Dark Glass Ponderings

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. -1 Corinthians 13:12

"Cats are dangerous companions for writers because cat-watching is a near perfect method of writing avoidance." -Dan Greenberg

We lost our beloved tabby, Zelda, this afternoon.  In the midst of this I also sent out my first edits to a "published" author. 

So I'm thinking of writing and cats (or I guess writers and pets of all sorts).  For me, its always been a cat.  During most of my writing time (i.e. naptime) she would sit on my lap.  I feel her paws kneading in and out as she has always done because she was taken from her mother too young. 

Very often I make mistakes because she bumps my typing hands with her head in an attempt to get the attention off of my manuscript and on her. 

I have many other memories as well, but I think I associate my cat so often with my writing is because its one of the few times of day where there's not a little one in my arms.  Zelda has learned that naptime is the time of day when she rules the roost. 

Do you have pets?  If so, how have they enriched your life?  Anyone else have cats that involve themselves in your writing life?

10 comments:

Oh Julia, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Zelda. The last cat I lost was 3 yrs ago - Salty - she was a family member! Her brother is 16 yrs, 3 months now, and doing remarkably well, thankfully. He's been a part of my life for so long I can't imagine life without him! All that to say, I can so relate - cats are priceless companions!

Oh no! So sorry to hear that Julia. :(

Julia,

I am so sorry about Zelda! :( May the Lord comfort you abundantly.

I have a dear cat named Mr. Murphy who lives at my grandparents' home. He also loves attention and enjoys kneading us with his very sharp claws! :) He is such a sweetie, though. My sister has a cat named Muffinman who has a very different, kind of aloof, personality, but he can be sweet when he wants to. ;)

I hope you can hold close the memories of dear Zelda--she sounds like she was a fun and sweet writing companion.

~Amber

@ Ruth, Amber & Joy, Thanks for the condolences.

@Ruth, I so agree with you. Its amazing how God brings us joy through animals, I'm so thankful for the different cats he's placed in my life. My family has always had cats growing up.

@Amber, I love the names Mr. Murphy and Muffinman. What fun names and I'm sure you miss them when you're at school. I always wished I could have had a cat in my dorm years, although with the cleanliness of some college students I can see how that could quickly become a disaster.

I'm so sorry to hear about Zelda!!

When our bulldog got stolen, we cried like babies for awhile. Our hearts were ripped out!!

I'm praying for you, though. I know part of you will be missing for awhile without her.

I know she could never be replaced, but I hope you find a new pet soon to help with the pain. It helped us.

@ Bluerose,

I just "saw" you on Goodreads and was wondering how you were feeling. I know what you mean. Zelda had liver failure, so it was "time" but it is rough to lose a "furry friend."

Yeah, I think we will get a new cat in a few weeks :)

I used to be on Goodreads everyday making sure I was entered in the book giveaways. I've got to catch back up!! :)

Zopran is my new best friend!! No sleepy side effects!! Phenergrin just wasn't cutting it with a 2 year old. :)

When my best friend lost her dog, she just couldn't imagine getting a new one, but I think she came around. I'm glad you're getting another one!

Julia, I am so very sorry for your loss, my friend. I can’t even imagine how you and your family feel. I pray the Lord will bring you comfort and peace during this time and keep every sweet memory clear and close always :)

I have 2 dogs- a 13yo Bichon named Buddy and a 5yo Schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle) named Bella. And to me, they are the cutest balls of white and black fluff I’ve ever laid eyes on!! What a blessing pets are! It’s heartbreaking that we only have them for a short time, but through them I believe the Lord shows us little glimpses of unconditional love :) My Buddy Boy was recently diagnosed with diabetes and coupled with his age it’s taken a toll on his little body. He got cataracts almost immediately after being diagnosed and it’s hindering his vision more and more- poor baby can’t judge distance or his steps very well anymore, but he has such a sweet, loving countenance about him and there’s moments when he’s as rambunctious (nice word) as a puppy! LOL, I think it’s called the “Bichon Buzz” :D And, my Bella Bear- sometimes I swear she’s really a human with 4 legs and black fur! She is way too smart to be a dog! Her face is so expressional, too, it’s almost like you can see her thinking out situations and working them to her advantage, LOL! We all always say that the Lord couldn’t have blessed us with better. They both have taught me to enjoy a blessing while it is here because you’re not always promised that it will be.

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” (Psalm 34:18) Praying for you :)

Blessings,
Amanda Stanley

@Bluerose, I'm so glad you found something that's working well. Praise God for medicine. Remember it only gets better, right?

@Amanda,
Thanks for your thoughts and Psalm. That's quite a comforting one.

I love the stories you shared about your dogs. What personalities! Isn't it neat how even our pets have been truly fitted for our families?

Blessings,
Julia

I miss my Hershey Kisses desperately. We still have one, but she misses him too and is just miserable. I'm much better, but I miss him.


Julia M. Reffner

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Christ-loving bookworm & homeschool mom of 2 stealing the rare quiet moments to pursue that all elusive writing dream. I also write book reviews for Title Trakk and The Historical Novel Society.

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