4.25.2012

Remembering Sweet Praline with a Smile

Today is one year since I helped Sweet Praline to the Bridge.  I admit I've had some tears as I remember those last few days with her, but I wanted today to be a celebration of her life and how she helped everyone smile with her "diva" attitude.  Part of me wants to reminisce about those days, but the other part wants to live in the present and future with Truffle and Brulee.  Sweet Praline will always be a part of my life and I'll always smile when I remember her "happy face" pout.

Wendy, of Wendy's LOL-Spot, sent me the following graphic of Sweet Praline for today.  I both smiled and cried when I saw the graphic because the play on words would be exactly what Praline would say.  I'm sure she is ruling the Bridge everyday and demanding that all of her wishes be met.

Wendy had a wonderful way of showing Sweet Praline's diva attitude on the LOL-Spot blog.  I thought I'd share those with you again in hopes that they'll bring a smile to your face as we remember Sweet Praline.  Thank you, Wendy!

























Re-posting these helped me to smile today!  You'll always have a special place in my heart, Sweet Praline.  Thank you for sending Truffle and Brulee to me to help heal such a huge hole.

4.04.2012

Show Your Diva Announcement


I want to celebrate Sweet Praline's life as the anniversary of her trip to the Bridge approaches.  I'm a little sad as I remember this time last year, but I want to focus on the positive and have a reason to smile between the tears.  You can get more details about this "celebration" on Truffle and Brulee's blog (Sweet Purrfections).

12.31.2011

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!

10.20.2011

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

10.02.2011

LiveStrong 2011


Mom Paula:  LiveStrong at the Bridge my Sweet Praline.


9.25.2011

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!

8.24.2011

“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.


8.08.2011

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!

7.13.2011

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/

6.05.2011

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

6.04.2011

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!

6.03.2011

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!

6.02.2011

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.

 

6.01.2011

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!