Tiffy Cat

Yesterday I picked up our sweet Tiffy from the vet. Her cremains were in a pretty wooden box that had a pale pink plaque with her name scripted on it. As well, there were her two front paw prints imprinted on a heart-shaped, white ornament that we can hang on our Christmas tree this year, as well as the certification that it was indeed our girl whose remains were in the box.

My sons and I unpacked her, tenderly holding what was left of our dearly departed cat. I’ll admit we all were teary as she was almost fourteen years old and had been with us from the beginning. It was the end of another chapter in our lives that we are going through together.

We’ve been through many changes together, my sons and me. Those difficulties have only bonded us closer together as we have endured many losses. I am proud of who they are and where we are as a family. I feel very blessed to be their Mom and even through these shared experience of losses, we have continued to grow together.

As we set Tiffy’s beautiful box next to our previous cat Chessie’s, our sweet Tigger whom we rescued seven years ago appeared. She sat on the floor facing the boxes, staring up at them. Her ears perked from time to time, but she remained still, her eyes looking up into the space where the boxes were.

I wondered if she felt their energies. If our Chessie and Tiffy were still here with us in spirit? If Tigger saw something that I could not? Or heard something that my ears were not able to hear? Or sensed something that I wasn’t noticing? Or if it was just a figment of my imagination that she was acting this way?

You know it has been said that cats can see spirits. Have you ever heard that? Have you ever heard that those who love us never leave us?

Either way, after a few minutes she went to cat nap in her bed. When she got up a little while later, she came over to snuggle with me. Pushing her head against me, marking me and reminding me that she is still here. Oh how grateful I am for her presence in our lives! I am sure it was a bit of an adjustment for her as well when Tiffy passed. She’s now the only cat here, and she seems to have begun to mimic some of Tiffy’s snuggling traits as well as meeting us at the door when we come home, which she hadn’t done before now. That was Tiffy’s job and she never failed to greet us enthusiastically!

While Tigger’s meow isn’t quite as bold as Tiffy’s, she seems to be practicing more often now. I guess it was easier when Tiffy spoke up for the two of them when it was time for treats. Now she has to speak up for herself.

Thanks for reading. I just wanted to let you know that Tiffy is back where she belongs, with her family who loves her. We are grateful for the years her loving presence was a part of our lives.

Shine On!

xo

You’ll Know When It’s Time

It has been a sad time at our home. Our fur baby Tiffany (Tiffy) has been sick for a few months now and I wasn’t able to write about it. But if you search for ‘Tiffy’ on my blog, you’ll find many posts about our resident cat expert in healing through ‘fur therapy’ as she has been with us almost 14 years, snuggling in our arms and hearts with her strong purr healing.

But the time has come and as I write, with tears streaming down my face, I can’t believe we had to say goodbye to her. Anyone who knows us will remember how chatty our Tiffy was as she never stopped talking/meowing to us until she got her way…and she did get her way more often than not. She and I spent every morning presently together, as she demanded to be held like a baby and snuggled after my first sip of coffee. I can’t even begin to describe how bereft I feel without my little love.

I wish I didn’t know when it was time. I wish I could have healed her so that she could have stayed with us longer. My heart is breaking without her here. My sons and I are feeling her absence as she was such a force of love here. I thought that when our first kitty Chessie (you can search for her too) passed that my heart broke wide open, but Tiffy’s loss has broken all of our hearts. Thank goodness we still have Tigger as I hope she is ready for her very needy family to get some fur therapy. May Tiffy have taught her well.

Fortunately, each precious kitty has her own set of strengths so perhaps we have to wait to see what Tigger’s are now that Tiffy has passed. Tiffy was a force to be reckoned with and so now Tigger will step up. I know it won’t be the same as each relationship is different, but as I sit here typing to you quietly, Tigger is next to me, somehow understanding that we need each other. Her calm quiet presence soothes me.

Thank you for letting me share. Keep shining your heartlights!

Shine On!

xo

National Love Your Pet Day

I didn’t even know there existed a “National Love Your Pet Day” but apparently, it’s today!  So here I am, because who doesn’t love their pets?  You know I love the bunnies and other wildlife in my yard, but they’re not pets in the traditional sense.  Better said, they’re what I consider part of my extended animal family.  Well, those and the many dogs who live nearby and walk past my home with their owners.  I love to sneak in a little puppy love from time to time as they walk by.  It’s a nice change considering I have cats who do not walk on leashes, nor go outside.

Pets bring a life force of unconditional love into our homes.  The responsibility of being a pet owner can feel burdensome at times, but the goodness far outweighs any poop detail!

As a child, our family had many different pets over the years. My favorites were the black Labrador Retriever and alley cat who were best friends.  We also had various beta fish and gold fish (won at county fairs), two parakeets and even a hermit crab for a brief period of time.

When I had my own family, I knew that we needed a pet in our lives.  While we’ve never had a dog (yet), I do love dogs and maybe someday when the time is right, we’ll have a dog in our family.  But in the meantime, we’ve been a cat family.  Two rescues and a purebred so far.  Years ago our family went through the heartbreaking decision to let our 17 year old rescue who stayed with me throughout my cancer ordeal, never leaving my side, be free to travel over the Rainbow Bridge.  We still have our almost 6 year old rescue (whom my sons chose and she looks very much like our dearly departed kitty) and our American Bobtail who’s been with us for more than 10 years.  Both girls are housebound and aren’t outdoor kitties which is fine by me.

They are a huge part of our family.  Their antics and affection add a richness to our lives that has helped us through some tough times.  In fact, I’ve often written about our family phrase “fur therapy” (when you just need to hold one of the cats and feel that special unconditional pet love).  When my sons come home we hug and kiss hello and soon afterwards they usually scoop up a cat to hug as well.  The soothing petting of a cat and feeling that purr rumble is actually healing and proven scientifically.  Did you know that?

In addition, our family has been the home for an anole, a hamster named Hamtaro (Hammie for short) and some requisite gold fish.  All in all, I don’t think my children nor I would be able to be without a pet in our lives because they’re such a part of our lives.

Do you feel the same way?  Tell me all about your loving furbabies!

Shine On!

xo

Cats and Dogs

 

Tiffy ~ American Bobtail

Lately, I’ve been working like a dog, which is no surprise because I’m sure at times we all feel that way.  It’s the dog-days of summer so the heat affects us as well.  We’ve had bouts of raining cats and dogs too.  Are you following my animal analogies?

Dogs are people too, have you heard that phrase?  Dog is man’s best friend.  You call a dog and he comes (usually).  But call a cat?  Not such great odds that the cat will even hear you let alone think about moving out of his warm spot in the sunshine.  Have you ever attempted to corral a bunch of cats into one area?  If you have, then you know how anxious it can make you.  Just as you think they are all herded into one single area, one hops the fence, another squeezes through a crack, while the others walk around, tails high in the air, not a care in the world.  Grab the escapees and the ones who you were sure were just lazing around and grooming themselves, but have now decided to take off and explore on their own, regardless that you are calling their names.  For a moment, all is well.

Does this sound familiar to you?  Metaphorically of course, because unless you are a crazy cat lady, you don’t have so many cats in one area.  We have two ~ Tiffy is a little diva, a snuggle kitty, my constant companion, a chatterbox and the winner of the best fur therapy giver award.  It is to Tiffy whom we whisper our frustrations, snuggling into her fluffy, soft fur, burying our faces streamed with tears when nobody else is home.  The holder of secrets and yet she is a demanding and independent thinker who just lives by her own clock, her own mind and her own needs.  And yet, we adore her!  Our younger family member is Tigger who is still a little sprite of energy, even after being with us for four years.  She quite literally runs our household now, including running Tiffy who is not used to anything more than a sedentary lifestyle.  It’s been an adjustment for sure, for us all, but mostly for Tiffy who welcomed a friend, but on her terms.  Tigger brings vitality to our home.  Her shenanigans amuse us and her willingness to play with anything and everything keeps us on our toes.  Her nickname is the hooligan!

So how are cats like people?  Well, dogs are what we people would like to be, what we would like to have as our comrades, those with whom we come into constant contact.  To me, a dog is mostly friendly, happy, without secrets.  A dog needs water, food, a bit of playtime with a ball and is simply happy to be here with you.  Canines notoriously make excellent pets because they are reliable and their mood shows directly in their posture, on their face and mostly, they are happy to see you.  They are without cares, do not hold grudges and you can easily read them by their stance.  In other words, they are what we would like the people in our lives to be.

Cats, who get a bad rap for being more independent, are more like people.  They rock their own tune in their head and don’t rely on being told what to do like dogs.  They have their own agenda and aren’t afraid to hiss when things don’t go their way.  They build trust slowly, but surely.  They have 9 lives and like to nestle in the most obscure places, like the linen closet.  Rarely do they come when called unless it suits them.  Most of the time, you can’t read their minds (unless I put out the tuna treat and then I know that I am number one in their book for awhile).

While we don’t have a dog in our home, we love them and would have one if we could.  But for now, it would upset the feline energy here at the moment.  Friends of ours just had a litter of black lab pups that are calling my name.  I can’t upset the household with a new puppy, but it sure would make for some crazy future posts!

Shine On!

xo

Cats And Unseen Energy

My cats have been acting strangely this morning.  It happens every once in awhile, but since I recently wrote about energy, I thought perhaps someone could give me a little insight.  Please?

This morning, our older cat was quietly sitting on the couch when suddenly, without warning, she jumped up as if she had been startled by something and then raced off the couch, skid across the floor and out of the room at full speed.  It was as it someone had poked her while she was quietly relaxing and then chased her.  But there was nobody near her.

I was stunned by her reaction.  At first, I thought it was that she realized she had to go to the bathroom right now.  Sometimes that urge happens to all of us.  So I followed her, but she ran straight into my bedroom and hid herself under the bed.

I didn’t see anything. I sat on my bed for a few minutes, trying to gauge if there were something more, something unseen that perhaps she saw or felt and I did not.  But I wasn’t aware of anything.  After a few minutes, she came out from underneath the bed and I carried her baby style in my arms, back into the family room so I could finish my coffee.

Back on the couch, she nestled next to me.  She wouldn’t close her eyes to cat nap as she usually does.  She stayed alert.  Every once in awhile, her ears perked up, but I heard only silence.  I looked around the room, but saw nothing amiss.

Our other kitty who is younger was already sleeping somewhere else.  However, about an hour later, she moseyed into the family room.  Suddenly she started batting at something unseen.  It was as if someone was playing with her.  She ran around in circles, jumping up occasionally and then raced out of the room.  Two minutes later, she ran back into the room to repeat the playing and raced out again.  It was such a peculiar sight.  As I watched her, I wondered if there was someone or something unseen by me in the room.  The older cat watched expectantly from her perch next to me, but she didn’t move.

I’d like to think that whatever caused the girls (as I call the cats) to act so strangely was a kind energy, acting playfully with them.  Because afterwards they both settled down as if nothing had happened.

Do any pet owners out there have any similar experiences?  The unexplained noises have been happening again that I’ve written about here.  I thought it was the change of seasons with the heating system, but now I’m not so sure.  Truly, the girls acted as if they were interacting with something that I couldn’t see.  Has this ever happened in your home?

Shine On!

xo

 

A Full Moon And Two Animal Visitors

I woke up early this morning to be greeted by an amazing full moon blazing across the sky.  Although my photo doesn’t do it any justice, the memory emblazoned on my brain/heart is spectacular.  There is something lovely about being out here in nature without many buildings thwarting the Universe’s beautiful gifts.

I’ve been watching this moon for a few days now, sitting by my front door in the quiet evenings when all is still and the stars are twinkling.  The silence here is soothing to me and I am grateful for it.  It’s like the sound of falling snow.  I’m always entranced by the unique sensations that come with being outside with snow falling all around me.

But as I was enjoying a serene moonlit night a few days ago, I had two visitors.  Yup!  You know how I get so excited when my animal friends come to visit!  Much to my surprise, the first visitor was aviary.  I had the distinct feeling that it was a bat, however, it could have been a bird.  As I was sitting under the overhang by my front door, suddenly it swooped toward me, circled around under the eaves of the porch roof and then left.  Believe me when I tell you, I was stunned.  It was like a whoosh of energy came and went in just a few seconds.  Most definitely, the bird was making its presence known to me.  I felt like it was a sign, but for what, I don’t know.  Do any of you know?

The second visitor came along about ten minutes later as I was still searching the skies for the bird who had left, wanting but not wanting it to return because I am a bit afraid of birds as it is.  Suddenly, my little bunny Clover came hopping across the lawn.  In the darkness, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, but I wasn’t sure what it was.  Then he hopped right onto the slab where I sat in my rocking chair.  We both kinda gasped when he skittered to a stop, suddenly each aware of each other because I think he was merrily hopping by without noticing me sitting there and I was oblivious to where he was since it was dark outside.

He stopped about a foot away from me and for a moment we both froze, looking at each other.  Then he turned and hopped back behind the chair on the other side of the porch.  He didn’t move, nor did I.  We have been friendly for months now.  He is used to my voice, so I began softly talking with him.  He angled himself so that he could watch me with one eye.  Enough light from the moon shone by that time and I could see he was resting comfortably.  You know me, I was enjoying our time together, asking him about his home under my back porch and about his life.  He didn’t answer, but he did stay.  I talked about the moon and how beautiful the night was.  After a few minutes, I told him that it was time for me to go to bed and that it was late for him too.  I thanked him for our unexpected visit and told him goodbye.  As I got up, he remained stoically in his spot.  Thank goodness as I didn’t want him to bolt into my house!  I know he probably wouldn’t have gone in anyway, but I wanted to make sure.  Having a wild rabbit in a home with two diva cats wouldn’t be prudent on my part!

I wonder what message Clover had for me that night and what message the bird/bat was delivering.  If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.  I know that some of you have knowledge that I lack, so anything that comes to you, please pass it along to me!  Thank you!  Make sure you go out to see that beautiful moon tonight too!  It’s the second full moon in March!

Shine On!

xo

Gratitude For Eight Years On WordPress

I got a note from WordPress today telling me that eight years ago today, I began my blog.  It doesn’t seem that I have been writing for eight years to you all, but I’m assuming WordPress knows what it’s talking about, don’t you think?  Ah, the benefits of blogging!

In eight years, much has changed in my life.  My initial focus was to help other women battling cancer, specifically breast cancer as I endured it myself and I am still here.  But as life developed, I have written about other subjects too including:  poetry, pets, children, parents, relationships, Mother Nature, horseback riding, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, holidays, angels, spirituality, religion, Rabbit, Rabbit, photography, SendOutCards, amazing books and movies, inspirational quotes, life in general and even death because I had first hand experience with all of those topics.  While I was enduring hardships, you were all there for me with your loving support and I am ever grateful.  I wrote to share my experiences in hopes that I would be able to help someone else along that path.

I am ever grateful for the loving connections that have evolved through our blogging community which we have grown through our writings and by reaching out in kindness, generosity and always with a loving heart.  Friendships have blossomed through our writings that have cemented many of us soul to soul in miraculous ways.  From WordPress comments to emails to actual phone calls, I can count many deep friendships which span the world now for which I am honored to be a part of in this lifetime – and yet, we have never met face to face.  But the love is there, without ever being in each other’s physical presence.

It’s so interesting to me that I have yet to meet anyone face to face that I met through blogging and yet I count many of you as true friends.  What a gift this Presents of Presence has been for me!  I pray that you feel the same way – that my writings, my comments and my love for all of you shines its heartlight and helps to raise the energetic vibrations of this world’s energy to encourage peace, love, compassion and understanding along with connections to all.

May your heart be lifted today and may your heartlight shine for all to see, for I see you out there dearest friends and I am ever grateful, as always, for our connections.

Shine On!

xo

Connecting The Dots

Connecting The Dots

Connection is one of my favorite words because I know that connections are important in this life.  To make connections with other sentient beings, with ideas and philosophies and through the heart, mind and soul, for me, is connecting the dots of being.

Over twenty years ago when chatting on the internet was just starting for me, I met a woman named Jeanne in a cat chat room.  I was newly married and we had just gotten a rescue kitten.  Jeanne was a seasoned cat owner and when I had asked a question on the forum, she answered.  By sharing her knowledge and with me hungry for answers, we began to write back and forth and our friendship blossomed via email.  We talked about life and love and friendship and family….and of course, cats!

Fast forward 20 years and we are Facebook friends, having found each other again on the internet highway.  Occasional likes and messages have kept us in contact even though we had lost touch for many years.  When I asked a cat question on Facebook and quickly Jeanne answered, thus began our re-connection.  As we were messaging on Facebook, and then moved to emails, it was as if no time had passed.  We began catching up over the past years, quickly and easily.  The best part was that we knew what a blessing it was to reconnect again.

We’ve never met in person, yet Jeanne and I have been friends for years.  Life is so different from when we were children, as back then, our friends were limited to those we knew in person.  Much like modern-day pen pals, I guess life has evolved to internet friendships.

So today, I’m grateful for all of our connections, internet and otherwise.  I love how blogging has expanded our friendships globally.  I can now count friendships with all of you, in many different countries and across the USA.  We are gratefully united through friendship and caring.

Have you felt that instant connection with someone whom you’ve never met except on the internet?  Was it through blogging?  Please share!

Shine On!

xo

 

 

A Giggle Before Thanksgiving

If you’re anything like me, you’re stressed out now with the start of the holiday season.  Thanksgiving is a tough holiday to prepare for and even though this year, I’m not cooking the bird, I have a few dishes to prepare for the meal at my sister’s house.  It should be fun this year as our Mom is going to be with us too which just makes me smile.  I want to take lots of photos and videos of her with all of us.  As our parents get older, it’s important to do that you know.  Every single moment and memory is precious and sometimes it’s only after, in hindsight, that we regret we didn’t do more.  So, I’m working hard to live with no regrets!

Anyway, I was thinking about decorating for Christmas because I always began after the Thanksgiving dinner was put away.  I started slowly at first, but often, I was well on my way by Sunday.  I can’t help myself!  I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I came across the clever video below and laughed my way through it.  What a great stress reliever and giggle maker!  If you like animals, please click below and get into the Christmas mood.  You know, it’s almost time to Deck The Halls!

Shine On!

xo

 

Atmospheric Change – Do You Feel It Too?

I feel like there’s an atmospheric change in the air these days.  I know there’s a full moon tonight and I was reading about the changes in astrology, energy, 5D, etc. so I’m figuring that what I’m experiencing, you may be feeling as well.  It’s like shedding the old skin and emerging with strength, love and light is finally beginning in earnest.  Letting go of what we felt we knew and embracing life out of our comfort zones.  Merging with a higher power so to speak.  Not regretting when we let go, but feeling at peace with the changes.  Holding tenderness and gratitude for memories of before and open-armed for what is here and what the future holds with delight!  Do you feel it too?

Computer-wise, mine has been acting wacky for a few days.  The internet issues, for awhile the N key wouldn’t work, then the computer suddenly changing screens!  I thought it was possessed with a virus, but then it healed itself.  Bizarre.

I’ve had lights flickering for no reason.  Strange, inexplicable noises bumping in the house and weird coincidences (some positive, some not so much) that have been happening in the last few days.  The word EERY comes to mind.  The cats have been even staring at something just above my head often.  I look around, but I see nothing.  I know that animals sense things so I’m wondering what’s going on?

Friends have reported other wacky computer issues which only lasted a little while as well.  Navigational systems that don’t work, then suddenly fixed themselves without rhyme nor reason.  Important phone calls which were missed by an accidental touch of the finger causing much strife, but then finally were remedied a few days later.

Mini lessons in patience, in allowing and in understanding have been the key to getting through the atmospheric changes as far as I can tell.  Allowing information to come when needed.  Not allowing posts to be published, comments to be made and forcing scenic routes when navigation doesn’t work, in addition to delayed important information which caused strife, but also gave a good lesson, are just some of the changes I’ve noticed.  It’s as if we are getting a new beginning where none of what we thought we knew applies.

How about you?  Any atmospheric changes in your life recently?

Shine On!

xo