Linda Mohr’s Blog

In Victoria magazine, the author, Alexander Stoddard, says this about her writing space: “We create our surroundings, and they have a way of shaping us. The light, energy, colors, textures, sounds, fresh air, privacy, order, and beauty make me comfortable and happy.”  When I’m not at my favorite restaurant with sketchbook in hand, you will find me in one of three spots in my home. Each location is beautiful and inspirational in a different way yet each embodies the same features that I desire. Light, breezes, and nature draw me like magnets to these areas. Lexie Lee follows me wherever I go!

My third story office is awash with bright southern sunlight. Cool breezes are refreshing. My neighbors’ trees are in my site as I sit at the desk facing out. Lexie Lee lounges on the window sill right in back of the desk or sometimes rests in the hall—but always looking in my direction. Fresh cut flowers in a crystal vase adorn the corner of the desk. I word process my writing from sketchbooks and fancy paper in this tranquil setting.

The sunroom on the middle level of the house overlooks the arbor, pool, and patio. I have written about this enchanting room on April 26—My Blessed Backyard Creatures. I especially like this location for writing in the morning or in the late evening. The morning is active with animals running around outside and with Lexie Lee nearby. The eastern sunlight dances off the swimming pool and the tropical landscape reflecting off the pool would make a breathtaking Impressionistic painting. At night, the room takes on a different charm— one of peacefulness and white light. Occasionally, I hear the wind gently speak to the wind chimes.

When I want to be in the middle of nature with palm fronds brushing me lightly, I head to the arbor with my sketchbook and turquoise pen. The three-sided lattice covered room is anchored by areca palm trees. When I sit in this room in my retro 1950s metal lawn chair, I feel like I am in a secret hideaway of yesteryear. Lexie Lee rests on the sunroom window sill on the inside, and I can see her from the outside.

I understand Alexander Stoddard’s perspective.  All three spots shared with Lexie Lee make me happy and influence my writing. I am blessed to be surrounded by such beauty.

Bountiful Blessings!

“Where do you like to write?”a friend asks.

“I like to write in Greece,” I said.

She looked at me perplexed. “I didn’t know you had ever been to Greece.”

“Yes, I was there last Wednesday!” I joked.

Two of my favorite spots to write are restaurants and my home. Today, I am sitting in a little French café, Paris-In-Town. This charming place transports me to France, and for a couple of hours I am thousands of miles from my South Florida home. I am enjoying tuna nicoise salad and coconut macaroons while crafting this weekend’s blog. The staff is friendly and attentive, and magazine and newspapers (some French) are an arm’s length away for reading and relaxing. I observe the unhurried patrons. A French lady at the table next to me just returned for her third cup of coffee and will probably have a fourth after a bit. She is engaged in a spirited conversation with two of her girlfriends.

When not at this restaurant, you will find me at Italian or Greek restaurants, or beach front restaurants overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes, I am in the mood for a neighborhood diner where I sit at the counter.  Remarkably, all of these choices are within minutes of my home.

Regardless of my destination, I always travel with my favorite writing paraphernalia. That includes a variety of colorful gel pens in purple, pink, green, and turquoise selections. Sometimes, I use glitter pens. Today’s blog is handwritten on decorative paper with purple swirling flowers forming a border on a white background. Other days I write in a sketch book. When I write in restaurants, I do not use my computer.  I simply have more fun using colorful writing instruments and paper with a punch.

Next Week—Writing at Home

Bountiful Blessings!

Cats and fish—an unlikely combination unless it’s catfish! Lately I am drawn to tropical fish. Earlier this month I wrote an article about animal therapy in eldercare facilities and how aquariums are a way for residents to have a positive connection to nature. That brought back fond memories of my maternal grandmother and her love of big gold fish. She always had a round bowl filled with several large fish. When I visited, I helped clean the bowl, replenish it with fresh water, and fed the fish. The fish bowl set on a table near her beloved parakeet. But the parakeet was caged, so there weren’t any issues between the two. I also had fish as a child—little ones purchased from the Woolworth’s store in Keokuk, Iowa. I always liked black fish and was fascinated in watching the store clerk catch the fish in a net as I pointed out the ones I wanted.  Most of my fish had short lives, but I had fun having them around.

I got an aquarium when I was in graduate school after mentioning to my boyfriend that I liked fish.  I returned to my dorm room one afternoon and found a fully equipped and functioning aquarium! He had bribed the resident assistant to let him set up the aquarium. I later moved the aquarium to an apartment near Iowa State University where I had my first job.  During spring break, someone cared for the fish. When I returned, all the fish were floating on the top of the water. That ended having fish on exhibition. I gave the setup to my mother.  She maintained the aquarium for several years—until it became more of a chore than enjoyment.

After my mother read the eldercare article, she mentioned Wal-Mart sold fish. So when there, we admired all the beautiful fish and picked out our favorites. That same day when we had lunch in Quincy, Illinois, there was a large square aquarium next to our table. In another restaurant, I noticed an aquarium, but with only one fish! When I returned to Florida, I found myself looking at fish again at Wal-Mart when buying cat food. Today when I ran errands, I noticed a freshwater fish store that I pass daily, but only really noticed today! When I stopped by a pet store to play with the kitties up for adoption, guess what were a few feet from all the cages? Fish of course!! I guess you could say signs are everywhere. Funny how that works—much like buying a new car and everywhere you go, you see one like yours!

Well, I have not bought any fish yet. I am not sure how Lexie Lee will react or whether they will be her early morning breakfast someday.

Has anyone successfully had an open container of fish in the same household with a cat?

Bountiful Blessings!

I just returned from ten days on the family farm in Missouri. I look forward to these blessed visits with great anticipation—sitting at the kitchen table, enjoying breakfast and conversation with my mother, and playing with the family dog, Packer—what more can I ask for?  My well is filled, my pump is primed, and my soul is fed for months to come!

Our farm is located three miles from Kahoka. The town has a population of two thousand people, one four-way stop, and no stoplights! Shopping is limited to a Dollar General (that my brother manages), two grocery stores, and two convenience stores. A half hour drive takes you to Keokuk, Iowa, and a super Wal-Mart.  But I don’t go home for the shopping!

I look forward to our family traditions. The first evening mother prepares supper. The menu consists of comfort food like tuna-noodle casserole, lima beans, candied sweet potatoes, and hot rolls with homemade strawberry jam.  A seasonable rhubarb cobbler tops off the meal. We stay up late every evening visiting and reading. Stacks of magazines are everywhere, and I read everything I can get my hands on! I awaken to country breezes and sounds of chirping birds and calling bobwhites. I go for long walks on the country roads. Through nature and the wide open spaces, I connect to my loved ones who lived here including paternal and maternal grandparents as well as my father.

I travel to Missouri four times a year, and the June visit centers around gardening. Jan Karon, in Home to Holly Springs, says “beauty is important in this fragile life.”  Although my 89-year old mother is limited in outside work, she can tend small flower beds and potted plants. So the front of her home is ablaze with colorful plants by the time I leave. Part of our tradition is going to several nurseries and buying purple wave petunias, orange marigolds, pink geraniums,  Persian shield, assorted coleus plants, and knock-out roses, to name a few. My mother never saw a plant she didn’t like, and I am the same way!

June is also strawberry time, and we purchase a dozen quarts of the sweetest strawberries from a childhood classmate—freshly picked. We try two new strawberry shortcake recipes and make freezer jam. The last morning of my visit mother makes fresh blueberry pancakes for brunch.

Pulling out of the driveway and waving good-bye to my mother and Packer always brings tears to my eyes. I am deeply grateful for our special time together. I return to my Florida home renewed and rejuvenated–ready to write stories and to market Tatianna–Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend.

What is your fondest family visit?

Bountiful Blessings!

I found one of Lexie Lee’s whiskers on the floor recently. I sat and studied the fascinating whisker. Then a couple of days later, I saw Lexie Lee approach a long narrow box that a shipment had come in. The box had a six-inch square opening on each end of the five-foot box. I left the box on the floor speculating it would make a great play tunnel for Lexie Lee.  But she has determined she will not fit into the box—thanks to her whiskers. She stuck her head inside the opening, stayed there a few seconds and then pulled out.

A cat’s whiskers are long thickened hairs that grow on the whisker pad, the puffy area between the top corners of the mouth and outer edges of the nose. Generally, eight to twelve whiskers protrude from each side. I tried to count Lexie Lee’s whiskers. I think she has nine, but they are a little tricky to count!  Cats shed whiskers, but not all at the same time. The whiskers grow back in two to three months. The whiskers are sensors on the head, surrounded by nerve endings that transmit information about the environment back to the cat. Therefore, whiskers should never be cut off or trimmed nor should they be pulled on due to their sensitivity. Whiskers serve several purposes for the cat’s benefit and safety. Cats depend on whiskers for a measuring device, for navigating around especially at night, and for showing their mood.

Just as a dollar bill can be used to measure six inches, whiskers help a cat determine space on either side. Whiskers extend about the width of the cat’s shoulders. If the whiskers touch the edges of the opening—like the edges of the box that Lexie Lee was investigating, she will retreat knowing she will likely get stuck.  Lexie Lee has not attempted to go back into the box. Otherwise, if the head and shoulders fit in the opening, the body will be able to follow.

Whiskers guide the cat in the dark, so they don’t run into objects or knock things over.  Because the whiskers sense changes in air currents, the cat knows a piece of furniture is nearby and turns away.  Some experts suggest that whiskers warn cats about a storm due to air changes.

Whiskers are also clues to moods since the cat will alter the position of the whiskers depending on what is happening. For example, if the cat is happy and content, the whiskers are more relaxed and pushed forward. When the cat is eating, the whiskers are held close to keep them out of the food. When walking, the cat moves the whiskers as far out as they will go. But if frightened, the cat flattens the whiskers back against the face to keep them out of danger.

How many whiskers does your cat have?

Bountiful Blessings!

The Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) is an organization of professionals writing, publishing, and broadcasting about cats. Members include writers, editors, publishers, artists, public relations specialists, and broadcasters.

I am thrilled to report that CWA approved my membership application this week. I look forward to being a part of a group whose goals include:

·         Be a major influence for the good of cats by providing accurate news, information, and education on all aspects of cats

·         Encourage cat writing in general newspapers and magazines

·         Improve the quality of writing about cats

·         Recognize outstanding communication about cats

·         Offer members networking opportunities with their peers

·         Provide education on being published

To be considered for professional membership, samples of your work for which you are paid such as books, magazine articles, or ezine articles are required along with a CWA sponsor. My application package included Tatianna—Tales and teaching of My Feline Friend. I thank Drew Strouble, Tatianna’s cover artist for sponsoring me.

What is a topic you would like to see me write about?

Bountiful Blessings!

My summer reading has started, and I found this beautiful poem from an anonymous writer in the book, The Older Cat by Dan Poynter. I hope you enjoy it.

The Cat’s Prayer

Although I am too proud to beg, and may appear to be a very independent creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my well being much more than you may realize.

This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you nor will I demand more of you than you care to give.

I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon; a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears.

Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily.

You know dear friend, how I love to go. Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.

If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend me gently, and see that loving and competent hands treat me.

Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am neither always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts.

In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become too great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing.

Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

Bountiful Blessings!

My Tatianna book has been blessed with another honor last week– National Indie Excellence 2008 Book Awards.

Category: Animals/Pets

Award:  Finalist

Award winners will be announced at the Book Expo America held in Los Angeles in June where Tatianna will receive national media and industry exposure.  Indie Excellence will distribute press releases to approximately 700 editors and producers.  The Indie awards are presented in more than 60 categories of books and specifically recognize independent publishers, print on demand, and self-published books. Beautiful black and gold stickers for my book have already arrived on my doorstep!

A listing of all award winners can be found at http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-results.htm

I am deeply grateful for the variety of category recognitions that Tatianna has received this winter and spring—including spiritual, memoir/autobiography, most recently animals/pets.

Bountiful Blessings!

I received great news this week that my Tatianna book received an award in the 2008 Beach Book Festival, honoring the hottest reads of the summer season.

Category:  Spiritual

Award:  Honorable Mention

When I think of summer, I look forward to vacation, lots of free time, and a flexible schedule. Final exam week at the Northwood University starts soon. Once I finish grading a few hundred projects and tests, my summer begins! How do I plan to spend that precious time?  Topping my list is to delve into my summer reading list—which I add to all year long! I average reading 52 books a year and much of that reading is done in the summer.  Here are three books I plan to read in May.

·         Jan Karon– Home to Holly Springs.  I have long been a fan of her famous Mitford series and collect her hardback copies. I just love Father Tim and Cynthia, and I must not forget Violet the cat. In fact, the cat book, Violet Comes to Stay is on my office desk, offering me inspiration. A few people have suggested I write a children’s Tatianna book. Interesting thought!!  So I am looking forward to the start of Karon’s new series.

·         Kim Edwards–The Memory’s Keeper’s Daughter. This book was the Palm Beach County Library System’s spring book selection that our citizens were reading and discussing. I missed reading it, but did thoroughly enjoy the television movie.

·         Eckhart Tolle– Stillness Speaks. I recently read A New Earth and participated in Oprah’s revolutionary 10-week online course— fabulous and life-changing for me.

So grab those beach bags filled with your favorite reading material (which I hope includes Tatianna!!) and head off to your summer cottage, lake house, or sacred back yard.

What is on your summer reading list?

Bountiful Blessings!

Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death in older cats. I was encouraged by a recent article entitled “2008—Year of the Cat” in Healthy Pet, a publication mailed by my veterinarian. Three major organizations including Morris Animal Foundation, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners have partnered “to promote the need for more feline research and to educate cat owners on how they can maximize health in their feline companions.” They have designated 2008 as the Year of the Cat. Presently, cats in American households outnumber dogs, 82 million to 72 million.

The challenge with kidney disease is symptoms may not become apparent until more than two-thirds of kidney function has been lost. Tatianna battled kidney failure for almost three years and Katarina lived with it for over a year before passing on.  A kidney disease study sponsored by these organizations is exploring how to develop an inexpensive test that would indicate first signs of the disease and that can be performed during a routine urinalysis. Kay Rutherfurd-Markwick, DVM, PhD, from Massey University in New Zealand is the lead researcher.

Early detection is critical. Experts advise that even cats without outward symptoms should be checked with a blood test for signs of chronic renal failure during their regular yearly exams once they have reached the age of seven. This is how I discovered Katarina had developed the disease at age sixteen. She did not have any outward symptoms.

If your cat exhibits any of these outward symptoms, expedient veterinary care is paramount:  increased water consumption, frequent urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and declining vision. Tatianna was twelve when she had loss of appetite, lethargy, and increased water consumption. A blood test confirmed kidney failure.

If you have had a cat with kidney failure, I encourage you to write me about the experience.

Bountiful Blessings!