I’ve been meaning to write here in this public space for the last 3 weeks, but the time wasn’t right. It still isn’t, but it’s the very last day of April and I couldn’t let April pass without a brief postcard to say HELLO. I am here. The world around me is animated with color and bird song.
And also… in the last month:
Wyatt Earp Moss, the last member of the cat posse has died.
I spent a week with my sister in Santa Barbara.
I’ve had Facetime art dates with Pam.
I sat in the garden and on the porch and back patio admiring every single thing under the sun.
Paul and Joe came over.
I saw Mary & Sharron in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.
I had coconut cream pie.
I went for beautiful walks.
I scribbled in my sketchbook.
I did all those things. And at the same exact time…
Sorrow arrived at the door to Moss Cottage. And I have let him inside. That’s who is here now with me.
We’re just sitting together for whatever shows up.
Sometimes tissue is needed. Or binoculars. A paint brush. A cup of coffee.
I’m talking more to the squirrels and scrub jays and woodpeckers and lizards and orioles.
They answer me!
Okay, well.
See you in May.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to find some comfort in your photos/drawings. Take care.
So sorry about Wyatt. It’s always so sad to lose a furry companion, they are such a part of our lives and hearts. I know for sure he had a wonderful life with you and that he will be dearly remembered. Hugs to you.
So sorry to hear about Wyatt. It is a sad time when the dear souls who share your life depart from their own. I type this with my needy foxterrier on my lap and our offer bigger dog is complaining about the damp cold day.
Warm wishes from me and the lap dogs
Wendy
I’m so very sorry. I don’t like to think of sorrow moving in there. He is a brittle and treacherous guest. My most beloved cat died a year ago after two years of IVs, medicine and everything I could think of to try to help her. And she passed six months after my girl dog, who owned my heart. It all absolutely wrecked me. I will be thinking of you and hoping that things get better. Sending you love.
Every day I say to myself and to our beloved GG, who left us too soon, “You are no longer where you were but you are everywhere I am…”
And I think this now for you and Buck and Corkey and Wyatt.
All the love and kisses to you dear heart, Kas xox
So very sad to hear this news and so sorry for the great loss, Mary Ann. I shall very much miss seeing his furry presence in your dispatches. Sending love and a hug in the stillness. ❤️
Dear dear Mary Ann,
I am so sad for you. Our fur babies burrow into our laps and our hearts. Little Wyatt is no longer in your lap but he will always be in your heart. Grief really sucks but I’ve learned in the last three years there is no way around it. You just have to go through it. Sitting in the quiet in your lovely little cottage or your beautiful garden seems empty I know, but trust that there is healing in that quiet solitude. Just remember to think every now and again of a funny little antic from the cat posse’s past and smile with the tears. Best thoughts to you… Susan
Oh Mary Ann, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Wyatt Earp. I know you are heartbroken and miss him terribly. I hope you can dwell in the happy memories.
Love,
Sheila
a great sadness to love and lose an animal who shared your home…the groundhog in our backyard who was a returning visitor helped us while grieving the loss of our two
little dogs. the animal kingdom will send you feathers, and furry beings to comfort you i am sure. and yes, what a beautiful cat he was!
Mary Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss of Wyatt! I cry and feel for you as it brings back memories of my losing Napoleon, our Maine Coon cat, 4 years ago. They truly are members of our families and we get so very attached. May you remember all the happy days and times you had with Wyatt.
With many hugs and much sympathy,
Suzanne
P.S. I loved all of the photos, drawings you have in this update!
Oh dear Mary Ann, while I KNOW your heart is heavy with the loss of your beautiful Wyatt, I am so happy that you both shared so many wonderful years together in companionship and warm, fuzzy snuggles. It’s SO hard to move through our daily routines and cozy homes when someone so dear is missing….I know this very well. (unfortunately) Wherever there is deep love…there is also deep sorrow.
Please be comforted by the thought that he lived a GOOD & beautiful life with you…and in turn, your days were sweeter because of it as well. I am blessed to have been a tiny part of that through your Catt Posse excerpts, photos, and art……rest well, Wyatt Earp =^^=
Good bye to a wonderful cat. I loved following Wyatt’s story. He will live in your heart forever. Big hugs.
Oh, I am so sorry to read about Wyatt Earp. Sending hugs over the Atlantic Ocean. We all will miss him here!
Hi MAM – I’ve been reading your blog for over 7 years now. Living the elementary schoolteacher/journalist/LA/Santa Barbara life vicariously through you. I’ve so enjoyed the stories, photos and drawings about your cat posse. Wyatt in particular has held a special place in my heart.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He (and all the other members of the squad) will be greatly missed. Send you hugs and kisses as you mourn his passing.
Sending a big hug, take care of you and so sorry for your loss
So sorry to hear about your cat. ❤️
I will miss Wyatt Earp Moss, companion, model and always a part of you. Grieve well and deeply. Listen to the wisdom of the other animals as they draw closer around you to salve your grief.
Meanwhile, keep on trucking and paddling that canoe.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your last cat.
I’m so sorry to hear of Wyatt’s demise. Hugs
My sympathies are with you, so sorry for the loss of Wyatt Earp Moss. He obvioiusly had a fantastic kitty life with you, thank you for sharing.
Sad day from sad news. I am sending love and sympathy. I understand the loss of Mr Moss is painful and he cannot be replaced. Rest In Peace Mr Moss.
I understand…
I understand….
Dear Mary Ann, It has been a while, since I have visited; I am glad to be back enjoying all you share here with us. I am so sorry your dear Wyatt Earp is gone; may you be rich in memories of all the years and special moments you shared with him. Sincerely, Leslie
Am so very sorry. Know exactly how you feel. Sending you loving thoghts. 🌺🌻🌷😘
I am so very sorry to hear about Wyatt’s passing. He sure had a great friend in you, Mary Ann! <3 Hang in there…
And, it's always good to read one of your posts.
Ach. The sadness of losing that cute boy Wyatt. I hope you and sorrow can strike a deal. I’m sorry you lost him. That’s the problem with falling so in love with our pets (I speak for myself here), you can’t imagine living without them and then you do. Thankful for the paradox of joy in your post and all the surrounding beauty.
I am so sorry that you have lost your great buddy. Our pets weave their way into our hearts and it is so terrible when they leave us. I am still grieving for my cat, Tippy, that I lost a couple of years ago, and yet she is with me in my heart safe forever.
I have enjoyed hearing about the adventures of Wyatt Earp over the years, he was alright. And, he has been immortalized in your words and pictures. He had marvelous life!
I know it’s hard to lose a best buddy like Wyatt–I’ve been there–and yet, the world keeps spinning, as they say, and life goes on to show you many wonders and beautiful things. Hang in there–:) Kate Jocelyn
Dammit. Wyatt and Pluto…a beloved cat and an iconic dog. I’m so sorry. Their memories are a blessing.
My heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your long-time companion and friend. Rest in peace, Wyatt Earp Moss.
So sorry. ❤️❤️❤️
Life can be so beautiful, and so painful. All at once. RIP dear Wyatt, and hugs to you as you sit with sorrow.
I am truly sorry Wyatt has passed. He lived a long and happy life thanks to you. It’s okay to be sad about him (them) not being there with you any longer. I know you’ll find ways to keep them in your thoughts and sketchbooks.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. We lost a beloved feline earlier this year and there are still times I get teary. Our furry companions are irreplaceable and that yours was so well documented in the pages of your sketchbook will, I hope, bring warm fuzzies to you in the future.
Oh Mary Ann I am so very sorry about Wyat Earp! Our critters really are our children. It’s so hard to lose them, they definitely take a piece of our hearts with them when they go. Sending love and hugs. <3
Sorry for your loss. I know that pain but I also know the joy that comes with having these precious creatures in our lives. My Sadie died a few yrs ago and I was filled with grief. My brother had been feeding a stray for a yr at his workplace. He tried to find a home for a while after she warmed up to him. He could not take her because of his big dogs. I told him I would take her . She is a joy and the most precious little creature..She has not replaced my Sadie but eased the grief . We have helped ea other.
I am so so sorry you lost Wyatt. May your memories of him warm your heart when sorrow makes it cold. I hate how short our furry pals lives are compared to ours.
Like so many others have said already–but it can’t be said enough–I am so very sorry for your loss, Mary Ann.
I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢
I’m so sorry Mary Ann for your loss. Thinking of you.
I feel deeply for you The loss of a beloved pet/family member is so very sad, but I believe there is a little four legged spirit still roaming around your house ♥️
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you.
Sorrow. That most inevitable and unwelcome visitor. His presence is proof that we loved and were loved. We have no choice but to accommodate Sorrow and let him wander through our hearts and minds. There is sadness and loss, but there is also love, and beautiful memories. I pray that those sustain you. They are proof that we loved truly, madly, deeply, and without reservation. So very sorry for your loss.
Sorrow, please don’t visit our lovely friend for too long. I know you have to show up at such times and do your thing but be kind. ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.
Oh Mary Ann~I’m so very sorry to hear about Wyatt. I loved reading about your cat posse & their adventures together. Sending big hugs, much love & heart healing energy your way.
Our pets only have one fault: they don’t live long enough. Sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sorry to read your news – the heartbreak of our pets departure is unbearable. I’m told by many folks who are more attuned to the spirit world that their soul essence is still near. Quite certainly your Wyatt Earp is just as sad to miss you, but certainly he is near. Sending much love.
So sorry for your huge loss Miss Miss, words seem shallow but they are sincerely wishing comfort for you.
I am so very sorry for your loss ~ he was a magnifiecat!
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty. He was a wonderful studio buddy and I will miss hearing about him. He was lucky to have such a creative and kind companion in you, too. Sending you hugs and healing energy.
Aww MaryAnn I am so sorry for your loss. You must miss your posse so very much. Sending warm hugs. X
Oh Mary Ann – I’m going through the very same thing. It’s sort of overwhelming at times and all I can say is hang in there. Sending hugs your way along with the very kindest of smoke signals.
Oh, I’m so sorry. Those portraits of Wyatt are beautiful. I can see that he was very much loved.
So sorry to hear of the demise of the great cat Wyatt Earp Moss. We mostly outlive our pets but it is so hard when they leave us. May your sorrow be something you can live with. Wishing you all the best.
Mary Ann, I so sorry for the loss of your kitty!!! He was a handsome boy!! Reminded me of my Patchy. They sure leave a hole in our hearts!! Sending big hugs and healing thoughts!!
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing how such small creatures leave such big absences when they’re gone. <3 <3 <3
I am so sorry Mary Ann. You were loved well and you loved well.
All my love,
Lori
My heart breaks for you
And me.
I lost my little sister in April.
I read about the China rabbit with an open heart.
I cried too
While squeezing my kitty like a sponge.
My sister loves cats and collects them like stamps.
Wyatt and Sister, RIP.
So much love to you Mary Ann.
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just Love.
It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot.
All that unspent Love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”
Jamie Anderson
I’m so sorry about Wyatt Earp. He has been such an integral part of your story. He knew how to hang. May his memory be a blessing.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Wyatt Earp Moss passing away. I always enjoyed hearing tales of his doings.
Many heartfelt condolences.
Oh, Mary Ann, I’m so sorry! Sending hugs. Keep walking and scribbling and enjoying the beauty of your magical garden.
Aww Mary Ann, that is the saddest news, and my heart hurts for you.❤️ 😔. Wyatt will be missed by many. He had the best cat mom around!
So very sorry.
I’m sorry for your loss. Take time to be sad and lonely. The days will come, when you’ll just have the happy memories. ❤️
I am so sorry that Wyatt is gone. He was important. He was family. Go easy on yourself during this tender time. Things will ease in time.
I’m so sorry Mary Ann. When my mom passed away recently I found that sitting with sorrow and letting it have its way for a bit was all I could do. Eventually, it quit me and left room for other things. Take care. ❤️
So sorry to heart about Wyatt, MAM. Sending deep breaths and light.
Oh Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. May Wyatt Earp rest well.
I’m so sorry for the loss. I can only imagine, and remember how hard it is to recover…he was such good friend. It has been a decade since I lost Muffin, my 12 year old cat. I’m still not ready to give up my heart again.
Thinking of you,
Margaret Swoboda
Austin, TX
So sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs.
The deep silence in your photos . . .
There are no words. They haven’t been invented yet. I am so very sorry. He was your loyal, thoughtful , friend. Forever.
Big big big big big big hugs💔
So sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. The mad buggers grip our hearts and never let go. We remember each and every furry loved one forever. Take care of you xxx
i am sad for you!!
Mary Ann I am so sorry. We love our sweet cats and it is never easy. Sending you 💚.
Lisa
So sorry for this great loss. You gave him his best life. I enjoyed watching him view the domain of your garden from his various perches. There was something kingly as he looked out of the windows. These special creatures touch our hearts deeply. You have my sympathy Ms Moss. ❤️
I’M SO SORRY WYATT EARP WENT TO HEAVEN – HE WAS SUCH A PAL. Much love to you, AT1
Oh, this makes me teary. Pets are so important in our lives. They provide such loving companionship and entertain us, too. Moss Cottage must be rather lonely right now. Thank you for the line-by-line update of your month–that’s just as welcome as your longer posts. All the best–we’ll all miss Wyatt Earp.
My heart aches fir you. I am sorry. XO
I’m so v very sorry, Mary Ann. I loved my cat Phread like you have your sweet ones and I know what that loss feels like. It’s a slow recovery.
So sorry for the loss of cat companion Wyatt Earp….I have enjoyed your sketches and anecdotes with you cat posse. PS. I am glad you have your wild menagerie to talk to after school hours as I’m sure the cats were good listening buddies.