Now, I look upon myself as no ordinary cat. I resent the implication that I or any member of my species is indifferent. That's not true. We take it all in and we're good at assessing what's important, then react or don't react accordingly. By the way, if you're wondering about my using big words, I do that only after I eat. One good burp or some wind under the willows and I talk simple as they get.
From my spot here in the rectory window, I watch as people come and go. Being a church cat, roman collars, black cloth and leather missals with gold lettering are a big part of my life. My home is with old Father Jack who, truth be known, put the "Temptation" in Temptation of Christ Parish and fresh from the seminary, Father Will who is a big pain in the apse. They are my closest friends. I have quite a few fans, but only a few friends. Then, there's the housekeeper. She worships the ground I walk on which took some getting used to, at least at the beginning. Now, she keeps my pillow clean, my stomach full and, in return, I make sure she stays out of trouble. That goes for everybody else, too, except Jack is trouble and we're always in a battle of wits. His latest attempt at witlessness was hiding catnip mice all over the place and that drove me nuts. I do get back at him in those ever-so-special ways like making the rectory conference room a special hairball depository.
So, I have a blog. Normally, I couldn't be bothered, but what happens around here is way too rich to keep within these walls. Oh, I get out, too, so you'll hear about goings-on in church, the neighborhood and in the confessional. Now, there's an experience. Me, one of the priests, and a body confessing all sorts of gory details all crammed into a room the size of a closet.
In case you haven't read the "About Me" section, I'm a Maine Coon. I have the typical polydactyl front paws (which help me perform magic tricks--okay, maybe not). All my feet are snowshoed--white, clean as my soul. I get along quite well with my humans. They say the Coons are prone to converse more than any other breed. I don't know about that, but I have every reason to open my big mouth and I do.
So, I invite you to visit every so often. I promise to have fresh words of feline wisdom served up with a side order of gossip, sure to please.
Well, let me get back to my perch. By the way, if you see Father Jack tell him there's a check under the front doormat. Something about chocolate....
Father Tom
Temptation of Christ Rectory
Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie
- Fr. Tom Fish
- I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.
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