Remembering . . .

As 2012 approaches tomorrow, I just wanted to take a moment to remember Sweet Praline.

You'll always be remembered and loved my little Diva!

Memory Post - Tocktober

Mom Paula:  I just had to post a memory post of Praline and her famous "tocks" for Tocktober in honor of Derby's birthday.

Praline's tocks - October 2010

Praline's Tocks - October 2009

LiveStrong 2011

Mom Paula:  LiveStrong at the Bridge my Sweet Praline.

Memory Post - Praline's Birthday Slumber Party

Praline would have celebrated her sweet 16 birthday today.  I wanted to honor her memory with this memory post of her birthday slumber party for her 14th birthday.  A lot of kitties and woofies participated in this special birthday and sadly, many of them are no longer with us today.  Praline lived a rich 15 1/2 years and was loved deeply and will always hold a special place in my heart.  It's only been 5 months since she left for the Bridge, but little Truffle is helping fill that hole in my heart. 

I hope you remember Praline with a smile today as you take a trip down memory lane.

Happy Birthday, my Sweet Angel Praline.

Mom Paula

Hello everyone! Welcome to my 14th birthday and to my special Slumber Party. The response to my invitation was overwhelming with over 60 kitties staying the night in our special Southern home in South Carolina. Mom has cleaned off the beds, pulled out the pillows, popped some kitty korn, spread out the nip toys, put in the kitty movies and even the valerian root ice pack for my special guests!

This is my baby picture from 1995. Mom says she never gets tired of seeing my cute little face with the big, "owl" eyes! I've come a long way in 14 years and hope I have many more. I may be an "old" ladycat, but I've still got lots of spirit and spunk.

For those of you who could stay overnight, I hope you enjoy the party and take home a treat from my birthday baskets.

I just can't find my Topini Treats in the U.S. anymore!

Everyone had a blast at the party and now it's time to sleep. Now everyone knows that not all kitties sleep at a slumber party. I hope you enjoyed your visit and can come to my party next year.

Have a look at all of my overnight guests.

A few woofies wanted to drop by! That's okay because they can patrol the grounds for introoders. I'm not sure how much patroling will get done since Khyra and Sydney appear to be pooped! I was thrilled that Khyra could join me since he is so well known in the CB. Mr. Jones, Spot and Sydney are my cousins and are always welcome. Mom was so glad to see them!

I think Bennett was keeping a watchful eye that no one would get in his special tent. Armani was trying to get belly scritches from my mom! Mom couldn't resist!

Now, this group of kitties I need to keep an eye on because while everyone was asleep, they were watchful. Hope no one gets their underwear put in the freezer. Hee! Hee! That's what mom says used to happen when she went to slumber parties as a teenager.

Now, I just love Miss Zoey from Zoolatry, but she had to out do everyone with her special sleeping bag. She also insisted that she had to put curlers in her hair to compete with Daisy. Wonder why Zoey left Maggy home?

Don't you just love Siena and Chilli snuggling up together. It was an honor for them to come from across the pond to attend my party. Better keep an eye out for Lester because he is wide-eyed and up to no good. I think Mr. Tigger got into the stinky goodness!

The Friends FurEver group came up a day early to help me prepare for the Slumber Party. I think they are a little exhausted, but I appreciated their help.

Now, this is a sleep group of kitties. I decided to join them to catch a little cat nap.

I think Samson got hold of my Valerian Root Ice Pack! He's out for the night!

The crew from Peggy's Place is keeping a watchful eye on everyone (except for Isis and Bob, who needed a nap after playing with the nip cigar!). Reese insisted on bringing her "Reese Box" to sleep in, but she let me try it out for a few minutes. Wasn't that nice of her?

Little Melvin's mom let him come over tonight as long as my mom chaperoned him since he isn't a mancat yet. Isn't he adorable? Minchie and Pandora just curled up and made themselves right at home!

Maggie Mae and Saylor got caught trying to sleep in mom's bed!

Several kitties are international travelers and made their way to the United States. Ginger Jasper came from England, Huffle came from Australia and Jasmine came from Brazil. Don't tell anyone, but Gemini tried to sneak in Chey for a few minutes, but she had to leave before anyone found her. I think she took my Siamese pillow with her for cover!

Fin was the first to grab the sink for the night and dared anyone to take it from her. She is a senior ladycat like me!

Of course, then we have the "fancy ladycats" (except for Ollie) for the evening that insisted on bringing special PJs and spa attire. Miss Daisy was the hit of the evening with her lounging robe! Don't know why Ollie wanted a curler in his hair. I think he was jealous of Daisy's curls, too!

I'm so glad Miss Billie was able to join me. She turned 14 this year, too and she was giving me lots of advice. Then, Bhu showed up! I think he is keeping an eye out for Romeo and Ginger Jasper!

Don't you love Eric's stuffed twin?

Dante and Domino insisted on wearing special PJs for the party. Dylan likes to sleep in the "raw". Mr. Tuck is just plain tuckered out!

Mom just found Stripes and Penjy hiding in the back closet. I must confess, I showed them my favorite hiding place. So glad the two of you could join us.

Mom went outside to get some more litter and she found Emma sleeping on the cabinet in the storage room. She invited Emma inside to join the others. Doesn't she look like she has been up to something?

Uh oh! Looks like someone is continuing the relationship that started on AS THE PAW TURNS. I am snuggled between my two main mancat squeezes: Ginger Jasper and Bhu. What a wonderful evening!

Thank you to everyone who helped make my 14th birthday so special!

“Hat Day” Comment-a-Thon for SAS

Sweet Praline was lucky enough to be hatted by Sammy and Andy in October, 2010.  Here's her diva photo in her special Southern Belle hat.

For every comment that is received, I'll donate 25 cents to SAS to help them in this tough situation in memory of Sweet Praline.

Memory Post for World Cat Day

Hello everyone!  The date is quickly approaching that Truffle and Beignet will come home to live with me.  I truly believe that Sweet Praline has had a paw in the decision to bring home this beautiful brother and sister and that she will be here in spirit helping me raise them.

A few weeks ago after coming home from Auntie Deb's and the Taylor Catsssss, I went through a major depression again.  Auntie Deb's family was so loving and the Taylor Catsssss kept me amused and I had a kitty in my lap every time I sat down.  I believe when I got home, I realized how lonely it was in my house without Sweet Praline.  I was crying every day at any hour during the day at the "drop of a hat."  It was during this time that Sweet Praline's spirit appeared to me.

I was sitting on my couch with tears streaming down my face, missing Sweet Praline one night.  I thought I saw a movement from the corner of the hallway coming into my living room where Praline would always stop before coming in to sit with me.  I looked over at the hallway and Praline was standing there, as clear as could be, for a few seconds!!!  Then she was gone.  It was as if she were telling me that she was still here and that everything would be okay.  I always heard people talk about literally "seeing" past relatives or pets after they were gone, but I experienced it first hand.  Terri told me that I was so lucky to have that special connection with Sweet Praline.

Praline at the corner of the hallway

When God Created Kitty Cats

When God created kitty cats,
He had no recipe;
He knew He wanted something sweet,
As sweet as sweet could be.

He started out with sugar,
Adding just a trace of spice;
Then stirred in drops of morning dew,
To keep them fresh and nice.

He thought cats should be soft to pet,
Thus He gave them coats of fur;
So they could show they were content,
He taught them how to purr.

He made for them long tails to wave,
While strutting down the walk;
Then trained them in meow-ology,
So they could do cat-talk.

He made them into acrobats,
And gave them grace and poise;
Their wide-eyed curiosity,
He took from little boys.

He put whiskers on their faces,
Gave them tiny ears for caps;
Then shaped their little bodies,
To snugly fit on laps.

He gave them eyes as big as saucers,
To look into man's soul;
Then set a tolerance for mankind,
As their purpose and their goal.

Benevolent ... and ... generous,
He made so many of them;
Then charged, with Fatherly Concern,
The human race to love them.

When one jumped up upon His lap,
God gently stroked its head;
The cat gave Him a kitty kiss,
"What wondrous love," God said.

God smiled at His accomplishment,
So pleased with His creation;
And said, with pride, as He sat back,
"At last. . . I've reached purr-fection!"

Sweet Praline will always be a part of my heart and soul.  I love you, my little Diva!

New Blog for Future Kittens

I just wanted to let all of you know that followed Sweet Praline's blog that I've set up a new blog for my future furchildren.  I will not shut down this blog, but wanted a fresh start for the new kittens that will arrive in September.  Please come and visit at Sweet Purrfections.

http://sweetpurrfections.blogspot.com/

Remembering Sweet Praline with a Smile

This has been both the happiest and one of the saddest posts that I've done for Sweet Praline, because it's officially the "last" consecutive post for three years today!  Today would have been her 3rd Blogoversary!  I've met so many wonderful people and kitties (and a few woofies) during this three year period and some have become really good friends!  I am proud to say that I posted 1,105 days in a row for Sweet Praline so you can imagine how hard it was to narrow down the photos for the slide show below.  I wanted to include pictures from Praline's 15 1/2 years, the 3 years with the CB, and some you may not have seen.  Some will make you smile, some will make you laugh, some will make you say "awwwwww", but the music is sure to make you cry, so have tissues ready.  I wanted to record these three songs myself since the day Praline went to the Bridge, but I just couldn't get through "Smile" or "The Way We Were" without crying.  The second song is a song called "Always", which I had already recorded, so it's actually me singing between Michael Jackson and Barbra Streisand!  Enough talk, I hope you enjoy my final tribute to  Sweet Praline (it's a little long)!

If you have trouble viewing the video through the CB, you can view it on YouTube.

For those of you who aren't on FB, I left a message this week that said, "If everything goes well, I should have some new furchildren (notice the plural) in my house in about 12 weeks! Stay tuned . . ."  I don't want to jinx anything, so that is why I'm not giving much information yet.  In about 5-6 weeks, I can give you some definite information and will share it on the CB.  Let's just say that there should either be two sisters or a brother and sister by the end of the summer.  There will be a new blog, but Praline will definitely be a part of it!


Sweet Praline's blog wouldn't have been possible without all of the contributions from Ann of Zoolatry.  She was/is so generous with her time and talents, even with all that she has on her plate.  I thought you may enjoy the various headers over the past three years.  (hmmmmm - just had an idea for a "flashback Friday" with the graphics Ann has done for Praline)  Thank you, Ann!  I'll be coming back to you when the new "kids" come to live with me.

The collage below is from the various tributes on the CB for Sweet Praline.  I hope I didn't miss anyone, but if I did, please send me the picture/graphic.

This is not Good-bye, just an "I'll see you later!"  I love you!


Mom Paula and Angel Praline

Memory Lane - Outtakes Collage

I always tried to show Sweet Praline in her "best light" because of the diva that she was, but sometimes, there were pictures that just didn't show her best side.  I thought I would share just a few with you here!  

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the last "official" post for Sweet Praline's blog.  I wanted to sing another song for the background, but everytime I tried to record it, I couldn't get through the words and would start crying.  I've actually downloaded Nat King Cole singing it and hopefully YouTube will let it play tomorrow.  I'll be working on the slide show all day today, so I really hope it works out.  Tomorrow would have been Sweet Pralines 3rd  Blogoversary!

I'm not shutting down the blog, just taking a little break so I can heal.  The Memory Lane posts have really helped with my grieving process, but I  need to have some closure for now.  There will be some random posts for special events and I will keep this blog open so all (especially me) can come back and remember our little Diva!

Keep your eyes and ears open (especially on FB recently) for some new developments at Mom Paula's house by the end of the summer!

Memory Lane - Nurse Praline Video

This is one of the first videos I shared on the CB almost 3 years ago.  I had just had foot surgery (as you can see by the shoe on my foot and the bruise on my hand from the IV) and was giving Praline one of her well deserved petting session after she had been so good "nursing" me through the surgery.    One of the unique things about Praline was that she "swished" her tail when she was happy.  Have a great weekend!

Memory Lane - Tummy Collage

If I have one picture of Praline exposing her floofy tummy, I must have thousands!!!  That little diva loved to exposed herself for all of the world to see.  She was also unique in that she loved to have her tummy rubbed.  Here are a few more pictures of Praline's tummy that you may not have seen before.

 

Memory Lane - Beautiful Baby Video

I posted this video back on January 1, 2009 for one of the special events on the CB.  I think this slide show has every single picture I had of Baby Praline (or Pralinette as Khyra would say) and I love the upbeat music behind the slides.  Hopefully, YouTube will let the music play, so you can enjoy the full effect.  If it doesn't play, just imagine "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" playing in the background.

This slide show brought a smile to my face today when I was posting it!  I hope it brings one to yours today, too!

Memory Lane - Teenage Tortie Collage

I know you  haven't seen these pictures.  You can tell from the quality that they are much older pictures.  These are some more pictures of Praline when she was a young ladycat (between 3 - 7 years).  Even though the quality of the photos aren't great (pre-digital), the object in the pictures is beautiful.  The bottom right picture was before Praline was even 1-year old.  She line you see on her tummy is her scar from her lady gardenectomy!

Thank you for all of the kind comments yesterday.  I was just feeling a little "blue" and feeling sorry for myself.  Even when new furchildren come to live with me, Sweet Praline will always be a part of my life and theirs. 

Memory Lane - Laser Eye Collage

These pictures never made it into Praline's blog because I always wanted to show off her beautiful eyes.  However, when looking at these, they are so funny to look at now because they tend to show the "diva" side of her, demanding she gets what she wanted.  I hope you enjoy these!

Please purr for me as I post this week.  I thought it was going to be easy to stop Praline's blog, but I'm finding it harder to do the posts because I know the end is coming and I'm not really sure I'm ready for that.  I miss that little stinker and she'll always be in my heart, but I know I have enough love to give more furchildren in the future.  In the meantime, I am still working through my grief.  Thanks for all of your support.


I know this is last year's graphic for Memorial Day, but I wanted to honor Praline along with our military heroes today as it is Memorial Day in the United States.  This is the graphic that was used in last year's post with Sweet Praline to remember those in our military who gave their lives for our freedom.

Return Engagement: AS THE PAW TURNS - Outtakes

I hope all of you enjoyed the first showing of AS THE PAW TURNS. We had lots of fun presenting this to the CB and hope to do it again in the future. I think all of my fellow castmates are deserving of an Oscar and Emmy for their performances. Now, it's off to Broadway for me! 

Of course, as with all actors, there were some spoiled kitties during the production (besides me!). I wanted to share some of these moments with you.

Bhu from Patty Skypants

Romeo from Peggy's Place


Melvin from Mouchois



Khyra from Khyra's Korner



Goma from My Himalayan Cat "Goma"
 

Ginger Jasper

and me, Sweet Praline
 

Hey! How did Maggy get by without an out take?

I hope everyone enjoyed the return engagement of AS THE PAW TURNS in memory of Sweet Praline.  I must admit, it brought back a lot of smiles to my face (and a few tears).  I'll continue with Memory Lane posts for one more week, until next Sunday, which would have been Sweet Praline's 3rd Blogoversary.  It will be sad to stop posting, but I promise I will be back and I will visit after a short break.  There's still a lot of healing to do and preparations for the future.  

Return Engagement - AS THE PAW TURNS - The Party

I forgot that Inigo had a part in AS THE PAW TURNS!  What a wonderful tribute to this handsome angel, too! 

 We left Mayor G. Jasper taking a nap and having sweet dreams of Praline and Maggy, thinking everything was all set for the party at Sweet Praline's cottage. Luckily for him, the phone rang and woke him up. Sweet Praline purred into the phone,  "GJ, what time would you like me to be at your house to help you set up?" Mayor Jasper was too embarrassed to let his sweetheart know that he forgot it was at his house, so he told her that everything was already set up and she just needed to plan on an evening being pampered!  As soon as he hung up the phone, he immediately called Inigo Flufflebum and d'Artangan Rumblepurr Catering and Partying Consultants, the best in the village of Furville. When they heard the "last minute" party was being hosted by Sweet Praline, they immediately responded with  "yes! we'd love to help." Mayor Jasper sighed as he hung up the phone and looked at the green papers he would need to deduct from his upcoming campaign tour. However, he knew it was worth it for Sweet Praline. Thank goodness she called him and woke him up.   

The scene fades to Mayor Jasper's house . . .

 Mayor G.Jasper,  "I've called you all here this evening at the request of Sweet Praline, the village Diva. She truly believes that we can all get along, without hissing and swatting and the rivalry among us. In fact, perhaps we can teach the humans a lesson about that (they do need it now don't they?). I've invited you here to my humble abode (we mayoral types are poorly paid!) so we can share food and nip."

Praline:  "Thank you, Your Honor. As you said, I do believe we can all become furriends and still enjoy each other's company."

Mayor G.Jasper:  "Will you all take your seats at the table please? The humans wish to begin serving us." (He clapped his paws and Paula, Peggy, Ann, Sachie, Rone, and Carol jumped to attention and begin serving the group.)

Praline: "May I sit beside you, Your Honor?"

Mayor G. Jasper:  "Of course, dearest."

The Mayor (again): "Bhu, get out of your bag and come to the table. Romeo, I know you're tired, but sleeping on the table is totally not permitted in my home, move to your chair please!"

Bhu:  "I like being in the bag, or in a box, or behind something, or under something... or, or... oh well, I'll sit if I must."

Romeo:  "Stop complaining GJ, I did one-hundred-and-one surgeries today! I worked far harder than any old civil servant like you, and I'm am tired! But, out of deference to your position, I'll be seated."

The Mayor (again): "Goma, get off the sidebar and come join us. Melvin, you too, put your mousie away and come to the table, Mouchois."

Goma:  "But you know I can get much better photographs from over here, and I do have to publish tomorrow in both the political section and the social pages! Though I am concerned GJ, about it being "free advertising" for your next mayoral run in 2010; will I have to give equal space to the other candidates?"

Melvin:  "I don't wanna come to the table. I mean I do wanna come to the table. I don't wanna sit in that high chair, that's for baby-kitties, and I am growing big now. Besides, where I go, my mousey goes!"

The Mayor (again, with a heavy sigh): "Goma, you can take pictures after dinner. And don't get all hissy about the advertising, I'll give you green papers if you insist! Melvin, just push your high chair up to the table by Romeo please; I have no other chair. Besides, Romeo will cut up your tuna cakes for you, since you're not allowed to use a knife yet."

Praline:  "Shame for shame! You are all fussing and arguing over the silliest little things. This is not a good way to start our evening of harmony and getting along together."

The Mayor (frowning): "And so where is Maggy? Didn't she come, or is she late as usual?"

Praline: "Mmmm, Uuhh, she's way back there in the corner. She says she won't join us unless Khyra can come to!"

The Mayor (totally exasperated now):  "OK, OK... Khyra please join us. After all... wouldn't you all agree that's a very good way to begin getting along?"

Everyone, in unison:  "Yes, oh yes it is. Purrs all."

Praline:  "And that dear friends is  "how the paw turns". It turns towards you, with friendship."

In the meantime, Sweet Praline touches both Mayor Jasper's and Bhu's paws under the table and little Melvin spots them while he is retrieving his mousie . . .

To be continued one of these days . . .   

Tomorrow - Out takes from the show of all of the cast! 

 It's so sad we were never able to have another soap opera with Diva Praline, but she was definitely a star in this show.  Please come back tomorrow for outtakes from the series.  They are so funny.

Return Engagement - As the Paw Turns: The Meeting

Sweet Praline is exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She has discovered that her best girlcat, Maggy has been seeing Bhu, Romeo, and Ginger Jasper too. She calls Miss Zoey for a special spa day.


Sweet Praline goes to the Furrsville Salon & Spa for her daily floofing and Zoey has worked her in to have her "highlights" brightened and a complete body massage. After a great day with Khyra on the motorcycle, Maggy has come for her weekly nail trim and a paw massage. To their surprise, Zoey has secretly booked them both into the same room at the same time (That little Zoey is a great prankster!). Zoey slowly closes the door on Praline and Maggy.


The intimacy and quiet of the salon allows Praline and Maggy to chat amicably. They agree that the ongoing rivalry between them is of no benefit and they must find a way that all can live happily with one another in Furrsville. After all, Praline and Maggy have been friends since the cradle and no mancat should come between them. Praline immediately texts the Mayor (G. Jasper) requesting he call everyone together for dinner that evening at his home...

Mayor G. Jasper quickly spreads the word around town about the evenings' big event at Sweet Praline's cottage. Melvin made an early appointment at MANCAT'S (it is "thee" salon for the men in town, and a clotheir, too!) and is waiting for the others to arrive. After all, he wouldn't want to show up at Sweet Praline's house in nothing but the best for an up-in-coming mancat. Romeo, G. Jasper and Bhu arrive at MANCAT'S and see their good buddy, Goma. Of course, Goma is preparing to take quick photos on his cell, to email back to the newspaper for the evening edition. A party at Sweet Praline's is a social event! Goma takes his time to get the best pictures of all the mancats after their grooming appointments and in their new finery. He has already captured a great pic of Melvin, but just as he presses the button for the photo, Melvin, being a typical kid just has to clown around for the camera!

Just look at all of these handsome mancats in one location! Get the smelling salts, ladies!

Back in his office, G. Jasper is tired, but he still has to confirm the guest list with Praline and doublecheck with Goma on the news coverage. Sweet Praline would never forgive him if everything wasn't just purrfect! G. Jasper looks at the clock and thinks a short nap won't be a problem. He falls asleep as he looks at his two ladies, as they are his favorite screensaver.

Will G. Jasper get everything completed on time? Will he have sweet dreams of Praline AND Maggy? Will fur fly at the party?

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of AS THE PAW TURNS . . .