Cats, Roses...and Books!: Miss Paddington #Kitty Is Seven Months Old! by Cozy #Mystery Novelist Karen Rose Smith

Tortitude! That's what Miss Paddington has. It's hard to believe that seven months ago, she was small enough to fit in my palm. She was four ounces when she was born. If she stood still long enough for me to weigh her now, she'd be about seven pounds.

Paddington got her name because in those first few weeks, she looked like a little bear! Since my husband and I had read Paddington stories to our son, the comparison just stuck. Now Paddy is long and lean. She's almost as long as her mom Halo.

Paddy has a friendly personality. She loves to play and anyone who plays with her can be her friend. She was the first of Halo and her kitten litter to meet our soon-to-be three-year-old, Zoie. They seemed to become buddies right away. Since Zoie is a sweetie, there wasn't much concern she'd hurt Paddy. When they play, Zoie is careful of Paddy because she's smaller. But they are beginning to act like equals. At first, Halo was protective of Paddy, but now she sits back and watches her with Zoie or lets Paddy and Zoie go off on their own.

Paddy is friendly to guests, too. She'll often dash under the sofa, then as we're talking, tease whoever is on the sofa with her paw. She's not a cuddler with us, but she likes to be close by. She cuddles with Halo. She does like to be petted and right by our side no matter what activity we're involved in. She's always ready for action.

We love Paddy to bits and I think she knows it. I'm so thankful we kept her and Halo together. They enrich our lives every day.

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Karen's Search For Love Series Website

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.