I started a new writing journal and stitched together a new sketchbook.
I intended to send a postcard from the village of Mendocino where I was stationed for the first week of August, but the days drifted by with the fog. I walked on the headlands morning, noon, and night. Breathed in lungfuls of sea air. Some nights winds blew up and cleared the skies. I craned my neck up to see into the deepest part of the Milky Way. One night I saw a giant bird flying through a field of grass. One morning, a white mottled seal looking up at me and turning over in the water. By the shallow shore I saw the tentacle of an octopus. Or maybe it was a rope of kelp. I can’t remember what book I was reading, it seems like so long ago. Something good.
Now I am home. I’ve been categorizing, labeling, decluttering. Mountains of things I don’t need. It’s amazing when one realizes that we wear the same clothes, wash the same dishes, eat the same food, use the same pots and pans over and over. The same exact few items are put into use repeatedly. Why do I need 20 plates, when I only use the same 3-4 over and over?
It has been like an oven outside so I take shelter in the cool confines of Moss Cottage. Near the windows! School starts tomorrow. I’ve been getting ready. The meetings start tomorrow and the children tune in on Thursday. My days of wandering are coming to an end. For now.
I told myself I would keep this short and I will. Just a few photos and a few words, and a promise to return soon. To sit down here and tap out the words on the screen that will make their way across the digital night and into your device. Smoke signals from Los Angeles. To say, I am here.
Have a wonderful school year, Mary Ann. I started last Thursday and already there are students testing positive for Covid. I hope you are staying safe with all the fires going on in CA. I am intrigued by your new journals (I have the same paper you used for your covers – I love how they look!). I also love the b&w photo of your sister and dad. Take care of yourself and I look forward to more news and photos in your part of the US.
I just finished a book that satisfied my thirst for a story about books (mysterious theft of) & the New York Public Library (which I purchased online directly from the Library) called “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis, fiction. Was also reading about that Brooklyn Sketchbook Project. Looking forward to seeing your new sketchbook.
You go to the nicest, beautifulest places. Thank you for sharing.
What a fabulous vacation! That seat at the window table, with the journals and art supplies was especially wonderful! The time just flew by, didn’t it. Have a good school year!
lovely way to end your summer. one time you mentioned spending art time with Paul & Joe. Did they teach classes at Zinnia and then La Canada Community Center when Zinnia closed? If so, I know them from taking their classes. They even did a class out in their patio one time. Fun instructors. Have a good school year! PS I’ve also taken classes from Pam Garrison at Studio Crescendoh. Small world……
Many of my things are still packed in boxes following the Move That Wouldn’t Die. I’m surprised at how little I miss them. So I totally understand what you’re saying.
Our college opens August 24. Wishing you healthy and happy days at your school!
XOXO
What a lovely delight…wrapping up the summer with a stay in Mendocino!!
The headlands look pretty dry….?
Your students are so fortunate to have such a creative and inspiring teacher!!
Stay safe!
❤️
You must give us more details about the new sketchbook, when you have the time. The sneak peek is good but I want to know more, about the dimensions and the papers you have put in it. I am guessing you didn’t do a wish list this year for your classroom? Or maybe it will come later. Since I have been going nowhere and not spending any money, I want to give money to good causes. And your classroom always seems like a very, very, very good cause.
We live across the street from an elementary school and it is so strange that school will be starting soon, but there is only quiet where there should be anticipation and excitement. Take care, Miss Moss. Every time I sit down with my paints I think of you and Sketchbookery.
I was thinking about you this weekend for 2 reasons. One, I know LAUSD begins another challenging year this week and I imagined you preparing for your class back home. Two, I got out my gouache paints and the fun sketchbook you showed us how to construct in Oh My Gouache. I’m going to start a new project with gouache using an old gardening planning book as my sketchbook that has plenty of Blank heavy paper pages.
I’ve seen Jennifer Orkin Lewis use vintage photos as painting prompts. I love that look and I intend to fill my book with paintings of photos I’ve gathered over the years.
Your classes continue to inspire me. Hope this new school year is a good one despite the circumstances
Sister!!!!!
I have never seen that picture of you and Dottie and dad before. It’s a GOOD one. I think that’s Greece? Or is it Spain?
I really hope a book comes from all of your adventures. As I was reading your dreamy post , I wanted it to go on and on.
thanks…that’s good to know.
Fabulois photos, as ever! Good luck with the new school year.
Lovely to have you back ~ and gorgeous pix as always. Please keep yourself very safe ~ this whole school re-opening thing makes me VERY nervous!!!
DISTANCE LEARNING
and… thank you for being here.