Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

My photo
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.

Friday, February 24, 2012

That Time of Year Again

 Each year my cheer is dwindled
I feel my joie is swindled
I can't endure
For this I'm sure
My spirit has been Kindled.




You're right. I don't like Lent. I do my best, though, in the spirit of the season.

So--the question is: What does a cat in my position give up for Lent?  Sardines?  Dogs?

Here are some of the things I was asking myself:

Should I give up--

The comfort of a purse?






 My drawer?

 




Should I try to hold my tongue?








 Give up my balance beam? (I can't look!)







That's it.

I give up.

I can't decide.

And, I know I should, being a parish cat and all...

Come to think of it, there are some people around here who don't have to give up anything.





(Someone this cute shouldn't have to!!)

--Tom

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Letter From the Old Country


 Just the other day my furriend Tink Soprawnov received an airmail letter from a relative in the Russian province of Ratmousendorsk. There was news from his cousin Tomishka-Shushka.

Here she is in her babushka. A very striking peasant young lady.







Her letter reads:

Dear STinker, my lucky cousin in America,

I have had my heart broken. Vladinov my boyfriend is gone. I am so sad.







Tears have been rolling down my whiskers since last Tuesday. (Gee, that mail must be quick) No flowers, no word, no Valentine.

  (I look at her closed eyes in that beautiful face. I wish I could get away with give her one of my priestly nosetaps)






 All I can do is sleep. The sleep of the depressed.

                                              Lonely and lost,
                                              Tomishka


Tink tosses the letter on the table, shrugs and walks off. 





 Look at her trying to reach out!

What can I do? All I can think of is to send her something to make her laugh.

Do you think it'll help?


--Tom

Pee ess: I want to thank my furriend Oskar for making us aware that we were on an old Blogger editor. We changed so now we can do tricks!!  And...Clooney for inspiring us with some of his relatives!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Hearts Among Us

I never realized just how heart crazy the housekeeper is until I was wondering what to do for a post with a little love in mind.

Sorry, pals, but sappy is not my strong suit.






As I looked around, though, I noticed hearts everywhere. There's a heart cat with wings (must be me)






There are heart window hangings with chickens. Hahaha! Chicken hearts!






There's a ticking heart. Really! (Keeps time, too)






Then there's the final heart hanging that catches in my throat every time I see it. I dug around for the perfect love quote to go with it:

"We sit side by side in the morning light and look out at the future together." -- Bryan Andres





This was our morning light. Although Vinny would never wear a bow, it's supposed to be the two of us together. You see, we had the love of furriendship. So it's not all about kissy-faces, nosetaps and things like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~

We had planned to choose three bloggers like we're supposed to when we receive an award, but we find it so hard! As our Valentine to our furriends, please help yourselves to the Pawsome Blogger award for your blogs. You're all pawsome, each and every one of you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

--Tom

Friday, February 3, 2012

Mood Lighting

I want to express my utter dismay at the discarding of one of electricity's most flattering elements. I can't see myself looking all that great in the light of some mutant fluorescent clump. I've tried it. I look much better in the soft glow of lamplight as Cod intended.

This lighting makes my whiskers artsy and stirs the soul. It makes my furs glow.







We're supposed to look our best to feel our best and I ask you how that can be when we're stuck with light used in cafeterias and discount stores.

Harsh light makes me dizzy and I'm more inclined to hide my body.





I've been exposed to all of the different kinds of light and I have to say sunlight and lamplight are the only ones for me. Both lift my spirits like nothing else, except maybe a flower or two, or a collection plate with cat treats. Or, an award! The lovely Cathy Keisha gave me an award last week. You can find it sitting proudly at the top of my sidebar.





How about you? Which light suits you best?

--Tom