this post has been simmering in my mind's kettle for about a month. i keep going in and changing this or that. getting my thoughts lined up and generally trying to make this post say exactly what i want. i think this is it! although my decision to return to the classroom is ultimately a personal one, and one which i neither need approval nor seek advice, i still want to share some of the thinking behind it.
i offer a total of 5 online classes. those classes are how i’ve earned an income since going on my leave of absence. if you're reading this post and have ever signed up for one of my classes i really have YOU to thank for making all of this possible. you probably didn't realize it when you registered for a class, but your patronage has introduced an element of freedom and opportunity into my life for which i am ever grateful. big thanks for all the travels you've given me. i don't have to tell you how much that means. even if you've never taken a class from me, but you keep coming back to read DFLA, i have you to thank too. you've all made blogging a magnificent adventure. this by the way is my 1389th post! i've developed a fondness for so many of you out there on the interwebs who come knocking on the digital door of moss cottage on a regular basis. it's fun to keep in touch through our blogs/instagram/facebook/email. nice to stay connected. hear your stories. explore your recommendations. i like hearing about your journals, trips, gardens, cats, books, and ideas. and of course i love the people i've met in the flesh via DFLA that have become friends outside the digital realm.
the last few years have been good ones for earning extra money doing what I love, but i’m a pragmatist. if I left my day job for good I would have to become more of a YES person in my art life. occasionally i would have to do things i’m not so keen on doing. i might have to do some things i strongly dislike doing. i would have to be careful not to burn bridges or squander opportunities. i’d have to care more about what people think. be more diplomatic. i'd have to come up with a big ambitious plan to keep my boat afloat for longer than just a year. i might get exhausted.
of course, if I lost my regular day job tomorrow i would roll up my sleeves and get busy writing a whole new chapter in my “art entrepreneur” book. I would teach classes at live events and enjoy doing it. i would be more industrious and come out with more than 1 online class a year. i would make and sell art. i would write and publish my own book. hell, i might even start advertising and accepting advertisements on my blog. save less for retirement, sign up for obama care. invest in a life jacket. in other words i would get my arse in motion.
but, if i don’t lose that dayjob, if things unfold the way they’re likely to, then come january i’m back on the force. i’ll keep right on teaching online when i develop a new crush or fixation or passion. i’ll keep right on blogging about whatever blows my skirt up. i’ll keep saying NO to things i don't want to do. i’ll live the creative life at night, on weekends, and summer vacation. and in the day, during the week i’ll go back to herding cats. and depending on what kind of cats i get i’ll either love it or hate it. and i’ll tell you right now that if i get another cat that bites i’ll be biting back. but you know what? something will be completely different this time because in another couple years i’ll take another leave of absence and i’ll keep right on doing that. as in… regularly. regularly people! i figure i can go full throttle for 2 years before i’ll need a nice long vacation again. a long break looming on the horizon is as good as a big sunbeam shining in from the other end of the working stiff tunnel. which means i’ll have so much light flooding that narrow space I’ll need to keep my shades on. i like to call it the best of both worlds. i get to LIVE the way I want and be master and commander of my own ship, the young punks get someone to teach them how to keep a visual journal and play baseball. occasionally i might have to put one of them in a straightjacket, but hey what job comes without a certain degree of stress? at the end of the day i have a couple of warm furry cat-o-pusses to come home to, a bed that needs a warm body taking a nap in it, a stack of books that require reading, a blog to write, a future trip to plan, a sketchbook to keep, friends to go on art retreats with, a year long sabbatical to dream of, an art table that begs for lot of messes to crowd its surface, and no necessity to wrack my brain for how to stay afloat via art making.
it’s all good.
so that means i’m not running off to “follow my bliss.” my bliss is right here. it’s just rolled in a bit of salt, but that little bit of salt makes everything else mighty sweet. it offers me security that I need. it allows me to travel & play more. most importantly, the cat posse can continue to live in the style to which they’ve grown accustomed.
and really and truly – what could possibly be more important than that?
Beautiful post, Miss MAM! I’m happy & proud for you. Doing art to someone else’s specifications (the same as a $ requirement to get by) takes the love & fun out of it. Good for you!
Hugs,
Sheila
Thank you for sharing your ‘thinking’. It sunk so deeply into my heart & spoke so many truths to my soul. It resonated with the struggles & discontentment I experience on a daily basis. My creative bliss & day job always seem to butt-up against each other. You have beautifully demonstrated how to navigate both to create what your best life looks like for you right now. Seeing it thought out, spelled out & put into words gives me hope. Now I just have to spend a little time navigating through my own circumstances & explore the possibilities to charter my own boat, using what I have to sail my bliss & day job side by side to create that best life for me right now.
Well said. All of it. All the the best to you in the coming year as you embark on another leg of your journey. Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out for you as I know you are as well.
Kitty Kats. Their oblivious.
~Dawn
I so admire you! You are true to your self, and I thank you for sharing some of yourself with all of us. Those lucky children!
You are an inspiring woman. I really like how you screw your head on. I like that you share the things that seep out whilst you are screwing (now that could sound really strange but it’s not meant to be).
Miss Moss, I graduate this year, and though I have had some superior teachers my 6th grade, Mr. Souders (5th $6th), Mrs. Gardikas, Mrs. McIntosh (retired), and Mrs. Machit (7th), I can honestly say the states need more teachers like you. In my 12 years as a student only four teachers have inspired, improved, and initiated a fire in me. The remaining 47 have all but destroyed my spirit, my thirst for knowledge, any spark of creativity to think outside of the norm. I am with you in the mindset of I have to do me, but I am so happy for the little minds that will nourished in your future classes.
Your post resonated so much with the energy in my life at the moment. I am full up with something that tastes a lot like JOY! I feel I have suddenly grown into my life, caught up with myself and am exactly where I am meant to be doing what I love. I have always been a bit of a bohemian, and raised my kids this way, it works for us. It took me a while to work it out, and like you, I found I am living in my BLISS!! 50 ROCKS!!! And they say 60 is the new 40, what joys ahead…!
Thank you for sharing your personal rainbow brick road Mary Ann, and I love the pics of you and Angie… gorgeous!
I appreciate this post so much. It’s fun to dream about doing the art thing full time but when I consider what that would really mean it freaks me out. It’s nice to think there’s an “escape” and there well may be but I’ve come to realize freedom comes in all sorts of flavors and disguises.
Fantastic – I look forward to your next class offerings so we can keep you in the manner you’d like to stay accustomed! 🙂
I am stunned by these two lines:
“so that means i’m not running off to “follow my bliss.” my bliss is right here. it’s just rolled in a bit of salt, but that little bit of salt makes everything else mighty sweet.”
Not because they are so unbelievable but because I am trying so hard to believe it for myself, to tell myself my job (I’m a teacher as well, but my darlings are quite a bit older and should all know better, but oh, well) allows me to enjoy my writing/art-making instead of using them to hustle for survival.
Thank you.
Lucky, lucky monkeys. Fingers crossed for a classroom full of well-loved, well-adjusted, and well-cared-for critters who can soak up your deliciousness!!
I work with talented gifted teachers like you, but you have what they don’t have: the gift of art and the ability to reach and inspire adults via your creativity and wit and vision. I will continue to visit your site, keep posting!
I love -LOVE- reading your blog- yours is one of first one I followed. I truly appreciate your art and what I have learned from the classes I have taken from you. Remains of the Day actually started me on the path of art journaling. I look forward to seeing the art you share on your blog and thanks so much for the inspiration! I wish you the best in your return to the classroom.
It is all a balancing act, isn’t it? I work full time as a lawyer. I do not have much free time outside of work and family. I miss being home when I was raising my children and had time to do all sorts of creative things, from making quilts to gardening to refinishing furniture to painting and putting out a zine.
Recently, I really, really, really came close to walking away from my job. And instead of feeling amazing about it, I had this horrible vision of being home each day and desperately trying to make money to pay bills from art. I hate plane travel, I hate schlepping, I hate coming up with class ideas, and I hate having to make art for a specific purpose, rather than what I want to do.
So until I win the lottery, I am not willing to leave my job in order to jump into the crazy, cut throat world of art retreats, online classes, kits, etsy shop, etc.
So I completely understand. And I also think that you are at heart a teacher and these kids call to you. Besides, I LOVE seeing the art you do with the monkeys. But I wll miss the daily blogging, kiddo.
Mary Ann, I took your Ticket to Venice class recently and loved it, it was just what I needed. I’m this weird A-personality that’s good at analytical thinking and maths (so no matter what job I land, and what it’s called, in the end it always has to do with numbers anyway, lol) but loving and craving the creative side (got both English master and Managers’ MBA).
I sometimes hate my job or the pace of it, or when it just gets too stressfull/time consuming/too much. But then I also love it and love the people I work with, and they’re pretty unusual. And I do have my chance to throw in some working on my hobbies/creative side…
So I think I understand 🙂
loved your class, really 🙂 AND I’m going to Thailand for almost 3 weeks next week, have a journey ready to be filled thanks to you 🙂
so keep the good vibes coming, we really appreciate it
and get your challenges too 🙂
This post hit me like a bolt out of the blue, Mary Ann. It was just what I needed to hear today. As much as I would like to run off to join the circus some days, your words remind me that it is the balance we create in our lives between work and play that sustains us in the long run. You are a wise woman. And a sage. I am glad you are here.
The daily grind of work does really produce creativity. Doing “your own thing” has a slowing effect and is often counter productive as those pesky ideas of I can do it tomorrow intrude. Smooth sailing is not a full time pleasure, a storm or two clears the air.
You have no idea how much I love you! I’ve followed two artists via their blog who I consider my mentors. As they climb the ‘ladder to success’ my heart is sad as I read how their ‘success’ robs them of spontaneity in more than one area of their life.
At the ripening old age of 54, I’m learning that life is all about DOING that which keeps us content. You are on the right path, my friend.
You are my hero!
I completely understand.
Once upon a time, I was a student at our local potters’ guild. I was working part time, and making pots a good deal of the time I wasn’t working. I loved it.
Some of the potters at the guild made their livings making and selling pots (but most of them were wives, who could do what they wished, as someone else supported them). The ones who made their livings potting showed up every single day, well or sick, ok or with a migraine. They did their best to make things they thought would sell, whether making those things made their hearts sing, or not. Potting was a job………..
After a time, I got a full-time job, so I could buy a house and get a dog. I had one of my teapots at work. People asked me why I didn’t make pots for a living (rather than programming computers, which is what I did at work). One reason was that I could make a lot more money programming computers.
Another was that I didn’t want to turn what I loved doing into a job……………
A very (VERY) few people can do exactly what they love, and make a decent living. Nearly all of the rest of us make compromises of one sort or another between making a living and doing the things that make our hearts sing………..
well said and good for you… we’ll be here waiting to hear how it goes…..
Beautifully said, dear MAM. You always were a teacher in everything. I’ve learned (am learning) a lot from you. xoxox
Aye, aye cap’n full steam ahead! 🙂
I retired from teaching and after about a year and a half, I found myself right back in the schools supervising student teachers. I didn’t even look for the job; it found me. And you know what? While I truly do not want to go back full time, I am surprised at how much I enjoy being back in the swing of things. I think you will find the same to be true–especially with you wonderful attitude.
Yes, yes, yes. Don’t get involved in anything that doesn’t feed you. We need you to give us some clouds to look at. Love you and keep on keeping on.
Aloha, Kate
Such wisdom….I actually needed to hear your reasoning for a situation I am sort of stuck in, but after reading your wisdom, I feel more purposeful in the situation deciding I need to make the best of it, because it may have a sweeter purpose in the end! I think we learn in and through everything, but wishing to skip some things! Aw…anyway, a great process of thinking and weighing on your part….plus that unconditional love you have for those blessed cats. I SOO look forward to whatever your desire to post is…you have opened up a world of different thinking for me in journaling and travels and just the whole basket of goodies!! I appreciate you and your honesty…you are authentic! I pray December is gentle on you and you are blessed.
You are brave, very brave, and wise beyond your years. Enjoy whatever you do.
Dear MaM,
You have my complete support; you are smart and talented.
All the best,
Dena
I think you have hit upon the perfect plan for ensuring your freedom and security at the same time. And if I was in your position, with your talent and job, I would do the same thing. I happy that you don’t have to sell yourself out to earn a living in the art world because I think we, your readers, get a better more inspired you. So thank you for sharing your talent and art vision with us chimps.
That is so cool that you can do this!!! By the way I love your classes! Just started working on my 4th ROD journal! Totally addicting!!! And of course I love your Full Tilt Boogie class as well! You’re an awesome teacher, both the kids and us are lucky to have you! Cheers!
I think that ‘salty sweet’ pretty much sums up what real life is all about. Maybe it’s difficult to appreciate one without the other. From the comments above, you obviously have a flock of followers (a gaggle of groupies? a family of fans?) who are right behind you, just waiting to sign up to the next inspiring class, when the time is right. When you’re ready.
In the meantime, those little monkeys will be very fortunate to have you back at the helm.
Good for you Mary Ann! You have had the courage to pursue different dreams, and the insight to find the balance. I enjoy following along on your adventures through you blog, and have enjoyed taking your classes. You are one talented fun lady. Thanks for sharing so much with us all. Thanks for your wonderful inspiration. Have fun back in the classroom; I know you will be bringing a renewed spirit to your students; they are lucky children. All the best in the new year year. Deb Grady
Rock on! You have hit on a strategy I read in a book some time ago- keep the good-enough job that allows you the most freedom for your heart’s pursuits! There is so much to be said for having total artistic freedom….art can be the best part of life. Why mess that up?
Having a day job can sometimes, maybe a lot of times, be a drudge but I think you are right, the salt makes the sweet much more intense. Kudos to you for finding a balance and keeping us all on our toes watching your high-wire act. Of course, the cat posse knows it is all their doing. Thanks for sharing your sabbatical. Can’t wait to see what you do next!
You always take us on your trips so you know we’re in the classroom with you.
May you have little craft punks who will appreciate what they’re getting and not try to kick, scream or bite. They will learn they don’t need to…you’re on their side in life. Bon Voyage on this next adventure!
and for comic relief when the going gets rough, go to Netflix – Grumpy Old Women (BBC special)
What more is there to say except, “I concur”? Oh yes, please continue to write about it all and sharing it with us.
XOXO, B.
Sounds like a grrrrreat plan to me! Monthly salaries and security are often underrated by those who have them! Besides those little wild ones need a mentor and rounder-upper like you!
You’re so thmart! And you know what I wonder?? I wonder if you will re-enter your classroom with more depth, more magic, more freedom to really teach because, just maybe, this past year has shown you how much you are capable of on both a personal level and a global level. Maybe this past year’s adventure has liberated you from being that Yes-woman in the classroom, doing things you’re not keen on doing, and worrying too much about what other people think, to showing those little squeakers your authentic magic. Actually, you won’t be able to hide it and, in return, I think, they will want to show you their own magic. You are a gifted and enthusiastic teacher, and you will return to your classroom with eyes focused on the everyday beauty at hand, and with your ears tuned to their deep talk. Everybody will want to be in Miss Moss’ classroom because you are the really deally; you are fun, and fascinating, and full of wonder, and those little squeakers will see that maybe growing up is going to be better that they ever thought. The whole world is lucky to have you, Miss Moss.
Brava! Ms. Moss.
You are my hero – you inspire me more with every post and every class. Whatever you do, I am so grateful you share it with us. Thank you
Way to go! You’ve weighed your options, done some calculating and made your choice. That’s the keyword: CHOICE. Being able to have the best of two worlds is wonderful. I’m sure your cat posse will appreciate your keeping them in luxury and love.
As a teacher who will probably never know who and how you influence your students, I can assure you that some will remember you having a good and huge impact on their lives. I dearly loved my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Weber…I’m now in my mid 70’s and can recall her kind touch and voice as if it were yesterday.
I’ll be here waiting for the next adventure. Yea!!!
You made a very wise decision, and I’m so happy that you were able to have this lovely leave of absence with the travels that has filled your heart. You deserved it, you gave us much more in return, and I can’t tell you what joy your teaching has brought to this little spot in Maryland. I wanted so much to take a class on book binding, but the thought of a real life setting, and remembering the last class I took, when my lack of hearing well, was taken for senility. No I couldn’t go through that again. So I thank you for sharing your knowledge, and inviting me into this grand group of online classmates.
Chris S
I trust your judgment in doing what is right for you, and all the whens and hows. You’ve done it right so far, I think. And when your next class idea explodes out of your brain, you can be sure I’ll be here, with my virtual bag packed, and my round trip ticket in hand.
Several years ago, I embarked on the “business” side of art, making samples for stamp companies and suppliers. Having to use “just” their stuff and nothing else just about drove me insane. So now, even though I have to show up 8 hrs a day at a real job, having the freedom for what I want to do after those 8 hrs is a gift I don’t take lightly! Onward, Adventure Girl, onward…
yea! for you and for us. Happiest in the here and now. That inspires and challenges the helloutta me. Thank you. And thank you for being an educator that cares.
You are a breath of fresh air on the internet! You’ve got a loyal band of followers ready to cheer you on no matter what you do. The kids you teach are very, very fortunate! Cats rock!
Damn I hate that spell correct thingy!!!!!!!! Well,well,well……………
Missy from the bayou
We’ll thought out and we’ll said. U go gumption girl!!!!
Missy from the bayou
XOXOXO to you, MAM
Mary Ann, I so admire your spirit. The plan you have devised inspires us all to live within our own value system, to create our own path. And once you are on that path,even biting cats are herded more easily (or at least the bite isn’t as painful). Thank you for all you share with us.
Go for it MAM, live your life on your terms and enjoy the path you have chosen.
Wow oh wow oh wow! Mary Ann, you have achieved the balanced life that so many of us strive for. You’ve done it and taken us all for a delightful ride along the way. I’m so glad to have discovered you and Moss Cottage. Onward we go, skipping down that sweet and salty trail, cheering you on. Looking forward to the new crop of sweet faces, and seeing those that shine through like the brightest stars.
I applaud your wisdom, MAM. The best of both worlds. You will make a difference for some young souls…maybe not all, but some…maybe not today, but for a day in their future. Thank you.
Dear Wise Woman,
You hit the nail on the head. Thanks for having us in your pocket (and at your back).
wonderful post. you are so right-that if you had to make your living with your art, it would require you to not just do it for the pure joy of creating, but it would become a must do. You will return to the old job with a freshness and renewal that you didn’t have before and you know now when to take a break!!
Thank YOU for one of my favorite blogs! Thanks for your honesty and for sharing your thoughts.
Well said! You are very wise and generous.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us.
I so admire the way your mind works! Thanks for sharing your thought process. Those cats you will be herding are oh- so- lucky and so are we, who get to share your adventures online. You continually delight me! (And I am grateful.)
XO
Smart move, I think. I can’t wait to see what you get up to next!
I totally understand your choice. And as a school teacher myself I know it is not always easy. In Australia some teachers have the option of sharing a class and working part time…is that a possibility over there?
Just want you to know that there is only one blog of which I read every single post. Yours. love from Alison
Well said Mary Ann! I wish you much joy on your sweet and salty adventure! Love this post, and super love that photo of your two cats on that comfy looking chair! Happy December!
Hi Mary Ann. I visit quite often but rarely comment. You are so inspiring as an artist, a traveler, and a teacher. I, too, teach 2nd grade in the LA area. It is hard and just gets harder and harder. I’ve had two rough years due to a couple of poorly behaved students and your LONG vacation just sounds joyful. I spend as much time as I can trying to create (in part due to your classes) but I want more. I wish you the best when you go back in in January – just wait until you sink your teeth into Common Core ;). I look forward to your next long vaca so I can live vicariously through you again, just as I did this go around.
So generous of you to share these thoughts and decisions. I check in here every day and am continually inspired by you. Thanks, Mary Ann.
Amen!!
I loved the previous post asking that you take us along in your pocket…because that’s exactly what you do. And oh what fabulous journeys you take us on. I’ve travelled to places my physical body will never see, but I’ve touched them, smelled them, breathed them through you. And for that, I love you!!
And as soon as I seize the space in my tiny home for a creative haven..I’ll buy that sewing machine I covet so I can sign up for Sewn…it’s on my list! xxx
You are a very wise woman. Sometimes it turns out that the price to be paid for “the dream”, when one looks at it realistically, is a higher price than it’s really worth. You are living in the present and being honest with yourself. Keep on travelling, and trucking, and drawing, and photographing, and loving those furball cats, and sharing it with us. Fondly thinking of you.
I just love you! You are one smart lady. It is fascinating watching you mold your life the way most of us don’t have courage to do. So, yup, I love and admire you 🙂 xoxo
Well said, well thought out, well done…we’re behind you! Thank you for being YOU!
You go girl! Thank you for a beautifully written post. Thank you for sharing your talent and wit. Thanks for all you do. Good luck wherever you may float your boat.
I will chime in with those who can say it all far better than I, but I also want to thank you for your blog and classes and say they’ve made my life richer, too. Thank you for letting us into your life a bit and inspiring our creativity. Best of luck with the return to teaching and the dealing with the difficult time your mom is going through.
Sounds good to me. You make a lot of sense and there is a lot to be said about not depending on your art/online classes for 100% of your income. Sounds like you’ve got a plan. More power to you! xo
I check for a new post everyday, been doing it for years. Your trips and photos bring a refreshing joy to my mornings. I think you have a plan, with options in place and you’re taking care of yourself, which is important. Make sure you save a little of yourself for yourself everyday. Good luck and looking forward to more travel journals in the new year!
you have had such an adventure during the past 12 months. (and given us so much to enjoy too), and one that will keep you afloat for as long as you wish. in many ways, you will have so much more to give to your kids, and they will certainly benefit from all that you have learned about yourself and the world while you were away from them.
now that you have learned that you can support (financially) your sabbaticals, you just have to decide when to do it again.
enjoy your holidays. i look forward to hearing your herding stories!!
Sounds to me MS. MAM you’ve figured it out for you and your life. I salute you, girlie!! Truly
– the balance is really what’s it all about!
Two words: Balanced. Life.
Best wishes as you head back to the classroom. 🙂
Mary Ann, I love this heartfelt blog post. You have a lot to offer in the classroom and in the art world. Because of you i made multi signature book and this week I finished the final page participating in NaNoJouMo. I am going to post about the book on my blog in the near future.
I have learned to much from you and if there is just one child in that classroom who benefits from your knowledge and talent, the world will be a better place. Big hugs and much admiration.
Sweet and salty is my favorite combination. The kiddos you are headed back to wrangle are lucky to have you there and we are lucky to have you here. Best best best wishes for you.
of course you don’t know what the precise constitution of your first, back-in-the-water classroom group will be, but you are diving in refreshed and rejuvenated. The tone of some of the comments seems almost a lament; I recognize that encouragements and affirmations are offered but there does seem a sadness to some. It shouldn’t be sad or a capitulation and as long as you don’t see it (returning to classroom) that way, you find ways to have fun every day while at school. Will you be teaching same grade? Same general population profile? What will you see on your way to and from home each day?
Going back into new year you will have in your toolbox a renewed self, a refreshed heart, vey invigorated creative muscle and a pile of the earth’s soil and air from various parts of the globe both near and far from Moss Cottage. Your reentry with the eyes pointed to the future and a mind able to plot a new professional and personal course of action says more about your adaptive nature than any manual and will help with how you respond to the hiccups, bumps and of course the good times to come.
YES. To everything you just wrote. To your thought process. To your cats’ lavish lifestyle. To life being sweet and salty. For everyone, everyday. Big hugs from here x
Go, Mary Ann!
Absolutely Purrfect.
In my book, nothing, nothing at all, beats independence in art and in life, and in my book, art and life are pretty much the same thing. Whatever it takes to keep from diluting art/life with all your 4th paragraph thoughts, it’s worth it. It keeps your soul, and your soul houses your art.
You would still be the same beautiful person in my eyes, no matter what decision you made, as long as it was your decision. But this decision exponentially increases my respect, and I have much respect for you! Mucho! Bravo!
Mary Ann- I concur with ALL the afore written posts. As a fellow monkey wrangler, reading your blog, joining you on your adventures, and watching you still be creative is like oxygen to my soul. You give me hope that I too can lead a creative life AND maintain a career. Best of luck while you dig deep these next months on your re-entry.
Well said Miss Mary Ann Moss, you can ride the roller coaster and can get off when and if you want. Life is one roller coaster after another, you just have to know when to ride , watch and or walk away, sounds like you got it down. Kiddies are lucky to have you, may you get one or two that keep you soaring. Your the best, enjoy. Peggy
My heart sings for you and your honoring of your creativity, weeps a little at going back to teach. I balanced that whole teach/art thing for many, many years. Your approach seems far superior to mine. Thanks for this blog and the classes. You opened up a lot for me this year, including my own blog. Looking forward to the next chapter; curious how teaching will be after your sabbatical. And – those are some lucky kids, even the one in the straitjacket.
I am proud of you, this is a toughie, but as always you solved it with a beautiful equation. much love my friend, both your worlds need you..
You are living your life in a most thoughtful and exciting way. I’m happy to follow you on your adventures to places unknown to me. If I could back to my grade school days, I wish I had had a teacher/mentor like you. Thank you for all you share for us.
Nicely done. I’m sure the posse appreciates your bliss being salted a little so they may continue their lifestyle.
And the wonderful part about going back to teaching is knowing in the not too distant future you will actually be able to retire and have health benefits and money coming in to allow you to keep doing the fun stuff you like to do anyway.
I look forward to seeing how this next chapter in your life unfolds and of course to the art play we get to do with you.
Oh-so-wise. The best of both worlds is always the best.
Beautiful, beautiful post. So beautifully thought out, so beautifully expressed. I’m glad you have reached some decisions and, may I say, I detect a peaceful feeling coming through. Peace to you, wonderful teacher/inspiration/guide/traveler/cat lover and all-around amazing person.
Mary Ann,
As always your words touch my heart and my eyes become moist. It has been a pleasure to share in your adventure this past year and I thank you most sincerely for letting us know what your next steps will be. You certainly don’t owe any explanation to us but I, for one, am most appreciative that you are willing to share you thoughts. I shall continue to visit and enjoy reading about you, your adventures at Moss cottage and the cat posse.
Thank you,
Catherine
like like likeity like! Kudos to you living your dream — and beside doesn’t salt make things taste better? So much better when it is your art! I hope you have great kids this coming year!
What a beautiful post (as per usual for you!). Thank you for all that you share with us. I look forward to your blog posts and classes more than I can tell you. I hope you end up with the best bunch of cats EVER when you head back to your herding duties. In any case, those cats (and your for-real cat posse) are lucky to have you. And so are the rest of us. Viva La Moss!
I think you said that all just right Mary Ann. I think you’ve got your ducks lined up and in a row that suits you just fine and that is all that counts at the end of the day. I like knowing that Moss Cottage and it’s inhabitants are tucked away safe and sound, course plotted and charted, maps unfurled, compass pointed in the right direction and you at the helm. From my vantage point, when I look westward I see a faint glow on the horizon and really enjoy believing that what I’m seeing is the glow from your front windows as you putter about, doing the stuff you love doin’ and livin’ by your own design. It does not get any better than that. xox
Miss Moss, whatever you want to do, however you want to do it is your own personal choice and I shall support you in whatever you decide. Those kids will be lucky to have such a dedicated, creative teacher and we here in blog land are lucky to have you as our fearless leader! Just don’t stop taking us along in your pocket, that’s all I ask!!