Hello again.
Here I am in the last week of school for 2021. It’s almost time to pack the getaway car and head north.
North to the mighty Pacific and a dose of solitude by the sea. My usual Christmas recipe for mental fitness.
The small amounts of rain we are receiving are very welcome and much needed. Today we got a steady flow of water from the sky. Tonight the low temperature will be 37!
Diamonds and crystal globes cover every surface.
My in-ground succulents look like a jewel box this time of year.
A few of my aeoniums are throwing off flower spikes.
I had big plans for a new door to be installed, but the guy never showed up. That’s how it seems to go in the city of angels. Same thing happened with the gate guy. The world is upside down. Everything starts out so promising, plans are drawn up, paint is purchased, emails are exchanged, meetings take place, dates and time are set and then…crickets.
I am biding my time until the right set of circumstances present themselves.
We make these ornaments every year in the classroom using the black paper, watercolors, and white pens many of you donated to our classroom. They always come out so pretty and the kids enjoy the process, especially adding the snowflakes & stars with the white pens.
My mantra this week as it relates to school:
I give up opinions on all matters
Is it right that I splash through puddles, hurl myself across slippery surfaces, open my wet umbrella in the classroom, and chase others in the rain?
I cannot say.
Instead let’s look at my winter garden. I have moved the pots to the sunniest part of the patio.
The pixie aloes are going to bloom soon!
Yes. Winter arrived in her grey hoody and wrap-around fog banks. The air is bracing and delicious.
Today in our unheated classroom I wore 3 undershirts, a fleece beanie, a hood over that, my mask, and a coat.
There was a big ugly recliner in a recent airbnb I stayed at. It was so comfortable and was such a good reading chair that I’m thinking of replacing the old orange vinyl chair I’ve had forever. It’s cute and it swivels, but it’s not terribly comfortable. I want something ultra cozy where I can sit by the window and put my feet up. I’ll keep you posted! Maybe I’ll find something good on Craig’s List…hmmm.
That’s all the news that’s fit to print. Take care. Stay warm. To Kentucky and all who were in the path of tornadoes this week I sent a zillion hearts from the built in bubble machine in my fingers. May you be safe and find comfort. We send you so much love. xo
ON MY BOOKSHELF
Cloud Cuckoo Land is a gorgeous lush story with plucky young human (and animal) characters you will want to adopt and love. Seymour, the Donkey, and Trustyfriend will live long in my heart. I read the first 80% then my Libby app cruelly returned it to the library so I had to listen to the audio version for the last 20% An absolute YES.
I just started The Guide. it’s working for me so far. I like Peter Heller and I loved The River.
The Tara Brach book is nearly 20 years old. I listened to it and liked it so much I bought the book book. I’m a big fan of her Youtube channel and find her meditations and talks soothing and wonderful. Exactly what my agitated inner self needs at times.
Your garden , as always, is drool worthy, especially to an easterner like me who is looking at mostly brown and twig trees right now. I also really admire your tile outside. I’ve worked in a tile wholesalers for 34 years,( 1 & 1/2 years to go!) and again, tile doesn’t hold up outside on the east coast with the freeze/thaw, so it’s beautiful to see it on your home!
Happy holidays Mary Ann.
I found you again after a while… Longish while. Joy and verklempt. So much peace and beauty! Ah, where has my life been for the past ? years.
I am taking my first plane trip in years (NYC) to see my darling daughter. Thrilled and terrified. Refound you while doing a Favorites cleanup. Thank you Mary Ann. Happy Holidays.
I love the students’ art! So colorful and cheery. And Moss Cottage is looking very enchanting.
Thank goodness you covered your cup to prevent Wyatt from stirring your coffee with his tail. The succulents are STUNNINGLY gorgeous.
I love the orange chair and am apparently the only one on its side – voting for retention. If you get a recliner, put it in the garage and I will drive out from Kansas to rescue it for my art room.
This post has helped my mental fitness. Love the succulents. I’m also in the market for a dream chair.
Love the ornaments so much!! Such artistic kids! I got an Ekornes StressLess recliner back when Dubya Bush gave us that first stimulus check, and I have been resting my very happy butt in it ever since. I got the attached swing-out table, which allows me to write, draw, craft, use laptop, etc. in perfect comfort. Best chair ever and worth the price every day! Not that you asked for my opinion. 😉
What a coincidence!- I just read a brief text on Radical Acceptance in a tiny library in Hong Kong…
I don’t usually comment but I always read and so enjoy your posts. I love your pretty cottage and garden, your art work, your cat 😺, photos and always upbeat and forward looking attitude. Any class that has Miss Moss for their teacher is truly blessed. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful holiday season. Jen in Aus.
I love the artwork your class did. Any chance you could share a quick description of the process of making them? I would like to think that maybe by next December I would be able to volunteer in a friend’s classroom again. After teaching for 37 years and volunteering for 10 years I miss being in the classroom. Thanks…
Ann, here is the basic process:
Paint watercolor ornaments on white paper
Draw branches with oil pastels on black paper
Cut out ornaments and glue onto black paper
Draw hooks with pastels
Add white snowflakes/stars with white gel pens
Thanks so much for sharing – lovely post! Your blog posts are a bright spot- I totally look forward to them. Those ornament paintings by your classroom are inspiring. Have a great break! Wishing you magic comfy chair luck.
I’m all in favor of recliners. I am awaiting delivery (in April, methinks) of a La-Z-Boy model called Neal. In Burgundy. It has an adjustable back, headrest, lumbar pillow and foot rest. My tired body will appreciate it, I am sure. Yes, it was expensive (it was also a gift from a loved one).
Have a wonderful break! I’m looking forward to mine, though I won’t be going anywhere spectacularly beautiful like you will! XOXO
I so look forward to your posts, thank you for sharing such lovely things every month.
Wishing you the very happiest of holidays!!