Sparks

SPARKS: ARE YOU A DREAMER?

Sparks

I think this Spark says everything and needs no elaboration or explanation.

Once again I have selected one of dad Tom’s photographs for today’s Spark. It was taken July 27, 2018, the night of the recent supermoon. The moon came up over Mill Mountain and it’s famous neon star. (For more information about the world’s largest man-made star, see our post, Sharkie and Blue Visit the Star.) The photo was taken from our upper deck.

I’m fairly certain all of you know who Harriet Tubman was, but just in case you don’t: Born Araminta Ross (c. 1822), Tubman was an American abolitionist and political activist. To read about her on Wikipedia, click here.

Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie currently is taking a well-deserved “break” from blogging (We sure miss her!), so there is no hop. However, many of us are continuing to post a Spark on Monday, as we totally agree with Annie’s vision: “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!”

A SPARK OF SUNSHINE & LOVE

Sparks

Dad Tom took some photos yesterday of the day lilies in our front flower bed. I have selected one for today’s Spark.

I was unfamiliar with Max Müller and suspect you may be as well. Friedrich Max Müller was born in 1823 and died in 1900. Generally known as Max Müller, he was a German-born philologist (Philology is the study of language in oral and written historical sources; it is a combination of literary criticism, history, and linguistics.) and Orientalist. He lived and studied in Britain for most of his life. Müller was one of the founders of the western academic field of Indian studies and the discipline of comparative religion. He wrote scholarly as well as popular works on the subject of Indology. The Sacred Books of the East, a 50-volume set of English translations, was prepared under his direction.

Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie currently is taking a “break” from blogging, so there is no hop. However, many of us are continuing to post a Spark on Monday, as we totally agree with Annie’s vision: “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!”

Our Sock Winner

The latest winner in our giveaway of pink or blue customizable cat socks from OurSock.com is The Menagerie Mom, Lorianne, from Four-Legged Furballs. Now the question remains, which of her precious pusses will get the honor of appearing on her socks. With new kitten, Tonks, joining the family, we think the rest of the gang will be shut out.

To learn more about our giveaway, checkout last Tuesday’s post, Toesy Tuesday Giveaway. If you’ve been admiring Mom’s socks on previous posts, you still have an opportunity to win a pair for yourself. We had ten pairs of cat socks to give away and have now awarded six of those. We normally do not post on Tuesdays, so the giveaway will resume on Wednesday and conclude next Saturday.

We’ll see you back here for Wordless Wednesday.

A SPARK OF LAUGHTER

Sparks: Week #28

This crazy ginger cat makes me laugh everyday. I am grateful for that, as it is difficult to find much funny in today’s world. If not for the antics of Kitties Blue, Dad Tom’s inspired one-liners and the zaniness of The Big Bang Theory, I probably wouldn’t even crack a smile.

William Ray “Bill” Engvall Jr. is the author of today’s Spark. He’s an American comedian and actor best known for his work as a stand-up comic.

I am joining Annie at McGufffy’s Reader for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, Annie wrote, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

April 16, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 21

COOPER MURPHY SPARKS A SMILE

Sparks: Week #27

Cooper Murphy may not have a huge grin on his face, but whenever I see him, I cannot help but smile. He’s sweet, loving and handsome with a wonderfully expressive face. I hope he makes you smile today.

The author of today’s quote, Anthony (Tony) J. D’Angelo, is founder of Collegiate EmPowerment. He has dedicated his life to helping young adults to create a life worth living. D’Angelo set out on his vision to transform American Higher Education in 1995 at the age of 23. According to D’Angelo “Most students go to school and get a degree but not an education.”

I am joining Annie at McGufffy’s Reader for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote this, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

April 9, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 19

DREAMS, HOPE AND REALITY

Sparks: Week #26

Today’s Spark is from Reverend Robert H. Schuller. He was an American, Christian minister, televangelist and author of many “positive thinking” books. Schuller was the host of the television program, Hour of Power, from 1970 until 2010 when he retired. He also was the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. (from Wikipedia)

The photograph is by Dad Tom. This is part of the camellia bush in our backyard. It does not bloom this time of year but in November. Regardless, the photo made me think of spring, which is why I used to for today’s Spark.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

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April 2, 2018 by Janet Blue Dad Tom's Photography Sparks 11

GIULIETTA DELIVERS OUR SPARK

Sparks: Week #25

When I was creating art for the Caturday Art blog hop, I produced this design. I did like the final product but decided not to use it. However, it seemed appropriate to use as the basis for today’s Sparks blog hop.

This is not a traditional Spark. It doesn’t offer an inspirational or uplifting quote. Regardless, it spoke to me. As most of you reading this have animals in your lives that you dearly love, I thought it would resonate with you as well.

The author of this quote, Ingrid Newark, is an English-born British-American animal rights activist. She is the founder (with Alex Pacheco) and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA is the world’s largest animal rights organization. Newkirk has worked in the animal-protection movement since 1972. In the 1970s, under her leadership, as the District of Columbia’s first female poundmaster, legislation was passed to create the first spay/neuter clinic in Washington, D.C., as well as an adoption program and the public funding of veterinary services. (Information from Wikipedia.)

I am joining Annie at McGufffy’s Reader for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

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March 26, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 16

A SPARK OF HOPE

Sparks: Week #24

Samuel Smiles (23 December 1812 – 16 April 1904), was a Scottish author and government reformer. His masterpiece, Self-Help (1859), promoted thrift and claimed that poverty was caused largely by irresponsible habits, while also attacking materialism and laissez-faire government. It has been called “the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism,” and it raised Smiles to celebrity status almost overnight. (Wikipedia)

Angel Fiona and I are joining Annie at McGufffy’s Reader for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

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Thank you from Giulietta

Giulietta and I are grateful to everyone who joined the Sunday Selfies blog hop yesterday and left birthday wishes for her and our precious angel, Fiona. As Fiona is unable to say, “thank you,” personally, it seemed appropriate for her to deliver today’s Spark. Fiona was already ill when this photo was taken, as you most likely can see from how thin she is. In spite of that, she still was able to enjoy a sunpuddle and the warmth of the sun on her face.

March 19, 2018 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Sparks 24

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Sparks: Week #23

Astrid is always true to herself; though, she’s not much for engaging with others.

Eleanor (Ella) Laura Davan Mills (née Woodward) is an English food writer and entrepreneur under the brand Deliciously Ella. She has a blog at deliciouslyella.com.

Astrid and I are joining Annie at McGufffy’s Reader for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote this, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

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March 12, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 17

SPARKS OF FRIENDSHIP

Sparks #22

Of course, we cats are always ourselves! Let’s all strive to be somebody’s best friend.

According to Wikipedia, “Renee Olstead is an American actress and singer. Active since childhood as an actress, she is best known for her roles on the CBS sitcom Still Standing and on the drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager as Madison Cooperstein. In addition, she has recorded four studio albums, primarily of jazz music.”

Mauricio, Astrid and I are joining Annie (McGuffy’s Reader) for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote this, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

March 5, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 23

A FELINE SPARK

Sparks: Week #21

Being a blog dedicated to kitties, it seemed appropriate to finally do a Spark post featuring a quote about cats. The photo above features Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Misty May, Mauricio and Giulietta during one of Chris’s biweekly nip fests.

I was unfamiliar with the author of this quote, so I suspect most of you will be as well. The following information is from Wikipedia:

“Henry Charles Bukowski (born Heinrich Karl Bukowski; August 16, 1920 – March 9, 1994) was a German-American poet, novelist, and short story writer. His writing was influenced by the social, cultural, and economic ambience of his home city of Los Angeles. His work addresses the ordinary lives of poor Americans, the act of writing, alcohol, relationships with women, and the drudgery of work. Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels, eventually publishing over 60 books. The FBI kept a file on him as a result of his column, Notes of a Dirty Old Man, in the LA underground newspaper Open City.”

I am joining Annie (McGuffy’s Reader) for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote this, “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!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week.

If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.

February 26, 2018 by Janet Blue Sparks 17

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.