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Vivian’s View From Here: Business as Usual

Hi, everyone!

Vivian K. Perry here, sharing a pic of me sneaking a catnap during a busy afternoon at the office.

I’m pleased to report that my sutures were taken out on Tuesday—thank you, Nurse Marilyn—the dreaded Elizabethan collar/cone has been tossed, and life has mostly returned to normal.

My sister Maisie and I don’t get to go outdoors nearly as much now; that’s the only downside.

But I have bounced back from my vicious attack last month, and I’m more than grateful to resume my usual workaday routine.

    Wishing you all

      a purr-fect Sunday!

🐾

🐾

 

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On the Mend

Vivian in happier times

Our dear little Vivian is recuperating from a coyote attack. At least that is our best guess, after her vet in Gander said the wounds under her tail came from four large canine teeth, too large to be another cat, weasel or mink.

There are no roaming dogs in the vicinity, but there have been plenty of coyote sightings around the shore and right here in Newtown. Needless to say, our cats will never go out in the evening or night again. After almost nine years of outdoor escapades since we moved here from the city, this is the first time anything like this has happened. Darn coyotes!

Chelsea the vet sedated her, stitched her up, and administered an antibiotic dose good for two weeks. We gave her anti-inflammatory medicine for seven days and oodles of TLC.

Her sutures come out on Wednesday, and we can’t wait. The past eleven days have been tough, mostly due to the joys of the Elizabethan collar. Vivian was depressed at first, but a few days ago she snapped back to her old silly self, chasing Maisie around the house. So funny to see Maisie run away, apparently spooked by the contraption on her sister’s head (she usually play-fights back).

Everything will work out, Vivian. We’re so grateful we didn’t lose you.

And I’m sure you have at least five or six lives left in you yet.

A little sisterly moral support from Maisie
A get well card and goodie bag from our friend Libby. Warm thanks to all for the calls and get well messages.

Two Bees or Not Two Bees…

…that is the question.
I took this random photo the other day, but didn’t notice what I had captured until later.

At first, I thought I was seeing two bees on the arms of the chairs, but a closer look clearly shows a bee flying and casting his shadow below.

Two bees or not two bees? Nope, just the one. Please pardon the play on words, but it is Father’s Day after all, and my dad always loved a good pun or a clever turn of phrase.

Miss you always, Dad!
❤ ❤ ❤

Happy Father’s Day
to all the wonderful dads today!

Fridays and Final Drafts

Crunch time is here for my latest novel.

I’m nearing the end of the final draft, which means my beta readers will soon whisk away my manuscript for their constructive perusal. The timing couldn’t be better.

With the weather finally improving, I look forward to a couple of months to recharge and get ready for the next steps.

Friday turned out to be a super nice day. So mid-afternoon, I tore myself away from the laptop to step outside into sunshine, breathe the soft ocean breeze, and enjoy the view.

I think Maisie had the same idea.

“Does this camera angle make me look fat?”
Finally looking like summer around here!
“Stay out longer with me next time, please?”

It wasn’t easy to go back inside, but when you can see the finish line, it gives you more incentive to keep working. And once that line is crossed? Rest assured, Maisie–I will stay out with you much longer then.

“Best advice on writing I’ve ever received. Finish.”
~ Peter Mayle

In Praise of Librarians

– Display at Mt. Pearl Library, NL

 

I love public libraries and I use our local one often. The latest book I’ve borrowed is The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, the bestselling young adult novel of all time.

I think working in a library must be one of the coolest jobs there is. Most bibliophiles would probably agree.
One of my favourite librarians is also a fellow blogger. Barbara Vitelli, a.k.a. Book Club Mom, reviews books, interviews authors, and if you click on her link, you just might follow her too.

Do you frequent your local library? Do tell!

Rise and Shine

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Look who’s here wanting me to get up.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~ Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Philosopher

Smiley Cat

Thanks for the wake-up call, Vivian.  But first let me wipe the sleep – and the cat hair – from my eyes!

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge:  View from the Side
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge:  Cute Factor

Photographs and Memories

New Melbourne Point
New Melbourne Point

Back in late January, I accompanied my husband Paul on a work trip to Old Perlican. This Newfoundland community is where my children attended elementary school and is very close to the tiny outport where they grew up. My son was born in the cottage hospital there during a January blizzard.

On the way home from the work trip, I snapped a picture of New Melbourne Point, shown above.

This view brings back a torrent of vivid memories. It’s so familiar and dear to me because my parents lived there for many years, also while my children were small. Their house, which Dad built when they moved from the city, is hidden behind the trees in the center of the photo. It is now someone’s summer home.

Once a week, this scene came into view as I drove up the shore to visit Mom and Dad, and whenever I shopped – or worked – in Mom’s little store in New Melbourne, Carrie’s Grocery and Confectionery.

❤ My babies, way back when ❤

No matter how many years go by,
I still miss those treasured visits.
Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day, Mom.
– Has it really been seven years?

Sending Mother’s Day wishes out to all the lovely moms today!

Guest Post: Maisie and Vivian

Hey, everyone! Maisie and Vivian here. We’re thrilled to share an evergreen guest post on our friend Buddy’s blog, Foster Cat Chats. Check it out!

brendablagdon's avatarFoster Cat Chats

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If only people were a little more like us.
Quiet, serene, affectionate beings…

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Maisie

…who understand the need of one-on-one comfort,
as well as solitude.

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 Vivian

We totally understand why you enjoy nature…

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…and we love to tag along.

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Cats look at you a certain way.

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We purr,
give you a nuzzle…

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…or a  head bunt,
to show how much we love you.

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We don’t act as if we love you, then withhold it…

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…and cats don’t care how much money you have.
Your company is what we want the most.

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We don’t like it when things come between us…

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…and we love you…

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Sun Catching

vintage cat suncatcher

I found this vintage sun catcher last year at the Karma Kafe here in Newtown.  Naturally,
I had to add her to my cat collection. Notice the tiny moon on her left.

Another vintage sun catcher -yours truly 🙂 – is going on vacation in the sunny south.  I’m overdue for a break from screens, blogging, and social media, so I’ll see you in a couple of weeks!

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Are You More Creative in the Morning?

newtown Sunrise
Sunrise in Newtown, Bonavista Bay
Newtown sunrise 2
Ten minutes later

 Research has proven the brain is most actively creative immediately following sleep.

Your subconscious mind wanders and makes connections while you sleep. That is what creativity is – making connections between different parts of the brain.

This makes sense to me. I think my writing is better and more productive in the morning.

Yet I hear some writers and creatives say they are more attuned to creating in the afternoon, evening or night. Is it simply a matter of being a morning person or a night owl?

Still others say they have no choice but to write whenever they can find the time.

When do you do your best creative work?