2009 Holiday Reading Challenge

I came across an interesting reading challenge for holiday books this week on Nely’s blog.  So I decided to participate. I have a collection of Christmas books acquired from thrift stores and garage sales over the years. This will be fun!

Nely’s Challenge Requirements are as follows:

1. Challenge will start Friday, November 20 and will end Thursday, December 31.

2. You can read anywhere from 1 to 5 books for the challenge and, of course, if you’re like me, you are more than welcome to surpass that number.

3. And now, here’s the clincher…they must be holiday related books. That’s right, the holiday doesn’t really matter, but it would be more “jolly” if your choices were Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

4. The size of the book does not matter, nor does the genre. It is also okay for the book to overlap with other challenges. The only thing I ask is that they are not children’s books. YA is okay. And so are re-reads. I for one tend to read the same books every Christmas – they are tradition.

5. To sign up – leave a link back to your challenge post. There will also be a post for review links as well as one for challenge wrap-ups.

6. And….there will be goodies. That’s right, we’ll call them presents. At the end of every week that the challenge is running I will choose one winner from the review links and I will allow them to pick a book of their choosing (of course, I will provide a list). Meaning the more books you read, review and link up, the more chances you have a winning a “present”. of course,  etc.

For information visit: http://bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/2009/11/2009-holiday-reading-challenge.html

To be continued:  Books I am reading from my Christmas collection (yes there is a cat christmas book!)

Bountiful Blessings!

Five Paws Up CWA Conference

I just returned from the terrific Cat Writers’ Conference held in White Plains, New York. The experience was pawsitively a five paws affair! For three days I was surrounded by writers and journalists who are the voices for cats. I reconnected with many friends made at last year’s conference. I also met several new people including Ingrid King, author of Buckley’s Story, Carol Frischmann, author of Pets and the Planet and Rosie Sorenson, author of They Had Me at Meow. I look forward to writing more about these talented authors and their messages in future blogs.

This year’s conference was held in conjunction with the Westchester Cat Show. Saturday afternoon I signed Tatianna books along with other cat authors at the CWA book booth. I also observed some of the judging and walked around and talked to competitors and admired all their awesome cats. I adored all of them, but particularly enjoyed seeing the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats.

My suitcase is filled with all kinds of kitty goodies from conference sponsors and a few items I just could not resist from the cat show! Last count I have eight new catnip mouse toys. I hope that will be plenty to get back in the good graces of Lexie Lee—who has been boarded during my trip!

Bountiful Blessings!

Cat Writers’ Conference

My bags and Tatianna books are packed, and I am headed to White Plains, New York to attend the 16th annual Cat Writers’ Association Conference. CWA is an organization of professionals who write, publish and broadcast about cats. Members include writers, editors, publishers, artists, public relations specialists and broadcasters. A couple of the organization’s objectives include “to be a major influence for the good of cats by providing news, information and education on all aspects of cats” and “to improve the quality of writing about cats”.

The conference agenda is chock-full of expert speakers, panel discussions, networking events, agent appointments and awards banquet. Some of the workshops include Animal Assisted Therapy, The Art of Interviewing, Getting Socially Connected, Pet Food Recalls, Essaying Your Opinion and Selling Content in the 21^st Century. The keynote speaker one evening is Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets Program. Another evening the felines don their sequins and rhinestones to attend the awards banquet to honor outstanding cat writers from the past year. A sparkling Swarovski crystal cat brooch will be the purr-fect good luck accent on my evening attire.

Last year I attended for the first time as a “kitten” and purred throughout the whole weekend. This year I return as a “cat” and am really looking forward to reconnecting with felines around the world. Without question, it is the right place for me to be with other authors and artists who adore cats as much as I do.

Bountiful Blessings!

Westchester Cat Show

I will be attending the Westchester Cat Show in White Plains, New York  in conjunction with the Cat Writers’ Association Conference. Over thirty cat authors are gathering to sign their books and visit with their readers at the show. I am thrilled to be attending with my book, Tatianna–Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend. A few of the authors include:

• Clea Simon
• Arden Moore
• Amy Shojai
• Ingrid King

I look forward to seeing all the beautiful cat breeds under one roof. Another treat is visiting with the merchandise vendors. Hopefully I will find the purr-fect cat pin or sweater to add to my collection. And of course, I will be looking for a new toy for Lexie Lee!

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by!

Bountiful Blessings!

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious illness caused by bartonella henselae. According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases, people with CSD are bitten or scratched by a cat or are exposed to cat saliva. The bacteria are carried in the cat’s saliva. You can get infected after a cat scratches you if the cat’s paws have the bacteria on them from licking. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then you rub your eyes.

The symptoms I experienced included fever and swollen lymph nodes on my neck. The puncture wounds and scratches on my arms were sore and slow to heal. Other symptoms can include bone or joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and poor appetite. In some cases, antibiotics are required to clear up the infection.

Cats do not show any signs of illness, so you cannot predict which cats can pass the disease on to you. However, kittens are more likely to be carriers. Cats do not require any treatment since they simply carry the disease. Experts think the cat may get the bacteria from fleas since bartonella henselae has been found in fleas. There is no evidence that a bite from an infected flea can give you CSD.

You can take a few precautions against cat scratch fever. Avoid teasing or provoking your cat. Wash and disinfect cat scratches and cuts immediately. Avoid letting the cat lick an open cut on you. Control fleas.

Have you ever had an experience with cat scratch fever?

Bountiful Blessings!

Cat Rescue

Lexie Lee and a friend of mine like to play a boxing game. They have entertained me many times with their antics. Lexie Lee throws a mean left paw hook. She typically keeps her claws in, and they play until bored. But earlier this week, I guess she lost interest in playing by the “cat rules”.  My friend ended up with a major scratch—this time from a right paw jab! That reminded me of the time I got cat scratch fever but not from having fun.

I was visiting my parents on the farm. My mother let out a scream from the mud room.  My father and I ran from other parts of the house. Tom (their orange house cat) had gotten outside while my mother was sweeping. He ran into the garage and out the back exit. Several dogs lounging in the garage suddenly had excitement added to their day.

By the time I reached the scene of pandemonium, both my parents were screaming and the dogs were out of control. Tom was cowered along the foundation of the house. The dogs were trying to attack him. I made my way through the pack, and I reached down for Tom. He was petrified. He had never been out of the house or around these animals. He struck out at me with his claws, but I knew the only way to save him was to grab him. There was no time to find gloves. I held on with him biting and scratching me all the way back to the house.

My arms and hands looked like I had been mauled by a tiger. I had been bitten in my veterinary and grooming business, but nothing ever like this. The deep wounds were bleeding and incredibly painful. I scrubbed and scrubbed hoping to avoid cat scratch fever.

The next day I flew back to Florida and a day later I had a fever.

Thursday—Cat Scratch Fever—what is it and how to treat it

Bountiful Blessings!

CATS USA 2010

“I love cats because I enjoy my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul.” –Jean Cocteau, 1889-1963, French poet, novelist, playwright, artist and filmmaker

CATS USA 2010, from the editors of Cat Fancy, is now available on newsstands. This annual publication is chock-full of 224 pages of cat stuff and a great idea for a stocking stuffer. The above quote along with an exquisite picture of a Persian cat is on page 224—suitable for framing.

 A few of the purr-fect articles include:

• Around the World with 21 Breeds (a creative article with beautiful photos and cats from the Cold Climate, the British Isles, Asian Distinction, and Out of Africa—can you guess your category breed?)
• Holistic Care for Senior Cats (this approach added almost 3 years to Tatianna’s life)
• Cat Communication (now I can never learn too much about what Lexie Lee really thinks of me!)
• Peaceful Coexistence (of interest to me since I want to peacefully add a second cat to my household!)
• Create a Cat-Friendly Garden (my backyard is a haven for stray cats and other neighborhood cats who just love to pass through and torment my indoor cat!)

All in all this is a fine publication to wile away a few hours with your favorite feline companion.

Bountiful Blessings!

Guard Kitty

Last week the service rep from my exterminating company shared a happy cat story. He knows I am a cat lover, and he adores cats as well. He was best buddies with Tatianna for many years and spent as much time petting her and talking to her as he did spraying for bugs! He always asks about Lexie Lee, but she sprints to the bedroom to hide under the bed when the doorbell rings.

Ken immediately announced, “We have a yard guard kitty.” A stray adult black and white cat had wandered into the company’s yard area where the trucks are kept. The cat had a long and deep gash in the neck area and a tattered ear. The cat was skinny and in bad shape. Over the past month the guys at the company have slowly nursed the cat back to health. The cat’s wound has healed, and its coat is shiny. As Ken put it, “Guard kitty now has a belly on him!” They discovered Guard Kitty is deaf, but the cat stays in the enclosed yard.

The guys have a ritual every morning of feeding the cat—Guard Kitty is waiting for them when they arrive to work. He brushes up against their legs asking for his food. I asked Ken what happens to the cat on the weekends. He said they leave extra food and water out and so far, that is working out—with a little left over on Monday mornings. I have a feeling Ken makes special trips there! The inside administrative staff has learned about the new resident cat. So now they are bringing Guard Kitty treats. What a difference a few caring souls can make for a homeless cat.

I just love happy endings!

Bountiful Blessings!

National Cat Day

Lexie Lee

Today is National Cat Day—founded by Colleen Paige. The primary goal of National Cat Day is to facilitate shelter cat adoptions. I plan to celebrate the day by giving special thanks for the cat in my life—Lexie Lee. She really adopted me when she appeared in my “safe” yard following a hurricane several years ago. She has brought inexpressible delight to my life, day in and day out.

I am grateful that my fur friend is vibrant and healthy. She loves to play games like hiding under tablecloths and jumping out to surprise me. She greets me when I return home and likes to rub noses. She burrows down in the comforter and snuggles close to me. She lounges on my chest and gazes into my eyes. My muse snoozes on my desk or crawls into my lap while I write Catnip Connection. Wherever I am, Lexie Lee is there, too.

Today she will get some extra hugs and kisses from me. Playtime will be extended, and there will be an extra pinch of catnip! For further information, visit http://www.nationalcatday.com/

Bountiful Blessings!

Black Cat Cookies

Black Cat Cookies

One of my hobbies is baking. So if you are looking for a last minute Halloween recipe, here is one you may enjoy.  This is also a perfect cookie recipe to make with children. They will have fun decorating the cat’s face with candy corn and red-hots.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 24 wooden craft sticks
• 48 pieces candy corn
• 24 red-hot candies

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
2. Insert a wooden stick into each cookie. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Pinch top of cookie to form ears. For whiskers, press a fork twice into each cookie or use a toothpick to make indentations. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from the oven; immediately press on candy corn for eyes and red-hots for noses. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Tips:  You can eliminate putting the cookies on sticks and serve flat. A tooth pick works well to make the whiskers. You can also use M&Ms for noses.

Bountiful Blessings!