My Writing Haunts

“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 + Fish = ?

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!

Home Sweet Home

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!

Miss Whiskers

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!