Remember Me Thursday: Lighting Up the Shadows

Normally, this blog is where I let my wit wander. But today, I’m setting aside the humor because this post isn’t about clever wordplay. It’s about lives. Furry, whiskered, wide-eyed lives that too often never get a chance to be remembered at all.

Before I go further, let me pause to say thank you. Some of you reading this might have already adopted a shelter pet, opened your home to a foster, or at least shared an adoption post that found its way to the right person. You are the reason tails wag, paws knead, and purrs echo in homes instead of cages.

The Cats Who Refuse to Stay in the Shadows

One of my personal connections to this cause is Samantha Martin’s Rock Cats Rescue. If you’ve ever seen the Acro-Cats in action, you know it’s not just about cat-sized pianos and skateboards. Samantha has made every curtain call a chance to save another life, turning a traveling show into a rolling adoption center. These cats go from “unwanted” to “unstoppable”—a lesson in resilience with whiskers.

The Kittens Who Deserve Tomorrow

Another bright spark is Hannah Shaw’s Orphan Kitten Club, where the smallest and most fragile are given a fighting chance. Newborn kittens, the ones most likely to be euthanized in shelters, are instead swaddled, bottle-fed, and often receive life-saving surgeries for major health problems. They are all reminded that their tiny hearts matter. Hannah’s work reminds me that “too small” is never a reason to give up.

Why I Mention Names

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: the internet is full of “rescues” and “fundraisers,” and it’s natural to be cautious. That’s exactly why I’m sharing these two names. I have a personal connection to both, having met them in person and supported their causes. That means I’ve seen firsthand the real, tangible differences they make. These aren’t feel-good scams or slick marketing plays—they’re the real deal. Consider them vetted, vouched for, and worth your trust.

Why Remember Me Thursday Matters

Every fourth Thursday in September, people around the world light candles to honor the orphan pets who never made it out of the shelters. But this day isn’t only about grief—it’s about action. Adoption, fostering, donations, volunteering, or simply telling the stories that need to be heard.

And while the statistics are heavy, the response doesn’t have to be. Every adoption is a light lit. Every life saved is proof that compassion has a ripple effect.

Carry the Flame

So, this Remember Me Thursday, light a candle if you can. Share a story. Adopt if your life allows it. Or just take a moment to remember that your past actions—yes, yours—have already shifted the odds for countless animals.

Because here’s what I know: despite the endless broadcasts of doom and gloom, kindness and compassion are alive and well. I’ve seen it—in the rescues, in the fosters, and in the people who choose adoption over apathy. And I believe that light is stronger than any shadow.

If you want to learn more or support directly, here again are the two amazing organizations I can personally vouch for:

• Rock Cats Rescue (Samantha Martin)

• Orphan Kitten Club (Hannah Shaw)

Because every flame counts, every share matters, and every adoption makes sure another life isn’t just remembered—it’s lived.

Cats, Cameras, and Compassion: A Little Love Letter to Hannah Shaw’s Cats of the World

Let’s be honest — most of us have bought at least one coffee table book purely for the pictures. (Guilty as charged.) But Cats of the World by Hannah Shaw is different. It’s one of those rare purr-fect finds that combines drool-worthy photographs, charming writing, and a deep pulse of genuine heart.

First, a fun fact you won’t see on the jacket flap: Hannah Shaw is the daughter of none other than Tommy Shaw — yes, that rock star from Styx. Turns out star power runs in the family, but so does raw talent. Hannah’s not just any celebrity’s kid cashing in on a famous name. She’s a bona-fide wordsmith. As a writer myself, I can confirm she’s got the chops: playful turns of phrase, well-paced stories, and a knack for bringing out the personalities of her feline subjects.

I stumbled on Cats of the World in a delightfully roundabout way. Last year, It flashed by on TV one afternoon, a teaser for a new book about global cats (and let’s be real, they had me at “cats”). Not long after, I met Hannah at a bookstore event. She was warm, funny, and exactly the sort of person you hope an animal advocate would be — someone who doesn’t just coo at kittens for the camera but rolls up her sleeves to rescue them.

And about that camera: the stunning photographs in this book are by her husband, who clearly knows his way around both a lens and a whiskered subject. Together, they’ve created more than a book — it’s a globe-trotting gallery of feline fabulousness. From scrappy market cats to sun-drenched porch loafers, every page is like a little passport stamp to another corner of the world, each paw print telling its own soft-footed story.

What I love most is that underneath the glorious shots and Hannah's kitten-claw sharp writing beats a very big heart. Hannah has dedicated her life to rescuing the tiniest, most vulnerable kittens. The ones most people overlook. The ones who need more than just food — they need someone to fight for them. That compassion radiates through every page.

So if you’re looking for a book that’s as easy on the eyes as it is good for the soul, snag a copy of Cats of the World. You’ll get dazzling photos, edgy and soulful writing, and maybe — just maybe — a little nudge to be kinder to the small creatures in your own orbit.

After all, rock stars come and go, but kindness? That’s truly legendary.

They Made It Across

 

A dream, a memory, and a quiet kind of return

Last night, I had a dream about two cats I used to love.

They both passed decades years ago—young, too soon, and not in ways that felt fair. They died from neglect I couldn’t stop. One left behind a weight I never quite let go of.

But in the dream, they weren’t gone.

I was standing outside a house—one that felt familiar but didn’t belong to me. Across the street, a busy road buzzed with traffic. I called to them from the car I was in, and they came.

But they didn’t rush.
They walked with purpose to the edge of the road and waited.
They looked. Listened. Trusted the timing.
And when the moment was right, they ran—smooth, sure, and together—across that road.
Then they climbed into the backseat like they had always belonged there.

That’s when I knew: they made it.
Not just in the dream, but somewhere deeper.

For decades, I’ve carried guilt about what happened to them—especially the youngest, who was all fire and energy and barely here before he was gone. The female (with a regal name) was grace and calm. The young one (named after race car drivers) was a comet. I thought I’d never get closure.

Maybe this dream was their way of giving it to me.

They returned not as ghosts, but as passengers.
Not to be mourned—but to ride along.
And in the dream, I was the one driving now.

I’m sharing this because I have friends here who lose cats regularly because they work in rescue. One of my friends lost a cat recently, and it reminded me how quiet and painful that kind of loss can be. How it sits in the corners of your home and the folds of your heart.

So maybe this story is for anyone who’s missing a pet right now.
Maybe it’s a reminder that even when we think we’ve lost them, they find their way back.
Sometimes in dreams.
Sometimes in memory.
Sometimes in the gentle calm that returns when the ache starts to lift.

Sometimes they just need us to call.
And they’ll come—carefully, bravely, in their own time.
Even across a busy road.
Even after all these years.

And this time, they’ll make it.

Albacore Tuna Postcard

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Albacore Tuna, a charming feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Albacore Tuna is a lovely white cat with gorgeous amber eyes. He starts out the show, and he plays cowbell in the Rock Cats band. As you can see, he loved posing with his instrument of choice for the postcard. He likes to ring a bell on command (and sometimes without a prompt)! His birthday is July 7.

From the set of 20, this is one of my favorite Acro-Cats postcards. I purchased it from their shop and sent two out (written and stamped). One to an artist and cat lover in Oregon, and one to a cat lover in Atlanta. Since these adresses were generated by Postcrossing, they're random. As luck would have it, the second recipient told me a cool twist upon receipt of the postcard (you'll see).

Here are the replies I got:

"Thank you so so much for your card! I love it!! Tuna looks like she's born to play that cowbell. I love cats and have 2. ... I'm pretty sure they would be great in the Acro Cats. I don't think they would like all the touring though. They are homebodies. I've always wanted to see the Acro Cats and almost got to go see them with a friend of mine a few years ago but I had to work that day so my friend took her little boy and they absolutely loved it. ... Your card is delightful"

“Thank you so much for this postcard! It’s special to me in a few different ways. My husband is from Park Ridge (adjacent suburb to where I live). Also I am very familiar with the Acro Cats and have seen their show once. But most of all my husband & I even visited Meowy Manor (the cat's home in Atlanta) in person last year. We went to pick up our foster kitten in September 2019. We got to meet Samantha, many of the cats and other animals. Thanks for spreading the word!”

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Baby Bobby the Acro-Cat

As a postcard and cat lover, I adore when I can combine these two passions. Meet Baby Bobby, a lovely feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Baby Bobby is Captain Patch's best feline friend. His birthday is April 6. So technically he isn't a baby anymore, but the name stuck. He lives with one of the assistants of the Acro-Cats (and of course with Captain Patch, another feline rescue). When not performing, they love to explore the outdoors, safely harnessed of course.

I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent it (written and stamped) to a cat lover in Michigan Here is the reply I got:

"Thank you for the cute postcard, Alexandra. We have three cats ourselves, all strays that found us. I've never heard of Amazing Acrocats, but I'll definitely watch out for them now.

Wishing you and yours peace, love, joy and good health."

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Roux and St Claude, a Cool Set of Cat Twins

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Roux and St Claude, a lovely set of feline twins that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Roux and St Claude look so much alike that I can't tell them apart. Well, they ARE twins, after all. I have been told that Roux is slightly bigger and has a tiny dent in his tail. I saw them in person before I knew this and could not tell them apart. Their birthday is September 30, 2017. As you might have guessed by their names, they were born in Louisiana.

They usually train together because they are inseparable. Their signature trick is pictured on this postcard, but they do other things as well. If you're wondering who is who on the card, that I do know. Roux is always pushing while St Claude enjoys the ride.

Here is a fun fact: These cool cats are already movie stars. They starred in a Lowe's commercial and got to shred blinds.

I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent it (written and stamped) to a cat lover in the Netherlands. Here is the reply I got:

“Hello Alexandra, thank you very much for your nice postcard - featuring adorable Acrocats Roux and St. Claude, which arrived today ! ... :-)

 I was fond of your interesting description of these two very special cats, since i am madly in love with all feline darlings, and just cannot imagine a life without them, meoww .....

All best wishes to you and all your loved ones, be they 2- or 4-legged,

and warm greetings."

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

A Tuna Story

When you hear the word "tuna," you probably immediately think of fish. As the post has a cat picture, you most likely already guessed that this is a cat story, however. How Tuna ended up with her name - that I don't know - but I do know she is the reason the Amazing Acro-Cats exist.

Tuna was adopted by Samantha Martin, chief executive human of the Amazing Acro-Cats and the Rock Cats, aka Rock Cats Rescue (501c3 organization). While original Tuna was ornery around people, she was an intelligent feline that loved to learn tricks. Her desire for learning was a big catalyst to start the performing cat troupe.

I was lucky to see Tuna in 2016. She rang a bell to open the show, performed timed leaps and jumps, and played cowbell to close the show as part of the Rock Cats band. "Tuna, more cowbell" rings forever in my head!

She now goes by Original Tuna because she passed away from cancer January 2017, but her legacy lives on. Not just because she has a sculpture that adorns the show's cat-mobile, but she functioned as prodigy for two new Tunas: Albacore and Ahi. They now have their own bell-ringing duties, and I saw them live as well.

How did Samantha find two new white cats so conveniently? The animals find her because they are all rescues of some sort. Only a few get to stay, the others get forever homes. So far, over 200 cats found loving humans all over the USA.

To explain the picture above: Original Tuna (and other purrformers) were recently honored with their own postcards. I was first in line to buy a set (or two), and sent them out to recipients on Postcrossing (an international postcard exchange site).

For obvious reasons, this card was reserved for someone special - a cat. Yes, there are cat accounts on the site who love to send and receive postcards. I was lucky to draw the address of one in Germany (the addresses are all randomized). I chose to send this card to her because the recipient's favorite food is ... tuna. Here is what this lovely feline had to say about the card:

"Hello, your card came today. Thank you so much. I like it soo much, wow a cat circus you are crazy, all the best for you, "

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Jax Postcard

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Jax, a lovely feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Jax is a cool black/white cat that was rescued from a cooler outside a truck stop. Her birthday is March 17. She is called a trouble maker because she kind of does what she wants and often wanders into the audience during a show. Jax also doesn't like getting picked up.

She loves sitting on her skull and catching treats. I have met her, and it's actually quite impressive because she catches them from high up in the air while sitting on her favorite perch.

I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent one (written and stamped) to a cat lover in California. I also sent the card to an animal lover (owner of a rescued dog, but she also has cats and a hedgehog) in South Dakota. Here are the replies I got:

"Thanks for the awesome postcard!! I think that my son saw the Acro Cats on tour around 2009. unfortunately, he went with his other parent, and I did not get a chance to catch the show."

“Thank you thank you THANK YOU for the postcard of Jax the Troublemaker! I checked out the Amazing Acro Cats so cool, and watched the videos, it IS amazing. I'd never heard of them before."

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Asti Postcard

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Asti, a lovely feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Asti is a pretty tabby that reminds me a bit of my cat (same coloring). She loves to climb (so does my cat), and she plays the role of head drummer for the Rock Cats. The Rock Cats are the only real cat band in the world and are part of the Amazing Acro-Cats. However, her signature trick is a hurdle jump.

Why is Asti a sneak? Because she loves to steal food! She also has a fondness for tortilla wraps. Her birthday is October 11.

I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent it (written and stamped) to a cat lover in Massachusetts. Here is the reply I got:

"Thank you so much for the amazing card. I had never heard of acrocats, but now I need to look this up. I have 5 cats (long story...) and could never imagine training them to do acrobatics beyond what they naturally seem to do at 4 am."

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Captain Patch Postcard

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Captain Patch, an adorable feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Captain Patch was found in an alley in 2007. Though only a kitten, he already had a terrible eye infection, a respiratory illness and a deviated septum. The eye was surgically removed, and he found his furever home with a tour assistant of the Acro-Cats. Matter of fact, he is their important ambassacat and loves to work the merchandise table when they tour.

His birthday is July 3. I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent two of them (written and stamped) to animal lovers in the United Kingdom and Netherlands, and one to a cat lover in California. Here are the replies I got:

"Great cat card and excellent associated story thank you Amanda” (UK)
 
"Thank you for the Captain Patch card and the story about him and the acro cats on the back. I'm goin to look them up on youtube." (Netherlands)

"Dear Alexandra,
I just love 'Captain Patch'♥♥♥
Thanks so much for choosing such a perfect card for me.
Best wishes to you and those you love -
... (your cat loving friend in California)
P.S. 'Thank you' postcard headed your way!” (California)

Despite his difficult kittenhood, Captain Patch is one of the most lovable, people-friendly cats you will ever meet. I met him in person and can attest to that! He likes bow ties and looks very handsome in them.

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Ahi Tuna Postcard

As a postcard and cat lover, I love when I can combine these two passions. Meet Ahi Tuna, a lovely feline that is part of the Amazing Acro-Cats, a traveling troupe of the Rock Cats Rescue, a 501c3 organization.

Ahi Tuna is a lovely white cat with gorgeous blue eyes that was rescued from a shelter in Houston. She is in charge of lighting up the applause sign at the show. She also likes to ring a bell on command (and sometimes without a prompt)! Her birthday is July 31.

I purchased this postcard from their shop and sent it (written and stamped) to a cat lover in Texas. Here is the reply I got:

"I love the Ahi Tuna cat post card. I will have to look the show up on the internet - it looks like so much fun!"

My pictures were taken with an inexpensive, moderately intelligent phone, so they're not the best quality. The postcards you get from the store are professionally done. The unwritten backside looks cool too. (pointy finger)↓↓

Postcards, Cats and Corona

Some of my readers know that I love postcards, and some might know that I love cats. I am especially happy when I can combine both passions. As it is, the Coronavirus has affected every avenue of daily life since early 2020. One of these problems relates to the Rock Cat Rescue, a 501c3 organization that showcases the Amazing Acro-Cats.

The Amazing Acro-Cats used to travel the USA, but they are not allowed to under the nationwide restrictions that were put in place during the Corona crisis. Since that's their primary source of income, they now have to find alternate ways to make money to feed all the animals (mostly cats, but also a groundhog and a chicken). Many of them also have ongoing medical needs.

One of the ways they earn is through their online store. Until recently, it did not have postcards. The only postcard they used to have available was by going to the show and to get one onstage after (for a small donation). It showed three of the cats from their cat band (yes, a real thing). However, with the Corona problems in place, people send more postcards now because they make an inexpensive way to keep in touch with people.

So, the Acro-Cat owner created a set of 20 different postcards. Each card highlights one of the cats doing its most-loved trick. There are also two logo designs. Since the Acro-Cats feature a chicken and a groundhog too, each of those animals got its own card as well. All of the designs were professionally done and feature high-quality photographs.

Of course I ordered a couple of sets and started sending postcards out right away. Since I am a member of Postcrossing, an international postcard exchange site, this worked out perfectly. Many of the names I send to are cat, chicken or all-around animal lovers, so of course they make ideal recipients for these postcards.

The response has even been better than what I could hope for. People absolutely love these postcards! I also write a lot on the cards about the cat, the organization and its rescue efforts (all animals of the show are rescues, and they continually foster abandoned cats). Since the response has been so favorable, I decided to showcase each card on my blog. Until I get to work on that, here are some of the messages recipients have sent me:


"Thank you for the Captain Patch card and the story about him and the acro cats on the back. I'm going to look them up on youtube."

"Hey Alexandra, thank you very much for your nice postcard and stamps.
I love your postcard and the story of rescued animals. ...Greetings from Germany,"

"Hello, your card came today. Thank you so much. I like it soo much, wow a cat circus you are crazy, all the best for you, "

"Hello from Albuquerque, New Mexico,
What a fun card and cheers to the group that rescues the animals. I love Griffin (the groundhog) . ... I'll have to watch for the Amazing Acro Cats."

"I love the card. I have birds, but I love cats too. I've had quite a few in the past. I was watching the Acro Cats on youtube. Great stuff."

"Thank you so much for the amazing card. I had never heard of acrocats, but now I need to look this up. I have 5 cats (long story...) and could never imagine training them to do acrobatics beyond what they naturally seem to do at 4 am."

"Thanks for the awesome postcard!! I think that my son saw the Acro Cats on tour around 2009. unfortunately, he went with his other parent, and I did not get a chance to catch the show."

"I love the Ahi Tuna cat post card. I will have to look the show up on the internet - it looks like so much fun!"

"Thanks for the adorable postcard. I have never heard of these acro cats, but now I will have to learn more. =^.^= "

Who Will Win Super Bowl VII?

Even if you don't have a horse in the race, you're probably going to watch the Super Bowl. Plus, it's always fun to see the predictions. There are many videos out there of four-legged and even finned friends who make pics. Well, here is what Princess Gracie, our cat, has to "say" about the outcome: (Oh, and she has a 100 percent success rate so far)

Adult Coloring Book Review: Creative Cats

This was my first adult coloring book that I acquired. Well, maybe the second one because my real first one was an indie published (Create Space) journal/coloring book combo. It depends how you look at it.

Creative Cats is part of the Creative Haven series, published by Dover Publications. The artist is Marjorie Sarnat. When I got the book (I ordered it online), I realized that it was for advanced colorists, it says so inside. Oh boy, did I make a mistake, I thought. Indeed, the designs are fairly detailed, but the book has remained my favorite.

It has one design per page (very important in order to avoid ruining a design on the back page) and the pages are perforated for easy removal. Most people remove their pages after coloring them, I guess, but I take the page out first, then color it. I can't color inside a book, the folded pages drive me nuts. Online reviewers have complained that the cats all look alike.

However, that seems like no big deal. After all, I think drawing is like handwriting. Each artist has her own "signature" and hence things will look alike to trained eyes. I never heard anyone complain that Monet was repetitive.Having said that, the cats, while their faces are alike, do have different poses. The kitties have are all in different settings. You have music kitty, steampunk kitty, writer kitty, dress shop kitty, candy shop kitty, hippie kitty, and many more.

I have included some of the pages I colored below, so you can get an idea in regards to the images in the book.

(If you would like to read more more of my adult coloring book reviews, click the tag underneath the post that says "adult coloring book reviews)

 

Help Make Princess Gracie a Star

Of course you already know that Princess Gracie is a star, but she needs your help to get her dues in Modern Cat Magazine. She can win a photo shoot and editorial for that magazine. All she needs is votes. Please vote for her as Star Cat at the Modern Cat site. One can vote every 12 hours. If you have already cast your's, thank you!

Princess Gracie, the Cat Muse

My regular readers know that Princess Gracie, our cat, is a big part of my life. As any pet should be. She has also garnered some accolades along the line. She was mentioned on the local news in Virginia, she appears in a Denny Hamlin (Nascar driver) video and she "wrote" a blog for the official Brad Keselowski Nascar website.

Now she also appears in a book. Her picture is used in the Write to Meow 2014 Anthology. I submitted three cat poems for that book and they were, of course, all inspired by her. One of them was written for her especially: A Stretch and A Purr. I wrote this poem during a particularly challenging time. She was sunning herself on the window sill in a hotel room that functioned as our home at the time, and I needed to capture that particular moment so it would bring me, and others, joy in years to come.

You can order the Write to Meow 2014 Anthology on Amazon.

All proceeds will benefit the Almost Home Animal Shelter, a no-kill facility.

Two Ideas for Book Lovers for Giving Tuesday

December 2 is Giving Tuesday. While I think everyone should decide for himself or herself whether to participate or not, I do have a couple of ideas that combine two good purposes: Giving the gift of reading for the holidays (or a birthday even) while doing something good for others. How? Both of these books' proceeds will be donated.  

Write to Meow Anthology

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Write To Meow anthology will support the work of Almost Home Animal Shelter, a no-kill animal haven in Michigan, as they save cats from a fate that is death.

This book is a collection of cat-themed stories and poems (submitted by many different authors). This would be appropriate for younger readers too as all submissions are uplifting and inspiring.

Thirteen Stories By Us

Since not everyone is into warm, fuzzy stuff, Thirteen Stories By Us makes a great gift option for those who love suspense and mystery (or just plain creepy stuff). It's available in Kindle format or paperback.

These thirteen stories have been written by eleven authors who came together in a common goal—to give assistance to two ladies we like and admire. All profits from the sale of this book will go to Lyn Lomasi and Lisa Mason who, due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, have found themselves on the edge of homelessness.

Another Creative Writing Success

Yesterday, I shared one of my success stories in regards to a creative writing challenge.

Well, it's been an interesting week because a few hours after I found out about that win, I received an email about having three cat poems accepted for a book (Grey Wolfe Publishing). I did not want to let the cat out of the bag until now because I was waiting on the confirmation that all my release items were received. I am paranoid that way.

The book will be available in print and electronic formats, but I can't remember the release dates. I am sure it will be a while. Again, there is no monetary compensation.. Why would I bother then? Well, it's to help animals in need, plus the poems had previously been published on the now defunct Helium website. As you know, it is very difficult to re-publish material.

This will be my first time ever that any of my work will have been published in print.

Now, if I could just sell some of my informational articles!

Human Versus Cat Round 4

Gracie made her fantasy picks for today's NASCAR race in Texas on Friday morning. (If you don't know what I am talking about, this explains it). Well, at first we tried Thursday night, but she showed no interest in it. Even Friday morning, as you can tell by the picture above, she was not as enthusiastic as last week.

So, I dumped all the paper balls out on the floor. That got her going. You might wonder if she did not just bat them all, or several, around at once. Actually, no. The first four she picked one by one, only with the fifth numbered ball did she go kind of crazy. I waited until one "driver" was singled out, then we picked that one.

Here is what Gracie picked:

34 (David Ragan)
56 (Martin Truex)
15 (Clint Boyer)
14 (Tony Stewart)
31 (Jeff Burton)

The interesting thing is that I mentioned David Ragan in an article I finished for a client the night before. Unfortunately, the poor guy has no chance of winning the race for the princess. We are also starting to see a pattern with Gracie's picks ... I will tell you about it in the following weeks.

Gracie scored 38, 43, 29, 23, 21 respectively. She got the second place right, Martin Truex. Despite that, she did not beat me, but it was a respectable showing. She scored 154 points for this race for a percentage of 11.5 overall with a total season score of 559. In her league (fans of Brad Keselowski) she ranks 1048 out of 1156. As always, remember that she missed the first three races, so the stats are skewed.

Here were my picks: (no, no photo of me)

16 (Greg Biffle)
24 (Jeff Gordon
99 (Carl Edwards)
20 (Matt Kenseth)
88 (Dale Earnhardt Jr)

My scores were 80, 7, 41, 32, 15 respectively (I only picked two drivers in the top ten, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards) for a total of 175 points. That bumps my percentage to 47.1 with a total score of 1144 and I am ranked 233 out of 393 of my league (Ryan Newman fans).

Human Versus Cat Round 3

 As you can see above, Gracie really got into making her picks for the Martinsville Nascar race. (If you don't know what I am talking about, read this post). Here they are:

56 (Martin Truex)
99 (Carl Edwards)
27 (Paul Menard)
33 (Landon Cassill)
38 (David Gilliland)

Here are my picks:

24 (Jeff Gordon)
55 (Brian Vickers)
42 (Juan Pablo Montoya)
2 (Brad Keselowski)
48 (Jimmie Johnson)

She scored 8, 29, 25, 11, and 16 respectively for a total of 89 points. Poor kitty. She would have done better, but her team captain, Martin Truex, finished third-last. Carl Edwards came in 9th and Paul Menard 16th. All three drivers were not bad choices, they just had some bad luck.

She is ranked 1025 out of 1141 for her individual league (fans of Brad Keselowski) and at a 10.4 percentile. As I say every week: Remember that she missed the first two races (because I did not think to have her play until the third race), so the stats are skewed.

I scored 82, 33, 18, 38, and 48 respectively for a total of 219 points. Four out of my five picks placed top ten, among those the winner (Jimmie Johnson). I am now ranked 232 out of 391 for my individual league (fans of Ryan Newman) and am at the 44.3 percentile of all Nascar on Fox players.

Since Gracie won round two and I won round one, the score is now 2:1 for me. How will next week turn out? Stay tuned!