Since Zoey came into our lives in 2008 as a tiny kitten, she’s been Queen of the Castle. Small in size but never small in personality or in letting everyone know she’s the boss! 17 years later, the same holds true. Perhaps the only difference is that the older she gets, the louder her demands become. But, she’s our girl, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! We are so blessed for her presence, as are her kittens – Peanut, Mia, and Rolz – who still snuggle with her daily.

Happy Birthday, Zoey!!

2008 – Zoey at 3 months old

Zoey at two years old

Zoey surrounded by her kittens – Peanut, Mia, and Rolz (2025)

Happy 16th birthday to Mia, Rolz, and Peanut!

We know the world is crazy, but it’s truly been confirmed. Zee and Zoey’s kittens – Mia, Peanut, and Rolz are sixteen today! How is that even possible? To celebrate the day, I put together a graphic, sharing more recent pictures of each of them that epitomize who they are. Mia, our sweet, shy girl, is on the counter. She is wide-eyed, surveying the world around her in case she needs to jump and hide at any given moment. Rolz is also on the counter, but his sole mission is to ensure he does not miss an opportunity for a treat. He will literally do this from morning to night. And Peanut is out on the tiki deck, absorbing the warm Florida air on her favorite ottoman cushion.

As senior cats now, they remain as active and alert as ever. Working from home, I’m blessed to share time with them that I might not otherwise get, and while they can be a handful at times (a lot of times), they brighten my day with their ever-present antics. Typically, at least two of them nap together, but sometimes, there are rare occasions where all three are with each other simultaneously. I’ve compiled a collage of those moments I captured over the years – from tiny kittens to the present day. I hope you enjoy it – click on the image to see it in full-screen size.

Happy birthday, sweet babies, and happy birthday to Zeuss Catt, too. He’s the fourth kitten who lives with a dear friend in Boston.

As with any year, 2024 saw its share of highs and lows, joys and heartaches. We also saw a time in our nation more polarized than we’ve been accustomed to in recent years. The presidential election brought out the best and worst in many of us, with the results, for some, so unbearable the thought of moving forward in any positive fashion seems unfathomable.

I, for one, was deeply saddened, disappointed, and discouraged by the outcome. But I also believe we must make the most of circumstances and not drown in negativity, anger, or denial. Pick up our bootstraps and adjust our sails, so to speak. Business consultant Susan Graham sums it up nicely:

“Win with humility, lose with grace, and do both with dignity.”

I am still me, and all of you are still you. Despite how it might sometimes seem, this is a wonderful world, and we are blessed to be a part of it. I’m grateful for my cats, family, friends, colleagues, and the birds and squirrels who brighten my world daily. I’m also thankful for my job and my writing and graphic design opportunities. The list goes on, so for 2025, I remain committed to living a life of gratefulness, kindness, compassion, empathy, and tolerance. Nobody can ever take that away from me. Look for common ground in circumstances that don’t always make sense or might not be your opinion or choice. If my mortal enemy cats, Jazmine and Shadow, can find common ground to get along, I think the rest of the world can, too!

It’s been over 5 years, and Jazmine (Left) and Shadow (Right) still don’t get along. Food, however, is their common ground, and for those brief moments at feeding time, all is well with the world.

Happy New Year Everyone! Best Wishes from all of us at Zee & Zoey’s for peace, love, good health, and happiness.

AI generated artwork based on the creative prompts of author and artist, Deborah Barnes.

Our very own peach -Miss Jazmine!

The Pantone Color Institute named its 2024 color of the year, PANTONE 13-1023, “Peach Fuzz,” declaring our need for compassion and human connection in the year ahead. This velvety and soothing tone represents “our desire to nurture ourselves and others” and “whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.” The sentiment is greatly needed and one we should embrace every year and every day. I thought it was fitting to end the year with peach, too, hence featuring my lovely ginger Jazmine in this year’s holiday card I designed.

From all of us at Zee and Zoey’s, we wish you a joyous holiday and best wishes for a peaceful and loving New Year.

I don’t expect anyone in the colder temperatures to get a violin out for me, but it’s been chilly here in South Florida lately. Being accustomed to 80-degree-plus temperatures lately, we’ve seen days in the 50s, and it’s been sweatshirt weather! I’m not the only one who noticed a dip in the heat. Zoey, who is typically snuggled with at least one of her “kittens” (usually Mia), got the rare treat of all three of her kin – Mia, Peanut, and Rolz – snuggled into her for some love and warmth!

I hope everyone has a wonderful, cozy Caturday!

Zoey is in the center. Peanut to her left, Mia to the right, and Rolz in front.