Maxaroni!

The cat that is! Last week Robin and went and picked up the cutest little kitten ever! We were co-captains in the effort to adopt him and welcome him into the home, but we have since agreed that Max is, in fact, my new cat. He has been an (almost literal) ray of sunshine in my life the last 10 days. He is soooo loving and wants to be wherever I am, preferably on my lap or playing close by. I didn't realize how much I needed some constant, unconditional love and attention (not to mention a little purpose beyond trying to sort myself and my life out, which I am a little weary of).

The other cats of the household have not welcomed him so willingly, as was to be expected. Pickle spent the first week growling, moaning, and generally stating her various levels of upset vocally whenever she even heard him meow. She's already coming around though and I'm sure she and Max will be playing with one another soon. Buddy on the other hand...he at least hasn't terrorized the little one, but has pretty much decided to live outside. He'll come in and eat for a few minutes until he sees Max, or remembers that Max exists, and he can barely handle it. He'll stop mid-chew and beg at the door to be let out again. If you can't solve your problems, run from them....right??? It is starting to cool off here a fair bit though (much sooner than last year) and he is as picky about warm weather as I am, so will have to get over Max's presence if he wants to sleep inside.

Beyond the new kitten, life feels a little like a grey blur most of the time. Maybe particularly because it was literally grey and rainyish for about 10 days this month, which is unusual around here. Work is still, well, work--although I'm very grateful to have it. On top of having "it" most of my working hours have been massage hours (whether for myself or the chiropractors office) which is slightly monumental (although it would be nice if there were a few more hours...but, with time, I know that will happen). Besides work, I have been...um, well, maybe resting? Sort of not expecting anything out of myself beyond what it takes to get through each day. I think this is healthy for me, at least for a little while. I feel exhausted in about every aspect of my life-mental, emotional, physical, spiritual...but then I remember my last, well 3 years, and forgive myself for feeling that way (at least a little bit). It has been a crazy ride through my mid-20s, maybe it is time to slow down and refuel a little, stop expecting myself to be superwoman in an effort to prove to myself (and the world?) that I know what I'm doing, and that I don't make mistakes. Really though, who ever does know? And, aren't mistakes what make us human? (Easier said than lived...at least by me). It's all a journey though.

In the meantime, my new companion Max is curling up right next to my heart and keeping me in the present moment--and also giving me plenty of "legitimate" opportunities to take cat naps with him!!

The fall winds are definitely blowing through Asheville. Any time now, the hills will break out in a symphony of color as "leaf season" descends upon the northwestern corner of NC. I'm almost ready for it, but just barely. Summer seemed so short, but that's time. It must speed up with age, or something. (Although this year in general has sort of melted away and slipped through the cracks, like an ice cube left on a picnic table out in the sun-just disappeared for the most part; I know, I know, it's not over yet :)).

Well, I think that's all for now.