Thursday, January 19, 2017

Inseparable #Felines--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Felines develop bonds that are as strong as the human bonds that we cherish in our everyday lives--siblings, spouses, parental, friends. All of these bonds are special, but occasionally we are fortunate enough to develop a bond that almost transcends the ordinary and natural and gives true meaning to Natalie Cole's lyrics:
Inseparable, that's how we'll always be,
Inseparable, just you and me...
Natalie Cole, 1975
In our furry family, we have witnessed two such inseparable bonds--one between siblings and another between a mother and daughter.

 Bonnie and Clyde, our outside visitors have been inseparable since the day they first appeared in our backyard. We know nothing of their history, except that they were part of a rescue, neuter and release program, because they have clipped ears. It is obvious that they are siblings and have fended for themselves since they were released after being spayed and neutered. From their hesitance to trust humans, we can only assume their experiences at the clinic were frightening. They are constant companions and wait for each other to arrive before they will eat without being on constant alert. Clyde often sits outside the door while Bonnie is eating in the basement to protect her from other strays.





After a full year of interacting with them, Clyde has finally allowed me to pet him, but Bonnie still shies away. They have come trust us enough to allow us to close the basement door after their evening meal so they can spend the cold winter nights indoors in a heated area. We would never consider closing the door, though, before both of them are in the basement.
The trail camera has taken pictures of the two of them on a casual stroll around the basement in the middle of the night. They often sit guard for each other as one uses the litter box or feeds on dry food. In the morning when they hear my steps on the floor upstairs, they sit together in the middle of the basement until I come down the steps to feed them and open the door for them to begin their outside activities.            



Halo and Miss Paddington's inseparable bonds had a completely different foundation. We rescued Halo as a pregnant stray and Paddy was her first-born kitten. We witnessed the birth and often assisted Paddy in finding her mom's nipple so she could nurse. Halo was a wonderful mother and has always been very protective of her babies. 

When Mason and Tia left for their forever homes, the bond between Paddy and Halo seemed to become even closer. They ate, slept and played together. Paddy nursed much longer than the literature we read said she would. Two and a half years later, their bond is still strong. While Halo has somewhat pushed her away to fend for herself at times, they still sleep together at night and feed together each day. At the slightest disturbance, Halo is on alert, more than ready to defend Paddy against any aggression by the rest of our feline family. 
I have watched in wonder at these inseparable feline bonds that have developed between Bonnie and Clyde...and Halo and Paddington.  They give me pause and incentive to look at my own relationships and truly appreciate the special bonds that have been and still are a part of my life. 


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FOREVER IN HER EYES
Search For Love series, Book 9





The Search for Love romance series includes:



SEARCH FOR LOVE series website 



****************
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. 



©2017 Karen Rose Smith

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Thursday, January 12, 2017

Beautiful #Feline Dreamer--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Research has shown that petting our feline and canine friends can lower blood pressure and have a calming effect on our stress-filled bodies. Since Halo has joined our family of feline rescues, she has also provided another stress reliever for me. While any picture of a sleeping cat can have a calming effect, Halo is a truly unique and a beautiful sleeper. She is a picture of complete peace and repose without the complexities of every day life igniting sparks of unrest that interrupt her sleep. 



Watching her serenity and unusual body positions has brought me many moments of inner quietness and overshadowed daily stresses with a gentle smile.



Considering Halo's history, much of which we don't know, she has become a calming force in our home. After appearing on our patio for the first time, it became obvious that she had chosen us to provide her furever home. 

Although she was pregnant and suffering from malnutrition and chronic colitis, we made the decision to bring her into our feline family and nurture her through her pregnancy. It was a long process and, at times we feared we were fighting a losing battle. But we (and she) persevered and she has become a loyal family member who never seems to forget her past and show her appreciation for the home we have provided. Yes, at times she can be stubborn and persistent (especially when she is hungry), but we are as appreciative of the lessons in motherhood and faithfulness that she has taught us as she is for the family that we have given her.

So enjoy the pictures of our beautiful sleeper. They truly depict a feline deep in dreams of serenity that have replaced the nightmares of her past.          














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

FOREVER IN HER EYES
Search For Love series, Book 9





The Search for Love romance series includes:



SEARCH FOR LOVE series website 
****************
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. 



©2017 Karen Rose Smith

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

#Feline #Tortoiseshell Mirror Images--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Before we rescued Halo, a pregnant stray who appeared on our patio two years ago, I had had no experience with Tortoiseshells. But that was all to change when Halo's firstborn was a beautiful little split-face Tortie. Even the vet quickly noted that she was her favorite in the litter of three. Oddly enough, the other two kittens were quickly adopted which left us with our first Tortoiseshell cat. We quickly learned about the unique personalities that these kittens possess. We spent equal time with all three kittens but Paddy slowly developed an independence that was unlike other cats that we had rescued. She loved to snuggle with Halo or her siblings but shied from human contact. She would (and still does) seek a quiet space on a condo or a chair and nap by herself. She was curious and liked to be in the middle of activity but was not a lap cat. Now that she is two years old, she still goes off by herself but she does like us to stop by her resting place and acknowledge her and pet her. She is a sweet cat with a matching personality but definitely marches to the beat of her own drum.

And then there's Bonnie...

Bonnie
Bonnie and her sibling Clyde appeared in our yard over a year ago. They were sleeping under a neighbor's porch and followed another stray we cared for to feeding stations. They survived the harsh winter we experienced last year, including a 30 inch snowfall. I knew I had to try to befriend them enough through the summer that they would trust me enough to come into our basement so they had shelter for this winter. Bonnie was a Tortoiseshell whose markings, aside from the split face, were very much like Paddy's. As the pair spent more time on our patio and began coming inside the basement for their feedings, I quickly noticed that not only did Paddy and Bonnie look alike, but they also had similar personalities. While Clyde has slowly let me pet him before and during feedings, Bonnie is definitely hands off. She does make eye contact, responds to our voices and comes running when we call. But if she is in the field mousing or has her attention diverted by some other outside disruption, she will totally ignore our calls. She often eats and then runs out to wash herself at some distance. She, like Paddy, is sweet and often brings us "presents" from her excursions in the field. She too marches to the beat of her own drum.

Paddy
So I guess I have come to learn about Tortoiseshell cats and their unique markings and personalities by caring for Bonnie and Paddy. While they are definitely not snugglers, they are special in their own way. Both Bonnie and Paddy have provided many laughs and have become special parts of our feline crew.

This week's photos are mirror images of Paddy and Bonnie that show their similarities, yet also capture their own personalities.    


Bonnie
Paddy


Paddy and Halo
Bonnie and Clyde



 




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

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 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. 




©2017 Karen Rose Smith

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

#Felines Wrapped in #Holiday Spirit--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


One of the fun aspects of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is the opening of presents. And, needless to say, the Smith felines were in the middle of the activity. As the wrapped packages arrived in the living room, Halo and Paddy made prompt appearances to check them out, probably hoping to detect the scent of fresh catnip among the wrappings. Halo gave them a quick smell test and then went on her way, unimpressed with the beautiful wrappings.

Paddy, on the other hand was not so easily convinced there was nothing there to interest her.  She was enamored by the unwrapped gifts and distracted by the mountains of unfamiliar items surrounding her. She was particularly taken by hubby's new garden tool stool. I'm not sure Zoie will be as curious about my new Victrola once music starts streaming from the speakers.

Unlike previous years, the wrapping paper and ribbons didn't seem to grab their attention this year. We were very careful to quickly discard the wired ribbons and foil papers to avoid any unnecessary emergency vet visits. But even the tissue paper didn't hold their attention like the brown packing paper that had been in so many of the mailing boxes with gifts that had been ordered online. They loved jumping into that stiffer brown paper and skidding across the floor onto the paper as they chased the laser light.

Although Paddy remained in the midst of the commotion while the last of the gifts were unwrapped, Halo and Zoie quickly tired of the change in routine and settled down for long winter's naps  Their peace and quiet will be disrupted again by the arrival of friends we will be welcoming on New Year's Eve. 

  I wish you all health, joy and peace in the new year.



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

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 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. 




©2016 Karen Rose Smith

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Monday, December 26, 2016

Make Everyday Caturday--Mysteries With #Cats by Karen Rose Smith


I'm a cat lover.  My husband and I adopted 4 rescued cats who are inside cats.  We also take care of a sibling pair who are stray brother and sister.  My life mostly revolves around this furry crew so it's almost a given that they will appear when I write.  All my Caprice De Luca mysteries spotlight cats as characters. But right now, two of those book are ON SALE!  The books are a series but each book can stand alone.

In DRAPE EXPECTATIONS, this beautiful Persian cat named Mirabelle becomes a regular in the series.  In GILT BY ASSOCIATION (a Valentine's Day mystery) a kitten named Valentine modeled on our on senior cat London is rescued by Caprice.  She finds homes for all the animals she rescues.

Enjoy cat stories any day of the week!




These days, home stager Caprice De Luca's calendar is a full house. Her grandmother's health is failing, her wayward uncle is stirring the pot, and she's torn between two equally eligible suitors. With so much drama in her personal life, Caprice is grateful to have Ace Richland, a former 80s rock star, ask her to stage his girlfriend's house. But Alanna Goodwin is a tough customer who balks at Caprice's ideas and all but commandeers the staging. Caprice almost isn't surprised when the snappish Southern belle is strangled to death with a tieback from her tacky velvet drapes. But just as she draws back the curtains on the truth, Caprice realizes she may be next on a murderer's set list… 




Caprice De Luca's latest house staging is all about hearts, flowers, lace and chintz since Valentine's Day is around the corner.  She never expects her client to be murdered in the greenhouse the day of the open house.

With her six-month-old cocker spaniel pup Lady by her side and her own love life in disarray, Caprice ferrets out clues from the victim's best friend, Caprice's mother, the housekeeper and a special male friend who insists his relationship with the victim was platonic.  However, as Caprice digs deeper, she finds the victim's past is filled with secrets that she kept from her husband for thirty years.

The past isn't merely history.  The present isn't always what it seems.  When hearts are involved, passion and even murder aren't far behind.



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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