Vanity

Age sneaks up on me like an invisible pen.

Drawing lines.

Adding depth and volume

to my neck and chin - previously smooth and slender.

It's challenging to see yourself in your mind's eye as the youthful young woman

you once were,

only to continue to be greeted by an older woman in the mirror.

There's still beauty there;

but, veils of wisdom and time have carved their memories into your smile and your eyes.

The spark of surprise and the blush of anticipation

can be found somewear in the valleys of wear.

Oh, how I miss those pristine fairways.

ame

1/11/13

It's been over a month since my Mookie passed on to Kitty Heaven. I have his ashes and my Ernie's ashes which I retrieved from the Animal hospital (Ernie passed on in 2006 and his ashes have been in storage there as I didn't have the emotional balance to pick them up until now). They were brothers and loved each other so very much. So, come the Spring, we'll have a little kitty burial in the back yard and let their Spirits free to run around in the yard and woods as they did when they were young.

I posted this tribute to Mookie in Dec 2012 when he died:

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My Golden Boy

He sat on a pillow in the middle of his cage at the mspca in Salem, Ma. He was 8 weeks old, gold, and the last of his litter. 

He was a tiny cat with ears too large for his head. No one wanted him; yet he positioned himself so regally upon that pillow, and he was the color of Halloween. Why not pick him up? He was soft and gentle. He nuzzled his way into the palm of our hands, and won our hearts. We called him Mookie in honor of Mookie Wilson - one of the great Met baseball players. His body quickly grew and balanced out his ears, turning him into a very handsome cat. 

Sleeping like a baby in his living years

Mookie wanted everyone he met to be his, so he would rub his chin against you as his mark that you now belonged to him. Everyone loved him: vets, handlers, friends and family. But, at the end of the day, he followed me upstairs, hopped onto the bed, and curled up next to me, and purred himself to sleep. He was my top cat for over 17 years. 

He died last night while sleeping comfortably. He had Cancer, but this was not expected. I've lost my little friend and I am very sad. He lived through my many life stages and slept by my side for these 17+ years. I will miss him more than anyone will ever know. God bless his little kitty soul that held so much love. My Golden Boy.

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Andrea

For the love of cats...

We love our kitties. But, kitties do age, and ours are now over the ripe old age of 17! They're very sweet creatures, entertaining us with their goofy traits and 'cuddle' ways for all these years. But, age brings it's challenges with pets, as with humans, and sometimes you become 'nursemaid' to them for their quality of life and health.

We've had this experience with both of our cats over the last few weeks. Mookie - my "golden boy' - was diagnosed with cancer. As with most cancers, this one can be managed (with medication) for a time. He's been my constant companion every day and night, always loving to cuddle in a warm bed and rub his chin all over your hand, or ankle to 'mark you' as belonging to him.

Then comes the big surprise with Betty, the cat I gave Tony several years ago to keep him company in his condo while we were dating. Betty is the cutest, tiniest little cat that captures your heart just by seeing her.

She was having difficulty walking last week, and seemed very lethargic - not her usual 'prancing' self. Tony noticed that she seemed to have blood in her eye, so with all signals 'GO', we immediately raced to the Vet Emergency Center at Tufts to see what was going on with her health. Bad news - she's 'legally blind'. She can see lights and shadows. Good news - this condition can be managed with medication.

So, we have our two little sprites that are reaching their 'retirement years' and we are helping their transition. We both have great soul attachments and love for these feline family members, so the next steps will be tough. But, love does find a way. Their tomorrows will not be in vain.

Cooler Temps and Warmer Clothes!

One week ago, I was in shorts and a t-shirt feeling the heat we'd been experiencing back in July! I thought we'd never transition to the Fall that I love...

Ever since we had a rain storm 2 nights ago, the muggy air and temperatures have settled down to a point where we can turn off the air conditioners, and replace shorts with warmer leg-wear, and t-shirts with light sweaters and sweatshirts! Oh, how I love Fall! The slant of the sun, the length of the day, and the changing colors of the leaves makes every day a new view into the world. So great to be alive!

Go out and take a walk, sit on a step, listen to the leaves rustle in the wind. Savor these moments today. Enjoy your world!

Andrea

Take me out to the ball game!

It was a great day for a ball game!! Warm, low humidity, blue sky transitioning into a pastel sunset. Even though the Red Sox lost to the Angels, Fenway Park had the crowd spirit that continues to get high marks for me. And who could ask for a nicer backdrop??

Play ball!!!

Andrea

Beautiful Day!

So the hot weather seems to have abated, and the evenings hint at the coming Fall season. This summer has truly been a stretch of hot days, followed by a few milder ones, then back to hot-and humid for a stretch. I've lived in New England all; my life, and don't ever remember these extremes. It seems I'm not the only one. This month's 'National Geographic' has the weird weather as its cover story. Diving into the periodical provides more statistical data and trends about the past years, and predictions of future trends. It is scary. The world is small. The actions of one land, could affect us all.

I still believe in people's will to change things for the better. It's time to push policies and environment improvements to the forefront within every country so that there will be a tomorrow for our grandchildren.

Peace.
Andrea

Crazy Hot!

We're going on almost a week of hot and humid temps here in Massachusetts! Not as bad as the mid-west and the crisis in the farmlands. But, whether or not this is another sign of global warming, it's a very oppressive climate by New England standards. Take a dip in a pool, or stake out some shade beneath a tree, or stay inside with a fan or AC and a cool drink, and call it Siesta!

Let's all look to the sky for rain!