It’s snowing like crazy outside today. I’m cozily huddled
under a blanket in my recliner, as the snowflakes dance outside the window. We
haven’t lost power (yet!), so it’s warm and lovely, sitting here writing with
my computer on my lap.
Or maybe I should say on half my lap. The other half is taken up by my big orange
tabby cat. His name is Cheese.
As he snuggles up to me, purring (his purring, not mine!), I
feel an incomparable sense of contentment. He curls up, changes position, and
resettles himself, taking up a little more of my lap. My computer totters. And
I just smile. This cat just brings me joy. Why does he make me so happy?
Cheese is a rescue cat, and I’ve had him and his brother,
Macaroni (Yes, Macaroni and Cheese. Don’t ask.) for several years. Cheese had
been abused, and was skitterish and nervous for a long time. It took months for
him to feel safe enough to let us pet him, and years before he claimed my lap. I remember the red letter day when I first
heard him purr. So it’s a joy to see him
relaxed like this.
His brother perches on the top of another chair, surveying
the snow out the window. Peace reigns here, despite the wild weather outside.
Cats have become a symbol of this peace.
My heart was broken a few weeks back when I got the word
that my dear great nephew, Elijah, had passed away tragically at the young age
of 19. Lots of tears.
My cats seem to sense grief. Together, they continually
nestled next to me, and stroking them was a great comfort, soothing me as I
worked through those painful feelings.
Every once in a while, the two like to reenact a circus act,
flying through the air, or jumping from couch to couch like they have a manic
lion in pursuit. Very entertaining (as long as it’s not 2AM).
I really do think that our beloved pets bring as much warmth
to our lives as we bring to theirs. So I guess it’s only natural that animals
appear often in my sweet romances and romantic mysteries. This has included dogs and cats, a talking
bird, a runaway pony and a recalcitrant goat. Right now, I’m writing a new
romance novella for next year’s “Sweet Christmas Kisses 5” anthology, and my
current scene includes a litter of rescued baby kittens. Lots of fun.
Do you have pets?
What role do they have in your life?
Do you, like me, find that having pets in our stories gives an extra
dimension to love and contentment? I can’t
wait to hear what you think!
Christine Bush is the
award winning author of 20 novels and novellas. When she’s not writing (or
petting her cats), she can be found having fun with her 12 grandchildren,
teaching Psychology at a local college, or working with clients as a Marriage
and Family therapist in private practice.
She LOVES to hear from readers and fellow writers!
Christine's latest book, a romantic suspense
titled “Almost Anonymous” was released
in April.
I do have a rescue kitty named Peanut and am very blessed by him
ReplyDeleteI love the name! Is he tiny or enormous?
DeleteBeautiful, Christine. I love the name of your cats...and what is it about animals that they can sense grief? So true.
ReplyDeleteYep, sensitive and insightful!
DeleteWe have 3 cats. One is the mother, who wandered up to our place in the country, (I think someone dumped her). When we couldn't find her owner we kept her. The other two are her babies. Our 14 year old dog passed away a couple of weeks earlier and the 3 cats seem to sense the loss. Love your, post, Christine and love having pets in stories. They just add that extra special touch, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your dog!
DeleteChristine, I'm so sorry for your family's tragic loss! Yes, pets can make a big difference in our daily lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's really rocked me. Very glad for their snuggles.
DeleteI had 3 rescued cats. One died last year and now I have 2. I really miss Peppy. The dynamics—for the good— of the other two has changed since Peppy died.
ReplyDeleteYes, each matters and has their own personality in the family mix. Hmmm. But methinks maybe you need one more.. grin
Delete.
We have 2 rescue cats. They are siblings named Lilly and Tolkien.
ReplyDeleteMartha T.
Lucky cats! Lucky you!
DeleteRight now we are petless, because we travel so much. But for many years we had all kinds of pets, dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, and birds. I have to admit that I'm very much a cat person.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your great nephew :-( Your cats are great! I'm a cat person, but we are unable to have them due to allergies in the family. We do have two dogs, though. I enjoy adding pets to my stories as well.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with dogs, but have always loved cats, too. An old allergy to dogs resurfaced after I was no longer around them very often, so my husband and I happily share our lives with 5 rescue cats. I love the addition of animals in books, especially when they are used to bring added depth to the story.
ReplyDelete