Sparks

🦜SEE THE GOOD SIDE OF LIFE🦜

Sparks

I normally would share a Spark today relating in some manner to Labor Day. Instead, I am sharing one from one of Dad Tom’s and my favorite performers, Jimmy Buffett. Buffet passed away on September 1 from Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. He was 76.

One could not be unhappy listening to Buffett’s music.

A collage of four photos from a 2009 Jimmy Buffett concert with a quote from Buffett: "It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad."

The photos above are from 2009, the third and last time we saw Buffett in concert. I had forgotten that Dad Tom and I ever looked so young!

The parrot was at the concert. If you don’t know, Buffett fans are referred to as Parrot Heads. I had forgotten the parrot was named Raleigh. That is sort of a cool coincidence!

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

Raleigh, the parrot, will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to join him there, click on the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to set out on another adventure. It is Stinky’s turn to plan what they will be doing this week. He confided in me what he has in mind, but my lips are sealed. You’ll need to stop in right here tomorrow to join in the excitement. Adventures are always more fun with lots of friends coming along, which means they’ll be looking for you. Please don’t let them down.

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023

Kitties Blue Angels + Two

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was created in 2015 by Deb Barnes from The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey in honor and remembrance of her cat, Mr. Jazz. On this day, bloggers remember their pets that have become angels and flown off to the Rainbow Bridge. I am thankful that no Kitties Blue left us in the past year.

I am, however, remembering the 13 Kitties Blue who watch over us as well as Mau’s wife, Allie, and Lisbeth’s boyfriend, Charles. They were all deeply loved and will never be forgotten. I also remember all those angel kitties, woofies and other pets of our friends and fellow bloggers.

Kitties Blue angels A collage with 15 cats which have become angels and gone to the Rainbow Bridge along with a sign for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.

Top Row L to R: Skooter, Steamer, Daphne, Thelma; Row 2 L to R: Louise, Chloe, Twinkle, Lily Olivia, Row 3 L to R: Madison, MacKenzie, Fiona; Row 4 L to R: Mau(ricio), Giulietta, Allie, Charles

Awww Mondays

All these beautiful cats will be popping over to Comedy Plus for the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you’d like to join them there, click on the badge below.

Sparks

In keeping with the theme of today’s post, I have two Sparks about angels, as I could not decide which I liked best.

A Rainbow background with two quotes about angels, one from NLE Choppa and one from Anton Chekhov

I like to believe that those diamonds are all our angel loved ones, including our pets, looking down and watching over us. That’s why I think these two quotes are the perfect companions.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. Periwinkle is responsible for planning their adventure this week. So, in order to join in the excitement, you’ll need to stop in at her blog, Friends Furever tomorrow. Adventures are always more fun with lots of friends coming along, which means they’ll be looking for you. Please don’t let them down.

Thanks for joining us today and remembering our angels with us.

Kitties Blue angels border

August 28, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Awww Mondays Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Sparks 16

LAUGH AT LIFE & LOOK FOR HAPPINESS

Sparks

I have been feeling particularly sad lately with the fires, floods, storms, mass shootings, dying sea coral and so many other disasters. One of the best ways, I have found, to deal with sadness is through laughter. When I found this quote from Red Skelton, it seemed perfect.

laugh life happiness: A sad looking dilute tortoise shell cat with her head resting on a grey stuffed cat.

I think Calista Jo needs to laugh a little, as she is is looking pretty sad in her photo. Nevertheless, I think the photo works well with the Spark.

Awww Mondays

Calista Jo will be popping over to Comedy Plus to join the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you would like to participate, click on the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. It’s Stinky’s turn to plan their adventure. He has not confided in me his plans. So, I’ll be right here tomorrow to check out what they get up to. And, I know, Periwinkle and Stinky will be looking for you as well. Adventures are always more fun with lots of friends coming along.

Thanks for joining us today.

August 21, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 17

SMOOCHABLE TOE BEANS & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

Yesterday for Sunday Selfies I shared a two-fur photo of Raleigh and Audrey. Today, for Awww Mondays, I have a three-fur with Calista Jo, Astrid and Cooper Murphy.

smoochable toe beans: Three cats (ginger tabby, tortoise shell and dilute tortoise shell snoozing on humans' bed and showing off their toe beans (paw pads).

All felines are adorable, so obviously I think these three qualify for inclusion in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. As an added bonus, Coop and Astrid are sharing lots of smoochable toe beans.

Cooper Murphy, Astrid and C.J. will be popping over to Comedy Plus to join the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you would like to participate, click on the badge below.

Sparks

Yesterday, Dad Tom and I attended the memorial service for a friend who died a week ago. Yesterday was also the 58th anniversary of my mother’s passing. Of course, those two things got me thinking about death. I have lost a few friends who were way to young at the time of their deaths. I, however, have never personally been afraid of facing my own death. I’ve just always felt sad about the fact that things will occur after I’m gone that I would not have wanted to miss. I don’t particularly feel like that now, however, as our country and world are in such a mess. Dad Tom and I tell each other often that we are happy we are in the latter years of our lives.

All this is to explain why I selected the following quote for my Spark.

I cannot imagine too many individuals would be content to live a life totally without love.

The author of today’s Spark, Russell Marion Nelson Sr., is an American religious leader and retired surgeon. He is currently the 17th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. It’s Periwinkle’s turn to plan what they will be doing. That means, you’ll need to stop in at her blog, Friends Furever, to join in their fun. I know the kitties will be looking for you, so don’t forget to pop on over tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

August 14, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 16

SPARKS FOR CALMNESS FROM A GINGER CAT

Sparks

ginger cat calmness: Large ginger cat lying on its stomach with two quotes: "Remain calm, serene, always in command of yourself. You will then find out how easy it is to get along," by Paramahansa Yogananda, 2) "The Ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat," by Jules Renard.

I have given you two Sparks today from two individuals I have quoted previously. I wanted a spark about keeping calm, as I have been having a bit of a problem with that lately. Once again, it is time for me to stop watching the news on TV. When I found the quote from Yogi Yogananda, the one about cats was right below it. So, I couldn’t resist sharing it as well. And a lounging Cooper Murphy seemed like the purrfect accompaniment.

Awww Mondays

Cooper Murphy is always awww-adorable but not always well-behaved. Mostly, he’s genial and mild-mannered. But when it comes to the tent he is lying on, it is entirely a different story. One day he is going to jump or lie on the top and fall right through the roof. He thinks the canvas is the best scratcher ever and has left the tent riddled with holes.

Cooper Murphy will be popping over to Comedy Plus to join the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you would like to participate, click on the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. And this one is extra special. You absolutely won’t want to miss even a minute of it. So, make certain you come back here tomorrow to join in the fun. Periwinkle and Stinky will be looking for you.

Thanks for joining us today.

August 7, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 12

FRIENDS, HOPES & DREAMS

Sparks

With yesterday being the International Day of Friendship, I’ve had friendship on my mind. I am thankful for many things in my life, and friendship is very near the top of the list. I have had and currently have many wonderful and supportive friends. So I selected a Spark about friendship for today. The kittens, Raleigh and Audrey, are presenting it.

friends, hopes & dreams: A ginger tabby cat and a torbie sitting together in a blue chair with a Christmas pillow behind them. Torbie cat is washing her right front paw.

Admittedly, Raleigh does not look too friendly is this photo, but he does like his sister. I think he just didn’t want to get her girl cooties!

Awww Mondays

I am not certain I would consider Raleigh “awww-adorable” in this photo, but he does have some pretty terrific looking fur. Anyhoo, Audrey and Raleigh will be taking part in Sandee’s Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to participate, click on her badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow over at Friends Furever. It is Periwinkle’s turn to plan what they will be doing. Whatever it is, you know the two kits have more fun when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

July 31, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Kittens Sparks 11

FRIENDS, ANGELS & CATTITUDE

Sparks

Last week when I posted a Spark about angels on the anniversary of Mau’s passing, I indicated that I had discovered several quotes referencing angels that I would be sharing in the future. I have one of those today. Keeping with the theme, I have selected another of the Kitties Blue angels to present it.

friends angels cattitude - Photo of a calico cat with the following quote, "If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give," from George MacDonald.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll recognize Lily Olivia. She left for the Bridge in January, 2018, just short of her 19th birthday.

I love my friends and would do anything for them, so this Spark meant more to me than just the fact that it mentioned angels.

The author was unfamiliar to me, so I suspect he may be to you as well. George MacDonald was a Scottish poet, author and clergyman who lived from 1824 to 1905. MacDonald graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1845 with a degree in chemistry and physics and received his theological training for the Congregational ministry at Highbury College. He is considered to be the founding father of modern fantasy writing.

Awww Mondays

Lily Olivia was a character with more cattitude than an entire clowder of calicos. But she definitely was awwdorable. She’ll be taking part in Sandee’s Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to participate, click on her badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow right here. Stinky has planned something really fun, and they always enjoy their adventures even more when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

July 24, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Awww Mondays Sparks 9

MAU: THREE YEARS AN ANGEL

Sparks

Three years ago today our very special cat, Mau(ricio), received his angel wings after a short, undiagnosed illness. All his blood work was normal, and our veterinarian could not find anything really wrong with him. But he had lost weight and was not acting like himself. If you missed or would like to reread the original post about his passing, click on the title, “💖 Until We Meet Again 💖“.

I wanted a Spark about angels, which I totally believe in, as I have met one. I found several that “spoke” to me and plan to eventually share each of them. The one I selected for today is from Anton Chekhov.

Portrait of a tuxedo cat with the following quote from Anton Chekhov, "We shall find peace. We shall hear angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds."

I believe those diamonds (stars) in the sky are our loved ones (humans and pets) who have passed. They are there watching over us always.

Mau was a wonderful cat who loved his fursibs, his wife Allie, Dad Tom and me. He was a comedian and cozy companion and remains in our hearts and thoughts. Dad Tom and I speak fondly of him often.

Awww Mondays

There’s no doubt that Mau was an awww-adorable cat. So this special angel will be taking part in Sandee’s Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to participate, click on her badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow over at Friends Furever. It is Periwinkle’s turn to select what they are going to do. Whatever it is, you know the two have more fun when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

July 17, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Awww Mondays Sparks 15

LOVE OF COUNTRY & CAT HOUSE DESTRUCTION

Sparks

A red and blue background with stars and fireworks for Independence Day with the following quote from Cory Booker, "Patriotism is love of country. But you can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen. We don't always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good."

I found this quote and thought it perfect as we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow. Our country is currently embroiled in so much unrest and violence, and we citizens need to come together and work together to set things right. This is not the country I grew up in and not the one I want to see today’s children come to think of as normal.

Awww Mondays

On June 17, I wrote about the destruction of the Kitties Blue cardboard houses in “Audrey’s Bubble Foam Art.” One of them has since been recycled, as it was almost totally destroyed and useless. The final house has taken quite a beating from Audrey and Raleigh. Most mornings I find it flattened. Last night it was flattened and shoved under the dresser by Raleigh. Here Kizmet and Audrey admire Audrey’s handiwork of toppling it over.

A tipped over and partially destroyed cardboard cat house and two cats, a grey one and a brown tabby.

Kizmet and Audrey will be joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You also can participate by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow over at Friends Furever. It is Periwinkle’s turn to select what they are going to do. Whatever it is, you know the two have more fun when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

July 3, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Independence day Sparks 11

KIZMET’S DISAPPROVING STARE & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

Grey cat sitting on a wrapped gift.

Kizmet parked herself on top of her dad’s Father’s Day gift and did not want to move, as you can see by the expression on her face. I suspect she knew that his gift was wrapped in a Cat Lady box, and she could smell the catnip toys that had once been inside.

Even if Kizmet appears disapproving, I still think she is awwwdorable enough to join the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to meet her there, click on the Awww badge.

Kizmet is also participating in International Box Day

International Box day badge

Sparks

Purple Asian clematis with the following quote porinted on the photo, "I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death." by Robert Fulghum

I found this Spark after our friend, Raz (Friends Furever), got his wings. I think you can intuit why it spoke to me.

The author of today’s Spark, Robert Lee Fulghum, is an 86-year-old, American author and Unitarian Universalist minister. Fulghum is best known for his first collection of writings, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

The photograph is one of Dad Tom’s.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow over at Friends Furever. It is Periwinkle’s turn to select what they are going to do. Whatever it is, you know the two have more fun when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

June 19, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Dad Tom's Photography Father's Day International Box Day Sparks 19

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.