Saturday, June 9, 2012

Here, kitty kitty...

A few days ago, I snapped this. Meet the feline gang...

From the far end, we have: Susie (looking to see what's going on), Tigger, Willow, Magic (just discernible by her pink collar) and Tubbs.

Nothing remarkable, it would appear. It's feeding time at the zoo, and they are all at the trough.

But this photo is remarkable to me, because this is the first time I've ever seen them all together in one place at one time.

We often get three or four of them in a room together, or out on the drive in the sun, but never all five. Even at mealtimes.

This is a unique moment.

My creativity is a bit like that, too. Writing, editing, critiquing, blogging... In a week, I might do one or two, occasionally three but badly. But these things all demand focus from me and are better kept separated.

At least one of you out there has noticed that my blogging is going through a quiet phase. And it's true.

At the moment, my writing muse is focussed on making life difficult for Shayla Carver. I have a few scenes to strengthen, to disrupt the easy ride she has in places. While I've been doing that, I just haven't been getting ideas to blog about.

And I'm not going to force the issue either. If an idea comes to mind, I'll post it, but blogging should be a joy not a chore, which is why I've never set myself a schedule. I'm still here, visiting and commenting from time to time, but most of the time I'm chasing the muse and the momentum to finish Ghosts and get querying again.

Here, kitty kitty...

30 comments:

Joanne Noragon said...

I spent years thinking orange tigers were best, but in retrospect, it's the black and white's I remember most fondly.

Anonymous said...

Tubs eh? Hmmm...I wonder why lol. What a lovely fluffy grouping of kitties.
Good luck with your writing. We'll all be here when you have time again.

Jean Davis said...

Holy bunches of cats! Glad to hear your focused on writing. We all need to do that from time to time. :)

Botanist said...

Joanne, I've never been fond of ginger cats, but Tigger is really sweet.

Delores, the odd thing is that Tubbs wasn't especially large when we got him. He's kinda grown into his name.

Jean, even now I'm not as focused as I'd like to be, but I am making progress.

Danette said...

I totally get what your saying. I have had quieter patches way back there when I had about 10 followers but this time it's because I am more interested in writing other things than blogging and blogging does take up a lot of time for a working mom with a kid going into high school. But writing is the goal after is it not? So pop in whenever and wherever. I understand why!

Lindsey R. Loucks said...

I love your kitties - they look so cute! I've been writing quite a bit lately because I never have time during the school year. My blogging ideas, as you can probably tell, come to me about five seconds before I start typing them. It's just not my priority.

Enjoy your writing time!

Botanist said...

Danette, thanks for your understanding. Blogging does indeed take a lot of time, which I am trying to manage better. Wish me luck :)

Lindsey, the kitties are very cute, and as for blogging ideas - your secret's safe with me ;)

dolorah said...

I think I'm focused on everything but writing just now. It ebbs, and flows back . .

........dhole

Torggil said...

I know what you mean. And a little thing called life keeps getting in the way of it all, further weakening things like focus.

My blog has been quiet since the a to z, but I'm hoping to increase frequency.

unikorna said...

Shayla is a special lady, she'll make history one day in the world of fictitious characters. I wish you inspiration to guide her destiny using your best creative abilities :). The cats are amazing, I am always happy to admire cats :).

Botanist said...

Donna & Torggil, exactly so. It's not just blogging, it's real life. The trouble is that what little time I get I tend to fritter away on blogging when I should be writing :(

Unikorna, thanks, and I know you like cats too. Yours are very beautiful.

David Batista said...

I had no idea you had so many cats. Wow! My favorite cats are black and gray tabbies. My family's had one for as long as I can remember, always naming them "Tiger." Our last Tiger passed away a few years ago, though, and it was a real heart-breaker. We've been hesitant to get the next generation Tiger update for a while now, but I feel it's coming soon.

Oh, and yeah . . . Tubbs is a well-fed kitty! :) Good luck with Shayla's tale!

klahanie said...

Hi Ian,
I reckon with so many kitties in the house, focusing on your writing is one heck of an accomplishment. And yes, try to write, to blog at your own pace, without putting pressure on yourself.
I have shown the photo of your collection of cats to Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star.
"Penny! Get away from the screen....!"
Have a good week and continued fulfilling writing.
Gary

Botanist said...

That's sad, David. I remember my first cat, Tinker, from when I was young. When he died my parents never got another. Having so many around us now helps us keep it together when we lose one, and it's always a matter of "when", not "if" we get another.

Gary, the cats are no distraction, except at meal times :) And I'm sure they'd get along with Penny...they are used to having a dog around the house.

Kimberlee Turley said...

I might need to get a second cat soon because I'm away from the house all day since we opened our yogurt store.

My poor kitty has been sitting by the front door, waiting for me every day for the last week, when I get home.

I don't know how I'd handle 5 though. There would be so much hair to clean off the furniture! I'd need at least three vacuums.

not displayed said...

We have one spoiled cat who is usually found curled up to my son.
I agree, blogging should never be a chore so blog when you want.
I have had some trouble with my reader and had house guests so I am very behind with my reading. (confessing I hadn't known you were quiet but I am still new around here)

Botanist said...

Kimberlee, when we started collecting kitties, we were out all day too. We started off with two so they could keep each other company. Might be trickier introducing a newcomer to your household now if yours is established, but I'm sure you'll work it out.

Mynx, I want to come back as a spoiled cat in my next life. They have it sooo easy :)

Deana said...

And that is just as it should be! We blog because we write so writing comes first in my opinion:) Good luck chasing that muse!

Creepy Query Girl said...

Great group of kitties you've got there! yeah, sometimes a number of aspects need to be in alignment for me to get things done too, especially when it comes to writing.

Botanist said...

Deana, so true, but so easily forgotten :)

Katie, it can be a challenge to make room in life for those things we want to do.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Your cats are well fed!
I blog three days a week and occasionally just two. (Like this month as I work on my next book.) I won't post just to post something. Ironically I almost never lack for subject matter.

Lydia Kang said...

Blogging naturally changes over time and I think it's good to give it a rest and not force it. Otherwise, it's all work and no fun. Good luck with your writing!

Botanist said...

Alex, up until recently I rarely lacked ideas for posts, but my attention is simply elsewhere right now.

Lydia, that is true. My blogging aims have certainly changed over time.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Botanist. Many of us have quietened down our blogging, so I'm sorry I didn't notice you had too. I'm devoting more time to my novels and my flash fiction at RFWer. I try to visit everyone back who visits me. Happy writing! D.

Denise Covey said...

Sorry, I thought the kitties were super cute too!

Botanist said...

Hi Denise, I guess I already blog less frequently than many, so it's not too noticeable when I slow down :)

I've noticed a lot of bloggers taking breaks, reassessing, trying to get a handle on their writing time. It's a common complaint. I'm still out there visiting folks, just not as much as I used to.

Jennifer Hillier said...

Pssst... check my blog when you get a chance! :)

Botanist said...

Duly checked, Jennifer. Still trying to climb back on my chair where I fell off in complete shock :) Thank you so much!

Jennifer Hillier said...

Hey again! I'm probably blind, which is why I can't find your email address. Can you shoot me an email at jennifer @ jenniferhillier (dot) ca? Then I can get your gift card to you. :)

Botanist said...

LOL Jennifer! No need to check your eyes. I've just sent you an email as requested.

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