Click here to vote for Zee & Zoey in the category of “Best Designed Blog”

When I got the news a few days ago that Zee & Zoey’s blog – The Chronicle Connection – was chosen as one of four finalists for the category of “Best Designed Blog” for the Petties 2011 Awards, to say I was honored would be an understatement. I became quite emotional – not just for the honor and prestige of the nomination – but for what it stood for in my life and how far I’ve come as a person.

For you see, Zee and Zoey’s blog was the result of a very difficult time in my life – I had become a statistic and was laid off from a job that I thought I had complete security with in 2009. I had the kernel of an idea for a book in my mind to write at that time, but kind of put it off as “one of those wish-list things I will get to one day.” The idea for the book was basically to be about my cats, primarily Zee, my lovable male Maine Coon, and Zoey, my free-spirited female Bengal and the relationship they had with one another, as well as with me. Well, it turns out that these cats were far wiser than me and during a very dark phase of my unemployment, they taught me how to reexamine how I perceived my world and to look for life’s little silver lining moments, despite how overwhelming and hopeless it all seemed…. In essence, to embrace the ordinary in my life like they did, rather than wallow in depression and self-pity and dare to make it extraordinary, as only a cat can.

This simple concept became my epiphany and the impetus to follow a dream of mine and finally write the book. During all of this, Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection came into being as a vehicle for what I originally thought would be a “behind the scenes” look into the creation of the book and a glimpse into Zee & Zoey’s world. I wanted the blog to be unlike anything I had ever seen in this vast blogosphere and a visual treat for my readers.which will be released this fall, is an enchanting work of art, filled with stunning photographs, charming and whimsical artwork, and a story that is written in an honest, humorous, and heartfelt way. I really wanted the blog to have the same feel – I wanted my readers to be enveloped in a world of exquisite designs, delicious colors, and captivating art and photos, while at the same time sharing stories and moments of everyday life situations that any cat lover can relate to.

What started to happen, was an amazing process as the blog began to take on a life of its own. I began to meet so many wonderful and generous people whose love for the feline species is astounding. I then started to expand my horizons to not only write about my cats and my family, but about cat related causes, guest bloggers, book reviews, other cat bloggers, and so much more.

Now, to find out that I have been recognized by my peers for the design aspect of my blog, I just could not be more humbled. But more incredibly, if I win this award, $1000.00 will be donated to a pet rescue organization of my choice! Wow, that I can help make a difference of that magnitude is amazing! I have become very involved with a local rescue organization here in South Florida called Riverfront Cats. They work in conjunction with the Cat Network and funding is vital to their survival. Massive education of people is needed to spread the word about spaying, neutering, and the enormous overpopulation of cats and kittens in shelters and feral cats out on the streets and this money would help them tremendously.

It’s so easy to vote – just click the Petties icon at the top of this post or this link and vote for Zee & Zoey in the category of “Best Designed Blog.” You can share the word with anyone – friends, family, co-workers, other bloggers and anyone else you can think of to help the cause! And be sure to vote frequently – the voting closes on July 29th, but you can vote a couple times a day in the meantime!

Thank you all so much for your support – it has been a wonderful journey and I am thrilled to have you along for the ride! And we have really only just begun! And congratulations also to all the other amazing and wonderful finalists who have been nominated for an award. I wish you all the best and hope to see you all at the BlogPaws Conference this August!