Monday/Tuesday Coffee

Yawn! Well, coffee did not happen last night. Instead I had to deal with a sickly dog and a disruptive cat.  Apologies if you were waiting at the coffee house in the ether; I had no way of contacting you as the cat had me pinned down.  It was on the fence who would win the dominant role for a while.  Fortunately, I prevailed.  The cat is now back in his room, hissing and shooting venomous stares in my direction every time I check on him.

Henry is much better, though he too, kept me busy. At one point I felt like a doorman awaiting guests at the local dog hotel. His sparkly spirit kept me smiling and the waggly tail showing appreciation made the job easier (unlike the vicious feline who has left marks all over my arms!). He has recently been a source of inspiration for my writing, what with his crazy antics and quirky nature.  Thank goodness he has stopped stealing socks and slippers, though the cuddly toys are no longer safe. Nothing says, I love you, better than regurgitated stuffed dog ears.

How has your weekend been? Did you manage to achieve your objectives from last week? I have not written enough to celebrate any achievements, but I am happy to say that, on the work front, we are now starting a book club and writing club for the children.  I’m so excited to be a part of it and hope the children become avid readers and writers from the process. It gave me an opportunity to investigate writing competitions and there are quite a few options for children.  The Children’s Anthology of Short Stories should be arriving this week or early next week and I can honestly say the children can’t wait.  Their stories captured in a book to be read by their classmates, families and friends is a huge deal.  I actually feel happier about their book than my own and never underestimate the privileged position I have in being a part of the process of developing their minds.  How wonderful to think that maybe, one day, I might know a famous author who came from our school!

That privileged position extends to right now: having the time to share a morning coffee with you whilst Henry lays stretched out across my lap and the music from La Dolce Vita plays on the television in front of me. The smell of vanilla and apple candles burning and a view of the playing field across the road with dozens of pretty seagulls tottering about, as though on holiday from the beach. Yes, this is a grand way to start my Tuesday and considering how little sleep I captured last night, I think a Peppermint tea is in order accompanied by Marmite on toast.

Join me, if you like, and let’s sit back and listen to the music together.

Out After Dark

Out on the open field where mice and hedgehogs stay, four children are playing hide and seek whilst others sleep away. Darting in and out of shadows, stifling giggles and snorts, they watch for movement and quickly scuttle to the next place before they get caught.

Some children prefer to watch television, or play on their PS4s. Not mine, oh no, they prefer the dark where only the moon glows.

“Tell their father.” some might say, “He’ll take better control.”

Alas, he is the one hunting his little ones, sending them running into the unknown. Foxes run back into their holes; pigeons shuffle their feathers to block out the laughter; teenagers sitting quietly on the bench watch the craziness they are after.  Unfortunately, their own parents are at home, not hunting children in the park.  Sitting there, on their phones – it’s not quite the same as searching for Pokemon after dark.

There’s nowhere to hide that is safe – their faithful dog is always at bay. His panting as loud as a lark, showing the hunter the way. As we sprint this way and that, carefully avoiding the cats, we find another place to hide; under the hedgerow close to the slide. Chests heaving with hearts thumping, the children disperse, forgetting bites and grazes which we’ll later nurse, once our game ends for this night; once the clouds claim the moonlight.

Time is up, everyone is found. Someone says, “Heel!” to the hound. Black and white cats draw near, once they see his lead on and it’s clear. We all head back through the grass; a slight dented pathway we must pass. Then on down the lane to our house; that’s four children, four cats, a dog and probably a mouse!

Now who could possibly wish for more – a house with an open green next door? So, if by chance you hear a noise and see six figures frolicking in a haze – that might be my family playing there.

Come and join us, if you dare!

Needles – 1st Round Entry – NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge

A gory little story written by my friend Hugh of Hugh’s Views & News. A fantastic gem of horror! Enjoy.

Spyro

Meet one of the boys. He’s black and white, not so soft and definitely doesn’t encourage cuddles unless it is on his terms. It’s Spyro, our talking teddy bear cat!

Always moaning, chatting or muttering something unintelligible, Spyro doesn’t hesitate to make his presence known. He is the most talkative cat I know. He has a quirky way of sitting with his paws crossed and a very serious face when he sulks.

Spyro loves a cuddly place to sleep and once comfortable, the talking stops and the dribbly snoring begins!

Quite the bully, he doesn’t like it if his brothers get the attention and makes sure to push his way onto my lap so that poor Kiki gets a paw in his ribs and moves off. Spyro happily settles down for a rub, satisfied he got his own way.

Michelle’s Weekly Pet Challenge

Joining in on “Michelle’s Weekly Pet Challenge” is really easy.

Simply do a blog post, with a pet (yours or anyone else’s) or an animal.

Add the challenge logo.

Drop your link to the “Mister Linky widget” on her sidebar.

The challenge runs weekly. Tuesday to Tuesday.

There are no themes, just sharing your beautiful animals with us is good enough.

Tarzan my oldest cat. “Do I look fat in this onsie?”