Good vibratience

I admire the patient, well-balanced people. 

My own journey to becoming a more patient and mindful person has taken a few detours over the past couple of years.   

Due to a couple of appointments looming and my wishing to reduce stress levels last week, I had arranged to take Wednesday as a vacation day. 

My early morning started with one cup of instant coffee,  an empty stomach and a team effort to unceremoniously stuff a Tabby cat into her carrier.  She was not allowed to have breakfast prior to a medical procedure.  Being the empathetic person that I am, I chose not to eat either. 
 
We waited and waited for a taxi.  I used my iPad mini to take photos of the Cedar Waxwings invading the cherry trees in my neighbourhood.  It was a pleasant distraction for me but not for the cat.

After waiting patiently for an hour to finally reach a taxi driver who would take a pet in his pristine vehicle, we arrived at the veterinarian's office, apologetic and flustered.  I signed Miss Kitty in for the day, said goodbye and promised to return later in the afternoon.  She was not pleased. 

After treating myself to a hearty restaurant breakfast of steak and eggs, I bussed to my own doctor's office for a pre-arranged appointment.  When the doctor informed me there would be a ten-minute delay, I thanked him and waited patiently, reading Madame Bovary (the English version downloaded to my iPad Mini).  I didn't have the energy to dig out my glasses to read the meditation book I had also toted along.  Besides, after another twenty minutes of waiting, I was not in the state of mind to accept the wisdom presented within.  

When the good doctor was finally ready, he thanked me for being considerate.  Considerate?  I was hoping to hear "patient" or "understanding".

The purpose of the visit was to review the results from tests he had requested a couple of weeks prior.  To be brief, he confirmed that I am at that certain stage in life.  

This explains those sudden hot spells, mood swings and a growing impatience when suffering fools. 

I next made my way to meet an older, wise friend for lunch.  We shared personal and family updates over healthy salads.  We shared thoughts and hopes for the RCC now that it has a new Pope. 

After our lovely visit, I trotted off to another appointment, to be primped by a couple of my favourite beauticians.  They only had a few minutes each to work on me yet the results were above expectations.  

I made it back to the vet's office in time to check on Miss kitty, pay the bill and taxi home.  I chuckled at the sheet of instructions and the cute little tooth brush they gave me.  Yeah, right.  Like I'm going to use this on a cat that isn't even mine.  I doubt she would agree to sit patiently for a weekly brushing without being sedated.

 

The fragmented work week was topped off by a lovely Friday night dinner with a friend then proceeding to a Gong Meditation session.  

It was my third time attending these relaxing sessions over the past year.  Unfortunately, this one was not the best.  A young couple thought it would be delightful to bring their energetic four year-old along. He proved to be a distraction for all the up-tight ladies in the room.

What was I thinking during the 30 minute session? Breathe in. Breathe out. Let the sound waves wash over, relax me ... and gently, firmly descend upon the little imp, pinning him down onto the mat. I was NOT experiencing positive thoughts or words.  Who the heck thinks they can bring a young child to a meditation session and not expect distractions?  Now that was inconsiderate.

The instructor was patient and calmer than necessary through all of this.  At the closing of the session, she spoke of vibrations, sounds and the effect of words that come from our mouths.  

With bulging eyes and a grinding smile, I nodded in agreement with the concept of Conscious Communication.   I just wasn't feeling it.  Thank goodness another session participant took the oblivious mother aside and shared her thoughts.  

My friend and I didn't have the patience to stick around.  We were tired, agitated and just wanted to get home.
 
The next morning, after a restful sleep, I used any residual, angry energy in a positive manner while taking on some house cleaning. I hummed a happy tune as I scooped out the litter box and scrubbed the powder room.

 

The cat?  She's doing fine. She is once again my furry little friend, an artist's muse who allows me to feed her, scratch her chin and rub her belly.

She also gives off relaxing vibrations with her affectionate purrs.

T

De-stress with pets

I am a strong believer in the health benefits of having pets.  

When choosing a pet, I think it is important to consider the possible impact on one's income, food resources - and the planet.  

Our special boy needs special food to prevent complications with his plumbing.  He and miss boss kitty have their checkups at least once a year.  That's about all I'm willing to dish out.  

I feel for the pets stranded due to the storms in the east coast of the USA and the stress it is causing their displaced humans. 

Provided there is enough food, water and litter space, you can leave cats alone in the apartment for a couple of days without worrying about them getting into the garbage, pooping on the floor or taking over your bedroom.  Until... 

Mental Health benefits:

• http://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/trauma-ptsd/animal-therapy-ptsd-treatment/ 

Impact of pets on the planet:

• http://www.center4research.org/2011/04/pets-and-health-the-impact-of-companion-animals/ 

I don't think cats have as much impact on the environment as dogs.  They likely have more impact than birds - but are not as noisy.  I'd feel bad about keeping something in a cage anyway. 

Cats provide companionship, comfort and soon become members of your family.  They also provide opportunities for impromptu entertainment and creativity.

 
They also provide distractions and practice when you have just purchased a new camera.  Purr-mit me to lure you to recent blog posts about photogenic cats and deep blonde ponderings on what do cats think about.   What's another five minutes of your busy, busy day? 
 

 

Snuggles isn't sure about that Tree of Life print.  Perhaps he thinks I am taunting him with those birds.  Who knows if he can even see two dimensional figures anyway.   You can read more about my cherished tree-themed print in this other blog post. 

Thanks for dropping by.  

Excuse me so I can perform a daily meditation, guilt-free thanks to a pricey but flushable cat litter.   

Be sure to visit the domain for my bittersweet novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  One of the characters is a cat. 

T

 

Comfort food and huggable weather

Welcome, Autumn!  I am so glad you are here.

I love autumn.  I love spring.  It's those extreme seasons that I don't enjoy.  

At least in winter, you can put on socks, pants and a sweater if the petit apartment is chilly.  Yes, eventually one has to also venture outside for provisions and the day job.  

There are only so many layers that you can remove during the sweaty summer months until you are uncomfortable at the sticky touch of your own skin let alone that of another human's. 

The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable to hug a favourite toy or affectionate feline.  Since my kids are grown up, they are not as receptive to hugs.  Yet.

One young person who is now sharing an apartment with friends was over for a visit last night.  After partaking in a delicious roast beef dinner and chat, he was actually receptive to a hug from his dear, short mother.   

It's funny how at times you can't wait for them to leave the nest but cling to them when they are departing after a short visit. Fly, little bird... fly. 

Even though I dislike the cramped, inefficient kitchen in the petit apartment, I look forward to preparing weekend batches of chili, pasta sauce and chicken noodle soup.  I look forward to heating up apple and pumpkin pies to serve with weekend meals.  

Once again, I hope we will squeeze in to sit around the small dining table to enjoy meals - and conversation.  Otherwise, I enjoy taking the young people out occasionally for a meal and family update meeting at a local restaurant.  It's nice to be served and have someone else look after the dirty dishes!  

How would you like to visit the Red Hare restaurant, a cozy, friendly family-run business in the fictitious town of Seguin Sound?  


You will also get to meet Father Gio, his biological daughter Sera Fletcher and Edgar who was inspired by my childhood toy, Winnie Pooh Bear. 

Yes, these are places and characters from The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You get to set the price when you purchase the eBook at Smashwords.  How do you like them apples? 

Thanks for dropping by.  Hug your kid today.  If you don't have kids, hug one of your cats.  If you don't have a cat... what's wrong with you? >^..^<   

T

Those childhood toys we keep

Regular readers know (hopefully) that I jest about my crazy cat lady tendencies.  I'm not there - yet.  The thought of being seen as a reclusive, eccentric writer kind of appeals to me though. 

  

The teddy bear in this photograph is of Winnie the Pooh Bear, my childhood comfort toy. Yes, I still have him - and only two cats.  He appears as Edgar in my novel, as a toy of consolation for young Sera Fletcher.  Drop by this blog entry to read about my publisher's Summer promotion. 

Thanks for visiting.  Leave a comment about your sentimental collection or share this post if you like it.

T

Revival

Spring is here and it snowed in the Ottawa Valley - on April Fool's Day. 

That's okay, it already melted and is providing water for the grass, flowers and trees. I hope we get more rain.  Yep, this is one of my favourite seasons - except for the muck and smell of dog pooh around our neighbourhood.  

In case you weren't aware, the Christian holiday of Easter occurs during spring.  Since I'm a lapsed Catholic, I shouldn't attempt to provide any insights.  I just like the timing of this meaningful religious holiday with the pagan celebrations.  I respect the theme of revival and renewal. 


I cherish the bursting greens and pretty blossoms, cool days and nights before the sticky, humid days of summer.

I also like the opportunities for consuming delicious chocolate.  As for the little chicks and bunnies that have wiggled their way into this holiday, please resist the urge to give a bunny rabbit as an Easter gift.  

What you could do is give yourself a copy of The Year of the Rabbit ebook.  One of the main characters is a priest.  Another is his daughter. 

Curious? Thought so. Write to Florence T. Lyon before April 30th and she'll send you the secret code to obtain a free copy from Smashwords. 

Have a wonderful Easter week and enjoy what time you can get with your family.  

T

Tis the Season

Yes, giftmas is upon us.  


Family and friends gather to share in good cheer, attempting to brighten up the long, dark winter days.  Some exchange gifts during their visits.  I think wine and chocolate are the safest and most-popular.  


People are scrambling for deals in the retail stores or online.  Good-hearted individuals and groups are making efforts to ensure the less-fortunate will have a good Christmas.  I am sure that we all feel for the children and adults who are struggling financially and emotionally this time of year - and beyond.  


As a single parent, I agree.  


Soon I will have to venture out into the malls to pick up a few items requested by my offspring.  One has a birthday just after Christmas and convinced me that only one present will bring happiness although it happens to be one of those expensive electronic distractions.  Since this child is working on a masters degree (insert gush of pride here), I will bite my tongue and strive to accommodate that request.  


We tried the pared-down gifting approach a couple of years ago.  I don't think it went over well. Now that we are in smaller living quarters, they are not impressed that we do not have room for our artificial tree. We'll work something out to decorate this petit apartment with festive colour and cheer.  It will be the first Christmas here and hard to measure up to our previous, spacious abode.  Even the cats  >^..^<  agree that there isn't as much room here to roam, lurk and express their own creativity. 


And lets not forget the significance of this time of celebration.  The gifting represents the gifts of the Magi who were delayed in arriving at the stable.  Their only GPS reference was the bright, guiding star.  They also didn't stop to ask for directions.  (pause for feminist quips)


The birth of the child represents hope for a troubled empire.  If one were to wax poetic and philosophical, the birth can represent a rebirth within ourselves to see our world again as one full of hope and joy, putting aside resentments and conflicts.  This is why we make those silly New Year's resolutions. Kudos to those who want to quit smoking and other vices.  Respects to those who want to conquer harmful habits and thoughts. 


We are an interesting mix of individuals but with some effort and collaboration, we can be unified in our goal to cure humanity of its ailments.  Two of the worst are fear and greed.  Hopefully the occupy movement and efforts by a few super-rich individuals helped give some consciences a stir.  Although some people can be shamed into change by positive peer pressure, I think the actions have to be fully their own choice.  Else, there will be a lingering resentment.  


It puzzles my pretty blonde head how people who have so much don't want to part with just a bit that would improve the lives of many others.  I challenge fortune and welcome the opportunity to be put in that position :o)  


In my novel, The Year of the Rabbit, the birth of a child also represented hope and joy.  Although baby Harry was the product of a shameful teen pregnancy, his arrival brought joy into many people's lives - especially that of lonely, young Sera.  


Coming full circle with the gifting theme, I will end this post with a discount offer for those who wish to purchase the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  If you ventured out or online to purchase an EReader for a loved one, why not add this bittersweet tale to the list of books too? It's available in many supported formats. While considering, scroll down my Smashwords ebook page to watch a funny video of Geneva Tabby cat, my meuws, inspiration and distraction.  


If you have gathered any wisdom from this pensive post, it's that the world needs more love, compassion and... funny cat videos.  If you are not YET convinced about the novel, check out the comments from readers of the first print edition.   


Thanks for dropping by.  Next time, bring wine or chocolate :o) 


T








  

Pet Peeves and Conciliations

Finally!  A day of rest.  

This week of vacation was peppered with family roller-coaster rides (of the emotional kind), many appointments and meetings.  

The felines of the house >^..^< went for their medical checkups and shots.  >^..^<  I advised the animal hospital staff to keep it to the minimum and no, I can't afford to have their friggin' teeth cleaned. 

They're not even "my" cats (well, who owns a cat, anyway?).  One was adopted from the animal shelter five years ago as a birthday present for one of my own offspring.   The other was gladly received from another family's home (one with loud, overly affectionate children) and as I thought at the time, would be a good companion for cat #1. Cat #1 established her position as Alpha cat.

Cat #2 needs special, expensive food so as to prevent urinary tract problems.  Cat #1 likes eating the food too.  No harm in that for her but that means I have to purchase this food twice as often as needed.  Give the cat another canary, as my dear old Dad used to say...

One consolation through these stre$$ful visits, was the courteous, caring transportation service provided by Ottawa Pet Cab.  Thank you :-)


People should think of these things before getting a new pet (especially one for a child and the parents end up caring for it...)  As I go through our downsizing project, I ponder the costs and benefits of our furry family members.  When we choose a new location, I will likely be tempted to move "pet friendly" from the "nice to have" to "must have" checklist category. I'm soft-hearted, that way.

On the subject of pets - especially in the approaching year of the rabbit next month, please, please resist impulses to purchase a pet bunny.  They require more care than you may think. 


Thanks for reading.  Have a peaceful, caring day.