Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

New Blog!

2010-03-12T19:43:00.002-05:00

My brothers, sister and I have a brand new blog! Please go visit us there:

The (New) Ballicus Blog

Purrs and snuggles!

All Good Things...

2008-11-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a hiatus from this blog for a while. Mom is extremely busy with multiple projects, and for the foreseeable future she only has time to maintain one kitty blog, and that will be The Ballicus Blog for my siblings and me.

I'll miss posting here, and perhaps I'll be back here again someday. But please visit me at The Ballicus Blog. I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Zoolatry for this adorable graphic!

VIP Award

2008-10-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

I have received a lovely award from my dear sister-in-law, Ariel! It's the VIP (Very Important Princess) Award, and I'm very proud and honored.

I'm going to pass the award to these Kitty Princesses:

My dear friend, sister, and cousin Gretchen

My dear sister Miss Peachy Pie

My dear sister Princess

Getting in Mom's Lap

2008-10-20T00:01:00.004-04:00

Since Mom works at her computer a lot, I get plenty of lap time! And even when Mom is up or out and about, I love to sit on top of her computer. It's one of my favorite places in the house.

When Mom gets settled in her chair and props her feet on the desk, I turn and look at her. And if you look at the bottom right side of the picture, you'll see the top part of Mom's pink fuzzy sock.

I start eyeballing Mom's lap.

Then I'm on my way!

*snuggle, snuggle, snuggle*, *purrrrrr, purrrrrr, purrrrrr*

=-=

Added a bit later: I've turned on comment moderation. I apologize. Maybe I won't have to leave it on for too long. But I was slammed by eleven pieces of spam on this one post in just a short time, and it looked like pretty bad spam, too. So I want to be careful.

Easy Like Sunday

2008-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Lovebug

2008-10-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Rubs, scritches, and snuggles -- oh, my!

Here is a video of Mom giving me rubs and scritches:

Which led, of course, to me snuggling in her lap:

Oh, it's good to love and be loved!

My Blog Looks Different!

2008-09-27T01:03:00.011-04:00

Wow, Mom! Thanks! And special thanks to Zoolatry for the beautiful new header they designed for me. *purrrrrrrrr* You are wonderful -- much love to you and to your talented Mom!

What do you think, my darling Mickeybear?

Oh my, it has been so long since I have blogged! I've put in appearances on my siblings' blog, but I've really missed this place.

My mom has been so busy, working on her novel. But we Ballicai are careful to make sure she's always under proper snoopervision.

In fact, I often perch on her new computer, which has become one of my favorite sleep spots! It's nice and warm, and if I barf a hairball on it, it's easy to clean up (unlike that confounded Yamaha last year).

Wanted to add: changing the look of my blog was a snap! I simply switched my template to Minima (all my sidebar widgets were maintained when I switched), then I added one of the nifty backgrounds available from here: The Cutest Blog on the Block: Free Backgrounds.

In the Flowers

2008-09-04T05:29:00.002-04:00

Here is what I dreamed about last night:

Mickeybear and me, in the late summer flowers, up on the mountain where Mom hikes.

Close Up for My Mickeybear!

2008-08-28T23:24:00.003-04:00

Hi, my darling dear! Are we close enough now for a whisker-kiss? *purrrrrrrrr*

Late Summer Flower

2008-08-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

On a hike in the mountains yesterday, Mom found a beautiful late summer flower. My darling Mickeybear, I'm giving it to you! And I'll share a poem from one of Mom's favorite poets.

A little road not made of man,
Enabled of the eye,
Accessible to thrill of bee,
Or cart of butterfly.

If town it have, beyond itself,
'Tis that I cannot say;
I only sigh, -- no vehicle
Bears me along that way.

~ Emily Dickinson

Sent with purrs and whisker kisses!

For Monty Q.'s Little Sprout

2008-08-11T20:46:00.003-04:00

Tragically gone, at the age of three months, with deep condolences to the family of Monty Q.

"Part of Me..."

I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and the day before that too.
I think of you in silence. I often say your name.
But all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping. I have you in my heart.
I shed tears for what might have been. A million times I've cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly. In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place, no one can ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
For part of me went with you, the day God took you home.

-Author unknown

For My Darling Mickeybear

2008-08-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

The mountain laurel blossoms -- also known as rhododendron -- are some of the most beautiful flowers you'll find in the East Tennessee mountains. My darling Mickeybear, these -- and my little lento -- are especially for you. *purrrrrr*

Shower of petals, lush and white
Bower of blossoms like my heart true
Power of love, warmth of joy:
Flowers need sunshine; I need you.

A Triolet for Mickeybear

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

It would be my bliss to kiss
White whiskers, long and silky
Oh, how I have sorely missed
White whiskers, long and silky!
At blogging, I have been remiss:
Please forgive me, Mickey!
It would be my bliss to kiss
White whiskers, long and silky.

Okay, I fudged the rhyme "Mickey" with "Silky", but in my opinion, the words fit one another purrfectly. *smile*

An Alphabet Poem for My Mickeybear -- and an Award!

2008-07-13T00:01:00.010-04:00

Amorous purring
Best shared by two

Catnip and catgrass,
Deux, me and you.

Effulgent, mancatly
Fur plush and fine

Glowing and warm,
Heart so divine.

In my dreams of Mickey
Joy reigns sublime

Key to my heart,
Love for all time.

Missing our poesy,
Now I wish to write

One alphabet poem,
Promptly and right.

Quest: I shall go
Rapt, to his side

Sighing my bliss,
Tonight and tonight.

Up to the clouds
Victor, victorious,

We reach, oh we reach:
Xanadu glorious

Yearning and hoping, oh
Zenith: we're here!

=-=

My lovely and floofiferous friend Sweet Praline honored me with the Cool Cat Award! Thank you so much, my dear friend!

I would like to pass the award on to my darling Mickeybear, my dear sister/brother cousins Gretchen and Mike, my future sister-in-law Ariel, my sister Miss Peach, and my friend Quasi.

And remember, friends -- when I'm not here, I'll be on the Ballicus Blog with my brothers and sister.

In the meantime, I'm studying up on writing another poem for Mickeybear soon, which I will post here. *smile*

Patience

2008-07-07T00:01:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while! Mom has been soooooo busy. So I've been patiently waiting for her help on my blog. Here I am cuddling with Daddy, looking at Mom expectantly.

And over the last week and a half, I've waited and waited and waited and waited. As in Sitting On Mom's Desk and Staring At Her type of waiting.

So here I am! *whew*, Mom! Took long enough.

She says it has become more of a challenge to maintain two kitty blogs, but that she'll do her best to help me here when she can. And when I'm not here, I'll make appearances on The Ballicus Blog, with my siblings.

In case you haven't heard the fabulous news, my little brother MaoMao asked his sweetie Ariel to marry him, and she said yes! So there will be a wedding in the Ballicus family soon *smile*.

Mickeybear, would you like to teleport over and help me stare Mom down? Then we can have a nice snuggle *purrrrrrrr*.

=-=

Please give Tidbit's family lots of purrs and hugs -- precious Tidbit went to the Bridge on Saturday. My heart is heavy. She was a dear friend of mine, and she'll be missed by her sweet family and by her many, many friends.

Quirk Meme

2008-06-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

I was tagged by my gorgeous floofy friend Sweet Praline for the Quirk Meme! Here is Sweet Praline. Isn't she a beauty? I'm happy to have her as a new and dear friend!

This meme will be fun! *smile* First of all, here are the rules:

* Link to the one who tagged you.

* List the rules on your blog.

* Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.

* Tag some blogger friends with links.

* Leave a comment on their blog to let them know they've been tagged.

1. I'm the people-iest people cat Mom has ever known. She calls me a Velcro Cat. I love lying on laps and snuggling. I love Mom's lap, I love Dad's lap. And I love making new friends. When people come over, I'm always the first cat to greet them. And I often wind up on their laps, too! Here I am, snuggling with Daddy.

2. I love to stick my tongue out. Always makes Mom say SQUEE!

3. I enjoy looking at the world upside down. Especially when I'm getting scritches! In this picture, I'm on Mom's lap.

4. I love Daddy's watch band. Love it, love it, LOVE IT!

5. And Mom's bras are so much fun! I bunnykick them and rub all over them. Here's a link to a video of me with one of Mom's bras.

6. Though I don't talk much, I make up for it at Stinky Goodness Time. That's when I sing my Stinky Goodness Operatic Arias, and they sound something like this: "MwwwrAAAAH! MwwwrAAAH! MwwwrAAAH!"

I'd like to tag my darling Mickeybear, my sister-friend-cousin Gretchen, and my future sister-in-law Ariel for this meme.

=-=

I'm sending my heartfelt purrs to The Cat Realm. Emil is missing, and his family fears he won't be coming home. I will continue to purr for a miracle. But if he has indeed gone to the Rainbow Bridge, he'll always be remembered, he'll always be loved. Emil, we'll miss you, sweet friend.

Whitester Wednesday

2008-06-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

Mom and Dad got a new weight bench the other day! It's sturdier than the other one, which they had outgrown and now call their "training bench" (like "training wheels" on a bicycle).

And guess who has claimed the new bench in the name of catdom. That's right, me!

Of course I have no intention of lifting weights. When Mom and Dad lift weights, I think they're rather silly.

My appreciation for this bench is simple: it's the purrfect place to nap, especially once Mom put this nice, squishy towel on it for me. *smile*

Mickeybear, teleport over anytime you wish, and we'll snuggle on the weight bench together!

Happy Belated Birthday to My Darling Mickeybear!

2008-06-23T03:12:00.004-04:00

I missed my sweet mancat's birthday -- it was June 18! I'm so sorry, darling dear. So, Mickeybear, better late than never...

Add Glitter to Pictures

I hope you had a wonderful day! *smile*

Raspberry!

2008-06-21T03:27:00.005-04:00

Mom has been so busy lately that we Ballicai haven't gotten to blog nearly as much as we'd like to. I miss my friends, and I miss my darling Mickeybear. So here I am, giving Mom a much-deserved Raspberry!

Taking a Nap Tuesday

2008-06-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've been hanging out on Mom's bookshelves, looking for a poetry book.

I'm not so much looking for one to read as I am looking for one to whap into Mom's chair as a hint. I want to write more poetry, but she's hogging the computer too much, working on her novel!

But Mom's bookshelves are comfy, and the longer I hang out here, the more relaxed I get.

I am getting verrrrrry sleeeeeeepy...

Zzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Father's Day, and Remembering Kali

2008-06-15T01:46:00.007-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all Daddies! Here's a picture of me with my Daddy. He has a wonderful lap, and I love him very much. Happy Daddy's Day, Daddy! *smile*

We Ballicai learned that precious Kali, Tyler's older sister, was helped to the Bridge yesterday. She was nineteen years old. What a sweet and beautiful Torti girl Kali was. May her loving mom and family be comforted by their precious memories of her. My love and my thoughts are with them.

Furry Fighter Friday

2008-06-13T09:01:00.004-04:00

Today, my sweet, brave, beautiful friend Storm the Furry Fighter will be helped to the Rainbow Bridge.

My heart is heavy because I will miss Stormie so much. But she leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and courage and devotion which will inspire me for as long as I live.

Stormie, I love you. I will be purring for you during your journey. And we will meet on the Bridge someday.

Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.

~Rabindranath Tagore

Whitester Wednesday

2008-06-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

Mom and Dad got new office chairs, and they're black! So here I am, a Whitester ladycat on a black chair. Mom keeps her kitty throw rug on the back of the chair, but it's mostly black, too. Makes for quite a contrast when I lie on the chair!

I am feeling wonderfully well! Full of energy, and I'm eating my crunchies and Temptations with great gusto. I have a few more days to take my antibiotics, but I don't mind those because Mom mixes them with chicken baby food, and I eat it all right up. *smile*

Mom has always said I'm the Velcro-est Velcro cat she's ever known. She couldn't conceive of how I could become even more of a Velcro cat.

Except that since my dental work, I have become even more of a Velcro cat! I want to be in Mom's lap ALL THE TIME, or if she isn't in her chair, I want to be in Daddy's lap.

If I can't be in a lap, then I like Mom's chair. But the TV stand is nice, and the laundry basket is cozy, too. If you look closely at the wall behind me, you'll see a note Mom wrote to herself about checking pockets, so she won't accidentally wash Daddy's wallet. She's washed it many times. Humans can be so absent-minded!

Mickeybear, want to teleport over and snuggle? *purrrrrrrr*

Easy Like Sunday

2008-06-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Ahhh, snoozing in my new favorite spot (other than Mom's or Dad's laps) -- on the TV stand. And I'm happy to report: I'm feeling great! Though I still need to take my antibiotic for another week, I'm eating my crunchies and Temptations happily and pain-free!

Dona Nobis Pacem

2008-06-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

"We cannot change the past, but we can change our attitude toward it. Uproot guilt and plant forgiveness. Tear out arrogance and seed humility. Exchange love for hate -- thereby making the present comfortable and the future promising."

~ Maya Angelou

Mandible Monday - Updated, and Now... I'm Back Home!

2008-06-02T00:01:00.013-04:00

Well, today's the day -- I'm going to the vet for dental work. I'm not looking forward to the ordeal, but I am looking forward to when it's all done and my mouth feels better.

I've had some tooth ouchies, so I'll almost certainly require more than just a cleaning, and possibly extraction(s). Mom will update this post with news as she receives it.

Please purr for me, and Mom would really appreciate it if anykitty who has had dental work would chime in and tell her about how things went. She feels good that things will be okay for me, but she loves me very much and has cat mom nerves.

I'll be going home, same day, with antibiotics and pain meds. And if anykitty has ideas about tips re: added comfort after dental work, Mom would appreciate them!

Love to everybody -- thank you for being my friends!

=-=

UPDATE from Marilyn's Mom (1:00 p.m., Eastern): the vet just called and said precious Marilyn had done wonderfully and only had to have one tooth extracted! She's doing very well, and later this afternoon, she'll be back home. *~*~*~*HAPPY DANCE*~*~*~*!!!!

Thank you so much, dear Cat Blogosphere friends, for your thoughts, your love, and your purrs!

=-=

*~*~*~*I'M HOME!!!!!!*~*~*~*

As of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time.

*whew*, what a day it's been! I must say, I'm feeling a bit googly-eyed! Can you tell?

But on the bright side, I got a really cute bandanna from my vet. See? It has toothies on it!

On the embarassing side, I peed in my PTU on the way home. *sigh* Oh, well. What else can I say about that. It's been a trying day.

It's wonderful to be home. My brothers and sister are looking at me as though I were newly arrived from Mars, and Dorydoo hissed at me a bit, but I know it's because I smell like the vet. Brainball gave me blinky eyes to welcome me home. That made me happy!

My mouth was in better shape than Mom worried it was. Moms can be such worrywarts, can't they? I had one tooth that needed extracting, tartar that needed removing, and that was it! Yay! And I'll be taking antibiotics for the next week, one dropperful a day because of the extraction.

I'm feeling good, even though the aftereffects of the anesthesia are making my pupils great big and making me feel loopy. *smile* I'm jumping around, and I'm full of energy. Mom is keeping a close eye on me, making sure I don't overdo it.

The vet told Mom to be careful about how much I eat and drink for a while, because the anesthesia's aftereffects make me very hungry and thirsty, prone to eating too fast and then barfing. And Mom doesn't want me barfing.

So she let me eat a little bit, then I got a good drink... and later on tonight, I'll get stinky goodness and chicken or turkey-flavored baby food. I can't wait! Then I'll get my medicine (antibiotic liquid in a dropper), which I fear won't taste nearly as good as stinky goodness and baby food.

Mom says my teeth look fabulous! *BIG FLASHY SMILE*

Thank you again, my sweet friends, for your care and love and friendship. It's meant so much to me and Mom to know that my friends all over the world have me in your purrs.

Festive Friday

2008-05-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

Today is a special day -- it's Karl and Ruis's Wedding Day! Congratulations, my dear friends! I know you will have a long and wonderful life together, filled with love and joy.

Thanks to Zoolatry for the beautiful graphic!

Here I am with my brothers and sister, Brainball, Dorydoo, and MaoMao, in our Star Trek outfits for the reception:

And go to Karl and Ruis's Reception Blog to see other wedding guests in their splendid outfits!

See you at the wedding!

Tooth Tuesday

2008-05-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

Thank you for your purrs, friends! I am feeling well, like myself -- great appetite for both snuggles and food.

Only thing is, my teeth are sore. I'm preferring soft, stinky goodness over my crunchy goodness. So even though I don't much like trips to the vet, I am looking forward to my tooth cleaning and dental work, which is this coming Monday. Please keep me in your purrs that all will go well.

A nice thing: since I'm not eating as much of my crunchy goodness right now, Mom is supplementing my diet with chicken-flavored baby food in addition to extra stinky goodness! Wow! Scrumptious. *smile*

My darling Mickeybear, Mom has a lavender rose bush in front of the house, and it's blooming like crazy. And she let me pick a rose especially for you!

And if you like, Mickey dear, teleport over, and we will snuggle under the bubby bush. If you've never smelled a bubby bush before, you're in for a treat. It smells so good -- much like apple pie! And we can snooze together, under the bubby bush blossoms which are just beginning to unfurl. Here's the first one to open:

Hugs Weekend

2008-05-24T02:46:00.008-04:00

Here I am, taking a nap with my brother, Brainball, who is Alpha Cat of my household. I've been feeling a little off-kilter the last couple of days. Mom thinks my teeth are bothering me, so a week from Monday, I'm off to the vet to have my teeth professionally cleaned. In the meantime, Mom is keeping a close eye on me, and if other issues arise, I will go to the vet sooner.

It's Memorial Day weekend, and this past Thursday marked the sudden passing of the much-loved Bonnie Underfoot. My heart goes out to Victor and to Bonnie's family. And my thoughts and purrs are with them during this difficult, grievous time.

Thank you, Zoolatry, for the beautiful graphic.

In honor of precious Bonnie, it's Hugs Weekend on the Cat Blogosphere. I want to express my thanks to you, my dear friends and family. My life is immeasurably enriched by your love and friendship. To all of you, I send my warmest hugs and purrs, and my love always.

From Khalil Gibran -- Joy And Sorrow Chapter VIII

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow."

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

Jump & Shout Contest!

2008-05-21T20:15:00.006-04:00

Kimo & Sabi are having a fabulous fundraiser contest called the Jump & Shout Contest!

And here's my entry, Marilyn MonREOW, in the Shout category. Don't you think I look like a fearsome white tiger?

(Well, okay. Maybe more like a sleepy white ladycat, *smile*.)

Washing Wednesday

2008-05-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here's a video of me washing my tail. As you can see, I like to make sure my tail is very, very clean.

And here I am, proudly displaying my clean tail! *smile*

I was tagged by 'Lil Gizmo for the About Me Meme! This is a fun one. *smile* Here are the rules:

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post,the player than tags 4 or 5 people and post their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
Let the person who tagged you know when you have posted your answer.

1.What was I doing 10 years ago? – Well, according to my vet, I'm around eleven, twelve years old, so ten years ago, I was a young ladycat getting my start in the world.

2.What are the 5 things on my to do list for today – snuggle with Mom, snuggle with Dad, take frequent beauty rests, eat Temptations and stinky goodness, dream about my darling Mickeybear

3. Snacks I enjoy – Temptations, stinky goodness, baby food squash, malt hairball remedy

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire – I would make sure that all kitties in the world have a loving home with infinite snuggles and all the stinky goodness they can eat.

5. Three of my bad habits – shredding the paper towels when Mom and Dad aren't looking, barfing in inopportune places (on the Yamaha last year, on the piano, on Mom and Dad's weights) hissing at my brothers and sister and whapping at them when they get too far into my space

6. Five places I have lived – I showed up at Mom and Dad's in late 2006 as a stray kitty, and they don't know where I came from. So I lived briefly in the back yard before Mom and Dad brought me inside, and since then, I've lived in the house.

7. Five jobs I have had - lover of my Mickeybear, poet, snugglebug, opera singer (I sing truly magnificent Stinky Goodness Arias), Enthusiastic Recipient of Scritches

I don't know who's played and who hasn't, so I will leave this as an open tag! Anykitty who wants to play, consider yourself tagged, and have fun. *smile*

Easy Like Sunday

2008-05-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

I love sleeping in Mom's chair almost as much as I love sleeping in her lap. Here I am, snuggled against the yellow jellybean.

Mom and I play musical chairs a lot. When she gets up from her chair, I get in it and make myself comfortable. Then when she wants her chair back, she picks me up, sits down, then settles me in her lap, where I'm happy to stay.

Between her writing projects and springtime activities, Mom's quite busy. On one hand, it's frustrating because I don't get to blog as much. But on the other hand, it's nice... I get to lie in Mom's lap when she's writing, and dream of my Mickeybear!

I love being a Velcro Cat. *purrrrrrrr*

Please keep purring for my beautiful Whitester bunny friend Tidbit. She's still sick and needs our love and good thoughts!

Six Word Memoir Meme

2008-05-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

My bunny friend Tidbit is sick -- please go give her lots of love, good thoughts and purrs!

I was tagged by my dear friend Sassy for the Six Word Memoir Meme! I've done this one before, but I'm happy to do it again. It's a fun meme!

1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4.Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5.Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.
6. Have fun!!

Ladycat snoozing on a rainy day.

I know this meme has been around a while, so I'll do an open tag for anykitty who wants to play!

Manic Monday Doodle

2008-05-12T00:01:00.002-04:00

Thanks, Not The Mama, for hosting such a fabulous fundraiser for Cat Friends Helping Friends!

To see my siblings doodled, check out their blog.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T00:01:00.004-04:00

Be sure and tune in for Part Two of CCSI III!

Floofysnuggle Friday

2008-05-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

Mom got some really cute pictures of me snuggling with Daddy. *purrrrrrrrrr.....*

I love to have my tummyfloof rubbed.

What a snuggle-dy buggle-dy bug I am! In fact, Mom has come up with a new nickname for me: Kittybug. *smile*

Please tune in and watch CCSI III: The Missing Mummy Caper this Saturday and Sunday! My brother Brainball and I are part of the cast, and we've been working very hard rehearsing. What fun it's been! Enjoy the show, everyone.

Thank you, Sassy, for the lovely graphics!

Two Brothers Tuesday

2008-05-06T00:01:00.002-04:00

Here's a rare picture indeed! Of me, sharing Mom's desk with my two brothers, MaoMao and Brainball of the Ballicus Blog.

Mom doesn't often get pictures of three of us sitting on her desk! Two of the four of us? Pretty often. But three? Wow. And I don't think Mom has ever gotten a picture of all four of us Ballicai sitting on her desk at once.

Or wait, where was my little sister Dorydoo? Maybe she was taking this picture...!

Easy Like Sunday

2008-05-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here I am, basking in the sun atop a purr pad. In a word... aaaaaah! And in another word... *purrrrr*! As always, I'm dreaming of my Mickeybear.

And just for fun, I took the Celebrity Cat Quiz on Catster. I wondered if it would tell me I'm Marilyn Monroe! But no, since I'm already Marilyn MonREOW, it told me I was Oprah Winfrey. *smile*

When Marilyn MonREOW meows, people listen. Yes, indeed, Marilyn MonREOW is Oprah Winfrey.

A true rags-to-riches story, Marilyn MonREOW is a comeback pet who has not only survived a troubled start, but uses her success to lend a helping paw to others. Well-rounded and hard-working, Marilyn MonREOW has re-written the rules of stardom and continues to spread her influence throughout the animal kingdom. Still a down-home country girl, Marilyn MonREOW's one weakness is the chow that she knows from her youth, and she's not afraid to gobble up a little gravy every now and then. Marilyn MonREOW manages to keep her positive reputation intact, despite being hounded by the press and her thousands of diehard fans everywhere she goes. Marilyn MonREOW is smart, creative and innovative and has used these qualities to build up an empire the likes of which have never before been seen.

Happy Birthday, Friends!

2008-05-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Bithday to Gretchen, Auntie Stinkie of the Fab Five, and Gandalf and Grayson! I'll be with Gretchen, co-hosting her Tea Party, and I'll also make the rounds to say Happy Birthday to Auntie Stinkie and Gandalf and Grayson. What a special day it is!

Here's a picture of me in my Tea Party Finery. And look, Mickeybear -- the lovely frou-frou collar you sent me works perfectly with this ensemble!

And I have exciting news! I've been chosen to play the part of Mama Patti Ball in CCSI III: The Missing Mummy Caper. I'm thrilled that I will soon make my debut as an actress!

Please bear with me; I'm behind on my visiting, but I'll catch up soon! Purrs and snuggles and love to everyone.

=-=

Added later: Camie's Kitties had a great idea for a fundraiser, and I wanted to participate! Here's my knock-knock joke:

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Wendy.

Wendy who?

Wendy today. Sunny tomorrow!

For Storm and Orange Boy

2008-04-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

Storm, precious girl, my thoughts are with you. Please know I am sending you my strongest healing purrs.

And our sweet friend Orange Boy was bit by a rattlesnake! I'm purring that his swelling will go down soon and that he feels better and better.

Coming Up: Birthday Parties!

2008-04-28T00:01:00.008-04:00

My precious sister-cousin-friend Gretchen will be celebrating her fourth birthday this coming Thursday, May 1! She's inviting everykitty to a Tea Party on her blog. Isn't she a beautiful young ladycat -- and what a stunning hat!

I'm honored that she asked me to be her co-host for the Tea Party! This will be such a lovely event for Ladycats, Gentlemencats, and Lady-and-Gentlemancats In Training.

In the meantime, I am experimenting with hats. My darling Mickeybear -- do you like this hat? I'm fond of it, but perhaps I should find one with feathers! *smile*

Gretchen's party will start on May 1, 12:00 a.m. Pacific time and will last for twenty-four hours, until 12:00 a.m. May 2. Visit her blog and see the fun things she's gathered for all her friends -- fancy hats for us Ladies, ties and top hats for the Gentlemen. Come one, come all -- for fun, friendship, and yummies!

Added Monday evening: I just found out that precious Auntie Stinkie of the Fab Five is celebrating her birthday on May 1, too! She will turn Sweet Sixteen. Isn't that fabulous! Such a sweet ladycat, and such a special age. We will be party-going Ballicai on May 1, that's for sure! *smile*

Six Word Memoir Saturday

2008-04-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

My precious sister-cousin-friend Gretchen tagged me for the Six Word Memoir Meme! Fun!

Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word memoir.
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5) Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.
6) Have fun!!

Hmmm, I'm going to do two memoirs, if that's okay! First, my silly one:

Stick tongue out, make Mom SQUEE!

And here's my serious one:

Love, Mickeybear, poetry, family, friends, food!

For this meme, I'm going to tag: my darling Mickeybear, Kimo & Sabi, and Bounce, Lucy, and Trixie!

Wordless Whitester Wednesday

2008-04-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

Silly Sunday

2008-04-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

I like poking my tongue out. Every time I do, Mom says SQUEE and gets the camera!

She thinks it's so cute when I poke my tongue out.

Sometimes it's fun for a Ladycat to be a silly girl!

Flexible Friday

2008-04-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

With a lapcat like me around, Mom has to be flexible to get work done on her computer! She's a writer, and that means I'm a lucky cat: her lap is available to me much of the time. And we've worked out a dandy system.

She props her feet on her desk, while I lie in her lap.

Her computer is positioned a rather odd angle to her legs. That's why she has to be flexible.

Here, you can see how she reaches over me to type.

Not only do I keep Mom's lap warm and give her lots of support while she's writing, but I also help her keep nice and limber with all the stretching she has to do! *smile*

Tummy Rub Tuesday

2008-04-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

Oh, how I love to snuggle! Mom says I am the biggest snuggle-dy-buggle-dy bug of a lapcat she's ever known. I am on her lap pretty much anytime she sits down. And when she's not sitting down? Well, I love Dad, too, so if he's sitting down, I get on his lap!

And yesterday, Mom got a video of Dad and me snuggling -- it made her say SQUEE! *smile*

I'm so happy that Mu Shue, Lilly Lu, and Iris are okay and that they're reunited with Mom Laura. Such joyous news! And I look forward to celebrating with The Cat Realm their first Blogiversary, with dear Prinnie her seventeenth birthday, and with Dr. Tweety his eighth birthday!

Remembering Miral

2008-04-13T01:46:00.006-04:00

My friend, precious Miral of Kattenpraat's Catwalk, went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. She was so loved by so many, and will be missed. My heart and purrs are with her family at this sad time.

Ample make this Bed—
Make this Bed with Awe—
In it wait till Judgment break
Excellent and Fair.

Be its Mattress straight—
Be its Pillow round—
Let no Sunrise' yellow noise
Interrupt this Ground.

Poem by Emily Dickinson.

Thank you to The Cat Realm for the beautiful graphic.

Purring Hard

2008-04-12T00:36:00.003-04:00

Horrible, frightening news -- a fire broke out at Momma Laura's apartment building. Go to the Cat Blogosphere and to Lilly Lu and Iris's blog for details and updates. I am purring as hard as I can.

Fun Friday

2008-04-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

I've always liked to play with coffee stirrers, but lately, I've become a Coffee Stirrer Monster! Every time Mom or Dad gets a cup of coffee, I'm right there, stalking their mug... and I WHAP the coffee stirrer right out! Then Mom or Dad plays the Coffee Stirrer Game with me, which concludes when I give the Coffee Stirrer the killing bitey!

Here's a video of Mom playing the Coffee Stirrer Game with me.

Am I a Mighty Huntress, or what?

We Ballicai are behind on visiting -- please bear with us, sweet friends. Mom will help us catch up soon!

Take-Charge Thursday

2008-04-10T00:01:00.005-04:00

I've gone orange for ASPCA Day!

As many of you know, I like plenty of purrsonal space from my siblings. I'm just that kind of girl. I'm a sweetheart with Mom and Dad, but when it comes to my siblings... well, I'm more of a people-cat than a cat-cat.

My two brothers were sitting on the window perch, and I decided they'd sat there long enough. It was my turn to sit on the perch. I'm very much a lady, but I'm strong-minded when I want to be. Sometimes a ladycat has to take charge of her destiny.

So I jumped up on the perch with my brothers.

MaoMao and Brainball looked at me. "Uh oh, Brainball," MaoMao said. "I think Marilyn wants the perch to herself." He was right.

Brainball jumped down, and MaoMao looked at me. I looked back. He could tell I was serious about wanting him to jump down.

So MaoMao jumped down, too...

Then I had the perch to myself. Oh, bliss! And I didn't even have to hiss. *smile*

My darling Mickeybear, would you like to teleport over and snuggle with me on the window perch? I promise, I would never, ever, ever run you off! *purrrrrrrr*

Book Meme and an Award!

2008-04-07T00:01:00.005-04:00

Oh, what fun! My sweet friend Jeter Harris, brother to my mancat Mickeybear, tagged me for a Book Meme. Here are the rules:

1. pick up da neerest book.
2. open to page 123
3. find da fifth sentence.
4. post the next three sentencez.
5. tag sum peeple (or catz) and post a comment to empress once u hav posted it.

Well, let's see -- I'm close to a bookcase which is loaded down with books. But it looks like the nearest one to me is a book Mom picked up the other day: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

And here's what I find on page 123, five sentences down:

"What is it?" calls August.
"Did Clive feed the cats?"
His face appears in the crack of the flap. "Ah. Yes. Well, that presented a bit of difficulty, but I've worked something out."
"What?"

Huh? What? WHAT was worked out!?!?

Mom, you must read that book N-O-W and let me know if the cats got fed... this is a matter of utmost importance!! (Note the preceding two exclamation points. In my posts, I seldom ever use more than one exclamation point.)

My oh my, I hope so much that the cats in that book got their stinky goodness. And to think, the title mentions water and elephants... not food and cats. Oh dear, I am so confused.

Many kitties have already done this meme, so I will do an open tag... anybody who wants to, please play!

While I'm sitting on the edge of Mom's desk waiting for her to hurry up and read that book, I'll share some happy news. My dear future sister-in-law, Ariel, created a wonderful award and passed it to me!

Here's what she said about it: "I was talking to mom recently about creating an award. Everyone knows someone who goes beyond. A person who always helps others, always has a kind word, a person with a heart of gold. So I told mom I wanted to make an award we could give to those we think deserve it."

Thank you so much, dear! I'm deeply touched. And I will pass this lovely award on to my darling Mickeybear, my sweet BFSC Gretchen, my dear sister Miss Peachypie, my friends Kimo & Sabi, and my friend Parker.

Friday Lapday

2008-04-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

Actually, every day is lap day -- I snuggle with Mom every chance I get! Here I am, looking at her as she takes my picture...

Here I am getting nice and snoozy...

And stretching out for a nice, leisurely nap.

Mickeybear, I would love for you to snuggle into my floof!

Mental Monday

2008-03-31T00:01:00.003-04:00

Mom and Dad like to hike in the mountains. And guess who made Mom say SQUEE on their hike the other day?

This little fellow. A FROG! Daddy held him as Mom took his picture. He is now a Frog on a Blog. And he has no idea!

But now I'm worried. Mom SQUEEs over me a lot, too. "SQUEE" is the noise she makes when she's overwhelmed by Cuteness.

Do you suppose she thinks the frog and I look alike? I mean, the frog is cute and all, but... oh dear, I don't want to look like a frog.

How Do My Eyes Glow? Let Me Count the Ways...

2008-03-28T00:01:00.008-04:00

Mom took a series of pictures of me sitting on top of the refrigerator, and she got a kick out of the various ways my eyes glow! Here's my gold/green - red/blue look:

Here's my lamplight look:

Here, one eye is glowing blue/red and my other eye is normal:

And here, one eye has the lamplight glow and my other eye is normal:

What fun! Needless to say, I excel at hypnotism / mesmerism -- I got Temptations after my photo shoot. *giggle* (And Mickeybear, when I think of you, my eyes always light up!)

=-=

I'm sending healing purrs to all my precious kitty friends who are unwell.

Make a Wish Meme -- and Purring for a Miracle!

2008-03-26T03:10:00.006-04:00

Precious Miral of Kattenpraat is ill and very weak. Please purr with all your might for a miracle!

=-=

I was tagged by my precious fluff-sis-cousin, Gretchen, for the Make a Wish Meme! Here are the rules:

1. Think about what it is that you want more than anything, what your heart's desire and fondest wish is, and what it is that you would wish for if you were to see the above wishing star flame across the night sky.

2. Right click and SAVE the blank graphic below.

3. Use a graphics program of your choice and place your wish on this picture:

4. Post the Make A Wish Meme and your wishing star on your blog along with these rules.

5. Tag as many people as you like so that there can be wishing stars all across the Blogosphere and ask them to please link back to Linda so that we can see what wishes others have made and share those wishes with others.

And here it is...

You'll notice that my darling Mickeybear and I are wishing on this star together. That, also, is my wish, for always.

Mom Monday

2008-03-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

An Appeal to Mom:

What, Mom? You're going to help me blog for today?

Wow! Thank you so much. You really ought to try to help more often, you know. I don't want Mickeybear or any of my friends to forget about me! I love chatting with my friends, and if Mickeybear forgot about me, why, I just don't think I could stand it.

And while we're on the subject, Mom, you need to help me visit everyone more often. There are many kitties I care about, and I enjoy reading what they share about their daily lives.

Mom, I know that you're working on a new novel and this one's taking a lot of your creative energy, but we kitties -- your beloved Ballicai -- have creative energy we want to express, too. Please don't forget about that.

Have you got that, Mom?

Are you sure...?

*sigh*, there she goes, muttering about her novel again. It might be time to tweak my "Stinky Goodness Arias" into "Help Me Blog Arias!"

Added later: I had Mom make me this picture for Catster, so I wanted to show it here, too. It's me, the Marilyn Bunny!

Happy Spring, Happy Easter, and Happy Scritches!

2008-03-21T00:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a beautiful graphic that Zoolatry did for me and my siblings. I love this photo-portrait; Maggy and Zoey are so talented! See, there's the Easter Bunny, right outside our window.

Isn't it nice that the Easter Bunny, like Santa Claws, makes home deliveries of goodies -- I hope we all get lots of Temptations and Stinky Goodness!

Spring is springing here -- our days are still cool, but we're getting more and more sunshine and more green growing things. Even beautiful little flowers are poking out their heads to see whether it's warm enough to blossom!

The other day, Daddy got his back scratcher out. Since I was sitting on his desk, he decided to use it as a Marilyn Scritching Device! And Mom got a little video of the event.

Here are two still photos of me getting scritches. Isn't Daddy an excellent scritcher? In the last picture, as you can see, I'm smiling.

Now, you simply must go visit Mickeybear, to see what he looks like dressed up as the Easter Bunny. Isn't he precious? Mickey, darling, shall I change my name for you from Mickeybear to Mickeybunny? *GIGGLE*!

And speaking of Mickeybear, I'm going to compose a Found Poem for him. He explains Found Poems in his post on the subject, and for my found poem, I shall choose Mickeybear's meme post from last month!

Listen up!
In his dreams, my Mickey makes
His way to cuddle with me
In my Cardboard Castle...
Imagine what happens:
Wonderful in the
Extreme.

Happy Spring to everycat, and Happy Easter!

Marilyn vs. the Bra

2008-03-18T03:17:00.004-04:00

I love to bunnykick bras. Mom says it's because I miss the good old days... you know, as a full-figured movie star in my former life. *giggle*

Stunning Sunday

2008-03-16T03:40:00.004-04:00

I was part of Zoolatry's High Five Saturday... check out the beautiful photo-portrait they created of me! Thank you so much, my sweet friends. Your talent is amazing! And I am honored to be one of the subjects of your beautiful art.

We Ballicai are purring for all our dear friends who are sick and in need of healing, and I'd like to include a link to Artsy Catsy's Earthrights Fundraiser for Lilly Lu and Moki.

Spa Saturday and an Open Window

2008-03-15T00:01:00.007-04:00

Karl and Ruis came up with the most smashing new look for Spring 2008 -- the Spa Look! So I simply had to try it, as I was lounging in the laundry basket.

The last couple of days have been rainy, but Thursday was gorgeous -- a harbinger of Spring! The temperature hit seventy degrees Fahrenheit, and Mom and Dad opened the windows. We Ballicai love open windows (they are screened in, so we can't jump out).

Here's me and my little sister Dorydoo, on the window perch together. Mom got out the camera and told us to say "cheese", and we responded, in unison: "We'd rather say 'Temptations!'"

Here's a picture of me on the perch with MaoMao and Brainball. You'll notice, in these pictures, that though I get along with my siblings, I like to maintain a certain amount of purrsonal space.

And here's a picture of me, gazing out at the night, counting stars, and looking forward to many more warm, sunny days to come.

Whitester Wednesday: In Mom's Lap

2008-03-12T00:01:00.005-04:00

I love, love, love lying in Mom's lap. My favorite way to cuddle with Mom is when she cradles me in her arms, up against her chest, rubs my chest and tummy and gives me face and chin scritches and kisses.

And I give her headbutts, headrubs and kisses, and I purr, purr, purr, oh how I purr! In a word: bliss.

We do this a lot. It's our snuggle time -- it's precious to us both.

But when Mom is busy on the computer (she's working on a new novel), I lie on her legs, like this, and Mom reaches out and types over me:

What's that, Mom? You got out the camera, and now you'd like a smile?

Okay, here you go... a smile for you, Mom, and a wink and a kiss for my darling Mickeybear!

I want to extend my congratulations to my feisty little sister, Dorydoo -- for the Simply Siamese Spring Contest, she wrote her first poem ever, showcasing her more mellow side... and won second prize in the contest! Check out her entry here. Great job, little sis!

Easy Like Sunday

2008-03-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

I feel a spontaneous Pleiades coming on...

Languorously in the
Laundry, I
Lalligag and
Long for one mancat to
Loll
Lazily beside me: my
Love, my darling... my Mickeybear!

Flashy Friday

2008-03-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Because I have differently-colored eyes...

...they glow in different colors, too!

Mom, you are under my spell... you will give me stinky goodness NOW...

Wordless Whitester Wednesday

2008-03-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Mellow Monday

2008-03-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

There's no better place for feeling mellow than Mom's lap.

See, here I am feeling mellow...

And mellower...

Here, I'm getting downright sleepy...

Then sleepier...

Zzzzz..... off to sweet dreams of Mickeybear!

And I'm not just mellow, I'm proud: my dear friend-sister-cousin Gretchen awarded me the Toadally Awesome Award! Thank you so much, my sweet BFSC -- you are a precious ladycat and oh-so-totally awesome and toadally pawesome! *smile*

I'd like to pass this award to my darling Mickeybear -- the most Toadally Awesome mancat in the world. Mickey, I'm happy and proud to be your Kittypie!

Funny Friday

2008-02-29T01:38:00.004-05:00

So Mom's getting ready to do laundry and she looks into the laundry basket, and what -- no, WHO -- do you think she sees, curled atop the dirty clothes and towels?

That's right! ME!

(And no, those tooth marks aren't mine. They're Brainball's. For some reason, my big brother likes to munch on the laundry basket.)

The laundry basket is (other than Mom's lap) my new favorite place to sleep. It's comfy and cozy, and the clothes and towels smell like Mom and Dad. What could be better?

Another nice thing... remember when I barfed on the Yamaha last year? Well, it doesn't matter if I barf on Mom and Dad's dirty clothes. They're going to be washed anyway. Right Mom? I thought so.

Mickeybear, darling, would you like to join me in the laundry basket? I promise, Mom won't wash us! *smile*

And it's February 29! *~*~*Happy Leap Day, everycat!*~*~* In honor of this special day, I shall make a long leap out of the laundry basket (well, eventually...)! *smile*

Four Things Meme

2008-02-27T00:38:00.003-05:00

Here's a funny picture Mom took of me. Can you see the tippy-tip of my little pink tongue?

Aunt Dorothy, Mom Bean to my sister-cousin-friend Gretchen, tagged me for the Four Things Meme. Thank you, Auntie! This will be fun. I'm continuing to purr and purr and purr for you -- I'm so glad you've been feeling better!

4 Jobs I've Had:

Stray cat (no more, thankfully -- I'm a much-loved kitty girl with a forever home!)
Opera Singer (my stinky goodness arias, of course)
Poetess
All-around Kitty Snoopervisor

4 Movies Watched Over and Over:

Out of Africa
Somewhere in Time
Now, Voyager
Casablanca

4 Places I Have Lived:

Presumably, with somebody before Momma and Daddy
As a stray: in Momma and Daddy's back yard before I introduced myself to them
In the sanctuary room of Momma and Daddy's house before I met the other Ballicai
In Momma and Daddy's house! *smile*

4 Shows I Watch:

I don't watch TV shows, but sometimes I hop onto the entertainment center in front of the TV and take a bath. Mom and Dad make a joke of this. Whatever movie or show is on, they'll say, "Look, Marilyn was a part of (that police investigation)." Or "Marilyn was at Kora with George Adamson" (watching the movie To Walk With Lions). It was especially funny when I jumped up there while Momma and Daddy were watching The Asphalt Jungle, which stars my namesake, Marilyn Monroe! They could then say, in all truth, "Look, there's Marilyn, starring in The Asphalt Jungle!"

4 Places I Have Been:

To Mickeybear's house in my dreams, to snuggle with him on his wall... *happy sigh*
Sometimes *blush* I hang out in the litterbox, after Mom cleans it -- who knows why? Not even me.
On top of the refrigerator! Nice and high up!
On the weight bench. I have no intention of lifting weights (perish the thought). I just like to sit there.

4 Favorite Things to Eat:

Ice cream (Mom and Dad rarely let me have this, *sigh* -- they say it's bad for my teeth.)
Temptations
Greenies
STINKY GOODNESSS!!!!!!!!! (*ahem*)

4 Places I Would Rather Be:

On the wall with my Mickeybear
Snuggling with Mom
Rubbing against Dad's watch (I love his watch -- I want to adopt it, love it and hug it and squeeze it and name it George)
Away from MaoMao when I have the misfortune to have a dingleberry (he chases me -- oh, the mortification)

4 Things I Look Forward To This Year:

Writing more poetry for my Mickeybear (*hint* to Mom -- more computer time would be nice!)
Snuggling with Mom
Rubbing against Dad's watch (I really must think of a better name than George -- I think that's already been taken...)
EATING LOTS OF STINKY GOODNESS!!!!!!! (*ahem*)

For this meme, I will tag my darling Mickeybear!

Paws and Feet

2008-02-25T03:42:00.009-05:00

My four paws are on Momma's desk -- but look! Momma's got her feet propped there, and so does Daddy!

I think paws are cuter than feet. Don't you?

A spontaneous Haiku:

Four paws and four feet
On Momma's desk, nice and neat:
(I prefer my paws.)

(My mom sometimes takes very strange pictures.)

My Night to Twinkle...

2008-02-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

...it's Oscar Night! And I, Marilyn MonREOW, am ready to cat-walk down the Red Carpet!

Go to Red Carpet Buzz to see more of us Cat Blogosphere kitties, dressed to the nines! Why, those beans at the Oscars will look downright frumpy compared to us, *giggle*.

Sophisticated Saturday... and an Award!

2008-02-23T00:01:00.004-05:00

Today, I dressed up again in the beautiful collar Mickeybear got me for Valentine's Day. And I had a wonderful photo shoot! I enjoyed it tremendously.

Here I am, resting up for my photo shoot. A ladycat must have her beauty sleep, after all.

Darling Mickeybear, I feel so feminine in this collar... so sophisticated!

I love everything about this beautiful collar, but I'm especially fond of the hearts. They make me feel close to Mickeybear!

Mickeybear, I'm sending you a kiss. Did you get it? *purrrrrrr*

And what an honor -- Mickey the Black Cat honored all us Ballicai with the Great Blog Award! Thank you so much, Mickey! You and your sisters are wonderful friends.

I will pass the award on to my sweet Mickeybear, to my dear sister-cousin-friend, Gretchen, and to the lovely and inspirational Chase.

Thankful Thursday

2008-02-21T00:05:00.009-05:00

Thank you, sweet friends, for making MaoMao's Gotcha Day special! A wonderful time was had by all.

Here are some other things I'm thankful for:

1. The love of my darling mancat Mickeybear. I am so proud and happy to be his Kittypie. And Mickey, dear, I want to write you another poem soon. I'm trying to figure out what form I want to use. There are so many wonderful possibilities!

2. My mom. Even though she's hard at work on her writing projects, she cuddles me in her lap all I want. We've figured out a way for her to type and me to snuggle at the same time. It works beautifully!

3. My dad. He lets me rub all over his watch -- I love his watch *giggle* -- and tells me every day what a beautiful girl I am.

4. Stinky Goodness. In a word: sublime.

5. Catnip raviolis and catnip bananers. They help me keep my bunnykicking skills sharp!

6. Mom's clothes (especially her bras). See above comment about bunnykicking skills.

7. MaoMao, Brainball, and Dorydoo. Though I'm more of a people-cat than a cat-cat, I love my siblings, in my way. And I've been sleeping in the laundry with Brainball quite a bit lately!

8. Last but never least, the Cat Blogosphere and all the friends we Ballicai have made. We love you all. There can be no sweeter -- or more fun -- place on the internet!

=-=

I teleported over to spend time with my dear sister-cousin, Gretchen... she and I are enjoying sistersnuggles together. Gretchen's been taking wonderful care of her Mom bean, and I wanted to spend time with them both and share cuddles and healing purrs!

Here is a beautiful picture of us from Gretchen's bloggie that her sweet Mom bean took. I am so thankful for our friendship, which I treasure. *Purrrrrrrr*!

Loveydovey Girlcat

2008-02-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

I was having a daydream about Mickeybear, and before I knew it, there I was, getting snuggly with Mom's clothes! *giggle*

(Don't forget MaoMao's Gotcha Day Party on Tuesday, February 19!)

Getting Ready

2008-02-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, February 19, I'll be on the Ballicus Blog, helping my little brother, MaoMao, celebrate his First Gotcha Day. We Ballicai hope to see everyone there! *smile*

To get ready for the party, I'm adding extra naps to my schedule!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T00:01:00.004-05:00

Oh, my goodness gracious mercy me, but I need my smelling salts, and fast! *giggle* I got the most fabulous Valentine's package in the mail from my darling mancat, Mickeybear.

Mom: Mail Call for Miss Marilyn!

Marilyn: Oh... oh... it must be: a Valentine from Mickeybear... I can't wait to see what's inside!

Oh, look at this... such a delightful card! Check it out.....

And when I opened it, it played music -- how delightful! "You got the hand / I got the glove / But the best part of all is... / We got the love." It made me think, dear Mickeybear, of our Sonny and Cher wigs for Anastasia's first dare. "I Got You, Babe!" *smile*

Here's the inside of the card... *big Kittypie smile*....

Yes, darling dear, we have love in abundance! I am the luckiest ladycat in the world. *purrrrrrr*

And look, oh look, what Mickeybear sent me... the most beautiful, feminine, glamorous, glorious, frou-frou, frothy pink collar I've ever seen in my entire life! Mom, oh Mom! Help me into my finery, please!

Oh, I just love it... thank you so much, my darling dear! I feel so feminine... so frothy... so very girly!

Mom said that as I was modeling my new collar, I was preening. *giggle* I suppose I was!

I can't remember when I enjoyed a photo shoot so much. I feel so glamorous!

Here's a video of me washing my face while wearing my gorgeous pink Valentine's collar... after all, a ladycat must keep her face clean while dressed up in her finery.

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We Ballicai also got a fabulous Valentine's Day package from Earl Grey, Tazo, and Titus at the Furry Kids! Over on MaoMao's blog, you'll see lots of pictures and videos of all us Ballicai having fun with our great new toys. Thank you so much, Furry Kids! We appreciate you so much -- oh, we're having a blast with our goodies!

Speaking of which, here's a video of me playing with one of the 'nip raviolis -- Mickeybear, dearest, you will see my tummy floof! Enjoy! *giggle*

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And great, super-fantastic news: Mom and Dad fixed the problem I was having with seeing Mickeybear's beautiful online card. Yay! I love it -- it's just gorgeous, and such beautiful music that it made both Mom and me swoon. *smile* Yes, my darling dear -- I will be your Valentine today and every day!

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I'd like to share with you the Valentine I made for Mickeybear, which I entered into Skeezix's Valentine's Day Contest:

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On it is a poem I wrote for Mickeybear, called "Head Over Heels", which I will reprint here:

I'm loveydovey in my head
Purrysnuggly under, around, and over
Straight down to my heels

But do cats have heels?
Doesn't matter because in my head
Resounds over and over and over

Triumphantly that love's never over
Love creates more love, so heels
Don't matter to a smitten girlcat's head.

I'm giddy, mushy, and head over heels!

Happy Valentine's Day With Love and Purrs from Marilyn MonREOW!

Storytime

2008-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Mom wrote a new short story -- it's a peek into the world of a novel she'll write soon. And it has not one but two kitties in it! *smile*

Here's an excerpt:

Hucklesby and I are out for our twilight walk up the mountain. Will I see Moonlight this time?

Today isn’t a good day for me. It’s Valentine’s Day, a day which brings, unbidden, images of what my life might have been, if only I’d made better decisions as a younger woman.

Regret, however, is a bitter companion. I prefer cats.

Like Hucklesby. A gray cat the color of twilight on a misty day. Though I might have been accompanied by other cats on my road not taken, none of them would have been my Hucklesby. He lives with me in my cabin in the woods but comes along on my twilight walks and never runs astray.

Go here to read the rest: "Moonlight's Gift."

Enjoy!

Dream Meme... and a Question

2008-02-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a video of me getting scritches from Mom... and of MaoMao trying to horn in on them! As you will see in the video, I give Mao a look that says, "Please wait your turn." Little brothers... what can a mature ladycat do, but try to teach them proper manners!

My sister-friend-cousin, Gretchen, tagged me for the Three Dreams Meme! Thank you, dear -- this looks like fun.

Here are the rules:

1. Post who tagged you and link back to them and then to http://www.petspics.blogspot.com/

2. Then answer this question: What three things would you do that you have never done before, if you knew you wouldn't get caught, get in trouble or suffer any consequences?

3. Then tag 3 other kitties, beans, woofies, or any other assorted animal.

My dreams......

1. To live in a castle with my darling Mickeybear. Of course we would need to bring our humans along, too *smile*. But oh, what a wonderful thing, to snuggle with my Mickey all the time, and think of the poetry we could write each other...

2. To eat all the stinky goodness my heart desires, without worrying that my figure will become too full!

3. To snuggle in Mom's lap ALL THE TIME. Wait. That could be a problem, seeing as how I want to snuggle Mickeybear, too. Okay. Here's my solution. Mickey dear, first we'll snuggle together in your Mom's lap, then we'll snuggle together in my Mom's lap, and we'll switch between Moms, staying snuggled up together! Don't you think our Moms would enjoy two kitties cuddled in their laps? *giggle*

I tag anycat who hasn't yet played this fun meme.

Now, here's my question: Mickeybear made a Valentine for me. It is also posted for Skeezix's Valentine's Day Contest. Trouble is, I can't get it to load on my computer on either Firefox or Internet Explorer! So what I want to know, to help Mom troubleshoot the problem, is this: is anyone else having trouble seeing the Valentine, or is it just me?

Friday Fun in a Cube!

2008-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad got us Ballicai a new kitty cube! We all love it. Here I am, checking it out. In this video, I get a surprise near the end -- in a word, BOING!

Mickeybear, do you want to come over and play in my cube with me? I promise, I won't whap you -- I'll snuggle you, then we can whap those ribbons together!

Easy Like Sunday: Awards!

2008-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

My brother Ben Fuzz gave me such a sweet award -- the E for Excellent Award! I am honored, precious Ben -- thank you so much!

And I want to pass this lovely award to all the kitties on the Cat Blogosphere -- the Cat Blogosphere is the most loving, caring place on the Internet, and it's all you Blogging Cats who make it that way! *smile*

I picked up another award, this one from Gattina. It's the Deepest Sleeping Award, and she created it for all us Sleeping Marathon Cats.

Don't you think I qualify? *smile*

Three Kitties on Thursday... and a Fabulous Award!

2008-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Though I get along fine with my siblings for the most part, I tend to maintain a degree of distance from them. I'm more of a people-cat than a cat-cat.

But sometimes I sleep on the bed with my siblings! Here I am, with Dorydoo and Brainball.

Where's MaoMao, you might ask? In a word: spazzing, *smile*.

My precious sister Miss Peachy made my day today -- she awarded me the Caring Cat Award. Isn't it beautiful?

Thank you so much, dearest Peachy! I am honored and touched beyond words to be blessed with this award from you, who epitomize kindness, caring, and friendship to all. What a joy you are to all who are blessed to know you!

I'll pass this award on to my darling Mickeybear (my dear loving and caring mancat), to precious Chase (a lovely, brave girl who works as a therapy kitty), to Cheysuli (she's running for President of the United States), to my future sister-in-law Ariel (a sweet and loving friend to everykitty) and to Gretchen (my sister-cousin-friend who is taking fabulous care of her dear Mom Bean right now).

Tucked in a Box Tuesday

2008-01-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

snooze... snooze... snooze (beautiful dreams of Mickeybear)

Hmmmmmm *blink, blink*? Mom, you called?

Dozing on green fleece
Snug in my cardboard castle
Is that Mickey's step?

I play peek-a-boo
And snatch a purr from my dream
Oh, can he be here?

Did he wake with me
And travel to Tennessee
From his New York home?

He's back in my dream
Not in my cardboard castle
Those footfalls were Mom's.

She takes my picture
I smile, blink, and purr-purr-purr...
Soon I'll sleep again.

As I drift away
Cardboard becomes white marble
And I'm with my Bear.

=-=

My siblings and I posted our entries for the Red Carpet Buzz contest -- go check it out! Everykitty/everywoofie who has posted looks so glamorous... the humans at the Oscars will look like frumps by comparison.

Saturday: Bath Day!

2008-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

First things first -- wonderful news! Aunt Dorothy, Gretchen's wonderful Mom Bean, is home from the hospital! We Ballicai and our beans are happy-dancing! *~*~*YIPPEE and WOO HOO!!!!!*~*~*

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Here is my favorite position in which to freshen my floof:

Notice how I sit on my tail, tucking it neatly under one leg, for ease of washing. Makes things very sytematic -- first I wash one leg, then my tail, then the other leg. I wouldn't want to forget to wash any of my appendages, after all.

And here is a video of me, engaged in floof-freshening:

Darling Mickeybear, I hope my floof looks extra-fluffy. Or... that my fluff looks extra-floofy! *giggle*

Nickname Meme and Award!

2008-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

We Ballicai are continuing to send love and purrs to Prinnie, Rosemary, and all of precious Caesar's family -- our hearts are with you at this sad time.

Yoggie, my brother, gave me such a sweet award -- the Bloggers of the World Award!

Thank you so much, dear! I'm touched and honored. I'd like to pass this award on to Caesar and Princess's Happy Place -- a true blog of the world. Such lovely kitties and a lovely family, who touch so many. Caesar will never be forgotten.

And my friends Miles and Sammy Meezer tagged me for a fun meme about nicknames! Here are the rules:

Post a link to the kitty who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.

List your real name, how you got your real name, nicknames you like/tolerate, and nicknames you wish your humans would stop calling you.

Tag several kitties, and write a comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Okay, here goes!

1. My real name: Marilyn MonREOW, and I go by Marilyn. As you can guess, I was named after the famous actress, Marilyn Monroe. Why? Well, I'm blond, I'm sweet, reflective and pretty, and the camera loves me. *smile* I love my name. I come when I'm called.

2. Nicknames I like: Little Miss Mary-lynn, Duallipot, Dually, Kittypie, Cutiepie, Sweetie Girl, Powderpuff-Cotton ball Cat, Baby Girl, Beautiful Girl, Snugglebug, Cuddlebug, Lovebug, Snuggle-dy Buggle-dy Buggle-dy Bug (I'm particularly fond of this one), Little Furry Purr Girl, Little Purry Fur Girl

3. Nicknames I'm not so fond of: Dually-dually-pot-pot Head (oh so silly). Tuddlepot (Mom says I don't walk, that I tuddle -- *ahem*, I beg to differ!). Little Meaty Mariloaf (so inelegant to be referred to as a Loaf). And oh dear: Dually-ball. Not funny, Mom. Not funny at all.

For the nickname meme, I'll tag my darling mancat Mickeybear, my future sister-in-law Ariel, and my great friend Monty.

Mancat Monday: In Honor of Caesar

2008-01-21T00:43:00.000-05:00

Caesar: April 15, 1991 - January 20, 2008

Rest in peace, glorious Caesar. You will always and forever be one of the finest Mancats on the Cat Blogosphere. We Ballicai love you, and we send our love and purrs and condolences to Prinnie and your precious family.

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

~ Author Unknown

The You Make My Day Award!

2008-01-20T01:47:00.000-05:00

Awww, I'm feeling very honored -- Alasandra has given me the You Make My Day Award.

Thank you so much, dear! You've touched me deeply -- and you've made my day!

I'll pass this lovely award to my darling mancat Mickeybear. He makes my day, every day -- the love we share is always bright and warm in my heart.

Sticky Post: Aunt Dorothy Needs Purrs!

2008-01-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

Please Scroll Down for New Posts!

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My dear friend Gretchen's sweet and lovely mom-bean Dorothy, who blogs at Scrungy and Friends, is very ill... she was put in cardiac intensive care due to severe heart arrhythmia.

Add Glitter to your Photos

Please join Mom (Thomma Lyn is the Ballicus Mom) and all us Ballicai in sending love, purrs, and prayers to Aunt Dorothy and her family. Dorothy's daughter, Gretchen's Aunt Paula, blogs at Basset Knitter. You can leave a note on Auntie Dorothy's bloggie here, and I'm sure Paula and Gretchen would both appreciate notes of love and support, too.

Aunt Dorothy, you are so loved -- you are a friend of the heart to Mom, and you have a wonderful and caring family who adores you. Please, please, please get well soon, and I'd love for the Cat Blogosphere to join me in sending purrs and prayers and love to Dorothy and her family! Please feel free to use / modify the above graphic for your blogs.

I will leave this as a sticky post until Aunt Dorothy is home.

In the Laundry With MaoMao

2008-01-17T01:12:00.000-05:00

When my little brother isn't chasing me around the house or watching me in the litter box, he can be quite companionable. *smile*

Tucked In Tuesday... and an Award!

2008-01-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Mom loves how I look, all tucked into a Little Meaty Mariloaf as I lie on my scratch pad. So she took a photo shoot!

Here I am, posing. I love posing for the camera.

Darling Mickeybear, which do you think is my best side -- my gold-eyed side...

...or my blue-eyed side?

And lastly (but not leastly), does this scratch pad make me look floofy... or wide? *giggle*

My sister-friend-cousin Gretchen gave me the Thinking Blogger Award!

Thank you so much, dear! Between my new award and the lovely glasses I got from Karl and Ruis at Miss Peachy's birthday party, I feel like a star!

Here are the rules for the Thinking Blogger Award:

1. You must write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Acknowledge this post.
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote.
4. Go tell your humans to fork over the treats!

I will pass the award on to my darling Mickeybear, my precious sister Miss Peachy, my future sister-in-law Ariel, my great friends Cheysuli and Gemini, and the fabulous Karl and Ruis.

Resolutions Meme -- and Purring for Maobert and Annie!

2008-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by my best friend-fluffcousin-sister Gretchen for the Resolutions Meme.

Here are the rules:

When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions we seem to fall into four categories:

1. quite serious about them,
2. be flippant about them,
3. do it because we feel pressured to, or
4. do not do them.
So, the purpose of this little game is to let us know which category you are in.

Can I fall in two categories? *smile*

Category One: Sometimes I do New Year's resolutions when I'm particularly moved to do so -- and I'm very serious about these. Ergo, I have one serious resolution for this year:

I resolve to write more poetry for my darling mancat Mickey (Mickeybear) Mantle. *smile*

Category Two: And sometimes I make resolutions about which I'm flippant. My flippant resolution for this year is:

I resolve not to shred the paper towels when Mom and Dad aren't looking.

I wish I could keep the paper towel resolution; alas, sometimes the temptation to shred is just too much for me.

For the Resolutions Meme, I'll tag my Mickeybear and my sweet friend Chase.

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Oh dear me, no... we Ballicai just found out that Skeezix's big brother Maobert has been missing since Wednesday.

I'm purring as hard as I can for Mao's safe return home. My love and my heart go out to his worried family.

Update: Mao's home safe and sound, as of Sunday! What wonderful news -- we Ballicai are relieved and delighted!

Thank you to The Cat Realm for the graphic!

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A little later: I just found out that Annie, of the Krasota Castle Cats, is also missing!

Please know, Annie's family, that I'm purring with all my might for her safe return, and my love and my heart go out to you.

Happy Birthday, Precious Miss Peach!

2008-01-10T17:09:00.001-05:00

I love you, dear sister Peachy! I hope you're having a delightful day, full of joy and fun and friendship. And there's a fabulous birthday tea party for Miss Peach on Karl and Ruis's luxurious cruise ship! Come one, come all -- I'll see you there!

Whapping Wednesday

2008-01-09T00:32:00.000-05:00

Miles and Sammy, at Meezer Tails, came up with a purrfectly delightful idea -- Whapping Wednesday! And today, they're sharing all kinds of tips on whapping. What to whap. What's most fun to whap. The joy of whapping, for whapping's sake. And while I am a calm and serene ladycat who doesn't whap very many things, there is one thing I love to whap:

Coffee stirrers!

It's funny, how all us Ballicai have a thing about coffee stirrers. We simply cannot resist a coffee stirrer poking up out of a mug. We... simply... must... WHAP IT!

Singing (to the tune of "We Will Rock You" by Queen): "We will... we will.. WHAP THEM!!! We will... we will... WHAP THEM!!!"

Mom and Dad play the Coffee Stirrer Game with us, as shown in this video of me and Mom:

All Hail Whapping Wednesday! Everykitty, go find something fun to whap. *giggle*

Mellow Monday

2008-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Mom's having too fun with the video feature on her camera! She likes this little clip because it shows my profile well, and she says I have a profile to SQUEE for *smile*.

Sparkly Saturday

2008-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Myspace Glitter Graphics

Thankful Thursday

2008-01-03T01:42:00.001-05:00

Mom has been working on declutterizing the house, and I'm thankful, because it means there are new, nifty places for me to hang out! Like, for instance, the top of the refrigerator.

I think I could learn to like it up here! *smile*

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been marvelous at Dr. Tweety's New Year's Eve Party! The ham is delicious, and the duck is to purr for... here I am, licking my lips!

And here's a video of me sprucing myself up for the party, all decked out in the beautiful blingy collar Mickeybear got me! Mickeybear darling, I'll send you a kiss at midnight, *purrrr*!

Happy New Year, everyone! I love you all, and I look forward to more fun, friendship, and cat blogging in 2008. I wish you, every one, the best New Year ever! And I promise, I will get around to visiting everyone's blogs as soon as I can.

Snuggly Sunday

2007-12-30T00:34:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of Mom petting me! If her camera had sound, you'd hear me purr.

My darling Mickeybear -- Mom took off my beautiful black collar to give me a good brushing -- we Ballicai got a Zoom Groom as one of our Christmas presents. Mom will put the collar back on me for New Year's Eve. I am so excited *smile*!

Floofy (and Funny) Friday

2007-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today, I thought I'd share a picture of my Whitester Cousin! Mom got to play with her over Christmas. Her name is Pebbles, and she is a beautiful Maltese - Pomeranian doggie! She lives with my Uncle and Aunt (Mom's brother and sister-in-law). Pebbles does laser eyes well, too!

And speaking of eyes... isn't that a funny look on Mom's face? Her eyes are usually open wider than that, but I rather suspect since she's eating chocolate cheesecake and chocolate ice cream in that picture, that's her Bowled Over By Chocolate Look! Hmmm. I wonder if I look like that when I eat my Fancy Feast stinky goodness?

Here's another picture of my cousin, Pebbles. Do you see a family resemblance?

The Book of Pictures and Poems is from Mickeybear!

2007-12-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Guess what! The lovely book of poems and pictures I received a few days ago is indeed from my precious mancat, my darling Mickeybear. My heart is filled to overflowing! What a treasure. I'll cherish it forever!

And I thought I'd share some pictures of what the book looks like inside. The book is filled with poems Mickeybear wrote to me, and they are interspersed with pictures of the two of us!

It is laid out beautifully -- depending on the length of the poem, font sizes range from large to smaller, but everything is purrfectly lovely and easy for me to read. *smile*

Mickeybear, look at this -- you are snuggling with two of me! *giggle*

Oh, Mickeybear -- you make me swooooooooon...... you look so handsome lounging on your wall. I love reading your poems to me. They -- and you -- fill me with joy, peace, and contentment!

I especially love this picture -- Mickeybear, we look like we are snuggling together! And we are snuggling together, every day, in my heart and in my dreams.

Here's a picture of one of the longer poems. It fits beautifully on the page in its smaller font, yet it's still very easy to read.

*giggle*, Mickeybear -- the book contains so many precious memories, so many wonderful things we've enjoyed and shared in together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear!

And I, your adoring Kittypie, look forward to sharing more fun, friendship, love, poetry, parties, and precious times with you in 2008!

=-=

We Ballicai have received two more beautiful Christmas cards! Here is the one that Adan and Michico sent. What a lovely picture of you, Adan! Thanks to you and Michico for your sweet card. What delightful friends you are!

And here's a card from Gretchen and Mike the Mysterious! Their card features a charming holiday poem about friendship -- how kitties might become friends with mice and lizards!

Mike, you're looking well -- I hope you have restful holidays and find yourself refreshed when you resume your world travels.

And dear Gretchen, precious friend of the heart and cousin and sister, you are looking stunningly beautiful -- I feel like you're here, snuggling and napping with me. Wouldn't a sistersnuggle be a wonderful thing! *smile*

We Ballicai will try to do some visiting, but we probably won't be able to blog again until after Christmas. So I want to wish everyone a lovely, happy, merry holiday season, and I wish you the happiest of Happy New Years in 2008!

Mom Wrote a New Short Story About Me!

2007-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

She wrote it as part of a Holiday Flash Fiction Carnival, hosted by her writer friend Bunnygirl.

Go here to check out the story: "New Year's Eve."

It's a fictionalized to take place around New Year's, but the premise behind the story is true. Even though, according to Mom, I'm the biggest snuggledy-buggledy cat she's ever known, and I'm a lap cat to the point that I'm a Velcro cat, I've never slept in the bed with Mom and Dad at night.

And a few nights ago, after many nights of looking at Mom and Dad longingly from the sewing machine table, I got into bed with them. I've been snuggling with them every night since. In her short story, Mom speculates on what might have been working in my mind.

Here's an excerpt:

Tonight is New Year’s Eve. It’s time to change my ways.

Not that I’m a bad cat. Quite the opposite. I’m a well-behaved cat. Mom tells me so all the time. Marilyn, she likes to say, you’re such a good, good girl. The only thing I do, once in a while, that’s naughty is to shred the paper towels while Mom and Dad are sleeping

And sometimes I’m crabby with my brothers and sister. But for an eleven-year-old kitty girl who spent the first ten years of her life as an only cat, I do remarkably well in the “other cats” department.

No, my New Year’s resolution is more subtle. I’ve lived with Mom and Dad for a year, but I’ve never slept in bed with them. Ten years of hearing “No” formed a habit that’s hard to break.

I want to break the habit.

But every time I find myself on the verge of taking the leap – pun intended – I hear Mabel, the lady with whom I lived for the first ten years of my life, saying, “No.”

Way Cool Wednesday!

2007-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

What a fine day -- we Ballicai got a fabulous gift package from Monty Q. and a lovely holiday card from The Furry Kids. Thank you so much, dear friends!

MaoMao posted pictures on his blog of him and Dorydoo and Brainball checking everything out (and a video of Brainball playing, *smile*).

Also, I got a special gift of my very own! The envelope was labeled Shutterfly, so I can't tell who the sweet friend was who sent me this. Was it you, darling Mickeybear, or was it a mutual friend of ours?

The gift is a special book of photos of me and Mickeybear and a compilation of his poems to me. Isn't that just precious? In the photo, you can see that my new friend Norma Jeane is showing it to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet benefactor! I will always cherish and treasure this precious, precious book.

And are you ready to laugh...? One of the gifts in the package from Monty Q. was a play glove. Mom and Dad wear it on their hands, and we Ballicai play with the fingers! How fun!

Except... I must confess that when Dad and I played, at first I thought the glove was a Marilyn Scritching Device instead of a toy. Here's a video of me figuring out what it really was... *giggle*!