Showing posts with label romances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romances. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2016

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!






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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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Location: Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA

Thursday, November 10, 2016

#Feline Foraging Devices--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


My feline photos this week are action shots. Indoor cats are more susceptible to health problems such as obesity and diabetes because of their sedentary life style. An eat and sleep pattern is not necessarily a healthy one. Also, cats are natural predators who tend to eat many small meals throughout the day. When I read about "foraging devices" for cats, I knew I had to obtain one...or two...for my furry crew. The package arrived this week, and the "fun" began.

 The devices I ordered are round or oval in shape.  They have an opening to deposit dry food or a favorite kibble treat. The holes on the sides are adjustable to control the amount of food that dispenses when the ball is rolled across the floor. You can make your own by cutting holes in an empty water bottle.
Paddy was the first to master puzzle. She immediately smelled the kibble inside and figured out the secret to dispensing it. 




Zoie Joy watched from afar then took her turn at rolling the device. 






Halo remained rather aloof, signaling that she preferred to be served her meals on a glass plate, although she was curious enough to give the ball a chance to satisfy her hunger.

The novelty may wear off, but hopefully in the process, the cats will become adroit enough to quickly dispense kibble when they are hungry between wet food feedings. For now, the kibble toy seems to have been a worthwhile investment, a way to provide some natural instinctual opportunities to forage for their food...and get a little exercise in the process.        


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The holidays are growing nearer and shopping, decorating and choosing or crafting gifts will be our focus for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special ebook lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






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

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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Thursday, November 3, 2016

A #Feline Field Trip--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



Late one afternoon this week, after Bonnie and Clyde--our outside furry visitors--finished their evening meal, they disappeared rather quickly. I asked my husband if he knew where they went and he pointed to the field at the end of our property and said, "They went on a field trip." 

 We watched the duo as they explored the large field which the owner had recently mowed. They scouted the area, occasionally bounding after something that caught their attention. 

 After 15 minutes, we decided to let them to their adventures and headed back in the house. We watched through our windows that overlooked the field. They were certainly enjoying their excursion and we anticipated a souvenir. We were not disappointed because our field camera caught Bonnie returning to the patio with said souvenir in her mouth.


Later in the week, we decided to take our inside felines on a "field" trip of their own. I wanted to clean out a closet in a room that is not normally accessible to the cats. So together we ventured into the unfamiliar space.

 Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington and Halo immediately followed me as I began the big cleanout. Zoie did some initial exploring, then settled to watch the proceedings. Halo was a little more inquisitive but also eventually settled to enjoy the new surroundings. 

Paddy was the most curious and constantly in the midst of the disorder--emptied boxes, packing supplies and items for the charity box.
   

The process of sorting took more time than I anticipated, but the charity box is restocked and there is actually an empty space on the closet floor. After the "trip" and Zoie, Paddy and Halo were ready for their evening meal and happy to settle down for a nap. It was obvious that they enjoyed the new surroundings and activity not usually a part of their everyday routine.



The great part of taking a trip--whether to the field or to some other unchartered territory--is coming home again.    



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

The holidays are growing nearer and shopping, decorating and choosing or crafting gifts will be our focus for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special ebook lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






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

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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Thursday, October 27, 2016

#Halloween #Feline Looks--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Each week I try to share some of the more inspirational photos of the Smith feline family with my readers. But Halloween week provides the opportunity to show the other side of those beautiful faces. Below are some photos of both the inside and outside furry crew that capture the spirit of Halloween. The eyes and mouth are good indicators of a bewitching mood.  And body language can also add to the ghoulish effect. But despite their attempts at capturing the Halloween spirit, it is still difficult to hide the sweet personalities that are so much more attractive than an eerie eye, snarly grimace or raised paw. Happy Halloween from Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington, Halo, London and Bonnie and Clyde.

"I know it's a carrot, but it's
the same color as a pumpkin!

"Will these eyes scare off the
ghosts and goblins?"

"You have to use your eyes, mouth and
claws all at once to really scare them away!"
 
"Did you hear that scary noise?"
"Yes, I did hear the noise.
 Where did it come from?"







"Does my wolf look work
as a Halloween disguise?"
"I was going more for the look
of a lion with a ferocious growl?"

"If you want ferocious, this is how you do it!"

"Just tell me when it's all over so I can open my eyes!" 

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

As the Halloween merchandise disappears from stores, Christmas decorations are filling the empty shelves. The holidays and gift-giving will now dominate our thoughts for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special book lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






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

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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Thursday, October 20, 2016

#Feline Mugshots--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


The idea of Most Wanted Criminals and their mugshots takes on new meaning this week with my photos of the Smith felines in their close-up poses. While mugshots of arrested criminals are less than flattering, these feline photos give the message-- "Who wouldn't want a face like this to love?"

 The pensive look in my cats' eyes always make me wonder what they are thinking.  Their actions immediately provide the answer when they snuggle against me or reach out a paw to touch me. Their loyalty, trust and love are endearing traits that make me want to hug them and care for them as opposed to prosecuting them (although at times they can get a little mischievous!).

  Enjoy my Smith family feline mugshots. 

WANTED: HALO

WANTED: ZOIE JOY
WANTED: MISS PADDINGTON

WANTED: LONDON

WANTED: BONNIE
WANTED: CLYDE

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NOW AVAILABLE!






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

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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