My kitchen table is that catch-all we all have: a place for incoming mail, things to be sorted and, occasionally, the place I spread out and work. Yesterday, I was all set to start work on Twelfth Night, so I headed to the kitchen. Along the way, I noticed some cobwebs way up on top of the pantry, where we have an old bread tin and a basket on display.
Well, that simply had to be dealt with before I could start work on the text. So I grabbed my long handled duster and eliminated the cobwebs. The next thing I knew, I was climbing up on my stool, taking everything down, cleaning the top of the pantry, and washing the bread tin.
But what about all the pottery that is displayed on top of the kitchen cabinets? You know, those places that are out of reach and somehow never get dusted?
Well. Now that I was aware of just how dusty things could get up there, I had to take action.
Yep. I was soon climbing on counters, retrieving my pottery, vacuuming the tops of the cupboards, washing the pottery.
While the pottery was drying, I sat down and started Act 1 of Twelfth Night. About halfway in, I returned the pottery you see in this photo to its proper home and grabbed some more from the other set of cabinets. Same drill.
I continued my work on Act 1 in the middle of my own particular stage setting consisting of vacuum, attachments, stool, duster, table filled with books and paper, pottery drying in the dish rack and Scout sleeping beside me.
That’s what happens when you try to do paperwork in the kitchen. Too many distractions.
Today I tackle the top of the hutch. And Act 2. But first, I have to run some errands.
Don’s having a great time. Yesterday, he had costume fittings and got his hair cut. It’s short. The look reminds me of old photos of George Orwell. He also met the rest of the cast and had lunch with the director. And explored Prague. He thought he would start filming today, but he has the day off. So he’ll have at least one more full day to sightsee. Lucky Don! Then it’s an early call on Thursday and filming all day.
Skype is wonderful. We can see each other and chat a couple of times a day and I love that. He is having a great adventure and I love that, too.
Happy Wednesday.
Chy says
This happens to me often, especially when I’m set to work on creative projects. My husband doesn’t get it and laughs every time he finds me cleaning or organizing when I said I was off to quilt!! Good job, Claudia.
I’m glad to read that Don has arrived safe and sound and is enjoying exploring. My sister-in-law is from Prague and recently sent some incredible pictures from a trip home to visit family. Looks like a beautiful place full of history and charm. I’m sure you miss Don – isn’t Skype great!!
Enjoy your day tackling Act 2 and the hutch. :)
Claudia says
I will, Chy!
Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life says
You sound like me. Your pottery looks so colorful too. Question? Why when a new post of yours comes up on my blog list, do I get two in a row? I didn’t add you again so I am not sure why your blog always comes up twice. Hmmm. Not a big deal but I have not seen that before.
Claudia says
I have no idea. I haven’t changed anything, but Feedburner is highly erratic. Could be Feedburner. Could be that you subscribed via GFC and via the feed on my wordpress blog? Or it could just be the weirdness of Feedburner. Frankly, I’ve given up trying to figure it out!
Judy Ainsworth says
I just LOVE the look of your pottery sitting in the drainer. I Love the feel of that kind of pottery. I wish I could just walk in and hold it, and feel the beautiful smooth finish for a minute,or two. -Judy A-
Claudia says
The colors are so pretty!
Mary Ann says
I’m the same way, easily distracted when I have work to do, by things I can pass by on other days without a second glance!
Claudia says
Same here!
Deb says
Sounds like you had an awesome day! Doing the work you love with your Scout sleeping next to you, cleaning and handling that BEAUTIFUL pottery of yours, seeing your man on skype in a beautiful city overseas – getting prepared to do the work he loves! I’d call that a good day!
Claudia says
It was a good day, Deb!
Tana says
I think you and Don have such interesting and exciting jobs, but then washing stuff on top of the fridge and cupboards is what we all do, I guess. Except Queen Elizabeth. I wonder if she does any pottering around in the castles. And if she does, what would it be? I don’t think she would find herself washing up knick knacks, or cleaning out kitchen cupboards, but I could be wrong.
Claudia says
If I were the Queen, I’d make sure I could do some of that – or I’d be awfully bored!
gardenbug says
For me it is gardening. I cannot use a patio chair or hammock. I see a weed, a branch that needs pruning, a wilting perennial…. It’s a universal story I think.
Claudia says
Ah yes, that happens to me when I garden, too. Can’t wait until that starts to be a reality.
Betsy says
Oh Claudia, now I have to wash my vases and cake trays on the top of my kitchen cabinets. I’ve been able to ignore the dust bunnies till now, but since I’ve read your post I can’t stop thinking about them!
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
Uh oh. I’m a bad influence!
debby messner says
I had to laugh…….sounds like me. I swear I get so distracted. Glad that Don is doing well. Can’t wait to see his new do.
Claudia says
I sort of like his hair cut – it’s sort of Lyle Lovett or David Lynch like.
Paula says
I went to my little craft cabinet to find a receipt (because there is a box on top that I throw stuff into) and ended up pulling everything out of the box and organizing the receipts, the bank statements and deposit slips. So now we are almost ready to take our paperwork to the accountant to do our taxes. Just because I wanted one little piece of paper. It is really a good thing, as Martha would say!
Claudia says
We file for an extension every year and I just sent off all the necessary paperwork to our accountant.
Pat says
I know what you mean. I get distracted easily, too.
But your pottery is beautiful distraction I must say! The colors are stunning!
Pat
Claudia says
Thanks, Pat.
Teresa Kasner says
I do that, start with one project, see something else.. I think women are great multi-taskers! Where is the photo of Don’s hair? :-) I just did a post from our trip to the beach yesterday.. with our 4 grandsons.. on our anniversary. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Claudia says
No photo yet, Teresa!
Ann says
Its all a vicious cycle! So glad to hear about Don. I must go back read details. Such a beautiful city. Skype is wonderful for keeping in touch. Ann
Nana Diana says
How exciting for Don. I am a little envious, I must admit! Glad you can keep in such close contact with him. though. I hear you about “working” in the kitchen. There are always distractions when things start calling your name-xo Diana
Sandy says
Claudia,
I know all too well about distractions. I had to laugh becuase I do the same thing. Now you’ve reminded me how dusty the pottoery on top of my cabinets must be. Glad to hear that Don is having a wonderful time and that you can see each other while chatting on skype. Technology can be a beautiful thing. Just got back from a 10 day vacastiion hope to write about it in the next couple of days. Shot my first wedding. It was my niece’s wedding on the beach in St. Augustine!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Oh Claudia every room in my house is a distraction. So much to do everywhere! I need to makes lists of each room and ‘try’ to get some sort of system to get things done. Sigh…of course it never ends. Glad Don is enjoying Prague!
hugs,
Linda
Laura says
Oh boy, I can’t begin to tell you how many times I do that. Glad Don is having such a great time and you all are able to Skype.
Hugs,
Laura
Nancy Blue Moon says
I am glad to hear that Don had some free time to explore before having to get down to work..It is so refreshing to know that not everyone in show business is so scattered as the ones we read about all the time..You two are so “down to earth” and natural..And you clean your own dust..lol..What do these people who are waited on hand and foot and have all of their housework done for them do..I would die from boredom I think!! You be careful climbing up on counters while Don is away..I wouldn’t want you to have a tumble with no one there to help you but Scout..although I am sure she would try her best for Mama..
Patti says
You reminded me of all the stuff(decor) on top of the kitchen cabinets that are long past their time to be cleaned…not something I want to tackle right now but I know I have to do it one of these days. How wonderful for Skype to see and talk to each other everyday. Makes the separation more bearable. ~Hugs, Patti
missy george says
Glad that Don is enjoying his adventure.. Isn’t Skype great ?? Cuts down on the “missing” just a little..
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams says
I find I get some of my best work done when I am multitasking….and end up cobwebless….
Jen
Sheila says
I am so excited for Don being in this film! That sounds wonderful, Claudia, and I know how proud and happy you are for him! Way to go, Don! It would be fun to see him in costume with his new haircut!
Seeing all of your pottery reminds me of what I need to do and haven’t done. I have been busy with duties here in terms of repairs. You don’t even want to know. But I’m glad to see you are getting things done as you work. Good for you for multi-tasking. Washing beautiful pottery, I imagine, is a joy. Those wonderful colors are so happy! And I love the idea of quilting with fun colors. I love colors now at this point in my life that I haven’t worn or used since childhood. Maybe old age is a second childhood, no?
When do you go to Hartford? Do you ever get by the old cemetery there? One of the biggest regrets of my life was not getting by there years ago when we were in Hartford on the way to Mystic. I have some ancestors on the Hartford Founders’s Stone and would love to have seen it. I know so much more now than even a few years ago, but genealogy is like that, I guess.
Hugs to you in NY and to Don in Prague.
XO,
Sheila
Haworth says
Your falling domino cleaning escapade sounds a lot like some I’ve had, Claudia! Although mine happen more frequently when I decide to clean out d-r-a-w-e-r-s. I’ll suddenly stumble across something (paperwork, an old program, some letters or photos, etc.) and instead of forging ahead I stop, sit, pore over what I’ve found, meanwhile the contents of the drawer is spread everywhere and not much progress on that front is taking place. I think my cleaning technique is similar to my life technique…. a tendency for being (slightly) easily distracted, combined with enjoying doing too many things to spend time doing only one. You know how that is, I’m sure!
Haworth says
… Oh! and it’s so exciting to hear how things are going over in Prague! I hope the weather has been nice for Don and not too cold, so he can sight see when he has the time. When does he return, and when do you go off to do Twelfth Night?
Mary says
Sounds like Don is having fun, and then the real work will begin!
Meanwhile you, like me, are keeping the home fires burning and washing stuff! Seems that’s a never-ending chore around here too – but with china and such it’s always a worthwhile job because it looks so much prettier when shiny and sparkling. Love it.
Mary
spencer says
Oh my… I can SO relate. I am easily distracted and often send myself on a path much different that the one on which I began… I find myself having a big ‘ol chuckle… Really, when I dusting the shelves, do I need to stop and sort photos? Or bleach the coffee pot while I was supposed to be cleaning the bathroom. Good thing I don’t have a script to write. I’d be in big trouble…
Love seeing your pretties… My daughter yearns for a bread tin just like that. I used to have one, many years ago, but I sold the darn thing at my garage sale. See, I just knew I’m supposed to keep EVERYTHING! :-)
Hugs to you!
Spencer