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.

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

Delighted with a gift, and the simple pleasures of life.

Exciting news here! I have a new toy, a big happy fish, and it is by far the very best Christmas gift I received. 

Mamma tried to catch me playing with it on video, but I am hip to her game, and as soon as I noticed she was recording me, I stopped playing. I am a wee-bit camera shy. Check meowt: Life With Cats

This fish is awfully fun, and pretty, too - thanks to Aunt Jules for sending it to me.

We had some snow here this week, and I liked watching it from the window. Grateful to not have to be out in it. Between the fun new toy, and being able to be inside in the winter, I know I am a blessed cat.

Does it snow where you live? Do you have winter? Winter here offers beautiful sunrises, and when it snows it looks magical outside. 

I enjoy being inside, lots of blankets to warm up in. If you like to warm up with a blanket, hot cup of tea or cocoa, whatever you like, be sure to treat yourself this week, and relish in the beauty of life. 

Purr & Paw, 

-Stivali. 🐾

A sunrise, a walk in the woods, take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. - Sunta. 

Take Action Now to Prepare for 2021

It is the 51st week of this year, and today is the 348th day of the year. Today is the 4th day of Hanukkah for our Jewish Observers, and there are only 18 days left in 2020.

This has been the strangest year for us - mamma rarely goes out, and has been working from home on the kitchen table since March. She watches news programs more than I ever noticed before. The gift I find in this is that she cuddles with us more, and there is a bar on the bottom of the television which is fun for me to watch as it moves consistently. 

Our life is a journey of experiences filled with countless gifts. Sometimes problems overshadow the goodness that exists. It helps to be insightful to recognize love, forgiveness, and any light in the darkness. We are anchored by faith, and practice yoga with prayerful meditation to help heal from troubling times. 

This helps us relax in the present by letting go of doubt and fear so we can truly appreciate everything we are going through, even if it is not what we had planned.

Speaking of plans...

Do you follow our friend, Dr. James A Smith, Jr on Instagram or Facebook? He has a Challenge happening right now where each day he posts one word and asks how you would incorporate it in 2021. On the first day, the component was Authenticity, the second was Resilience, and the third, Grace. 

Intentional planning now for our upcoming year will help us balance our lives, don't you agree? 

Join his Challenge on either Instagram or Facebook or both. He is an energetic motivational speaker who mamma had the pleasure of meeting nearly 20 years ago. 😺 

It'll be fun to see our readers join mamma in the discussion and preparation of 2021. 

In other news, we are happy to report that our little feral, Grigio, has been spending more and more time on the deck as the weather has been getting colder here. 

Have a wonderful week, Dear Readers. 

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

Nobody is going to be at their best during a global pandemic. Just acknowledging this fact can be helpful and validating. We need to be compassionate with ourselves. - Dylan Gee, assistant professor of psychology at Yale University,

Bust Stress Boost Happiness

Happy Sunday, Dear Readers!

We hope your week was wonderful. Mamma read us the following article and we had to share it with you: 4 Stress Busting Tips to Boost Your Happiness

We do all of these suggested tips and highly recommend them:

1. Practice Mindfulness

2. Make More Connections

3. Keep Your Body Moving

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

We have one to add to the list. Stop and take the time to smell the roses! 

What are you doing to boost your happiness and bust stress? Let us know your tips and we will add them to the list.

Have a super Sunday.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali.🐾

Even in the darkest of times, people are hopeful, innovative and resilient. -Chris Libby.

Are you telling your story?

Seton Hall University President, Dr Joseph E. Nyre, wrote the following message to the Seton Hall Community. Too beautiful to not share with each of you readers:

This is a moment where our compassion for one another, our understanding of the complexities of our situation, and our flexibility will define the character of our community. May each of us follow the example of our patroness, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose faith and determination helped her overcome incredible adversity. I join you in looking forward with hope and optimism.

For readers who do not know a little bit about Elizabeth Ann Seton's story - at 29 years old she was widowed with five children and penniless. She was living in Italy at the time, and converted to Catholicism because of the faith and kindness she observed in Italian Catholics. She moved to the United States, first to New York, and then to Maryland. It was in Maryland, where she started a school, and took in any child who wanted an education.

She died at 47 years old, and became the first American-born citizen to be beatified (1963) and then canonized (1975). She is buried in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is the patron saint of grief. She experienced deaths of many loved ones, including her husband and two of her five children.

Our stories are important. Our history can define who we are, and how we see and react to the world. Hearing other's stories may change our perspective, or help see the world a little differently. 

Tell your story.

Little Pasqua wants to share some of his today with this video clip: Pasqua and a q-tip

He likes to play. All of the time.

Enjoy your Sunday, Everyone!

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.  - Maya Angelou.

Hello August!

Did you know that lower-case august is an adjective, defined as respected and impressive?

I did not know this. Mamma just taught us, its origin is either from French auguste or Latin augustus meaning sacred or respected. Fascinating! 

For the most part, August is one of our favourite months because we celebrate Mamma all month long (it is her birthday month). However, we are a little somber today as it is the anniversary of Kismet's passing in 2009. The gloomy weather outside doesn't help, either.  

We must remember, it is a beautiful day, no matter the weather. So we honour Kismet, and we celebrate his life. What a blessing he was to Mamma, truly a blessing to be grateful for.

King Kismet

If we can offer one piece of advice today, it is to "never put off until tomorrow the hug you can give today."🐱

Me - watching Pasqua watching Grigio.

Pasqua watching Grigio's every move.

Purr & Paw,🐾

-Stivali.

“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” - Sylvia Plath.

Our Stories Matter

Happy Sunday, Readers,

Last week, I shared Pixie's story in honour of her passing. 😿 Which got me thinking about our individual stories - and how they matter.

Like Pixie, I had a rough start, too - the runt of a litter born in the parking lot of a shopping mall and abandoned by my cat-mother.

Me as a kitten.

When you share your story, what do you start with? Do you start with your rough beginning, or do you begin your story with a memory of courageous perseverance in the face of adversity? We all have a story to share and maybe we all can inspire others with our resilience.

You may remember how Pasqua came in to our life. We don't know much about his back story, or why he was dropped off at the cat sanctuary that October. We do know that they named him Chip because he was found during their Halloween Chip or Treat event.

Pasqua as a kitten.

Maybe if I allowed Pasqua to write today's blog he would start out at Thanksgiving 2018, and his first night in his new home here with us. How he knew it was supposed to be temporary and it was just a foster situation, so he squeezed his way into our hearts so that he would never leave.

We all have our own experience and impression of the world. If we stick with starting our story at the bad times, our focus of the bad times grows. The bad times are important, but even more important is how we rise above them, that's what makes us who we are at the core.

We don't have to start our story with the bad times. Instead, we could start at the good times, start with the blessings. Maybe, if we focus on the good, we will see the good grow.

Give people a space to be heard, listen to their story.

Share your story.

It matters.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

🧡Sharing your story is heart work. It's not easy work, but it might be the most important thing you’ll ever do. - Jennifer Williamson.🧡

June 4th is HUG YOUR CAT DAY! :)

The last day of May gives us great pause. What a strange spring we have had so far, as we welcome the month of June, we are happy and relieved for our health and our safety during this time.  

Did you know that the month of June is National Candy Month, National Dairy Month,  and National Iced Tea Month? So many delicious things to honor in June. We hope you enjoy all of them. 😽

June is also special because it has the longest day hours in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest night hours in the Southern Hemisphere. 

We are excited to let everyone know that apparently someone else in the neighborhood has a kind heart and got Grigio the medical care he needed. He is on the mend, and we are so thrilled for the Samaritans who walk amongst us. Thank you, Readers, for all of your concern, we are grateful to each of you.

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June. - Al Bernstein.

Pay it forward...

Happy Sunday, Readers,

The United Kingdom celebrates May as the National Smile Month. We hope this post finds you in good spirits and having a relaxing weekend filled with plenty of smiles.

We received a special video message from Jonathan Rosenberg, the Founder and Executive Director of the cat sanctuary which Pasqua Scheggiare came from, Tabby’s Place. We want to share it with you, and if you were looking for a place to pay forward any of your blessings, we kindly ask you to consider this public charity (501c3 non-profit corporation).

Their success, as with any charity, is dependent on the generous donations of people just like you. We believe what they are doing is extraordinary and valuable.

Tabby's Place Video Update

Thank you. We hope you enjoy your week.

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein

February went by in a flash!

Was this the fastest month ever for you, Dear Readers?

We can't believe it is the last week of February already!

I am happy to report that we are doing well. We play together, we wrestle, and we nap a lot, too. 

Things are going well. Although, little Grigio is insisting on staying outside despite our efforts to get him inside.

We are mesmerized by the outdoors, but we kitties prefer staying in where it is warm. Mamma being inside is a good excuse for us not to leave. 

May the rest of your February be fabulous - and the upcoming March magical.

C'mon, Spring, we are waiting for you! 😺

Purr & Paw,
-Stivali. 🐾

I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior. – Hippolyte Adolphe Taine.

Ciao 2019!

Happy Sunday, Readers! Did y'all have a wonderful holiday week? We hope so.

What are some of the traditions you and your family have? There are traditions in every family, in every culture, and for every season.We eat fish on Christmas Eve and a big pasta dinner on Christmas Day. Filled with loads of laughter, and lots of dessert choices. Mamma really likes spending the days with us and our family.

This week, we will ring in the new year, and by us, they drop a huge geodesic sphere covered in crystals, and a lot of people crowd around to see it in person, while nearly everyone else watches it on television. That sounds strange, I rather paw at the ball and play. But the one in the city is too big for us kitties. Hehee

If you want to read about winter traditions in other areas of the world this article may suit you: winter-traditions-from-around-the-world

I am the cutest present under the tree!

Grigio visited us every day! 

Pasqua Bunny looking super cute.

 

Have a safe and happy new year celebration,
-Stivali. 🐾

Life's not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming. - Mike Dooley.

Christmas Wishes

Hello Readers,

We hope you had a wonderful week. 

You know how I really like drinking from the faucet? Well, I found the purr-fect gift for me. Check this out: Aquapurr - an automated water spout. How cool is that? 

I think it would make a great addition to our home. Don't you? 😺

In other news, mamma is excited to share with you two new videos. She was finally able to capture in time me carrying my toy mouse, Verdi! She is overjoyed, but of course, wants to still get a better one.

Stivali Carrying Verdi, Take 1

Stivali Carrying Verdi, Take 2

Enjoy your Sunday, Everyone! 

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali.🐾

🎶It's you I like. The way you are right now, the way down deep inside you. Not the things that hide you, not your toys, they're just beside you. But it's you I like. Every part of you.♫ - Mister Fred Rogers.♬

December to do list...

What's on your calendar this week?

To do: shop, bake, clean, laundry, Hanukkah and/or Christmas cards to write and address and mail, gifts to wrap, stockings to hang, trees to decorate, houses to decorate...

The list goes on and on... is kindness on your list? To be kind? To strangers? To the cashiers you encounter during your shopping?

During this time of "busy" be sure to make time for kindness.

People can be especially rude during this time of year, because they are distracted, they are busy, they forget to be kind, to be patient, to be understanding. Let's not be like them, instead, let's be purposeful in being the opposite.

It takes effort, yes, it may feel uncomfortable or pointless - but the more effort you take to be kind instead of too busy to care - the easier it will be to do - just like any habit, it takes practice, and you will soon see the fruit of your efforts. For it will not be pointless, and perhaps, your kindness will inspire others to act that way, too.

Be kind, and may peace be with you.
-Stivali. 🐾

Mutual caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other's achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain. - Mister Fred Rogers.

Happy December 1st!

New month, new day, new chapter, a new page, Welcome Dear December!

December marks my official "I'm Mamma's Day" - on December 06 - the day before our Aunt Marcella's birthday.

Other special birthdays this month include: Great Aunt Anna 03, Great Uncle Nicky 05, Mrs Walter 05 (PJ's mamma), Baby Taegan Elizabeth will be 06 on the 05th, Aunt Julie's 15, Uncle Mikey 21.

Also, this month, we celebrate when we officially signed adoption papers for Pasqua Scheggiare! Cannot believe this month will mark one year! 

Mamma has yet to catch me on video carrying Verdi to her, but she did snap this photo this week of me:

She has added few videos to our YouTube channel, most recently us watching outside:  https://youtu.be/VNeiDph8T8I

Are you decorating for the holidays this weekend? Mamma did not put up a Christmas tree last year, so I think we will have to convince her to do so this year. We need ornaments to play with!

Purr & Paw,
Stivali. 🐾

Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold! - Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon.

Happy Thanksgiving Week

Hello Readers,

It is a very rainy day here - and we send out hopes that you are all doing well. Bundled up and warm, wherever you are.

What are you all doing for Thanksgiving? We are looking forward to eating a special turkey dinner together. 😸

Here's a little history for you: President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789. Abraham Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in November should be celebrated as Thanksgiving, and it become a recognized holiday in the United States in 1863. It was moved to the fourth Thursday of November, and became an official federal holiday in 1941 by President Franklin Roosevelt.

But it actually started a lot earlier than that, when the pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. This first feast was organized by the Governor, William Bradford, who invited the Wampanoag Indians. Two years later, they began calling the feast "Thanksgiving", after a long drought ended.

Did you know? Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird instead of the bald eagle. Imagine that! 

Me in all of my sunroom glory.

Grigio visited twice daily this week.

Grigio greeting me at the door.

November 21st, we began fostering this lil fuzzball. This photo was taken November 23, 2018.

One year later, November 23, 2019 - our fuzzball certainly has grown!

We are grateful for all of our many blessings: each other, Grigio, food in our bellies, warm blankets to cuddle in. 

Purr & Paw, 🐾

-Stivali. 

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. -Randolph Frederick Pausch.