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L to R, cousin Eloise, Linda, Mother, childhood friend Mary
A memory from the archives
Ten years ago in June I was honored to be interviewed by Ingrid King, founder of Conscious Cat. Since that time, she has written five fabulous cat books.
One of the questions she asked was:
Linda, “Tatianna” is your first book. How did you become a writer?
When I was in high school, I entered an essay contest sponsored by Rural Electric Area Cooperative. Winning writers won an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. I still have the essay and a photo album full of memories! In my mid-twenties, I worked on a college text on the psychology of clothing, but the publisher decided against it. I taught microwave cooking classes in Palm Beach County, and I have unpublished chapters of a microwave cookbook. I wrote Bobbin’ Along sewing column for a local newspaper during that decade as well.
So I have dabbled in writing for a long time. My mother recalls me announcing when I was younger that someday I would write a book. Decades later, Tatianna was placed in my life to finally help me accomplish that goal. The best part is that my mother sat next to me at my book signings!
If you would like to read the whole interview, please visit here
Bountiful Blessings!
O Christmas Tree 2017
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the book Tatianna—Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend during this Christmas season, here is an excerpt about my cat tree. Tatianna slept under a ten-foot live Scotch pine tree every year for sixteen Christmases.
Six Cat Heads Started Collection 1982
“During Christmas 2000, the live pine tree showcased exclusively more than two hundred cat ornaments—a collection that had evolved over Tatianna’s lifetime. The Christmas cat ornament collection innocently started in 1982 while I attended a veterinary convention in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. I was shopping in a Christmas store and simply wanted to purchase a souvenir. Little did I know that the purchase of six porcelain cat heads, representing white, black, gray, calico, Siamese, and orange marmalade cats, would grow into a massive collection!
Cuter than Cute!
Unpacking and hanging the myriad of cat ornaments were rituals in and of themselves. The cat ornaments were wooden, metal, paper, hand quilted, glass, ceramic, plastic, resin, knitted, stainless steel, silver plated, hand painted, or felt. They were whimsical, angelic, simple, detailed, comical, or musical. Some had movable parts and jointed legs and arms. Collector ornaments included fragile Christopher Radko heirlooms, Garfield, Kliban, Gorham silver plate, Bradford Exchange, and Hallmark. Two exquisite Radko ornaments showcased two cats sleeping in blue snowflake mittens and a cat sleeping on beautiful packages. There were assorted cat colors represented, including gray, orange marmalade, white, black, tiger striped, tabby, and calico. The baubles depicted the cats in stockings, in trees, in garland, in holly, in wreaths, on skates, on pillows, in gifts, in trunks, in mailboxes, in carriages, in boxes, in boots, in baskets, in airplanes, with umbrellas, on picture frames, and on hymnals. They personified cats in dresses, in hats, with handbags, and holding parasols. They were baking, fishing, shopping, or snoozing. Cats wrapped themselves around candy canes or were decorated in lights and garland. Others peeked out of a Victorian shoe or popped out of a cat-in-the-box. Mice, fish, or red bells dangled from many ornaments.
Santa Kitty
I acquired the eclectic ornaments from friends, family, and my world travels. Some ornaments brought back tearful memories of Noelle and Taittinger. One reminded me of the year Noelle knocked over a seven-foot live tree while climbing to the top, and the tree had to be wired to a curtain rod for the rest of the season. Baby Taittinger especially liked to crawl under the tabletop tree decorated in peach and white and snooze for hours. Other ornaments reminded me of Ken. One in particular was a Hallmark ornament with a black cat and white cat playing peek-a-boo in a red plastic basket with a movable lid. A second white cat dangled on a string under the basket. If I pulled the string one way, the black cat’s head popped out of the basket, and if I pulled again, the first white cat’s head was visible. It was an amusing ornament and always made me laugh—just like Ken did. Another treasured ornament from Ken was two gray cats dressed as a bride and a groom.
A Sentimental Favorite
I especially prized the Hallmark Keepsake Collection, because my mother gave one of them to me annually since 1985. The Hallmark cat ornaments were lighthearted and mischievous—just like Tatianna. One series of ornaments was called Mischievous Kitten and another The Cat Nap. My Hallmark collection spanned fifteen years and the cats in it were up to a variety of antics, including hanging on a bird cage, laying over a fish bowl, wearing antlers, making cookies, sleeping in a knitting basket, climbing a Christmas tree, dangling from a stocking, and catching a bee on a poinsettia.
Love Those Faces!
The ornaments from all over the world reminded me of my special travels. Some ornaments came from Macy’s in New York; Harrods in London; the Black Forest in Germany; Paris; Rome; Savannah; San Francisco; as well as Frankenmuth, Michigan, a German-style village that boasts the world’s largest Christmas store.
Besides all of the cat ornaments, the tree included a wooden beaded cat garland, beanbag-style gray cats that mischievously climbed up into the top of the tree, a cat tree topper, and a cat tree skirt. An orange marmalade beanbag cat adorned in a red Santa hat was sleeping on a branch two feet from the top of the tree. Old-fashioned bubble lights and red bows completed the whimsical tree. It was indeed a tree with a lot of personality, not unlike Tatianna.” (End of excerpt)
Since that era, the cat tree has evolved to a smaller tree. I have had a joyful time in 2017 decorating a four-foot pre-lit tree with a selection of some of my favorite cat ornaments. But these are hard decisions as all the cats want out of the storage boxes! I also have a new eBay customer/friend who is starting her first Christmas cat tree and I am so pleased many of the ornaments have a new home where they will be displayed and cherished for years to come.
Blessings!
If you only say one prayer in a day, make it ‘thank you’.
~ Rumi
My Bedroom Farm View
In keeping with my annual Thanksgiving month tradition, here is my 2016 ABCs of Gratitude list. My list is a culmination of the year. But gratitude is a daily ritual. Before I get out of bed each morning, I acknowledge one blessing. I do the same at the end of the day. I’ve discovered that I can’t be in gratitude and be unhappy.
Wayne Dyer believed that if you get to a place of gratitude you will experience peace. Be in a state of gratitude for everything because there is something to learn in everything. Be grateful even for the pain because there are lessons to be learned from it. According to Ingrid King gratitude is a wonderful way to raise your vibration and shift your energy. The vibration of gratitude is a powerful force. It can shift your mood and your thoughts from a place of scarcity to a place of abundance.
Anthology Essay…Finding Our Wings
Blanco…poetry mentor
Country View…soothing and peaceful
DAR…8th year of membership
eBay–Grandma’s Flower Garden Quilt
Felines…FL house & MO farm
Girlfriends…special luncheons
Health Essay…state DAR winner
Inn…Veranda House at Rhinebeck
Joe…unwavering life partner
Angus on Guard
Kravis Center…Bridges of Madison County
Laundry Room Renovation… stackables
Muse Medallion…Lexie Lee poem
Ninth Anniversary…Tatianna book
Omega Institute…life-altering
My Cabin & Writing Retreat at Omega
Physical Therapist…Dr. Adam’s amazing results
Quincy Airport…easy peasy
Retreat Speaker…female veterans
Sweet Peas…blooming in MO in November
Sweet Peas in November
Tai Chi…class 2 minutes from house
Universe…providing healing energy and hope
Vacations…NY, AZ, OR & MO (3 times)
Rhinecliff, NY
Weinberg…healthy spine
X-rays…digital accuracy
Yoga…every Thursday
Zebra sweater…thrift store find
What are you thankful for–today and this year?
Blessings!
Do cat books have nine lives? What I know for sure is Tatianna–Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend published on October 29, 2007 does! Does award-winning cover art showcasing the beautiful watercolor work of Drew Strouble continue to be appreciated? His website featuring Tatianna artwork as well as other incredible feline portraits speaks for itself!
If you are looking for a book for the cat enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, this autographed book is one to consider. I love to give and receive books for Christmas and always have several titles on my wish list. I will autograph the Tatianna book and provide complimentary gift wrapping and shipping. Both hard and soft cover editions are available. Hardcover books are $23.95 and soft cover books are $13.95. Please email me at lindamohr7@bellsouth.net with questions or to arrange a purchase.
I want to thank all my readers and followers for their support, recommendations, reviews, and referrals the past nine years. Many specialty shops have kindly carried the book. I appreciate the bloggers and radio personalities who have interviewed me and the libraries who have invited me to speak.
The Tatianna book is the winner of the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award in 2008 plus six other awards. The Merial award is judged on the Cat Writers’ Association entry that best reflects and promotes the strengthening of the human-animal bond, highlighting the bond between a cat and owner, as well as their relationship with their veterinarian as another direct caregiver. Visit Linda Mohr for further information.
Tatianna continues to work her magic as evidenced by your support and generosity. As stated on Tatianna’s jacket cover, “I feel connected to the faithful Tatianna who has never left my side—she is simply in another dimension.”
Thank you.
Blessings!
The Artful Extravaganza sponsored by the National League of American Pen Women was held on Saturday, March 1 at the Delray Beach Civic Center. I enjoyed exhibiting my creations and supporting the event.
My six-year-old Tatianna book cover still attracts visitors with her captivating eyes rendered by award-winning artist Drew Strouble. Two anthologies where I have an essay and poem published rounded out my book selections: Spirit, Peace and Joy and Women and Friendship.
I launched a photocard collection of some of my favorite cat and landscape pictures as well as a cat calendar. It was exciting to see which photos were conversation starters.
All in all–a fun day with a room full of talented writers, artists and crafters. If you are interested in learning more about Pen Women please contact me. I am a Letters member of the Boca Raton Branch.
Warm Purrs!
Dara Viane and Linda Mohr
The Boca Raton Branch, National League of American Pen Women were represented on an author book panel on Saturday, March 24 at the Delray Beach Public Library. I was in great company with other Pen Women including Dara Viane, author of No Greater Love; Bunny Shulman, author of Step by Step; and Barbara Bixon, author of If You Really Loved Me, You’d Take Out the Garbage.
I enjoyed keeping the spirit of Tatianna alive and meeting other book lovers. We had an interested audience with lots of questions. Many thanks to the library staff for including us in their Meet the Authors Series 2012.
A few excerpts from my introduction:
When I was sixteen, I wrote an essay and won a trip to Washington D.C. Shortly, after that I announced to my mother I would write a book someday.
I started my career as a college professor and developed an outline for a clothing and textiles book and even corresponded with a publisher. But I moved to Florida and started a one stop pet care business and the outline went into a box.
Next I wrote a column for a local newspaper with the hopes of getting the Bobbin’ Along sewing column syndicated. But women were going into the workplace by the thousands and sewing became obsolete. Two years of columns went into a box.
Then I taught cooking classes during the introduction of microwave ovens. I assembled my favorite recipes in hopes of publishing them. Eventually they went into my manuscript box.
However, I still believed I was destined to write and publish a book.
I did not set out to write a cat book. Here is how it happened……………….
Warm Purrs!
Today I pay tribute to a couple of Tatianna Team members who help to spread the word about the powerful effect of the human-animal bond.
A special thank you to friend and former colleague, Sami Cone for my guest appearance on her blog this week. Her mission is fostering growth, enhancing life and teaching freedom. Please spend some time exploring all that she has to offer at Sami Cone. I think you will be impressed.
If you would like an opportunity to win an autographed copy of Tatianna—Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend, please visit Sami Cone Giveaway. Take a moment to enter a comment on Sami’s blog about why the book intrigues you or share an animal tale of your own by midnight, February 13. You may be the lucky recipient!
Another special thank you goes to Gloria Rejune Adams. She is the director at Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture located at 51 N. Swinton in Delray Beach, Florida. I am pleased to report that the Tatianna book is now available at the museum. If you are ever in this part of Florida, don’t miss touring the beautiful historic area and visiting with Gloria.
I am blessed to have each of you in my circle of life. One of the epigraphs in the Tatianna book is from Thomas Wolfe: “I am a part of all that I have touched and that has touched me.” Working together, we have the opportunity to make a heartfelt difference in the lives of people and pets around the world.
Tatianna appreciates everyone’s ongoing efforts, and new members are always welcome!
- Meowleaders who cheer us on with support
- Chatty Cats who talk about us any chance they get
- Feisty Felines who promote us with spirited courage
Warm Purrs!
Two of my favorite vintage books were given to me for Christmas in 1958. I was eight-years-old and was thrilled to receive Black Beauty and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. What made them so special was that my Grandma Mohr signed them. Another special Christmas gift book, Cherry Ames Student Nurse, was signed by my seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Kice in 1962. Then there’s the book, Naughty Miss Bunny, given to my Grandma Barr for Christmas in 1902. She was eleven-years-old, and today it is a treasured keepsake. In fact, I get goose bumps just holding any of these books.
In our family, my mother always asked for our Christmas lists. I think she was secretly delighted if books showed up! I usually had at least one book on my list. In adult years, I’d ask for the latest Nicholas Sparks or Jan Karon book or a cat book. In fact, the last book I received from my mother was The Library Cat in 2008. My sister always wanted Richard Paul Evan’s newest release, and my brothers often requested sports books.
I think books are a terrific gift to consider. First of all books are unbreakable, easy to wrap and simple to ship. There are books on any imaginable topic to match your receiver’s interests. Of course, today you can conveniently shop online from the comfort of your home—no traffic jams or long lines! Books can be personalized on the inside cover by the giver and mark a significant year or event. Years later these remarks tell a little story.
So for the animal lovers on your gift list, may I recommend the award-winning memoir, Tatianna—Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend? Along with your personal message and my author signed comment, the recipient will love the gift!
The easiest ways to order an author autographed book are as follows:
1. Go to my Website and click on buy book on the home page. When you purchase by PayPal, you can indicate special instructions regarding the autograph. You have a choice of hardcover at $23.95 and paperback at $13.95. Shipping is $5.00.
2. Or you can email me at lindamohr7@bellsouth.net about your order and special instructions. I will follow up with you on the details of where to mail payment.
3. If you do not want an autographed copy, you can also order from Amazon.
Do you have a special book given to you by a special person? I’d love to hear your stories!
Bountiful Blessings!
This week marks a milestone for Catnip Connection and for me. It is the two-year anniversary for the launch of this blog (January 20, 2008) as well as my birthday (January 18, 19??!). Numerous columns later here I am—still writing and loving every minute of it. I want to thank all who have taken the time to read Catnip Connection as well as those who have shared comments. One of the best parts about writing is connecting with my readers. I am also grateful to Tatianna’s Team of Meowleaders, Chatty Cats and Feisty Felines who helped with promotion throughout the year.
My anniversary/birthday present to you is to conduct a drawing for a complimentary copy of Tatianna—Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend. All you need to do to enter the random drawing is comment on this blog posting by January 31, 2010. Tell me why you would like to win a copy. I will announce the book winner the first week in February. The autographed book will be mailed to you (or whoever you would like to receive the book).
From birthday to birthday, I am blessed to report one constant in a year punctuated with many changes. Just as I reported last year, I am grateful for my muse, dear sweet Lexie Lee. She is my source of inspiration day in and day out as she lounges across my lap, nestles along the left side of the computer or lies nearby on a window sill. She listens to me as I read my drafts out loud, and her meows tell me to keep writing about kitties! I intend to do just that! If you have any topics you would like to read about this year, please personally email me or leave a comment on this blog. I would love to hear from you.
Bountiful Blessings!
Linda Mohr's Blog 