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You are here: Home / decorating / Shedding Light on the Subject

Shedding Light on the Subject

August 2, 2013 at 9:21 am by Claudia

Despite my good intentions, I inevitably arrive at my home-away-from-home having neglected to pack certain essentials. This time: clothespins to secure open bags of chips and other foodstuffs, a good cutting knife (the ones in actor housing are always too dull and, therefore, unsafe) coffee filters, matches to light candles, and on and on. The other morning, spurred on by the realization that my Peets French Roast would be running out in about 2 days, I hopped in the car that 3 of us share and went to Target.

Peets? Check. All the other stuff? Check. Except for the coffee filters, which I forgot for the third time. I finally got them yesterday at CVS. While maneuvering my cart down all the aisles, I saw this lamp for $15.00.

lamp

I grabbed it. The floor lamp I had been using in this end of the apartment was dicey. Maybe dangerous. I originally had it next to the desk but when my hand touched the ‘brass’ I felt the vibration of the electric current.

A big fat no to that one. So I switched it out with another floor lamp and put it in a corner in the sewing area. Unplugged, of course. So when I came upon this little lamp, I thought, why not? $15 is a pretty good deal. And I can use it somewhere in the cottage. I’m thinking it might go in my little studio space eventually. The faulty lamp went in the closet.

Looks sort of cute, no?

lampfullview

I have yet to do any piecing. No time. Not to mention the fact that I have no idea what I’m going to create in this little Hartford studio. Time enough for all of that later.

pincushion

This pincushion always makes me smile. It was made by Debbie of Happy Little Cottage. I thought it might want to come along with Mabel to Hartford.

Rehearsals continue. Today the rest of the acting company arrives and we have introductions and Darko talks about the plays and the designers show their costume and set designs and then we read through Macbeth. I already know a few of the company members but there are some actors that are new to me.

By the way, a few of you have mentioned the superstitions about the title of this play – actors used to be very superstitious and  some still are. Supposedly, one is not to say the name of the play within the theater space. That means in the dressing rooms and in the wings. Everyone usually substitutes “The Scottish Play” for the title. Obviously, since the title character’s name is echoed several times in the text, it’s okay to say it on stage if it’s part of the dialogue.

I don’t believe in such things but I honor it, if only for the people who do.

I’ve lost all track of time. I keep thinking it’s Thursday and it’s Friday. Where am I? What am I doing? Why am I here? Where are my husband and my dog?

Happy Friday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

 

Filed Under: decorating, On The Road 37 Comments

Comments

  1. Dawn says

    August 2, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Well I totally thought it was Thursday too, but on my walk this morning my Mom informed me it was Friday. I laughed and said well where did Thursday go? She said it was yesterday. Now how the heck did I loose a day? Maybe lack of sleep caused it all. Have a great day today!!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:20 pm

      I don’t know why either, but I have no idea what day it is!

      Reply
  2. Judy Ainsworth says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:12 am

    Claudia, That lamp is perfect. It looks like it just came out of your studio.GOOD EYE! -Judy A-

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Had to snatch that bargain right up, Judy!

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Such a pretty lamp. It looks like one of those great little lamps that could be used in so many places. Thanks for mentioning the link to Debbie’s blog. Her work is so beautiful!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 10:24 am

      She is really, really talented, Karen!

      Reply
  4. Doris says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Cute Lamp Claudia. Have a great day at work. Doris

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 10:37 am

      Thanks, Doris. I’m leaving now – it’s going to be a long day!

      Reply
  5. Judy Clark says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:42 am

    What a great buy on a cute little lamp!! I know the feeling of what day is it? Where am I suppose to be today? I guess it’s a sign of something, suppose??

    Have a great day friend!

    Judy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:20 pm

      Being distracted, I think. Or suddenly being in a different place like I am!

      Reply
  6. Dottie in Missouri says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Love the lampshade. Pretty and cheap – a great combination. Really enjoyed seeing you work your magic on the living space.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you so much, Dottie!

      Reply
  7. Chy says

    August 2, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    Looks like that would be a “Claudia” lamp. I like the playful colors. Would look great in your creative space. And a good price too!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      A great price, Chy!

      Reply
  8. Brenda Kula says

    August 2, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    What a sweet little pin cushion! I see her stuff and know automatically that she made it.
    Brenda

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      She’s very talented.

      Reply
  9. Donnamae says

    August 2, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Cute lamp…the colors in the shade look great with Mabel’s cozy! Have a great day! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      You too, Donna!

      Reply
  10. SueZK says

    August 2, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    Claudia- your apartment looks SO cozy and homey. It amazes me how you did that the first day. I LOVE the lamp also. I think you got a good deal.
    Does that don’t say the name of the play go for all plays or just this one? Is it supposed to cause something negative?

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      Just this one, Sue. Macbeth, which deals in the supernatural a bit, has a history of accidents onstage, etc., so actors are a bit superstitious about it.

      Reply
  11. Mary @ Ms. Redo says

    August 2, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    That lamps says “Claudia” and it belongs with you, it’ll look perfect in your cottage.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      It does say my name, doesn’t it, Mary?

      Reply
  12. Balisha says

    August 2, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    What a pretty lamp…and your colors too. I would be afraid to use that old one..
    Have a nice weekend,
    Balisha

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      I didn’t want to mess with the old one.

      Reply
  13. Linda @ A La Carte says

    August 2, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Claudia that little lamp is so cute and perfect for your space. I am not a fan of ‘faulty’ electric items at all! I was confused on my days this week also. Thinking it was Tue when it was WED! Yikes. Glad things are moving along with the play!
    hugs,
    Linda

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:24 pm

      They are definitely moving along, Linda!

      Reply
  14. Pat says

    August 2, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    Cute lamp. Is there a Super in the apartment…that will fix the lamp? otherwise a note left for the next occupant…?
    I hate that little jolt…
    I’ve never heard of this superstition of the title of Macbeth…but I’ve heard there are lots of superstitions surrounding theater.
    Take care, Claudia, Until next time.
    Pat

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      The lamp is the theater’s and all things are donated, so I’ll let them know and they’ll probably get rid of it. There are superstitions in the theater but many of them involve Macbeth.

      Reply
  15. Vera says

    August 2, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    Great lamp Claudia and love your pincushion. I’m going to check out her blog — thanks for the link!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 2, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      You’re welcome, Vera!

      Reply
  16. Sandy says

    August 2, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    Great score on the lamp! You can definitely find a place for it in your cottage. OMG do I love the pin cushion! Does she sell those on her blog or in an Etsy shop? I lvoe turquoise and red together. Glad to hear that you’re not superstitious but that you go along with the flow of the other actors. Wonder why there is so much supersitition around theater? Have a great weekend.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 3, 2013 at 6:41 am

      Yes, she does sell them and she has an Etsy shop. Just stop by her blog and the link is there.

      Reply
  17. kimberly says

    August 2, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Claudia
    The lamp reminds me of your home décor colors and definitely needed!
    I hope you have your weekend off and can enjoy sewing or doing something fun.
    BTW, do I have to sign in every time I visit you?

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 3, 2013 at 6:43 am

      I work all weekend, Kimberly! But I will have Monday off. Just one day.

      I’m not sure whether you have to sign in each time. Often, when I’m on wordpress blogs it remembers my address from the previous time….but I’m not sure whether that is because I have a WP blog.

      Reply
  18. missy says

    August 3, 2013 at 10:19 am

    I’m sure you’ll make that lamp fit in somewhere..Darling pin cushion..Makes me sad that you are missing Don and Scoutie pup..

    Reply
  19. pam in illinois says

    August 3, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Love the lamp!
    If you need ideas for a project, visit http://www.modabakeshop.com/ . They have a lot of projects using precuts but I am sure you can adapt for any piece of fabric.
    I have no idea what McBeth is about. :( I just might have to check it out.
    Didn’t know about any of the superstitions.

    Reply
  20. Julie says

    August 3, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Nice lamp! I love the colours and you definitely need to be safe. I just bought a second hand chandelier and trying to decide if it needs rewired. Hope you’re having a good weekend. J

    Reply
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Welcome!

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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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