I'm fairly certain that we've all experienced it: the planets align in some mysterious configuration and all hell breaks loose.
Suddenly one's life, or the life of a loved one, or the lives of everyone you've ever met are filled with turbulence, upheaval, calamity, or change. Sometimes it is good upheaval, like moving to a new apartment or starting a brand new business, or buying a new house. Sometimes it is challenging upheaval, such as a giant tree branch about to break loose and crush your house, or trying to stave off foreclosure, or the fear of not being able to drive any more, or dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
In the past four weeks or so, all of my loved ones have experienced one or more of the above. It's time for the planets to re-align! I'm ready for some calm. And I've lived long enough now that I know that calm will return all in good time.
I was recently inspired by the story of Cat Lady Judy and her pal Sushi. What would we do without our families and special buddies (in particular, those furry friends), during times of upheaval and change? Here is Judy's story:
"After living on Cape Cod for 29 years, raising two kids (both now in college in Boston), and managing Senator Kennedy's home in Hyannisport, I moved to New York City last year after going through a divorce. I decided to 'reinvent' myself, so here I am and I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have my lovable Ragdoll cat, Sushi, to come home to!
"It's a very humbling experience walking the streets of New York, but there's nothing like having a pet who greets you at the door and won't leave your side :-)
"My daughter and I saw a magnet, 'I'm one bad relationship away from owning 30 cats!' and we had a good snicker over it. I actually have a positive attitude about what the future holds for me. I feel very fortunate to have a good job, my health and the love of friends & family."
Who could ask for more? Thanks Judy!
Canadian Cat Lady Mary has two guardian angels by the names of Blackie and Alpha. No wings or halos here, just 13 or 14 muscular pounds each of manly fur-fluff concealing unabashed loyalty and hearts of gold.
Her final radiation treatment was in June, but in spite of everything that Mary has been through, she smiles all the time. And it's no wonder. With her two purrsonal caregivers always at her side to nurse her through the rough patches, plus the love of family members like niece Jennifer, Mary is a lucky lady.
So it was with great jubilation recently that Mary was told she's clear. The ever-vigilant whiskered nurses could FINALLY relax. Alpha slept solid for two days and Blackie went outside to explore for hours on end.
This celebratory portrait is going to hang behind the piano. Mary says she's pretty sure that Blackie smiled when he saw it.
Thanks for visiting!!Just one week left to enter the 365 Cat Ladies August Giveaway. Take some time to read all of the fantastic Cat Haiku entries in the Comments section at the end of the post, then add your own if you haven't already.
Alaskan Cat Lady Donna is mystified by the mysterious slight-of-paw magic trick that Quincy the Ragdoll rascal sometimes performs:
"He has a treat - a spoonful of Fancy Feast - each morning and evening and he sometimes leaves a bit in the dish. I scoop those remains into a little mound to make it easier for him if he wants it later. Sometimes he comes back and finishes it -- but other times he leaves a definite message: Somehow he fills the food dish half-way with water from his bowl!
"I do not know how he does it. There is never any spill onto the mat or the tray beneath the treat dish or the water bowl. But the message is just so clear. . . 'I SAID I was finished.' "
When not performing mysterious games with his food, Quincy also amuses himself by playing hide and seek behind the shower curtain and by watching the chickadees outside the window. "How can people not have a cat?" Donna wonders. "What a joy Quincy has been to me for almost nine years."
Want to learn more about the Ragdoll breed of cats? Click here: Ragdoll Cats
And don't forget to help Quincy count chickadees today as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count!
Thanks for visiting!Would you like a Custom Cat Lady Portrait? ...A one-of-a-kind and very affordable gift for any cat lover...For pricing and options, please visit my Etsy online gallery by clicking here: CUSTOM CAT LADIES
