Diego that had a porch, I realized how much I had missed having one. So when we finally bought our first home – this cottage – a big selling point was the porch that wrapped around 2 sides of the house. It’s a sizeable porch and it becomes another room in the summertime. The floor is made of bluestone.

Our old, rusty glider is covered in cushions and you’ll often find me there, reading or playing with the dogs.

There are hanging plants and potted plants everywhere.

It’s one of my favorite places and I like to sit there and watch the world go by.

As I look at these photos, I am only too aware that our 8th major snowstorm is on its way later in the week.  It’s hard to believe that it will ever look like this again. I pondered the idea of posting a snowy photo of the porch…but I think I prefer to think of it this way.

I’ll be gone all day Monday working in Manhattan – it promises to be a 13 hour day! So I will be a little late visiting everyone. But I’ll be around, I promise.

Filed Under: porch 38 Comments

Comments

  1. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:15 am

    What a nice post!
    I really loved seeing your beautiful home and front porch!
    We are buried in snow as well, so deep I can’t imagine it ever melting!
    HAGD,
    Cindy

    Reply
  2. Gypsy Brocante says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Amazing Claudia!…Love, love, love the floor … how unique and your personal touches you’ve added make everything very welcoming … you may come out one day and find those burlap pillows ‘missing’ … tee-he … thank you for sharing and reminding a lot of us what will come after ALL this snow is out of here!!

    xo
    Jill

    Reply
  3. ImagiMeri says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Hi sweet friend,

    There was a front porch from 1968 to 1976, at my parents house in Tempe, AZ. I guess you could call those my formulative years, and I spent many a day crafting (macrame) or chatting with my father out there. Most homes here in Arizona do not have front porches, but a wave of “East & West Coast” home designers came through about 10 years ago, so now there are quite a few with them. I too, enjoy the ability to watch life pass by, or speak with neighbors, but my current home does not have a front porch. We have a small courtyard (very common out here) and their main purpose is for the home owners private enjoyment. We gotta’ go sit out on the driveway or curb to converse with neighbors. I do so envy you your serene porch, surrounded by lovely greenery, but I can’t pay the price of harsh winters. Have a great time in New York.

    Love ya’
    Meri

    Reply
  4. Crystal Rose Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:17 am

    I love your porch Claudia! Love the bluestone floor! Thank you for showing it in it’s summer glory and taking our minds off of this next impending storm! There’s light at the end of the tunnel, right?~Hugs, Patti

    Reply
  5. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  6. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  7. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  8. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  9. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  10. C'est Moi, Julie Marie says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hi Claudia… I am here from Jill’s Porch Club too… love your cozy and inviting porch, and your porch sitting attitude!… nothing better than a cup of coffee and relaxing on the porch, reading or daydreaming… love your cute pups on your sidebar too in their little bandanas!… xoxo Julie Marie

    Reply
  11. The Shanty Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:37 am

    I love your front porch, your house is so pretty! I would also love to see what it looks like with snow…living in Texas we like to see snow pictures.
    Very nice spot you have!!

    Reply
  12. Julia says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Our porch is so uninviting! No one ever comes to our front door, so we just never go out there. I would love to rework it so that it is usable. We do sit on our deck out back. I grew up in a big house with a wrap-around porch and loved it!
    I’ll be thinking about you during this next wave of snow! I told my grands that they would have to tunnel their way out of their house!

    Reply
  13. Caseymini says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:16 am

    We are back porch people. The front of the house has more of an entry way. I did manage to create something similar to yours in the back, but alas, no neighbors passing by. Love the bluestone.

    Have a great day in NYC. Please take lots of photos!

    Reply
  14. Donna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Claudia, nothing compares to charm like an older home with character – especially one with a porch. Yours is so beautiful. Having a deck off the back of a slittle split, although WONDERFUL (believe me, I’m not complaining), doesn’t hold a candle to an honest-to-God covered porch.

    As you know, we are also due for another FIFTEEN INCHES of snow mid-week, so in addition to your gorgeous porch, I am also drooling over your summer photos. The snow might melt by August, giving us at least a bit of summer, do you think? haha

    Have FUN in the city!… Donna

    Reply
  15. Brenda Kula says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:53 am

    I have to agree with Donna. Nothing really compares with a good old-fashioned porch, especially one that wraps around two sides! I adore that porch of yours. One of these days you just might find me sitting out there waiting to chat and play with the dogs!
    Brenda

    Reply
  16. Jan M says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:55 am

    I love your porch, and understand why it would be a favorite place to sit and watch. In our previous home, built in 1916, the huge wrap-around front porch was what I loved most. I think porches and front walks are what I miss most about supposedly new and better homes. I want my old house and porch more than anything. So, thank you for sharing yours!
    Stay warm and safe,dreaming of more porch days ahead.

    Reply
  17. Sorta Fairytale Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:37 am

    your cottage is just perfection! what a lovely porch. i know exactly what you mean when you say you can’t imagine the outside looking lush and green, when we are in the midst of winter. we’ve got a blizzard coming our way to chicago…yikes!

    Reply
  18. Olive Cooper says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:43 am

    The porch floor is amazing and I spy many Claudia touches. It is a very soothing space. I love a big porch too.

    Reply
  19. Beverly says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Ah, Claudia. I know what it means to love a porch. I love ours, too.

    And, your porch is beautiful. We can dream of the promise of spring to come.

    Reply
  20. Susy says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Your porch is absolutely delightful, and I look forward to following the porch posts. I’ve often dreamed about a wrap-around porch and a screen door that bangs when it closes. Not in my husbands lifetime of course (: Saying a prayer of safekeeping for you as you journey in the snow. xo

    Reply
  21. Joanne says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    You have a beautiful home. We are expecting the same snow storm, but it won’t be today…ya gotta just love today. Blessings, Joanne
    10minutes2breathe.blogspot.com

    Reply
  22. Marilou of Lulu's Lovlies says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    I love your wrap around porch, that is my very favorite style, everything still looks nice and green, spring will be here before we know it and our porches will rally be in full swing then. I have the same glider and will show it in some future post. Hugs and Blessings until the next Porch Club party, Marilou

    Reply
  23. June says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    You are so lucky to have such a gorgeous porch Claudia! No wonder you love your home. I would have picked it just for the porch. I love the bluestone floor!
    I love all the beautiful things you received from Monica. She is such a talent.
    hugs to you…

    Reply
  24. Mereknits says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    I love your porch and wish I was there knitting or crocheting, well not this time of year.
    Be careful in the snow,
    Meredith

    Reply
  25. Rizzi says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    I LOVE YOUR COTTAGE, AND YOUR PORCH IS DEVINE. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A PORCH.
    I TOO LOVE TO SIT OUTSIDE ON THE PORCH, WE HAVE A SMALL ONE, BUT THE SIDE PATIO IS ALSO NICE. MY BEDROOM DOOR GOES OUT TO IT. SO IT IS VERY
    CONVENIENT TO WALK OUT THERE IN THE SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL. HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI

    Reply
  26. The Garden Bell says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Thanks sweet-ie for reminding me what summer looked like. WOW.. will this winter ever end. Under ‘blizzard’ watch here, so I’m sure it’s headed your way. Yes, I am over, too. Boy, do I need a porch like your’s…..

    Reply
  27. Norma says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    It looks so lovely Claudia, so charming with a beckoning call to the passerby to stop and relax :) Don’t envy you all the snow you’re having up there – can I trade you a few degrees – heatwave in Sydney this week (35 y’day, supposed to be 39 on Friday) and I’m sure feeling it after a few weeks in the cool of the south of NZ.

    Reply
  28. She'sSewPretty says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I have always wanted a house with a porch and that was on our list of must haves when we were looking for a house. We found this one with a patio and it will just have to do. Maybe some day. I can still sit out there on a nice day play with the dog or read. I’ll just envy you with your big front porch from here where I don’t ever have to deal with snow.

    Reply
  29. Queen of Dreamsz says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Hi Claudia,

    I thought of your pretty porch when I was linking up and hoped you would join the Porch Club. ♥ I love that stone floor.

    Have a productive day and REST when it ends. :0)

    Hugs,
    Stephanie ♥

    Reply
  30. Mandy @ Creekside Creations says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Very pretty! You have a beautiful blog!

    Reply
  31. Julia says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Claudia,

    I look at the pictures of your lovely porch and I can just see Scout and Atticus swinging…I hope that you have made it home.

    Reply
  32. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    HI Claudia, Your summer porch pictures are cheering me up so much! I can’t wait to sit outside under the stars and actually feel too warm! Linda

    Reply
  33. Jill says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    Your porch photos make me long for a spring day. I love a good porch, and yours is so lovely!
    Hugs,
    Jill

    Reply
  34. penelope10 says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I love your house and the porch is something I imagine I would love to have. I would live out there!

    Reply
  35. The Quintessential Magpie says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 am

    What a wonderful porch, Claudia. Love the cushions and the glider. It just beckons you to come and sit. Thanks for sharing.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    Reply
  36. Mary says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Like you, I love my front porch even though it’s very small -just enough room for three wicker chairs, a table, and the shabby chic potting bench for the birdhouses and decorative items I love.

    Lovely pics of Springtime at your cottage Claudia – it will come after you’ve survived this next storm! Hope you are home from the city before it arrives at the door!! Take care, hugs, Mary

    Reply
  37. debi says

    February 3, 2011 at 12:54 am

    Oh, I LOVE your house! And I’m green with envy over that gorgeous porch!

    Reply
  38. A Romantic Porch says

    February 3, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Ah Claudia, Yes here in Indianapolis we’ve been hammered hammered and hammered…snow on the ground since right after Thanksgiving. Your porch is so beautiful. You KNOW how much I love porches! 2010 has been full of transition and new challenges. Hang in there. Spring will come. It always does! May you be richly blessed in 2011. xo rachel

    Reply
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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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