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happyTopic: tours
Coming Tuesday! An interview with Donna Shephard.
Posted by here-it-is
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happy Coming Tuesday! An interview with Donna Shephard.
happyWhere’s CeCe
Another alley and more of those big green monsters. Don’t they ever empty those things? As the wild bunch wandered down the alleyway, they could see trash everywhere. At least this might make the food search easier and safer.
“Humans really go through this pizza stuff.”
“How do you know that?”
“Look at all the boxes that have that on top.”
Alex was right. There were piles of pizza boxes all over the place. But there was too much activity to check them out. They searched for, and found a safe haven. Just to ensure their safety, they took turns sleeping. After CeCe’s troubles with the dumpsters, Alex and Amanda decided to let her have the first nap.
While CeCe slept, Alex slipped out to scout around. That would make the food run faster and safer. He was gone for quite awhile. Amanda was starting to get worried. She was getting ready to wake up CeCe when he finally made it back.
“What took so long?”
“I was on my way back when another kitty from someplace around here, started coming towards me. I went quite a ways in the other direction just in case I was seen.”
“Ok. Did he follow you?”
“No, he didn’t see me and I watched him leave in a different direction.”
“Good. At least you’re safely back.”
By this time CeCe was awake. That allowed Amanda and Alex to get some much-needed rest. The two kitties curled up next to each other and were sound asleep in no time. They knew they could keep both eyes closed because CeCe was on lookout.
“Where’s CeCe?!?”
“I don’t know. She was just laying in front of us, wasn’t she?”
“I thought so. Alex, we have to go find her!”
Alex had scouted around the area so he had some ideas of where to look. At first he wanted to go alone, but Amanda wouldn’t let him. They would work as a team. Alex led Amanda over to the large pile of boxes. There were signs CeCe had been there but she wasn’t in sight. They followed her scent as far as they could but soon the scent of other kitties made that impossible. It was dangerous but the decided to call for her. Soon…
“Mandy?”
“CeCe?”
They found her hiding between some garbage bags.
“Where did you go?”
“I thought I could be like Alex and get something to eat.”
“CeCe, Alex has a lot of experience. He knows the signs. If you want to go on these adventures with us, you stay with us, understand?”
“Yes, I promise.”
CeCe was safe. They went back to their hiding place. After a good rest, they were ready for their next adventure.
happyStubbornness
I am the first to admit that I am extremely stubborn. I also admit that being stubborn is bad for my emotional health. I’ve made a lot of errors in my life. Many of these involved me being too stubborn to listen to others. At the time I had no clue about my emotional issues. It wouldn’t have mattered since I was too stubborn to realize I had a problem.
Even when the mental health issues were pointed out, I was too stubborn to listen. I’ve been this way all my life, how could it suddenly be emotional problems? No one ever told me that before. But wait, yes they did. I was too stubborn to listen.
Being stubborn, a need to be in control, must be related. I don’t consciously want to be a control type. I know now that although I don’t want to be in control, I acted like I do. it will not be easy, but I refuse to allow myself to be stubborn. I have promised myself I will not be stubborn. I shall listen to those that are trying to help. I have emotional issues. I shall permit me to change. I fully expect to be rebuked when I do not listen. My future, my happiness, depends on this.
happy
happyCeCe Makes a Discovery
Amanda, Alex and CeCe said goodbye to Mama and family then headed out. This time they went in the opposite direction. At the end of the block the wild bunch, as Mama called them, turned left and headed towards the older part of town.
“Mandy, I’ve been this far before but was too nervous to go farther.”
“Why”
“It all looks the same. I was afraid I would get lost.”
“I’ll help you not get lost.”
Amanda was good at directions and remembering landmarks. They were headed towards the older part of town. They had no idea of what they would find but it looked exciting. They left early so crossing the street was safer. This part of town was mostly apartments. Heading down the first alley, Alex’s nose picked up the scent of food. He could get lost turning around twice but he could smell food a mile away. These trashcans were different. They weren’t round but were big green square things. It was the day before trash pickup so the dumpsters were full to overflowing.
“Mandy, we are going to have a feast!”
“Alex, where’s CeCe?”
“She was right here.”
Suddenly there was a loud cry heard from the dumpster. Alex immediately jumped up to see what was going on. He didn’t laugh but it was tempting. CeCe found a little catnip ball that someone had discarded. Unfortunately, in her haste to get to it, her claws punctured one of the garbage bags. It was right after she had the ball in her mouth that she slipped on the plastic bag. First her paws, then her nose landed in a pile of potato salad.
Alex helped CeCe get unstuck. Then after helping her get out of the dumpster, both Amanda and Alex helped to clean her up. It was hard to do as they were laughing so hard. CeCe managed to save the catnip ball.
They soon discovered this was a very busy area for humans. They decided to find a safe place to rest til the nighttime hours. Once Alex had Amanda and CeCe safely tucked away, he went back to the dumpster and found enough food for all three of them. When darkness set in and the kitties were well rested, they headed out for the next part of their journey.
happyTag Along
Amanda saw Mama turn the corner towards home. Although she had only been gone a few days it seemed like a lifetime. As the wanderers crossed the street, Alex told Amanda he wanted to take a quick detour to see his old neighborhood. He went on to say he wasn’t staying there long and would join Amanda at home.
These two had been through a lot. Amanda knew Alex was just doing that to allow her some alone time with Mama. As Alex headed towards his old stomping grounds, Amanda followed Mama towards home. CeCe, Amanda’s youngest sister, saw her first. She almost ram mom over trying to reach her sister.
“Mandy!”
“CeCe!”
“Amanda, remember me? I’m your mother?”
“Hee hee. Hi Mama, CeCe reached me first.”
“So what brings you home? And where is your travel buddy?”
“Alex will be here pretty soon. He wanted to see what his old neighborhood looks like.”
“Hey guys, look who decided to show his mug around here.”
“Well, well, if it isn’t Alex, the famous traveler. Your girlfriend dump you so you think you can just waltz back here like nothin’s changed?”
“No, I just wanted to see the old neighborhood since I was close.”
“Ok, you saw it. It ain’t changed. Now scram!”
it was the same neighborhood alright. It was unfriendly before which is why he left. He headed back to Amanda and her family. But he made one stop first. He had one food source he had kept to himself. If it was still there, he could show Mama. If it were still there, it would be a steady supply for the family. It was still there.
It wasn’t long before Alex joined the family. At that point all of Amanda’s siblings begged for an update on their travels. Amanda deferred to Alex to catch everyone up on their travels. He did a very good job as all of the other kitties were paying very close attention to every word. Amanda just sat next to him smiling.
Alex did manage to find a good food source close by and told Mama about it. Everybody followed Alex. After a good meal, the whole crew headed home. Once there, Mama asked what their plans were. Amanda looked at Alex and together they said there was a lot they had not seen yet. Mama said she hoped they would at least wait until morning. As the sun rose, Alex and Amanda got ready to leave.
“Can I come too?”
“Let’s ask Mama and Alex first, CeCe.”
Mama said it was ok, but only for a little while. She then asked Amanda to watch out for her little sister. Mama knew Amanda and Alex always stopped back at home between adventures. With that assurance, all three kitties headed out to see something new.
happyHealing Powers
“Amanda, Alex, good to see you again! Come in and tell us all about your latest adventure.”
“Thanks Koko”
As Rabbit got refreshments, our wanderers related their latest escapade. Alex held everyone spellbound telling about the trip climbing through the trees following the squirrels. Amanda told about Alex’s heroic rescue of the ball for the little human. Taking turns, both kitties awed their audience telling how the turtles made a dry path through the creek and around the sticky bushes.
“Wow! You two are sure having an exciting adventure. I hope someday I can travel like you guys.”
“Someday little bunny, someday. But for now, stay here and learn all can from Koko and Rabbit. And, I think it’s time we head out again. I’d like to visit Mama the family, ok, Alex?”
“Sure. It will be nice to see the old neighborhood.”
Alex carried the dishes and put them where they belonged. Amanda helped Koko clean up. Then they said their goodbyes. Koko’s place was almost becoming a second home. One of the little bunnies was excitedly hopping around asking if he could join them.
“Can I, huh, huh, can I?”
“No, not this time. We’ll think about it next time, ok?”
“(sob)ok(sob)”
As they headed back towards home, they noticed they were near Sarah’s backyard.
“Alex, something doesn’t feel right here.”
“I know Mandy. Let’s go up to the house to see if we can find out.”
Sarah and her mom had befriended them before so they weren’t afraid of going up to the house. Sarah’s mom was sitting on the back porch and looked very sad.
“What’s the matter?”
Amanda meowed, knowing humans don’t understand kitty.
“Hi, kitties. I’m afraid Sarah is staying inside. She has been very depressed since her dad got laid off.”
“Can I go see her?”
Sarah’s mother may not understand kitty language, but she understood that Amanda wanted to go to Sarah, so she held the door open for her.
“Alex, you stay here. I want to see if I can cheer her up.”
Amanda found Sarah curled up on the couch.
“Hi, Sarah.”
“Kitty!!! Daddy can’t work anymore and he’s so sad. I don’t know what to do.”
“Just be good for your dad. He’ll work it out. Your love will go a long way.”
Sarah may not understand what Amanda said but she felt better for having her there. As she was petting Amanda, her dad walked in. Sarah got up, ran over, and gave her dad a big hug.
“I love you daddy, everything will work out.”
“I know sweetie. My boss called a few minutes ago. I go back tomorrow.”
Seeing Sarah smiling, Amanda jumped down and rubbed up against Sarah’s leg. Sarah picked her up and both her dad and her petted her. Then Sarah carried her to the back door.
“Thank you kitty. Now go join your little friend. You helped me feel better. Thank you.”
Amanda and Alex said goodbye to Sarah and headed towards home.
hug meUp a Creek
“Mandy, we’re up a creek without a paddle.”
“What’s a paddle?”
“I don’t know. It’s something I heard a human say and it seems to fit since we’re by a creek.”
Amanda and Alex were in new territory. But a familiar creek was in front of them. They knew if they followed the creek they would eventually find themselves where they started. But the question was, how far were they from that point? At least they knew which direction to walk.
“Alex, it looks like a lot of those sticky bushes up there. I don’t know how we’re going to get around them.”
“Let’s see what it’s like when we get there. There may be an easy way around them.”
But the closer they got, the less they saw of a way around the prickly bushes. The water wasn’t very deep but just the thought of getting their paws wet raised the hair of these two kittens. As they were sitting by the waters edge, a family of turtles came up to them.
“Hello, you two look worried.”
“Yes, Alex and I need to get to the other side of these bushes, but we’re afraid of water.”
“We love the water. But wait right here. I know what to do.”
The turtles headed back the same way they came. Alex and Amanda looked at each other, wondering what was up. It wasn’t long before the creek was full of turtles. Amanda wondered if beavers could build dams that fast. She remembered Koko talking about some beavers she knew.
“Alex, is it?”
“He’s Alex, I’m Amanda.”
“Ok. I brought all the crew as you can see. We’re lined up all the way past the bushes. Just step on our backs til you’re past them.”
“Thank You.”
With that, our little friends headed down, or is that up, the creek. As soon as they were clear, they thanked their new friends. Then Alex noticed they weren’t very far from Koko’s.
“Mandy, let’s stop and visit Koko.”
“Ok.”
happyThe following post is dedicated to a very special member of our family. From her I learned many lessons. I also received a special bit of lavender called Jp and he is the epitome of the story.
Please enjoy, and share with your loved ones. I do.
ron
Soft Magic
“I am stuffed!”
“Excuse me, but we’re all stuffed.”
“Ok, I’ll give you that.”
Now many of you reading this have stuffed animals. But do you know what happens when you’re not around? No, they don’t stay where you left them. It isn’t your family pet that moves these guys. Never underestimate these kritters.
“Hey guys, our human left his computer on.”
“So?”
“Let’s see what we can find.”
Stuffed animals have a very special magic. But, anyone who shares their life with these fuzzy creatures already knows how magical they are. It only takes one hug to soften a bad day. Scientists the world over are very frustrated. That a stuffed animal is magic is well understood. But no scientist has been able to explain it. Many cuddly creatures end up in labs. But no amount of prodding, no fancy electronic instrument ever discovered the reason. But magical they are.
“Eeyore, use your magic on this computer. It’s time for us to have some fun.”
“Ok, but what do you have in mind, Jp?”
“I heard there are some really neat looking new animals coming out and I thought we’d pop over to that special site of ours to see for ourselves.”
“You mean the ones the human can’t see?”
“Yep”
“Hey you two, aren’t those new animals a little bit risqué for us?”
“Yep, that’s why we’re going.”
Now there is another little known fact about stuffed animal magic. They have a way of accessing computers, looking around, then leaving them just as they were. No human has ever seen it happen, but a little girl in Guthrie, Ok. Woke up one night and saw her little bear searching the Internet. She just watched for a bit then went back to bed. It didn’t surprise her at all but she told a couple of friends and learned from her teacher that it is a special magic these creatures have.
This all sounds very odd to many adults. But, pick up one and cuddle it when things are a bit rough in your life. They have an amazing affect. But, as one of the humans that share a life with these bundles of softness, I know what the secret really is. It is the universal problem solver and the best medicine one can ever be given. Stuffed animals are the givers of love.
caffeinatedWide Open Spaces
Amanda and Alex stood at the tree line, awed by the wilderness in front of them. For kitties used to being surrounded by buildings this was almost overwhelming. It was also scary.
“Alex, I think we should go back to the other side of the woods.”
“Ok, but why don’t we walk along the edge. Maybe we can find an easier way. Those trees hurt my claws.”
As they made their way through the edge of the trees, they saw a clearing. There was a creek running through it and it looked like the same creek that was close to Sarah’s house. At least it was a place to get a drink and maybe they could follow it back. But on their way there Alex got tangled up in a briar bush.
“You did it again.”
“I’m good at that”
It took some time, but Amanda finally got Alex freed. They headed for the water because all that work made them both thirsty. It also made them hungry and they decided to follow the creek back to the alleys. This time they would go in a different direction. Not bad for two kitties that didn’t have a GPS navigator built in. They did, however, make sure to stay away from the bushes!
As they neared the water, they saw a human family having a picnic. They went further upstream so they wouldn’t be seen. Not all humans are as friendly as Sarah. But after getting a good drink they decided to watch the bigger humans play catch with a stuffed animal. One would throw it and the little one would catch it and try to throw it back. The little girl would try to throw it real hard but it ended up just going up and back down. Then mom would get it and help her throw it to her dad. But then she tried to throw it real hard and it landed in the tree.
“Oh dear, how are we going to get that down? I can’t climb.”
“Let me see if I can throw a rock to knock it out.”
The dad tried several times but it wouldn’t move. Mom tried to comfort the little one but it wasn’t working.
“Alex, why don’t we climb up and knock it down?”
“You stay here, I’ll go up.”
Alex clawed his way up to the branch that the stuffed toy was stuck in and pushed it free. The humans smiled and thanked him. They said they had some leftover food if he was hungry. He was, but so was Amanda. He climbed back down and both kitties went over to the humans.
“They’re cute.”
“I know dear and they did get your stuffy for you but let them eat.”
“Yes, they might not want to be picked up.”
Both Amanda and Alex looked at the humans and said thank you (in kitty of course). Alex backed away, but Amanda let the little girl pet her. She didn’t want to be picked up, but petting was ok.
“Ok dear, we should be heading for home. It’s getting late.”
“Yes, so let the kitty go join it’s friend.”
“Let’s clean this up here before we go. This is not our home. It belongs to the forest creatures.”
With that, the humans picked up everything and walked towards their house. Alex and Amanda headed up the creek. They had gotten a drink, did a good deed and got food. All in all it was a good day.
