CCL and I have a new addition to the family. Koko is a pebble grey and brown domestic short hair . She was named by the folks at the Washington Animal Rescue League where we got her. Right now she is visiting me and perhaps inspired by the Olympics she is flying through the house, doing regular balancing acts on the upstairs staircase beam and giving poor Jean Claude fits.
Koko At A Glance
Gabrielle Douglas Goes for the Gold With Style
Yesterday, 16-year old American gymnast Gabrielle Douglas won her second gold mental for gymnastics at the London 2012 Olympics competition. She is the first African-American to win the gold in the “all around” competition. In addition to the talk about her lack of confidence, skill etc. there was a lot of twitter buzz about her hair. As someone who many years ago faced similar teasing about and tirades about my natural hair while on the high school swim team I could identify. Clearly self-hatred, jealousy and other isms come in to play when descriptions about this graceful, determined and BEAUTIFUL young woman go to the negative about something as mundane as her hair. I recall my mother describing stories that contained mistruths or malicious intent as tales with “hair on them.” Seems to me that’s what’s going with the buzz about Gabby’s do – which includes winning gold medals and making history.
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I admit there were times I took Roxie’s presence for granted and now she is gone. As I’ve said many times now in this blog I think she would be happy if her owners kept on moving forward and grew from the tragic experience that took her from this planet. I am therefore starting a new feature on this blog aimed at humans, and other creatures entitled “Cat-List” for Change. I guess the first lesson for “Cat-List for Change” is to tell those you love you love them as often as possible. You can never say it enough or exhibit it enough. Giving is what makes your world grow.
I still miss Roxie, the Japanese bobtail. She was a fan of MSNBC’s “Way Too Early,” and “Morning Joe.” When staying at my home every morning she’d wake me up and I knew to turn on the television for her to watch her shows (and also to get her food, laser toy or whatever). It’s been hard, The search for the owners of the dogs (and the dogs) continues today, more than a week after the attack. While I miss Roxie, I know she would want me to let go and to keep working to make the world a better place for people and for their pets. I know a lot of people dealing with loss with grace and courage. The best thing is to keep moving, keep walking and keep loving.
Yesterday was a restful, enjoyable Fourth catching up on some loose ends. Tuesday, Roxie’s remains were removed from the alley. If only it were so easy to remove her memory. Getting perspective has helped. Jean Claude, the black Bombay cat, seems to have settled down after time at CCL’s house. I did a radio interview yesterday about the attack that killed Roxie. DC Animal Control has expanded its case to find the dogs and their owner. Healing continues. There are a lot of people I know who deal daily with grief, loss, the deteriorating health or sudden death of a loved one/and or family member. They handle their life situations with aplomb, letting joy not bitterness dictate their circumstances. They take the higher road to personal growth by expanding themselves and anchor themselves to new tomorrows filled with hope and promise. The hurt and pain is still there over Roxie’s demise but I know I should honor her memory and I must continue to grow as well.
Cats & All That ™ 