Poetry

JUST SAY, “NO!” & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

This week’s poetry inspiration photo from Angel Sammy and Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) frankly scared me. You would never find me in this situation, which my poem clearly states.

Just Say, “No!” TO A CROWD OF HOLIDAY SHOPPERS.

Just Say, “No!”

I hate crowds anytime of the year,
but at Christmas, they ruin my mood.
I become overwhelmed and angry, yet
I am not a grinch. Shopping for perfect
gifts for family and friends is fun,
but shoppers pushing and shoving—
stampeding like a herd of elephants—
annoy me. Not worth it…just to save
a few dollars. The holidays are a time
to celebrate with love, lights, gingerbread
cookies and maybe a little alcoholic
egg nog. Consternation and stress spell
disaster for me. So, I’ll stay home,
visit Amazon on-line and just say, ”No,”
to the crowds of crazies and confusion.

Even before shopping on the web existed, I avoided the crowds at the mall by using catalogs for all my holiday shopping.

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is one of Kitties Blue and my favorite poets, and his weekly creation is always worth reading. Pop on over to Two Spoiled Cats, by clicking on the poetry badge, to check out Sammy’s poem and get the photo for next week’s challenge.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is not only poetry day, but also the day when we share our thankfuls for Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop.

Stinky and Periwinkle are first up today. They are both super appreciative of those who accompanied them on their adventure to the pyramids of Teotihuacan (“The City of the Gods”), Mexico. Dad Tom was the one who suggested this adventure, as he visited the site some years ago and found it fascinating.

Personally, I am thankful that all my inside garland and wreaths are up, two of three trees are in place and one partially decorated. It helped that Thanksgiving was a bit early this year. I still have a ton of work ahead, but I feel I am making good progress.

As always, KittiesBlue and I are thankful for each of you who visit and leave comments. Your support and friendship is what keeps us blogging.

To participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop, click on the badge below.

Thanks for joining us today.

THANKFULS & TIMES GONE BY

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is the day when we share the things for which we are thankful.

This week, I am thankful that after six years Sawyer is comfortable enough to be a lap cat both with Dad Tom and me. He’s always snuggled up close with us at night, but has never spent time in our laps except during or after a seizure when he didn’t know what was happening. (Maybe we can hope for the same from Raleigh in another five years.)

TIMES GONE BY: Grey Manx tabby cat napping in two different laps.

Sawyer apologizes for his unruly fur in the top photo. And I apologize for the difference in lighting between the two photos.

Dad Tom and I are thankful to have had the opportunity last Friday to spend time with his nephew, Chuck, and his family (who live in California) in Charlottesville where our great niece is attending UVA. We’ve seen them more in the last six months than we had in the last 15 years. Ainsley (far right) is only a freshman, so we are going to have these opportunities for many more years.

TIMES GONE BY: A family photo with two men and four women.

I finally got up early enough to be one of two first commenters on the Two Spoiled Cats Tuesday Teaser. It’s been a super long time since I did that. Here’s the badge I got.

And, of course, Kitties Blue and I are thankful for your support, comments and friendship!

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. If you would like to participate in the hop, post on your blog for what you are thankful and then click on the badge below to link up over at Brian’s Home.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Each week our dear friends, Teddy and Angel Sammy, (Two Spoiled Cats) share an inspiration photo with the hope that some of their followers will write a poem about it. Here is this week’s photo, which brings back so many memories for me.

TIMES GONE BY: Child reading under the covers with a flashlight and accompanied by a grey cat.

Times Gone By

Black Beauty, Treasure Island, Nancy Drew—
so many books to read, but homework
and chores each day after school leave no
time to pursue my passion for words.
Staying up to read is not allowed, but
after my parents are asleep, a flashlight
I stow beneath my bed illuminates
my under cover’s cave and the pages
I devour with my tired, sleepy eyes,
as Kitty Kat acts as my place holder.
When I finally drift off, I often dream
that one day I too will write books
children stay up late at night to read.

I suspect this doesn’t happen much anymore. I’m certain kids today are looking at their phones under the covers at night.

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading. Pop on over to Two Spoiled Cats, by clicking on the poetry badge, to check out Sammy’s poem and get the photo for next week’s challenge.

Thanks for joining us today. The kitties and I will be back tomorrow with some Fill-ins.

November 9, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 10

GINGER CAT PORTRAIT SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #479

The past three weeks, our three eldest girls had the honor of sharing their new portraits. So, I thought it was time for one of the boys to have that opportunity, and decided to spotlight the eldest of them.

Portrait of a ginger tabby cat presented as a selfie in a coordinating frame with flowers and ribbons.

There is no one of the other Kitties Blue that can compete with Cooper Murphy when it comes to ginger handsomeness…but then his only competition is Raleigh. I love this boy so much, as I know some others of you do.

I also selected Cooper Murphy for today’s selfie, as his birthday, which was assigned by our vet, was Friday. He is now eight years old. Cooper was already 15 months old when we adopted him, and so we celebrate his Gotcha Day, which is in January.

Hippity Hoppity Time

Yes, it is that time again. Time for you to share your selfie and join the blog hop. You know all your friends, as well as the Kitties Blue, love to see your adorable faces. We know, however, that many of you, as well as your humans, are busy on the weekend. With that in mind, you have until Thursday to join the hope. So, no worries if you don’t even post on Sunday. Have a furabulous and easy Sunday, dear friends.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday on Sunday

Finally, here’s my poem for last Thursday’s poetry challenge presented each week by Teddy and Angel Sammy (Two Spoiled Cats). Astrid and Sawyer are perched on the roof of the house.

I think most individuals would see this as a creepy, haunted house with a frightened girl facing it. I decided to take it in another direction and make her brave and determined in my poem. Hope you enjoy it.

Anticipation

I feel like I’m being watched,
But this house is deserted.
In my family for generations,
It’s now come to me
To restore its grandeur.
I am not afraid to enter,
But who is lurking nearby?
Friend or foe? I don’t know.
I will not be dissuaded
Claiming what is mine.
Wait…do I hear purring?
Could cats be near,
anticipating my arrival?
If true, that is a good omen!
I am eager to meet and invite
them to share my home.

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading. Next week, however, Teddy and Sammy’s humans will be on vacation, so there will be no inspiration photo or challenge. But pop on over, by clicking on the badge, to check out Sammy’s poem from this past Thursday.

Thanks for visiting us today. If you didn’t follow and support us, there would be absolutely no reason for us to be here. Kitties Blue and I appreciate each of you.

October 22, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Sunday Selfies Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 21

MISFIT & PERIWINKLES FOR PERIWINKLE

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Angel Sammy and Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) gave us a really fun photo for inspiration this week. It lent itself purrfectly to adding one of the Kitties Blue. And Cooper Murphy got the nod. In addition to adding Coop atop the trunk of the auto, I did crop the photo down a bit so the images could be larger.

Periwinkle Misfit: A ginger tabby cat lying on the trunk of a car as people try to put a big bed inside the car.

Misfit

This is a misfit…no way around it!
Like putting a square peg in a round hole,
these humans should know that bed won’t go
inside the car without sawing it in half.
And what would be the sense of that?
Moving can be a gigantic pain
especially if one doesn’t use their brain.
I believe I’ll just lie here and giggle
while they continue to try and wiggle
the giant bed into their vehicle.
But, on second thought, I think I’ll snooze,
as I am no longer amused.
And, this is a challenge they’ll definitely lose!

If you have never written poetry, why not give it a whirl. Pop on over to Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. There, you will find next week’s inspiration photo. While visiting, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is not only poetry day but also thankful day. This is a blog hop that’s been hosted by the wonderful cat, Brian. Sadly, Brian left us a few days ago for the Rainbow Bridge and is now an angel. We’ve known Brian since we first started blogging. All the Kitties Blue and I are super thankful that Dad Terry shared him with all of us. We love him and will never forget him. On Sunday, we will remember Brian on our selfies blog hop.

Sawyer is thankful for the 350 tiny periwinkles which were planted in the yard yesterday. He cannot wait until they grow big enough for him to pick bouquets for Periwinkle. I am thankful I’m not the one who had to do the planting.

I am, however, thankful that I have been able to get more of my bulbs in the ground as well as some additional irises. I’ll be back at it again tomorrow.

Kitties Blue and I will be participating in the Thankful Thursday blog hop. To do the same, click on the badge below.

Thanks for joining us today. We’ll be back tomorrow with Friendly Fill-Ins.

October 12, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 9

THE ALMOST UNTOLD, NEVER-ENDING STORY

With Apologies

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, and other times it throws us two. I’d written my poem, but before I could write the post to accompany it, Sawyer had a seizure. I was somewhat expecting it, as he’s been having one just about every eight days, and it was the evening of day eight.

When he’d recovered, I went to retrieve my poem. I blocked it and hit copy and my poem disappeared, only leaving the final period. Maybe the universe was telling me it wasn’t fit to publish. I set about trying to remember what I could and rewrite it. Finally I decided to let it be and go to bed.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

What I am sharing now is a cobbled together, rewritten version of the original. Is it better or worse, I can no longer adequately judge?

Here’s today’s inspiration photo provided my Angel Sammy and Teddy from two Spoiled Cats (with a couple of furry additions).

untold never-ending story: A grey tabby cat lying atop a two-foot tall stack of papers with a white and black cat looking on.

The Never-Ending Story

I started to write a short story,
but like “Topsy” it grew and grew.
Chapter after chapter piled up until
I realized I’d written nothing new!
One should write about what they know,
so it’s a long-winded tale about my cats,
who never do anything interesting;
though, they are champions at taking naps.
It’s not an unputdownable, best-selling novel.
There isn’t even any suspense.
I need my cats to do what comes naturally
and shred this unreadable mess.
I’ve surely destroyed an entire tree
to create this self-indulged rubbish,
and I’ll need a wheelbarrow to haul away
something only an idiot would publish!

If you have never written poetry, why not give it a whirl. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than I did this week. Hop on over to Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. There, you will find next week’s inspiration photo. While visiting, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is not only poetry day but also thankful day.

Today, I am thankful I was able to somewhat recreate my original poem.

I do have some more meaningful thankfuls as well.

Dad Tom and I received both our flu vaccine and the most recent COVID vaccine. Despite several days with two sore arms, we suffered no ill effects. If you haven’t gotten your injections, please do! We want all our friends to sail healthfully through winter.

I am thankful for planting 85 bulbs and four new irises as well as transplanting several irises and day lilies. Additionally, I am thankful that so far the squirrels have only dug up 18 of those bulbs, which I have had to replant. So I guess I have actually planted 103 bulbs. I have more transplanting to do and about 50 more bulbs to get in the ground. I believe this will be last year for doing this.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful they were able to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday and that many friends joined them on their adventure.

This week I have had the opportunity to spend time with two friends, which is always cause to be thankful.

Kitties Blue and I are especially thankful to everyone who reads this blog and for all those who kindly leave comments.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. If you’d like to participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful. Then click on Brian’s badge to transport to his blog where you can enter your link in the hop.

With any luck, we’ll be back tomorrow with some fill-ins. Thanks for joining us today.

October 5, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Stinky & Periwinkle Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 15

REMEMBER ME THURSDAY WITH KITTIES BLUE

Remember Me Thursday

Today is the one day a year we remember all those animals that have lost their lives while waiting in shelters for adoption as well as those still waiting. Though the numbers have consistently decreased over the past decade, more than one million pets are euthanized annually. That truly breaks my heart!

Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center created this day, and it is celebrated around the world. Kitties Blue and I have been participating for many years. This day offers each of us the opportunity to share the story of pet adoption and let others know the joys of sharing their home with an animal. Changing just one mind about pet adoption can save a life.

You can spread awareness by sharing your pet’s story on social media with the hashtags, #RememberMeThursday and #SeeTheLight. Also visit the Remember Me Thursday website and light a virtual candle. I lit one for Misty May before publishing this post. I also will be lighting candles at home today. If you plan to do the same and have pets in your home, please use battery operated candles. (I will be using battery operated tea lights provided to me by the Remember Me Thursday organization.)

Kitties Blue

As most of you know, all of our past and present felines have been rescued in one way another. Several just showed up and asked to live here. Many others were the offspring of pregnant strays taken in by friends or friends of friends. Two, Lisbeth and Kizmet, were adopted from a local shelter (Angels of Assisi) and two, Astrid and Calista Jo, from a local TNR/Rescue group (Barn Cat Buddies). Dad Tom and I totally believe in “Adopt Don’t Shop.”

I really don’t like to think what might have happened to our 22 kitties and yes, two dogs, had Dad Tom and I not brought them into our home to care for and love.

Today I am sharing two collages with some of our past Remember Me Thursday photos and badges as well as the one I created for Audrey to share this year.

Kitties Blue Remember Me Thursday: a collage of several kitties with posters celebrating remember Me Thursday.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

As today is Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, I am sharing three poems from previous Remember Me Thursday posts. I am hoping Teddy and Angel Sammy (Two Spoiled Cats) will forgive us for not using today’s inspiration photo. You can still check out Angel Sammy’s Poem by clicking on his badge.

PLEASE OPT TO ADOPT ORPHAN CATS

Most of us were orphans at one time,
Whether roaming the streets or shelter confined.
But then one day our luck suddenly changed.
A human stopped in whose heart we would claim.
They took us home to keep us safe forever
With food, shelter and love as our caregiver.
So today, will you please a candle light
And pray for the orphans to not give up the fight,
As they wait and long for their special human
To find them and become their number one fan.
© Janet Buickerood Blue 09/22/2016

LUCKY CAT

My name is Sawyer and I’m a tough little dude.
I’ve tons of moxie and a can-do attitude.
I am a Manx cat, which means I have no tail.
I’m also a grey tabby cat and a male.
I was found on the deck at a vacant house,
Living off of bugs and the occasional mouse.
Less than three pounds I weighed when I was found.
I thank God I wasn’t taken to the pound
but brought to a house on Thanksgiving weekend.
I didn’t know for myself I’d no longer need to fend.
I also didn’t know there were eight other cats ,
Or I’d be living a life only my wildest dreams could surpass.
When I was allowed to mingle, I made friends with a calico.
Her name was Lily Olivia and she was very old.
She died a couple months later as a matter of fact.
She was almost nineteen and, like me, a rescued cat,
I can only dream of becoming such a revered senior,
As I have a seizure disorder and my prognosis is poor.
It is hard to be just two years old and afflicted this way
And need to take medicine four times each day.
My seizures can be very scary.
Never knowing when one will happen makes Mom wary.
I’ve had a few that my humans were unable to stop,
Then into the car we have all had to hop.
My dad then drives us to the emergency vet
To get me stable and back home to rest.
Where with any luck I’ll have some quiet days
To spend on the catio and at the birdies gaze.
I have a big brother named Cooper Murphy.
He’s a huge ginger tabby and really quite goofy.
Like me he was rescued from living outside
When it was winter and snowing with no place to hide.
There are six more cats with whom I coexist.
Most are nice; while others are misfits.
They all can be a gigantic pain in my tush.
Nevertheless, I am one lucky puss.
I have a loving home in which to dwell
Where my life is grand and I’m treated swell.
And now I pray all animals can find good homes
And, like me, never again the streets have to roam.
© Sawyer Blue 09/25/2019

OPT TO ADOPT ORPHAN CATS

Most of us were orphans at one time,
Whether roaming the streets or shelter confined.
But then one day our luck suddenly changed.
Two humans’ hearts we would claim.
They took us home to keep us safe forever
With food, shelter and love as our caregivers.
So today, will you please a candle light
And pray for the orphans to not give up the fight,
As they wait and long for their special human
To find them and become their number one fan.
And tell your friends to promote Remember Me Thursday,
So kitties worldwide can have their special gotcha day!
© Janet Buickerood Blue – 09/24/2020

Thankful Thursday

Dad Tom and I are thankful for each of the Kitties Blue who have been and are currently part of our lives. Some have liked us more than others. Nonetheless, each has brought joy and love into our lives.

All the Kitties Blue and I are joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop at Brian’s Home. You can do the same by clicking on his badge.

Thank you for joining us on this very special day.

September 28, 2023 by Janet Blue Animal Rescue Kitties Blue Poetry Remember Me Thursday Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 11

THE KING OF CATS & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

On Thursday, I try to write a poem based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. Lately this has not come easily, which is the cause of my late posting today.

The King of Cats: A lion staring at a hunter sitting and reading in a pup tent in the middle of a field.

I chose to ignore the gun in the photo. I wanted instead to believe this person is on a photo shoot.

The King of Cats

Are you going to take my photo or
sit on your duff reading that book?
I’ve been waiting in the bush to pose
for my portrait for hours now. Do you
think you are here on holiday? I
know that fancy magazine is
paying you for pictures you snap
of me. I am The King of the Jungle
and do not appreciate your
disrespect. So let’s get this over
with. It is almost lunch time. I need
to stake out my favorite watering
hole, wait for some unsuspecting prey
and fill my tummy. Then it’s nap time.
I may be King, but above all I’m a cat!

While doing some research for my poem, I discovered that male lions eat the equivalent of 70 cans of cat food per day! If given half a chance, I bet either Audrey or Cooper Murphy would like to take on that challenge!

If you have never written poetry, why not give it a whirl. Hop on over to Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. There, you will find next week’s inspiration photo. While visiting, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is not only poetry day but also thankful day. With reference to the former, I am thankful that I finally eked out a poem to share.

I’m also thankful for the improvement of Misty May’s eye and for the purrs and prayers sent to her by our readers.

Finally, I am thankful for several days of needed rain.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. If you’d like to participate, click on his badge.

Thanks for joining us today. Your following, support and comments mean the world to us.

September 14, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 9

WEDDING DAY BLUES SANS FELINES

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

If it is Thursday, I am going to be writing poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. Here’s this week’s photo.

Wedding Day Blues Felines: Bride looking under the hood of a vintage car while groom sits on sidelines.

I really wanted to load up this car with some of Kitties Blue staring out the windows! Unfortunately coming up with a poem to match that scenario proved exceedingly difficult. So here’s my poem sans felines.

Wedding Day Blues

The ceremony was magical.
The reception beautiful and perfect.
Now we are left in this predicament−
stranded on the side of the road.
Renting this fancy, vintage auto
was my groom’s lame-brained idea.
He knows nothing about cars and sits
miserably moping and mumbling, no help
at all. My high school auto mechanics class
helped me identify the problem, but I have
no tools to make the repair. Cell phone
service is non-existent. Our only hope
is another car passing along this
deserted stretch of road. I’m not holding
my breath. So much for the honeymoon.

If you’d like to join in the fun of writing poetry, click on Angel Sammy’s poetry badge. That will take you over to Two Spoiled Cats where you can find next week’s inspiration photo. You’ll also be able to check out Angel Sammy’s poem for this week. He always writes a great one!

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I like to share our thankfuls each week and participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop. Here’s our thankfuls for this week.

To me it appears that after eight days of treatment, the cyst in Misty May’s eye has shrunk some. Dad Tom and I are very thankful for this. I will be calling the vet tomorrow to see if we can get another week’s worth of serum to treat it in the hopes it will shrink even more.

We are always thankful that we live in an area that is rarely effected by devastating storms and other natural disasters. We are praying for everyone in Lahaina, where fires are burning again, and all those who were and continue to be in the path of hurricane Idalia.

Kitties Blue and I are always thankful to everyone who follows, visits and comments on our posts. We are grateful for your friendship and support.

If you’d like to participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, post on your blog the things for which you are thankful, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s Home and link up.

August 31, 2023 by Janet Blue Health Kitties Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 10

THE ART SHOW WITH KITTIES BLUE & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

And art show at Montmartre with the addition of four cats (Kitties Blue) and cat art.

Here we go again—another Thursday means another poem based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. As I tend to do when possible, I have added four of the Kitties Blue crew to the photo. They are fairly small, so you may have to hunt for them. If you enlarge the photo a bit, you may also see some of the current and past Kitties Blue in the art.

Now here’s my poem along with an apology. I do not consider this poem finished. I think it needs another stanza, but I just cannot come up with one at this time. Back in the 80s, I participated in a two-week-long poetry workshop at Redford University. The instructor was a well-known southern poet, Jeff Daniel Marion*. Something he said in that workshop has stuck with me all these years. He said that most poems are never completed but just abandoned. That’s how I feel about this one.

As you read the poem, imagine Calista Jo, Sawyer, Astrid and Lisbeth having a conversation.

The Art Show With Kitties Blue

What a wonderful place for a stroll,
as long as we watch our toes!
When humans are distracted looking at art,
they may trip on us, and that would smart.

I like all the colors and patterns in the art,
but mostly I like that some cats are included as part
of the exhibition and sale—and not just any felines.
Some Kitties Blue are included in the designs.

I see some of our angels as well.
Mau and Madison and Daphne prevail.
But I also observe Cooper Murphy and Calista Jo
displayed in this sale and colorful show.

What an honor is this inclusion of Kitties Blue.
I wish we had money so we could purchase a few
to take home as gifts for Mom and Dad.
They might feel sad at seeing their angels but also glad.

∗ Numerous web-sites about Marion and his poetry exist. To find out more about him or read his works, search him by name on Google.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I like to share our thankfuls each week and participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop. Here’s what we are thankful for this week.

♥ Misty May is thankful for the prayers and POTP, as we treat her for the corneal ulcer on her left eye.
♥ All of us are thankful that Dad Tom found a new hummingbird feeder that ants cannot infiltrate.
♥ Dad Tom and I are thankful we did not contract COVID at the funeral we attended, as some others did.
♥ Periwinkle & Stinky are thankful that so many of you joined their sunflower adventure at Beaver Dam Farm. If you missed it, here’s the link: “THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXCVIII.”
♥ Kitties Blue and I are thankful for all of you who visit, read our posts and comment. And we thank you for joining us today.

If you’d like to participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, post on your blog the things for which you are thankful, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s Home and link up.

August 24, 2023 by Janet Blue Kitties Blue Paris Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 11

HUNG OUT TO DRY & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

It’s Thursday, so that means it is time to share some poetry with you. I could have filled today’s inspiration photo, provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats, with many of the Kitties Blue. Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out a way to work them into the poem I had in mind.

Hung out to dry: Small boy hanging horizontally from a clothesline held in place my his clothing and clothespins.

So, here is my poem sans cats.

Hung Out to Dry

Mom hung be on the line to dry.
I splashed about in a mud puddle…
Tracked up her clean kitchen floor.
She said I’m in time-out, but this
is even more fun than the puddle.
I’m like a bird flying through the air.
I cannot stop giggling.
I’ll look for more puddles
tomorrow!

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I like to share our thankfuls each week and participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop.

I am particularly thankful, that in spite of the fact we have had a lot of storms, I have been able to get out and work in the garden at least a couple of days each week.

I am thankful that Lisbeth has been brave enough to venture into the bedroom more often. She made it as far as the toy bin on Wednesday, which is on the same wall as the entry door. So, that’s only a few feet, but it’s progress.

Tuxie cat checking out a toy bin while hiding behind a cat tree.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful for all of you who follow our blog, join our Sunday Selfies hop and comment on our posts. We also are thankful for all the friends we have made through blogging over the past 11 years.

To participate in the hop, post on your blog for what you are thankful, then click on the badge below to be whisked away to Brian’s Home where you can enter your link.

Thank you for dropping in today. Hope to see you again tomorrow for Feline Friday and Friendly Fill-Ins.

August 17, 2023 by Janet Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 12

YOU
For Fiona

It seems like only yesterday…
You were just a kitten.
When I saw your pleading look,
I was completely smitten.

Now at only six years old,
You are getting ready to leave,
Soon you will have your wings.
I’ve already started to grieve.

You’ve fought hard for the past year,
And I’m not ready to say good-bye.
I can’t imagine you not in my life
I am so sad…today I had to cry.

I am grateful and blessed
For my six years with you.
You’ll live in my heart forever.
You’re one of the best ever Kitties Blue.

YESTERDAY

Many yesterdays have passed since
You gained your angel wings. Today
Is six months since you left us behind
To remember and mourn. Our hearts
Continue to hurt, and we miss
You as much as the day you left.
Giulietta whined from the catio
Yesterday as I worked in the yard.
I know you put her up to it. That
Was your way of getting me to,
Allow you to join me as I
Gardened. You were there with me
In spirit. With every meow
I thought of you and how much I miss
Your sweet face and disposition.
In these past few months, many friends
Have traveled your same path in your
paw-steps. I am certain you were
Waiting to greet them with purrs and hugs.
I pray you and your friends are laughing,
Frolicking and having fun together.
Picturing that makes me smile, but
Does not lessen my sadness at your
No longer being here to snuggle
And receive our love, care and kisses.
Fiona, please do not ever forget
You are still and always will be loved.

ONE YEAR MISSING YOU

One year has passed since you flew away,
And I still think of you everyday.
I see your sweet face in my mind’s eye
And wish we’d never had to say good-bye.
It’s nice you’ve sent us kitties needing a family,
But my dearest love, we are now at capacity.
You thought it would take more than one cat
To take your place in our habitat.
We love Cooper Murphy and baby Sawyer dearly
But thinking either could replace you makes me teary.
You were one-of-a-kind and will stay in my heart
Until the day I join you and we’re no longer apart.
When once again I can hold you in my arms
And revel in all your love and feline charms.
Together with you and all who have passed.
I will spend eternity contemplating how blessed
I was to share my life with my furry children,
Each and every one of you one-in-a billion.

UNTIL

I miss you each day.
Until we meet in heaven,
The pain will remain.

ONE OF A KIND

I don’t know how to say good-bye.
I thought you were invincible; though,
You used up many of your nine lives.
You ruled us all with an iron paw;
Never took “no” for an answer
And always got your way.
If not, you’d bark to signal your
Displeasure and sometimes raise a paw.
I always joked that you were bi-polar.
When I told people you were a calico
They immediately understood what I meant.
Today was unnaturally quiet in the house.
Can a home seem empty with eight cats?
I will miss waking up at night to find you
Sitting next to me and staring at me.
I will miss you yelling at us as you did
When you wanted breakfast and dinner.
I will miss watching you lounging and snoozing
On the porch settee on a warm afternoon.
But most of all I will miss your kisses!
When kitten Sawyer befriended you,
We suspect you were imparting your
Wisdom and secrets for controlling us.
Time will tell if he was a good listener.
But whatever he may have learned,
Neither Sawyer nor any other cat
Can or will replace you in our hearts.
Lily Olivia, you were one-of-a-kind.