A #Feline Christmas Wish--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

As I prepared for the arrival of Christmas this year, I was, of course, "helped" by all my furry babies. In the busyness of all the preparations, it is so easy to become perturbed and irritated by all the "help." But as I stepped back and watched the feline antics, I soon realized that if I, like my pets, live in the moment, I would enjoy the season much more. 

So this year I attempted to enjoy all the little things...the beautiful decorations that brought back memories of Christmases past, the wonderful smells of holiday baking, the joy in the eyes of someone opening a package that I had wrapped...and ignore the list of everything that needed to be done before December 25. I snapped some photos as the cats and I enjoyed preparing for the holiday festivities.     

"I like the new Christmas throw. I hope
you weren't planning to use it!" (Zoie)

"But these bells are going to jingle
every time the door opens. I hope you
 don't plan to interrupt my nap! (Zoie)

"This garland is all tangled up. I'll help
untangle it!"  (Paddy) 

I thought Santa  Claus came down
the chimney, not the stairs!"  (Paddy)

"Did Santa lose his cap going down
the chimney?" (Paddy)

"You know I don't like hats. How long is
this photo session going to last?" (Halo)

 

"How did Santa fit in this bag?" (Paddy)

So Christmas may come and go and everything that I had done in previous years may not be a part of this year's celebration, but, thanks to a lesson from my furry family, I have enjoyed the little things that make the holiday special. My wish for everyone is that you have the opportunity to enjoy the little things in your life, because, in the big picture, they are the things that truly matter. 

"Don't bother waking me if Santa comes.
I'll open my presents when I wake up." (Halo) 

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NOW AVAILABLE!

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Amazon

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Barnes and Noble

***************

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. 

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Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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©2016 Karen Rose Smith

#Feline Office Helpers--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

One of the joys of having cats in your home is their unpredictability. They make every day unique because you never know what to expect them to do next. Just when you think you know their special napping spots, they find a new one. When you are in the kitchen and expect a cat to join you on the counter for a morning of cookie making, they go off and settle on a condo and observe from afar. When you plan to settle on your favorite chair for an evening of TV, one of them has chosen the spot before your arrival. But one constant in our household is that if I am in my office working, I always have at least one furry friend next to me on my desk or on an office chair nearby. This week I put captions to some office feline shots I captured of my furry "helpers."  

"Hey, Mom. These documents look pretty
important.  I'll guard them for you. But I
hope you don't need them until my
nap has ended." (London)

"Your iPad keeps making funny noises.
I'll check them out for you." (Paddy)

"I love when a carton of new books
arrives. That always makes mom smile! (Zoie)

"This new manuscript has a lot of pages.
Are you still going to have time to
pet me tonight?"  (Zoie)

"Is this the book that me and my kittens are in?
I want to read about Dulcina and Uncle Dom
to make sure they provide good fictional homes
for me and my babies!"  (Halo)

"Is this pile of packages gonna topple over on me?
Someone needs to go to the post office so I can
have my space back." (Zoie) 

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NOW AVAILABLE!!

Wendy Newcomb, director of the Kismet women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow, is thrilled when the shelter receives a legacy.  She hires Caprice to decorate the mansion to serve women who need more than an overnight port in a storm. But in her drive against domestic violence, Wendy has made enemies and is murdered. Caprice finds herself in danger once more as she asks questions and even calls on St. Anthony for inspiration to solve this murder mystery.

SHADES OF WRATH on Amazon

SHADES OF WRATH on Barnes and Noble


****************

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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2016 Karen Rose Smith

Christmas Legend--Why Tabby #Cats Have An "M" On Their Forehead by Karen Rose Smith

The holiday season is filled with myths and legends explaining many of the symbols and customs that surround us at this time of the year. Since I am a feline lover, one of my favorite myths is how tabby cats got the "M" that is often so prominent on their foreheads above the eyes. It has been circulating on social media, so I thought I would share it with you, along with pictures of some very special furry babies who would do exactly what the cat in the story did to earn him his unique "M" mark. 

How Did Tabby Cats Receive Their "M"?

All tabbies have an "M" marking on their forehead, and on some this mark is very distinct. The "M" is often referred to as the mark of the true tabby.

There are several legends about how tabby cats got their 'M' marking.

Clyde's M

The most popular of these legends tells us that when the baby Jesus was lying in the manger he started to shiver with the cold. Mary covered the baby with blankets but still he kept shivering. Mary then ask all the animals to move closer to the manger so that their body heat would warm Jesus. The animals stood as close to the manger as they could but the baby Jesus remained cold and shivering. After a time a small cat with tabby markings jumped into the manger and snuggled next to Jesus. Before long the baby had stopped shivering and was sound asleep, contented and warm.

In her gratitude to the tabby, Mary made the mark of her own initial

upon the cat's forehead so that tabby cats will forever remind the world of how they saved Jesus from the cold.

Halo loves the warmth of the bed and would have been the
first to jump in the crib to snuggle with the baby. Her gentle
spirit and wonderful maternal skills would have earned her
Mary's special mark.

London's "M" was very prominent when she
was a kitten and, even though many of her
other markings have faded, her 'M' is still
prominent today.

Mason, Halo's second-born kitten also sports
the "M" amid his beautiful facial markings. 

My wish for you this holiday season is that you will be touched by the warmth and kindness of those closest to you and that their love will leave an indelible mark on your heart that will last a lifetime.

NOW AVAILABLE!

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Amazon

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Barnes and Noble

***************

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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2016 Karen Rose Smith

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.      

*****************

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Wendy Newcomb, director of the Kismet women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow, is thrilled when the shelter receives a legacy.  She hires Caprice to decorate the mansion to serve women who need more than an overnight port in a storm. But in her drive against domestic violence, Wendy has made enemies and is murdered. Caprice finds herself in danger once more as she asks questions and even calls on St. Anthony for inspiration to solve this murder mystery.

SHADES OF WRATH on Amazon

SHADES OF WRATH on Barnes and Noble


****************

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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2016 Karen Rose Smith

#Feline Preparations For The #Holidays--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

With Thanksgiving, decorating for the holidays and the release of my newest cozy mystery, SHADES OF WRATH, it was a busy week in the Smith household. And, of course, the cats were in the middle of the fracas. But looking over the cat photos I snapped this week, I realized that perhaps we should take a few hints from our feline friends and step away from the frenzy of activity that surrounds the holidays and just take a moment to relax and enjoy the true beauty of the season.    

Miss Paddington decided it was much easier to observe the goings-on from the distance. She perched on top of the refrigerator while we stuffed the Thanksgiving turkey and peeled the potatoes, but she couldn't resist the temptation to help preparing the dining room table for dinner. As the table extenders were inserted and the pads fitted on top, she decided to claim the area as her own. Halo wasn't far behind, settling on a chair under the table. Needless to say, setting the table was delayed until right before our guests arrived.   

I expected the same amount of interest when the boxes of Christmas decorations were stacked in the living room, ready to be emptied. But there were a few sniffs from Halo and a short inspection by Paddy, then Halo headed off for an afternoon nap and Paddy perched on a nearby chair and quietly supervised the decorating. 

Despite all the glitter, lights and tinsel that we consider necessary to make our holidays brighter, Halo and Zoie quickly settled on their Christmas throw and nestled in for a long afternoon nap. Warmth and comfort are their Christmas preferences. 

While my husband readied and hung the outside decorations, he spotted Clyde (one of our outside duo of Bonnie and Clyde) snoozing on the deck in the November sunshine. He seemed oblivious to the extra outside activity. Of course, hubby had to do a few sidesteps so Clyde's afternoon nap wasn't disturbed. I'm sure Bonnie was out doing her Christmas shopping. She often leaves us "presents" in the basement. 

The launch day of a new book is busy and the daily routines can be disrupted by social media that needs to be addressed and preparations for the Facebook launch party later in the day. The felines were accepting of the disruptions. Paddy liked being near the center of activity, following us around the house and settling nearby to observe the packaging of prizes or the back and forth between my e-tablet and the desktop computer.    

Now that the launch party is over and the prize packages are in the mail, I can go back to finishing my next writing project and hopefully enjoy a few holiday parties and family gatherings. But just like Caprice De Luca, my fictional sleuth, I always make sure the cats are in a safe spot while we have guests or that the pop-up food dispensers are full before we leave the house for a holiday shopping spree or to spend an evening with friends. And, of course, I follow Caprice's decorating style and add a few cats to my holiday trimmings. Enjoy your preparations for the holidays!

*****************

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Wendy Newcomb, director of the Kismet women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow, is thrilled when the shelter receives a legacy.  She hires Caprice to decorate the mansion to serve women who need more than an overnight port in a storm. But in her drive against domestic violence, Wendy has made enemies and is murdered. Caprice finds herself in danger once more as she asks questions and even calls on St. Anthony for inspiration to solve this murder mystery.

SHADES OF WRATH on Amazon

SHADES OF WRATH on Barnes and Noble


****************

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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2016 Karen Rose Smith