Big Cats

When mamma shows friends and family photos of us, they all proclaim what "big cats" we are. 

We are healthy, happy, and yes, maybe a little fluffy. However, it should be noted that we are not big cats. Let's save that term for big wild cats like lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars,

The only big kitty we heard about is this one: Giant 3D Cat Billboard Now that is a billboard we would like to see. Really neat!

We will share that with our family and friends to prove we are not really that big. 😸

Today is the perfect day to window watch.

Have a spectacular Sunday, Readers, and a wonderful week.

Purr & Paw, 
-Stivali. 🐾

There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats. - Albert Schweitzer. 

Happy Fourth of July, Americans!

Hello My Lovely Readers,

Today is a special day in America. And as you may remember, as a cat with anxiety, it is not a good day for me. Stray Cat Writes: Stress and Anxiety are my middle names - Stivali. 

My family is from Italy and is very proud of becoming American citizens and having the ability to live here. Because today is so filled with celebrations, I wondered about what that is all about, being an Italian kitten, I don't know history as much as I should, that is why I always share these articles, because maybe you are like me, and want to learn more. 

History of the Fourth of July - Brief History & Early Celebrations - HISTORY

We wish you a blessed and safe holiday weekend. May your hearts be filled with gratitude.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

Sleepy Kitties

It is hot outside but cool inside. All we want to do is nap.

We are so happy to nap. 

I am sure you would agree, that we are pretty cute sleepy. 

Pasqua likes to nap on his back, mamma often wakes him up when her camera takes a snap. 

Grigio prefers to sleep on the deck, doesn't trust us enough to come inside just yet.

We hope your week was filled with joy and peace.

And that your week ahead will offer you plenty of sleep.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

If you want happiness for an hour take a nap. If you want happiness for a day go fishing. If you want happiness for a year inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime help someone else. - Author Unknown.

Father's Day

Happy Sunday, Everyone, and Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

We cats don't know our cat dads but we have many dads who come visit us and love on us. My post today is in honor of all the fathers and any mothers reading who pull double duty! You are all appreciated.

I have mentioned our Nonno before, and here is a photo from the archives! This was taken when I was just a month old. How adorable am I? When Nonno visits now I typically hide or hiss at him. I will always remember though, how nice it was to cuddle with him when I was a tiny kitten. 

If you don't know about our human dad, here's another photo from the archives! This is our dad when they were picking out little Pasqua at the shelter. How tiny he was in 2018.

If you are interested in learning about how Father's Day came to be recognized, here's an interesting article: Father's Day - Date, Definition & History We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Whether you are a father or are present in a fatherly role in someone’s life, remember being loved is the ability to be seen as you are. You have the ability to be the provider and foundation of hope.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future. - Liza Minnelli

Flag Day in the United States of America

Happy Sunday, Readers, we hope you are having the best weekend. 

In the United States of America, we celebrate Flag Day tomorrow. Americans honor and commemorate the adoption of the American flag which occurred on June 14, 1777, as one year earlier independence from Great Britain was declared on July 4, 1776.

Us cats like watching our flag fly in the wind. Looking out the window is one of our most enjoyable pass times. There is so much to see outside - deer, squirrels, birds, dogs on leashes leading humans, and of course, our feral, Grigio. 

This week, we encourage all our readers to reflect on the values of our beautiful country. Think of the brave men and women who have defended it. Our flag is a symbol of freedom, courage, hope, and of course, UNITY. 

Celebrate the purpose and the message - and let's unite with gratitude. 

Have a wonderful week.

Purr & Paw, 🐾

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

June is "Be Happy Month"!

Hello Readers,

We decided to refer to June as "Be Happy Month". Will you join us in this blessing? Please say YES.

Our mamma was watching a speech the other day and the speaker was talking about how people have become offended so easily lately. There are people we may have even stopped speaking to just because they offended us. The woman told of a story about advice she was given a long time ago. It was something about if someone offends you that you have a choice. To think of the offense like a physical fence. You can take that fence and then carry it around. That forces you to take on that burden. The other choice is to leave that fence there, and just walk away.

How many times do you carry that fence? Or do you just walk away from it?

This story really had us thinking... and brought us to decide that June will be a happy month.

To get us started on the right foot, let's think about the blessings of our relationships.

We all know that relationships take effort and dedication to remain strong. To make our relationships life long ones, we recognize the following elements are key:

Continuous and Candid Communication
Honesty and Trust

No-Judgment Zone Acceptance

Understanding

Laughter

Time

If relationships have these elements, then, there is no way we would carry a fence if one was given. 

We hope we inspire you to nurture your relationships in this way, and that your June is a happy month.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose. - Tennessee Williams. 

Thank you.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday in memory of those who passed away while serving in the United States Military.

Today we remember and thank all the men and women who died while serving to protect our freedom and honor of our nation. It is a reminder to us, that each day we should express gratitude towards those who gave their life to give us the freedom to live and enjoy our life.

Traditionally, towns host parades, people decorate graves and visit memorials, you may also notice people wearing a red poppy. 

The poppy is symbolic of  the bright red blooms on broken ground, which inspired Lieutenant Colonel McCrae to write the poem, In Flanders Fields, in which he wrote of the fallen soldiers buried under poppies. His poem was first published in 1915, and would subsequently be used at memorial ceremonies.

Many blessings to all of you, and today, we leave you with John McCrae's poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

God Bless America! 

Lazy Sunday

Hello Readers! 

The weather is getting warmer here and we are feeling lazy! 

I must encourage my mamma to put that air conditioning on because it is warm at the top of my cat perch. 

If you lack motivation when it is warm out, sometimes it is refreshing to give in to it - that is what I am thinking on this Sunday. A little relaxation will help me overcome this feeling and then I can eat and play after I nap. 

Here is to an enjoyable (even if lazy) Sunday, and a very motivated Monday tomorrow for all of you.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾 

 Dolce far niente. - one of mamma's Italian expressions, meaning, "it is sweet to do nothing". 😸

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues

Happy Sunday, Dear Readers,

12 years ago our mamma read that Benjamin Franklin attributed most of his success to practicing 13 virtues to the best of his ability. 

Apparently, for a large portion of his life, he carried around in his pocket a card of a table with each of the seven columns representing a day of the week, and each of the 13 rows representing one virtue he wanted to work on.

Mamma completed a challenge to work on each of these virtues based on what Benjamin Franklin reportedly did. Since spring is a great time for renewal, mamma is going to do this practice once again. 

Here are Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues:

1.	Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
2.	Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3.	Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4.	Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5.	Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.
6.	Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7.	Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.
8.	Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9.	Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10.	Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11.	Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12.	Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13.	Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Source: PBS

Throughout the day, review the card to keep the virtues fresh in mind. At the end of each day, go through the virtues, and reflect if they were actually practiced during the day, and mark the box if so. The goal is to fill in as many boxes as possible, and each week, start with a blank card.

The point is for the virtues to became more and more ingrained in our character. Naturally practicing them more, according to Benjamin Franklin, helped him become a well-rounded successful person and a better participant in society. 

What a superb practice for self-improvement. If you don't want to try this challenge using his 13 virtues, of course, try it with the virtues you hold dear. It is designed to help lasting improvement in specific areas of your life.

May your week be inspiring and transforming! 

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. - Benjamin Franklin.

Happy Mother's Day to All Moms!

Happy Sunday, Readers!

We are excited to spend our day soaking up sun puddles and cuddling with our mamma. 

If you are interested in learning the history of Mother's Day, check out: Mother's Day 2021 - Date, Founding & Traditions - HISTORY

If you need a good-news story to cheer you, read this: She's celebrating Mother's Day by giving away bags full of care items to women in shelters (msn.com)

And if you still need a last minute gift for the moms in your life or for yourself, here are some suggestions: Mother's Day 2021: Gift Ideas for Every Kind of Mom (aarp.org)

And if all you need is a cute photos of us, we cannot deny you: 

Whatever you do today, we hope it is filled with warmth and joy.

Purr & Paw, 

-Stivali. 🐾

The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation. - James E. Faust.

The Merry Month of May

Welcome May!

May is the month we celebrate our cousin, Tyler, as he was born on the 2nd of the month - and we like celebrating birthdays all month long. 🎈

May 02 is also National Brothers & Sisters Day. 

I don't know if Pasqua got the memo, but I think this means he is supposed to be nice to me all day and not chase me. I will let you know how I make out. 😸

May also means flowers are blooming. In our Stray Cat Garden, we are happy to see this is true. 

Our little friend, Grigio, is enjoying the spring weather almost as much as the flowers. 

He still won't let mamma touch him, and greets her with hisses daily. At least he still visits multiple times a day, and we know he is well-fed. 

We sure hope that your first week of May is indeed merry. 

Purr & Paw, 

-Stivali. 🐾 

You are as welcome as the flowers in May. - Charles Macklin.
 

Crawl Space

In our home there are crawl spaces.

Yes, we have our own bedroom, a human sized one. We also have full reign of the entire house, with cat toys strewn whichever room you are in.

However, those crawl spaces are unused and we want to make claim to them.

We saw this online, and we are encouraging mamma to create the same tiny space for us.

Guy Transforms Space Behind Wall Into Bedroom For His Cat - The Dodo

We don't think we are asking too much. Our own television with bird and squirrel videos would be ideal.

In the mean time, we have windows to check out the action outside.

And we do find other ways to play. Our newest game is hide and seek.

Our negotiations for a separate playroom in a crawl space are still ongoing. We will keep you posted.

It is raining here today, and we are grateful it is not too cold. Our friends in Maine had snow last week!  Wherever you are, we hope your last week of April is filled with sunshine.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

Snow in April is abominable. Like a slap in the face when you expected a kiss. - L.M. Montgomery.

The World Always Looks Brighter Behind a Smile

If you feel down, did you ever force yourself to smile? Did it trick your brain to feeling better?  

There are a lot of things in this world that can bring a smile to your face. If you give a smile it is often reflected back at you. That should certainly brighten a dark day. 

Today, we bring you the smile that is provided to us by our little feral, Grigio. He visits two to three times a day, and waits patiently for us to realize he is there.

Yesterday, after eating a full bowl of soft food, he stretched his front legs and returned to the door. My little brother, Pasqua Scheggiare, greeted him.

Mamma said Grigio was saying to Pasqua, "Excuse me, Sir, my bowl is empty. Can you get that waitress?"

Mamma is so funny. She makes us laugh. 

 😸 I'm always on the look-out! 😸

We hope your heart and food bowl are full. May your week be filled with reasons to smile.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

Smile more. - Assunta.

Be a Positive Part of the CommUNITY!

Happy Sunday, Readers, 

We cats are very protective of our mamma, and now there is a study we want to share with all of you that we think is interesting: 

Cats don't avoid strangers who behave badly towards their owners, unlike dogs 

The outcome of the study really surprised us. Cats are always considered standoffish. However, I would like to believe we would protect our mamma from a mean stranger. 

And this got us thinking, what are we doing on the daily to protect our neighbors? Protect the community we live in? There is so much going on in the world, and a lot of it is ugly. 

It seems to us being neighborly is a thing of the past, and I would like us to reenergize that sense of community. You can join us by doing something anonymously for a neighbor in need, or by volunteering and joining a local organization. Community groups are a great way to connect with neighbors and they empower us to make a difference in our world.

Here are some ideas, if you want to do something nice for a neighbor this spring:

• Give them a call and check in. 
• Bring over a baked good or a home cooked meal.
• Offer to run an errand for them.
• Bring them flowers, or plant some for them.
• Next time you are heading to the store, ask them if they need anything.
• Take in their garbage pails. 
• Shop at local businesses (supporting local is supporting your neighbor, and you can always pick up something for your neighbor there!). 

Pasqua demonstrates community outreach! 😸

Have fun doing something nice for your neighbor and please share what nice things your neighbors have done for you.

If you missed mamma's premiere of her read aloud children's book, check it out here: SuperCat Kismet

Have a blessed week!

Purr & Paw, 

-Stivali. 🐾

The purpose of life is to listen - to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world and to God and, when the time comes, to respond in as helpful a way as you can find. - Fred Rogers.

SuperCat Kismet Premiere

We are excited to announce that mamma decided to do something with her first little story about SuperCat Kismet. 

She created a little read aloud video, check it out here: Read Aloud: SUPERCAT KISMET

We hope you all had a wonderful week and that your April is off to a great start. 

Thank you for your support!

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾 

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. - John Lennon. 

Spring blooms life!

Happy Easter, Dear Readers! 

Spring shows us how plants and trees which have been dormant for winter come back to life. The animal world outside welcomes births of new life. The symbolism of new life and rebirth during the season makes the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus glorious.

Today, we celebrate Easter; it is “Pascha” in Greek, and "Pasqua" in Italian. You may notice the similarity of those words as they translate to the Jewish festival of Passover. You may have also noticed that my brother's name is the Italian word. 🐱 His name was inspired by a Tori Amos song lyric. 𝅘𝅥𝅲

Here he is, our little Easter Bunny: 

And it'll never get old to share these Easter photos of my older brother, Stray Cat: 

Whether you celebrate Easter or just celebrate spring, we hope your Sunday and your entire week is wonderful. 

Purr & Paw, 

-Stivali.🐾

April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden. - Marty Rubin.

Passover & Palm Sunday

Two sacred celebrations occur this weekend. Whatever you believe, I hope it inspires you to be faithful, and  to pursue a unified effort of peace & justice in our world. 

If you are interested in learning more:

Passover in the Hebrew Bible - World History Encyclopedia (ancient.eu)

What is Palm Sunday? It's Meaning and Importance of Celebration (christianity.com)

The Trial & Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth - World History Encyclopedia (ancient.eu)

Whether you are celebrating or not this weekend, we wish you peace and relaxation in your heart and home.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

Pray, grieve, and act for those who have died due to COVID-19 and violence. -Assunta.

World Poetry Day

I bet you did not know that I like poems. I like when mamma reads them or sings them to me.

Poetry expresses feelings in rhythm something the books she often reads us does not. She also uses a different pitch, a distinctive style in her voice when she recites them. 

This is why I was excited to share with all of you that today is World Poetry Day. 

Maybe you will take time today to write a poem, or to revisit one you read some time ago and liked.

Today I enjoy the many pillows in my house.

It has been a very long time since I have caught a mouse. 

My brother Pasqua doesn't seem to mind.

As long as there are sun puddles to find. 

Have a blessed Sunday, Readers.

-Stivali. 🐾

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words. - Robert Frost.

Wishing you a pot of gold, and as much joy your heart can hold.

Happy St Patrick's Week to all of you! 

As you may have read here before, when Italian-American males are named Pasqua or Pasquale, their nickname very commonly is Pat. So we like to think our little Pasqua is truly blessed as we can celebrate him along with St Patrick this week. ☘

Isn't he just the cutest? 

I am pretty cute too, I mean - look how I wait patiently for mamma to come down stairs: 

As you go through your week, we hope you reflect upon this Irish blessing: 

Always remember to forget

The things that made you sad.

But never forget to remember

The things that made you glad.

Purr & Paw, 
-Stivali. 🐾

The inspiration of March!

Spring officially begins this month - we have to wait until the 28th! Daylight savings begins a little earlier - on the 14th. The weather in March can be surprising, does ma need a coat or not? Very confusing.

As the season changes from winter to spring, it is the perfect time to think about all the things that inspire us. Reflect on all the challenges we faced this past year, and everything we overcame. How did we do it? What inspires you? 

There is a lot to celebrate in March, and if you cannot think of anything - here is a list of days you can use to create more inspiration and fun: March Holidays 2021.

Pasqua patiently waits for the snow to melt so he can truly welcome spring. 

Expect great things, 

-Stivali.🐾

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations.

Addio Febbraio

Today is the last day of the month. 2020 went by in a flash, and now 2021 is feeling that way, too.

We had a good week, and hope you did, too.

This morning, Mamma caught me on camera being impatient. Stivali is not patient.

In my defense, I was very hungry this morning. 

She laughed and laughed at me - I still bring little Verdi to her daily, and she has yet to capture that on video very well, so at least I am maintaining some dignity here. 😹

The weather this week included hail, rain, some sunshine, and some cold temperatures. Our little feral visited multiple times a day, and still would not come fully inside our home.

I do not understand why he is so stubborn. We have blankets, beds, food, fresh water, and a roof over our heads. How fortunate we are inside warm. I do not know why he refuses our generosity.

Enjoying sun puddles and eating lots of food are the things I like to do. 

Here's to a magnificent March ahead for each of you. Stay well.

Purr & Paw, 🐾

-Stivali. 

Here we stand in the no-man’s-land between winter and spring… in other words, March. Full of hope and frustration, March is tempestuous and teasing. - Julie Hage.

Snow. Snow. And more snow.

Happy Sunday, Readers,

This week was all about snow. Snow. Snow. And more snow.

Beyond all the snow, we had some excitement when a squirrel came to visit us. 😻

And once he left, we just waited for him to return. We waited and waited. And he never returned. Guess we startled him with our staring. 😸

In other exciting news, Mamma was able to coax Grigio to come in and eat, however, he would not allow us to close the door behind him, so he did not stay in our home. That saddened us. 😿

There was so much snow, my little brother was tired of looking at it.😺

We hope wherever you are, you are safe, warm, and staying healthy. 

If you pray, we ask you to lift up in prayer all the people in Texas. They are experiencing the aftermath of a devastating storm that has left millions of residents without power or heat. 

Texas needs our prayers, let’s overwhelm God with our prayers for Texas. 

Purr & Paw,🐾

-Stivali.

Dear God, we ask that You provide for everyone in Texas. Please be with them in this time of distress. Dear God, please have mercy on Texas - provide food, warmth, and electricity. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love is in the air!

Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Single Awareness Day! 😸

Us cats show mamma love every day.

We purr, we head bunt, we play, we cuddle, we knead on her, and we purr some more.

What will you be doing today to show your love? 😻

Our mamma decorated the house with hearts, candles, and silly stuffed toys. We like to knock them down and attack them all.

We display our love in all sorts of ways. While romantic love is said to be a purely human emotion, we have rituals and behaviors that we know expresses love, too. For instance, my little brother Pasqua definitely loves me. We aren't really related, so it is okay. 😹  He chases me and forces me to play with him. He grooms me, and I groom him. 

I love him, but don't show him very often. Shhh...

My older brother, Stray Cat, loved a dog. That is right, a dog. It was incredible. The two would nestle together to nap, they would play together, and were inseparable.

Don't believe me? Here's a picture to prove it: 

Zoe and Stray Cat, 2009.

In my humble opinion, humans have to do a better job of celebrating all types of love.

This Valentine's Day, whether single or in a relationship, we encourage you to be kind, show compassion, have empathy, and celebrate every type of love. It may be difficult for you at first, as you will have to set aside judgment, bias, and prejudices. Try to find anything that you can relate to about a person, so that you will be able to connect at that level. For people you do not know, remember you are a stranger too, so think about how you want to be treated, and act responsibly with that in mind.

Every animal and human deserves love, respect, compassion, and empathy. 

Celebrate every love! 💘

Have a happy day, Readers.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

When we were born, nobody gave us a lesson on how to breathe - we just did. The same thing happens with love. Nobody tells you how to love - we just do. - Connor Chalfant.

Winter Wonderland

Check the catwalk out! 

 

Grigio made it over the snow and through the woods to come visit us after a blizzard that left 26 inches of snow! What a sight!

Three days of snow was something we cats had never witnessed before. It was quite beautiful to watch.

We hope wherever you are, that you are warm, that you are safe, that you get to enjoy the little things in life - because life is beautiful. It really is.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾 

"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!" - Author Unknown.