Before I wrote Charlotte Collins, I was–and still am–a freelance editor employed by contract by two small presses. As a freelancer, my motto has always been “feast or famine.” Either I had too much work or none at all. So if work came along during holidays, I had to take it.
This year, however, I decided to take the week of Christmas off. It feels so decandent to take time off, and so, I’ve decided to have a week of whimsy here on Skidding in Sideways. No serious talk. Just fun.
So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to my writing partner: Puttytat.
Puttytat literally showed up on our doorstep one winter night seven years ago. She was extremely skittish–and is still terrified of most other humans–but apparently, my husband and I were deemed acceptable, and she moved herself in. Actually, she took over the household. She also played a large role in the writing of Charlotte Collins; she sat in my lap for most of its composition and made sure I remained in front of the computer through several drafts. Her self-appointed task is to keep our property varmint-free, a job that she takes very seriously. She patrols the perimeter of our yard daily, and sometimes, she leaves us gifts on the sidewalk. She has assassinated bugs, lizards, mice, moles, birds, skinks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and a bat. (Still trying to figure out how she got the bat.) She also fulfills the roles of alarm clock, court jester, and lap warmer.
I am so thankful that Puttytat decided to make us her humans.
2 thoughts on “Week of Whimsy: Meet My Cat”
How lucky your family and Puttytat found each other.
My heart and home have been blessed with cat companions for more than 30 years and I can’t imagine life without any of them. One was my nanny, who with the exception of grabbing a bit to eat or a short potty-break, never left my side whenever I was home sick and would lick away my tears when some boy broke my heart; one made me her toy (SHE told ME when she wanted to play), and one was my “loverboy” — not only followed me everywhere but needed to be physically attached to me (a paw or tail draped across me) at all times. All, with joyful abandon, assisted with changing bed linens (made sure ALL creases were identified and flattened) and have been the most efficient alarm clocks (some by song, others with a tap on the eye lid).
Dali and Jasmine send wishes of a catnip-filled stocking for Puttytat .
Merry Chirstmas!
K-
Kerri, I was always a dog person, but Puttytat has changed my mind. She is just as playful as a dog. Like your kitty, she lets me know when it’s time to play by leaping out at me from beneath or behind things and then chasing me around the house while I scream. Right now, it’s nap time, and she’s sleeping inside her kitchen cabinet: one that I keep empty of food and utensils and such. It’s her hidey hole in bad weather, and because it’s over a heater vent, it’s her preferred place to nap on cold days.
I prefer the song alarms to the swatter to the eyelid variety. But I really enjoy the licking the hair technique. Nothing like waking to a cat hacking on a wad of YOUR OWN hair. LOL
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