Remembering Harry: The Cat Who Made Me a “Cat Lady”

HarryWe lost our lovable, wonderful Harry two years ago today. TWO YEARS. I can’t believe it…

It’s strange because it doesn’t feel like two years. It seems like it was just yesterday when Harry came into our lives and immediately made himself at home; he just fit into our little family so perfectly from the beginning — almost as if he was a missing puzzle piece that completed our puzzle after my father’s death. My mother always says that our little orange tabby needed us and we needed him and that’s so true. We were, indeed, the perfect match for each other.

In fact, I was thinking just this afternoon about the impact little Harry had on my life and you know what? He’s the cat that turned me into a Cat Lady — capitalized, of course, because that distinction is a proper title, after all, isn’t it? I’m actually surprised that I didn’t come to this realization sooner. Before Harry waltzed into our lives (and, yes, he did have a sort of jaunty waltz to his step!), I wasn’t much of an animal person at all. I guess I was a dog person if I had to choose, but I was most certainly NOT a cat person. Cats didn’t have personality, I thought. If you’d seen one cat, you’d see them all, right? They’re aloof and unfriendly and, well, sort of boring. Yes, I know now just how prejudice that type of thinking is! Cats, it turned out, were FULL of spunk and pizzazz and I have Harry to thank for helping me see the glorious light of what happens when you welcome a cat into your life and, maybe more importantly, into your heart.

HarryI mean, not to sound too cheesy, but so many wondrous and enchanting things happened in our lives because of Harry and I hope he knows just how much he meant to all who knew him. He was the most charming, but also wasn’t afraid to give some side-eye at your shenanigans! He’ll always hold a very special place in our hearts and we’ll miss him forever. As we always said, “He was a good boy.” Yes, indeed. He was the very, very best boy.

Do you have any pets, friends? What’s your favorite story of life with your beloved animal friend?? Pets truly are life-changing and I’d love to hear all your stories in the comments… xoxo

P.S. My essay for Redbook from 2016…all about Harry’s awesomeness!

Etsy Love: Gold Unicorn Rings As Unique As You Are

Unicorn RingsSpeaking of things that were trending on Twitter last week, did you happen to see the hashtag about National Unicorn Day?? I was so disappointed because I didn’t see it until the evening and the day was almost over!! Boo!! But what’s even better than unicorns alone? Unicorn rings, of course!!

Really, this is the blending of two of my very favorite things: Pretty jewelry and mystical creatures! And because I’ve been really into gold lately, I thought this Etsy Love should be all about the beauty of gold. So, here are four gold unicorn rings that are pretty and perfect just in time for spring, starting with this stacking rustic hammered band ($24), which would be a sweet nod to your whimsical side…

Unicorn RingsThis fierce number, $49.50

Sweet and dainty, $20

Unicorn RingsAnd, this bold one, $35.02

For the record, yes, I fully believe that somewhere, unicorns exist — they’re running through a field and living out their days in happy, joyful merriment.

Which ring is your favorite, friends?!? Plus, because I’m dying to know…do you believe in unicorns??

P.S. Remember this entire gift guide??

Motivational Quotes Monday: In Praise of Our Pets

Happy Monday, friends!!! Can you believe it’s a bit of a SNOWY DAY in the Midwest?!? What happened to my glorious springtime?? Anyway, National Pet Day was trending on Twitter last week, and it got me thinking about our wonderful furry friends! Our pets are really more than our furry friends, though, don’t you think? They’re our family and we can’t imagine our lives without them!! Maybe I’m reflecting on the love of pets so much because next weekend marks one year since we lost Harry — he was, after all, the cat who changed everything! So in that spirit, here are five quotes all about the power of pets in our lives…

Pets Pets Pets Pets

These Close-Up Shark Portraits Are Terrifyingly Awesome

Shark Portraits Shark PortraitsI’m not ashamed to admit that Jaws terrifies me EVERY time I watch it. And, yes, I’ve seen it several times, even though I know I’m going to have vivid nightmares of big, hungry sharks chasing me — probably to the soundtrack of that scary theme music!! But you know what’s even weirder?!? I’m utterly fascinated by sharks. Dare I even say that I might actually love them? Proof: I’m completely mesmerized by these shark portraits from photographer Todd Bretl…

I mean, just look at how close these photos are! If you take away the fear factor, sharks are pretty wondrous, spectacular creatures, don’t you think? They sort of seem like mythical creatures, the way they swim and glide through the water.

And after seeing these photos, I pretty much want to start some sort of shark collection RIGHT NOW. Maybe some shark posters for my new room? Some shark figurines? A cute little shark stuffed animal for my bed?

Shark Portraits Shark PortraitsAre you a big fan of sharks, friends? Or are you scared of them like I am?? What’s your favorite animal?? xoxo

Meet Whitney: Our New Cat Who Loves My Wheelchair

Whitney WhitneySo this blog post is a long time coming, friends!! After Harry died in April, we didn’t know when we would be ready to welcome another cat into our home and our hearts. Harry was such a special creature and there truly was no kitty like him; I know everyone says that about their pets, but Harry was a magical creature! We knew that we would get another cat eventually, but we didn’t really put any kind of timeline on it. And then, after my mom and Janelle went to the local animal shelter ONE TIME, Janelle made the decision for us. That’s how, one afternoon in May, little Whitney found herself scampering all over Janelle’s room — and right into our hearts.

Yes, this little bundle of goodness and fur has been a part of our family for two months now! We never planned on getting a black cat, but Janelle said she felt a connection with Whitney the very first time she and my mom visited the animal shelter. My mom wasn’t convinced, but when Janelle went back by herself a few days later, Whitney jumped right into her lap and as the saying goes, the rest is history!

(Full disclosure: My mom fell in love with Whitney once she arrived!)

Whitney Whitney WhitneyAnyway, like I said, the rest is history, which is exactly what we’ve been doing for the last two months. We’ve been making our own history and memories with our new family member. In a word, Whitney is adorable. Sweet. Kind. Gentle. Curious. Well, I suppose that’s more than one word, isn’t it? But she’s just got so much purrsonality (see what I did there?) and it’s been amazing to get to know her and see her make herself at home with us.

Anyone who tries to tell you that all cats are the same has obviously never met one because cats are such unique, individual creatures. No two are exactly alike! Here’s what I’ve learned about Sister Whitney (that’s my nickname for her) so far, including some of her likes and dislikes…

• She’s curious — she’ll jump on counters, into cabinets and, with one mighty leap, into the recessed alcove above our fireplace. Fierce, isn’t she??

• She loves nothing more than a deep tissue massage and will show her appreciation by rolling on her back (shout-out to the cute white patch of fur on her stomach!)

• She’s a big fan of what Janelle calls the Pop Out Game, where Whitney will coyly hide under the bed, usually behind sheets that are draped over said bed, and wait for her prey. In this case, prey being Janelle’s ankles. The second Whitney spots said ankles, she proceeds to pop out her little black paw in a mad dash.

• She hates the birds, ever since she caught them sitting outside the window. I’m guessing she didn’t like their chirping because she immediately started chirping right back at them.

• We call her Squeaky because she lets out the tiniest little squeak when she wants to make her presence known.

• She loves my wheelchair. A lot. A few days after we brought her home, she just jumped up and sat on my seat like it was the most natural thing in the world.

• She prefers to spend her afternoons lounging on one of the rugs in our kitchen and just watch whatever we’re doing!

WhitneyWhitney joins older sister Stella, who is a bit unsure right now, but I know these two will be BFFs in no time! You can tell Stella misses Harry so much and I never realized how much cats actually grieve until I saw that grief in Stella — more about that in a separate post.

Also, I just want to issue a formal apology to parents everywhere: Janelle and I took care of Whitney during the day as she was getting used to her new digs. What a fast and curious cat!! You can’t take your eyes off her!! I’m sorry that I ever questioned why parents can’t get anything done. I know why now!

Whitney WhitneyThey say that black cats are unlucky, but this little lady has brightened our world so much in the last two months!! And, of course, I’m looking forward to all the memories we’ll make in the future. Welcome to the family, Whitney… xoxo