Cat Connection – The Looking Glass Mirror That is Hemingway House…
Standing in front of the Hemingway House before we enter for the tour
As you know, I was on vacation recently with my family and one of the places we went to visit was the Hemingway House in Key West. Clearly, being the cat lover I am, this was really no surprise. But, what can one say about the Hemingway House or Hemingway that hasn’t already been said? After all, he’s been dead since 1961 and is firmly entrenched in the pages of history. The house remains a beloved tourist attraction in the Keys and the Hemingway cats are legendary. Nobel Prize writing author (Old Man and the Sea), cat lover, notorious drinker, and fisherman are all images that come to mind when I think of this literary talent. Now, upon further inspection, I have come to the conclusion that Ernie and I are long lost relatives. The evidence seems all but indisputable, but I will let you be the judge…
First of all, Ernest Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Well, my Mom was also born on July 21st (just not quite as early as him) and we also lived in a suburb of Chicago. Uncanny, huh? Then, as if it can’t get any more spine-tingling, his grand-daughter, Margaux Hemingway, was born in Portland, Oregon. Hmm… so was my brother. Getting chills yet? I feel perhaps I should be calling him the infamous “Papa.” Okay, maybe I’m stretching it a bit with all of this, but that is a writer’s perogative! Did I mention my God-father’s name was Ernest?
Left Cover – Hemingway’s Literary Masterpiece, Right Cover – my Literary Masterpiece
So, as the evidence mounts and we move on in time, I have come to live in a lush tropical paradise as Ernest did, with Dan and my seven cats to write my first novel about my life with them. Granted, it is not filled with gritty writing and probably will not be a Nobel Prize winner, but it is still a novel that was written with the same type of blood, sweat, tears, and devotion. And no doubt, as Ernie wrote his novels, he was surrounded by an assortment of cats, as I always am.
One of the Hemingway cats in the front yard before you enter the main house for the tour
One of the neighbor cats in the walkway to our front door
Me petting one of the outdoor Hemingway cats
Anyone entering our home for our version of the daily Hemingway tour, would see assorted cats reclined in our front yard so comfortable, you would think they actually lived with us, rather than being traveling neighbor cats. Please be certain to come and visit frequently, as these front yard kitties change guard around the clock. If you were to venture into our fenced backyard, you would see a bevy of cats lounging peacefully on the cool pavers that are shaded from the harsh summer sun with a thick umbrella of green leaves. They are always happy for a friendly pat or two from passersby, so please be sure and say hello as you walk by. These backyard cats are only allowed outdoors under strict supervision of their human caretakers (namely Dan and I), but they delight visitors nonetheless with their lazy grace and beauty.
One of the resident cats (Zee), relaxing on the cool pavers during a back yard jaunt outside
Continuing the tour indoors, visitors would be certain to be greeted by one or two cats atop, perhaps an over-filled book shelf, a coffee table, a counter, or just lazily napping on a cozy bed. Please take care to not disturb them. If they don’t get a full day of napping in, they can be quite cranky and surly by nightfall. One will note as well as they meander throughout our house, that a cat theme seems to dominate the decorating scheme as did with Mr. Hemingway.
Left – me petting a Hemingway cat (this one is a polydactyl) atop of a glass table. Right – resident cat (Zoey), atop my dining room table
The kitchen curtains in Hemingway’s house – note the lace design is feline inspired!
My step-daughter Jackie’s bedroom when she comes to visit – you will note the predominately feline leopard theme!
The only thing that really might stand out as questionable would be the history of the polydactyl cat that Hemingway House is so famous for. A polydactyl cat has six or more toes that makes a cat look as if it is wearing mittens, but not all Hemingway cats are polydactyl as legend would have it. Currently there are about 60 cats living on the estate and about half of them are polydactyl. The majority of the cats are spayed and neutered, with one or two remaining as potential breeders for future kittens. The estate likes to have a new litter every year or so to make up for the loss of cats due to deaths from old age, illnesses, etc. I actually did have a polydactyl cat many, many years ago. Her name was Scrubby and she was born with only one eye. She had 6 toes and was also stunted in size, so that even as an adult, she remained the size of a kitten. For me, she was a joy and her being special made her all the more endearing, so, yes, one more coincidence!!
Me – July, 1981 with my sweet polydactyl, Scrubby. Coincidently, we visited Hemingway House in July – a full 30 years later!
As far as Mr. Hemingway’s penchant for alcohol, well, I certainly don’t have the problem he did, but I do enjoy a refreshing beverage now and then and would have enjoyed a toast at Sloppy Joe’s Tavern in Key West with this crusty old man. I think the only thing that would put Ernie to shame and question our possible heritage, would be my seamanship. I have been brought up my whole life on the water – fishing, boating, swimming (better known as dipping my toes in the water) – all of this is very common to me. Well, turns out as you age, the motion of driving hours to the Keys, then walking down an unbearably hot and humid Duval Street while dehydrated to get to the sunset cruise we were all set to take was not a good combination. I decided it would be fun to draw attention to myself while we were miles out on the Gulf of Mexico, by fainting on the boat!!! Thank goodness the only thing that was hurt was my ego – I am prone to fainting and many a time have regained consciousness to find my face dripping in blood from whatever I hit my head on as I fell to the ground… It was such a crowd drawer, that I suggested to the boat captain that they make it a permanent part of the boat tour!
Anyhow, despite that, I still feel that Mr. Hemingway and I are related somehow in the tree of life. What do you think? I mean seriously, what are the odds that someone in past history enjoyed cats, writing, and tropical paradise like I do today? It can’t just be coincidence… Right? Wink, wink…. cat lovers and writers…. what a rarity ndeed!
“For a true writer each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.” — Ernest Hemingway
Deb, not only have you followed Hemingway’s advice quoted above with regard to your upcoming book release, but you also do it in each of your blog posts. Wonderfully and creatively written as always! XXXOOO
Dan – what a great quote – only you would find something so perfect to respond with. Having all of your wonderful pictures as a creative muse for me to use helps the post even more… xoxoxo
Deb, I loved loved LOVED this post. Even read it twice! You’re right it’s uncanny ain’t it *wink* You must have some of his DNA! And I’m assured the “A” bit of that doesn’t mean alcohol 😉
To my shame I have not read much of Hemingway except for Old Man and the Sea a long time ago! I think I was put off by the Spanish Civil War and bullfighting. But he is very quotable: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Yep ….. well except now the bleeding is done over a laptop!
Terrific pictures, … am a bit in awe of the leopard themed spare room! lol
Thanks Caro – it’s one of my favorite posts that I have ever done. I just really wanted something different and it all just seemed to “click” once I saw the similarities and I had a blast writing it and putting it together! It’s been ages since I have read Hemingway – I think I was actually in high school and I don’t think he was one of my favorite authors at the time… I was always primarily intrigued by his cats and his larger than life type of lifestyle for back then!
GREAT QUOTE!! I love it! Glad you enjoyed the pictures – I am in awe of the leopard room as well and wish it was mine!! Our master bedroom is in serious need of a makeover and is a mismatch of Dan and I’s life, but not in a good way (decorating wise)!! xoxo
SO interesting! Loved all of the photos and wish you good success with your book. How exciting!
Thank you artandsewforth! We appreciate you stopping by to say hello and are so happy you enjoyed the post!
That was fun, and thanks for featuring the famous cats too. My Dad has been there and says it’s sure a pretty place!
Thanks Brian! Glad you enjoyed the post – it is a gorgeous place – very old style Key West and very, very lush with plants! I was happy to get some pictures to use – there were a lot of tourists, so it was hard to get pictures without people walking by (for Dan, that is, who took the pictures!)
A-HA ! Today , I can make a comment : )
Oh, My mom love Mr. Hemingway’s book too. but Mom didn’t know he is a cat pawson : ) she said may be that’s why she love his style.
Very Nice post, and we just learn. your mommy have a great life. She can do what she love, live with cats, got nice garden and a little bit of drink..That’s all you need : )
xoxo
Amen to that Puddy!!! Thanks for stopping by to say hello and we are glad you learned something new and enjoyed the post!!
this was absolutely FANTASTIC!! Loved every second of this!
I think the parallels are just amazing…no coincidence at all…also…ready for this? You MUST check out my photos on my Facebook page. For YEARS everyone said my father looked like Hemmingway…he used to hear it ALL the time!
BTW I am absolutely in love with your step daughter’s room…OMG! I will be staying over when she isn’t there lol
Glad you enjoyed the post Caren – I checked out the photo of your Dad, and you are right, he does look like Hemingway!!!
I think maybe I need to open a “cat and breakfast” instead of a “bed and breakfast” and rent out that room! It really is quite amazing up close because every little nook and cranny has something cat related to see!
That was a lot of fun to read. You just might be related to Hemingway. Sure sounds like you have some of the same interests, mainly being the cats. We have lots and lots of cats here too. It is truly a great life living with these creatures. Loved this post.
Hi Marg – thanks for stopping by! Glad you found the post fun to read – I really wanted something with a different perspective and it was fun to write this! Cats are amazing – we currently have seven of them and I could not image a life without them.
I’ve always wanted to visit. So fun and I’m sharing this!
Layla – this is a “must see” for you!! If you are ever in South Florida, give me a shout and we have to make a trip to the Keys together!!!!
Reminds me of a wonderful quote from The Alchemist…”God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you.” (I’m sending a copy for you guys today!)
I’m looking forward to getting the book – what a wonderful quote and connection Crystal! xoxoxo
What an incredibly cool place!!! Thanks for joining the blog hop, and giving us all a chance to enjoy it too.