Green Leaves and Hope

Since I talk blarney the rest of the year, I figured I would spare everyone for St. Patty's Day and speak more from the heart.

I can see why we like the color green right about now. For the last few months, it's been dreary shades of brown and grey. Looking out at the sun-happy green leaves makes me happy.

Tinker and I last summer, when you could almost taste the sun! 

My plant friend inside has the best seat in the house for when that sun shifts and warmer rays catch him in the corner.

We try to share, but there's really not enough room. I find a special spot of my own.

While we're enjoying the sun's rays, here's a poem I like very much that I recently discovered in a Catholic hospital. You really have to look for it since it's hidden in an out of the way place, not as noticeable as some of the bigger tchochke-holies.


                                            A PRAYER WISH

                                                 May God grant you always

                                                 A sunbeam to warm you

                                                 A moonbeam to charm you

                                                 A sheltering angel

                                                 So nothing can harm you

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

--Tom

Mitty's First Snow

Before too long, we'll be seeing spring here and I'll be watching people come and go from my spot in the front window. Wool will be replaced by open jackets, fur and suede with t-shirts. Grumpy old faces turn into happy ones. It's fun to watch.

I do have a fond memory of winter this year and it involves my little friend, Mitty. When we had our big snowfall about a week ago, I watched in wonder as he stayed glued to the window, spellbound as the world turned white. I realized that he was much too young to appreciate it before, but he sure wasn't missing one single flake now.

He couldn't take his eyes off what was coming down and kept coming..

 

As he was looking out the window, I noticed the little "wings" on his back.

He only turned to look at me for an instant.

Pretty cool, huh, little buddy?

This photo really shows off his tabby coloring.

Happy weekend, everybody!

Purrs,
Tom & Mitty
xx

Tagged (or When a Church Cat Gets Feisty)

 A few days ago I was tagged by not one, but two furriends. After burning a little Lenten incense to recover from my shock, I have come up with answers to their questions, but first, I want to introduce those who had the nerve to put me on the spot kindness to include me. The first was Cathy Keisha the world's most stunning cat and the other was Sage, a wonderful west coast woofie of Sage Chronicles. I've answered their questions to the best of my ability.


 Here goes:

1. Describe yourself in 7 words.

 Only seven?

Mentally acute
Outgoing
Devout or Debonair (there was a tie)
Eloquent
Sensitive
Terrific

 2. What keeps you up at night?

I'm supposed to be up anyway but I'm not, usually. Nothing I like better in a rectory than when it's quiet, small lamps are lit and the clock in the hall is on sentry duty.

3. Who would you like to be?

First Cat or George Clooney

4. What are you wearing right now?

Well, let's see--what did I take out of my closet this morning? Polka-dotted underbritches, a top hat and tails--what the hell do you think I'm wearing? I'm a cat!

5. What scares you?

Spongebob Squarepants

6. The best and worst of blogging.

The best are all the furriends we've made. Wouldn't trade them for all the hosts and holy water in the world. The worst? Because we all keep in such close touch through the CB, it's when we hear bad news. Of course, the good part is we rally 'round someone hurt or hurting and needs our prayers and that's a good thing.

7. The last website I visited.
The joy of catnip farming. Figured I'd learn to put my polydactyl pawthumbs to good use, digging and planting seeds and such.

8. What is the one thing I would change about myself.

 Not be so absent-minded or go ahead and give in to the urge to get myself a pickup truck.

9. Slankets, yes or no?

OK, I'll bite. What's a slanket? Am I in trouble if I say yes?

Hi, there. I have a collection of slankets.

10. Say something about the dog and cat who tagged you.

They are a couple of my best furriends on the CB and, like so many others, I look forward to their posts. I've never been to Portland, Oregon, Sage, but maybe someday I'll make it out there. CK is the crown princess of my heart. (see links above).

Effurybody, have a great weekend!!

Purrs,
Tom
xx

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

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!

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

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