nature – Site Title

A Sad Day

It started out as usual. Running around like a chicken with its head off is normal here now that the other two cats have moved in. Mornings are not mine anymore. The meowing starts around 5 in the morning and doesn’t stop until I open my bedroom door and see the two, Shiro and Galli looking at me expectantly. They know the “food lady” is up and they can relax.

My little guy, Chachi, hates this ritual. He used to be the one and only but now finds himself sharing everything with the other two and it is not setting too well with him. He is quieter than usual, keeps to himself, and growls a lot. I put it down to territorial behavior but things escalated this morning.

I got up, fed the two, cleaned the litter boxes, all before breakfast! Then, I brought Little Macho (my guy) his food. He grunted and walked to the window and ignored me. That was the first sign and I should have paid attention but instead I picked him up and whispered to him telling him that I know it is hard for him. He glanced over with hooded eyes and it happened. He slapped me with his paws on both side of my face and I went, “Ouch!” It hurt. I couldn’t believe that he had done what he did. I rushed downstairs and looked for the disinfectant. Yes, I’m a germaphobe! I proceeded to disinfect the sides of my face and luckily it wasn’t that bad. He did break skin in a few places but I’m sure it will heal. What hurt more than that was the fact that my “little sweetheart” was capable of hurting me.

I Googled and it said that it is normal behavior for a resident cat to feel like his safe space has been invaded by strangers and it is also normal for him to direct his aggression towards me as well. The solution or rather suggestion was to keep them separated for a few days. Keep everything separate, litter boxes, food and sleeping space including play area. I had thought they were getting along but I was wrong and now I am sad. The article also went on to say that I should wash my hands after touching the other two so that he doesn’t smell them on me! It seems they need time to adjust and to do it slowly.

SAD? Absolutely. I love my little guy and I am sad that he is feeling left out. I like the other two as well and they are growing on me like barnacles on a rock! The little white one loves hanging around me and this morning I sprayed on some scent after my shower and she watched me and then started sniffing the air like she approved. So I let her smell my wrist and Chachi started growling! Gallahad is learning to play with a tennis ball. His idea of playtime is to let me do all the work! He hits the ball down the stairs and waits till I get it for him. Exactly why he is overweight and loving it!

Now, I have to work at getting all three to play together. It is going to take a few days of separation and I’m not sure how I am going to go about it but I will keep you posted. I have to get Chachi happy again and that is a priority. If there is a will, there is a way as they say.

Fingers and toes crossed and hopefully the scratches heal with no dire consequences!

Have an amazing day.

A Picturesque Day

I haven’t been walking for about a week now and since the sun was on full display this morning, I decided to put on my walking shoes and take myself out there. It should be a gorgeous morning and it turned out to be more than that.

It was nice to get out in nature again and to see what was awaiting me. The leaves were rustling in the trees and the wind was a little chilly. I was out early and as usual there was no one around. I took the forest way and as I walked the color gold caught my eyes. They were quite a distance away but there was no mistaking their beauty. The rapeseed plants were in full bloom and against the Cerulean blue of the sky, they were a breathtaking sight to behold. I stopped and stared for a while as I usually do when something breathtaking catches my eye. This one deserved my full attention.

Moving on, I walked on in silence. There were the usual sounds of people working in their garden plots preparing their little slice of nature for what was to come. It could be tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, salad leaves, or just about anything. The village folk take great pride in their gardens and like the fields, everything is spruced up and watched over with eagle eyes! Most people don’t have much to do around here and for the old folk, it is a time to gather at their garden plots and to socialize as well. I walked on enjoying the trilling of the birds in the trees, a squirrel dashing across the path and the sound of a woodpecker playing loudly on a tree trunk!

Deciding to take a break, I sat on one of the wooden benches strategically placed along the way, turning my attention to the cloudless blue sky. It is going to be a gorgeous day, not too hot and not too cold. That spells “perfect” as far as I am concerned. The grass is an emerald green and here and there blooming trees parade their beauty as only they know how. It is a picturesque view and one that captures my imagination as I let out a sigh of relief after the stressful morning. Whatever is waiting for me back home is all but forgotten here, nature can calm the frazzled nerve and it can do much much more.

A cup of hot coffee was missing to complete the picture but it will come soon enough. Closing my eyes, I breathed in the fresh air and let the silence work on me. I needed a break from the three, Larry, Curly and Moe! Just kidding. Chachi, Shiro, and Galli (the three cats) are waiting for me to show up again so that they can pound me with their demands, it will come soon enough. This right now, is my slice of heaven and I’m glad I decided to get out and to let nature soothe me. It worked.

Time for that cup of coffee and to see what the three marauders are up to.

Have an amazing day.

Camping

Photo by Lisbeth Bringebøen on Pexels.com

I used to do that during my undergrad days. I had a boyfriend who loved fishing as much as I did and one day he had the bright idea of us camping overnight at one of these places, the places being remote locations tucked away in the woods. It was wonderful finding a spot, throwing your line in, sitting back and enjoying the quiet until the fish bites! I loved the absolute peace of the place so I was more than ready to experience it at night.

On the given day, we made it there early and as usual it was empty except for the two of us. We built our campsite on a jetty protruding into the water. He gathered wood for the fire and got it going. It was still peaceful but then the sun started going down and the woods got dark. There was a creepy vibe about it but I kept it to myself. It was time for dinner so we had something simple and something warm to drink. The boyfriend wanted to fish so he threw out the line and took a seat as we talked about nothing in particular. It was very dark and I decided to curl up in my sleeping bag as he kept watch. Suddenly, we heard a loud sound coming from the woods. It sounded like footsteps so I looked at him and he said, “Don’t worry, nothing is going to happen.” The sounds stopped and it got eerily quiet. Then other sounds picked up. An owl hooting and something else. It sounded like low whispering! I was getting nervous and wanted to say it was a bad idea but I kept quiet. After a while, I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was morning. My friend was still up but he looked strange like he was scared. I asked what was wrong and he said nothing. The sun was up and we decided to do a little more fishing before heading out. Just as we were packing up our stuff, we heard a very loud sound of something crashing to the ground. I jumped and said, “What was that?!!” He said it was nothing and added, “Let’s go!” Did he experience something during the night? I don’t know but it was spooky and I would never do it again. I later found out that the place we were at used to be an Indian burial ground! Probably Cherokee because we were in Tennessee at the time.

I love camping but I wouldn’t do it nowadays. Those carefree days are done with and I know too much now to ever do something that dumb again. Anything could have happened but it didn’t and I’m thankful for that. Camping is fun but be prepared for the unexpected, good and bad!

Daily writing prompt

Have you ever been camping?

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Mutiny on the Bounty!

I run a tight ship where my household is concerned but ever since the two, Shiro and Gallahad moved in, it has been hard to keep an eye on everything. They are used to running things their own way and DO NOT like rules! The question they often ask is, “WHY?”

They’ve had their haircuts. The white one, Shiro, looks like a poodle now and the other, the grey one with the orange eyes, looks like Mufasa! We had a hard time getting him to behave so the lady did the best she could and so now he has tufts of hair sticking out in awkward places. It will grow out, I tell myself. However, every time I look at him, I want to give him an extra hug and kiss for what he went through.

Coming back to the topic at hand, I thought they had adjusted quite well to life at casa de los gatos. Think again! All was well until last night when all hell broke loose. The two decided that abiding by rules was for the birds and they declared mutiny on the bounty!

It started out as usual. They got fed, they got cleaned, and they had fresh water and food for the night. Shiro gave me this side-eyed glance which should have cued me to what was coming but I gave her a kiss on the forehead, much to Chachi’s disgust (that’s my cat) and gently placed her in her bed. I did the same for Galli but I left out “the putting him to bed” part. He’s a big guy. All was quiet as I shut the door to the bedroom and settled for the night. Chachi wanted a lovefest and he got one. We cuddled and he got lots of kisses and hugs as well.

It was the calm before the storm. Two hours later, the first inkling of what was to come happened. I heard Shiro in her toilet stirring up havoc. She loves toilets and just sitting in them is something she does on a regular basis. Only last night, she kept at it moving the litter around. It got on my nerves. I opened the door and asked what was going on.

HER: “When I got to go, I got to go!”

ME: “What’s with kicking up the litter?”

HER: “NOTHING!”

The little snort has a flat face, she’s a Persian, and an underbite that makes her look grumpy all the time. However, she is as cute as a button and knows it! I gave her one of my no-nonsense looks and shut the door behind me. Little did I know that Shiro would be the ringleader. Just minutes later, it started. I heard them running up and down the stairs, things being overturned with a loud thud and scratching and knocking at the door! We froze. Chachi looked at me and went, “I told you they are not well-behaved. I hate them!” Well, he has this love-hate relationship with the two of them. Sometimes he adores Galli, his best buddy, and at other times NOT! Shiro to a lesser extent.

Anyway, I waited to see what else they would pull and it looked like they had plenty in their arsenal. They started meowing loudly and in sync! It was back to running up and down the stairs and throwing things around. I had had enough! Opening the door cautiously, I looked outside. They were not there. I noticed that someone had overturned the cat tree and another smaller play item. I proceeded downstairs and the little white one who now seemed more like a giant rushed up to me.

HER: “I want in the bedroom! How come that little snort gets to be in your room at night? We have rights you know.”

I wanted to remind her that they were taking temporary residence here but instead kept my mouth shut. Just then, Little Mufasa showed up, his hair standing on end what was left of it anyway.

ME: “Cut it out! I’m not putting up with this, do you guys hear me?!!”

They reeled it back in whatever it was that got them riled up in the first place. They sat there looking at me meekly with destruction all around them. Food plates turned over, water bowls empty with water all over the floor and other stuff, not broke, but not where they should be.

It was time to clean up the mess. I did so quietly and the two watched me cautiously with not a meow to be heard. After cleaning up, I gave them some fresh food and water.

Galli: “It wasn’t me. Shiro started it.”

If there ever was a tattletale, this guy was it!

I told them to quiet down and went back upstairs. As I walked in, Chachi piped up. “Are you throwing them out? They deserve it!”

I ignored the little snort and got into bed. The rest of the night was peaceful and went as usual. Lord, have mercy!

Have an amazing day.

SPICE UP YOUR DAY!

Feeling down? Nothing’s going right? You’re in a down phase? The world’s a cruel place? Prince Charming is a no show?

You’re not alone. Give it time, work on yourself but in the meantime here are some tips to pep up your mood and get you soaring again.

MEDITATION

It’s been around for a long long time and it still works today. Just five minutes a day will quiet the mind and send those endorphins spiraling upwards. Try it. Close your eyes, go within. Take a breath, hold for 4 counts and let it out for six. Watch the transformation take place. You’ve got to keep at it to reap the benefits.

NATURE

It is my all-time favorite activity. Nature soothes, nature calms and it teaches how to give those stress hormones a run for the money. Just 10 minutes a day should do it. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything the world throws your way. A cup of coffee later and I’m raring to go!

GRATITUDE

This is an important mood booster. Never underestimate the power of gratitude. It has the power to change your mindset and to take you from the glass is half empty to the glass is all kinds of full! Try it. Think of three things you are grateful for right now. Not that bad is it?

LAUGHTER

Find something to laugh about everyday. It has been said, laughter is the best medicine. It really is. I watch standup comedies or funny movies to boost my mood and to release stress. Laughter also strengthens the immune system and releases cortisol and adrenaline, two main stress hormones. Chronic stress puts your health at risk so laugh it away. Aim for a dose of laughter each day.

JOURNALING

It is “the practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections.” This is my way of getting my pent up emotions out in the open. Believe me, it’s a miracle worker and once you get them out, you do feel a lot lighter. Write it down, get it out, do the dance and set it free! It’s a definite pep me up!

SMILE

This one comes naturally to me. I smile a lot. Just having a smile on your face tricks your brain into thinking you’re happy and it releases the “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These are needed in your arsenal to add to your overall well-being. So, SMILE for all you’re worth!

Just a few tips to rev up your mood. These methods work for me and I hope it does for you as well.

“Be so positive that negative people don’t want to be near you.”

I say, “Aye, aye Captain!”

Have an amazing day.

The Garden

Sitting outside in the garden is just as nice as taking a walk out in nature. Today, it is exceptionally wonderful because the sun is out, there is a cool breeze blowing and a cloudless blue sky adds to the pretty picture. I’ve got my second cup of coffee on the table, a notepad and pen just in case I get some bright ideas. I love jotting them down before it flies out of my head never to be seen again.

All is quiet where “the three” are concerned. I’m talking about Larry, Curly, and Moe! Just kidding. I’m talking about the three cats, Chachi, Galli, and Shiro. They’ve had their food, have been cleaned and brushed and are taking their midday naps. It is peaceful for a change.

The garden is looking fantastic in all its spring glory. The cherry tree has lots of blooms, the fig tree is greening, the Magnolias have done blooming and the petals are now lying like a carpet of pink and white on the grass. It means work clearing them up but each year they put on a show and the neighbors appreciate their beauty as well. My neighbor told me last week that she loves standing at her kitchen window with coffee cup in hand and looking at that tree. According to her, it brings or rather puts a smile on her face. I can understand that because nature has a way of doing that if you just stop and stare for a while.

The Camelia bush is in full bloom dripping with white blossoms. It’s interesting how this plant stays green all winter and when spring creeps around, the blossoms arrive. They are gorgeous. The tulips are in full bloom as well in a myriad variety of colors. The apple tree is greening and it will just be a matter of time before it starts blooming as well. Last year, it was a bumper crop. Maybe, this year it will take time out. Two years ago, I planted some ground crawlers as they are called here and each year they take my breath away. This year is no different. When they bloom, the ground is nowhere to be seen. It is covered in shades of pinks, purples, and whites. It’s the same this year and it is beautiful. The roses are budding as well and when they do arrive in different shades, the garden will be filled with the scent of vanilla and something sweet. Another thing to look forward to.

The insects are not out in full force yet but they will show up sooner or later. For now, I am enjoying the quiet, the peace, the sounds of nature all around me and I can stay here forever but it’s time to go see what the little rascals are up to.

Have an amazing day.

Human Nature

What is human nature? One explanation refers to “the fundamental characteristics, ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that are generally considered to be inherent to human beings.” One can say we are pre-programmed to act in a certain way when faced with certain situations but nurture and social experiences do play a part in shaping individual behaviors as to how we react to certain outside stimuli.

Here are some quotes that speak to the heart of the matter.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity and I ‘m not sure about the universe.” Albert Einstein

“It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.” Anatole France

I totally agree with this assumption. Been there and done that many times over!

“Human nature is deeply ingrained despite our best efforts difficult to change.” Unknown

This one shines the spotlight on the problem itself. Stupidity and stubbornness sometimes or often go hand-in-hand making it a lose-lose situation.

“It’s human nature to remember only what you want to remember and forget what you want to forget, or transform it into a different story.” Unknown

We are all good storytellers so I definitely agree with the transformation part so much so to our own detriment.

“I hate it when people argue in public and I’ve missed the beginning so I don’t know whose side I’m on.” Unknown

This too is human nature.

“People will question all the good things they hear about you but believe all the bad without a second thought.” Unknown

Human nature at its best?

“I chose the road less traveled and now I don’t know where I am.” Unknown

ME TOO!

“Even if you give them everything that they ask for, it’ll never be enough.” Unknown

Are we talking about men here?

Finally….

THE LAWS OF HUMAN NATURE

“You are not a pawn in a game controlled by others; you are an active player who can move the pieces at will and even rewrite the rules.” Robert Greene

There you go. You are not stuck where you are and you have the ability to change your life. You just need to start moving in the right direction. What about human nature? Tell it to take a hike!

Have an amazing day.

The Saga Continues

It has been three weeks since the two moved in. They are Shiro and Gallahad, my son’s two cats. I agreed to take care of them while he’s away starting a new career and his new temporary apartment doesn’t allow pets. It was an excruciating decision on his part to let go of them for a short while.

Shiro is a little princess and a spoiled little brat. She likes things her way. However, she loves litter boxes. Every time I clean the litter box and walk away, she moves in. I mean she jumps in and stays there! It could be the Aloe Vera scented deo that I add to the litter box that makes it smell like pure heaven to her but the little princess turns into a tramp and doesn’t mind spending time in the gutter! Gallahad is the quiet guy. He looks wise with his orange eyes but he’s all about the food. The minute he hears me approaching, he follows, his fat behind waddling as he pierces me with those eyes as, “Give me food please,” oozes out of every pore! He is overweight but he doesn’t care. I think he loves being who he is. Give him food and his world is a brighter shade of pink! The rest of the day he spends upstairs on the bed enjoying his time alone!

The two are a handful. Shiro more so than Galli. She is loud and if something doesn’t set well, she lets it be known. Her goal is to con her way into the bedroom. She knows that Chachi has that spot now but that doesn’t matter to her. She has her sights set on that coveted prize. Did I tell you that she has big, beautiful eyes? She does and that pitiful meow can tug at any heartstring. Her goal is to befriend Chachi and to oust him from the bedroom. She has a better strategy than Trump! Anyway, they are friends for the moment but Chachi is smarter than he looks. Little Einstein has been proving why he has that name. He has been spending a lot of time upstairs with the cat toys. The kind that helps to make your cat think. Believe it or not, he has managed to get the balls out of one maze and the other one has a piece missing and that is the end of both of them! He is a thinker and I am finding out that the little guy is not as nice as he seems as well. He has taken to snarling and showing his cute little teeth!

His girlfriend, Miss Ipanema, showed up last night. She spotted him sitting at the window seat and set her sights on him. The girl knows how to do that well, she is as loose as they come. A pretty one at that. She is all black with gorgeous green eyes but I’ve decided that she needs to go. Chachi is too innocent for her so I moved him away from the window and the little guy put up a fight and turned his “snarl” on me. He got the riot act read to him last night.

He is learning some not so nice things from the other two. The once sweet and laid-back guy is twice the “macho” he used to be. Yes, I have my hands full but I have to say that they are fun to watch, their different personalities are interesting, and I am learning that cats are not as simple or as clueless as they seem.

Have an amazing day.

A Sunshiny Day!

The day dawned bright and early. The three cats were in their element and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that Easter or not, I would be at their beck and call as and when they wanted!

However, all of that changed when I looked outside and saw the sun trying to put a bright and beautiful spin on the day and it was succeeding. It’s supposed to get really nice and that is something to look forward to.

Easter is going to be a quiet one. My son is in Berlin and has been there for several days. Starting a new career demands focus and guts. Berlin is a big city and it requires courage to see what is out there and how to navigate the unsavory parts as well. Being the helicopter mom that I am, it was hard to let go. However, his first move was to Munich where he will be working. Berlin is just a short excursion, as Trump would call it, just being facetious! Anyway, it is not an excursion, it is part and parcel of his new job, Berlin being the headquarters.

I couldn’t believe it when he sent me pics of his hotel room. This kid, he is no longer one, he is a young man who is standing at the edge of a new life. His new company had booked the hotel, a nice one at that, and he was going to be there for 10 days. Ten long days for me. I worried about everything. Will he get there alright? Would he know what to do when he gets there? How will he get to work and back? Things mothers worry about, helicopter moms anyway. He made it there safely, took a taxi there, checked into the hotel like a pro and made it to work and back the next day. He has also been checking out different restaurants and ENJOYING Berlin’s nightlife! He says he loves Berlin and might even consider moving there if he gets an offer. Hmm…..not going to say anything.

Last night, I got a pic from him. He and a friend were at a bar wearing big smiles on their faces and with blurry eyes. It was late, almost midnight when I got the pic. My first thought, “What is he doing out there this late?” I kept it to myself. Then at around one in the morning, another message. “Walking back to hotel.” I wrote back, “You do know that Berlin is a big city don’t you? Be careful walking back.” No reply. At two in the morning, another message. “Back in hotel.” You could hear my sigh of relief from here all the way to the moon and back!

The thing is, he is making his own way. That’s not to say that I won’t worry about him. I will always be the mother who worries about her kid but I’m also the mother who brought him this far. I must have done something right.

Today is another day. He has plans but he is not telling. Meeting another friend is on the agenda and perhaps taking in the sights and sounds of Berlin. I wished him well, although there is twinge of “fear” within. Just a normal reaction I guess.

I will preoccupy myself with the cats. They are a lot of work but when needed they help to take my mind off things, which is a good thing. The sunshiny day is definitely helping and I am going to sit out back in the garden and enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful spring day, insects included!

Have a wonderful Easter folks.

The Three!

I woke up to Chachi, the cat, having dry heaves! It doesn’t happen often but it did seem that way this morning because Shiro, the Persian cat, had a problem yesterday. She threw up and had a slight case of the runs. Galli, the British long-haired cat, was alright and keeping a watchful eye on everything.

I spent most of yesterday doing the wash, cleaning up behind them, and taking care of Shiro who seemed to be out of sorts and spent the day sleeping and looking poorly. Stressful? Absolutely.

This morning, Chachi decided to get in the act and had me up at 5 a.m. and after cleaning up, I noticed that he had been eating too much of the dry food so I removed it and decided that I must be doing something wrong as far as these three are concerned. Just as I suspected, the other two were waiting outside the door looking at me like I was manna from heaven or rather, it is where their manna comes from!

ME: “Cool it guys! I have some cleaning to do before I can get to you two.”

SHIRO: “How come Chachi gets to stay with you all night and we have to be outside. It is totally unfair!”

GALLI: “I’m not saying anything but she has a point there.”

I wasn’t in the mood for small talk! I ignored them and got what I needed to clean the mess up. Then I removed the dry food and gave him just wet food until his stomach settles down. Not too happy with the situation, I took a deep breath, piled my hair on my head, and decided to go get my cup of coffee. Just then I noticed that the litter boxes needed to be cleaned up! The day was taking off and leaving me behind. Okay, it was something that needed to be done so I did it. I disinfected it and added some deo to it. As I was heading downstairs, I noticed that Shiro had jumped into the litter box and was lying in it! The girl has a problem. She looked up at me with googly eyes like she was thoroughly enjoying it.

ME: “What’s the matter with you?”

SHIRO: “It smells so good here! I can sleep in it.”

GALLI: “She never used to do that when we were with daddy.”

SHIRO: “That’s because daddy never kept it this clean!”

CHACHI: “Mom, what are they up to?”

SHIRO: “Would it help if we called you mom?”

ME: “Nope!”

GALLI: “I know what your problem is. You need to let your hair down. Piling it on your head like you do is not a good look for you. If you want the guys to come calling, wear it down.”

CHACHI: “Thank you Galli. I keep telling her the same thing but she never listens. We should talk about the creeps who come calling! I can go on and on.”

ME: “Enough! Don’t worry about me. Stop throwing up, having the runs, and expecting to be fed all the time. You’ve had breakfast and now you’ll have to wait for several hours before you get more food. Is that understood?”

GALLI: “Bummer! I was enjoying the all you can eat buffet! Anyway, that attitude doesn’t suit you as well. Try being nicer, things might just change for the better.”

Ignoring the three, I headed for the kitchen. I NEEDED my coffee real bad. Shiro and Galli followed.

SHIRO: “We need to talk.”

Galli looking wise with his orange eyes took a seat on the stairs.

ME: “Guys, we are not talking. It is way too early and I don’t want to hear it!”

Them in unison.

“We want to go back to daddy! This is no fun and that little guy up there hasn’t been brought up too well. He growls and hisses all the time and you never say anything. Instead, you kiss him all the time and keep mommy’s boy protected from us. This is a no go!”

“Okay, we will have a pow wow later and I promise we will come to a solution. I need my coffee now.”

SHIRO: “What about Easter?”

ME: “What about it?!!”

GALLI: “Give us some special food and if you do, I will grant you a wish. One that brings the right guy into your life. You will be very happy, I promise.”

ME: “What are you?!! A fairy or rather a genie in disguise?”

GALLI: “I am more than meets the eye.”

ME: “Oh Lord, have mercy. Chachi thinks he knows everything and now, I have a budding lord only knows what on my hands!”

Coffee made, I headed back upstairs. Walking into the bedroom Chachi pipes up.

What was that about?

ME: “Don’t worry about it. Come give mommy a kiss.”

THEM: “We rest our case!”

Have an amazing day.