THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: FREE TRIP ON THANKSGIVING DAY: COAST TO COAST WITH...

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: FREE TRIP ON THANKSGIVING DAY: COAST TO COAST WITH...: I am thankful for all of my readers who have supported me. In appreciation, I would like you to    Enjoy a day of Reading and Eating!! ...

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: FREE TRIP ON THANKSGIVING DAY: COAST TO COAST WITH...

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: FREE TRIP ON THANKSGIVING DAY: COAST TO COAST WITH...: I am thankful for all of my readers who have supported me. In appreciation, I would like you to    Enjoy a day of Reading and Eating!! ...

SPORTSTER'S TEASE - FIRST PARAGRAPHS

If you remember the other day while Judy was in the living room watching Blacklist, I revealed the first chapter of MY  book, Sportster's Adventures. I know the name  is generic, it is only a working title.


I've worked too long and too hard on Judy's last three books. So here is my plan. All I want to do is play. I'm going  to tease your senses, lure you in, and keep you pouncing.

Every week, I am posting  the first paragraph of a chapter from my book. Your comments will be welcome.
  This week I am offering up The first paragraph of Chapter Five from Sportster's Adventures. If you are new, check out my previous posts to catch up.

 

SPORTSTER'S ADVENTURES

CHAPTER FIVE

On the second day of the storm, they gave up waiting for the skies to clear. The cardboard sagged, heavy with rain, and the kibble bag, light and near empty, floated in a puddle. During those dim, dreary days Tattooman and Jawbreaker would drop in and listen as Guitarman shared his music. “My dad served in Viet Nam,” Guitarman said. “He described the jungles there, and I imagine Nam was a lot like this rain forest.” His hand slid over my back as a lay beside him. “Me, I did a tour in Guantanamo. And, it was like this. I don’t know about you, Bro.” He looked up at Tattooman.  “But I’ll be glad to get out of here. Stirs up too many memories.”  He strummed his guitar as he told his grisly tales.

SPORTSTER'S TEASE - FIRST PARAGRAPHS

If you remember the other day while Judy was in the living room watching Blacklist, I revealed the first chapter of MY  book, Sportster's Adventures. I know the name  is generic, it is only a working title.


I've worked too long and too hard on Judy's last three books. So here is my plan. All I want to do is play. I'm going  to tease your senses, lure you in, and keep you pouncing.

Every week, I am posting  the first paragraph of a chapter from my book. Your comments will be welcome.
  This week I am offering up The first paragraph of Chapter Four from Sportster's Adventures. If you are new, check out my previous posts to catch up.

SPORTSTER'S ADVENTURES

CHAPTER FOUR

 

Stirring to the warmth of the morning’s rays, I moved my tail gingerly and licked my injury. Only a scratch.  I jumped down from my stump and proceeded on a secluded path toward Jawbreaker’s camp.  Everyone still slept. Again, I stole over to the kibble and water. I drank first, then nibbled on the few nuggets left in the bowl. Jawbreaker, wakened by the sound, raised his head.  His nose, more bloody than black, twitched. Red streaks tracked down his chin through his grimy hair and disappeared between his legs.  He started to rise, paused, and then stared as I licked his bowl clean. The dog turned to the man who didn’t move, as if looking for back up. I winked, enjoyed another long drink, and moseyed back to my perch in the forest.

 

SPORTSTER'S TEASE - FIRST PARAGRAPHS

If you remember the other day while Judy was in the living room watching Blacklist, I revealed the first chapter of MY  book, Sportster's Adventures. I know the name  is generic, it is only a working title.


I've worked too long and too hard on Judy's last three books. So here is my plan. All I want to do is play. I'm going  to tease your senses, lure you in, and keep you pouncing.

Every week, I am posting  the first paragraph of a chapter from my book. Your comments will be welcome.
  This week I am offering up The first paragraph of Chapter Three from Sportster's Adventures. If you are new, check out my previous posts to catch up.

SPORTSTER'S ADVENTURES
CHAPTER THREE

The comfortable path beside the river veered to my right, into the salty breeze. I turned away, and limped down the less traveled trail which headed home.  I felt good. The night’s rest relieved the soreness in my foot.  Adventure! My tail twitched at the thought.  With the bear and the elk behind me, I could enjoy the wild the way I had always imagined. 

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: Two Days Only

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: Two Days Only: My fourth anniversary as an author is approaching and I want to thank you, my readers who have followed me on this journey.   For a limit...

SPORTSTER'S TEASE -FIRST PARAGRAPHS

 If you remember the other day while Judy was in the living room watching Blacklist, I revealed the first chapter of MY  book, Sportster's Adventures. I know the name  is generic, it is only a working title.


I've worked too long and too hard on Judy's last three books. So here is my plan. All I want to do is play. I'm going  to tease your senses, lure you in, and keep you pouncing.

Every week, Starting with the first chapter I will post the first paragraph of each chapter. Your comments will be welcome.
  Since you have already read Chapter One, I will repost the first paragraph  along with the first paragraph of Chapter Two.

  SPORTSTER'S ADVENTURES

CHAPTER ONE

My eyes sprang open.  Judy’s frightened scream joined the howls of the protesting motor home. My body slammed against the windshield. Tires screeched, mixed with the squeal of metal and squalling fiberglass. Airborne, our house lurched off the road, like the birds I envied. My body crammed against the windshield, which kept me insulated from the outside world. Jagged lines crawled and crunched across the once unobstructed view while branches, rocks and dirt pounded the varicose pattern until it gave way. Encased inside, we sailed, as if we would meet the heavens.  A sudden but sublime silence overtook, only to be broken by a crashing jolt. The vehicle squashed onto the ground and the tires exploded. My body flew through green scented air, not like small birds on the wing, but rather like the hawk on its deadly dive to earth for prey. 

 

SPORTSTER'S ADVENTURES

CHAPTER TWO

Many of the creatures in the woods, I learned, existed on a nocturnal schedule.  Judy resisted any time I attempted to establish a similar routine, by refusing me entrance to the bedroom.  Well she wasn’t here now. Instead of waking with the sun, life in this jungle returned to their burrows, nests and decayed logs. I figured, an easy adaptation for me. I retreated to my rotted trunk, crouched within its caverns, and stared at the bugs that crawled its walls. They crept along their self-made tunnels, content to stay off of me.  I blinked to stay awake.

 

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: HOW IT ALL BEGAN -PART ONE

THE WRITINGS OF A WANDERING WIDOW: HOW IT ALL BEGAN -PART ONE: This is Part One of a series titled , “How it all began .”   Statistics prove over 25% of you dream of writing a book.   In the beg...

AUDIO BOOK WINNERS!

We have a winner! We have a winner!  From our very first drawing for a free audio book of GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST.

I am proud to announce the results.

Because the word, “Free” has not spread throughout the neighborhood like crazy cats in the springtime…we only had two entries.

It is pretty difficult to perform a random selection with only two names in the pot. Soooo….

 

We have a winner! We have a winner!

That’s right we have TWO WINNERS!

Congratulations Shirley Wible and Din Milem . You are our first week’s winners of the audio book, GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST.

Thank you for participating.  Judy and I hope you both enjoy your books as you hike in the hills, or  stomp it out on the treadmill, or on that long drive to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving.  Judy told me she would love for you to tell us how you listen to your audio books. Remember Audio books make a wonderful gift.

 

 

 

Next week’s drawing will be for the audio book, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST  This book is Judy’s (and mine, as the co-author) best seller. You will enjoy it, as much as I enjoyed helping her write it.  So spread the word, “FREE” to your friends and family.

 Audio books are trending these days. Great for working out, driving or soaking up the warm fall days on the patio swing.

All you have to do to enter the drawing for the FREE audio book, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST, is leave your name in the comment box. Good luck. And remember after the drawing your information will only be used to line my litter box.  The last day of this week’s drawing will be on Halloween, October 31^st. I will announce ONE winner on Sunday, November 1^st.

Happy listening and reading.

Please don’t forget about Judy’s newest release available as paperback or on Kindle. 

 

MASADA'S MARINE ON AMAZON

Every Hour A Veteran Commits Suicide.

 

A FREE AUDIO BOOK IS NOT SPORTSTER'S SECRET

 

 

Exercising regularly has always been on a cat’s priority list. We don’t live out our nine lives because all we do is sleep. We always receive bad press concerning our lifestyle.

 Even Judy plays that card. She wants everyone to think she is the only one who works like the hummingbirds outside our office window, flitting around doing, seminars, book signings, and research, or when she’s home, writing, editing, critiquing, and blogging, messaging, and twittering.

I don't want to steal her thunder. She has even sworn me to secrecy. She gave me these adorable pics to post as a cover for what I am actually working on. Again, the sleeping, lazy theme. Really?

I mean REALLY?

Okay, Judy did insist I post these head shots. . She is promoting her audio books, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST and GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST.
My point about exercising? About living nine lives? When you work on the treadmill or take a long hike, listen to audio books. Be entertained while you lengthen your life.

 

This week we are giving away a FREE AUDIO BOOK of GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST. All you need to do is enter the drawing by  typing your name in the comment box. Next Thursday  I will personally, and randomly, select a name and announce the lucky winner.  The following week we will repeat the drawing for  A FREE AUDIO BOOK of COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST. So don’t forget. Type  your name in the comment box.. After the drawing we will only use your information to line my litter box.

So there you have it, the reason for this post.

 

 

BUT WAIT!

Judy’s in the living room watching her favorite show, Blacklist.

Do you want to read the first chapter of my novel!

 

THAT’S RIGHT!  MY, MY, MY NOVEL!

But you’ve got to keep the secret under your collar.  Judy hasn’t decided on an appropriate title yet, but I’m calling My novel….Get ready for it…

 

Get Ready For It!!

 

 

 

 

SPORTSTER’S ADVENTURES!!

Scroll Down

( Drum roll )


















SPORTSTER’S ADVENTURES

BY

JUDY HOWARD

 

Sportster, The Awesome Cat

 

CHAPTER ONE

 

 

My eyes sprang open.  Judy’s frightened scream joined the protesting motor home and my body pressed against the windshield. Tires screeched mixing with the squeal of metal and squalling fiberglass. Our house lurched off the road, airborne, like the birds I envied. My body flattened hard against the windshield, which had kept me insulated from the outside world. Jagged lines crawled and crunched across the once unobstructed view while branches, rocks and dirt pounded the varicose pattern until it gave way. Encased inside, we sailed, as if we would meet the heavens. For a moment, we soared. Silence overtook, giving a false sense of sublime safety, only to be broken by a crashing jolt. The vehicle squashed onto the ground and the tires exploded. . My body, forced from its cozy cocoon as an egg from its shell, flew through green scented air, not like small birds on the wing, but rather like the hawk on a deadly dive to earth for prey. 

 

In its flight, my body puffed to twice its size as the wind swept through every follicle of hair that now stood on end. I sailed on, penetrating the forest’s first line of pines.  I landed solid. The force trumpeted a warrior’s call from inside my lungs – a last-stand challenge, which chased the boiling fear swelling within my chest. The bold roar, defying the wild, went unheard, absorbed like a pillow to my face, smothered by the only sound the rain forest allowed – silence.

Moments before I had been stretched out on my usual spot across the motorhome’s dash.  The engine purred as Judy, my companion who attended to my every need, drove. “It’s time to say goodbye to the Rain Forest, Sportster. We’re heading home.” Like the motor I, too, purred as the lush green landscape sped by. If cats were of the inclination to make lists, the campground we had left would have made number one for me. During our stay I had prowled beneath the ferns on pine-needled carpet, which felt as soft as a cat’s paw. Strange scents had stimulated my active imagination, and I dreamed of roaming as my ancestors had. Wasn’t that how I was born to live? I’ll admit, my home on wheels had a deep luxurious rug and my own tiger-striped, cushy bed, but the wild is what I had always yearned for as we drove away, only moments before, on to our next destination.

 I continued to crouch where I landed and gathered my senses.  Peering through the trees, I watched the vehicles’ wheels spin in the air .and vapor hiss from the hood. An occasional ping mixed with the quiet. Judy was nowhere in sight.

 

 

 

How many hours passed before I stood on all four shaky legs? In my lifetime I have not been inclined to track time. My eyes, large and round, scanned the area, my tail twitched, and I squeaked out a small meow, but hoped the forest muffled my cry as it had my warrior’s shout... This was no time to play the kitten’s role.

 Nothing had changed in the forest. The ferns draped as they had yesterday and the trees remained warm, wrapped in their cloaks of moss.  I examined every hovering shadow under each frond and every blade of grass glistening with sunlight.  Nothing had changed, and yet, I sensed nothing would ever be the same. Wary of the deceiving quiet, I dared a step, then another, my plan - to seek reassurance from Judy.

Sirens, faint in the distance, gave me pause. I moved deeper into the forest as they grew louder, until their shrieks pulsed in my ears. Outside, on the road, flashing lights pierced into the pines and glared upon the maple leaves, discoloring their golden colors. Slamming doors and strangers’ shouts sent me shrinking into a fallen log’s dark recess.

I waited. The noise abated. The sirens squealed again, then drifted down the highway. Once more, the rain forest became quiet except for the occasional swish of a vehicle on the road. I waited to be sure. The sun moved across the sky and passed up my naptime. Still I waited. Invisible under the log, I studied the birds who still chirped their warnings as the sirens faded away   I began to absorb the scents and sounds of my surroundings, examining and evaluating.  Invisible under the log.  A large Elk tip-toed by so close I tucked my tail under my trembling body, his odor so strong, my eyes watered.

Shadows crept across the forest floor, stopping the invasion of sunlight into the thick foliage. The maples turned grey and the green pines melted to black. Darkness overcame the forest bringing with it an increasing stillness.  The moths and insects I had enjoyed chasing yesterday at the campsite now flitted and danced in the fading light, taunting me, as if they knew I did not belong.

The shelter of darkness instilled in me a fragment of courage, enough for me to venture out from hiding. With each cautious step I paused, always listening, always sniffing, aware for the first time in my eight years that my eyesight was sharpest at night.  I peered out from the forest’s edge.

There in the grass lay Judy’s sweatshirt. The one I loved to curl up on when she left it on her bed. She would find me there, push her face into my fur, and make sputtering noises that tickled my tummy. Of course I jumped up and walked away so she would not grow accustomed to my bewitching charm.  The memory caused my heart to flutter, and I scanned the expanse between the forest and the road. I whimpered.  What had become of Judy?  I expanded my search mission, my courage diminishing with each step. Desperation pushed me into the clearing. My overturned water and food dishes rested on a clump of grass, kibble sprinkled the area. My stomach growled, reminding me of its presence, and I realized I was ravenous with hunger. I crunched down a few kernels as I investigated the scene. My bothersome rhinestone collar hung on a nearby bush. Like glitter on a Christmas tree, the garnets caught the moonlight and the gold ID tag glowed. The scents of strangers rose from the motorhome’s deep gashes in the damp earth.  And Judy’s! I circled the area again, but the trail went nowhere. I circled one last time. Perhaps I had been careless. I reexamined pieces of the motorhome scattered here and there, glass from the headlight, a towel and a map - scraps from our life.

When the moon moved to the top of the sky, I collapsed on Judy’s soft sweatshirt and waited. My eyes drooped, but I struggled remaining vigilant until daylight threatened to reveal my position. I then I made one more sweep and slipped back into the woods.   I would wait.

                                                        ***********

 

 

While you are waiting for my book,

                              Don't Forget.

                                                                

                                               MASADA'S MARINE ON AMAZON

 

EVERY HOUR A VETERAN COMMITS SUICIDE.

 

 

  

Teddy Roosevelt, the Olympic Rain Forest and Living In The Wild

  A tragic event occurred on August 12.   I lost contact with my peeps while I attended   the FMCA RV rally in Redmond, Oregon. It happened when the battery in Judy’s computer died and had to be airlifted to Toshiba’s tech hospital somewhere in cyber land for resuscitation. The damage was extensive and we were forced to survive with only the tiny keyboard on our cell phone, too small for my furry paws.

Limited to Facebook the last six weeks of our Washington-Oregon coast adventure, I was forced to keep my comments terse. I advised Judy NEVER to purchase a computer with an irreplaceable battery EVER again.

 

I longed to share with you all my memorable adventures.

Oops! Sorry, that was from the motor home's Kitty Kam while  Judy was out walking the beach.

 

  I stayed home dreaming about Kira, remember her? I told you.. She lives at the Portland Wild Animal Park, in Portland, Oregon. All I do is  dream of  someday  joining her in the wild.

When we stayed in the  Hoh Olympic Rain Forest, I  knew I could make a home for me and Kira, prowling under the fern fronds and chasing the butterflies and leaping up at dragon flies.  the two of us would stretch out amongst the tall grasses, fish in the river, and sleep the afternoon away.

 

 

 

Judy reminded me  the wild is not all it is hyped up to be. She spread out in front of me these pictures  from The Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, Washington to bring home her point. She emphasized   she was able to shoot these candid pictures because it was a drive-thru safari experience.

 

But still, I dreamed of days when I could  be free to wander the land.

 Judy continued her adventures while I chose a spot to nap that demonstrated how confined I was feeling, not living in the wild. 

Again, the Kitty Kam caught the pose while Judy spent the day in a copper sculpting class at Massey Copper in Port Townsend, Washington.

 

 

She returned home and proudly  showed me her creation. Still too confining to sleep in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I won’t give up. I will keep up with my yoga moves, I must stay in shape for Kira …and The Wild. 

 

 

And I will remember Judy’s wise words, “It is far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much, nor suffer much, because they live in a twilight that knows not victory or defeat.”….or maybe it was Teddy Roosevelt’s words.

 

And please remember our veterans  and their families  who have followed Teddy Roosevelt's  philosophy....and mine.

Every hour a veteran commits suicide.

Please carry the message.

MASADA'S MARINE,  The Story Of A Service Dog And Her Wounded Marine Warrior

Masada's Marine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Walk On The Wild Side

We all have our idols, the ones we look up to, the ones we strive to follow in their path.

For me it is Kira, who lives at The Walk On The Wild Side  at the Portland animal refuge. When Judy showed me her picture I fell in love like an old man lusting after a young model strutting down the cat walk. No matter I am nine years old and getting long in the tooth. No matter  Kira has the advantage of youth, strength, killer energy and wildness.  I am sure I could show her the ways of domestication.

Judy warned me that Kira  is a free spirit from another world  and her ways are not ours, that she dreams of dangerous and exotic pastures.

 I argued if Kira could not adapt to my culture I would pledge to learn hers. I hung my head in instant regret  as soon as the words left my mouth. How could I leave Judy? She reacted to my thoughts of betrayal and I read her stunned, hurt features. Quickly I  slid up next to her for her reassurance as well as mine. How could I leave her for Kira?

But my love is strong, though I said no more. I reviewed my last few days on the road. I am not an amateur of the jungle. I have roamed in the Olympic Rain Forest and survived.

I hunted in the tall grasses and prowled under large fat ferns. I challenged  birds that screamed their warnings. In my heart I  was a big cat...until I had to go to the bathroom. I don't use the outside, public toilet, I like my own, but I am sure Kira could adjust to inside plumbing.

I have been everywhere. I would take Kira  to places she's never been. I'd  show her how to  leap higher than she's ever dreamed.

We'll swim the deepest rivers. catch the biggest fish.

And watch the waves wash upon the beach. Oh Kira, I love you. Oh, Kira, I need you.

Oh Kira, I will find the way back to you. Please wait for me.

 

Every Hour a Veteran commits suicide.

 

Don't forget to recommend MASADA'S MARINE,  The Story Of A Service Dog and Her Wounded Marine Warrior.

 

Retirement and Ten Thousand Buddhas

Let me start off by saying that May 23^rd I officially retired from dealing with dogs. Don’t get me wrong. I like dogs. At our grooming shop, I grew up with all sizes and shapes. The stocky pugs that were usually as round as they were tall made grunting sounds when they received a nail trim. The huge Great Pyrenees dogs who came to our grooming shop for their summer shave, I loved to roll in their hair as it fell to the floor. And, the happy little Shihtzus I kept on my play list. Oh, they were the best. We would roll around like wrestlers until I tired of the game,  then leap to my ‘just out of reach spots’ to observe the dogs’ silly antics of begging me back within pawing distance.

 I always enjoyed a slow march past the dogs’ cages with my tail pointing skyward as if they were non-existent. My soft paws noiseless in the quiet shop, I heard only the low conversations of the groomers cooing to their clients as they brushed and styled, the clicking of scissors and hum of the clippers.  Always at the same place as I meandered past the sleeping dogs, relaxed and dozing from their warm bath,  that they would sense my presence and the shop erupted into a nerve jerking,  cage rattling, roar of dog voices all scrambling futilely to engage in  an impossible chase. Over the din, no one heard me chuckle as my steady gait carried me down the hall and I disappeared into the break room.

Today dogs have no place in my home, in my life or with Judy. At the Canine Beauty Salon  they were my work-sisters and work-brothers. You know, like some of you have a work-wife or a work-husband?  NowI am traveling with four dogs….FOUR DOGS!

I hadn’t seen Tika since our trip to Florida and I’ll have to admit she has changed and I have been able to teach her where her place is in my life…away.

But Rocky, Kona, and Dahlia. Well they are a pack and, I’ll have to admit, they make me very nervous. We all know in the animal world, strength is in  numbers and I am out numbered. I’ve overheard Kona and Dahlia talking about the rabbits that met their demise under Kona’s swift paw and sharp teeth. I want no part of that gang  behavior.

But life here in Ukiah is quiet these past two days, the dogs their owners, Julie and Vicki, pulled out yesterday morning. Judy and I will catch up when the part for our refrigerator arrives Monday and gets installed.  But until then, I take  leisurely walks with Judy as she sips her coffee and  describes her delicious  vegan lunch at  The  Sagely City Of Ten Thousand Buddhas.



 If I had visited  the peaceful grounds,  I would have been convinced to become  a Buddha. I have the meditation down.

 Oops! That my yoga position, "Upward Cat."


 I would have loved to meet this Peacock that roamed the grounds. Wow!

 
 

But I stayed home enjoying the new addition to our motorhome décor. This is a Rte. 66 Memory box from Judy's artist friend in Mendocino.  Thank you, Suzi Marquess Long. It looks so nice on our coffee table.

 

Down time is always great. Enjoy the Ukiah sunset.

Soon we will truly be on the coast.

Don't forget to read,MASADA'S MARINE, The Story Of A Service Dog And Her Wounded Marine Warrior

Every hour a veteran commits suicide because of PTSD.

Sporster, Barbie, and the Cat Gods

The days are hot, long, and getting hotter. Like my jungle ancestors, I spend the  cool mornings catching up on  chores,  reminding Judy  my food  dish is  half full and  my bowl of water is hours old. In a seminar I give to anyone who will listen (Cat Care For Dummies), I’ve trained her to multi task by dribbling the kitchen faucet water while she prepares her morning coffee. I study the rivulets wiggling down the drain, as she counts, “One. Two……” If I don’t embellish in the fresh stream by the count of “Three,” she turns off the water video. I’ve learned to lap on the count of “Two.”

Food preparation and packing are the priorities these days, but I sense a tenseness in the air and it is not anticipation of our upcoming three month journey. I eavesdropped as Judy prattled on and on with her sister and her best friend as she described her nervous energy. It is what all humans whom I’ve ever confronted seem to be plagued with - trying to predict the future.

Doesn’t she know that everything happens for a reason? I know she does. I’ve heard her say it.  I want to tell her about the time I lived on the streets. Back then I was young and I hung out with Barbie, a beautiful sleek, sweet feline who prowled the neighborhood next to mine. I wanted her for my own. I envisioned us merging our territorial rights and becoming a pride to be reckoned with. We would wake the people with our wild, passionate love making and I prayed to the Cat God for him to make Barbie mine.  I promised I would never ask for anything again, if, just this once, he would grant my wish.

The Cat God never granted that wish that I wished way back then. Barbie found other interests when I was swept up by a rescuer of lost souls and taken to Judy.  Although Barbie is not in my life anymore and we never accomplished our goals to rule the neighborhood, I guess the Cat God knew what he was doing after all.

I've partied in Key West with my friend Charlie.

 

I've celebrated Thanksgiving with the Cats of New Orleans.

 

 

 
I've listened to the Aspens sing in the canyons in Utah.

 

In El Paso, Texas, I  searched for Marty Robbin's, Rosa's Cantina.

I saw Barbie the other day. She crept up to the door and called out to me. I chirped and twitched my tail in greeting when I realized it was her.  We tried to talk about old times but she could see that I had changed, and she had too. Her fur matted fur along her back smelled and her eyes sunk in her sockets. She looked like she had lived eight lives. I turned away from the screen door and gazed up at Judy as she laid back in her recliner lost in the latest rerun of, Wanted Dead or Alive. This is where I belong.  I try not to question life’s events, because I believe the Cat God knew what he was doing when  so long ago and he has his plan now. My life is the envy of cats and humans alike.

And I've been lulled  asleep  by sunsets in....

Winter Island, Massachusetts....

 

in the Florida Keys

 

and my favorite, Galveston, Oh Galveston I still hear your sea winds blowin'
 

 

 

 

So Judy, if you read this, have faith. Everything that has come before this moment is a preparation for what lies in the future. Trust and Faith in the Cat God’s plan comes naturally to me as I lick my paws and ponder my gratitude list.  Stick with me, I will help you.

 

9 Signs Sportster has a Soulmate

9 Signs You've Found Your Soul mate (If You Believe In That Sort Of Thing)

I have spent hours primping in front of the television set and  everyone is concerned with meeting their soul mate. Judy says she and I are soul mates.  I rolled my eyes. Who believes in such things? Not me. She tried to explain that your soul mate is someone whom you connect with on the deepest level and yet allows you to still be you in the relationship. I am looking down at my gorgeous soft fur and trim body …well, I am still me. does she have a point?

She showed me a list of nine signs.

1.      You communicate without speaking.

Well she had me on that one. I give her what I call my “steady stare.”

 

 In response, she locks eyes and tries to make it a game, but  always caves and asks, “What do you want?” But she knows, I don't have to tell her,  because she scratches my chin and rubs my belly. So that’s one point  for her side of the argument.  If she is my soul mate, she certainly knows   how to respond to your emotional signals.

2.      You know in your gut that you have found “The One.”

I have to give her this one, too. I came from the streets. I was too small to forage for food and had been living on grasshoppers and crickets when a young man rescued me and took me to meet Judy. I will never forget that day as my tummy swelled with crunchy kibble that warmed me all over. I did feel it in my gut. Judy became very special to me that day.

3.      The physical chemistry is palpable.

Judy explained that experts in relationships claim you feel ‘an electricity’ when your soul mate enters a room or touches you even after living together for years. I guess I have to cede on that point as well. When I am home alone the sound of the garage door rising sends a thrill through me. I trot to the door and can hardly contain myself until she picks me up and rubs my ears and kisses my nose.

 

4.      You’ve been totally comfortable around each other since the first time you met.

It is true I opened up to Judy from day one. I revealed my inner needs, what I liked and what I didn’t,   and she was there for me.

5.      But the relationship is not all about rainbows and catnip. Your soul mate challenges you like no one else can.

Boy does she!! How many times!! Every time!! I let her know that I hate my bath. I cry and once I even bit her. She pushes my buttons and aggravates me.

 Secretly I agree the entire experience is good for my body and soul. After my bath I evolve into a happier, better smelling cat and I’ve learned that sometimes in life we have to endure pleasantries to reach a higher level of consciousness.

6.     You may not see eye-to-eye on every little thing, but you're on the same page where it really matters.

Right on. I may not agree about the baths, or that I have to finish all the food in my dish before I get more, but we both love to travel and I enjoy sharing my bed with her and sharing  the hours with her in front of the computer.

7.      The relationship bring both partners inner calm.

I know this is true for Judy. She has told me she only has to watch me sleep and she says she “catches” my inner calm. I know I can sleep for hours when she is home with me.

8.      You and your partner have separate identities but you face the world as one.

"Soul mates recognize that they are two parts of the same whole, and no outside influence or external matter can break that bond," Judy explained. I questioned her on this one. I pointed out the times that her friends bring their dogs into our peaceful inner sanctum. “What about then?” I asked.

“They always go home, don’t they?”  I surrendered that point, too.

9.    You may have known each other for years, but you suddenly find yourselves ready for love at the same time.

Finally! She’s wrong.  We have loved each other from the beginning.

Check out Judy's latest book, MASADA'S MARINE on Amazon.

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