Sometimes I marvel at how I did it all before. Working full-time, making online classes, traveling, and so much sketchbookery. My 58 year-old self seems to have forgotten how to keep all my wheels on the cart and maintain a forward motion. Most of my leftover energy from working-stiff life gets poured into my writing journal, walks, books, and quiet porch time.
Last year at this time though, I received a booster shot in the form of participating in my own version of Inktober. I think I’ll start slowly with that and see what develops.
I also received a real vaccine booster shot last Saturday. Thanks CVS! Here in California, teachers are officially eligible! Don’t count on your district to keep you informed though. I read all about it in the LA Times. Made my appointment, got my shot, no waiting whatsoever! No soreness either. Didn’t feel a thing.
But in this moment I am halting school planning to do one of my favorite catch-my-breath-and-sit-still activities. I will write you a letter. A smoke signal of a letter. From the captain’s cabin of my ship that is at present unmanned and drifting perilously close to a rocky shore. I will get my metaphor blender out and start mixing things up. You won’t mind. You never do.
I’ve got a batch of pumpkin empanadas in the oven courtesy of Trader Joe’s. The house smells like fall. Wyatt is behind me meowing. Now that he’s an old boy he has become v v v attached to his mama. He follows me and quacks at me to pick him up for a massage. Speaking of which…
One of my students made me a cat collage.
We did some sketchbook exploration in class on Friday. For most, it was their first time using watercolor. Every year I save the watercolor sets that the kids don’t take home. This year I didn’t need to get any because I had enough leftovers from 3 previous years. Out of a class of 30 I will estimate that only a few children will go on to become sketchbook or journal keepers. That’s okay. I was the kid in the 1970’s class of Cathy Keller that went on to become a lifelong writer and journal keeper. I bet she would never have predicted that out of all of us, I’d be one of the ones who would keep going. Thanks Cathy for getting me started. You’re the only teacher I remember really well out of the dozens whose classes I traveled through in the 60’s and 70’s
We think we know which kids will be the ones we’ll have an impact on, but the truth is we have no clue. No idea. At all.
Thanks again to all who sent books and other treats to my class via my Amazon wishlist. I was multi-tasking when I picked up a recent package from the school office with some incredible books inside. I misplaced the QR code I have to scan to send a proper thank you. So here it is: THANK YOU. The books and everything else have been huge hits.
But enough with school!
Witness my new Friday ritual. A cocktail on an open air patio. I look forward all week. All aloney on my owney. I sip. I people watch. I stare into space. Sometimes I read my book. Oh the pleasure of sitting with my own thoughts after a long week of being talked to and sipping something delicious. This week a table of teachers from another school sat next to me. I put my airpods in so I could listen to Rosy Chan on the piano instead of school talk. Search for Sonic Apothecary on Youtube and have a listen. It’s been my life soundtrack since summer.
Wyatt has lost a few pounds. I don’t let him graze all day like he used to. He’s back to jumping and occasionally jogging through the yard. On a recent vet visit the skin cancer I already knew he had on his ears and under his eye were officially diagnosed. The vet wanted to perform surgery, but I explained my philosophy of end-of-life care for my buddy and surgery is not part of that. Vet advised that the cancer will probably spread yadda yadda yadda. We weren’t on the same page so to speak. But that’s okay. I keep the counsel of my cat on these matters. And my intuition. Wyatt has undergone enough surgery in his life and won’t have more. I think of this period of his life as the Long Goodbye.
Am I sad about losing him one day? Absolutely, but I am learning to stay out of the future. It will be here soon enough. This practice blends seamlessly with my bury-my-head-in-the-sand routine. Who knew it would come in handy one day?
Wyatt Earp Moss is living his best life and that’s the truth even if the vet couldn’t see it. I can.
Behold, Venus. A miniature moon in the western sky.
Lately Descano Gardens is rapturously gorgeous. The sycamores are wearing gold crinkle capes.
Every single thing makes me feel wide open.
I never get tired of these walks.
Or of coming home to my porch where I am just now headed. There is thunder and lightening and raindrops happening this minute. Rare for Los Angeles in early October. Atmospheric! Fabulous!
I hope you’re well. Send me a postcard and let me know what’s new. I’ll just be outside with my journal and cat. xo
Hi, Mary Ann –
I am terribly sorry about Wyatt. I am wishing the two of you lots of happiness together.
I hear you about school; multitasking gets harder and harder for me. I was asked to do so many extra things at the end of the year last year on top of the extra things I already did all year. It was too much. I found out in June that I have breast cancer so now I am on medical leave, 3/4 of the way through chemo, and hoping for a good outcome. I may retire sooner than I originally planned; some things change with a new perspective on life. I am now seeing very clearly what is most important.
Thank you for the beautiful Rosy Chan music. I love piano music and have enjoyed piano lessons throughout my life. It is nice to have a song running through one’s head. Another composer you may like is Federico Mompou from Spain; look for him playing his works on YouTube.
Also, if you are ever traveling to Vermont, I would love to meet you and show you all the beautiful and fun places to visit. I live on the NY/VT border. The foliage is especially lovely right now.
I also wanted to thank you for making me not just a journal keeper, but a journal maker. I have loved your classes and learned so much over the years. I think I have now made over 600 sketchbooks/journals using old books. This is what I do when I need to relax. I thank you for that especially. Best, -Kristi
Sending much hope & courage your way as you go through this breast cancer challenge, Kristi. I will check out FM’s music. I would love to visit Vermont sometime and will plan to meet you when I do. Sounds just right. Your many many journals are gorgeous works of art. Love seeing them when they pop up on my IG feed.
Crossing fingers that your early retirement goes off without a hitch. That sounds glorious. May it be so!
The thunder and lightening was awesome down San Diego way, and we even got pea-sized hail. So sorry about Wyatt. I am dealing with a similar last winter journey with my 14 year old calico. She has lost a lot of weight and is literally a shadow of her former bowling ball self. So sad. I just saw your amazon list so choose a few things for your kiddos. Hope you have a good class this year. I am free lancing since the Great Pandemic and taking a creative writing course. Wish you would do another on line course, your enthusiasm always got me inspired to create. Stay healthy and safe!
Yoo Hoo Violet Cadburry Bunny, thx for the gifty for the classroom. I can only imagine what fantastic things you’ll cook up in your writing class. xo
I will place an order for more thunder and lightening. watch for it.
Lovely! How glad we are that u decided to become that lifelong journaled!
I never get tired of your words. Your images. Your observations. Thank you. It is both a lift up and a turn down at the same time., especially with Rosey Chan’s music.
I’ve been following your blog for awhile, and as a currently ex-pat Californian, (living in Australia during Covid and not able to return till probably December), I love seeing your photos and longing for “home” — though that’s actually Glen Ellen for us when we are Stateside.
I wanted to say thanks for the recommendation of Sonic Apothecary, which I’ve just added to my Spotify playlists. And for the lovely photos of Descano Gardens, which I have somehow never visited — need to rectify that!
When we moved to Australia in 2006, we brought with us 7 cats…my mother-in-law said, “We DO have cats in Australia, you know!” Over the years, all have eventually succumbed to old age, with the final set of siblings passing over the rainbow bridge two years ago at age 17. I feel for you and Wyatt Earp Moss as you and he make this sad transition, but I know he appreciates all the years you’ve had together.
Best from Oz…Dianne
Dianne,
I was unaware of the existence of GLEN ELLEN in Sonoma county. Looked it up on the map. What a lovely spot on earth. Looks like it was hit hard by wildfire in recent years. Wine country. A place I will explore sometime. Welcome back home when you get back here. In the meantime enjoy your time down in OZ. xo
Ps I am so sorry about your kitty Wyatt. He so lucky to have such a caring parent. big Hugs,
Lori
The Thunder and lightening was Fabulous! So Loud!
Mary Ann thank you for your lovely Post card!
Lately I have taken to Prisma Pencils and Coloring Books. I especially like Johanna Basford Books best. For now this is my relaxation. But after looking at your photos I must get back outside walking!
Enjoy your coloring, Lorraine. That sounds very pleasant indeed! Those books are intricate and lovely.
Hello Mary Ann,
Oh how I love receiving your dispatches. Your wisdom and beautiful thoughts touch me deeply. I am sorry Wyatt is getting old. I am sorry we all are! But I appreciate so much how you care for him and stand up for what you believe is in his best interest.
I hope to one day meet you in person and that the damn virus will just blow away and I can give you a big hug. You have been an inspiration to me for many years and I know that day will come. Patiently (or not) waiting.
big hugs to you and hello to your dear students. They are so lucky to have you.
Annie
Annie,
I think it would be great fun to meet one day. I look forward to it. until then a virtual bear hug will have to do. X
Thank you for the beautiful photos and Rosey Chan suggestion. Her music is now flowing through my earbuds via calm and melancholy piano notes. A retirement move this year from Colorado to Nevada has me living in a desert setting this fall. I’m looking forward to seeing more subtle seasonal changes and sunshine without extreme cold in winter. I’m sorry that Wyatt has cancer but he is very lucky to have you watching over him. May you enjoy your week, your cocktails and the season in peaceful contemplation of good times to come.
MaryAnn I cannot tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts . We are in the same stage of life – still working stiffs at a time when we should just be enjoying. That’s just life I guess. I’m inspired by your motivation to get out there though and walk and find new spots to sit in the now . I’m grabbing my doggy Bones today and looking for spots to sit and think and just enjoy.
I guess we have to find a way to live in the NOW and wring every bit of peace and joy out of it huh? we’ll be retired before we know it. feels good to write that. “before we know it.” i’m ready!
MaryAnn, Howdy from Richmond, Virginia. My oldest son is building a home out in very rural Powhatan….near an Alapaca Farm. I know you know this county….Otherwise, Fall has arrived very quickly this year….not like Vermont, but early for Virginia. I love the photos from your walks, who would think so many paths could exist in such a sprawling cityscape. You will be ready for your Walking Vacation to whenever it is safe to venture abroad or even beyond the State of California! I always miss donating to your classroom. Let me know asap if you need anything else, I am happy to donate. Holly H.
PS. My youngest grandson, 8 years, is becoming a HANDMADE book maker. How cool is that…..I am having difficulty remember a how -to -make- book for children from the 1990’s by Chronicle Press…..do you remember it? Or maybe Pam Garrison? or any blog followers?
Holly, yes my brother lived in Powhatan for many years and loved it. Now he’s closer in to Richmond, but still out a bit. I haven’t been in decades to the east, and never to Vermont. I want to see what life is like out there. Autumn sounds like a good time. That books sounds vaguely familiar. I will check my library…
I have some boring things on the wishlist right now like prizes and MICE (for the computers) link is here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/101W22J7WBSOI
MaryAnn, Howdy from Richmond, Virginia. My oldest son is building a home out in very rural Powhatan….near an Alapaca Farm. I know you know this county….Otherwise, Fall has arrived very quickly this year….not like Vermont, but early for Virginia. I love the photos from your walks, who would think so many paths could exist in such a sprawling cityscape. You will be ready for your Walking Vacation to whenever it is safe to venture abroad or even beyond the State of California! I always miss donating to your classroom. Let me know asap if you need anything else, I am happy to donate. Holly H.
I put Rosy Chan on to listen to and looked at all your beautiful photos. How absolutely lovely, Thank you .Best life hugs to Wyatt and you.
Dear Janet, I’m glad you liked Rosey. She’s good… so peaceful without being overly melancholy. I enjoy listening also while I walk.
Aww lovely Wyatt, I hope he has many more days of jogging and jumping ahead of him. To live our best life is all any of us could wish for.
Thank you for your posts, they fill me with warmth and joy.
Hello Clare xo
I’m very sorry to hear about Wyatt. Our pets are so precious. Wishing you both the best…
Thanks for sharing the darling cat collage from your student, as well as all the other wonderful photos.
That cat collage and that child in general are a BALM to my work-tired soul. she is a treasure.
Gorgeous Descanso, and all the pix ~
I’m glad you and Wyatt have reached that decision on his {lack of} future health care ~ been there, done that ~ was so glad how it all worked out.
Hugs ~
Oh good to know Bobbie. Always enjoy hearing you chime in…
Your posts have been making me both happy and pensive for about 15 years now. Thank you! I love your blog.
Gwen dear, your comments have been doing the same for me for as long..
What a treat to go for a walk with you via your photos. Lovely.
Thanks Janice. I was at your Etsy shop recently looking at your new offerings of typewritten letters. I love popping over there and to your blog to see what’s new. Always something to tempt and delight.
Thank you for the refreshing post! I love the night sky and the clouds. I think I saw a rooster in those clouds. Who knows?
Next week is fall break at school. Went to a pottery festival last week and got some nice pieces. I’m also taking pottery lessons and think I’ll sign up for the next round. Enjoying the cooler weather. Stay well, stay warm. Enjoy those cocktails! XO
Oh happy days – fall break! Mine is coming up in November after parent conferences and report cards and all that jazz. I’m going to Santa Babs for the week can’t wait for the beach walkies. Pottery lessons sound fun, enjoy them!
“Every single thing makes me feel wide open.”
Me too, Mary Ann. Me too.
hello Hashi! Waving to you over towards Malibu/Topanga if I remember correctly!
i’m sorry to hear wyatt has the C. i understand and agree completely with your care of him. i so get it after nursing my own kitty girl through it for the last two years. i wish i had never known she had it. she was such a treasure to my life. i’m reading saviors in the time of sharks, making shea butter bath bombs cause i love baths, and sewing stuff. i’m ready for the heat to be much less and enjoyed that little bit of rain. sending you hugs from the other end of the 405.
ooooo going to look up that book this minute. homemade bath bombs! Sewing! YES to all of those things. How’d you like our marvelous lightening and thunder last night? It rained hard here and was v.v.v. windy , but not for long. Friday we’re supposed to get more. I can’t wait and I know you can’t either.
Love your pictures, so Californian (esp. to my native Queens, NY eyes. I left the east long ago but I never tire of west coast beauty…that quality of light!). Your discussion of Wyatt is familiar. With prior pets we did undertake, at great personal expense, heroic but ultimately fruitless medical interventions. The last two departed darlings were kept comfortable but subjected to no herculean procedures that essentially would have ruined their last days in this realm. It’s instructive and I tuck the knowledge on my back burner for my future decisions. BTW, I love the term journal keeper. It’s what I’ve become now too…but didn’t like the name journal-er. Thanks. Glad you are hanging in there.
Leese,
“their last days in this realm” mmmm i like that thought. may those days be filled with love and cuddles. i just this second put Wyatt down after a session.
keepers of journals. YES.
Wishing you peace M.A.M. And hugs.
Thanks for the smoke signal/postcard. So happy that you had enough watercolor kits for all your students. Iʻm sure you have seen the t-shirt ” I touch the future, I teach.” We enjoyed watching the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I think you can still watch replays if you go to their website. Reading “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah right now.
I absolutely love your posts!!
Visually exciting and extremely well written!
I’ll definitely send u a postcard…. what is your mailing address?
I am on team Wyatt with you! Team peeps , same.
What a beautiful walk.
We have been renting a v small hovel for the summer , staying until nov 11 if it doesn’t get too cold. We are running from the extreme heat south of us in Az. It has been heaven. We have a troop of Javelina that come through our cliff. deer too. We have a beautiful view of Granite Mountain. Really getting spoiled. Two recliners and just bare bone necessities. Just saying…its the good life! Piles of books, duh.
Javelina! I would love to see them. I’m all for recliners and books as well. 🙂