To see full beauty of image, please click to enlarge

Sure, there are times that my cats judge me – when I dare to sleep in the morning, when I do not feed them at precisely 6:00 pm on the dot, and when I have the audacity to remove them from my numb lap when I have to get up and use the bathroom. They do not judge me, however, when I am not wearing makeup or if I am wearing ratty old sweatpants. They have no interest whatsoever in what my political views are and they are not remotely impressed that I am an author while holding a full-time job. They live by their own rules and I think that is why I respect cats so much, as did Andre Norton of this prolific quote. I love the contrast of Peanut in this image against the black background of the patio furniture and the stunning juxtaposition of the ceramic zebra next to her. It all seems to imply that we should accept life for what it is without discrimination. I also love the connection between cats and creativity. In light of my circle of cat friends, I would agree wholeheartedly.

 Andre Alice Norton (1912  –  2005) was an American science fiction and fantasy author who published her first novel in 1934 and was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World Science Fiction Society in 1977. An important role in Norton’s books is often given to animals — both ordinary terrestrial ones, such as cats (with whom she had much personal experience) and exotic fictional ones, whose characteristics are meticulously worked out. Many of Norton’s animals are highly intelligent without being anthropomorphic, acting as virtually full partners to the human protagonists and in many books forming telepathic links with them. (Wikipedia)

Any one who loves cats, knows just how true this quote by Jenny de Vries is, and it needs little explanation. One look at Rolz, Mia, and Peanut, and it would appear to be one and the same cat at quick glance. However, Rolz and his sisters could not be any more different in personality, almost as if they were born of different parents on different dates.

Most amazingly, however, is that once you think you have each individual cat figured out, they will change like the wind, with no ryhme or reason whatsover. That is the beauty of a cat – they just are what they are and there is no room for debate.

I wish I could properly credit the author of this well-shared quote, but I cannot seem to find a spec of evidence to give proper homage to her words. If anyone has any insight, please feel free to share!

Zoey is a purebred Bengal and based on her lineage, her wild bloodline derives from the Asian Leopard Cat. Purebred cats typically come in three categories – pet, show, and breeder – with the pet quality cat being the least expensive and the breeding quality most expensive. Bengals also come in a range of generational types, from F1 to F4, with F1 cats being the closest to their wild ancestry, and F4 being the closest to the domestic. This also changes the price significantly and F1 cats should not be purchased without serious consideration, as they require informed owners who are equipped to take care of them and their special needs. Read more

In Edward Lear’s classic tale, The Owl and the Pussycat, the Owl and the Pussycat go to sea together in a beautiful pea green boat looking for love. While this is certainly a lovely sentiment, it is hardly one my darling Zee would actually embark upon, as he is afraid of his own shadow and would never set paw into a boat, let alone a boat floating on rocky waters with a bird of prey that could rip him to shreds in a split second. Also, our dear boy is completely smitten with his beloved Zoey and she would take none to kindly to him leaving her for an owl of all preposterous things…

Despite that, there is just something about Zee and this story that captured my fancy. Often when I look at him with a quick glance, with his large saucer like innocent  eyes, I think I am seeing an owl and so, somehow, this picture just seemed destined to be created. I admit I have done a lot of creative editing with my cats throughout the years, but this image has captured my heart more so than most, and I really can’t explain why, other than it has such a whimsical and surreal charm to it.

This photo of Peanut is so glorious and hypnotizing that you cannot help but be mesmerized and transfixed to a time and place so deep, it is difficult to question the concept of a soul as French poet, Théophile Gautier suggests.  Please click photo to enlarge.

 Jules Théophile Gautier (August 30, 1811 – October 23, 1872) was a French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, art critic and literary critic. (Wikipedia)