In less than a year we lost three cats, Binky, Butter, then Betty. Sometimes it felt like too much to bear. As luck would have it we had Barney, an outdoor cat hanging around. Barney was here when we moved in and he came with our house. Barney has probably been suffering his own personal loss; someone left him here when they moved. Barney is a true manx cat and very independent but also friendlier than we thought he was. We're so fortunate to have him here; he is the new king of the house. A while ago we started letting him in the house a few minutes at a time to be sure he didn't "mark" his territory. As you can see he has made himself at home.
At first when Barney came in the house he looked and looked everywhere for Butter. He'd look behind the bed, then he'd look under the bed. He sniffed every piece of furniture and looked in every nook and cranny. Many times I had to open closet doors just to let him look around. Every day he'd come in and make his rounds looking and looking. Even though the two male cats didn't get along, looking back, I guess they were friends. I washed sheets and towels trying to rid the scent of Butter so Barney wouldn't look for him so much. It was so sad seeing him sniff everywhere around the house looking for Butter. His incessant looking brought up my own feelings of loss.
There's a lesson here for us humans. Perhaps you don't care for a neighbor, maybe you have a friend you can take or leave, possibly a relative or two. How do you think you'll feel when they're gone? You might miss them more than you thought you ever would. They might be more of a friend than you realize. Something to ponder; something to think about. I guess Barney is our new friend, someone for us to love and care for. Had another great day at the market today; I appreciate all my new pottery customers and collectors. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Barney is a beautiful boy. I am partial to silver tabbies. And Marmalade tabbies. and Black and Whites. And calicoes. So pleased you had another good day at the market.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, thanks, never heard the term marmalade tabbies, love that.
DeleteBarny is a lovely boy. Jazz n Jewel don't really *like* each other - but neither of them will settle if the other one is outside.
ReplyDeleteLovely that you are having good days at the market - and they will only get better as Christmas looms.
Hi Sue, thanks, so happy for all the visitors to my booth.
DeleteBarney is a good looking cat. Looks like he found himself a home... and is settling right in. Good for him (and good for you'all)!
ReplyDeleteHi Rian, thanks, yes good for both
DeletePoor Barney. For sure he would be missing his mate. Barney is a good looking fellow...and he's very lucky he has you...and vice versa. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, thanks, he's having a great time playing with a cat toy we've gotten for him, a squeaky mouse on the end of a string.
DeleteHow terrific that you have given such a sweet looking fellow a home. Perhaps he was waiting for the right person to come before choosing a home. Which is only further proof that we don't choose cats; they choose us!
ReplyDeleteToes crossed for continued success at your market!
Hi Suzi, thanks, things happen for a reason, yes they choose us.
DeleteSo true. You don't know what you are missing until it is gone.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, thanks, hopefully I can learn a lesson from Barney
DeleteGood to hear of your sales going well. Our tourists are in a lull until the fall colors come...but we've got some steady favorites around. Love to meet the new king. Yes, everything is in change and impermanent.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb, thanks, yes all is in change and impermanence.
DeleteAww...Handsome Barney, how nice that he chose to settle down with you and Gary. He knows you will love and treat him well. I am partial to Barney, as that is my Dad's name, I've probably told you that before.
ReplyDeleteGlad your sales are going well.