There are some who seek drama and excitement at every turn. Life for them is reality TV – anything but real – never peaceful.
The soul needs the subtle nuturing that only a moment of quiet and peace can bring – ok maybe in Brookland DC birds are still chirping. Try a quiet prayer, look up, a yoga pose – but a moment
Regardless of religious belief or practice, there are ways to find a moment for soul renewal – even if it’s just to sit in one’s backyard with a good book for five minutes.
Snow covers Washington DC – the result of a record snowfall. Jean Claude, the black Bombay and Koko, the domestic shorthair are at CCL’s house relaxing and monitoring the weather to determine if they want to go in the snow. They are patient and don’t feel trapped . We should ‘t either. Being snowbound presents opportunities – rest, reading, eating snack food, binge TV and of course shoveling and limited snow sport. Still, those of us blocked from our normal activities and travels from snow can still explore. It is a time to reflect, to remember the things and the amazing people in your life. Gratitude
Experts say that we are all the sum is of our environment – of late it’s the sum or average of the top five people we spend the most time with- that’s why it’s important to pick your friends carefully. Koko and Jean Claude spend a great deal of time together at CCL’s house where they regular enjoy the company of other cats, still when it’s time to come in from the storm they chose each other.
Jean Claude and Koko survey their world
Welcome Fall. Fall really is my favorite season. It leads to Thanksgiving and Christmas – family, food and amazing wardrobe choices. I like October best in Washington DC where I live. The flowers are still in bloom and even my rose bushes are making a comeback . The weather is sunny and crispy with beautiful colors of trees emerging. I still run errands in my white yes white flats and wear sandals where it suits the occasion. It is a month of birthdays of my favorite people. Perfect time for festivals and butternut squash soup.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donate to these causes if you can.
(This post was originally published in August 2014. It is still one that sticks with me)
A few weeks ago CCL was taking out the trash and Jean Claude, the black Bombay decided to go out for a bag of potato chips ( or whatever). We tried to find him, posted signs, queried neighbors etc. Now, CCL’s house is sandwiched between two others neighbors -Cathy and Joe who have a new patio – and Mildred who often leaves food for stray cats. I was convinced Mildred was holding Jean Claude hostage and urged CCL to take action. After about a week, CCL went out-of-town and I decided to stop by her house. Mildred, the accused cat hostage taker was working in her yard. I introduced myself and asked if she had seen Jean Claude. “No” she replied quietly. “Right”I thought skeptically as I went inside CCL’s house and opened the back door “just in case” JC managed to find his way back home. As soon as I did, I heard a cat crying loudly. It was Jean Claude. He was in Cathy and Joe’s yard next door on their concrete patio. Earlier Mildred told me Cathy and Joe were not home so I tried to get Jean Claude to jump the wooden fence to return to CCL’s yard. Useless – he would not budge. “Come get me, ” he beckoned. I almost gave up in frustration when Mildred offered to help. “I think I can get a ladder and jump over,” she said. Mildred took her ladder hopped onto the patio and opened the fence to let me in Cathy and Joe’s yard. We began to look for JC who promptly hid until Mildred left at which point he emerged. I scooped him up and closed the fence. Upon entering CCL’s house JC ate and acted like he never left. About an hour later, I left CCL’s house, with a now caged Jean Claude in tow, to take home with me, then my keys got stuck in CCL’s door. Once more I had to ask Mildred the accused “cat thief” for help. I thanked her profusely and looked to the sky.
You never know who your angels are – they appear quietly, provide assistance, love and help when you least expect it.
Cats & All That ™ 