How a Cat Writer’s Conference begins… it’s all in unpacking the boxes for the kitty swag!!

I apologize for the break in blogging, but I have just returned from the Cat Writers’ Conference in Los Angeles and will admit to a serious bout of jet lag. Now that I have collected myself (relatively speaking), I must say that it was well worth the trip and that I am overwhelmed by the talent of the members, the generosity of the sponsors, the quality of the seminars, and the amazing job done by those involved who coordinated the event.

The Cat Writers’ Association is a compilation of not just writers, but artists, photographers, poets, journalists, fiction writers, non-fiction writers, bloggers, editors, publishers, and everything in-between that has to do with the subject, love, and passion for cats. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary, I felt like it was a trip down the red carpet as we were educated, entertained, wined and dined, and socialized to the hilt for three days! Read more

When I tuned in on Friday to watch the Petties Awards ceremony and heard my name called for Best Designed Blog, I must admit I turned into a sobbing wreck of a human being. It just hit me with such impact – two years ago when I started blogging, I just had no idea who I was, what I wanted, or where the path would lead me. I can assure you, I did not start blogging thinking of winning awards and raising money for shelters – I was naive to all of that and was just happy if I got one or two comments on my posts! Read more

It’s been a whirlwind of awards lately and I’ll admit Zoey has been less gracious than I with her crushing Nose-to-Nose defeat at BlogPaws. I explained to her that all the winners are friends of ours and completely deserving. Plus, Halo food went to feed hungry kitties in shelters, so it is a win for cats no matter how you look at it. Zoey cared not one bit for my pep talk and when she found out Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection had been nominated in two categories for a DogTime Pettie Award, she took matters into her own paws and quickly began to make some changes… Read more

Since the beginning of this year, I can say that my life has taken on a profoundly distinct and new direction in the realm of the cat world. My blog that was once strictly a vehicle to share stories and pictures about my feline family, has expanded and brought me on such a journey and growth of knowledge and caring, that I still marvel at the scope of it all.

From the vast catalog of stunning photographs, to videos (ranging from fun to highly educational and informative), to interviews on subjects such as the misconceptions of feral cats, TNR programs, the cats in the aftermath of the Japan disasters, pedigree breeding, and the Loews outdoor cat controversy, I have really spread my wings in trying to help educate and inform people about cat responsibility in a well-rounded, informative, and compelling way. Read more

I was very happy to be presented with two wonderful opportunities recently to talk about my favorite things – cats and writing. In her “Spotlight on Amazing Women” series I was interviewed by freelance writer and fellow CWA member, Stacey Ritz, for Examiner.com. This series focuses on women who volunteer in communities, who operate their own businesses, or who are authors, so it was a perfect showcase to talk about how my writing career began and where it has led me to. To read the full interview, please click here.

The next opportunity was also presented to me by a fellow CWA member, Lorie Huston, DVM, for her animalCAFE podcast where I was able to discuss the pending situation with the feral cats being trapped and removed from the Loews Orlando resort properties as well as the misconceptions of feral cats. To read the full post and listen to the podcast, please click here.

I thank both of these ladies so much for reaching out to me and it gives me great pleasure to continue to help inspire others to follow their dreams, whether it be to write, volunteer, or crusade for the well-being of cats.