I was sitting at my computer one day and grabbed my iPhone next to me to take this picture of Zee. Something about the simple beauty of the moment touched my heart and I knew I needed to capture the moment in time.

While I don’t begrudge anyone who celebrates Valentine’s Day, after all, any day that promotes love can’t be all that bad, I’m not really a Valentine’s Day kind of girl. Unless it comes to my cats – then every day is Valentine’s Day because my love for them is celebrated 24/7/365. In that spirit, I thought I’d share some of my favorite pictures of them that express that love. Many of them aren’t the best pictures in the technical sense – some are blurry, some are taken in bad lighting, and some are simply awkward because they were taken from my iPhone at a weird angle. Some are from years ago, and some are more recent. All of them are just everyday, normal snippets of my life, making them all the more cherished and special.

This picture will always represent a milestone moment in my life, and as always, my cats were by my side. This was in October of 2010, back when I first started blogging and writing. I never knew back then just how significantly my life was going to change…

Every night when I sit on the couch to relax for the night, Kizmet comes and lays his head on mine, hugging me with his paws. I couldn’t possibly feel more loved or cherished.

I’ve been under the weather since January, recovering from both retina laser surgery and the flu. Never once have I not had an assortment of my gang taking care of me.

If I’m in my office, chances are high Jazmine will be keeping me company on the shelf above my computer.

Cats on the kitchen counter? If I’m there, then yes, absolutely! In this rare picture, all seven are present!

I took this lap selfie of Peanut – when she wants attention, you won’t get anything done until you give it to her and I love that about her!

I was cleaning up my iPhone and found this rare picture of Harley and Jazz with Peanut and Zoey. Harley and Jazz are both angels now but are forever Valentine’s in my heart.

This picture was taken during a rough patch in my life – Mia, Peanut, and Rolz were about 5 months here and it was because of their love, companionship, and inspiration I found the strength to write my first book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary.

Nothing is more soothing or comforting than reading a good book with the shared company of cats (Mia and Rolz in this case).

One of my all-time favorite pictures – an extremely rare photo of the whole gang, in focus, on the couch with me!

It all began in 2009 – Zoey would come snuggle on my legs while she was pregnant to keep her belly warm. The habit has remained over the years (this was us in 2011) and it’s been a wonderful gift ever since to share her company.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! What are some of your favorite ways you share love with your cat(s)?

Zee is precious in every way – even his nose is heart shaped!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it got me to thinking of hearts. The heart is a universal symbol of love and in our house, that translates to our kitties, too. Especially for our sweet Zee who takes it to the extreme. He likes to show his love for Dan and me by bringing us dead gifts. Being that he’s an indoor cat, rather than the unsavory variety, such as a dead mouse or bird, he brings us dead toys. In particular, a stuffed plush heart that he will drop at strategic places throughout the house to show his love. Read more

While larger, overall goals are important, don’t lose sight of the possibilities and opportunities each individual day brings us.

With 2017 behind us and a New Year on the horizon, it’s time once again for reflection. While I’m not keen on measuring my life in terms of years, preferring instead to concentrate on the quality of each day I’m blessed to have, it’s hard not to think back and contemplate, especially considering I’m currently at a point in my life I didn’t think I would be – i.e., I have a position at my day job that has taken precedence, all but putting my cat life to the side. Read more

Is it true? Christmas is here?

Yes Rolz, it’s true. Christmas is finally here. It’s that special time of year again – a time to reflect, a time to celebrate, and a time to give thanks for the blessings in life. Whether you celebrate Christmas like I do, or you don’t, my wish for you is to be grateful for the good you have in your life. Despite all the hoopla of the gifts, the incessant commercialism, and the tendency to get caught up in the whirlwind of stress, it’s truly not about the presents, but the presence of love, inner-peace, and joy in your life.

It’s all about the presence, not the presents…

For some it’s being around friends and family, for others, it might be the comfort and companionship of a furry friend. It might be something simple like baking cookies, or maybe it’s giving to others without expecting anything in return. It’s not always an easy time of year for everyone and I respect that as well. I’m humbled to say I’m very blessed this year- I’ll be spending the day with my furry family, as well as my Mom, Dan, and both my boys. 

My greatest wish would be for peace on earth and goodwill to all…

If I’m not able to visit each and every one of you to wish you holiday greetings, please know you are in my thoughts and I appreciate your friendship. Happy Holidays from all of us at Zee and Zoey’s and warm wishes for a Meowy Catmas and Happy New Year!

From all of us at Zee & Zoey’s – a very Merry Catmas to one and all!

From big things, like my friends, family, and my cats, to the little things, like popcorn and leopard print, I’m grateful for so much in my life!

I love Thanksgiving – it’s a wonderful day of good food, good football, not working, counting blessings, and sharing time with my family. But honestly, I try my very best to live every day being grateful for what I have. It’s not always easy, even with the best intentions; life can be messy, complicated, stressful, and downright disagreeable. Despite that, there is always something to be grateful for if you look hard enough. And usually, you don’t have to look too far – this is just a sampling of what I mean, but here are some of the everyday things I’m grateful to have in my life:

My cats, my family, my friends, coffee, chocolate, sweat pants, wine, Cheez-Its, a great book, board games, the good health of my loved ones, when the Miami Dolphins win (this one is happening less and less), when a cat gets adopted, my fitbit, leopard print, nature, trips to the beach, Netflix, feeding my birds and squirrels, Facebook, talking to a real person on the phone (this is also happening less and less), Photoshop, riding our Harley, wearing cat ears, Christmas cookies, chia seeds, family photo albums, my iPhone 7plus, yarn & crocheting, popcorn, music, when people are kind to one another, fun fonts, having a job and being able to pay my bills, the privilege of having food to eat every day, a safe home to live in, and the freedom to be me.

How about you all? What are some of the everyday things in your life you’re grateful for? Have a blessed day from all of us at Zee & Zoey’s, and as I do every year, here’s my favorite picture of my gang for Thanksgiving and a visual reminder that despite what certain kitties might tell you, NOT ALL FOODS ARE SAFE FOR THEM TO EAT!

Can someone please hurry up with this blog post and say grace so we can eat!

The most miraculous part of Thanksgiving? That Rolz and Peanut were behaving and DID NOT even touch this turkey!