Before we get into yesterday’s big event, may I take a moment to share this?
The hollyhock is blooming! Since it’s so much bigger this year, there are going to be a lot of blooms.
Okay. Back to the birthday. It was a fantastic day. We went out to lunch at our favorite vegetarian restaurant, which involves a beautiful trip on charming country roads. We had a piece of Mocha Java cake with a candle (I sang Happy Birthday) and a lovely trip back home. Don wanted to delay the big present until we got back from lunch.
In its temporary new home on Don’s desk.
(In the spirit of full disclosure, you can see where I accidentally broke the cross beam when I was putting this together, which caused me to freak out until I realized I could repair it. So my first words to Don – before he even saw this – were “Don’t lean on the frame. Ever.”)
His reaction was a dream come true. He still can’t stop talking about it. Not everyone would ‘get it’, but he does. In fact, he loves it even more than I had hoped. He immediately took photos of the TSP and posted them on Facebook. That makes me so happy.
More on that in a moment.
We had a lovely dinner, I gave him two more presents and a card, we called Little Z to wish him a Happy Birthday, and then we watched a good movie. A perfect day.
So, I shot a video. I set up the tripod, started it and let it go on until Don sends a thank you to all of you at the end. So it’s a bit long, but you can get a sense of the two of us together, especially when we’re excited. (If I had known my butt would be on display a great deal of the time, I might have rethought the whole thing. But, what the hell. It’s me at the age of 63.)
Tomorrow, I’ll share photos of the TSP, which is now The Studio, and information about sources. It’s the TSP Weekend! And thank you for all the birthday wishes. Don is saving them to read today or tomorrow, so he can have a birthday weekend!
Without further ado (and there’s my butt right in the freeze frame):
The Top Secret Project is Unveiled from Claudia Hill on Vimeo.
Happy Saturday.
Good morning Claudia and Don! I just loved the video of the unveiling. I felt like I was right there with you. I was grinning ear to ear. Sounds like Don had a wonderful birthday and that is what it is all about. Have a wonderful day and the hollyhocks are just beautiful.
hugs
Thank you, Nancy. I wanted to share it with all of you, who have been cheering this project on from the very beginning.
Thanks Nancy, so glad you were a part of it!!
Perfect!
Thank you!
Monica
You’re welcome, Monica!
Thanks, Monica!!!
OMG – Just the reaction I knew he would have. Great job Claudia.
Judy
He’s such a great guy – he really loves it. Thanks, Judy!
I was blown away, Judy! Thanks!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. It was great fun to see Don’s appreciation of your lovely and personal gift for him. It’s easy to see that he had the best birthday ever!
He did! We’re both recovering this morning! Thanks, Sharon.
You’re right, Sharon!! It WAS the best!
What a great video, thanks for sharing with us. It was fun to see Don’s reaction!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Doris. Thank you!
Doris, Hope you had as much fun as I had!!!!
Happy Birthday to Don. I like that’s he’s so clearly appreciative of your beautiful creation, your talents celebrating his passions.
Karen
He is very appreciative and I know how lucky I am to be married to that kind of a guy. Thank you, Karen.
Thanks for the Birthday Wishes, Karen, and for sharing the day!
Delightful!
Thank you!
Yes, thanks!!
It was so fun to watch you and Don on the video and hear your voices! Thank you for sharing with us! The studio is amazing. I wish that you both could magically shrink to experience being in the studio. The whole thing seems magical. What will your next project be?
It’s going to be a half-scale house that I have had on hand for a long while. I’ll have to put the whole thing together – gulp!
Noble and I just watched this video together. WOW!!!! I had been following it all along but Noble saw it for the first time and was trés impressed. He kept saying, “She made this?!”
He said that you should go into business but I know that this was truly a labor of love. Happy Birthday, Don!
It was a labor of love. I don’t know if I’d ever recoup the costs if I did it as a business! Plus, I work too slowly! Thank you, Tina and Noble!
OMG, thank you for doing the video. I love Don’s reaction. You gave him the perfect present. Happy Birthday, Don!
Claudia in Kansas
You’re so welcome, Claudia. Thank you!
Claudia,
Don’s reaction surely made your heart sing.
Susan
It did indeed, Susan! Thank you.
What a wonderful video! Don, your reaction made me smile so much! Claudia, your work is truly stunning! Thanks for sharing these moments with everyone!
You are very welcome. We know that you’ve all been a part of this from the very beginning – we had to share it with you!
My face hurts from smiling through this whole recording. Tears in my eyes. I love how it shows how well you two know each other — Don’s appreciation of the colors and all the little details that you knew he would like! Thank you for sharing this, Claudia, and happy birthday to Don!
You are welcome, Karen. It was truly a happy day and Don’s reaction just made it even more wonderful.
Oh how lovely it is to see Don’s reaction first thing in the morning! So enjoyed seeing this! Made my day. His birthday sounds just perfect. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
You’re very welcome, Tana!
That was so much fun! Thanks for sharing this journey of the TSP aka The Studio with us. I’ve enjoyed watching you make this and the joy and fun of each new addition. Don’s reaction was perfect. I loved seeing the two of you together!! Just so happy it was a very good birthday for Don and his surprise was fabulous.
hugs,
Linda
You’re welcome, Linda! I hope you’re home and settled in now! Take it easy, my friend. Much love from both of us.
That was so sweet! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Barbara. You were a big part of that interior!
Thanks for letting us share the moments! We’ve been waiting a long time too.
You sure have! You’re welcome, Laura.
Brilliant! We can tell Don is surprised, and so delighted (I didn’t count his “Oh my god!”s, but clearly unrehearsed and real.)
Claudia, you have created a marvellous thing. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
And a Hoppy Birdie to Don.
You are so welcome, Gail. It’s my pleasure!
Thank you for sharing the big reveal! It was so fun watching Don’s reaction. It couldn’t have been better!
It was spontaneous and real, that’s for sure!
That was the best reveal. I love how excited he was about each detail. Great job Claudia!
Loved hearing you voices. I realized as you were talking that you didn’t sound what I would have imagined ~ funny how we have a made up idea in our head and then it’s different. Somehow reading your words for the few years has put a different voice in my head. Interesting. P.S. You both have wonderful voices!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hope you can drag Don away from The Studio!
I don’t think most people end up sounding like we imagine! Thanks, Chy!
Thanks so much for sharing the reveal video with us! Don’s reaction was priceless!!
You’re very welcome, Sue!
Happy Birthday to Don, sorry I am a day late. The unveiling was fabulous – loved Don’s reaction! So exciting seeing him see each new thing! You did it!!
Yay! It worked and it was a hit!
Thank you for sharing this. Don was as impressed with his gift as I thought he would be. Now maybe your goal should be building a life-size version for him.
Oh, don’t I wish! He said that if we ever came into a lot of money, he’d show the TSP to the architect and say: I want this – exactly.
Aw, hooray!!!! You did a great job, Claudia! What a gift from the heart. :D Happy Birthday, Don!
Thank you, Brae! It’s so rewarding working on miniatures, especially when you can give a whole little world to someone.
Claudia, How delightful to take a peak into yours and Don’s special relationship! Thank you for sharing Don’s reaction with us. LOL…I loved how many times he wanted to be miniaturized so he could live in the studio!
He still does! He said that when he looks at it, it feels like he’s right there inside the room. I think he’s hooked on minis, Wendy.
Hi, how wonderful! I had an Alice in Wonderland moment watching the video…I’m sure Don would love to shrink so he could be inside that wonderful studio! xxoo
He does, indeed. So do I! But I feel that way about my dollhouse, too.
Don is the cutest guy ever!
Hugs to you both,
M
He is…well, except for my nephews and Max! (and John!)
That was wonderful.
Is there an official Don Sparks Fan Club? I’m sure all of us would sign on in a heartbeat.
That was pure happiness to watch. Well done, Claudia.
There isn’t an official one but you are welcome to start a chapter, just as long as I can be President!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
You couldn’t have asked for a better reaction. Don clearly loves the no-longer TSP, and all of us love seeing him react to it. Perfect! Where will it live now that’s it’s finished and presented?
We’re not sure yet, Margaret. It’s on his desk right now, but I need to find some inexpensive but sturdy table for it. It might live downstairs but it’s pretty crowded down there, so more likely up here in the office.
Thank you so much for sharing the ‘unveiling’ with all of us. Don’s reaction is PRICELESS!!! There is no question that he was thrilled with the surprise. There’s no doubt that the two of you are probably still talking about each and every detail of the project. Thanks again for sharing this video and like someone else said, I felt just like I was there in the room with the two of you. Once again, Happy Birthday Don!
Thanks for the video. It makes me happy that two such awesome people found each other. I love the TSP due to such incredible attention to detail making it so personal and perfect and I love Don’s reaction to it.
What a wonderful unveiling! I was laughing and crying at the same time while watching it! You two are amazing :)
Have a wonderful weekend!
You too, Debbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video!
Don’s reaction to the TSP everything I knew it would be. He did not disappoint, and neither did you Claudia.
It was fun to watch the video. I especially enjoyed hearing you voices. Of course I have hear Don sing , but I had never hear either of you speak.
The love the two of you have is so special an d is clearly seen in the video
Happy Birthday Don!
Congratulation s on making a hit.
Aw, thank you so much, Trudy! We had fun sharing it all with you.
Oh Claudia, I just don’t know what to say. Watching your video brought me to tears. It was so touching to see Don’s joy! Good job! and…….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON!!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Luanne. Thank you so much!
Awww, he really loves it, so very sweet to see. Thank you Claudia and Don for sharing the reveal with us! Got a little teary eyed…….
Me too, but mostly I was relieved and thrilled that he likes it so much! And then I was exhausted in the evening – crashing from the adrenalin!
Your video made me smile this morning! What a wonderful creation Claudia. Happy belated birthday to your hubby. Enjoy your weekend. xo
Thank you so much, April. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Happy birthday! Don! You have an incredible wife with great talent, this is so thoughtful and caring. It is fun to see your joy at the studio, makes me wonder how my guy would react if I could do something so personal.
Thanks, Gayle! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
That is so sweet………true love. Brought a tear to my eye. Happy Birthday Don!
Thanks for being a part of the whole thing, Ann. My readers have been cheering this project on and I so appreciate it!
Well, I will tell you something interesting. Just got our desk computer back from the repair shop (hear my praises) but there’s no sound hooked up yet…my hubs has to go get a power cord…so I watched your video in silence…which actually gave me a great way to just watch faces and body language, not that I’m an expert…but it was lovely seeing Don’s pure joy of The Studio, like a little kid with the best present EVER under the Christmas tree. I know he’s an actor but he wasn’t faking anything! Can’t wait to watch it again with audio.
Claudia, it’s really a work of art. Even a mat to wipe off the feet at the front door. I wouldn’t have even noticed the repaired frame if you hadn’t pointed it out. I’ve never seen any miniature like this ‘studio’ and you should feel incredibly proud of it, from conception to completion. I’ll never tire of seeing it. Thanks for sharing the project with us. And I’m so glad you and Don had such a nice birthday-day.
PS: Your butt looked fine. I mean, I didn’t notice except for you pointing it out. It’s not like you have a fat butt; you don’t. You both just looked comfy and casual.
Nah, he wasn’t faking! He is delighted with the whole thing. Thank you so much, Vicki – enjoy it later with sound!
Thank you for the wonderful video. I, also, found myself smiling the whole time. Because I read your blog every day, I feel like I’ve been a part of this whole process. It was such fun to actually see and hear your words brought to life.
What a loving gift.
Happy Birthday, Don!
You have been a part of the whole process. All of you have! Thank you so much, Mary.
Happy Birthday Don! Claudia I’ve been married 42 years and I’ve never given my husband a gift that pleased him as much as the TSP pleased Don. Thank you so much for sharing the video of him seeing it for the first time. I know it must have thrilled you to see Don love his gift so much.
It did. It was such a relief! He said this is the best present he’s ever been given and that makes me very happy.
O, what fun this was! To meet Don and see his better than perfect reaction. And you are right, Claudia, he gets it. Isn’t it great? You both made my day.
By the way, I looked him up on YouTube yesterday to see if there were any clips of him acting. I found a couple and really enjoyed it. So some one needs to start a Fan Club. We need to see more of his acting.
Have happy weekend, both of you…..
Look up his IMDB site – just go to IMDB and then search for Don Sparks – you’ll see all his credits.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video, Joan!
Ahhhhh….. Claudia, how utterly delightful! I love Don’s reaction… Just like a kid visiting the candy store for the first time or Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.
Happy Birthday, Don! It’s been so fun following along as Claudia created this for you. : )
Don has a lovely quality of childlike wonder that takes over at times like these. I really love and have always loved that about him. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
You guys are such a cute couple! Thanks for letting us in on this special project and its unveiling. I’d say Don was delighted. And those hollyhocks! Red is not usually my favorite color for flowers, but these are such a happy, luminous red, I think I love them!
They’re actually sort of a raspberry red, which I really love, too.
Thanks so much for watching the video, Shanna!
Thank you so much for sharing this Claudia! It has been such a pleasure watching the progression of The Studio. It was so much fun to see Don’s reaction. I was smiling through the entire video.
Oh good! I’m so glad you liked it, Denise.
I love Don’s reaction to the studio, so well designed for a musician and such wonderful details. A perfect fit. Also wanted to send belated Happy Birthday wishes to Don. What a fun day you must have had for his birthday. Loved the cute video you made so we could all see the unveiling. Your hollyhocks are so beautiful, love the color!
Thank you so much, Diane. We had a great day and Don’s reaction to the TSP made me very happy!
So glad you shared the video with us, Don’s reactions were such fun. How many times did he say he wanted to shrink and be in the space?
A lot. But we’ve both said the very same thing about my dollhouse! Glad you enjoyed it.
Happy Birthday Don! Thank you Claudia for letting us share in this moment.
You are very talented. I just felt so happy to see Don’s reaction.
Your garden is so beautiful.
Thank you, Rose. Don was thrilled, I was thrilled and we were very happy to share it all with you.
Oh my goodness, Claudia! Everything about this video is absolute PERFECTION! Halfway through I realized I had a huge grin on my face :) Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I felt certain Don would love it, and he did. You’re so right, Don “gets it”. Now I’m going to watch it again!
Enjoy, Debbie! It was a pleasure to share it with you. You’re very welcome indeed!
I’m absolutely thrilled with his response! You can tell he truly, truly , truly appreciates your hard work and dedication for this project and then giving it to him! Thank you both for sharing it with us! It made me smile and laugh and I kept saying out loud… How sweet!!!
Claudia , all I can say is(2 things) Great job! And … Love your Butt! We all have one… He- heee!
I’m glad someone loves that darned tush! I’m so glad you liked the video, Patricia. I really wanted to share it with all of you who have watched and cheered as I worked on the TSP.
Thanks so much for taking the time to video and share with us! Like everyone else, I smiled from beginning to end. As Don sat and was looking at all of the “contents” of the studio, it was so fun, because I could picture just what he was probably pointing at and describing! We have enjoyed being on this TSP journey with you, kiddo!!!! I’m sure he is still a bit astonished by how wonderful it is!!
NOW…… how do you top it for his NEXT birthday??? 😏
I’m not even going to try, Chris!
He is still grinning from ear to ear – he moved the Eames chair so it’s facing the stereo because he said, “I’m listening to records.”
I missed it! Horrors, I feel so disloyal. The first time in literally YEARS that I had a no-tech day, and it was yesterday – good grief. Well Don, please accept my belated wishes for a wonderful day and year! 🎂 It certainly sounds like you guys know how to enjoy a birthday, and twas fun seeing you get your secret project/birthday present too. Isn’t it awesome? A LOT of love and care went into it, but you already know that. Loved the video too – SO great to hear your voices. I vote for lots more videos – long or short – in the future. Have a great birthday weekend! 💛
You can read yesterday’s birthday post and leave your birthday greetings there, Janet. Don will be responding to those comments tomorrow! Glad you liked the video! We’re tired today – I’m exhausted after the run up to yesterday. It was a good day.
Oh, I’ve already caught up with my reading, and I didn’t want to leave a comment on a previous day [thinking it wouldn’t be visible to you]. So Don shouldn’t be concerned with responding – he’ll have enough to do with all the greetings he received on his actual birthday!! Feet up for you two tonight. Tip – “The Sting” is on TCM at 8 pm. 📺
xo
Grinning ear to ear as I watched this video. I’m so glad that Don was so pleased. He obviously loved his gift. Great job Claudia! And happy late birthday again!!
Blessings, Betsy
He was very pleased and just came back from ‘visiting’ the studio once again! Thank you, Betsy!
Absolutely priceless! The reveal. The reaction. Not to mention a gift made with love.
Thank you so much, Julie. I’m so happy he was over-the-moon about the whole thing!
As you said Don…OMG…and to both of you..Thank you so much for letting us be part of this wonderful day…I was in happy tears seeing how much you loved it..Love and hugs to both of you…Nancy
Oh, thank you, Nancy! I wanted to share it with all of you – since you’ve been in on this project from the beginning. xo
The video video was a true moment of joy!!!
Thank you, Cindy! So glad you enjoyed it!
It was so much fun to watch this! Happy Birthday to Don and thanks to both of you for sharing!
You are most welcome, Debbie. Thank you!
Wow! Claudia the reveal and Don’s reaction were priceless!!!! I loved your video! I am so glad that y’all had a perfect day! and hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Birthday again Don and I hope that you enjoy many, many more with your wonderful wife!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Debbi! Thank you!
The video was just adorable! What a sweet couple.
Aw, thank you, Kay. Love you!
So wonderful to see his reaction to your gift. It made my day. Thank you for sharing,
Linda
It was our pleasure, Linda. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing with us Claudia, his reaction brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.
Oh, I’m so glad! I really wanted to share the whole thing with all of you. Thank you!
Claudia :) there now.
didn’t we all say he would love it. I know he is an actor but there was no mistaking his joy and amazement with your gift. As soon as he said he wanted to go in it I knew he loved it. That’s how we all feel when we see your work. You are amazing.
Don so glad you love it. It truly was a work of love
He is really crazy about it, Sue. I’m so glad he likes it! Thank you!
What an awesome video, Claudia!! Happy birthday, Don! I’m so happy that you had a wonderful day. And I don’t blame you for wanting to move into that man cave/studio – it is incredible!!!
I want to sit in that darned Eames Chair, Donna. So does Don! Thank you!
Warm wishes for a wonderful new year for Don! Great work Claudia! Thank-you so much for sharing the joy via video Claudia! Heartwarming !!!! All the best for both of you!
You are most welcome, Grace. Thank you!
Great video guys!!!! Don you’re adorable!!! (wanting to go in there!!!) Claudia the “TSP/Studio” came out really great…you should be proud!!! I bet it this will mean another
magazine appearance.
Happy Birthday Don!!!! Happy Birthday Little Z!!!!……I bet Z would want to go in there also!!!
Addie
I think Z would love it. Thank you so much, Addie.
OK, this video just seriously made my whole evening! I just sat here smiling and internally cheering through the whole thing. You two are so cute and Don’s reaction was priceless. I could tell he’s just thrilled to pieces over his new studio – he was like a little kid with a new bike at first! Happy birthday, again Don – enjoy your new toy!
He is like a kid! He really, really loves it and that makes it all worth it. Thank you, Melanie!
My face hurts from smiling and I have a lump in my throat! He really loved it! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Connie. It was my pleasure – I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Oh Claudia…this video is wonderful! It was so cool to see Don’s reaction, and surprise! Just like we were all there! I was just a grinning from ear to ear during the whole video….and he noticed so many details! Thank you for making this…it was almost just like being there! ;)
It’s as close as I could get to having you all in the room with us – that would have been heaven, but this is the next best thing. Thank you, Donna – it was our pleasure!
Claudia, I have enjoyed following along as your work on the TSP progressed, and it’s so it’s sweet to be included in the unveiling. I love Don’s earnestness. as he takes it all in. What a great guy! You two are adorable together.
He is a great guy – that’s for sure. Thank you, Sandra. I couldn’t imagine not including all of you in the unveiling.
That made my whole day…I’m smiling from ear to ear. How fantastic that you shared this with us……Don’s reaction was so fun to watch. Fabulous job Claudia…you are a talented miniaturist.
That’s a high compliment from you, Kim. Thank you. I’m learning – slowly but surely. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Finally just watched the video and I can’t stop smiling. You must be so thrilled with his reaction!
Oh, I am! It was better than I had ever hoped for! Thank you, Debra.
I want to take a moment to thank ALL you lovely, wonderful people for not only your Happy Birthday Wishes (THANK YOU!!!) but also for your loyal support of “TSP” as well as my wife’s amazing daily blog.
You comments were so terrific and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of them.
I am still overwhelmed and blown away by this amazing gift, quite simply the best gift I’ve ever received!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Much Love & Appreciation,
Don
I am late to reading this and watching the video. I was so happy to see and hear Don’s joyful reaction! It certainly was worth all of your hard work! You are such a lovely couple, and may I say you both have such pleasant voices. Please wish Don a belated happy birthday from me.
I will pass your birthday wishes on to him, Lily. Thanks so much!
Claudia, you and Don are the sweetest couple. You made the perfect gift. It’s wonderful. xo
Thank you so much, Julie!
Don’s reaction to the TSP was so sweet! The love you two share is so obvious in the video and it was so nice of you to share the video with your readers. The two of you brightened my day!
So glad that we brightened your day, Cindy! Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. It made me grin like a ninny and have tears run down my face. You have put so much into this project and Don’s reaction was priceless. Fantastic!
Oh, I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Teresa. I wanted to share the unveiling with you, as all of you have been there since the beginning of the project.
Love, love, loved watching the reveal and Don’s reaction to the whole project that we have been following along on. It made my day!
Yay! I’m very happy to hear that, Lynn Marie. We need to see a little joy and delight nowadays and Don’s reaction was even better than I hoped for.
You guys are just adorable!
Thank you so much, Karen. I’m glad you liked the video!
A perfect day all-around. I knew he would want to live in it. :)
He does. He goes upstairs and sits at his desk and just stares at it. Makes me very happy, Tammy.
Oh, my gosh – that really is the coolest gift EVER.
I absolutely was enthralled watching the video, and seeing and hearing Don’s exclamations of joy and his reactions to everything as you pointed things out to him.
I felt like I was right there with you both – and it made me cry.
I’m late for his birthday, but Happy Belated Birthday, Don!!
You two are such a completely delightful couple.
It was SO much fun to watch this!!
I’m so glad you liked it, HeidiAnn! Thank you so much for sharing in the unveiling!
What a labor of love! Happy Birthday Don!
Thank you, Corinne!
What a great gift and the astonishment at the reveal: priceless! Belated Happy Birthday Don!
I’ll pass your birthday greetings along to Don, Susi. Thank you!