Upside Down Cats

When my mom passed away this past Spring, I had the opportunity to spend some precious time with family, rediscovering some family treasures.

Among the treasures I unearthed was a photo I remembered fondly yet was certain I'd never see again. Oh, how I squealed with delight when my eyes fell upon it once again!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you for the first time in over forty years, the Fred and Ginger of the wedding circuit...

(Cue Rock and Roll Part II)

Mr Jim and Miss Gina!

This is my daddy and me, dancing at my sister Linda's wedding. It's a heartfelt memory, a treasured photo and now a long-lost friend, returned to my life once again.

This picture depicts Dad's and my relationship perfectly - I always felt like his little buddy. He always had time for me and he always made me feel special. Could a little girl feel more special than being all dressed up and dancing with her dad at a fancy hall with a live band? Well, I can tell you this little girl couldn't have!

I have previously written in detail about Dad and me - complete with pictures - but this is the only one you ever really need to see to understand what we were all about.

I share this photo today in honor of Father's Day. Dad passed away in 1997, so even though I no longer can wish him a Happy Father's Day, my heart is warmed today and every day by the memories of him that I carrry with me.

My mom passed away this year on March 17.

No tribute I could write today could capture what I was inspired to compose a couple days later in the funeral home's online guestbook. It poured out of my fingers, straight from my heart. In my mom's honor, I share it with you today:

It is an extraordinary honor to have been born your daughter. By your example, you taught me that women are smart and strong and resourceful. By your example, you taught me that life is a precious gift full of joy and purpose: That it is as important to know how to enjoy life as it is to work hard and utilize my talents. These lessons have served me well throughout my life.

Most importantly, by your example, you taught me the essence of "home." Home is where you are accepted for the individual you are, warmly nurtured and endowed with the freedom to grow into the fullness of your potential. Because I know "home," I can venture forth to create and find that feeling of home in my own life.

Thank you, Mom, for these examples which guide me. They provide a constant source of conviction and direction in my life. These are the qualities I seek to share in the world myself. Through me and those whose lives I touch, your examples will live on forever - as will you in my heart.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I Wish I Could Tell You In Person...

Wow...another National Blog Posting Month is done! NaBloPoMo '09 has been fun as I searched back through the archives of our cat photos and wrote a haiku about one every day of November. Here's the last one...

Gina's Hai-cat #30

Cooper says it all
NaBloPoMo is over
Good night and sleep tight

This is the next-to-last day of National Blog Posting Month. I do believe I'm going to follow through to complete the challenge for my third consecutive year! For NaBloPoMo '09 I've been posting a photo of our cats and a haiku I wrote about said photo.

Gina's Hai-cat #29

Abbey on the shirts
Great help folding the laundry
Never puts away

National Blog Posting Month is almost over! I only have a few more opportunities to write a haiku about a photo of our cats to post for NaBloPoMo '09.

Gina's Hai-cat #28

Who says cats can't fetch?
Mama throws Desi's green ball
She carries it back

There's only a few more days of National Blog Posting Month but I still haven't run out of photos of our cats to write haikus about! Here's my 27th entry for NaBloPoMo '09...

Gina's Hai-cat #27

What a pretty face
Beemer could be a model
So perfect looking

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are reading along throughout National Blog Posting Month! Here's today's NaBloPoMo '09 haiku about a photo of our cats...

Gina's Hai-cat #26

A very sad year
Said goodbye to a best friend
Thankful for Abbey

National Blog Posting Month is chugging right along! Here's today's NaBloPoMo '09 haiku about a photo of our cats.

Gina's Hai-cat #25

Lie down and hold still!
So I can lick your head clean
Abbey bathes Desi

November is National Blog Posting Month and I'm in the mood for something warm. I give you this photo of our cats and a haiku to go with it in celebration of this, the twenty-fourth day of NaBloPoMo '09.

Gina's Hai-cat #24

Two snuggled sisters
One fluffy pile of fur
All warm and cozy

As we enter the final stretch of National Blog Posting Month, I find I'm enjoying writing a haiku every day about a photo of our cats. Here's today's NaBloPoMo '09 submission...

Gina's Hai-cat #23

We always told her
Safety first, Desdemona!
Who knew she'd listen?