Author’s Life

Thanksgiving ABC’s 2020

Author's Life| 11 Comments

cat-fall-leaves-thanksgiving

Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States, and for most of us, it’s going to be very different from previous years. Most people I know have decided to only celebrate with the people they share a household with, no matter how hard that decision may have been. I think this year, more than ever before, it’s important to reflect on the holiday’s true meaning: a time to count one’s blessings. Even in the middle of turmoil and tragedy, it’s always possibly to find things to be grateful for.  Continue Reading

Happy Halloween 2020

Author's Life| 10 Comments

halloween-cat

Allegra and I would like to wish you and your kitties a safe and happy Halloween!

This Halloween will be very different from anything we’ve ever experienced before, but I promised Allegra that she’d have some treats in her little bag at the end of the day.

And even though there may not be trick or treaters this year, which eliminates the chances of cats dashing out open doors, please be mindful of some of the other hazards of the holiday, such as decorations, electrical cords and candles.

Mews and Nips will return next Saturday.

Cat Writers Association Shojai Mentor Award

Author's Life| 33 Comments

cwa-shojai-mentor-award

I am delighted to announce that I won the 2019 Shojai Mentor Award from the Cat Writers Association (CWA.) This award, named after past-president Amy D. Shojai, recognizes the CWA member “who has offered guidance, encouraging counsel, support, or other help that has had a direct and positive influence on another’s writing/publishing success. The recipient shall exemplify the highest ideals of the CWA vision, that is, to promote communal support, networking, and mutual respect between colleagues.”Continue Reading

Happy 4th of July 2020

Author's Life| 8 Comments

4th-of-july-cat

This 4th of July will be very different from previous celebrations for a lot of us. For Allegra and me, on a personal level, it will be the first 4th without Ruby. And of course, nothing else will be the same this  year, either.

If you are going to gather with family or friends, please be safe and observe physical distancing and wear a mask. If you’re going to stay home, try to find something meaningful that allows you to enjoy the holiday. Maybe there’s a special food that evokes summer for you? Maybe a favorite movie? Continue Reading

Happy Father’s Day 2020

Author's Life| 9 Comments

fathers-day-cat

Whether your kids are human or furry, enjoy your special day!

Father’s Day can be bittersweet for those of us whose fathers are no longer with us. My dad passed away 16 years ago, but I still get a little sad each year when Father’s Day comes around.Continue Reading

Memorial Day 2020

Author's Life| 4 Comments

memorial-day-cats

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ― Thomas Campbell

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we honor the memory of the men and women who have died in military service. We also celebrate the arrival of summer, but because of the reason for the holiday, it never feels right to me to say “Happy Memorial Day,” so instead, I’m wishing you a day filled with love and beautiful memories.Continue Reading

Happy Mother’s Day 2020

Author's Life| 21 Comments

mothers-day-cat

This is going to be a very different Mother’s Day for a lot of moms out there. My heart goes out to those of you who can’t be with your moms or your kids today. While video calls have been a wonderful way to stay connected while we’re all staying home, it’s just not the same as being able to hug each other and be together.  Continue Reading

Happy Easter 2020

Author's Life| 19 Comments

easter-cat

Happy Easter from Allegra and Ingrid

This will be a very different Easter for most of us. Even if you’re sheltering in place with family, you won’t be able to get together with a wider circle of family members like you might normally do. If you’re used to celebrating this holiday in your church, watching a video service will not be the same as shaking hands or exchanging hugs with members of your community. For those of us who live alone, not being able to see friends and enjoy a leisurely Easter brunch together makes this a lonely holiday.Continue Reading