Remembering Friends

A QUARTET OF TUXIE SELFIES

Sunday Selfies: Week #441

Today is one of three special days to celebrate tuxedo (tuxie) cats. I guess that speaks to how popular they are. This is Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day.

And if one tuxie cat is good, then four must be GREAT! So today I am sharing selfies of our four tuxies, two angels and two current Kitties Blue. On the left are Daphne and Mau, and on the right are Lisbeth and Misty May. Dad Tom calls Lisbeth a cow cat, as she is more white than black, but that’s just how he sees her.

A collage of four photos of four different tuxedo (black and white) cats.

Just in case you missed the opportunity to honor your tuxie(s) today, here are the dates for the other two celebrations: September 9 is Tuxie Appreciation Day and November 29 is known as National Tuxedo Cat Day!

Remembering Emmy

As we often do on our Sunday Selfies posts, we’d like to remember a special friend who recently received her angel wings—Emmy from 15AndMeowing. Being a tuxie girl herself, this day is meant to celebrate her as well.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Emmy’s human mom and dad, Ellen and David, click here to go to 15AndMeowing.

Hopping Time

Now it’s the time when you get to share your selfie with all of us as well as your other friends. You can link up below anytime now through Thursday. And thanks so much for joining us. Each of you are special, and we totally appreciate you being our friends and part of the hop.

POETRY FEATURING KIZMET & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Kizmet has snuck in today’s inspiration photo for Teddy and Angel Sammy’s poetry challenge. My poem this week is a haiku.

Kizmet poetry: Man and woman looking away from each other with grey cat looking over their shoulders.

Do you hear a noise?
Yes, sounds like rumbling thunder.
Did you feed the cat?

If you’d like to try writing some poetry, click on Angel Sammy’s badge. You’ll be able to visit Two Spoiled Cats, read Sammy’s poem for this week and get next week’s inspiration photo.

Thankful Thursday

The big thankful for this Thursday’s blog hop is that our e-mail post notifications are working, as most of you should know. I am definitely thankful for the absence of frustration and stress I was experiencing when it wasn’t working.

I also am thankful that I completed my 2000th Peloton ride last week.

Cooper Murphy is thankful for finding out he won the Easter Egg Hunt at Cat Scouts. He collected 50+ eggs and won an Amazon gift card and nip carrot. Both arrived in the mail today.

Finally, I was thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know Paula Gregg personally while in attendance at four Blog Paws conferences. In 2017 the two of us stayed up talking in her suite until after 1 a.m. I like to talk, but I couldn’t match Paula. She was an interesting and talented individual who contributed much to our community. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Paula Gregg and Blog Paws conferences with kitten and at awards ceremony.

Check out that infectious smile!

To participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop, which is hosted by Brian, post on your blog for what you are thankful. Then enter the URL listed on his badge in your browser to pop over to Brian’s Home and join the hop.

Thanks for joining us again today.

May 5, 2022 by Janet Blue BlogPaws Conference Cat Scouts Remembering Friends Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 11

LISBETH’S FISH BED SELFIE & REMEMBERING SAMMY

Sunday Selfies: Week #399

I am sharing a selfie I snapped while resting in the fish bed my boyfriend, Angel Charles, gave me for my birthday in 2018. I still like to sleep in it, as it reminds me of him. I miss my Angel Charles everyday.

Tuxedo cat in a fish bed with polka dots.

I really hope you’ll hop with me today. But if you can’t, you can still join me through Thursday. I’m keeping this short today, as this post is not about me. I am just your host. I am going to let my mom take over now.

Purrs and paw-pats, Lisbeth

Remembering Angel Sammy

This past Monday a dear friend, Sammy from 15 And Meowing, was helped to the Bridge by his human parents, Ellen and David.

Orange and white cat dressed as Cat Scout and in bunny ears.

I promised a more formal portrait of him today, and what could be more formal than his official Cat Scout portrait. But to accompany that, I could not resist another photo of Sammy in bunny ears. The second photo is from one of the annual tryouts he and his fursibs have to be the Cadbury Bunny.

This cutie didn’t only wear bunny ears but enjoyed dressing up in hats and all types of clothing. He was such a good sport and always looked adorable.

Sammy was a great Cat Scout with his own crafting group at Scouts. He and Mom Ellen have been teaching Scouts to create all kinds of decorative items each month.

Sammy also enjoyed joining Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) on Saturday to do some cooking and baking with bacon. His favorite food however, was corn on the cob!

Sammy was his mom’s soulmate and loved by so many friends. We’ll never forget him or the joy he brought to us.

Ellen will be back with a post today, so if you have not had the opportunity to leave your condolences for the Pilch family, click on the link above Sammy’s photos.

Thanks for joining us today. We appreciate your support and friendship.

April 10, 2022 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Cat Scouts Lisbeth and Charles Remembering Friends Sunday Selfies 23

ABSTRACT GINGER TABBY WITH STARS

Caturday Art

I created today’s art using an old photo of our handsome, ginger tabby, Cooper Murphy, from January 2021. I shared the original on a Wordless Wednesday in a post entitled, “Gingery Goodness Tummy, Toesies & Tailio.” If you are interested in seeing the original photo, click on the link.

Here is the arty version produced by using Painnt, piZap and favpng.

Sleeping ginger tabby cat as abstract art in purples and reds with purple star border.

The effect in Painnt was strangely named 🍷🎸 💜. To that I added the Abstract filter from piZap and the purple stars are from favpng.

And, of course, I made a puzzle for you.
130 Abstract Cat Art

Cooper Murphy will be participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. You can do the same or just stop in to see the art of your fellow bloggers, by clicking on her badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Another week has flown past making it time for our selfies blog hop tomorrow. I find it mind boggling that tomorrow will be one hop short of 400. That’s right, this Sunday marks the 399th Sunday Selfie post. That is 7.67 years of posting selfies. Since then we’ve lost some Kitties Blue and added some Kitties Blue. And many of you have either lost or added furkids to your home. If nothing else, these selfies give us insight into how our kids have changed. All of us here at The Cat on My Head hope you’ll continue with this Sunday tradition and join us tomorrow.

As many of you know a dear friend was helped to the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week. Sammy Pilch from 15 and Meowing received his angel wings. As we try to do with most of our friends who “fly away,” we will honor Angel Sammy tomorrow. Even if you don’t plan to hop, please join us as we remember this special cat.

With Easter being just a week away, I wanted to share one of my favorite photos of Sammy. (We’ll have a more formal portrait tomorrow.)

Ginger and white cat wearing purple hat with bunny ears.

If you have not had the opportunity to leave your condolences for Sammy’s human parents, Ellen and David, you can do so by clicking on the link above.

Hoping to see you tomorrow.

April 9, 2022 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Caturday Art Blog Hop Jigsaw Puzzle Remembering Friends 15

A RARE ASTRID APPEARANCE

Sunday Selfies: Week #395

RARE ASTRID APPEARANCE - SELFIE OF TORTIE CAT

Not counting Dr. Seuss’s birthday, when all seven of us were here, you haven’t seen me since our dad’s birthday on February 20. I have been trying to hang out more with Mom and Dad, so you’d think I might get a little more blog time. Usually, I am curled up on Mom’s belly or sitting on her chest. Supposedly, this makes it difficult to take my photo. Well, duh! You’d think by now my humans would realize that’s the point. Anyhoo, Mom’s stomach is exactly where I was yesterday when I snapped this. I wish I’d taken a video instead of a selfie. If I had, you would be able to hear my purr, which sounds like a motorcycle revving up in your ear. I’m quite proud of it! A couple others of the Kitties Blue have some pretty deafening purrs, but mine is the best!

So, I digress. When one gets so little blog time, it’s hard not to ramble on.

Remembering Dolly

On Monday, the 7th, the sweet, endearing and gorgeous Dolly from Brians Home blog went to the Rainbow Bridge suddenly and unexpectedly. In the last week way too many woofies and kitties have received their wings, and our heart is hurting for all their families. Dolly, however, was a special friend and frequent selfie participant, so we have a special remembrance for her.

Dolly you will never be forgotten, and we know we will see you again. If you haven’t visited Brian’s family to leave your condolences, you can do so by clicking the link above.

All the Kitties Blue and our mom and dad also send prayers to Dolly’s dad, Terry, for his quick healing from his recent, unexpected surgery.

Hopping Time

I hope you will come along with me on the hop by posting your selfie. You have through Thursday to join if you are otherwise engaged today. All my fursibs and I totally enjoy seeing you and giving you the opportunity to connect with old friends and hopefully make some new ones as well.

Many thanks for your support and friendship.

Purrs and paw-pats, Astrid (with kisses for my husband Sampy)

March 13, 2022 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Kitties Blue Kitty Written Blog Remembering Friends Sunday Selfies 24

REMEMBERING PETE CUSACK

Sparks

Kitties Blue and I dedicate today’s post to the memory of our friend, Pete Cusack. Pete passed away in November. Today would have been his 69th birthday. Instead of spending it here on earth with his beloved cats, Toby, Rumpy, Einstein and Miss Fitz, he is spending it in heaven with his heart cat, Timmy, as well as Buddy Budd, Mr Buttons and a long list of other cherished angel felines.

remembering pete cusack

Remembering Pete

Timmy and Dad Pete

Pete was a kind, generous, thoughtful man, who was a friend to everybody. To my mind, not enough superlatives exist to describe him. He was always ready to help out anyone in need. His passing struck an indelible blow to the hearts of all of us who knew him.

Pete was one of seven bloggers who joined our very first Sunday Selfies on August 17, 2014, with Mr. Buttons, and he continued to be a regular participant. Mau and Cooper Murphy were fortunate enough to get to know Timmy and Einstein through participation in Cat Scouts.

To honor Pete today, we are sharing links to two of our favorite posts from Tom Cat Commentary by Tim. The first is entitled, “Unknown Unknowable,” and was posted on October 16, 2013, a few days after Pete took in kitten Einstein and nursed him back to health.

The second post is from October 8, 2019, and was entitled, “Einstein’s Birthday and Gotcha Day Celebration.” I selected it for all the adorable photos of Einstein as a kitten and because it shows what a wonderful life Pete was giving the youngster.

Pete was so kind when Sawyer was missing, by checking in often with concern and support. He knew what we were going through having experienced it himself with his cat, Ming.

We know lots of other bloggers will be sharing their favorite posts today, and we look forward to seeing what they have selected as their favorites.

More About Today’s Spark

The author of this week’s Spark, Francis de Sales, lived from 1567 to 1622. He was a Bishop of Geneva. He’s revered in the Catholic Church and noted for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. He became a saint when canonized by Pope Alexander VII on April 19, 1665, and his feast day is celebrated on January 24.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow is our favorite day of the week, as it’s when Periwinkle and Stinky share an adventure. Stinky has planned another exciting, local activity, and he would be delighted if you join Periwinkle and him. These two tabbies have lots of fun when they are together and love sharing their adventures with all of you.

January 31, 2022 by Janet Blue Remembering Friends Sparks 21

FIONA: FIVE YEARS AN ANGEL

Wordless Wednesday

Angel Fiona

Fiona

03/18/2010 – 12/01/2016

If you have never read them, there are four poems for/about Fiona under her photo on the sidebar.

December 1, 2021 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Remembering Friends Wordless Wednesday 16

FRIENDS LIVE IN OUR HEARTS

Sparks

Yesterday, Cat Scouts had a gathering to remember Scout Angel Timmy and Scout Einstein’s, wonderful dad, Pete Cusack. It was happy and sad, and it made me think of friends I have loved and lost. That is the inspiration for today’s Spark from Helen Keller.

friends live in heart

My life and I know that of many others was better for having had this generous, kind, compassionate and caring man in it. We will miss him, but cherish the memories forever.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

In addition to being the representatives for today’s Spark, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy are joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Our two little, tabby adventurers will be sharing a new adventure tomorrow over at Friends Furever. They both have their paws crossed you will take a few minutes out of your day to join in the fun.

November 29, 2021 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Backstory Remembering Friends Sparks 15

THANKSGIVING GOTCHA DAY & SAD FAREWELL

Thankful Thursday

Today is my fourth Gotcha Day, and for that I am very thankful. This was my first official photo taken that evening.

Thanksgiving gotcha day

This was my second official photo taken the following day. I may have been just about the grumpiest cat on the planet.

Thanksgiving gotcha day

I have to admit, I am a bit grumpy today, as Mom and Dad are not here to spoil me, but as I now have a second Gotcha Day (the day Mom brought me home from my walkabout) on July 21, I have decided to cut them a little slack. Because I can have a seizure at anytime, Mom has not left the city limits since October 2018. And I am certain she will tell Kit I need to get extra treats today.

I am slowly making friends with Kit. As Kit puts it, Astrid still thinks she’s an axe murderer. On the other side of the coin is Kizmet, who slept with her last night. The remainder of the gang are taking this unusual event of a “live-in” cat sitter with aplomb. As long as they are getting their meals on schedule, they really don’t care who is feeding and looking after them.

Anyhoo, I really am thankful as are all the Kitties Blue that Mom and Dad are spending Thanksgiving with family.

Profound Sadness

We are all in shock at the loss of our dear friend, Dad Pete Cusack, from Tomcat Commentary by Tim. Pete and his furry gang have been our friends and following us from the very beginning. They also were with us on our Sunday Selfies blog hop from week one. We have found that pet bloggers are incredibly caring and compassionate people, and Pete was at the top of that list. He was a kind, thoughtful, generous and loving individual. We are thankful to have known him and had him as a friend and supporter. We will miss him terribly, but he will remain in our hearts always.

I am going to pop over and join Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop and then sign-off.

All the Kitties Blue, Mom Janet and Dad Tom wish
everyone a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Purrs and paw-pats, Sawyer

November 25, 2021 by Janet Blue Gotcha Day Holiday Kitty Written Blog Remembering Friends Thankful Thursday Thanksgiving 20

VETERANS DAY THANKFULS, A POEM & A FAREWELL

Thankful Thursday

Today is when we share those things for which we are thankful.

Mom and Dad are thankful for some unseasonably warm weather, as they have been able to get some work done outside. We’ve enjoyed it as well for the opportunity to spend lots of time on the catio.

Today is Veterans Day, and we want to express our thanks to all veterans, including both our mom and dad’s fathers, as well as active members of the military.

Veterans Day thankfuls

We are always thankful for our friends, followers and supporters. And that means each of you!

We are joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Brian. If you’d like to participate, click on his badge.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Just looking at today’s inspiration photo for Teddy and Angel Sammy’s poetry challenge makes us shiver. Cooper Murphy is especially not fond of snow. He’d been abandoned to fend for himself in a snow storm. Luckily he found his way to a friend/neighbor’s porch, and our dad rescued him. Mom thought it was fitting we share that photo of him enjoying a warm day on the catio in this same post.

Here’s Mom’s little poem written from our point of view.

BRRR!

Thank God we don’t get snow like this.
We can guarantee it would make us hiss.
Cold, wet paws are definitely not to our liking,
And we think Dad would have to go hiking
To buy our noms, treats and litter,
As we doubt UPS would come and deliver!

If you’d like to try writing some poetry, check out Two Spoiled Cats today to get a copy of next week’s inspiration photo. And please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it each week from the Rainbow Bridge, and it is always meowvolous! Click on the poetry bridge to go there now.

A Sad Farewell

We just learned of the passing of a dear (and always funny) friend, Tuna of Moon. Tuna resided with the Food Service Girl and those Trout Talkin’ Tabbies.

If you have not had the opportunity to leave your condolences, please click on Tuna’s portrait to read the beautiful post and let his family know you’re thinking of them. He’ll always be remembered and loved by all who knew and followed him.

Thanks for visiting today.

Purrs and paw-pats, Misty May, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer & Kizmet

November 11, 2021 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Holiday Kitties Blue Kitty Written Blog Poetry Remembering Friends 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.