I heard that a pregnant cat will take care of everything herself and birthing kittens is a cinch. It didn't happen that way. We had to help Halo (the stray who came to our yard last Mother's Day)--from delivering the placenta on one kitten, to breaking the sac on another to the vet's assistance when even we couldn't help Halo. Each moment of that experience in the fall was "living in the moment." We had no choice. We couldn't plan. We had to watch and wait and follow our instincts as well as counting on Halo's.
She was such a devoted mother, giving each of the three kittens attention when she could, washing each, making sure each one nursed effectively and enough. We lived in the moment with her. When the kittens began growing, running, and playing, we lived in each moment with them--most of the time laughing at their antics and appreciatin when they curled up on our laps for a nap. At that moment I was probably more relaxed than I've been in years! Something about holding a baby kitten and petting one is not only relaxing but a stress reliever.
During this time, Halo was still having physical problems. We had to feed her every two hours beginning at 5 a.m. Hubby and I took turns. But during this time I also had writing deadlines. I loved being with Halo and Tia, Mason and Paddington, but I also had to work. I did it in a simple way--by staying in the moment with the scene I was writing. I would shut the world out for short periods of time, be in the scene with my characters and just let them take over. That method of writing has carried over to today. Although I've been writing for thirty years, this method is different for me. In the past, I had blocks of time to think and plan and then execute. But this is more like "method" writing. I'm in the moment and let go.
We're given many unexpected gifts in this life. Halo and her kittens were gifts to us. Tia and Mason are growing, healthy and contented in their forever homes. Paddington, the kitten we kept with Halo, still cuddles with her mom, plays with our three year old yard rescue cat Zoie Joy and follows 14 year old London around like a pesky little sister. They all remind me to live in the moment whenever I can.My sleuth Caprice in my Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozy mystery series takes in strays and finds them loving homes!
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.
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©2015 Karen Rose Smith
What a lovely kitty post! You're so right, Karen. Our cats teach us how to take joy in the moment.
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