Valentine’s Day
THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLXXIV
Valentine’s Day
Periwinkle has no idea why, but Stinky has asked her to arrive right at midnight on Valentine’s Day. She has no intention of disappointing him and comes tumbling out of the teleportation tunnel right on time. The moment she lands in his arms, he gives her a quick whisker kiss and leads her right back into the tunnel. Moments later they arrive at their destination. Periwinkle gasps when she sees what lies before them. She is unusually speechless as she takes in the scene. Finally finding her voice, she asks Stinky, “Did you do all this for me?”
Glamping at Alila Ventana
Stinky blushes and replies, “Of course. You are so special and important to me, and I want you to know how much I love you. I hope you like it.”
Periwinkle throws her paws around Stinky’s neck and covers him with kisses. “Of course I like it, and I love you too. Now tell me where we are.”
“We are back in Big Sur, California. I remember Mau talking about how much fun he and Allie had when they went glamping, so I thought we’d give it a try. This is part of the Alila Ventana resort. As it is only 9 p.m. on February 13 here, we have the night to get a good rest and then set out for some adventuring in the morning. I hope this is okay, as I know we visited Big Sur on our Carmel- by-the-Sea adventure.”
“Stinky it is purrfect,” replies Periwinkle as she moves around the platform smelling all the roses and the periwinkle flowers.
“I probably would have just filled the space with periwinkles, but after learning all about roses from you on our last adventure, I thought these red ones would be appropriate,” Stinky tells her.
Now it is time for Periwinkle to blush knowing that the red roses signify love.
Cocoa, Treats & Conversation
“I had some hot cocoa and treats delivered, which we can enjoy by the fire before we go to sleep,” says Stinky. The two tabbies hop up into the adirondack chairs to enjoy their cocoa and treats. After discussing what they’d been doing since they were last together, Periwinkle and Stinky decide it is time to get some rest so they can explore in the morning. As they are heading to bed, Periwinkle notices an envelope near one of the bouquets of roses. When she asks Stinky about it, he tells her she can open it in the morning.
The two tabbies retire for the night.
Periwinkle wakes up and is delighted to see breakfast waiting for them. She sneaks out of bed and gets the envelope off the table. She’s tempted to open it but thinks she should wait for Stinky to wake up. Being really anxious to see what’s inside, Periwinkle starts nudging Stinky until he wakes up. When she asks if she can open the envelope, he groggily tells her, “yes.”
A Poem for Periwinkle
After ripping the envelope open, Periwinkle reads aloud,
Dear Periwinkle,
Roses are red, periwinkles are blue.
I pledge my love for you is true.
Having you in my life is a pleasure and a treat.
You are super beautiful and extra sweet.
You turn any cloudy days sunny,
And ones that are depressing funny.
You fill my heart with happiness everyday
And by my side I hope you will stay.
I will always be here whenever you need me
Because to my heart you hold the key.
Happy Valentine’s Day 💖
With all my love, paw hugs and whisker kisses, Stinky
When Periwinkle finishes reading, she has tears in her eyes and throws her paws around Stinky’s chest and gives him a big squeeze. “Stinky, I love this and you. You are so romantic. Thank you.”
Stinky blushes and tells Periwinkle, “I know I am not as good of a poet as my mom, but I am happy you like it. I love you too. Would you like to have our breakfast and then head out for the day?”
“That sounds good. Where are we going today?”
Point Lobos State Reserve
“We are going back to the Point Lobos State Reserve, which we visited on our other adventure.”
“Oh, I remember how beautiful it was there. It is perfect for Valentine’s Day,” replies Periwinkle.
The tabbies enter their teleportation tunnel and exit in a field of wild flowers above the ocean.
“I love this place, Stinky. It is so beautiful.”
“Yes, it is. I read that the special purpose of a reserve is to protect forever a locale of unique natural beauty and ecological importance. It’s given a higher level of protection. As visitors, we are expected to protect this landmark for generations to come.”
The tabbies leave the field to look around more.
“The view is spectacular, Periwinkle. I am really happy I decided we should revisit Big Sur. The hiking, however, has made me hungry. How about you?”
“I could eat,” replies Periwinkle.
“That’s good. I have another little surprise,” says Stinky as he takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her closer to the ocean.
Picnic by the Water
“Yeah, a picnic. I love picnics. We’ve had so many wonderful ones. Thank you, Stinky.” Stinky and Periwinkle have a leisurely lunch while enjoying the view and the sound of the surf. When full, they are lulled by the sound of the waves and have a little nap. Upon waking, Stinky suggests they head down to the beach.
“Stinky this has been the best Valentine’s Day. You are such a thoughtful boyfriend.”
“I’m so happy you’ve had a good time. Unfortunately, I think it’s time for us to head home,” says Stinky as he leads Periwinkle back to their teleportation tunnel. They enter and moments later arrive at Stinky’s house.
As she always does, Periwinkle spends some time visiting with Stinky’s fursibs and parents and telling them a little about their adventure. All too soon it is time for her to head home. She and Stinky spend several minutes hugging and whisker kissing and wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day.
But the time finally arrives for Periwinkle to enter the tunnel. As she does, the tabbies wave good-bye, and in a whoosh she is gone. Stinky heads to the bedroom for a nap and dreams of his beloved Periwinkle.
The End
Periwinkle and Stinky are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus.
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.
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.
COOPER MURPHY’S VALENTINE SELFIE
Sunday Selfies: Week #443
I feel extremely fortunate today, as I get to share a special Valentine selfie with all of you. It’s a bit out of focus, but I think you can still enjoy my gingery goodness.
I know Mom usually only provides you with a jigsaw puzzle on Caturdays, but I convinced her to make one today as well.
Hopping Time
So that’s it for me. I’m a cat of a few words today. I just need to invite you to post a selfie and then join me and all your other friends here on the hop. You can do that any time between now and midnight Thursday.
And don’t forget to check out the Great American Rescue Bowl (GARB), formerly the Kitten Bowl. It will air today at 10:30 a.m. ET on the Great American Family channel. Not only will it feature kittens needing homes, but also puppies as well as adult dogs and cats.
Thanks for joining us today. We totally appreciate your friendship and support.
Purrs and paw-pats, Cooper Murphy
THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXXII
Valentine’s Day
Stinky is always excited to spend the day with Periwinkle; however, today is special. Not only does he get to see her a day early, but it is also Valentine’s Day. As always, Stinky waits impatiently by the teleportation tunnel and hops from paw to paw. Finally Periwinkle comes tumbling out of the tunnel into his waiting paws. After oodles of whisker kisses, Stinky reaches behind his back and hands Periwinkle a bouquet of flowers and a heart-shaped balloon.
“Thank you, Stinky. These are so pretty. I love the color. What kind of flower are they?” asks Periwinkle.
“They are Periwinkles, and they are pretty but not as pretty as you,” Stinky tells her.
Periwinkle blushes and gives Stinky a kiss on the cheek. She then asks him what they are doing for today’s adventure?
“It’s a surprise,” says Stinky as he leads her back into the teleportation tunnel. Before they can even blink they arrive at their destination. As they disembark from the tunnel, Periwinkle notices that they are wearing fancy clothes and asks Stinky how that happened? “It’s a new feature I had installed in our tunnels to save us time,” Stinky tells her.
“You are so smart—more time for adventuring. That will be a great new feature. And thanks for picking out such a gorgeous dress for me,” Periwinkle tells Stinky. “Now tell me where we are.”
Destination: Hotel Roanoke
Stinky tells Periwinkle that they are at the famous Hotel Roanoke, and he takes her to the historical sign, so they can read about it.
“Thanks for the info, Stinky, what’s on the agenda while we are here?” asks Periwinkle.
“We are going to have a nice, leisurely dinner. Let’s go inside,” says Stinky and takes Periwinkle’s paw.
“We have a little while until our reservation, so we can sit here and do a little people watching. I also have something for you,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.
A Romantic Moment
“Is it a present?” asks Periwinkle. “I love presents.”
“Yes, I guess it is,” says Stinky and hands her a piece of paper.
With tears in her eyes, Periwinkle jumps down from her chair, runs to Stinky and grabs him in a big hug. “You are the sweetest and best boyfriend ever, Stinky. I love this poem. Thank you so much.”
Stinky begins to blush and gets choked up. He whispers to Periwinkle, “I am happy you like it.”
Dinner Time
Soon they are called for their reservation and they enter the hotel’s main restaurant, the Regency Room, where they are shown to their table.
As they wait for dinner, Periwinkle and Stinky talk about all the fun adventures they have had together. There have now been 122 adventures, and they both admit they cannot remember all of them. Stinky suggests to Periwinkle that the next time she comes to Roanoke, they should make a couple of memory albums with photos from their various adventures.
“Stinky, that’s a great idea. We can each select some of our favorite adventure memories to include.”
After dinner, the tabbies wander around the hotel and admire how nice it is. Finally it is time to return to Stinky’s house and the two return to their tunnel. Moments later they walk out into the foyer at Stinky’s house. When Periwinkle has finished visiting with all of Stinky’s fursibs, it’s time for her to head home. She gathers up her flowers and poem and blows a kiss to Stinky, which he catches before blowing one to her. With that familiar whoosh from the tunnel, Periwinkle is gone. Stinky heads to the bedroom for a nap and to dream of his sweet and beautiful girlfriend.
The End
Periwinkle & Stinky wish everyone a Valentine’s Day filled with love and happiness!
The tabbies are joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus, as what could be more “awwwdorable” than two tabby cats in love.
THE DREAM NIGHTMARE & THANKFULS
Thankful Thursday
Dad Tom and I are thankful we will be getting our second COVID vaccine on Saturday. We are equally thankful, that as I write this on Wednesday night, Sawyer is nine days past his last seizure.
Astrid, Sawyer, Lisbeth and Cooper Murphy are thankful to have received Valentines from their significant others. All were on-line except for Cooper Murphy’s from girlfriend Tyebe (Canadian Cats). It is so darn adorable that he asked me to share it with our readers.
On a lighter note, I am thankful to be one of the first commenters on the Tuesday Teaser at Two Spoiled Cats. I got this badge.
As always, we are thankful for all our followers, friends and supporters.
Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by our friend, Brian. To participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful, and then click on Brian’s badge to go to his blog and enter your link.
Thoroughly Poetic Thursday
It’s Thursday, which means it is time for the poetry challenge hosted by the Two Spoiled Cats, Angel Sammy and Teddy. Here’s this week’s inspiration photo and my poem.
The Dream Nightmare
It was a cold and foggy night
Without another human in sight.
Until I felt a sudden ripple of fear
Just as an apparition appeared.
Far ahead of me on the path
Would I encounter a sociopath
Or just another insomniac like me?
But fright tells me it must be a banshee
Here to warn of my impending death.
I’m aware I am holding my breath,
And that I have closed my eyes
Fearing I am facing my demise.
When suddenly I’m awake in my bed
With confusing thoughts in my head.
It seems sleep had finally taken ahold,
And then a nightmare took control.
Thankfully my head is now clear,
And I can return to bed without fear.
© Janet Buickerood Blue – 02/17/2021
To participate in Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, check out Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the badge below. You will find next week’s inspiration photo as well as Angel Sammy’s poem. He is a masterful poet, so make certain you read his poem while you are there.
THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART LXXI
Valentine’s Day
Stinky had planned an exceptional adventure for Periwinkle, and he was really happy that she could come two days early for it. He knew he didn’t want to miss celebrating Valentine’s Day with her.
As always he waited impatiently for her to arrive. He was standing beside the tunnel, however, instead of right in front of it. Stinky didn’t want Periwinkle to crush the flowers he had for her when she came tumbling out.
Periwinkle was surprised when Stinky wasn’t there to catch her, but then she saw him and the big bouquet he held. She squealed with delight and outstretched her paws to take it from him. After sniffing the flowers and exclaiming about the fragrance and beauty, Periwinkle set them aside so she and Stinky could share whisker kisses and paw hugs.
After that, Periwinkle picked up her flowers, and Stinky took her other paw in his and led her to a beautifully set table. He helped Periwinkle into her chair and put her flowers in a teapot his mom had put out for a vase.
Periwinkle exclaimed, “This is so gorgeous, Stinky. Thank you.” As usual, Stinky blushed under his grey, tabby face furs.
Stinky told Periwinkle, “My mom helped me set it up.”
Stinky had made a special card, which he gave to Periwinkle.
Periwinkle had one for Stinky as well.
“Do you think anyone will recognize us?” Periwinkle asked Stinky.
“I don’t think so, Periwinkle.”
“Wow, that’s a relief,” replied Periwinkle.
A Special Question for Periwinkle
“I have a special question for you. We have been boyfriend and girlfriend for quite a long time now. I was wondering if you would like to go steady?” Stinky asked Periwinkle.
“Oh yes, I would,” replied Periwinkle.
“Okay, it is official. Shall we toast to that?” Stinky asked.
Periwinkle and Stinky picked up their glasses of tuna juice, clinked them and giggled in unison.
The tabbies spent the remainder of the afternoon, snacking, chattering and reminiscing about their time together as boyfriend and girlfriend and the adventures they’d taken together. Too soon it was time for Periwinkle to head home. After sharing lots and lots of whisker kisses and paw hugs, Periwinkle took her flowers from the table, gave Stinky a wave, blew him a kiss and entered the teleportation tunnel. With a whoosh she was gone, leaving Stinky both elated that they were now going steady and sad that he would not being seeing Periwinkle for nine more days.
The End
Stinky and Periwinkle are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus.
KITTIES BLUE VALENTINE GROUPIE
Sunday Selfies: Week #340
We have a groupie instead of a selfie today as each of us wanted to wish all of you who visit us a Happy Valentine’s Day. We are so grateful for your support and friendship.
As usual Mom got a little carried away with trying to make us look all snazzy. We decided, however, that this might make a good jigsaw puzzle, so we got her to make one for you. It’s at the bottom of the post.
Hopping Time
We hope you will take a few moments to snap a selfie and join us today. It doesn’t have to be fancy like ours is, but if you’d like to turn your photo into a Valentine for someone special, please do. If you don’t usually post on Sundays, that’s not a problem. The hop remains open through Thursday.
Wishing each of you and all your family members a very special day with lots of love in it.
Purrs and paw-pats, Misty May, Giulietta, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer & Kizmet
Here’s your puzzle.
BELATED VALENTINE ART
Caturday Art
Five of Kitties Blue have heart kitties. Two of those, Mau and Astrid, have spouses. Though they all sent snail mail Valentines to their significant others, they asked to do something special with today’s art.
Astrid is asking Sampy from Kitty Cat Chronicles to be her Valentine. Sawyer is asking Noelle from Friends Furever to be his Valentine. Lisbeth would like Charles to be her Valentine. Mau is asking Allie (Friends Furever) to be his Valentine and Cooper Murphy is requesting Tyebe (The Canadian Cats) be his Valentine.
Wow, what a romantic group of cats!
To create this art I used a combination of piZap and PicMonkey and used an overlay of a page I colored in the Happy Color application.
Kitties Blue are entering Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s Caturday Art blog hop. If you’d like to join them or find links to art by other bloggers, click on Athena’s badge.
Sunday Selfies Reminder
It’s time again for you to put a smile on your face and take a selfie to share with all your friends and on our blog hop tomorrow. We know it will be two days after Valentine’s Day, but if you’d like to turn your selfie into a Valentine, that would be cool. Whichever of the Kitties Blue volunteers to be your host will be sporting some type of “hearty” theme.
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
KITTIES BLUE VALENTINES
Thoroughly Poetic Thursday
Before getting to the Valentines we are sending, we are letting Mom post the poem she wrote for Teddy and Angel Sammy’s Thoroughly Poetic Thursday.
This is the inspiration photo provided. Mom’s poem is below it.
Mothers & Daughters
Love between mother and child—
A special gift they give each other.
Their bond unbreakable; though,
Changing as each grows older.
My mother lived until I was 16.
I often wonder what our relationship
Might have been today at 69 and 98.
I envy friends who have their mothers;
Even if, their relationship isn’t perfect.
I know love grows beneath it and
Can be rekindled and nurtured.
© Janet Buickerood Blue 02/13/2019
If you’d like to participate in Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, check out the post each Thursday at Two Spoiled Cats. You will find the inspiration photo for a poem to be posted on your blog the following Thursday. Angel Sammy writes a poem each week and sends it to Teddy from the Rainbow Bridge. To read it and find links to other poems in the Comment section, click on the badge at the left.
Thankful Thursday
Now it’s time for those Valentines. We are posting them as part of the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Brian. We all are grateful to have love in our lives from our humans who care for us. Some of us also are thankful for the love and “like” of other kitties. Not all of us have a Valentine, and Misty May posted hers yesterday. Here are the others.
Sawyer received his very first Valentine from Allie’s little sisfur, Noelle (Friends Furever). He was stunned and delighted and, of course, wanted to reciprocate.
Cooper Murphy is quite smitten with one of his Cat Scout friends, Tyebe (Canadian Cats). They attended the Cat Scouts Super Bowl Party as friends, and will be attending today’s Cat Scouts Valentine’s Day Party together. Her mom thinks Tyebe is too young to date, but is allowing Tyebe and Cooper Murphy to attend events together as friends.
Wishing everyone a day of love.
To join the blog hop at Brian’s Home, click on the badge below.
Purrs & paw-pats, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer