Wednesday, 10 June 2026

may I have your attention?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

10 Jun 2026 - I am a busy cat, recovering from an arduous trip.  Imagine, if you can, being plopped into an area rife with combatants... you are the superior force but you're surrounded, and trying not to be overwhelmed.  Once again my life strategy of focusing on the immediate allows me to zoom in on the present task and then to move on to the next.  I am making measurable progress, and my anxiety level is slowly tamping down to the extent that I now can think about eating!  Those midday treats sure taste yummy.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Discard the unnecessary.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

phrase of the day - focat point, a feline's concentration of attention (it truly is impurressive)

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

spare change

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

9 Jun 2026 - You may have surmised that my life has gone through a recent crisis... obviously now resolved ("recovering" better describes it) or I wouldn't be reflecting on the matter.  The photograph to the right succinctly captures my multi-day experience of being transported ("kitnapped" in reality) to the hinterland.  I have emerged into familiar surroundings, and when Mr. Sol makes himself fully known, I will again delight on my personal screened deck and in my personal sunroom.  And as always, there are interlopers to keep my mind occupied.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Tomorrow may bear little
resemblance to today.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - ecaticity, the ability of a feline to recover

Saturday, 6 June 2026

what was the question?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

6 Jun 2026 - I can't help but think I am surveying my kingdom... not surprising, as I am a cat and I run the place.  The trajectory from my hardscrabble start to here is certainly an accomplishment.  Although I appear to be ensconced on my throne, I am a worker, and this view makes clear to me the magnitude of my responsibilities.  But you also are aware that I take one day at a time, and today, like yesterday, follows my comfortable routine:  eat, roust interlopers, rest, repeat.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Realize that the universe
has other plans.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - anspurrable, expected to give account (just not a count)

Friday, 5 June 2026

easy does it

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

5 Jun 2026 - My peeps and I have worked out a cross-species communication system, very rudimentary (no philosophical discussions) but adequate for important matters... such as "time to eat" and "where are you?"  Our domicile is large enough that we lose eye contact, so verbal cues are often necessary.  I will admit to not using my skedaddle gait in response... because in fact those two questions don't demand a quick answer, allowing me time to consider my needs and the implications of compliance.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


It is wise to
think things through.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - easygatoing, relaxed in one's approach to life (it's a purrsonal goal)

Thursday, 4 June 2026

is that it?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

4 Jun 2026 - Here is my "other" side, and the blunted ear is much more noticeable, as I remarked yesterday.  But my peeps don't think less of me because of the asymmetry, so they get whatever angle is convenient.  And here I am, waiting for my midday treats, a much enjoyed break to the work routine.  Evidently I have a quota, because even if I linger for more, no more appear.  I can take the hint (and I'm not in need of more nourishment) and eventually resume my beat, typically heading to my personal screened porch.  It is nearby and always rife with interloper activity.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Is there ever
enough good stuff?











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - purrportion, pleasing balance between the parts (so easy when you're a cat)

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

well-hello being

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

3 Jun 2026 - I think this side is my best, as it puts in the background my clipped ear... not even noticeable from this angle.  We all have our vanities, and a handsome appearance is a very high priority for cats (or at least most of us).  I don't spend all that time grooming because I am bored or have time to fill.  Without formally being instructed, we connect conscientious grooming with good health, and who wants to be sickly and frail?  In my line of work I need energy and keen reflexes.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Make a good first
impression so there'll be a second.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - purrvention, purractive measures that minimize purroblems

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

cooler heads

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

2 Jun 2026 - Lately my anxiety levels have risen, and I can't put my paw on the cause... but there is some hazy recollection that has set me on edge, ready to skedaddle to the nearest hiding spot.  Even when I'm trying to rest, my senses are on high alert.  It isn't the optimal way to snooze, yet my emotions are in control and won't listen to any assurances from the shorter peep.  Indeed I'd like to believe her, to temporarily shush my warning system... good luck with that.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


That we are rational
creatures is an illusion.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - analyticat, systematically studying a purroblem (it seems like a good idea)