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 . . .

Return Engagement: As the Paw Turns: The Deception

This was day 2 of As the Paw Turns.  I really enjoyed this one because it showed Sweet Praline's tender, motherly side, which not many people saw.

Sweet Praline has one of the loveliest homes in the village of Fursville, as befitting her position in the community. She had just made a fresh pot of blackberry tea, and some nip-biscuits, when she has a text message from Bhu telling her he would be delayed for their visit. Apparently, the Sheriff had contacted him; a client was in jail, and needed immediate counsel. 


Praline was not concerned. For you see, Melvin had stopped by unexpectedly. Praline has a special spot in her heart for dear little Melvin and likes to smother him with motherly advice and love. You see, Sweet Praline was not able to have little kitties of her own, which has always a sadness that she hides away where no one could see.


So the two lounged in the summer sunshine on Praline's front lawn, and she took the opportunity to give some "counsel" herself. Advising and teaching "little Mouchois" on all the peccadilloes of Fursville society, and how he must learn and grow to be a proper mancat.

Little did Praline know, while she and Melvin conversed on the front lawn, that behind the house, waiting for their "golden moment" were Goma, Romeo and Jasper. They would never tell, but the call to Bhu was little more than a ploy, a trick, by this "threesome". They wanted Bhu out of the way, so they could come courting Praline themselves! Oh, horrors!


Goma was bringing a bottle of expensive nip champagne, and wearing his best tie. Romeo had his box of chocolates, his hope renewed. Only he knew that inside the box were "caramel pralines," her favorite. Caramel pralines are the only thing Romeo knew were sweeter than Miss Praline. And Jasper brought a very special sunflower, grown in his own garden -- special with it's heart-shaped leaves; and of course, he brought Kong, something the two of them had enjoyed playing with together on past dates. The three were anticipating good things, good times.

Meanwhile, Maggy, having a bit of a hissy-fit over all the attention going toward Praline... decided to take up the town's "daring devil dog" on a country ride, and a lakeside picnic. It had been an invitation impossible to turn down... for she did have great affection for Khyra... and he even brought helmets, how considerate. She held tight to him as they rode off out of town...

The plot thickens . . .

Return Engagement - As the Paw Turns, Day 1

The drama begins . . .

The day starts out bright and sunny in the town of Furville . . .



Bhu BigFurs, Esq. is spotted leaving his law offices for a secret meeting with Sweet Praline. He had a special bouquet of pink roses (pink is Sweet Praline's favorite color) and just knew it would be a purrfect night for a date with his sweetness ... 

Mayor G. Jasper observed Bhu leaving with the roses and was considerably upset by this turn of events; he had no flowers, no wine, no nip... and no plans on courting Miss SPP today... After all, they just left each other a few hours ago . . .

Romeo had just approached, carrying his box of nip chocolates for Miss SPP, but sadly realized he would have to stop and nap for awhile because he was tired from his date with Miss Maggy Magster last night, and Bhu would get to her first! What a dilemma for Jasper and Romeo... how will they go on? How will they surpass Bhu's attentiveness..." After all, Miss Sweet Praline loves to be lavished with attention . . .


Stay tuned...

Memory Lane - Preview of "As the Paw Turns"

This was the preview of the premier of "As the Paw Turns".    I think the only kitty (besides Sweet Praline) who isn't blogging anymore is Melvin.  His mom moved across the country and he's mainly on FB now.  I hope I've whetted your appetite for the first day of the series tomorrow!

Join members of the Floof and Fur gang in the premiere soap opera, "As the Paw Turns."

"As the Paw Turns" is set in the village of Furville and is loaded with Himmies, who need lots of attention. Furville is run by Mayor Ginger Jasper, a handsome ginger Persian. As you can imagine, his job keeps him quite busy, especially with the beautiful (and sometimes vampy) ladycats, Sweet Praline and Maggy Magster.


Sweet Praline and Maggy Magster have their eyes on several of the handsome mancats in Furville - Bhu, Romeo, Goma, and Ginger Jasper, and sometimes they can get in a little bit of a spitfight over these handsome gentlemen. Sweet Praline has taken little Master Mouchois, aka Melvin, under her tutelage. Little does she know, Melvin works for Goma, the editor in chief of the Fursville Daily News.

The opening scene (beginning tomorrow) begins with Mayor Ginger Jasper, Dr. Romeo Montague, and Bhu all setting out to court Sweet Praline. Stay tuned . . .

Don't you just love my headshot?
My photo and costume are compliments of Zoey and the ZH, Ann at Zoolatry.

Memory Lane - Encore Presentation. . . As the Paw Turns

Back in August of 2009, there was a special week long soap opera that starred Sweet Praline along with several other members of the CB.  As part of Memory Lane, I thought I would bring back an Encore Presentation of "As the Paw Turns".  Be sure to come back each day this week for the exciting return of Sweet Praline in her starring role with many of the handsome mancats of the CB.  For those of you who missed this the first time around, I hope you enjoy it this time as much as we did the first time it was featured. 

Coming to a computer screen near you this week - the newest soap opera to hit the CB. All of us floofies are great friends and I love them all. I've been teasing you to get you ready for our soap opera. Did I get your attention?

Here's a list of the cast of characters who all reside in the Village of Fursville:

• BHU - Bhu BigFurs, Esquire (an attorney)
• GINGER JASPER - Ginger Jasper, Mayor of the Village of Fursville
• ROMEO - Dr. Romeo Montague, PhD., Renowned Doctor of Catpsychiatry and Village Counselor
• GOMA - Editor In Chief, Reporter/Journalist, Photographer/Artist for the Fursville Daily News
• SWEET PRALINE - Miss Sweet Praline Purrfect, the town's favored lady, a bit of a vamp, astute, charming, witty and enthralled by her many suitors (an attorney, a doctor, an editor and the mayor!!!!)
• MAGGY - Miss Maggy Magster, also a bit of a vamp... in competition with Miss SPP for at least one of the gents!
• MELVIN - Master Mouchois, a/k/a MELVIN... youth has it privileges (and so does his smaller size)... showing not only the curiousity of a cat, but the curiosity of youth... keeping an eye out on all the adults and their ongoing dramas... he has been known to "report" back to Goma (the Editor) on what he see's and hears . . .

Memory Lane - Easy Like Sunday (Earlier Years)

I found some pictures of Praline when she was in her younger years, taking it easy.  Many of these pictures are from when she was about 4-8 years of age.  Have a restful, easy Sunday!

 

Memory Lane - Photo Hunt - Cluttered Collage

Unfortunately for me, "cluttered" was an easy theme to put together for Photo Hunt today for Praline's memory lane collage.  My home office and bedroom closet are a wreck, but Praline loved to hang around the clutter.  If there was a sheet of paper on the floor, she was going to lie down on it.  She loved to sneak into the closets and hide.  I simply must clean out this clutter to get the place ready for the future!

Memory Lane - Eating Stinky Goodness

When Praline was younger, she was mainly fed dry food.  I would give her a "treat" of stinky goodness about once a month.  When she became a senior kitty, the vet suggested giving her stinky goodness everyday so we could get her medicine and stay hydrated.  The last couple of years when she got really sick once and had her surgery last year, I had to make sure she was eating her stinky goodness and she wouldn't eat it in the kitchen, so I moved her plate to the living room.  She began eating in the living room as long as I was in there.  The last couple of months, she only wanted to eat in my home office, as long as I was in there.  She was my little diva, but anything she wanted, I did for her.  I hope you enjoy this little video of her eating.

Memory Lane - Secret Admirer Video

Praline has a secret admirer!  One of the Persian breeders I've been talking to a lot lately sent me this video yesterday.  She said that she has been visiting Praline's blog a lot lately and that her persian, Tiffany, just loves to watch Praline.  I thought I would put this little short video to music (I'm playing the piano) to share Tiffany being "fascinated" with Praline.



 Here are a few more videos that Terri sent me of Tiffany watching Praline.

Isn't this just the cutest thing?

Memory Lane - Getting Brushed and Purring video

I've told you many times that Praline loved to be combed and brushed.  Up until the last year when she was hurting, I could hold up the comb or brush and she would literally come running and start purring.  That was our special bonding time.  I had a comb beside my bed and beside my couch.  First thing in the morning, Praline would jump on my bed and we'd have a grooming session before I ever got out of the bed.  At night, after supper, she'd jump up beside me on the couch for a longer grooming session.  The background noise you hear in this video is her actual purr!  The funny thing was that the brushing would make her look so skinny and then all of a sudden, her fur would "poof" back out!  Enjoy.

Memory Lane - Live Catnip Video

Praline was introduced to catnip for the first time at about 7 years of age!  I remember laughing so hard at how my little southern diva reacted.  She was so into that catnip, that she was actually snorting!  I always bought the processed stuff, but last summer she was sent some "live" catnip.  I just put a twig of it in the basket and it was so funny watching her reach in to get it out.  Once she succeeded, she acted like her little diva self and just looked at it as if to say, "what do you want me to do with it now?"  I hope you enjoy this little video.

Memory Lane - Praline and Mom Paula collage

Last week on mother's day, I just couldn't post any of these pictures.  I'm healing and feeling a little better each day, so I thought it was time to post the pictures I could find of Praline actually being held by me.  You will notice that in most of them, she was trying to get away.  She wasn't a cat that liked to be held or sit in your lap, but she loved affection.  She could lie down beside me and get her belly, chin, neck, and back petted and scritched all the time.  I may  have changed over the years, but Sweet Praline just got more beautiful!

Memory Lane - Easy Like Sunday Collage

If anyone knew how to take it easy, it was Sweet Praline.  I always knew she was the most relaxed when she was flat on her back with that floofy belly exposed.  She also liked to take it easy anytime she could find sun puddles.

Thank you for being patient with me as I remember the many personalities of Sweet Praline as I deal with my grief.  I'll only be posting until June 5, which would have been the 3rd Blogoversary.  Thank you for your continued thoughts, comments, phone calls, emails, and prayers!  As my doctor said, the CB is probably the best "support group" you could ever have at a time like this.

Memory Lane - Eating from Fingers Video

Praline was always a finicky eater, but the last three years of her life, the vet wanted her to eat more "stinky goodness" so she could keep hydrated.  Sometimes, Praline would eat every single drop from her plate and other times, I had to resort to sitting on the floor and letting her literally eat from my fingers.  I really didn't mind - she was worth every moment I spent with her!

Memory Lane - Washing Face Video

There was one ritual that Praline and I went through every day and that was the ritual of her letting me wash her little flat face beside her button nose.  She would literally lick my fingers and then expect me to use my "wet" finger to wash her little nose.  She even did this on her last day on the way to the vet to be helped to the Bridge.




I hate Blogger went down today and almost all of my comments from Thursday are gone!  I had to repost this one today.  I hope all of you have a great weekend.

Mom Paula

Memory Lane - Wendy's LOL Collage

One of the privileges of having an expressive face like Praline's was the fact that she would be featured on Wendy's LOL many times.  On the day after Sweet Praline went to the Bridge, Wendy featured Praline's LOLs.  I put most of them together in this collage, but you simply must go to her blog site to read the words clearly.  She is so creative.

Memory Lane - Wordless Wednesday Collage

Memory Lane - Back of Disrespect Collage

Praline was always the stereotypical tortie Diva and would show me the "back of disrespect" when she didn't like something I'd done, which was quite often.  I hope you enjoy this little collage.

I've decided that I am going to keep the Memory Lane posts going until June 5, 2011, which would have been Praline's 3rd Blogoversary.  I'm trying to put together a special post for that day and then the "active" posting will end.  Thank you for your continued support (I still cry every night and morning).

Memory Lane - Playing with Catnip Mouse

This video is a little bit longer than the others that I've shared, but it shows how much Praline would still play like a kitten, even as a senior kitty (before she got sick in January).  I don't have many more videos left to share and I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am.  Today has been two weeks since Praline went to the Bridge and I think I am missing her as much today as the day she left.



There is a possibility there may be a new kitty blog coming soon.  There are two rescue kittens that someone is trying to get me to take and I also have an appointment with a Persian breeder who is expecting a new litter in June.  So many decisions to make and so many emotions to go through.

Remembering Sweet Praline

Memory Lane - Getting Brushed

One of the things about owning a Persian/Himmie is that they must be groomed every day.  Praline loved being brushed and combed.  It was always our bonding time in the morning and evening.  I would hold up the brush and she would come running, start purring, and enjoy being brushed.  Here is a short little video showing her getting brushed.  

Memory Lane - Belly Rub

I think I've told you before how much Praline loved having her belly rubbed.  In fact, I shared a video earlier showing her just pawing in the air during her belly rub.  I like this video because it shows how she would stretch out her leg to make sure I rubbed her belly and under her arms and everything.  I hope you've enjoyed sharing video memories with me this week.  Thanks again for the kind words and the encouragement.  It's been tough.

Memory Lane - Getting Treats in the Office

Years ago, when I moved back into my house and was still a college professor, I started taking treats back to my office to encourage Praline to come back to the office with me while I worked.  It became a habit for her.  As soon as I would walk in the door at night, she would head to the office and insist on getting her treats before I could do anything else.  Here is another cute little video of her using some "paw action" to get her treats.  Boy, do I miss that cute little face!

Memory Lane - Playing with Mouse Video

This is another video that just makes me smile.  Praline loved toys with feathers, but the funniest part of this video is when she whaps it away, she starts taking a bath, acting like she was the Diva she was.  She actually waited for me to reach over and get the mouse for her after I finished with the video.  Enjoy another "memory lane" video.

Memory Lane - Nip Cigar Video

Last night was one week since I helped my Sweet Praline cross the bridge.  I've had good days and bad days, but actually thought I was starting to heal.  However, out of the blue last night, I just starting sobbing, so I went to my videos of Praline and ran across this one that made me laugh.  I don't think I ever shared it with you, but she just loved a fresh, nip cigar!  Just watch her attack it!



I am working on a special project to share with all of you, but I just can't do it yet.  My former mother-in-law passed away this weekend and the family asked me to sing at her funeral, even though I've been divorced for 16 years.  I was practicing with the pianist Monday and I was doing fine singing the songs for her funeral (today).  Then I pulled out the song I want to record for a special video project I'm working on to share with the CB and in the second line of the song, I lost it.  The pianist just looked at me and said, "You're not ready for this one yet."  The song is "Smile" from Charlie Chaplin.  I'm trying to put together a slide show of all of Praline's funny faces and outtakes and wanted to record "Smile" in the background, but I'm just not ready yet.  My emotions are still too raw!  However, this video made me laugh out loud, so I hope you enjoy it.

Memory Lane - Eating Treats Jar

Mom Paula:  I just couldn't miss another day without sharing something else about Sweet Praline.  I hope you don't mind.  Many of you commented last week about liking the picture of her with her head in her treat jar.  Here's a short little video of her making a meal out of her treats.




I hope you don't mind me still sharing memories.  They help me in the healing process and some of these videos just bring a smile to my face.

Goodbye My Sweet Praline

As we remember all of the kitty furriends that have gone before us, I just want to take this one last moment to say good-bye to my Sweet Angel, Praline.  Every night I come home and see your special box, tears come to my eyes, but I know that you are home where you belong.  You were loved more than you could ever know.  Any future kittens in the house will know all about you!  I love you, my sweet baby and I miss you terribly each and every day!!

Online Photo Editor

Angel Praline:  Don't forget to visit the Floof and Fur Gang as we remember all of our furry furriends that have gone before us.  My sister-before-me, Muff, will also be featured.


Online Photo Editor