Remembering Friends

ANOTHER AUTUMN SELFIE & REMEMBERING BRIAN

Sunday Selfies: Week #478

autumn selfie remembering: Tuxedo cat portrait selfiein a fall leaf embellished frame.

Lisbeth is the third of the Kitties Blue to share her new portrait as her Sunday Selfie. And in keeping with our recent theme, she had me frame it for autumn. She hopes you like it. Lisbeth, however, is not the star of today’s post. That honor goes to Brian.

Remembering Brian

Like many others, Brian was one of the first cats we met when Kitties Blue and I began this blog in 2012. And when we started Sunday Selfies, Brian hopped on in week two, and either he or one of his housemates has been here every week. He was a handsome, kind and gentle man cat. All who knew him loved him and that includes me and all the Kitties Blue. We knew Brian’s health wasn’t good, but it still was a shock when he left us for the Bridge. We are fortunate to have known Brian and will never forget him.

autumn selfie remembering: Tabby Cat selfie in a sparkly frame with a magenta bow and a rainbow with the words, "Brian," and "You'll remain in our hearts always!"

Rest in Peace, Brian. I know you are with your fur family members who went before you and many other kitties who knew and loved you. And I know you will be waiting for those you left behind, including your wonderful humans, Terry and Celesta.

Hopping Time

We’d love for you to join us today as we remember Brian. But, if you can’t hop until later in the week, that’s okay. The hop is open through Thursday. And, if you can’t hop at all, Kitties Blue are totally fine with that. Just stop in to say, “hi,” and remember our friend, Brian.

Kitties Blue and I thank you for joining us today. Your friendship is what keeps us going day after day and week after week.

C.J.’S NEW PORTRAIT & REMEMBERING A FRIEND

Sunday Selfies: Week: #477

Calista Jo has the honor of being the second of the Kitties Blue to share her new portrait as this week’s Sunday Selfie.

C.J.'s portrait: portrait if a dilute tortoise shell cat in a variegated frame.

She looks innocent and demure but don’t let her expression fool you. Yesterday, she swatted Cooper Murphy, as he dared to walk past her. Later in the morning she gave Lisbeth a tongue-lashing for just occupying the kitchen floor with her. She often hisses and growls at Sawyer when he tries to get on the bed. Lately, she has been sleeping on the living room couch, which has given our nightly bedmates a bit of a reprieve from her bad temper.

Please Hop With Us

Calista Jo and the other Kitties Blue invite you to join our weekly Sunday Selfies blog hop. We know you may be busy entertaining your humans while they are home on the weekend, or purrhaps taking your easy in a sunpuddle, which is why our hop remains open through Thursday. All your friends will be looking for you here, and you do not want to disappoint them. If you know anyone who might enjoy showing off a bit, please invite them to pop over and join us. We always look forward to making new friends.

Saying Good-Bye

Most of you likely know that one of our blogging friends, Pattie Kleinke (TW from Stunning Keisha), passed away on October 6th. I was fortunate to meet Pattie in 2015 at the Blog Paws Conference in Nashville. I searched for a photo, and this is the only one I could find.

That’s Pattie in the foreground with CK’s nemesis HHGutt.

You can light a candle or leave a memory here. A donation to Pattie’s favorite charity can be made by clicking this link: The Lucky Cat Rescue in Weehawken, New Jersey. Or, if you would rather, there is a GoFundMe page on the Cat Blogosphere web-site where you can donate to Lucky Cat. Rest In Peace Pattie.

Thanks for joining us today. Have an easy Sunday.

October 8, 2023 by Janet Blue Remembering Friends Sunday Selfies 23

PAW PRINTS ON OUR HEARTS

Sunday Selfies: Week #459 – Remembering Raz

This is not our usual Sunday Selfies, as one of the Kitties Blue will not be here to host the hop. Instead, we are using this opportunity to remember our dear friend, Raz. On Friday afternoon at 4:15, our wonderful friend, Raz, became an angel and flew off to the Rainbow Bridge. Raz had been ailing for several months. Nonetheless, we hoped he wouldn’t make his trip to the Bridge anytime soon.

As you know, we consider Raz family. Our angel Mau was married to Raz’s sisfur, angel Allie, Sawyer is his sisfur Noelle’s, boyfriend. And the alter-egos of Sawyer and Noelle, Stinky and Periwinkle, adventure together every week.

Sawyer and Raz have always been two peas in a pod. Both are charter members in the PTU Poopers Club and obobsessed with treats. He especially will miss their connection.

One of the things we will miss most about Raz was his quizzical, wide-eyed expression. I have made a couple of collages, and I think you’ll see what I mean.

Collage of photos of a grey/brown tabby cat.

Collage of grey/brown tabby cat.

Raz was a wonderful brofur to his fursibs past and present. He had a great girlfriend Madi, who I am certain was one of those who was there to meet him at the Bridge, along with so many friends, including our Mau, as well as family members.

Cat Scout Raz

I think most of you know that Raz was a Cat Scout. But not just any Scout, an exemplary and accomplishment Scout. He earned the highest honors available, including Cat Scout of the Year, the rank of Sabertooth and membership in the Clan of the Cave Cat. Raz also was Leader of the Rumbling Thunder Patrol and Assistant Leader of the Worldwide Wildcats Troop. He was loved and respected by all the other Cat Scouts.

Raz left paw prints on so many hearts, including mine. I will always love and remember him, as will so many others. All the Kitties Blue and I are sending love, prayers and hugs to Mom Sharon as well as fursibs, Noelle and Reesie.

If you have not visited Friends Furever and left your condolences, you can do so by clicking on the link.

Hopping Time

Kitties Blue hope you will forgive them for not posting a selfie of one of themselves this week. And they also hope you will, nonetheless, post one of yourself. They always look forward to seeing your happy and adorable faces.

Thank you for joining us today whether or not you post a selfie.

We will be back tomorrow with a Spark.

June 4, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Prayers Remembering Friends Sunday Selfies 24

SPARKLY-EYED TUXIE ART

Caturday Art

Tuxedo Cat with sparkly eyes in an art creation in aqua blue and black and surrounded with a frame that includes aqua and yellow flowers.

Today’s art features the stunning Lisbeth. I particularly like how her eyes are sparkling in this photo.

Once again, I created the art using the Painnt app. This is the Pinup Style effect. I did change the hue of the original photo. As always, the frame is from favpng.

Here is the link to Lisbeth in puzzle form.

110 Tuxedo Cat Ar

Our tuxie girl is joining Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s Caturday Art blog hop. You can do the same by clicking on her badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

You won’t want to miss tomorrow’s Sunday Selfies hop post. We will be remembering and honoring a special friend tomorrow. Raz from Friends Furever received his angel wings yesterday at 4:15 p.m. and went to the Rainbow Bridge. If you follow the Friends Furever blog, then you know that Raz has been unwell for several months. He’s been on medication, getting B-12 shots and fluids, but unfortunately his health continued to decline.

We consider Raz and his mom and fursibs part of our family. Our angel Mau was married to Raz’s sisfur, angel Allie, Sawyer is his sisfur Noelle’s, boyfriend. And the alter-egos of Sawyer and Noelle, Stinky and Periwinkle, adventure together every week.

Thanks for stopping by today. We sincerely hope to see you tomorrow.

June 3, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Caturday Art Blog Hop Jigsaw Puzzle Remembering Friends 13

KONA AMONG THE DOGWOODS

Caturday Art – In Memory of Violette Grant Blue

Though it is Caturday, my art today is of woofie, Kona. Kona is a white Golden Retriever. I am sharing Kona as a way of remembering our nephew Brent’s wife Violette.

White Golden Retriever with an overlay of pink dogwoods and a border of pink dogwoods.

Violette posted on her Facebook page, along with this photo, the following, “Who needs anything else in life when your puppy stares into your eyes like this?”

Violette lost her life yesterday at age 48 after suffering a cardiac arrest last week.

I enhanced Kona’s photo by overlaying a photo taken by Dad Tom. It’s of pink dogwood blossoms from our yard. The border of dogwood blossoms is from favpng.

I did make a puzzle.

108 Konadogwoods

If you can offer some prayers for Brent and his and Violette’s children, Gavin (10) and Ella (8), Dad Tom and I would be so grateful.

Kona will be participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. You can do the same by clicking on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Tomorrow is a special Sunday—Easter. I haven’t a clue which of the Kitties Blue will be here as your host, but I am fairly certain they’ll ask for a fancy, Easter-themed frame for their selfie. Feel free to add some bling to your selfie if you desire. And we’d love it if you would invite some friends to participate as well. We enjoy meeting new anipals and making new friends.

Have a great Caturday. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

April 8, 2023 by Janet Blue Caturday Art Blog Hop Dad Tom's Photography Jigsaw Puzzle Remembering Friends 19

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.

January 29, 2023 by Janet Blue Kitties Blue Remembering Friends Sunday Selfies Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day 23

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

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.