One Is Silver...

My new furry friend is Captain Jack Sparrow, or Captain Jack (or "Just Jack"). I was really surprised by how quickly I was ready for another cat after Marty passed. It was just so weird not to have a cat in the house, and I realized that regardless of the kitty, part of my identity is "cat mom." That's just who I am.

And so the quest for a new cat began. The experience reinforced my belief that its best to let the animal pick you. That's how Marty came to be mine, and it happened again with Jack. I was so overwhelmed at the various shelters I visited. My best friend Chris was a trooper, keeping my spirits up as I became ready to give up. We ended up finding Jack at the local PetsMart; he was there through an organization called Love-A-Stray.

Life with Jack is something to which I am still adjusting. Not only do I miss Marty very much, but it's been a long time since I've lived with a cat that actually likes to play! At 1 1/2 years old, Jack is a bundle of non-stop energy! I'd grown quite accustomed to the sedate habits of a senior cat, but I'm learning to enjoy the fun of watching a young kitty discover the bathroom sink, shadows and cell phone ringtones.

...And the Other Gold

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.

- Girl Scout Song

It's been two months and four days since my dear Marty passed on to Heaven. I miss his loud purrs, his soft fur, his "nose rubbers," and his very persistent manner of begging. I miss the way his paw curled around my neck when I picked him up. I miss his devotion and unconditional love. All who knew him know that Marty was a very, very special cat.

I'll keep him always and forever in my heart and take comfort in the fact that he is most likely tag-team begging with old pal Sota, purring in delight as her drool drops on his head!

With loving memory of those who have passed from this life:

Marty, Sota, Chablis, Lady, Huckleberry, Nicky, Brownie, Tiny;

Dad Niessen, Aunt Anna, Aunt Betty, Uncle Bob, Uncle John V., Uncle John D., Uncle Joe, Aunt Bettie, Babcia, Dziadek and Uncle Jim

God bless you today,

Cindi

Yes, A Blog

Why am I blogging?

Great question. Some people know that I aspire to be a writer. I dream of the day I can write full time, and I have always believed that there is a novel in me somewhere. In order to become a writer, though, one must actually write.

I've decided to go the blog route because paper and pen don't seem to work for me, and I like the idea that someone might actually read what I've written.

What will I blog about?

The title of my blog might be a bit deceiving as I do not intend to blog only about books I'm reading. I'll write about whatever is on my mind.

I am not starting this blog to become known as an expert in anything or to make money or anything like that. It's just something that I am interested in doing. If you'd like to join on my journey, you are most welcome. If not, no hard feelings.

Until next time,
Cindi