But this week I captured this photo of Bonnie and Clyde, our outside stray visitors, lounging in the garden after their evening meal. I thought the flowers provided such a beautiful frame that the picture needed nothing else to complete it. I started searching through my recent files to see how often that happened and I found some beautiful...and some unusual framed felines! Sometimes it was my limited camera skills that provided the natural frame, other times it was the feline's position that gave the impression of being framed. 
Because she chooses many different places to settle throughout the day, Paddy is easy to capture in a frameable moment. The bathroom towel rack is one of her favorite spots, especially in the winter since it is positioned above the heating vent. She also likes to crawl under the cat steps in my office because they are in front of the doors and from that vantage point she can observe the goings-on both inside and outside. 
The cat condos also provide photogenic moments. The carpeted surfaces and sisal posts create textured geometric patterns that often mimic a picture frame. And since the cats enjoy the sunlight, the higher resting places and the shelter of the structures, photo sessions are abundant in these areas. 
Whether indoors or outdoors, small areas seem to attract our cats. Perhaps they feel safe there or are just curious about space, but they are beautifully framed and the frames seem to magnify the energy buzzing inside their little heads. And occasionally Paddy manages to find a very unusual item to provide that framed effect. Who ever thought she would be framed by her litter box!!
Perhaps the sign of a skillful photographer is the ability to naturally frame his/her subjects. But I personally believe it is the beauty of my furry family that provides my most memorable photographs. Their surroundings only provide the accents which help me bring memories to life.
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Staged To Death
Deadly Decor
Gilt By Association
Drape Expectations
Silence of the Lamps
Shades of Wrath--December 2016
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| Karen and Paddy |
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.
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
