Two quick notes:
• My host has been having a bit of trouble with the server. Yesterday, for example, it was down for about an hour or so. It’s maddening, but it happens. So if you tried to visit and couldn’t, that’s why. It’s out of my control.
• I’ve likened this blog to my cottage. It’s the online version of my home. Most everyone is welcome, but I expect visitors to behave with maturity and respect. If someone came to my home only to try to have an incendiary conversation, I would ask them to leave. Not acceptable. The same holds for the blog.
Yes, I often talk about the state of our nation nowadays. But, far more often, I don’t. That means that most of the conversations here are about something other than politics. If the only reason you come here is to agitate or be rude, never having participated in any other constructive way, then you are what is called a troll and you are not welcome. You will be blocked.
I haven’t visited any blog where the writer has a different political viewpoint than mine and left a comment when I’ve never commented in the past or had some sort of give-and-take relationship with the author. I may be disappointed, I may disagree; however, I simply move on.
This isn’t the Op-Ed page or a place on the web where anyone can leave a comment, no matter what is said, and it isn’t Twitter. This is my home.
Over and out.
• Okay. On to something entirely different.
Every time I think I might stop my subscription to the monthly SquintBox (simply because I want to save some money) it arrives in the mail and I’m charmed all over again.
This month’s box arrived yesterday. The theme for February is A Little Romance. This was a fun one, with actual packages to open! (Photos taken with iPhone, late in the day.)
This little package had a perfume bottle inside.
A plate of cookies and a terrarium with a butterfly on top. (Cookies from Sharon Harbison. Terrarium from Judy at Butterly Nature.)
This little case was sealed (I had just opened it when I took the photo.)
Inside: Jewelry! (Made by Jen from MiniMakes.)
This box had lovely wrapping paper and ribbon. Inside:
Something wrapped in tissue paper with a flower embellishment.
Inside the tissue paper, this lovely handmade book, which opens to:
A designer stationary kit. Isn’t this amazing? It’s made by María de Hoces, a miniaturist and bookbinder.
Darrin, who created SquintBox, does such a lovely job of coming up with a theme and sourcing wonderful miniatures. Thanks to Darrin and the miniaturists who created these treasures.
• I will have a book review up on Just Let Me Finish This Page today. It’s for Robert Dugoni’s latest – The Trapped Girl. I’ve reviewed his books in the past – he’s a wonderful writer. I’m off to write it now, so stop by, if you can. Here’s the link.
Happy Tuesday.
So boo to anyone leaving rude comments. It is your home and I’m going to be the guest who gets asked back.
Love the little mini’s this month. I know they are pricey but oh so cute and such a fun surprise each month. The sun is shining so I best get out my camera and take some photos so I can blog. Keeping Scout yesterday put me behind but I’m glad I could take care of that sweet girl. Hugs!
They just want to start an argument and I’m not playing. After responding to the comments and editing my responses, I finally decided to simply delete them.
So glad you got to spend some time with darling Scout. It’s icy and snowy here today. Very messy!
I just cannot imagine the work that goes into making the miniatures! Not only talented but must have steady hands and excellent eyesight. Well anyway I am making the assumption that they handmade?
Trina
PS. Like you say it is like being in your home and I don’t comment when I disagree. That, I think, showing respect.
Yes, they are handmade. I couldn’t do it! Too tiny!
Thank you, Trina!
Those minis are amazing. But my (curious, I know) reaction to minis—right after I love them—is that my fingers start to ache and feel huge and very clunky! I always wonder at the artists who create these tiny wonders. They must have tiny, and very nimble fingers! Sorry you had to deal with trolls again. What are people thinking, anyway? So much nonsensical behavior around lately.
Oh, I feel the same way. I don’t know how they do it. Simply trying to place them in the dollhouse can be exasperating! So tiny!
It’s a divided nation, that’s for sure and some people seem to be aching for an argument. But I don’t have to put up with that sort of thing here. xo
Those miniatures are adorable! I don’t know what they cost…but if you like them, and use them….why not? I cannot imagine having the dexterity much less the patience to create such little works of art. As far as trolls go…they are all over…it’s not safe. I’ve forced myself to keep my mouth shut, unless I know I’m safe…like here. The weather map showed quite the mess out there this morning…..stay safe and enjoy your cozy cottage! ;)
They are indeed everywhere. Twitter is full of them! It’s very messy here today. Don just finished shoveling the driveway – not enough to use the snow blower. It should all melt tomorrow.
I avoid talking politics on my blog. I save that for other places, but I respect the right of anyone to express their views, and like you I often just move on without leaving a comment. There is no place for disrespect. Love your little minis. What fun it must be to open your mail. xo Laura
It is! And I’m always surprised when it arrives in my box. We can all use a happy little surprise now and then!
Every item you have ever shown us from Squint Box amazes me! How they can make items so small and accurate is true artistry. I understand why you are charmed by them!
Hope you and Don have a quiet day.
P.S. Did you ever pick a winner for the book last week?
Oh my goodness, I didn’t! It’s been so busy, I forgot to. I’ll draw a winner later today. Thank you so much for reminding me, Debbie.
Those miniatures are amazing — Its tempting to subscribe even though I do not have a miniature house. I do have a vintage miniature bathtub, pedestal sink, porch swing, and some copper pots that are just sitting on a shelf.
My father is a fly fisherman and fly tyer, he used to use all types of clamps and pliers to create those tiny beautiful flies. I wonder if miniature artists do the same?
One of my comments was deleted. If I was offensive in any way I do apologize.
Jay, I never deleted one of your comments. You’ve never said anything offensive. Maybe it just didn’t go through? I rarely delete anything, just a few lately, but not one of yours. What post did you leave it on?
It was under What to write this day? My comment was intertwined with a trolls comment towards the bottom of the page. I think I inadvertently dragged a little troll goo on the bottom of my shoe when I entered the cottage — sorry if I made a mess. :)
I see this comment from you in the comments section:
Yesterday is behind us. I am so relieved the day of celebration (for some) has past.
I took comfort in the the side-by-side images of President Obamas inauguration vs. the orange inauguration. The empty bandstands, and blocks of peaceful protesters along the parade route who are clearly not supporters.
I took comfort in the beautiful way the Obamas and Bidens left things — such wonderful thoughtful people — it makes the orange entrance that much more jarring.
Thank you for all of you that are attending the events today — be safe and enjoy the company of the lovely people who represent the goodness this country still has to offer.
Did you leave more than one? When I look in the trash at the 2 comments deleted, I don’t see yours there! I do this so rarely, but occasionally I delete a comment, though I’ve not seen a thread disappear because of it, though there’s always a first time!
xo
There was a second comment. It might have been deleted with Cheryl’s and that’s just fine with me. Just wanted to make sure it was not offensive to you. I honor your space.
I assume you were commenting on Cheryl’s questionable comment! I guess we’ll put this under ‘collateral damage!’
Sounds good to me. :)
My daughters and are fascinated by subscription boxes (loot crate etc.) and we agreed that the curating is as much fun as the receiving, so we decided to send each other book “creates” four times a year. I sent banned book socks, journals, pop culture books and “Novelteas” . We are adding this project to our list of coping mechanisms !
I don’t collect miniatures but I love looking at your SQUINTBOX!!!
What a neat idea, Melissa! I think you and your daughters are on to something!
Those little Squint boxes are too cute for color TV! I can’t imagine how they make some of the items you get. Magnifying glasses & tweezers I guess! I love the “itty” foods – didn’t you get a braided loaf of bread a while back? And do I remember a plate of spaghetti & meatballs too? Maybe not – maybe that was a dream. Who knows? Oh well. Still dreary & gray here, but no precipitation of ANY kind. Which is great. Have a great troll-free day! Peace.
#Resist ⭐️
I got a loaf of bread, but I don’t remember spaghetti and meatballs! It’s icy and dreary and messy out there today. I think it will melt tomorrow, but in the meantime, it’s a pain in the tush!
I had a comment a couple of days ago saying she would not be back to read my blog since I posted something political. I say goodbye and I hope that their heart will be softened. No need to argue with them. The two sides will never meet in the middle when it comes to politics, and it’s always easier to just move on than leave a nasty comment. xo
I’ve had that same sort of comment. I understand those who want to use blogs as an escape of sorts, but we write about our passions and I know that this election is one of those things. xo
Those minis are so accurate. Check out Ocroberfarm blog for the cutest and best sign from one of the Marches this weekend! Have Don’s knees recovered?
I will check it out, Mary. He’s feeling a bit better, but he had to shovel this morning, which didn’t help!
I can’t even imagine how they make those tiny things. I always get confused with nothing in the picture that is regular size to compare to…….. like those earrings???? Are they teeny tiny? In my mind I am thinking they regular size such as for you to wear?? Or are they Caroline’s size?? My mind is basically mush lately, so I confuse easily!!
Your blog. Your house. Your rules. Seems simple enough!! We are to get some of that yuck tonight and tomorrow morning. ugh. Not looking forward to it. Hope the remainder of your day is grand!!
No, teeny-tiny Caroline size. But that reminds me to add something into these pictures for perspective. Thanks, Chris!
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with trolls. But you’re dealing with it effectively.
Awoke here to a cold but beautiful morning in Southern California; dense, whitest snow in the back-country, very beautiful on local mountains; even a dusting on the nearer (now green!!) foothills. We don’t always get this…so it’s, well, thrilling (at least to me). Someone must have traveled up in there because, at about 8am, they’d formed a snowman on the front lawn in my neighborhood. My husband got a good photo of it; so fun. (Understand that this is something one NEVER sees in Southern California!) And by 10am, it still hadn’t melted; we were in the 30s from midnight til about 9am. Sunny now, but we’re in for more cold nights (cold for us; I realize in other parts of the country and the world, this is nuth’in); after all, it IS January and God Bless the rain we got here.
Well, this is a wonderful Squint Box. Thanks for showing what you got. This may be the best one yet. It’s addictive, isn’t it. I’ve thought that whatever doesn’t go in a dollhouse, why not a shadow box hanging on the wall? I’ve done that with a few other miniatures, like some of the Department 56 ones (which I never buy at full price but have been able to pick up a few deals over the years after Christmas). Anyway, one way to display and contain…and enjoy.
So happy you saw some snow! I well remember no snow at all during my time in CA. You had to go north to the mountains to find any! We have some here today – wet and mushy and icy, because we had sleet last night. Hopefully, it will all be gone tomorrow!
omg how darling!
I know! Amazing, right?
Oh my goodness, the minis are incredible this month, especially the writing set and the jewellery.
Sorry to hear that you are having problems with visitors again, I know what you mean. My blog is my home and as I told you a few days ago I had an unwelcome visitor and it is horrid isn’t it – no further evidence of my little friend that I have noticed btw – I don’t know why people do it.
I think that some people have no boundaries at all these days. I work in a historic house – a museum really – and the number of people who pick things up, go over barriers and do all sorts of inappropriate things is amazing. Really they are coming into someone elses home and yet they don’t seem to realise that. The people who work there often remark to each other “they wouldn’t go to a friends house and do that”. Sadly I think that some people would do whatever they liked in anothers home and I can only assume that is why they think they can act like this on our blogs!
Let us hope that in time this too will pass and things will improve. There is more political silliness in this country today too………..
What a good point, Amy. No boundaries. A combination of the times, and the example set by those who should know better, also social media. Oh, sometimes, I want to chuck all social media, and the blogs and just hibernate somewhere.
It must be troll season. I’ve recently had several nasty comments from the same gal who popped up out of nowhere. No one who reads me could doubt my political feelings but she tried making some snarky remarks which I tolerated while politely disagreeing and then she started on my house! I recently did several posts about purging and she wrote to tell me that my house looked better before my changes and she just “didn’t get” this minimalist fad. Me? Minimalist? Even with all my purging no one in their right mind could think I’m a minimalist! I think all the negative social and news media has given permission to the under the bridge trolls to crawl out and speak.
BTW thank you for the Elizabeth George reminder. I had read a couple several years ago but had forgotten about her. I requested quite a few from my library and am working my way through as much in order as I can. Three down and six waiting for the time being. Since I now enjoy large print format, these books are huge. The current one at around 1,000 pages. A good wrist workout.
I wonder if it’s one and the same? Yes, you’re right, of course. The trolls have crawled out of their hidden-holes (or the swamp) and feel they can say whatever they want to wherever they want to, with no sense of the appropriate time or place.
So happy you’re enjoying Elizabeth George again. It was the same thing here – I forgot about her for a while and now we’ve been reunited!
Please stay safe during the Nor’easter on its way!
It’s already here, Tana. Not nearly so bad for us as for those living closer to the coast. We’ve had rain, sleet, snow, rain and lots of wind, but the winds have died down. Thank so much for caring, my friend!
Hi Claudia…would you believe I’ve been very sick again…I ended up at our local ER on Sat afternoon at 4:00 pm and sat in the waiting room until 9:00 pm before they took me back to a room…the ER was that packed with people…I never got out of there until 8:30 Sun morning…Turns out I have a viral stomach flu that is going around…it has been total misery…Our part of the bad storm hit yesterday…ice, snow and very high wind…Thank goodness I did not have to go anywhere…I’m happy to tell you that as of today most of it is gone so hopefully the same will happen for you tomorrow…You know every time you get another Squint Box I think it is the cutest one ever until the next one comes out..lol..I also want to tell you that if I ever say anything that offends you please talk to me about it..I would never do it on purpose and I would sure hate to lose the privilege of coming here to visit with you and Don…two of my most favorite people…Stay warm…
I’m so sorry you are fighting a bug again, Nancy! You’ve had more than your share lately. Hope you’re feeling better today.
Don’t even worry about offending me, Nancy! I’ve only deleted about 8 comments – all of them have been re: politics and in each case the commenter was rude or offensive or calling me names. Just like someone who is currently in the oval office.
So don’t worry, my friend!
Claudia,
I just want to say that I truly appreciate you. It’s been a very rough few days for many of us in this country and I have a feeling it’s going to get even rougher. I’ve even had friends and family members making these horrible and ugly blanket statements about the women who marched. This with them knowing I was at the DC March.
My one sister got really ugly to me on FB about the March. After I told her I would be happy to talk in private but not on FB she got uglier. Decided I had enough and deleted her. Make racist statements about President Obama and bye-bye, even if we share DNA.
I love the minis and so enjoy seeing them every month. Thank you Claudia for the safe warm place you have! It means more than you know.
Thank you for your kind words, Kim. I agree, it’s going to get rougher. Each day something even more offensive or frightening is put into place by that man. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been having to deal with ugly comments – especially from your sister. There is no excuse for that.
Are women so threatening? Is a wildly successful peaceful protest something to denigrate? I’m trying to keep love in my heart, but at the moment – I detest this behavior and those who are being unkind. Chief among them: you know who.
I won’t tolerate racism of any kind. My estranged sister is also wildly conservative. I sometimes look at her FB page and it’s full of alt-right lies and conspiracy theories. My parents raised us to think for ourselves, so I don’t know where this came from. They would be appalled.
Much love.
Claudia:
Just a gentle reminder to perhaps take your own advice. Try not to expose yourself to those things you know to be upsetting-this particular sister’s FB. This can only result in
undue angst and a reduction of productivity to the cause you hold so dear. You have successfully handled any interlopers from detracting to your cause and beliefs on your chosen form of media (your blog). Why would you seek out other sources of media you know to be in opposition? Let it go, this would serve you so much better at keeping the love in your heart.
Love the minis and so wish these clumsy hands could produce such lovelies.
Chris
I rarely look at the page, don’t worry, Chris. But that’s how I found out my niece had a baby. And I love her, even though my sister has cut off communication. It’s okay. She never says stuff about us. I haven’t looked at her page since before the election.
Your posts are great, Claudia. (The trolls can just go back under the bridges where they belong!) The minis are very fun; what patience it must take to create something that tiny. And thanks for the E. George reminder; I used to read her books all the time and need to get back to them. I will be interested in your review of The Trapped Girl as there was just an ad in my email for it today. Good timing.
I was the same way with E. George – I read her for years, and then I somehow didn’t. So it’s nice to get reacquainted with her books,
What wonderful miniatures! My Dad made my sister and I a dolls house each when we were children. We had some dolls house furniture but nothing like this. So beautiful and so tiny. I remember making beds out of matchboxes and little pieces of material. One of my strongest childhood memories is of playing with my dolls house. It changed all the time from a family house, to a hospital, to a school ………… happy days. Thank you Dad.
Oh, what lovely memories, Valerie! A dollhouse handmade by your father. Simply priceless.
Good grief!…trolls again; always amazed at the ignorance of their convoluted idiotic comments. So sorry you and this blog have to be invaded by them; they need to crawl back under the rocks where they belong.
Those minis are adorable. Their detail shows the loving care of the creators, Miniature houses and room boxes are a wonderful escape and opportunity to create your own personal environment. Right now essential to our sanity!!! Love your work on your houses and am really looking forward to your new creations. Understand your heart might not be in it right now. Each day it is a matter of having to face this horrid insanity and the madness of knowing this disgusting creature has followers.
So many of us are grateful for this blog and each day your sharing a post with us. We are all together in this and a visit here is a special part of our day………Best Wishes to you and Don on this cold winter day, Dianne
I need to get back to my 1/2 scale house. Just don’t have the desire at the moment, but I’m working on it! Thank you, Dianne, for your kind words. It means a great deal that you’re here and that you enjoy the blog.
Theses miniatures are lovely. How can anyone make such tiny things.
I’m not sure whether I understand “I haven’t visited any blog where the writer has a different political viewpoint than mine”.
I have many acquaintances who have different political viewpoints, but this doesn’t mean they (or me) are rude. It’s a different view we express respectfully. Being surrounded only with people who share the same opinions (especially political ones) is like living in a bubble. Knowing about the other perspectives makes me thinking. Telling about my point of view makes them thinking, too. And we may find out that we don’ t disagree in all points. We may never find out why they have a different opinion at all.
We are living in times of big changes all over the world. Not only in the United States but also in Europe and even tiny Switzerland. I’m not giving up hope though.
All the best to you!
That’s not at all what I said. I don’t think you read it thoroughly. I said, “I haven’t visited any blog where the writer has a different political viewpoint than mine and left a comment when I’ve never commented in the past or had some sort of give-and-take relationship with the author. I may be disappointed, I may disagree; however, I simply move on.” Not that I don’t visit. But that I don’t leave a troll-like comment. I don’t seek out blogs just to leave a political comment. I feel I should have commented in the past on something other than politics before I would presume to comment on this one issue. In other words, I wouldn’t go there just to leave a comment, because blogs are personal journals and I respect the writers too much to leave a comment when they have no idea who I am.
Regula, I think you have no idea – how could you? – how the level of discourse has sunk to a new low in this country. The comments I’m referring to on my blog are rude. Comments that are simply a difference in opinion but written respectfully are welcomed and have always been welcomed. But anyone who lives here will tell you that Trump has encouraged name-calling, denigration, belittling, and bullying – and you can read and hear it in much of the discourse. Meredith has had to deal with the same thing on her blog.
I read differing opinions all the time. I don’t live in a bubble. I live in a major metropolitan area – in fact, one of the largest in the world, where I hear all sorts of differing opinions. And I read differing political opinions online all the time – on blogs and elsewhere.
Good Morning, Claudia
that’s what I thought. But – give me a little credit here, English is not my mother tongue – …
Anyway, I am glad. I have an American friend in New York (same major metropolitan area as you) who is well educated, intelligent, who is respectful, but there is no space for any other opinion. She is on a crusade, so to speak, and doesn’t listen to anyone other than her allies.
So I was a little bit worried you might have turned into one of these “bubble-people” too and wanted to clarify. Because I’ve never wanted to offend you. I should have known better. As I’m saying: I am so glad! Have a nice day.
And yes, maybe I have no idea, because the Americans I know are alle nice and respectful people.
Regula
Hey, I’m not remotely articulate in another language – passable French – so I applaud you!