I’m sure you’ve had one or two situations in your life that are just hard to move past. My husband Phil and I had one a while ago– your basic betrayal by a supposed friend– that we simply could not get over, even though we knew that would be the healthy and intelligent thing to do. The situation had ended, there was nothing more we could do about it, it was long past time to let it go and yet we found ourselves again and again saying, “if only we had done this” or ” we should have said that” or– my favorite– “we will never talk about this again”.
After our five millionth seven hundredth and sixty seventh time discussing the bleak event and all the shoulda, woulda, coulda moments we missed, we decided it really had taken up as much of our lives as we were willing to give it.
To commemorate the occasion of our letting go, I drew this picture for us. It hangs in our kitchen for the time being, reminding us that we have indeed moved on and can now spend our time planning our future, unencumbered by regret, anger, sadness, or jerks. It also reminds me that I really, really want a coat like this in real life.
Life is short! Be happy! Move on!
This image will be available as a print on the website by the end of the week and is available now as a magnet, in case you’d like a little reminder of your own.
~Mary
Perfect post for me today. You have given me the kick in the pants I needed to “let it go” in a similar situation.
Thank You Mary
I don’t know what the situation was, but I’ve been dealing with family issues for years and I’ve definitely moved on. This is great. Is the printed material available to make your coat? I think the green should be a wool flannel with braided trim and jet buttons. Maybe a designer from Project Runway would be able to do something for you or someone from the Art Institute could put together a pattern.
I just love the fierceness behind the cutesy in your work. And your timing. Thanks, yet again!
I have to say that if I were into tattoos this would be one worth having!
My son recently had 10,000.00 worth of tools he needs to work his job stolen from a storage that he had rented. There were so many shoulda, woulda, coulda’s in that situation that my son has had a hard time even going back to that storage. Boxes and bins shipped from Hawaii when he moved back to the mainland at a great cost to him, were torn open and spewed around like a rotary tool had gone through his belongings. He needed those tools so badly. Trying to move on from there while he isn’t working at the moment and will need those tools when he returns to work has been especially difficult. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family in all your many endeavors. Big Hugs. Jean
Dear Mary -
This is simply perfect for the times. The Mayan calendar interpretation, the once every 26,000 years planet alignment and the full moon that all happened recently can be interpreted in many ways. One of them is the end of the world as we know it which implies moving forward, moving on.
Thanks for all the beautiful work you’ve shared with us over the years. I’ve collected and followed you for as long as I can remember.
Be well
Mary,
This happened to me several years ago and I bought and framed your print with “me” standing at the crossroads!!! I have since passed it on to someone else that needed it at the time. Thanks for caring.
Cathy
The Lord has a similar saying for you that always helps me. “As far as POSSIBLE, live at peace with all men.” Sometimes it isn’t possible. THEN,… I think the Lord gives you that “peace that passes understanding”. HIS peace. (-: LOVE the coat too!
this was the perfect post! thank you! I am Moving On!!!
This would make a great Tshirt. I also have (had–some no longer fit) Wherever You Go There You Are and Oh No! Wore that last one to the hospital for surgery.
The coat should be a mid-weight wool melton, and all of the colored details of fine wool felt. The cuffs and hem edge would be the wool felt in reverse applique, with the cream on top, and the other colors in “windows” from underneath. Green’s not my color. I’d prefer it in a darkish cerulean blue, longer, and double-breasted. Now to find a pattern I can adjust, and the fabric. Britex Fabrics (world’s best — San Francisco), here I come!
Perfect! Just perfect. And you can add that jacket to a long list of fashion items I would love to see come to life from your pictures!
Mary, regarding your comment about the coat: I have always thought you should design a line or two of clothing based on all of your “designs” in your cards and illustrations. Just make sure you have them made in plus sizes too….
…Please (forgot my manners). Thank you for your image. I do love the cat…
Mary,
thank you for your sound, sage and good advice. This goes very nicely with one of my other favorites ” keep calm and carry on”
your work continues to provide light and goodness on dark days. thank you for bringing that light, humor and goodness to so many. It is much appreciated. Mary
I’m with the others – you should design a line of clothing based on your drawings. That coat would be amazing (and yes – in plus sizes, too). The moving on part is always a nice thought but it does require practice, doesn’t it? I practice a few times (and sometimes 100 times) before I can let something go. Often I picture myself laying it at God’s feet…and then backing away. Otherwise, I pick it right back up… Ah, the struggles.
Yes, yes, yes! Great thought and wonderful artwork, as always. Love that coat, too!
Mary, I have a son who is a freshman in college and he is not at the college of his choice this year and he can’t seem to get over this. I love this reminder. That could me telling him!! Love it!
You make me feel normal. Not perfect, just normal.
Something similar happened to me about 10 years ago. At that time, I chanced upon your watch with the “Don’t Look Back” print and made it my own. That print has helped me through much since the old road has been “no longer an option”. Thanks, Mary.