Sunday, 30 November 2025

a death stair

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 Nov 2025 - Occasionally my rational self is held hostage, so that the reckless self can get me into dicey situations.  "How did I get here?" must be followed by some calm strategizing... otherwise my let's-try-this side, trusting in gravity, will leap from the heights.  Not wishing to leave you dangling, I will say that things concluded without breaking of bones.  Don't tell the interlopers, but should they scamper any higher, I will remain below and glare and wish them a short life.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Always have an exit plan.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - purreatening, having a deliberately frightening meowner (it helps in my line of work)

Saturday, 29 November 2025

upshot

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Nov 2025 - The things I ask myself to do!  Part of me does not want to hear a suspicious noise... because then I have to determine the cause, and trust me, the cause is never located in a convenient, out-in-the-open place.  But then there is that small part of me, possibly the resident kitten, who is all up for adventure.  It is only later that the won't-this-be-fun voice realizes that life isn't a game that can be reset when the results aren't to your liking.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Consequences can
leave marks.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - rameowfications, those unwelcome outcomes of an action (it seemed like a good idea at the time)

Friday, 28 November 2025

well grounded

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Nov 2025 - My choice of spots can sometimes seem haphazard, but if you were to stand next to me in bare feet, you'd quickly understand:  I am enjoying the warm oracle's breath.  This piece of furniture channels the air current, as defined by this photograph, from left to right.  Such a mighty force even moderates the temperature of the floor... which the pads of my feet quickly notice.  So, yes, I have good reasons for parking myself right here... but I would appreciate a cushion.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


It helps to process the
thoughts of others.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - kittenable, justifiable (but I'd do it even if it weren't)

Thursday, 27 November 2025

it's heartening

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Nov 2025 - The urge to groom can strike a cat at the oddest time... my peeps might even call it a compulsion.  I don't waste gray matter on the why, and just attend to the personal matter.  The sooner it is done, the quicker I can return from the interruption... because there are things that need my attention (my nose and eyes are, paws down, the best in the domicile).  I am just grateful for a life that sustains my handsome coat:  sufficient food and daily brushing, thanks to my peeps, (and of course my unstinting upkeep).





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


We need each other.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - compurrt, to give a sense of well-being to (and it is appurreciated)

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

high opinion

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Nov 2025 - It is a bit awkward when the manager is the first one to arrive in the office... but I warmly welcome my employees.  After all they bring not only their productive selves but laps!  And a manager without someone to manage will soon be out stumping for a new job.  I rather like this sweet position:  the staff is well-trained, and we are a team with a schedule.  I would hate to begin all over, as I'm not happy with change (and I certainly don't like strange peeps).





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Appreciate what you have.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - admeowr, regard with respect (that's high purraise from a cat)

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

by chance

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Nov 2025 - Another day, another location... I do have quite a few places to select for my down time, and I can't afford to be predictable!  Random is harder than it looks:  I have to keep track of where and when but not adhere to a schedule.  When my head is crammed with such minutia, I just plop down in a handy chair and vow to do a better job tomorrow.  After all my brain cavity is larger than that of the interlopers I must wrangle, so I should be able to outsmart them.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Slow and steady can
put your audience to sleep.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - unpurrlanned, happening without conscious decision (keep 'em guessing)

Monday, 24 November 2025

nearest and dearest

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Nov 2025 - I have remembered this cushion.  When something pleasant reenters one's life, it is almost like a brand-new discovery.  When Mr. Sol is heating up my personal screened porch, my preferred beat is out there and so my inside haunts don't see me as much.  But with these cooler mornings, I am returning to favorite spots that offer warm comfort.  This place has the extra plus of not being favored by peeps, i.e., it is always available for me to claim.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Don't forget your
old friends.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - treaspurred, highly valued (and even better when it's free)

Sunday, 23 November 2025

the thrill isn't gone

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Nov 2025 - A cat's nose is quite keen, so it is only my strong sense of obligation that has me sticking it into cobwebby corners and, in this case, a pot of dirt.  But what these messy places have in common (and I bet you can guess) is interloper potential.  What better place to call home than a spot that makes a fastidious cat recoil... but I understand their way of thinking, and so I poke my head into such low-rent places.  Not always do I flush an enemy, but that isn't the point (but is a satisfying aspect of the job).





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


There is little glamor
in daily life.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - charismeowtic, possessing a magnetic attraction (that disarms the savage beast?)

Saturday, 22 November 2025

fighting fit

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Nov 2025 - The shorter peep says that if you look closely, you will notice the tip of my tongue, but I think all attention will be drawn to those extended claws.  And who could argue with those?  Maybe only the newbies who haven't been on the receiving end of my weapons.  But in this particular instance, I am just hanging on so that I can stretch my back... and a deep curve it is.  I admit to working my spine at least once a day, but in my occupation one must stay flexible lest the interlopers outmaneuver.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Don't park your
vehicle too long.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

phrase of the day - the purrture of health, in good physical condition (my job demands it)

Friday, 21 November 2025

home rules

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Nov 2025 - Look at all the shapes in this photograph, lines and squares and circles... and the curve of my tail suggesting a parabola!  It is true that I've never had a formal education, but the sort one gets out in the world has served me well (just don't expect a gold star for your efforts).  We cats don't make good students:  we don't like to follow instructions... not that we don't understand what is being asked of us, but we don't see why we should comply.  It's an autonomy thing:  once you obey, more of the same is expected.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Intelligence means
many things.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - indikittenalism, the purrinciple of being independent and self-reliant

Thursday, 20 November 2025

of no consequence

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Nov 2025 - I'm not really a shady character, but this monotone version does keep following me around.  I know it's not me, despite the resemblance, but the shorter peep still remarks upon it.  At least I don't have to share her lap with it... or maybe I do but it takes up no space?  You can see why I don't dwell too long on the metaphysical possibilities.  I go about my business, and it doesn't slow me down or trip up my step or chatter in my ear.  What more could you ask of a companion?





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Can you really pick
your friends?











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - chit-cat, feline purrattling (of which I am not guilty)

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

lavish praise

Shamus on view
Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Nov 2025 - Occasionally of late, Mr. Sol has gotten his act together, and I can lounge on my personal screened porch (I did miss that space when it was unscreened).  His offerings aren't always available, so I rearrange my work schedule to monitor the north-side interlopers while enjoying his benevolence.  There is nothing better... except a peep lap on a chilly afternoon.  It would seem that I have all the weather contingencies covered.





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Don't wait to be
asked twice.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - considercat, thoughtful (and sometimes of others)

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

blarney

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 Nov 2025 - We cats can be full of ourselves, but never "possessed"... not even the solid black ones.  I suspect that our evil association was started by some peeps who thought we were too haughty.  It is true that we are not fawning, but there are enough dim-deeps in this world to satisfy any peep's need to be adored.  Cats have their own way to show affection.  Why else, other than breakfast, would I be patiently waiting for the shorter peep to catch up?





clipped notes



                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)


Some things are just
for show.











Bring back Bastet
Bastet beckons




Catty Corner

word of the day - catjolery, coaxing a peep to do something (it's a full-time job)