Sparks

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.

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

 

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.

 

 

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.”

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

 

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.

 

 

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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 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.

 

 

 

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!

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

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

 

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.

 

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.)

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

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.

 

 

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!

 

CATS = WARMTH & LOVE

Sparks

Sorry to be late posting today!

 

Grey cat lying on granite cover atop a radiator with the following quote: I like the idea of being warm and secure. That's what home should be. That you have a sense of warmth, security, love, and you love the things around you and surround yourself with beauty. by Andre Leon Talley

 

I can think of nothing that brings warmth and love to a home better than a cat.

And Kitties Blue like nothing better than a radiator for warmth in the cold winter months.

Today’s Spark author, André Leon Talley was known as a fashion icon. He was an American fashion journalist, stylist, creative director and editor-at-large at Vogue magazine. He was the magazine’s fashion news director from 1983 to 1987, its first African-American male creative director from 1988 to 1995 and then editor-at-large from 1998 to 2013. Talley died this past January at age 73.

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

Kizmet 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!

 

“CHRISTMAS IS A TONIC FOR OUR SOULS”

Sparks

From now through the end of 2022, I will be sharing Sparks with a holiday theme. I really liked this one from B. C. Forbes. It took me a while to find a photo that I thought truly represented the Spark. This is Dad Tom and Misty May.

 

Man's hand wearing a wedding ring with the white paw of a cat atop it, and including the following quote from B.C. Forbes, founder of Forbes magazine: "Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving."

 

The author of today’s Spark, B.C. (Bertie Charles) Forbes was a Scottish-American financial journalist and author who, in 1917, founded Forbes magazine.

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

Misty May and her paw 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 adorable cartoon tabbies will be setting off on their next adventure. As it is Stinky’s turn to plan their event, you can find Periwinkle and him right here. He hasn’t shared his plans with me, but based on the way Periwinkle and he are dressed up, I suspect it will have something to do with the holidays. But we’ll all just need to check in tomorrow to find out what they get up to! See you then.

 

NAPS ARE GOOD

Sparks

Ginger kitten enjoys a good nap with a quote from Carrie Snow: "No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap."

 

This week’s theme for my Spark is the same as last week’s. If you missed that one, you can find it at, “Sawyer Has the Right Idea.” Kitties Blue, like all cats, are champion nappers, and I’m a huge proponent of naps. Some days, it is the only thing that allows me to be productive in the evening. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed if you need to take a break during the day.

The Spark author, Carrie Snow, is a 69-year-old, American, stand-up comedian, writer, author and host from Merced, California. She’s best known for writing and acting in the television series Roseanne.

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.”

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

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow, our adorable and fun, cartoon tabbies will be setting off on their next adventure. Periwinkle is the planner for their adventure this week. They’ll be heading out from Periwinkle’s home, so you’ll find them over at Friends Furever. I know they will be looking for you to join them. So, please do! They always have a fabulous time together.