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."

The Quickness of September

We cannot believe it is already September 20th.

These few months have really gone by too quickly for us. This past week, we celebrated Pasqua's second birthday. I am surprised I have put up with him for nearly two years.

For the most part, I tolerate him. Typically, we are in the same room together, and often, he wants to play or be too close to me, that is when I get annoyed with him. A girl needs her space. 

It has been a transition for me to go from being the baby to my big brother Stray Cat, to being the big sister to little Pasqua. There is a part of me that misses cuddling with a sibling, I just haven't missed it enough to allow Pasqua in to that part of my heart or blanket. 

Also this week, on the evening of September 18, 2020 we began the 5781st Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). This is an annual reminder of our need to pursue enhanced behaviour. In the Jewish faith, the New Year ushers in ten days of repentance - a study of our moral values, a review of our past (as a way to avoid past errors), and helps inspire us to change our behaviour. The ten days end on Yom Kippur. 

As I reflect on the study of peace-through-strength, may it encourage me to love my brother better. 

For all our Readers of Jewish faith, we wish you Shanah Tovah Umetukah!

Purr & Paw,

-Stiavali. 🐾

Rosh Hashanah isn’t just about being new, it’s about a change. – Max Levis.

What do you stand for?

This week, we share with you the following article excerpted from The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters by Mark Nepo.

It asks us to reflect on what we stand on and poses the following questions:

• What is your deepest, bedrock, your foundation? 
• How does it solidify your place in this life?
• And what do you stand for? 
• What are the values and ethics that guide your truest actions in the world? 
• In a personal way, how is what you stand on related to what you stand for?

Just something for us to all reflect on. We pray each of you are staying safe, and feeling well.

Grigio is doing great, and that makes us happy. 

Purr & Paw,

-Stivali. 🐾

I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world. -Tupac Shakur.

Two Words

Hello Readers,

This week, my ma's boss opened up a team meeting by asking the following questions:

• What one word would you use to describe how you are feeling today?
• What's one word to describe what you are grateful for today? 

We would like to do this exercise with all of you. If you feel shy and don't want to add it to the comments, just marinade on it, and think about it for your self. 

• How are you feeling today?
• What is one thing you are grateful for today?

We three will go first:

• Today we feel optimistic.
• We are grateful our health.

With the chaos of today's uncertain world, reflecting and sharing our feelings is more important than ever. Connecting with one another will help us stay mentally strong as we adjust to new realities and grieve the loss of our old realities.

Most of us are simply trying to manage our daily lives taking care of our children, parents, work, finances, and learning a new way to live. All the stress we feel related to COVID-19 can transcend to negative feelings like depression and anxiety. This collective trauma that we are all experiencing may feel bleak, but we must stay mentally strong during it. 

We've all read the basics on how to do this - create daily habits, exercise, eat healthy, and connect with our social support system using video calls and social media.

Researches pose the following to stay mentally strong:

• limit news, media exposure, and toxic people
• accept your feelings
• focus on facts
• focus on self-compassion, self-care, and identify your needs

What would you add to the list? How are you staying mentally strong during this? 

Please take good care, and we hope all is well with you and your loved ones. 

Purrs & Paws.

-Stivali & Pasqua. 🐾🐾

The strength of your mind determines the quality of your life. - Edmond Mbiaka.