breathing space

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 Aug 2022 - Only slight undulations of the sea today... the perfect conditions to be rocked to sleep.  My need for rest is largely the result of having strange peeps on the premises for an eon, or so it felt to me (my two seemed delighted by the intrusion).  But now these large interlopers have rumbled away, and once again our domicile is quiet, except for some metallic clanging out on my personal deck... a phenomenon I've noticed whenever the lake's surface is ruffled.  It would appear that these two events are related, rather like the sun appearing and my being hungry.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Very few things actually kill you.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catalm, purr-eaceful, especially in contrast to recent disturbances

a-cute angels

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 Aug 2022 - Can you tell that I really want to be "out there"?  But I'm having an internal battle between my desires and my anxieties... you may be able to relate to this dilemma.  We need to know these things about ourselves.  Nothing is gained by denying the reality of being imperfect, and let's be truthful, we are all imperfect creatures.  Some of us deal with more obvious imperfections, like my truncated ear; others hide theirs well.  I'd like to think that we are more interesting, and certainly more complex, in our flawed states.  I mean, who wants to be a wan saint an entire lifetime?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Just say no to a halo.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - as purr as the driven snow, a cat's idea of a well-lived life

off the record

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Aug 2022 - As the day ends and light fades, our household seems to gravitate to the main room… where we sit together while each doing his own thing. Since I don’t find interesting their board games or books, I elect to nap or do personal grooming. The ambient noise is one of lakeside quiet, interrupted by their exclamations, from delight to frustration, at something that has occurred. Nothing is required of me (other than keeping an ear out for the unusual), so these sociable evenings are very relaxing and further solidify our camaraderie. The shared experience, even when indistinguishable from the night before and the night before that, strengthens our chosen kinship.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It's harder to be bored

around friends.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - entpurrtain oneself, to find ways for the peeps to be ameowsing

a guarded post

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Aug 2022 - Perhaps I am a tad too cautious... I'll agree that my reticence cuts into possible adventures.  Yesterday my two peeps enjoyed some afternoon time on my personal deck, and I joined them... until I heard odd knocking noises coming from nearby.  If they were being made by interlopers, I was clearly outsized... so I pulled my forces back, just inside the threshold, and kept my senses on the alert.  Technically I was outside, as there was nothing between me and Nature, but somehow those few inches were comforting.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Consider how others are feeling.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - intropurrted, reserved in actions and thoughts (but my purr box does have a high gear)

in the shallow end

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Aug 2022 - I don't mind slow mornings, as cats (at least the mature variety) can easily bide their time:  we assume a comfortable position and turn our thoughts inward, perhaps recalling the most recent head scratch or satisfying interloper crunch.  And until peep activity becomes more interesting or there is an odd noise to investigate, here I sit, occasionally blinking so as not to be mistaken for a Bastet statue  I know that I won't have to wait overly long, as the shorter peep is not good at biding her time (unless she's asleep)... and besides, the wafting aromas are a challenging game for my nose.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Idle moments can spur creativity.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meownor, not so significant (a cat-egory that contains most things)

six to one

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Aug 2022 - Rituals are comforting, especially when the rational side of the brain is disengaged.  Knowing what to expect and when is a welcome guide through otherwise tangled underbrush.  This photograph could be of the shorter peep and my early snack or midday meal, but judging by the light I'd save the former.  I look forward to treat time, although I don't lose my manners in the excitement.  Besides I would undoubtedly gobble them all down, if presented with them all at once.  But the shorter peep knows how to prolong the pleasure, by presenting them to me a few at a time... aaah, anticipation puts a curve in my tail.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Take time to savor

(without counting the chews).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrobable, likely to happen (hopefully in a meowvelous way)

a cautionary tail

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Aug 2022 - I don't typically greet peeps at our entryway (au contraire)... but when it is the shorter or taller one, and I'm nearby, I grab the opportunity to check our front perimeter.  There is still a wild part of me that hankers to be out there, running in the grass... but the sensible side of my brain corrects that image, to one where I'd be hunkered down beneath a bush.  And that is probably accurate... I certainly have intimate knowledge of every space in our domicile that is under a bed, table, or chair.  But that is where my work leads me (and I'll analyze my habits no further).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Facing your fears can

be done from a distance.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrdent, acting with thought for the future (and my continuation in it)

middle ground

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Aug 2022 - It is very aggravating that I must be accompanied to go out on my personal deck... but my protests are met with head shakes.  To spoil my time out there with sulky thoughts is silly as well, so I enjoy its expansive space, the big view of sky and water and woods.  From this elevation, with its three open sides, I can see the approach ways of interlopers, their rock tunnels, their hiding places... gaining a better understanding of their possible assaults and their strategies.  This knowledge of our foe has made me a better protector of our domicile... and yes, if I were a pampered Persian, with neck bow and filed nails and no concept of earning my keep, I would still enjoy the deck's offerings.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Look for the good points.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - compurrmise, an agreement reached by both purrties making concessions

house rules

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Aug 2022 - The taller peep has been working outside, where I can watch him from this portal.  It isn't as if I could come to his rescue, but I'm watching his back, ready to repel interlopers that might try to sneak up on him or our domicile.  When I need to rest my eyes and relax my concentration, I can simply gaze beyond our perimeter to the blue body of water... at least today it's blue.  I have seen it look morosely gray, occasionally streaked with white foam.  Strange peeps sometimes glide past our shore:  potential interlopers, should they beach... something for which I could only sound the alarm (and hide).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't test your limitations

at a crucial moment.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - limited purrtnership, a venture that limits liability to the extent of possible involvement (me-ow)

leisure suits me

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Aug 2022 - Aaah, the dim-deep days of summer!  The shorter peep commented that she's finding more fur in the brush, so some part of me thinks the days are sufficiently warm... or possibly I'm acclimating to this hinterland weather?  Should we ever return to my personal screened porch, I promise not to harp on the heat... fond memories document that I enjoy baking my bones.  My peeps are still dressing as if they are sufficiently warm as well, but we would disagree at what temperature to set the thermostat (should I be consulted).  I have noticed that, dependent upon the temperature, my gait varies from gallop (when it's cold) to sashay (otherwise).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Life is a series of adjustments.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - langpurrous, pleasantly inactive (but the ears are always listening)

the back of beyond

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Aug 2022 - Lest the shorter peep see my eyes rolled back into my skull, I turned away from her... which is also a very trusting posture for a cat to take.  Kibbles, a brushing, and then my proper breakfast:  my day's start couldn't be better.  And there is already promise of abundant sunshine and summery temperatures (or as close as we get in this northerly hinterland).  My choices of where to nap are many:  once I've completed my patrol of the premises, I'll have to make a decision (or snooze in several places... a challenge that I'm up for).  Meanwhile I'll find her in that corner, busily creating aromas (only some of which are appealing to my cat nose).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

We all have a spot we

can not scratch.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - rappurr, a cat's joy

let her, geez

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Aug 2022 - The shorter peep can dress in black and white, but she'll never be a tuxedo... nor does she wish to be:  one in our domicile is enough.  I can often catch her sitting at the edges of the day, but I especially enjoy the first shift, when the sun angles into the room and the house is quiet.  Even seated, she remains busy, scribbling or turning pages, while I focus on being good company... to say that I'm indolent is to be ignorant of my internal life.  No words are spoken, and occasionally a free hand scratches between my ears.  These idylls always end too soon.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Much can be accomplished

while doing nothing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - dormeowncy, the state of being tempurrarily inactive

sundry tasks

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Aug 2022 - Despite having four walls (three of which are vulnerably external) my personal sun room still hosts the occasional interloper… an enterprising snoop somehow manages to wiggle its way into the space. I am not complaining, just marvelling, and their ingenuity provides me entertainment as well as job security. Mostly I have to deal with tiny creatures that buzz around on their tiny wings, my calling upon abilities unused when confronting the typical perambulator. And these assailants are amazingly quick, really bringing home the notion of zig and zag. It is rather fun to sit on my rear haunches, and engage in fisticuffs… the combatant is so small it appears from away that I’m shadow-boxing.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

A profession that requires a broad

skill set keeps the brain sharp.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowcellaneous, showing a great deal of variety (exactly opposite my life style)