Sparks

THE PERPURRFECT COMPANION

Sparks

Please forgive this very late post. I have been having crazy technical issues with the photo editing apps I use!

Grey cat sandwiched between layers of a grey fleece blanket with the quote, "Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet." by Sidonie Gabrielle Colette.

What can I say about this Spark other than it is purrfect. And Kizmet is the perfect companion as she shows off all four feet as well as some pretty nice toe beans. You may think that Kizmet was lying on top of this blanket and we folded it over the top of her. That, however, is not the case. She wormed her way between the layers all by herself. We have never had another cat that enjoyed being covered up as much as Kizmet.

I thought I was unfamiliar with the author of today’s Spark until I looked up her bio. Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (1873-1954) was known simply as Collette, which is how I am familiar with her. She was a French author, mime, actress and journalist. Collette is best known for her 1944 novella Gigi, on which the 1958 film and 1973 stage production of the same name were based. Her short story collection The Tendrils of the Vine is famous in France. I found her history to be quite interesting. I suggest you check out her bio on Wikipedia.

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.”

If you enjoyed this, I think you’ll enjoy the post, “Do You Need This?”

Awww Mondays

Kizmet will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to do the same, click on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tuesday is our favorite day of the week, as it’s when we get to see what those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be getting up to. You’ll be able to find out tomorrow over at Friends Furever, as it’s Periwinkle’s turn to plan their adventure. Adventures are more fun when you join in, so they’ll be waiting for you.

SPARKS: BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES

Sparks

Two tabby cats, one brown and one grey lying together with the quote: "One must be prepared for some surprises in life - some things will work out your way, some won't. You just have to keep working and do things to the best of your ability." by Fawad Khan.

This photo may not be the perfect accompaniment to today’s Spark; though, Sawyer was surprised when Audrey joined him for his nap. And he appears less than happy with the situation. When I selected the Spark I didn’t have a photo in mind, except maybe the following one.

Yard, tree, birdbath, umbrella and flag with a light covering of snow.

Though a “wintery mix” was the forecast for Saturday night, I was surprised to wake up to this Sunday morning. This was our first snow of winter, and as you can see, it didn’t amount to much. There are blooming daffodils in the photo. Of course, “working to do things to the best of one’s ability” has no relationship to this photo.

The author of today’s Spark, Fawad Khan, is a 41-year-old Pakistani actor, producer, screenwriter, model and singer.

PetBiz Collaborative

I chose this Spark because it speaks to me, and it has everything to do with “working to do things to the best of one’s ability.” This past week I have been trying to create reels for Instagram. Though I had done a few in the past, this was a project set up by a group, the PetBiz Collaborative, of which I am a member. It has been an incredibly difficult challenge, and one to which I will be putting in some additional effort. If you’d like to see what I have accomplished, click on the Instagram-logo-bearing mouse on the sidebar. And if you are interested in finding out more about the collaborative, click on that link.

Awww Mondays

Audrey and Sawyer will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to do the same, click on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on a new adventure tomorrow. You’ll be able to find them right here, as it is Stinky’s turn to plan their adventure. Adventures are more fun when you join in, so they’ll be waiting for you.

p.s. This is our 3,200th post.

SPARK: REDIRECT YOUR ENERGY

Sparks

Photo of the full moon with a white halo surrounded by a peach colored halo and clouds with the following quote from Ralph Marston : You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination."

I have used this Spark previously on September 12, 2019. As it was a few years ago, I hope you don’t mind me sharing it again. The original post was “Sparks of Positivity & Determination.”

I am sharing it again, as I need the reminder. I have been super frustrated with trying to find a new theme for my blog and learning how to make the change without sending my entire site into a blackhole…never to be seen again. Doing this is not something I want. Unfortunately, my current theme cannot be updated to be compatible with my host’s servers. Trying to find something similar to my current theme that does not require either too much customization or have an exorbitant price is proving to be a challenge. But, enough about that.

Dad Tom took this gorgeous photo of the full moon.

Awww Mondays

Today’s Awww Mondays photo is also a flashback. It is one of a series of photos I took on April 9, 2020.

Very large ginger tabby cat lying on his back with all four fetid the air.

Cooper Murphy was being a total goofball that day. I think our giant, ginger tabby is totally awww-adorable! Let me know if you agree.

Cooper Murphy will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to do the same, click on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

February 27, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Dad Tom's Photography Sparks 12

A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY SPARK

Spark for Dad Tom

Birthday card for the Kitties Blue dad, Tom, with his photo cut out as a star and a quote from Madeleine L'Engle that says, "The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been."

I have to agree with Kitties Blue, Dad Tom is a great cat dad. He’d have to be to put up with the shenanigans of the current crew as well as all those that came before. He’s a total pushover. As I write this, he just gave up his chair to Misty May and Kizmet. And he rarely has enough room for himself in bed at night. He’s the chief pooper scooper as well as meal and treat distributer. Kitties Blue and I are so fortunate to have him in our lives.

I selected a Spark I think is totally appropriate for today’s birthday celebration. Both Dad Tom and I have had great lives with many wonderful adventures and memories. But we are happy to be in our 70s, except for all the aches and pains of old age. When asked how he is, Dad Tom’s usual reply is, “I’m still looking down on the daisies.”

The author of today’s Spark, Madeleine L’Engle (1918 – 2007), was an American writer of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young adult fiction. She’s best known for A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on a new adventure tomorrow. It is Periwinkle’s week to plan what they’ll be doing, so you’ll need to join them over at Friends Furever. They’ll be waiting for you.

February 20, 2023 by Janet Blue Birthday Kitties Blue Sparks 20

LIFE RESTORING LOVE

Sparks

With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, I wanted a Spark about love. When I found this one from Lydia Marie Child, it “spoke” to me.

Photo of a bright red male cardinal with the following quote from Lydia Marie Child: The cure for all the ills and wrongs, the cares, the sorrows, and the crimes of humanity, all lie in the one word 'love'. It is the divine vitality that everywhere produces and restores life.

Dad Tom took the photo yesterday when we were having non-stop rain. We have several male and female cardinals that visit our yard and bird feeders daily.

Whether they symbolize love, loyalty or are embraced as spiritual messengers, cardinals are conspicuous in mythology and literature through the centuries. Many individuals believe cardinals appear as messengers from Heaven bringing love and comfort when loved ones have passed away. In Native American lore, cardinals represent devotion, loving relationships, courtship and monogamy. In Christianity cardinals and the blood of Jesus are used as the symbols of everlasting vitality. At Christmas their presence is seen to represent hope and joy. And seeing a bright red cardinal means that the individual is being blessed with good luck and fortune.

So I think this photo is the perfect backdrop for today’s Spark.

I found the author of today’s Spark, Lydia Maria Child, to be particularly interesting. She lived from 1802 to 1880 and was an American abolitionist, women’s rights activist, Native American rights activist, novelist and journalist. In spite of her long list of accomplishments, she may be best known for her poem “Over the River and Through the Wood.”

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on their next adventure tomorrow. As it will be Valentine’s Day, I suspect Stinky has something special planned for his lovely lady, Periwinkle. You can join them right here, and they certainly hope you will. They always have more fun when you tag along. So, please drop by and lend them a hand or paw in whatever they get up to! They’ll be waiting for you.

February 13, 2023 by Janet Blue Dad Tom's Photography Holiday Sparks The Pet Parade Valentine's Day 13

KIZMET & MISTY MAY: FULL OF SURPRISES

Sparks

Full of Surprises: A grey cat using a tuxedo cat as a pillow on a bed with a bedspread with grey and white cats in blue ties and a quote from Farad Khan, "One must be prepared for some surprises in life - some things will work out your way, some won't. You just have to keep working and do things to the best of your ability."

This sight was the biggest surprise I’ve had in a long time. Recently Kizmet has been giving Misty May a lot of grief. I don’t like it when any of the cats pick on another, but Misty May has spent most of her life getting after other Kitties Blue. So, as the saying goes, “what comes around goes around.” And this detente was short lived. They had a bout of whacky paws prior to bedtime with a few growls thrown in.

When I was looking for a quote about surprises, this one from Farad Khan struck me as a good reminder for me and probably you as well.

The author of today’s Spark, Farad Kahn, is a 41-year-old Pakistani actor, producer, screenwriter, model and singer.

Awww Mondays

Misty May & Kizmet will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join them there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on their next adventure tomorrow from Periwinkle’s home at Friends Furever. They certainly hope you will, as they always have more fun when you tag along. So, please drop by Periwinkle’s blog and lend them a hand or paw in whatever they get up to! They’ll be waiting for you.

February 6, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 17

FRIENDS: AUDREY & SAWYER

Sparks

Two tabby cats lying on a bed in the sun with a quote from Paramahansa Yogananda.

Audrey likes Sawyer and spends lots of time near him, especially when we all go to bed at night. Of course, this is during the day. I am always happy when our newbies make friends with the other Kitties Blue. I wanted a Spark about friendship, as my friends are so important to me. I like how this quote tells us how to be a friend.

The author of today’s Spark, Paramahansa Yogananda (1893 – 1952), was an Indian Hindu monk, yogi and guru. He introduced millions to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his organization, Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) / Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) of India. The last 32 years of his life were spent in America.

Awww Mondays

Audrey and Sawyer will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join them there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on their next adventure tomorrow. You can join them right here, and they certainly hope you will. They always have more fun when you tag along. So, please drop by and lend them a hand or paw in whatever they get up to! They’ll be waiting for you.

January 30, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 15

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?

Sparks

Today, in the United States, we are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His birthday was yesterday. He would have turned 94 years old. King was assassinated in 1968. I felt it appropriate to make my Spark a quote from him.

An orange tabby kitten sleeping with his head resting on his brown tabby sister with the quote, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" from Martin Luther King Jr.

What you do for another person can be as simple as offering them a hug or your shoulder, as Audrey is doing for Raleigh. I have been saved from many bad days by a simple hug and kind word!

Awww Mondays

Kittens, Audrey and Raleigh, will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join them there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

January 16, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Holiday Kittens Sparks 12

FRUSTRATION: FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS

Sparks

Ginger tabby cattry ti climb through blinds with the quote by Dorothea Brande, "All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail. That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right about face which turns us from failure to success."

I have been so frustrated lately with the blog issues, an injury to my left knee (after one to the right in September) and my lack of energy after COVID that I really need this Spark. I think Cooper Murphy eventually made it successfully out of his battle with the blinds!

The Author of today’s Spark, Dorothea Brande, lived from 1893 to 1948. She was an American writer and editor. Her book Becoming a Writer, published in 1934, is still in print and offers advice for beginning and sustaining any writing enterprise. She also wrote Wake Up and Live, which was published in 1936 and sold more than two million copies. It was made into a movie by the same name in 1937. (I believe I am going to look for a copy of the that first book.)

Awww Mondays

Cooper Murphy will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join her there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Our two intrepid adventuring tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on their next adventure tomorrow from Periwinkle’s home. They always have more fun when you join them, and you can do so tomorrow at Friends Furever. So, please drop by and lend them a hand or paw in whatever they get up to! They’ll be waiting for you.

January 9, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 17

CHERISH THE SIMPLE THINGS

Sparks

Cats know how to appreciate and cherish the simple things in life: a piece of string, a cork, the ring from the milk jug lid, and cardboard boxes!

Audrey is enjoying the same box Cooper Murphy took his selfie in for yesterday’s post.

Tabby kitten in a cardboard box cherishing the simple things with the quote from Ronan Keating: "As you get older, the cliches of life ring true. It's the simple things that matter most: your family, the people you love, your health and sanity."

Thinking of Kitties Blue, I knew I wanted a Spark about cherishing the simple things. I was surprised how many quotes exist representing this sentiment, and any of them would have been appropriate. But as I am one of those “older” individuals, this one spoke to me. I suspect most, if not all, of you will agree.

The author of today’s Spark, Ronan Patrick John Keating is a 45-year-old, Irish singer. He debuted in 1993 as the co-lead singer of the Irish pop group, Boyzone. His solo career started in 1999, and he has recorded eleven albums.

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.”

Awww Mondays

Audrey will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join her there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow, our two experienced, adventuring tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off from right here on their final adventure prior to Christmas. Once again, Stinky has not shared any details with me, so I will be as surprised as the rest of you to see how they spend their day. Periwinkle & Stinky always have more fun when you join them, so please drop by and lend them a hand or paw in whatever they get up to!

December 19, 2022 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Christmas Sparks 10

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.