It’s NOT been a busy summer friends. I am here living. Doing everything I ever did. Reading, writing, drawing, sitting, walking, napping, catting. All below the digital radar. I’ve tuned in and dropped out, but a couple of recent comments on my last post and emails gently tugged on my line. So here I am. Peering through the warm glaze of summer to touch base with you. And happy to do it, I might add. I need the occasional nudge these days to leave the analogue sea where I’m bobbing in a warm current. Paddle back towards the digital harbor. Check in, send out my smoke signals. Touch base. Say hello. Read the postcards that have been accumulating.
In a nutshell these are the happenings since I last wrote in mid-June.
My sister visited. My garage and house received a good strong Swedish death cleaning. I gave away lots of old treasure on Craig’s List. I took a trip to Mendocino for 10 days. School ended and then almost started. I went on lots of walks. My cat died.
I went on a massive decluttering mission, which I now do each summer. But this time I went deeper. Looked in every drawer, cabinet, trunk, and box. Sorted through some family memorabilia and photos. Above is my beloved pop when he was just a kid in his very early 20’s. (kept!)
Below is my maternal grandmother, whom I never knew as she died in 1936, Crisanta Florentina Guerra with her brother Efrain Aurelio Guerra. Dear isn’t it?
I sent packages of letters and photographs to siblings, and gave away boxes of treasures from my travels and early life, including this giant wooden angel head I watched being carved in a small town in the Mexican highlands.
I got rid of journals from childhood and teenage years and young adulthood. Essentially if something was hidden away in a box for safekeeping, it’s gone. EXCEPT. I kept one box of memorabilia that I will revisit next summer.
I took photos of everything and listed the items in the FREE section of Craig’s List. I wrote little story blurbs for everything. Here are a few:
I’ve recently come to the realization that if something is packed in a box where I can’t see it, I have no need to hold onto it. No matter how precious it once was, I’m now able to send the objects on their journeys. I took photos to remember the things I’ve had since childhood (like this wooden monkey) and simply passed them along to their next caretaker.
It feels good to pare down, tidy up, and clear the path of debris. My version of Swedish death cleaning.
The best part by far were all the wonderful people I met. Even though it was a no-contact pick-up I did meet most of the people. One woman was going to deliver an old fold-up rolling bed, blankets, and towels to Tijuana to help the poor. Another young artist was going to hang my decades-old wall hanging in his studio. A young woman was going to use the dishes and kitchen items in her first apartment. A married couple from the valley loved my mom’s 1950’s floral bedspread. I wish I had a photo of the sweet man who came in his big truck to pick that up! A nice guy named Ron, wanted a stack of old poetry books. Charlie took the wicker basket and even sent me a photo telling me where it was going to go.
As is my way, I wrote about each item and the recipient in my journal. Almost everything was claimed within 24 hours of listing it. Oh the wonders of living in Los Angeles!
From my mother’s old samsonite to home decor items, dishes, old pet carriers, old ledgers, vintage life magazines, travel souvenirs, you name it. I LET IT ALL GO.
I also culled my library and eliminated an entire bookshelf full of books that no longer seemed important. A friend has embarked on a no-buy challenge with me that feels right. Aside from the bare necessities I am committed. No purchases. Sounds extreme, but it isn’t. I’m figuring out replacements or substitutes. If I run out of ink for my printer, or need a water filter, I will buy it. If I need a new pair of leggings, or tube of paint, I will not.
I love visiting old cemeteries. When I walked at this one I had no idea of the wave of grief that was heading my way.
At the very end of July, my dear old girl, Corky went downhill rapidly in a week’s time. Cancer of the mouth. I comforted her as best I could. We had a lovely summer together. She was 16 and Wyatt is 17. All this to say there is only 1 member of the cat posse left. Corky left the earth on August 3rd, bound for who knows where. The rainbow bridge analogy doesn’t work for me so I won’t use it here, but in the words of MOONRIVER, a song I listened to a lot this summer, “Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way.”
I present mostly old photos of everyone’s favorite member of the cat posse. She was known for her extreme friendliness and good nature. I adopted her as a kitten from the school parking lot in November of 2005. She had a long life of extreme sports here at Moss Cottage. Tree climbing, roof climbing, leaping, jumping, morning running, fence climbing, running from her brothers. The most energetic playful cat I’ve ever had! Never sick a day in her life until now.
Lap of Love pet hospice came out to the house on Tuesday. The most compassionate vet I’ve ever met administered such peaceful end-of-life care to dear Corky. We had her on the porch because more than anything in life, Corky wanted to be outside in the great outdoors. Rina brought the basket with purple cushion to the porch after Corky died and I placed her in it. Then she covered her with the purple blanket. She was taken away in the front seat with her little head uncovered. I will get her ashes in a couple of weeks and will bury them in the front yard near the oak trees.
I’m grateful that I was not working and could be fully present for Corky as she always was for me. On her last day on earth I drew her and made a memorial photo where it now sits next to the one for Buck Moss.
The perils of keeping and loving animals. I will not stop doing it. Not ever.
Worth every single tear and heartache.
On her last morning Corky stared out the window. She wanted to be OUT THERE, among the wild things. 
These next photos are from a few years back.
On my bookshelf
Summer reading has been a pleasure. Fresh Water For Flowers is from a French writer and is a beautiful treatise on life from start to finish. I was saving and highlighting so many gorgeous lines, I lost count. If you have a poetic bone in your body, you will simply die. But don’t. So you can finish it.
Unsettled Ground – quite good. I read it in 1 day in my cottage retreat by the sea, coming up for air only to walk the headland paths. Simply fabulous!
My least favorite of the books above was The End of Loneliness. The writing felt stilted at times and amateurish. The characters motives at times were puzzling and cliche, nevertheless I finished it and liked it enough to list it here.
I didn’t finish Digital Minimalism, but found it a fairly good listen. I will eventually finish it.
Everything else was outstanding!
Donor’s Choose
A new school year is right around the corner.
Here is my latest DONOR’S CHOOSE project if you care to contribute. Bill Gates is stepping in to MATCH 50% of ALL Donor’s Choose donations on August 12 only. This means if someone donates $20 on August 12, that donation will become $30. If you’re a classroom teacher I urge you to submit a project NOW for whatever you need in the upcoming school year.
I look forward to hearing from you in the comments. Regale me with stories of your summer. What you’re reading, eating, seeing, doing. All of it. Everything. Tell me how you are. I await word.
This summer seemed to go by so quickly and yet it sounds like you had a season of transformation! Life is full of good and bad, for sure. I’m sure you’re missing Corky– we just adopted a kitten who I think is going to grow up to look very similar to her– fluffy tortoiseshell and playful as all get out! The dogs are getting a work out!
On the other hand, the Swedish Death clean sounds amazing! I just haven’t been able to pare down that much– every time I go hunting for something, I swear that I’m going get rid of it all. You have inspired me!
I LOVED Valerie Perrin’s,” Fresh Water for Flowers” as well. Wish she’d write another one 😉
All this said, I wish you lived down the street and we could hang out — you must be an amazing teacher! Lucky kids!
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Corky. My little dog, Ladybug passed in early June. Her passing hit me really hard but I know she’s off somewhere having fun. A death of a pet is sometimes harder then a death of a family member because they are so devoted to you and are always there by your side. You gave Corky lots of love and a fun home to live her life.
*hugs* I have been letting go of a lot of stuff here too… and probably should do more, but I am doing pretty well for a first pass…
I’ve come back to this post several times now as there is SO MUCH to take in. Thank you for sharing ALL of it. I’ve always considered myself a purger but your Swedish death cleaning is now on my radar, as is the craig’s list method of gifting items on to others. That is just so beautiful, what you’ve done. Also adding another virtual hug to the many others over the loss of your beloved Corky. Oh the pets that guide us through this life… Thank you again for your words. You have such a way with them. Maybe you will one day string your posts into a book? An illustrated book. I would love to hold such a book in my hands and revisit your writing and art in a non-digital way.
Oh Hon. I am so sorry about Corky. I am right there with you. No matter how hard and painful the parting, the joys and sweetness of loving an animal is priceless. I couldn’t help but shed some tears. It’s an animal person thing and I am sure many of your peeps here, share the same sentiment, and feel the loss. It’s hard but part of life. Your sweet cat posse always made me smile. I loved when they appeared in your class video’s. I actually looked forward to that. How is Wyatt doing? Decluttering, and the art of getting rid of. I did this last year. Emptied our entire attic. Of course, there were things from every room in our house that made it to the toss list. It felt so good. Quite a few of my art supplies that I no longer use or need got donated to the elementary school in our back yard. I let my adult daughters know that if there was anything they wanted, they had better come and get it. And am with you on not buying anything I don’t need. At 62 the idea of collecting anything seems a bit pointless for me. I’m all about using stuff up rather than accumulating more so I hear ya on that. It’s quite a freeing thing when you don’t feel tethered to ‘things’ and moments hold more happiness and somehow feel truer. Real. I’m am fast becoming a minimalist in almost every aspect of my life. Thanks for sharing your doings at Moss Cottage. And still sorry for the sad parts.
Dear Mary Ann, I’m so sad to hear about Corky! Following your blog for about twelve years, Corky became so familiar to me, through all the photos you’ve posted and the little stories you’ve told us about the life she and Wyatt led with you in Moss Cottage. She was such a beauty! While reading about Corky’s passing, my own old cat sat on my lap. She’s 17, almost blind, shaky on her legs and needs pills to regulate her blood-pressure. Every night for 17 years she sleeps on my cushion close to my head, nudging her little nose against my face. I live in constant fear of the day, when the place on my cushion will remain empty…. so I can feel your grief about the loss of beloved Corky – it’s a part of your life that passes away all of a sudden.
I’ve never commented on your blog so far, although I’m an avid reader of your posts because I really admire your art – it’s so outstanding characteristic and you’ve developed such a unique style. Your photos are extraordinary as well – you’ve got an eye for the beauty in the small things which go unnoticed by others. Thank you for sharing your art, your travel-adventures and your stories about your life in LA with us! Your blog-posts always brightened my day – well, except for this one, of course…. . We will all miss you, dear little Corky!
Alexandra.
As always love your posts and it was very timely as I was wondering how you were. Your posts give me joy and calm in equal measure so I thank you. So sorry for your loss, you gave him a lovely life and that it was we would all be lucky to have. Thank you for your book suggestions, I’m going through books and audiobooks at a fast rate and I love your suggestions, The Dutch House sits near the top of the list of my favourite books, one of your suggestions. Go well mam. Xx
I too enjoy walking through cemeteries and have had cats my whole life….6 inside two outside right now. I had to stop and cry a moment with you.
So sorry for your loss. Loving animals on a farm is both joyous and painful. Within 8 months, we lost our Chrissy (after Christopher Columbus “the wanderer”) and Buster (after Buster Brown – chocolate brown and ice blue eyes as a puppy.) Sister and brother weimaraner/lab mix we had for 14 years until this last year. I liked reading about Jane’s animal medium. It was very soothing.
Since October, I have been reading British Victorian authors (Wilke Collins, Anthony Trollope, etc.) In July I started Jane Austin’ Pride and Prejudice. I’m not sure why I have never read these authors before, but I am really enjoying them now. Upon your suggestion, I read (listened) Mrs. Benson’s Beetle. I laughed out loud, I cried – it was a most wonderful read! Thank you. I plan to pick one of the books you wrote about above, too.
Lately, my time has been spent sorting through almost 30 years accumulation, which will include a lot of art supplies. I also have my disabled brother’s home and my mother’s to go through. It is daunting. I do like the idea of a no-buy support group!
Please continue to share your photos and your life. It is all comforting to a secluded Kansan dreaming of the California coastline.
So happy about your classroom supplies! Take care MAM.
I am so sorry to learn of Corky’s passing. Over the years, your “cat tales” were always enjoyable to read, and I thank you for these lovely photos of her.
Please continue sharing your artwork with all of us; I’ve always found serenity in drawing and painting.
So sorry for your loss, it makes my heart ache all the way over here in Sweden. Take care of youself.
MaryAnn – I’m so sorry about your cat. The picture of him with the purple blanket was so sad. Sounds like it’s been a very productive summer. I loved Fresh Water for Flowers too. Ginny
Mary Ann….just wanted to send virtual hugs so you know your grief is shared. Our animals are so precious to us. Sending you peace.
So sorry to hear about Corky. I couldn’t agree with you more about the perils of keeping animals being worth every single tear.
Your slow summer sounds like a busy summer to me! I just found your website a few months ago and have signed up for a few of your art courses, started the first one and have been enjoying the videos very much! Regarding your no-but challenge: What will you do when you run out of paint?
Lol-should be no-buy challenge!
I would buy some if I truly needed it – like one of the primaries, but I have plenty and watercolor tubes last a very long time.
I love the family photos! your giveaways-such a good idea-I’m glad they have found new homes. So sorry about your cat-pets are a gift and I know he was well loved at your house! I read Hour of the Witch-I always like Bohjilan’s books-I thought this one was very slow until about the 2nd half–I almost gave up–I used to have a “rule”-to always finish a book–now that I am older-I have decided if it doesn’t grab me after a couple of chapters-I move on–I subscribe to the “so many books-so little time” theory-but I digress-Hour of the witch was just interesting enough…Glad you are still doing your thing..I’m not sure I could resist not buying a new tube of paint or a new book!
You’ve been on my mind of late, and I’m very glad to see the smoke signal on the horizon from Moss Cottage. The collecting and then the purging runs in the cycles of one’s life – when we are young we seem to want everything. Then parents pass on, and we inherit their stuff. Kids move out, and we inherit their stuff. Well-meaning stuff from people that don’t know you that well arrives with regularity. We move houses – we realize we’re being blocked by our stuff. I swore I wouldn’t bring in anything new to my condo when I moved there three years ago – and this past spring, I had a big giant clear out. Turns out I’d acquired more stuff. And I didn’t do as good a job as I should when I moved apparently. I tossed out high school yearbooks, and gave away clothes from my office days, etc. Currently back on the ‘no more stuff’ bandwagon myself – I’ve sworn for gifts I’m giving ‘experiences, not things’. I’ve sworn to put discretionary income towards travel and not stuff. Books and art supplies though are proving tricky.
I’m so sorry to read about Corky’s passing from this plane into the next. It’s truly devastating, like losing a child. I cried every day, multiple times a day, for months after my beloved dachshund passed away completely unexpectedly this January. She was in Scotland, I was in the US, and she didn’t know where I was. I have to tell you, I had a session with an animal medium, and talked to Lili. They don’t really ‘leave’ us, they just transition into a different form of love. They still love us, and they’re happy they can take care of us from the other side too.
I’m glad that your health is recovering and you’re keeping up with your art, and your travels – hopefully sometime soon you can head back across the pond. I’m back in Scotland until November, and we’ve been having a remarkably good summer of sunshine and wildflowers. They’ve been leaving a lot of grass in parks unmown this year, in effort to encourage the bees and the pollinators – loving this trend!
Always adore hearing from you, dear Jane. It is so freeing to get rid of stuff. Your visit with the animal medium sounds lovely. We’re all transitioning aren’t we?
xo
I’m sorry for the loss that you have experienced and I could never doubt or disparage the loss and grief someone else feels but sometimes common phrases that can be literal to others can hurt, a lot. Having lost my only child on her 9th birthday I can hand on heart say that there is nothing on this earth to compare it to. Me and my fellow members of the “childless parents ” group, some of whom have lost all their children, some their spouses too, could testify to the pain that even breathing can give months and even years after their loss. I doubt there are many losses that destroy your life, break you down to the ground and make you wake up questioning why you are on this earth. All this 22 months in to this hell I now find life. My husband would rather follow our daughter but he keeps on, working away, because he promised Eva he would look after me.
I know for some people their pets are everything. If you know of Chris Packham I can see that his dogs are his whole life and having Aspergers they are probably to him like his children and the losses he has felt have been immense and have made him want to quit this life. Even with this amount of feeling and loss I still doubt there is any comparison to losing your present and your future and suffering the trauma this brings.
My reply above is to Jane!
Oh Mary Ann – you did it again – besides teaching me to love a computer, introducing me to SoulCollage, and FACES in the mirror – and impressing me constantly with your wild adventures and love of nature!!! NOW you’re amazing and inspiring me with your major decluttering efforts. Astonishing courage and character! I am overwhelmed and burdened by ‘possibility clutter’ – art supplies galore, clothes that don’t fit or I never wear – vitamins, skin repairs, old journals/writings, BOOKS, 77,000 photos in my Photos library! etc. My mate calls me (generously) a magpie – who collects everything and saves it – just in case it might come in handy, or I’ll need it for an art project. I MUST TAKE YOUR EXAMPLE TO HEART AND GET RID OF STUFF before I bite the dust . . . and I’m 87 now and the dust could come sooner than expected. Do you mind if I use your FREE idea and the language you used on Craigs list about non- contact pickup? Love, AT1
Wish I was closer so I could come over and lend a hand. Please use all my language word for word if you wish! I put everything on a garden chair and people came for it. Sometimes I was on the porch and I popped up to say hello. Such nice people.
I’m very sorry to hear about Corky. She had a long and happy life. And I thought you said you haven’t been busy! I am inspired by your getting-rid-of method: take a pic and let the stuff go. I have a similar process — I get my photo taken WITH the thing I’m getting rid of — but my problem is that I haven’t gotten rid of enough. I’m in a Buy Nothing neighborhood group on Facebook that I plan to use in the same way as your Craig’s List ads. I keep wondering who would take my junk, but then I’ve heard that people will come get used makeup if it’s free!
I love this idea of a BUY NOTHING group to support each other in no spending. most excellent!
You can’t imagine some of the stuff I got rid of that I thought I’d have to chuck. In a large metro area there is someone at the ready to take almost anything. Amazing and wonderful! I even found takers for old house paint cans, varnish, and stain!
I’m so sorry about Corky. I lost the last member of my cat posse to cancer last summer. A dear friend lent me her silly pup for two weeks to comfort me. It helped.
I have since adopted a rescue pup I named Josie (after Josie and the Pussycats). She has gone from barking ferociously at everything including her reflection to cautiously accepting treats and scratches from kindly people and to sniffing other dogs’ butts. Who would have thought butt sniffing would = such progress.
My heart was so broken but it is better now. I’m so sorry you are suffering this loss. It’s the price we pay for loving them. Like you, I will never give that up.
Oh my–your Corky and my Max were twins! Brought tears to my eyes because I know the sorrow of losing such a member of the family. Max was killed by a coyote in front of my house on Xmas Eve and it was devastating. I’m so sorry to hear that you lost Corky, but what a sweet send-off you had. And your trees will be happy trees! It’s always good to read your notes and hear what you’re up to. Somehow, picturing you at Moss Cottage in your garden journaling makes me feel like everything will be okay . It’s dorky but oh well. Your Swedish cleansing is amazing; I am slowly heading that way. Moved to a large home outside of Austin and I know my next one will be small and intimate, so I’m already sending things on their way to people who can use them. Thanks for the inspiration, as always. xoxo
MAM ~ I’m so sorry for your loss of Corky ~ may she live forever in your heart ~
Tossing all that ‘stuff’ must have felt SO freeing and empowering! Good for you ~
Hugs ~
Sorry to hear about your sweet cat. It brought tears to my eyes as I remembered my sweet Lola. On a lighter side, I retired this year and wondered if each of your kids in your class has an art journal?
Lisa Stockel
I just finished Donor’s Choose No. 2 where I requested sketchbooks! Art journaling makes my classroom world go around. Thank goodness for it.
Dear Mary Ann, so good to “hear” from you! You don’t know how I wished I could have moved out by you. But, I’ve finally been able to close on my little house last week. I’m so terribly sorry about your beloved Corky. The awful pain of loss is the price we willingly pay for the time and love we get to share with our animal companions. I wept looking at your pictures and reading your words. I know well something of how you feel since I lost Holly and Min at the end of last year. Now I have the cat posse and a wobegone little rescue dog. Death cleaning – I wasn’t able to do all the sorting before I move, but I will when I get there. Before I moved the last time, I gave away all the family pictures to younger relatives. And I threw away a lifetime of friend pictures. Now I need the courage to let other stuff go. I found that I grieved some of what I had to leave behind or got rid of the first time. Have you experienced that? I might message you for some wisdom or advice. Anyhow, these days everything seems altered and often strange. But I walk and hope. I always love to read your posts – I find them so centering for me. I’ve been very remiss doing entries in my own blog. Books, art, nature is the order of the day. Be well, my friend!
I will journey to facebook to see your new little house. LITTLE is so very good. I have not grieved my stuff, but I think it is because I felt so good about the people they went to. Knowing some of their stories touched me in a deep way. I loved the way they loved the objects I gave them. I was so happy to know my things would find new life.
Take good care my friend, xoxo
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m so very happy that you have updated us! ‘Sorry to hear of Corky’s passing. There is nothing like having a cat-or two or more-in your life! I am writing this from my temporary home near Sacramento as we have been evacuated due to the River fire. No clue when/if we will be able to go home but I am hopeful that it will be soon. If you don’t mind me asking, what motivated you to start the “swedish death cleaning”? I surely do need some motivation….I keep making excuses, but really need to get it done….now with this fire I have realized that what truly matters to me is able to fit in my little Prius with no problem….Best of luck with your new school year-is this going to be the last one?
-Paula
Paula,
My motivation for decluttering and putting a system in place for future clutter arose from a strong desire to LIVE WITH LESS STUFF. Once I started there was a strong snowball effect. One small action led to the next and soon I was in the grip of a huge decluttering project. I started room by room last summer. This summer there was less to do, but I went deeper. Motivated again by the desire to live more simply. I am approaching retirement and will be living on a smaller income. The decluttering has also led to a desire to increase my savings, and spend less.
I find Youtube videos on decluttering very inspiring. One of my favorites is a minimalist channel – BENITA LARSSON from Sweden.
Be gentle with yourself and start with daily tiny actions. They will build upon each other. So very sorry about the fire and your evacuation. How frightening that must be. Sending love xo
So sorry to hear about Corky’s passing. As someone who moved to Australia in 2006 with 7 cats, I can deeply sympathize. Of our motley crew, the last four passed away a few years ago, two at age 19 and two at 17. My heart goes out to you.
It is always such a treat to read your blogposts. You love some of the places I love. I am a native Californian, and still have a place in Glen Ellen that my husband and I love. However, we are stuck in Australia at the moment, due to Covid…the borders are closed to international travel. My darling mother-in-law will be 100 years old on Dec. 4, and we are pleased to be here to help her celebrate, but my heart still hankers to be in California…
How about a wonderful book recommendation? Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell — my favorite read of 2020.
Thanks for all the sharing and caring you do. Though I haven’t commented on your posts before, you can be sure I am always reading!
Best,
Dianne
Dianne,
Thanks for commenting. I always love to hear news from my readers. I also adored Hamnet. Pure magic. 7 cats! Now that is a robust cat posse. I hope you get your wish to return to California sometime. I would surely miss her sorely if I were to leave.
So very sorry to hear of Corky’s passing. Our beloved pets never live long enough, and it is so hard to lose them. We currently have a cat posse of three, but have lost many over the decades (plus a couple of pupsters). It is always very hard. Such loving care, and a beautiful tribute to Corky at the end. My sincere condolences.
Thank you for sharing your book selections. I’ve made a note of them and will look forward to reading each one.
Beautiful photos, as always. Take care.
Judy…thank you. What joy our animals bring us! Always hard at the end. Yes.
xo
Mary Ann,
I was started to worry, it had been so long since we’d heard from you. I am sorry that a part of it was that you had to deal with grief for your fur baby. It is hard to believe that the cat posse is now only one. I hope that Wyatt is not so terribly sad missing his sister kitty.
I am glad to hear that you are well and that you were able to travel and see sister. My twin daughters were finally able to make it home after being vaccinated and it was so lovely to have time with them. Otherwise life continues on until we are able to travel again…
Warmest…
Susan, Glad you got to see your girls. I’m going to have to find someone to chase Wyatt. His exercise level has gone to ZERO with Corky gone.
I am so sorry to learn about the passing of Corky. May your heart mend in a timely fashion. Thankfully, the memories never leave us. your drawings are wonderful Mary Ann. And watching your progress has been fun.
Thank you for checking in as hearing from you continues to make my heart fill with joy and anticipation when seeing your email.
Summer for me has been a busy time at work. Seems we are all working harder as we cannot seem to fill positions! I work at a very nice grocery store which is always busy due to hotels in the area. I am so grateful though and really enjoy my job. I am so happy to say. Last year I had surgery and was off for 6 months and I was so happy to go back! Funny how that works!
I haven’t really read a book this year, I have done a bit of gardening though. Continually purging. My husband and I have a very small place with no real storage.
Many Blessings to you,
Lori
Lori, A small place without storage sums up Moss Cottage, except for the garage and now that is CLEAR. A blessing in disguise. I would not want to live anywhere larger than what I have right now. I find the smallness a great comfort. xo
Oh, MAM, I am so very sorry about Corky. What a wonderful life, though!
Let me say: I admire you SO MUCH for embarking on the Great Clean. And No Buy. I may try No Buy myself. I still have unpacked boxes from The Move That Wouldn’t Die and I find myself wondering, if I haven’t opened these in nearly 3 years, why am I still keeping them? I’ve got emulsion photos going back to the early 2000s that need to go into albums…or not. And I love your Craiglist stories! The writer in me is smiling.
That said, that tombstone made me cry. I lost my beloved Uncle Richard, age 64, in April, and my friend Tim the month before. Both were ill (not the virus). I still can’t imagine life without my uncle.
I turned 57 last week. Everyone is coming back to campus on Monday, and the college reinstated its mask mandate, and has a vax policy in place. I am practicing mindfulness and meditation and it helps. I don’t know HOW it helps, or WHY it helps, but it does.
Thank you for sharing your summer!
As always, XOXO
Sandra, I’m sorry about your dear Uncle Richard and Tim. It’s hard to say goodbye.
Happy birthday. I will be here practicing deep breathing and meditation right along with you. Staying in the NOW and out of my head. xo
So sad to hear of Corky’s passing….❤️
Years ago while vacationing in Mendocino a little cat adopted us…we brought her home to NJ where she lived for another 18 years. JAC (Just a Cat) was her name and she loved being outside in the woods…causing all kinds of chaos when she’d bring us treasures…. mostly snakes.
We became great at saving them!
We spent many years trekking to Mendocino before my husband’s massive stroke.
It’s time I return!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful posts!!!
A kitty from Mendocino… Aw Linda, I love knowing about JAC. So sorry about your dear husband. Good to hear from you!
As always, fully enjoyed your post here. But wept. At the very time I was reading Corky’s story, our cat Rosie jumped into my lap needing attention THEN, as only cats can do so well. We also had to say good-bye to her buddy a couple of months ago. You’re right; it’s the price we pay for loving our animals, but, man, it hurts. Meanwhile, thanks for book recommendations. I have a pile of books to get through but plan to add your top two recommendations to my list. I would highly recommend a true feel-good, witty story I didn’t want to put down: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Wonderful conversations between two interesting people. I’m also going to take your advice and change the Goodwill box I have from MY current downsizing (not as successful as yours, I fear) and try Craigs List. I am not as accessible, geographically, but it’s worth a try.
Diane, Tell Rosie Wyatt and I send our regards! thanks for telling me about PWMOV. Hadn’t heard of that. I will see put it on my library list. Craig’s List is amazing I wish you luck with it. xo
I’m so sorry about your sweet Corky. I’ve been dreaming of some Swedish Death Cleaning but work keeps exhausting me. I’m rereading Paris Letters and I think This weekend my deep cleaning will begin. It’s necessary for what I have planned next. And for our sanity. Interesting what a year and a half of working from home results in. Since I’ve actually been working in our health department I didn’t get the down time others experienced when I moved to work remotely. Hardest year and a half of my working life.
Tina,
Yes, work has a way of getting in the way of many things. Grateful for my summer OFF. Hope you get some rest soon.
I’m so glad you’re OK, and so sad that you lost sweet Corky. Pets do bring immeasurable comfort and joy to our lives.
All the best to you and Wyatt and my you both live very long lives.
Thank you, Kristi xo
Hello MAM.
Gee that’s sad about Corky but what fun you two had for a wonderfully long time. I’m glad her going was peaceful.
What a great way to purge. I desperately need to do the same. It’s overwhelming. Having storage space can be a blessing and a curse. Mine’s filled to the brim. You must feel like a big weight has been lifted or at least that’s how I imagine I’d feel if I ever got my butt in gear. It will happen eventually…
Take good care and thanks for sharing and checking in.
Michele that’s exactly how it feels. My tiny space of Moss Cottage makes it easier to purge. I know it’s more difficult when you have more space. Bit by bit, you’ll get there. Good to hear from you. xo
So sorry to hear about Dorky. I’m going through something similar with my matriarch of my little posse, the beautiful Cassie. She had fibro sarcoma removed and now time will tell. I’m reading Andy Week’s new book, Hail Mary. Andy has quite an imagination. Keep on trucking.
Not Dorky. Dorky!!! Forgive an old lady!
Corky. Screw autocorrect …..
LOL! I knew what you meant
My heart is with you as are my tears for sweet Corky. What a peaceful passing you provided after her long and wonderful life. Give Wyatt a hug from me if he will let you. My summer is being enjoyed here in Ohio where I continually dream of returning to Southern CA one day. We have a garden of flowers and veggies. Trees and crabapples & who knows what else making the yard nice & private. All the flowers & veggies are in containers. All in various stages of growing or deciding to give it up for no apparent reason. It’s fun & delightful to look at. And photograph to document in journals. Summer here is far too short, so enjoying it is my main focus. We’re back to mask recommendations and I’m fine staying home in our little world with the four kitties. Stay safe. I always enjoy hearing about your life on the Left Coast. Which is absolutely the Best Coast!
Yes, we’re back on masks too. I do my part and don one when I go into the market. Your garden sounds like a paradise. Wyatt loves hugs. xo
I’m so sorry about Corky. What a wonderful cat she was!
Good to hear from you Mary Ann! I was worried that you were upset about the fires in the West. Good to know that you have been busy enjoying your life and decluttering as well. Nothing too new except we’ve been sort-of fostering a neighbor’s outdoor cat for several months. He’s moving and can’t take him. I’m hoping we can keep the sweet thing (orange tabby named Ace), but the husband really doesn’t want to commit to it … yet. It is possible that one of the owner’s relatives will take him home, though. We shall see.
Fingers crossed that ACE finds a home.
I enjoyed hearing about your Swedish death cleaning. I have started it but not very fast. I did do one thing though…. I no longer allow myself to buy art supplies except glue. I have plenty of everything else. I am slowly using up stuff as I have been doing a collage a day. And some junk journals. After they are done I will probably donate them somewhere.
Sounds good Beth. Someone will be happy to get your treasures!
Mary Ann,
I am so sorry about your loss of Corky. I am nursing my little tuxedo cat in kidney failure and know I will be saying goodbye to this little love soon. Our fur babies sure get hold of our hearts. Take care. Be safe.
Carol
Oh Carol, I’m sorry about the kidney failure in your fur person. Getting old is hard.
So sorry about your kitty but what a lovely peaceful passing you gave her. Will you get another one or perhaps one will find you… I do love reading your entries and admire how you keep at your drawing- it’s lovely.
No new cats on the horizon. It’s just Wyatt Earp and I. He would not welcome a spry new cat to disrupt his peace and quiet. LOL