Monday, May 30, 2022

Memorial Day 2022

 


"We can never replace them. We can never repay them. But we can always remember. And today, that is what we are doing — we remember. Words cannot wipe away the tears or bring back those smiling faces. But if Americans just take the time to look into your eyes and tell you how much we thank you and how dearly we pray for you and how truly we love you, then hopefully you can find solace through your pain. And every time you see the sun rise over this blessed land please know your brave sons and daughters pushed away the night and delivered for us all that great and glorious dawn."


~ President Donald J. Trump, 5/29/17


Sunday, May 29, 2022

Similar Yet Different #SundaySelfie

Meows from Mudpie!

I bet you're looking at this picture thinking it was taken at the same time as last week's selfie, but nope, it was taken on two consecutive Saturday mornings. 

Last weekend was really warm and sunny, but yesterday morning it was raining hard enough that it startled me (hence the airplane ears), and I sniffed the damp air when Mommy opened the door.

Is it obvious my cute little nose is in the air?


We're joining our friends at The Cat On My Head for the Sunday Selfies blog hop!

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Summer Love #CaturdayArt


Visit more artsy kitties at Athena's Caturday Art blog hop!



And now our weekly answers (all answered by Mommy this week) for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and Four-Legged Furballs!

1. I wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with Conway, of course. If only it was possible to turn back the clock.

2. Now that the formula shortage is fixed, I wish something could be done about the cat food shortage. Parents of human children are lucky they've gotten immediate action. Cat parents have been dealing with this for well over a year now and it has gotten little to no attention.

3. If I had to sum up my life in one sentence, it would read as follows: Born to love cats.

Having to ask a man to move his truck so I could back out of a parking space is an awkward situation in which I once found myself. I had stopped into Starbucks on my way to work many years ago, and when I came out a man with a huge pickup truck had parked so close to me I was afraid of hitting him as I backed out. He was still sitting in the truck and apparently knew how close he started trying to direct me on how to turn the wheel but after several minutes I was getting late for work and I just asked if he would move his truck for me.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Weather Whiplash #PetPhotoFails

Meows from Mudpie!

Thank you for joining us for this month's edition of the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop!

Is it just us or has the spring flown by? The weather hasn't been too unbearable yet. We've had a few spells of some really hot days, but then it's cooled right back down, allowing us to sneak in a few extra snuggles. We know that won't be lasting much longer though.


Since the weather is giving me whiplash I thought a couple blurry selfies were in order...



Those are my bloopers, let's see yours!


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Thursday, May 26, 2022

Sunny and the Cats by Victoria Otto: Blog Tour with Book Review, Guest Post & Giveaway


 

Book Details:

Book TitleSunny and the Cats by Victoria Otto
Category:  Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  self-published
Release date:   June, 2022
Content Rating:  G - General Audiences. There is no violence, no bad language, no religious expletives, no sex scenes, and no drug use or underage drinking. 
 
Book Description:

Everyone in meow village and woof village lived happily if they followed one very important rule...

​Dogs were not welcomed in meow village and any cat that stepped into woof village would be chased up a tree! But a special puppy named Sunny wants to become friends with the cats, so he breaks that rule to see if the cats might like to play.

What happened when Sunny went to meow village? Pick up this book to find out!


I've long believed that animals are our greatest teachers. There's so much we can learn from them to help us become better humans, from loving unconditionally without judgment or discrimination to living in the moment to the importance of teamwork.

In Sunny and the Cats an adorable community of cats and dogs teach kids one of life's greatest lessons - the importance of living together in harmony without fear of anyone who may be perceived as "different". I thought it was adorable how the cats enjoy a life of peace and quiet while the dogs are loud and rambunctious, and the cats prefer cleanliness over playing in the dirt. Even so, Sunny the playful pup can't understand why in spite of their differences they can't be friends, so when he sees a cat in need, he doesn't hesitate and steps in to help. 

The illustrations by Teguh Sulistio of the cats and dogs, meow village and woof village, are delightful and bring the story to life. Children of all ages will walk away from this book with a new insight into friendship and acceptance. 
 
BUY THE BOOK:
(release date June 10, 2022)

AMAZON ~ B&N
BAM ~ Walmart

add to goodreads
 

Meet the Author:

Victoria Otto is a children's book author, born and raised in Metro-Detroit. She has a passion for children's literature and strives to create picture books that are engaging, educational, and lots of fun for both children and parents to read. Victoria loves to make author visits at schools and organizations. So far, she has been able to read her books to and visit eight hundred children across the United States.

​If you would like Victoria to make an author visit at your school or organization, please email her.

connect with the author: twitter ~ instagram 

Author Guest Post:

Hello everyone! I am Victoria Otto, a children's picture book author, and I am here today to share more about myself and my books. Thank you to the kind Melissa, at Mochas, Mysteries and Meows for having me do a guest post on her blog.

Talk about when you realized you wanted to be an author. Lifelong dream or happened late on?

When I was younger, I would write little silly stories and read them to my parents. They always thought that I would become an author, but storytelling was just a fun hobby and something to do in my free time. It wasn't until later in life when I thought about writing seriously or the possibility of becoming an author, but it still seemed so far-fetched since I have dyslexia. I was constantly worried that people wouldn't take my writing seriously or think it was "good," but that's when I realized writing is a very subjective and vulnerable career. Readers will either love or connect with what you wrote. Or they will dislike it and not see the purpose. I would have started writing picture books earlier if I wasn't shy or scared to put myself out there, but I believe everything happens at the right time, even when you think it doesn't. Taking my writing seriously and exploring my creative potential at the age of twenty was the best thing I ever did.

 
Tour Schedule:

May 23 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
May 23 - Kam's Place – book review / author interview 
May 24 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 25 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
May 26 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 26 - Fur Everywhere – book review / giveaway
May 27 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
May 27 - Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
May 31 – She Just Loves Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 1 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
June 3 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 6 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
 
Enter the Giveaway: 

Sunny and the Cats Book Tour Giveaway

 


 

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Unboxing May's CatLadyBox

 The theme of May's CatLadyBox was Cat Mom's Day...here's what was inside!

Featured Cat Lady Artist: Elizabeth Anderson Art

My Kids Have Paws Shirt: Always have, always will!

Cuddly Cat Throw Pillow: My favorite item in the box! It immediately went on my bed.


Meow Block Letter Ring: Such a sweet and understated piece. Unlike many rings that are too big for my little fingers in spite of being adjustable, this one fits purrfectly.

Meow Zip Pouch: Love that this pouch is soft vegan leather and PINK! I'm debating whether to use it for storage in my bedroom or purse.

Key to Meow Heart & Baaabara the Sheep Catnip Toys: These toys just get cuter by the month. Mudpie is lucky I hand any of them over to her MOL!


Not a subscriber yet? Visit CatLadyBox today!

Interested in purchasing individual items from past boxes? You can do that too!

Disclosure: I receive a discount on my CatLadyBox subscription as a thank you for my monthly review. Regardless of compensation received, we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Inked Mudpie #CaturdayArt


Visit more artsy kitties at Athena's Caturday Art blog hop!



And now our weekly answers for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and Four-Legged Furballs!

Mommy's answers:

1. My ability to work from home was a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would be as productive out of the office but that hasn't been the case.

2. Sitting in cat puke was a not so pleasant surprise. Many years ago I came home from shopping with my parents, sat down on the couch (wearing shorts), only to discover our cat (I can't remember if it was Patch or Sebastian) had puked there. I've never jumped up so fast in my life!

Mudpie's answers:

3. I can’t help but purr when I'm about to eat a squeezie.

4. I wish people would stop asking me if I'll ever get my fill of squeezies.

Friday, May 20, 2022

Happy 15th Gotcha Day, Angel Tara!

15 years ago today I brought Tara home. With the exception of the 6 weeks after she passed away before I adopted Truffles, and the month after I lost Truffles so unexpectedly before finding Mudpie, I've lived with a tortie for 15 years now. That's a lotta tortitude for one small house!

In honor of her Gotcha Day I thought it might be fun to share her PetFinder profile. I actually met her "in the fur" at the PetSmart adoption center before I went home and looked her up on PetFinder, which I'm really glad about because I don't think the posted pictures did her justice at all.

And yes, her name at the shelter was Kelly. My mom is the one who suggested naming her Tara because of our mutual love of Gone With the Wind...



Kelly
Cat
Dilute Tortoiseshell Mix

Size: Large
Age: Adult
Gender: Female

Notes: Kelly is a beautiful short haired cat with a sweet personality. As you can see from her pictures, the coloring on her face is half black and half brown and is divided at the nose. She is a pretty big girl who loves to sleep (even in her litter box if it is clean). Kelly would like a home where she has a big bed to curl up on and a person to give her attention. Kelly sleeps through most anything except when another cat goes by her cage, for this she will even get up and tell the other cat to back off. Because of this Kelly needs to be the only cat in the household.

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

What has come to amaze me over the past few years is how much of Tara I see in Mudpie. Many times I even refer to Tara as Mudpie's "grandma" even though there's no way they could possibly be biologically related. They're built the same, they like sleeping the same way, they react the same to other cats, their coat is the same...so many similarities. 

Tara was a middle-aged ladycat when I adopted her so we didn't have a lot of years together, but the memories she left behind will remain with me for the rest of my days. 

Remembering Tara
Adopted May 20, 2007
Rainbow Bridge July 7, 2013

Monday, May 16, 2022

Vroom Vroom #MewsicMovesMe

The theme of this week's Mewsic Moves Me blog hop is "songs about cars and racing"...you know we had to participate in that!

Buckle up!!!

We hope you enjoyed our choices this week!

Let us know if you have a favorite.

Saturday, May 14, 2022

Flower Child #CaturdayArt


Visit more artsy kitties at Athena's Caturday Art blog hop!



And now our weekly answers for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and Four-Legged Furballs!

1. If you see me up early in the morning it means I absolutely have to be. I'm never up early by choice.

2. I am feeling apprehensive about the future.

3. I wish I could go back and relive the moment when my parents decided not to take me to NY to see Conway in concert in November 1992, fearing the weather could be bad and saying I would have other opportunities. If I'd known that was my last chance I would've moved heaven and earth to get there, even if I had to hitchhike!

4. I would like to swap lives with no one for a day. I'm pretty content just being me.

Friday, May 13, 2022

The Purrfect Evening

 


Snuggled up with my favorite kitty and a new magazine with my favorite singer on the cover.

Life is good.

Feline Friday is simple to join. All you have to do is:

Post a picture, drawing, cartoon or video of a cat (They may be silly or cute).

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen - Blog Tour with Character Guest Post and Giveaway

 


No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie.


Character Guest Blog Post by Stacie Calder, protagonist of Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed Mystery, which supposedly was written by Linda O. Johnston under the pseudonym Lark O. Jensen:

Wilder than Wildlife

            Me, a detective? Even an amateur one?

            That certainly wasn’t something I anticipated.

            My name is Stacie Calder. I’m a naturalist by love, education and profession. I moved to Alaska a couple of years ago because of the wonderful wildlife here that is mostly different and more rampant than in the lower forty-eight. I want to see as many creatures as I can.

            Even more, I love to point them out to others, and so I took on a job during the summer and warmer months at a tour boat company that sails from the Juneau area called ClemTours. I was assigned to be the primary tour guide on the ClemElk, one of the company’s six boats. My boss there is Palmer Clementos, one of the owners’ children who each captain a tour boat. All of the Clementos children are named for Alaskan towns.

            I of course brought along my best friend, my wonderful husky Sasha. Her name means “defender,” and along with being a wonderful companion, that’s what she does.

            And oh, how I love my job! I get to mostly stay on the boat’s top deck and use my microphone to describe where our passengers should look to get the best views of the nearby wildlife, which is often, early in the season, mama seals and their babies on ice floes. Lots of birds in the air including kittiwakes. And other wildlife visible on the near shoreline and the distance including black bears and wolves.

            I enjoy working with Palmer and his assistant Steph Porter. Then there’s my own assistant Lettie Amblex, who helps narrate the tours with me. She knows wildlife well despite not having as consistent a background as I do. Others on the boat also have become my friends, though I can’t say the deckhands Rafe and Al and I are particularly buddies. But I always enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee on the lower deck from Betsy Jones, at the galley.

            Then there are the passengers. It’s always fun to meet them and answer their questions and attempt to make sure their tours are fun. Only—well, there are a few who show up a lot, and I learned that some of them are studying what we do so they can open their own competing tour company soon.

            And one of them—well, I noticed one day that he’d disappeared. At least I couldn’t find him on the boat, and neither could anyone else, not even when we returned to our port.

            The next day, my wonderful dog Sasha, using her excellent sense of scent, discovered him lying onshore in an inlet we’d visited before. He was dead. Apparently murdered.

            And since the authorities seemed to think one of us did it—most likely Palmer—I had to help find the truth.

            That’s how I met Officer Liam Amaruq of a new wing of the Alaska State Troopers, when he winds up officially looking into the murder. He doesn’t like my being nosy and interfering, and yet we somehow seemed to start growing closer.

            Do I figure out whodunnit? Well, you’ll have to read BEAR WITNESS to find out.


About the author: 

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark has written Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane. Linda has written the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links:

Website: www.LindaOJohnston.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaOJohnston/





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Monday, May 9, 2022

May Retro Country Rewind #MewsicMovesMe

It's been a few years since we premiered our mewsic feature "Retro Country Rewind," a look back at favorite songs that hit #1 during that month from 30, 35, 40 plus years ago. In this new year we'll be delving into #1 hits from 1972, 1977, 1982, and so on. Let's take a look at May for this freebie week in the Mewsic Moves Me blog hop...


50 Years Ago - 1972, Lost Her Love On Our Last Date, Conway Twitty

Yes, this is the Floyd Cramer piano classic with lyrics written by Conway...


45 Years Ago - 1977, Play Guitar Play, Conway Twitty


40 Years Ago - 1982, Always On My Mind, Willie Nelson


35 Years Ago - 1987, The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder, Michael Johnson


35 Years Ago - 1987, It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow), Oak Ridge Boys


We hope you enjoyed our choices this week!
Let us know if you have a favorite...



Saturday, May 7, 2022

Mother's Day #CaturdayArt #SundaySelfie

Meows from Mudpie!

Since I'd like to have a little extra quality time with Mommy for Mother's Day, I asked her if we could do just one blog post this weekend, combining our Caturday Art project with my Mother's Day message/Sunday Selfie.

Happy Mother's Day to all the pawsome cat moms out there!!!




And now our weekly answers for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and Four-Legged Furballs!


1. I am running low on patience. And I never had any in the first place!

2. I never run out of squeezies. I wouldn't live to tell about it!

3. I work best when I'm alone. I can't concentrate with a lot going on around me.

4. The changes in my life over the last 6 months caught me by surprise.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Remembering Paula

Paula Gregg revealed her devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on April 18, and on May 2 she was gone. 

I knew Paula as a fellow cat blogger, doting cat mom to her beloved Persians Truffle & Brulee, and President of the Cat Writers Association. She was Managing Editor for the Cat Blogosphere, organized Secret Paws, an annual event that made so many blogging kitties happy, and put together a Cats of the World Weekly Planner for many years. She was tireless and passionate about the many projects she was involved in. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person but it was obvious in our online communications that she was a true southern lady.

I felt a connection to Paula for two reasons. First, we both had a beautiful, furry Truffle in our lives. Second, over the past couple years Paula devoted her time and energy to taking care of her elderly parents. The past year was especially difficult for her as her mother Faye struggled with Alzheimer's. Faye succumbed just before Christmas, and in those last difficult weeks her father had a lengthy hospital stay as well. I don't know how many times Paula posted on Facebook that she would come home late at night after a hard day and seek comfort in her cats.

So many times I thought about reaching out to her, just to say that I understood what she was going through, and to let her know how much I admired her grace through it all, but I never did. Now I wish that I had. 

Times like this are a painful reminder of how short and precious life is. The little things we stress over are really so insignificant when something like this happens. We need to appreciate each and every day - even the not-so-great ones - and cherish the time we have with our loved ones, because we never know what tomorrow will bring.

Paula will be greatly missed by her family, friends, cats (who are safe with their breeder), and everyone who knew her. The outpouring of love for her in the pet blogosphere has been beautiful to witness. I hope she realized how many lives she touched.

Monday, May 2, 2022

Working Girl #MewsicMovesMe

Meows from Mudpie! 

The theme of this week's Mewsic Moves Me blog hop is work songs, in honor of the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker/ May Day.

I consider myself a working girl now that I snoopervise Mommy as she works from home, so she said I could put together our playlist...as long as I started with Conway.

No surprise, right???

We hope you enjoyed our choices this week!

Let us know if you have a favorite.