The Hidden Lives of Pets … and Their Human
It was evening, three nights ago, on the heels of a semi-demanding day. I was feeling a little ragged, needing a reset. As common remedy, I sat in meditation (that helped), did some stretching (helped some more), ate a banana (usually helps), a piece of dark chocolate (always excellent), then petted and marveled at the sleeping sanctity of the feline wonders I share this home with. That should’ve nailed it, and no small feat, as any human owned by cats would attest. The sheer privilege allowed in stroking them – anytime – most certainly in their cloud of slumber with the answers to all of life’s questions. (Or, at least any that truly matter.) The act of petting and observing these professional nappers is in itself a meditation, and, in the peculiar offing of my mood that day (any day), I was envious. Whatever are they dreaming?? – I wondered. …
A Shot of Happy
I’ve been scrolling thru photos on my phone recently. Like so many of us, it is a hefty bank of abundant treasures that takes most of its memory space. I sifted thru these gems – smiling, laughing, reminiscing – and saved many in my library of favorites to cull them from the pack. My reasons for favoring them vary, but in general because something there just makes me smile, plucks a string inside, or a sweet memory. I was drawn back to that file of favorites this morning and, in wanting to spread that joy a little wider this day, amid the hard rumble of the current world events – and after my rather weighty last post – I decided we need a shot (or six? eight?) of real levity and return to its focus. And so, contrary to my usual meal of words, with its seasoning of photos, today…
A Cat’s Tale
I haven’t always been a cat person. I think of it more as an animal person. A lover of all things animal. In recent years, tho, the Feline Revolution around me has wielded its mighty paw – I am surrounded and outnumbered. I’m hard pressed to think of a time I didn’t want to be in the company of animals, or most of them, anyway. My mom was born on a ranch; immersed in raw country and its wildlife, and was the same. Her influential spirit and DNA likely seeded the animal appreciation in me. She was, however, very allergic to cats. And, so, growing up in our home, we had dogs. It felt right to consider myself a dog person for that, I’m sure, but also how easy they are to relate to. Their loyalty, affection, and playful bonding is a magnetic charge to my heart. Cats had my…
Gone Fishin’
This is the tale of a cat and his fishes. Sort of. It’s really just another day in the life of Urie – Adorable Rascal Extraordinaire. He never fails to impress and entertain, as is regularly chronicled in his photos. (Pause for moment of quality appreciation for today’s photo.) Ichthyology: (noun) – the branch of zoology that deals with fishes.Urie’s penchant for the study of ichthyology was evident from his earliest year of life. So, that said, let’s change gears. I want to discuss label reading. Well, that, and the resident ichthyologist. Stay with me here. A lonnng time label reader, am I. As a nutrition professional’s essential skill, it’s a staple for just about everything – foods, drinks, lotions, shampoos, soaps, cleaning products, candles, clothes, paint. My kids used to roll their eyes for potential purchases that could not land in the cart without this necessary review. It did…