Waste not the sun
In and out the window her thoughts flew.
The opening sensed rather than seen.
Air across skin.
She would not turn to look. No reserves left. Waited sphinx-like.
Without looking, she knew he was there . Predicted that. Hoped for, in reality.
And there he was. Perfect.
Promises were made. What chance they would be kept? (1922/USPD:pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Crouched stiffly, she didn’t want to turn her head. Fearful.
Knowing so many years.
Not wanting the fur to fly again.
What had that been about? No matter. That long since faded.
He was so still. Although he always was the watching searching-for-answers kind.
They had raced the sun. And caught each other.
He, still, and she, shy.
They found themselves warming.
He, toughened from wandering, always danced close to the edge – trusting in the kindness of others.
She, standing back, could only stare with fearful eyes. Unable to take a step
Sometimes openness is too great a risk. ©
Eventually, she had to walk on alone. Not unexpected, but…
For so long.
At times, she felt he was near. And she dreamed of what if only…
But she’d settled for work – and companionship.
For so long.
Yet, now another chance?
Time danced on.(1916″Paragon/Photoplay/ USPD.pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
She dared not turn her head.
No longer the slim sleek runner.
No longer the sultry tango partner.
Bony. Dry. Tired.
Her shoulder bunched to her ears.
She sunk into herself.
Worn.
Maybe he’d not see. Just leave.
His silken summons wrapped around her – calling.
“Come, Chère. I’ve waited long enough.”
And he brushed her cheek. Coaxed her to standing.
She lifted her eyes and began to apologize – for not being strong enough. Emotionally, then. Physically now.
His throaty chuckle stopped her.
A Tigress in her day – and still in her heart.
(Adjie and her lions.1899/US PD.pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
He waited patiently as she lifted a paw in amazement:
Smooth fur whirls with bright sharp points peeked through.
And she moved once again as flowing moonlight chasing clouds.
Unable to speak, she head butted him. Which made him laugh. He, her Perfect.
He was right. They would manage without her.
Softly, they slipped out the window together. Both their lists being done.
You see him waiting? It’s OK to go.©
Dreams begun.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
It happens in threes, you know.
Robin, Lauren, and now Granny who slipped quietly through the open window late yesterday having finished her list:
Permission has been granted for The German to assume the title of Resident Canine of Her Realm until the appropriate candidate appears and has matured enough to assume the heavy duties of Resident Cat of the Realm.
Granny dictated the traditional Words of Wisdom before she left. Now to become part of the Olde Wisdom to be passed down through generations:
Waste not the sun. Bask.
Be with those with you, for eventually they will not be.
Perception is all that matters. She always saw herself like this. (1920.Reutlinger/US PD:pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Pervious words of Granny may be found here:
- Warning: Granny bites.
- Not the ankle, Granny. No!
- Ancient Granny speaks. (Without noticeable bite)
- Higgledy-piggledy foolishness. RC regrets.
And the reality…ballerina toes and all (Don’t let those delicate toes fool you. One tough Granny. RIP) ©
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Sweet dreams, Granny.
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Granny spent almost 15 years of her life training her Person and Person’s German. Quite a chore. Rest well deserved. Thanks for pawsing to wish her on her way
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This has been such a time of loss. But the sun always rises. All best to you and the German.
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The German is confused (one reason Granny came here – to escape a huge dog nose prodding her to check on her) and Granny’s Person is terribly sad, but Granny had a lovely life. Bound to be some brilliant sunsets in her honor. Thanks for musing along
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So sorry for your loss. She was a great one!
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Her Person (it was truly a good pet-owner match) is very sad. We were able to call her so they were able to say their goodbyes.The German is doing her best to console Person. But it was a gentle passing. Thanks for the tiny salute
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You were kind to take of her in for her last days. I know she loved the sunny room much to RC’s dismay. or was it Molly?
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Fortunately the sun has rotated and there was a lovely sun baking area available for RC in her suite…otherwise…the annoyed hissing and growling would have escalated. As it was RC is still loudly hissing as she passes that doorway…just in case. My dad took it seriously that man had dominion over the fowl in the air and beasts of the field….like Adam – if you name them, they’re yours and you are responsible for their whole life. So any cats, lurking around out there looking for a vacancy: no names for you! Thanks for wishing Granny on her way
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You Dad was a wise man and I understand about naming them. If they get a name here, they stay forever.
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This gave me paws for thought as Tomcat Fightback perches himself on the sofa next to me
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They are like furniture – until they are not. Granny was so wise. Thanks and Purrs in Peace!
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Likewise!
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Now Perfect no longer has to wait on the curb for one that he loves and Granny is with her Perfect partner. I am so sad for her loss and will miss the stories of this elegant (occasionally cantankerous) tiger.of a Grand Dame.
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I just want to make sure that the “Vacancy” sign is up in front of Person’s and the German’s house not here! (you know the word is out…Granny probably made sure of that…)
RC Cat has been mostly gracious, but a little freaked out. It would be back to normal around here…if it was ever normal around here…Thanks for taking in the sun over here for a bit
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I don’t think that “Vacancy” sign ever gets turned off, once the word is out that there is a safe and loving home – even for those who offer up the occasional Bed & Breakfast retreat when Person’s are away. They know good places when they find them.
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Even if we wear masks? (giggles…I think you are probably right…closing drapes…is that RC waving at someone…oh, dear. Thanks for the warning!
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I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through. – Jules Verne
Vaya con Dios, Granny.
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Jules Verne saw far in much of his writing. What a great quote. Thanks for wishing her on her way
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A nod in Granny’s passing. Such a loveable cantankerous feline.
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I am so not a cat person, but there was something about that Granny. Thanks for a little salute
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Hi there
It is with pleasure that I nominate you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can read the post about this on my blog
Best, Angie K
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(Back, back – it’s not for you)…sorry, some of the, uh, characters here assume the honor is for them. So appreciative at being given this honor. Will hop over shortly to your blog. Thanks again!
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:-))
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Absolutely beautifully written!! God bless you Granny! I think you inspired Philosophermouse more than you realize!! Funny how the artists of the world are always cat lovers! (dog lovers too!) May your kitty be buried safely forever in your heart!
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Granny did manage to make appearances here (if you knew her personality, nothing dared stand in her way…literally). Actually she belonged to Person (who also owns the German who also stops by from time to time) but Granny visited when Person had to be somewhere for some time. No way an aristocrat like her could be dumped in a cage for a single minute. She’s needed constant care recently, and was comfortable here in hospice. (I do hope she’s not planning to swipe at my ankles from the beyond…but wouldn’t put it past her…) Appreciate you watching out for Granny.
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Oh! And great pics too, absolutely great!
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Thanks for all the encouragement and kind words!
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Beautifully written, very passionate.
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Granny deserved nothing less. Thanks
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My heart goes out to Granny. She had a loving home and people who cared, hopefully she’ll find peace. It is always so sad when a little one passes on. I cried. Good-bye Granny, perhaps we’ll meet again.
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Granny had a long happy life with her Person. Few realize how far and wide the two had traveled – ven to the ski slopes (Granny had to go along to keep an eye on those slopes and snowflakes – and if there was a fire place to lounge around, she was quite happy holding a salon.) She had been becoming increasingly frail – something that annoyed her as she attempted to teach the Molly manners all last week. (Do not talk until you are talked to, Molly….) A good life well lived. Thanks for wishing well on her journey
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My condolences on your loss. Good-bye Granny.
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Granny’s Person is pretty sad as they had been together for almost 15 years. But as many cats do, Granny decided it was time, stopped eating, drinking, and said her goodbyes before quietly slipping away.
Now if we can only make sure RC isn’t signaling there’s a vacancy at the German’s house….
Thanks for waving Granny on
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So sorry to hear it. 😦 What a lovely post in her honor though.
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RC is quite miffed Granny is still getting so much attention…accusing Staff of being overly dramatic. Although she did agree all RCs require a memory tribute of the highest standards. A day of basking has been designated for the Realm in Granny’s honor. Enjoy the respite and thanks for the kind words.
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Awww. 😦 I’m so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful post honoring her. I shall remember to bask and to be with those with me. Thank you.
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Long life well lived. Thanks for honoring a gentle soul
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R.I.P. Granny. A beautiful eulogy to mark her life as her sprit passes to the ethers to join her loved ones before her. While sad it’s lovely to know she had a good life and will be missed. It’s interesting how our cats take care of earthly business from the other side, even now decades later I still feel their influence 🙂
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Their paws (and fur) reach into forever. She’d smile at your comment. Thanks
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The Realm will continue and Granny will be part of the legacy. Enjoy the never-ending sunny spots, Granny…
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One tough little cat that backed down from nothing. Certainly an left much to ponder. Appreciate the kind words
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I meant,” said Ipslore bitterly, “what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?”
Death thought about it.
CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.”
~ Terry Pratchett, “Sourcery”
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This is wonderful. So appreciate this new-to-me quote. Thanks
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You are more than welcome!
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Yep, this.
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wonderfully written…like a magical moment where our imagination dwells freely in the Realm. goodbye Granny until we all see you on the other side…enjoy the catnip fields.
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Her paws are light and quick again. Only joy. Thanks for seeing her off with a kindness
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I can’t even imagine the sense of loss. We never know how large they truly are until they’re gone, and it seems as if the space left could be all-consuming. Perhaps, perhaps… we’ll hear reports of a Cat of the Basking-Ville. We’ll know who it is. 😉
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We visited the German at her home – and she greeted us,then seemed to be looking to see if we had a cat carrier with her buddy in it. While she enjoys getting all the attention in her realm, it still seems like someone’s missing…they only fought like cats and dogs when people were around…for appearances.
Perhaps like you say, there’s a never ending sunny basking spot now occupied. Thanks for that grin
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We liked slipped out of the window. Pippa Houdini currently admires any slipping out of anywhere. But we are concerned about the German becoming an honorary RC temporarily. Surely the German should take on this role permanently. Dignity, gravitas, experience, the German has it all.
We have a clear pecking order here now. Snows snaps at my feet. Pippa snaps at snows. Partner snaps at me. No one snaps at Pippa = Pippa at the top, me at the bottom. And therein lies a lesson. The nice dogs end up on top…
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Especially large nice dogs, Pippa. (noting that a certain Molly is sneaking into the bed early in the morning once RC vacates her spot….and if Molly sprawls across the doorway late at night, RC goes elsewhere to sleep – which leaves a vacant spot on the bed that must be filled when no one is awake to notice. Strategic politics)
The German has arranged a summit this weekend here to examine the possibilities. Molly is already working on supporting statements. (More will be revealed as available)
The German and Molly appreciate the encouragement. Thanks for reinforcing lesson.
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So sorry to hear of Granny’s passing. There seems to be something afoot in the universe as so many of my blog buddies are saying a temporary farewell to their four-legged friends and companions.
The German will have greater responsibilities now, but I’m sure the Person’s realm is in good paws. Wishing you all warming memories of the good times shared with Granny.
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A life well lived is to be celebrated. Thanks for wishing her well
(and The German is appreciative of your encouragement.)
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