Thursday, December 8, 2016

Through the #Feline Looking Glass--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



As the colder winter weather sets in, the daily dynamics of the outside furry visitors are shifting from lazy summertime snoozes in the cool shade of the silver maple to searching out warm spots where they can still enjoy the outdoors during the day or seek shelter at night. 

 This week on a sunny afternoon, I was in my office working on my latest novel when I noticed Miss Paddington and Zoie Joy mesmerized by activity on the deck outside. I didn't think twice about it because a simple leaf blowing across the deck holds Paddy's attention for a long while. But on closer inspection, I saw more activity on the deck than a runaway leaf. Bonnie and Clyde, our outside sibling visitors, had apparently arrived on the deck to enjoy the warm sunshine only to find more than warm deck planks. 

 Watching the goings-on through the window, I studied communication between our inside fur babies and our outside visitors. There was no growling or hissing on either side of the glass and they all seemed content to just be together and share a special closeness through the glass barrier. Eventually Bonnie and Clyde settled down close to the door and napped in the warmth of the afternoon sun. Zoie went on her way to the warmth of the bedroom and Paddington settled on the cat steps by the door and quietly watched over her new friends.
I wonder if the glass barrier had not been an obstacle to a physical meeting of the two worlds if the reactions would have been as calm. Separately, all of these felines are sweet and friendly, but we never know how territorial they are until their space is invaded by another cat. But, for now, their two worlds are separate. Bonnie and Clyde eat inside the basement and sometimes nap there. Paddy, Halo and Zoie are content and happy inside while Bonnie and Clyde have not yet made the decision that they would like to forgo their freedom and join our inside feline family. While we provide food and warmth (if they choose to take advantage of it), their acceptance of our provisions is still on their terms. There are encouraging signs as Clyde is now allowing me to pet him and Bonnie will settle on her favorite pile of boxes in the basement while we are still cleaning the feeding station. But patience (not one of my stronger qualities) is still required when dealing with them each day. So for now, I will have to settle for watching them through the looking glass and providing for their safety on their terms. Perhaps some day the two worlds on either side of the looking glass will become a one-sided reality.      



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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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
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. 




©2016 Karen Rose Smith

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