There is a New Star Shining…

I have heard from several readers recently who are grieving the loss of their beloved pets. The following There is a New Star Shining in the Sky Tonight was written by Sarah Hartwell. She has released this essay into the public domain so that it may be freely distributed.

“There is an old belief that the stars shining in the night sky are the spirits of those who have died. They have shed their earthly bodies and exchanged them for bodies made of light; thousands upon thousands of our dear departed friends all promoted to glory in the night sky. There is another saying that the brightest flame burns the shortest.

My friend, you were the brightest star in my own universe. While I burn on, my flame dimmed by grief and despair at your passing, the stars are watching me. They are too far away for me to touch, just as you have gone somewhere I cannot follow until my own star-time comes. They cannot be held close for comfort, just as I can no longer hold you close, though I held you close to comfort you in your final hours. We were together for such a short time, but the stars will burn forever.

One day I will grow tired of this earthbound body, my own star-time will come and my spirit will soar into the sky to burn with all those friends who have gone before me. On the inky cloth of space we will be reunited in constellations of joy. Until then, my flame burns low and dim and cold without you. Through my tears I look upwards to see if you are watching me and what do I see?

There is a new star shining in the sky tonight.”

May you find peace and hope.

Bountiful Blessings!

The Butterfly Blessing

As I was enjoying breakfast in my sunroom recently, Lexie Lee and I were entertained by butterflies. I was reminded of a passage from my Tatianna book, Chapter Thirteen—Tatianna’s Triumphal Battle: “God beautifies the season, creates fluttering butterflies, paints magnificent sunsets, flings stars into the universe and never ceases to provide strength and hope in the midst of life and death.”

A bright orange flower garden towers above a six-foot fence, filling in a large area around the kidney-shaped pool. Two black butterflies (species unknown to me) flew in perfect formation as though they were performing at an air show. This fascinating ritual went on for several minutes. Then they separated and flew off in different directions, but soon they were back flying in tandem over the pool. Then a single yellow butterfly (species also unknown) arrived on the scene to feast on a breakfast of nectar. Lexie Lee followed every graceful movement of the butterflies with intense focus while perched on the window sill.

I later Googled butterflies and learned several interesting tidbits—long forgotten from science class!  Butterflies fly when it is warm and sunny. At night they hang from the underside of a leaf or crawl in between a crevice. They have two different kinds of eyes. They see images and color with compound eyes and they sense light and shadows with simple eyes. They drink sugary nectar from flowers with their tongues, which act like a straw. There are 28,000 species of butterflies in the world, with 725 of these being in the United States. No wonder I don’t know my butterflies’ names!

What a beautiful and peaceful way for Lexie Lee and me to begin our day together!

Do you have a butterfly garden?

Bountiful Blessings!

Tatianna’s Team Accomplishments

As we reach the mid-year juncture, I want to thank friends and family who have joined Tatianna’s Team to help promote the Tatianna book. The Chatty Cats, Meowleaders, and Feisty Felines have been busy as you will see below. 

Valerie, Christine, and Sacha for emailing my book announcement to their network of friends

Rita, Vicki, and Richard ­for posting a 5 star review on Amazon.com

Kathy, Nancy Lee, Steve, Joan, DeeDee, Mary Ann, Deb, Sacha, Nikki, Barbara, and Davee for sharing a 5 Paw reader feedback

Marisa for doing a book review on her Web site

Carol for scheduling a book club appearance and providing multiple copies to members

Donna, Jason, and Karen for arranging guest speaking opportunities

Joe, Mike, and Rita for writing feature articles for newspapers and journals

Suzi for posting an article on Internet

Mary Ann and Christine for contacting a radio producer

Rick for having me on a radio show as well as producing commercials

Eloise for informing her local library

Mila for sharing book with pet stores

Vicki for recommending the book in her blogroll

Drew for linking to my Web site and for sponsoring me for Cat Writers’ Association

Larry and Brenda for providing locations for hometown book signing

Marty for sharing book with multiple friends

Steve for selling and delivering books

Joseph for purchasing a large bulk order for client gifts

Nikki for keeping the book Web site updated

Joe, Joan, DeeDee, Ed, Dennis, Nancy Lee, Carrie, Davee, Sacha, Carol, Anna, Cheryl, Stan, Lisa, Eloise, Larry, Joan, Molly, Jo Ann, Patricia, Edward, Gene, and Rhonda for purchasing multiple copies

Mother for contacting hometown friends and handling book orders

And a multitude of people who have purchased single copies

Each of you has helped to make a difference in the lives of people and pets. I am deeply grateful for all your help and support.

Bountiful Blessings!

Writing in My Home Sanctuary

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!