Riley’s Recovery

So, if you read my previous post, you know that we rescued another cat late Sunday evening/early Monday morning. She is actually adjusting well. Which, to be honest, most cats love it at our house. I have prayed many times to be blessed with abundance to be able to care for cats that need to overcome trauma and become more social. This is certainly the case with Riley. We gave her back her original name from when she was a kitten, before she was adopted. It fits her better and she seems happy to hear it. In all of this, I choose to send a lot of love to her previous owner that abandoned her, although it is hard. I think of all of the animals in this world that are left in much worse conditions. I try to send out good intentions to all animals in the world every day. Right now, for whatever reason, Riley is with us and I am unsure for how long. She is purring now and used the bathroom last night. She does like to roll over and let me pet her belly. Loud noises are very scary to her but she has been holding her head up and looking about trying to see what is going on. She did lay in my lap last night in the living room while a movie was on and didn’t seem to be too bothered by the sound. I want her to understand that life is safe and it’s ok to hear noises that are associated with security. Just because we have the tv or music on does not mean it is going to be scary. When I picked her up, the house she lived looked like a frat house. It was no place for a cat and had some bad energy. We both felt it. Now, if you have an animal that is transitioning, please don’t give up! I have been using Bach Flower Rescue Remedy along with Jackson Galaxy Flower Essence. We also used lavender essential oil in a diffuser and plugged it into the room she is sleeping in to keep her calm. I even went as far as to play a calming CD that was designed for cats that are entering a vet office or shelter. It was very helpful. We keep the window cracked so she can hear nature. So far it is going well. Although I did find myself up at 230 am wondering what was going to happen with her and how we got into this situation again. I am a “lifer” and when I rescued the kittens last summer, I knew it would be a forever thing as long as I was alive…even if they were adopted out. So far, I have had to go back for 3 of them. It’s ok though because I am happy to do it. Thankfully my mom is just as crazy as I am about animals and took in 2 of them. I do trust God to bring about the right situation for all of us. I am keeping my faith. I am happy as can possibly be for her right now. Thankfully B has been super supportive because I am sure the last thing he wants is another cat but he loves her too. Thanks for all of the support. To all of you animal rescuers out there…you know…there are no words. We all have a mutual respect for each other and a huge love for each other. Keep doing what you are doing. Love those babies!!!

What’s for dinner?

I ask my preschool kids this everyday. I don’t know why. I suppose it’s just small talk like when you ask someone how they are doing. Sometimes you don’t hear the answer but it’s almost like you are saying “hey, how are ya?”. Anyway, their answers are always spaghetti. I can relate because sometimes after working as a preschool teacher by day and health counselor in the evening, I am pooped so I am looking to make something easy in the evening. Lord knows if I left it up to bf then it would be frozen pizza or oatmeal (sometimes it is). I really only have time to make new meals and experiment on the weekends. This year I decided to make a greater effort to share my love of food with everyone and finally all of the pieces are coming together so that I can do that. It’s slowly but surely coming along and….I love it. If I had to do one thing for the rest of my life, it would be to make food for people. I love to put ingredients together and create and for me, it’s all about the presentation. I love to celebrate holidays and have themed food to go along with the decor of a party. I love it all! Now, if my pesky jobs wouldn’t get in the way of that now. I am truly grateful to have a job that I love but I don’t want to do it forever. I would rather be in my kitchen with my apron, spatula and notebook experimenting much like a scientist with his beakers and lab coat. Yes, that’s me. Of course, I love to eat the food too. I suppose that would be the job I would pick, to be a professional food taster, then baker/cook/blogger would come in close second. So, what’s for dinner tonight? For me, frozen organic ravioli, salad with organic sprouts and steamed broccoli. Not too creative but easy, clean and still delicious. You gotta do what you gotta do when you are a hard working lady.
In other news…here is a picture of a cat (my baby. rescued feral. Leela aka Baby Lee)