This week I snapped a quick photo of Clyde at the basement door. When I looked at the photo, I saw my shadow against the door and thought it was rather unusual. In this case I was the shadow, but I began thinking about how many times during the day both the inside and outside cats shadow me. I look at a shadow as an image without words and while most shadows are devoid of color, my feline shadows are full of color and curiosity.
Bonnie and Clyde, the outside visitors are making slow strides toward wanting to be around us rather than just visiting for morning and evening feedings. They are spending more time on the patio and in the shade of the shrubbery. Now when they hear our voice and or see us on the patio, they come and position themselves where they can watch what we are doing. Bonnie will follow the sounds if we are in the sun room and sit, though at a distance, and watch. She responds to our voices with little meows. I feel she is slowly transitioning from a watcher ready to dash at the smallest unfamiliar movement to actually shadowing us because she is slowly beginning to trust us. 
Both Bonnie and Clyde had a little conversation with my husband as he crouched down to chat with them (of course with treats in his hand!). 
Paddy has always been a "shadower." Although she doesn't like to cuddle or be cuddled, she follows us around the house and likes to settle nearby...just to be with us and observe. She loves to sit by my side on my desk as I work at the computer. She always seems to know when I am testing a new recipe for one of my mysteries and often wants to get her paws in the action. She likes when my husband does chores around the house and is always by his side. 
This week, the little shadow was instantly on the table in my office when I removed everything to clean and reorganize. Paddy and Halo both were by my husband's side in the bedroom as he flipped the mattress and changed the sheets. 
Zoie Joy decided she was going to help put away the newly purchased groceries and Paddy also offered to "help" hubby change the light bulb in the kitchen ceiling fixture by sitting on the chair when he stepped down to retrieve the new bulb. 
And, of course, Halo is my constant shadow as she spends much of her day nestled next to me on the bed or, when I am occupied elsewhere in the house or outside, at the foot of the bed waiting for my return. Her serenity is as quiet and peaceful as any shadow.
Sometimes in the midst of our daily routines it is comforting to look up and see two inquisitive little eyes staring at you. It is priceless to know that someone admires you enough to want to be at your side. Sometimes a gentle touch or caressing pat is all they want in return for the joy they give us. Unlike a real shadow, our furry friends are special little shadows that we can reach out and touch and are full of life and color.
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The Wedding Promise on Barnes and Noble
Nathan's Vow on Barnes and Noble
Her Sister on Barnes and Noble
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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.
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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 95th novel will be released in 2016.
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| Karen and Paddy |
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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©2016 Karen Rose Smith
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