Here we go, it’s time for me to give you the Life of Jack, who, if you don’t know, is the youngest of our two 
Kitties. I finally decided his story needed to be a permanent part of the blog. I thought I’d have fun by writing about how we came to get Jack and what he’s meant to us . . . he’s an excellent example of why, if we can, we should all have a kitty! And if you’ve never had one and are curious, here’s kitty info from me and Jack to you with love. ♥ Con Musica
Jack’s Story: When the shelter called to tell us that a male tuxedo kitten had come in and asked if Joe and I wanted to come look at him, we said OK with a wee bit of trepidation because we did have another older kitty and we didn’t want to upset the apple cart. On the drive to the shelter in Edgartown we talked about what we would name him if we decided to take him. I was tired of naming 
all my kitties the same thing, always “Man Kitty” for a boy and “Girl Kitty” for a girl (my creativity comes to a screaming halt when naming my cats, I’m terrible at it, I’ve had two generations of Man Kitties and Girl Kitties). In the car Joe suggested we might call him “Jack” ~ we still aren’t sure why he came up with that but it sounded OK to me, better than Man Kitty. But we still weren’t one hundred percent sold on getting a kitty, at least we needed to meet this one before we’d decide for sure.
When we arrived and this new kitten with the funny face was put into my hands, he tipped his head up to look at me and I could see the paper collar he was wearing. Lo and behold! They had already named him at the shelter! And his name, written right on the collar was “Jack!” Hello? Well, that was pretty much it. Obviously this was meant to be. Pack him up! He’s ours! Even though he kind of looked like there was a big black spider on his face, this kitty was meant for us! There’s Jack (above and below) with Joe on his first day home, ten weeks old with a perfect little mustache and sweet as pie.
At this point I was just hoping he would grow into his nose . . . but no matter what, I was in love, mad love.
One of the best things about kittens and cats is that they’re great for people who haven’t the patience for the six months-to-a-year (or maybe lifelong) potty training required for a puppy. With cats, you just fill a plastic box with kitty litter before you pick up your kitty, come home, put him in it, scratch his paw there so he can see how delightful it feels and that’s it! He’s potty trained! You are done! He will always go there! Brilliant!
And of course, having a soft little fuzzy guy like this in the house is just so much fun! Like a cuddly baby that doesn’t grow up and can almost feed itself and never needs his diaper changed.
He has the roundest eyes that seem to get greener as he gets older! He makes me run for the camera about eighteen times a day because everything he does is just so cute. He walks sideways, he jumps out at me on his back too legs, he makes me laugh all the time. And the more you hug and kiss them, the better little pets they become, the more precious they are to you.
The cuddling never ends . . . they don’t have hands, they can’t put water in a bowl or feed themselves, they need you for that.
After a while as Jack began to grow into his face, we noticed that our kitty has movie-star quality. Like Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind or William Powell in The Thin Man→, or even more, like Hercule Poirot, the Agatha Christie detective ←who’s always getting himself into trouble, but looks suave while he does it. Jack had those kinds of superstar qualities. ♥
We started looking at mustaches with a different view . . .
Sheri and Kellee (whom many of you know from my Studio) felt very connected to Jack from the beginning. Even tho’ they were in California, 3000 miles away from where Jack lives with us on Martha’s Vineyard, they got into the action. And in fact, they went out very soon after this and got their own Studio kitties! Two kittens that live with them at the Studio. Because what is life without a cat? Nothing makes me happier when I’m away from home, on a vacation or something, than to go into a store that has a cat in it! Oh, the fur! Oh, the contentment!
I could no longer bear to have this pillow sitting around as it originally came to me. . . something was missing . . .
I pulled out my black permanent marker and fixed it right up . . . now it’s almost the exact image of Jack!
He taught me what he likes. The first thing that caught his attention was this furry red ball. He just LOVED it. He carried it around in his mouth all the time looking like an adorable walking greeting card.
Black and white kitties have always been my favorite because they go so well with my furniture. Artistically pleasing ♥ and very graphic.
After a while, I would throw the ball, he would catch it, and, depending where we were, he would bring it back to me to throw again.
Notice that post he’s sitting on? Joe wrapped a board with an old piece of carpeting and put it in the living room the first day we got him. Jack loves this post, he knows it’s his and he never scratches the furniture, ever, he just goes to his post. If you get a kitty, give him a post asap, don’t let him start with any bad habits. Bad habits are hard to break.
Jack showed off his multi-talented self from the beginning, gathering his toys together in one spot. Hunter gatherer.
I would find little groups of his toys in piles around the house. One time I picked up the scale in our bedroom because he was sniffing around it suspiciously, and under it there were seven ponytail bands. I would throw them to him and never see them again. He’d been scooting them under the scale.
He’d lost interest in the ball throwing and retrieving, and instead, he wants me to shoot ponytail bands for him . . . so he can catch them in mid air with his two paws, put them in his mouth, and bring them back to me! You can see him clutching onto one of the bands here.
It’s what he loves to this day . . . we do it every morning and every night and sometimes at lunch! At times, like this ~ have you seen Simon’s Cats? Simon has his finger on the pulse of a kitty . . .
Jack’s on a bench in front of the windows on the far side of our bed. I stand at the bedroom door, shoot the ponytail band across the bed, he catches it in mid-air, brings it to me, and goes back to wait (like a hawk) for me to shoot it again.
A young man and his pony tail band . . . purrrrr.
Our lives are so much more fun since he came into the picture . . . he keeps us laughing all the time. Here he is at his first Christmas. We thought he might climb the tree, or tear the ornaments apart, but he was perfect, and was our Jack in the Box, the best present of them all.
He was curious and in on all the decorating . . .
. . . making the whole room prettier and cozier while he’s at it. Sometimes I marvel that God gave us these little creatures to live with us inside our homes, purr in our ears, rub against our legs, cuddle with us and our children at night. They are love and it’s love that makes a house a home.♥
Even taking a bubble bath is more fun with Jack to help!
Cooking is more fun too . . . he usually watches me from the top of the fridge.
This is my favorite photo ever. Jack’s eyes on that bug!
No bug is safe in our house.
And Jack LOVES ladders. Joe was painting the kitchen and Jack was helping.
He was so comfortable . . . I think he wished I would put his food dish up there.
Sleeps like a dream on a narrow ledge even with his leg dangling over the side.
But he knew he had to come down to eat . . . and this is how he did it, just walked down the rungs the same way Joe did. (Except Joe doesn’t do it upside-down!)
For a while I thought we might have to leave a ladder up in the house forever. No matter where the ladder was, even if it’s leaning against a wall, Jack loves it.
I put the ladder up to bring down baskets from the pantry rafters ~ turn around, and there he is!
I love it when he poses photogenically . . . he is a purrfect kitty model.
I don’t even have to say, “OK Jack, be cute for the camera.” He just does it. That’s how talented he is.
When I iron, he tries to help me there too. SO, I must go get the camera!
If I don’t pay attention for a moment, he stretches out a glossy leg and looks like this in front of me and oops, excuse me while I go get the camera!
He’s wonderful when he poses, but he’s a total nut in motion . . .
I love his lunatic eyes
Especially here, with my girlfriend Elizabeth — I catch some of his best expressions when he’s moving . . . Look at him look at her!
Then he looks at me with eyes that say, “why are you letting her do this to me?”
(I don’t really know, give me that kitty!)
Jack didn’t come to a catless home, my older kitty (guess what her name is) Girl Kitty, was here. I thought Jack would put a bit more interest in her life, but Girl is not warming up to Jack. She sees his existence as pointless, awkward, and even disturbing. She growls when he tries to come near her.
He would love to play with her … but they’ve been more or less like this from the beginning, Jack wants Girl, but Girl does not wish to have Jack, he’s a bit too much for her. They don’t fight, they just don’t mingle much despite the yearning in Jack’s eyes. I have now learned that if you have an older kitty and you want to get a new little one, get two kittens — that way your new kitty has someone equally rambunctious to play with and will not torture the older one.
She can just be her imperious self and there could be two little crazies under the table. Poor little boy . . . but he just turned two . . . to introduce a new kitty, would make all new problems. We’re good, we’ve figured it out. But next time, I’ll get two.
Jack has had to accept this as his brother, the ever-vigilent, wide awake, but not that much fun, Petey.
The seasons change and Jack watches everything from the window. So far I haven’t let him outside. I heard that if you live where there’s traffic, you should keep them in for at least the first two years, until they have lost that “chase anything that moves” syndrome where they follow a butterfly or a bee right into the street without a thought. They’re like babies. Can’t let them go on their own until they’re older. Maybe next year, after I’ve thoroughly scared the bejeebers out of his relationship to the great outdoors. I let Girl out, but she never goes more than ten feet from the house. Just the way I like it.
When a neighbor cat comes into our yard, Jack will follow it, running madly from window to window to keep it in his sight!
And of course, in all seasons, he’s endlessly entertained by this, we have feeders outside our kitchen windows and we are a very popular bird restaurant!
I want him to get used to NOT EATING birds before I ever let him out. Would like him to see them as “Normal.”
The hardest thing I ever have to do is say goodbye . . . he watches from the window when I drive away, even when I go to the store!
And his joy is obvious upon my return (that’s his head, upside-down, at the bottom of the screen) and I feel just the same way about him!
Jack has become famous lately — he has fans like “Bentley” reading about him in books~ . . .
He’s recently been immortalized in felted wool by our friend Suzanne at Strawberry Patches Quilt Store . . .
and yet, despite all that,
. . . he remains humble and still helps me with the laundry. ♥
Another reason to have a kitty (or a dog, bunny, bird, hamster, parrot, or fish) is not just 
because they need us to protect and love them . . . it’s a two way street . . . we need them. They are good for our physical and mental health . . . they build strength in the happy gene and even lower blood pressure, that’s how good they are; owning a cat makes you 37% less apt to have a heart attack! Any information you would ever need to have about owning an animal is available through Google. Ask and ye shall receive. ♥
Some people search all their lives for purpose when anyone can see that God served us purpose on a silver platter. He gave us the earth and all of its magnificent treasure to 
care for. That’s our purpose. He made us strongest of all and that comes with responsibility. We are the stewards of the air, the oceans and waterfalls, flowers, woods, and homegrown tomatoes. He gave us the profound gift and responsibility to care for critters big and little, lions and elephants, chickens, puppies, chipmunks, snakes, trout, polar bears and kitties, every wonderful living thing that makes up the magical chain of life, including us with each other, the strongest to the weakest amongst us. If for nothing else, that’s why we’re here, to take care of the beauty that God has given us. It’s as clear as the mustache on Jack’s face. When I play with my cats, I always find myself saying, “Thank you, God!” I’m so in love. If you ever see someone being cruel to an animal I encourage you to call your local Humane Society or even 911 and get that person straightened out!
Oh, Susan… maybe it’s my age, but I can’t help shedding tears when I read your blog! I so appreciate your sentiments because you truly reflect how I feel… “It is difficult to obtain the friendship of a cat. It is a philosophical animal… one that does not place its affection lightly.”- Guatier
New Year’s Day just got lots happier on finding Kitty Love today. Improved my mood considerably in cold foggy Seattle. Thank you Jack and thank you Susan. I wonder if Jack has any idea how fabulously famous he is :-).
He is ego free, and very down to earth ~ as long as there are pony tail bands to chase through the house, he is a happy little fellow.
Thank you for sharing Jack’s story ~ made me laugh! It’s amazing how something so little can change your life. (I have twelve little ‘somethings’.) Never a dull moment around here!
Have fallen in love with your kitties! I’ve been looking for two kittens, but there’s always a reason to put it off – like going to Florida in February…. (I’ve had cats most of my life, but am currently catless)……. it’s heartbreaking when they pass on but I have my eyes peeled. Your blog about Jack and Girl Kitty reminds me of the book “Dewey the Library Cat” I’m sure you’ve read it……but, if you haven’t, I recommend it. I think Jack is related. Also, one more cat comment. The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA has a beautiful resident cat. I believe his name is Stanley and he’s wonderful.
I just love it when businesses have cats…especially when I travel and I’m missing my own. Hope you find your kittens soon Ann!
I was wrong, the Red Lion Inn’s resident “meowy” is named Simon…….
How totally gorgeous! What a wonderful little character you have there! I happily perused your cat blog with my Little Catta sitting beside me, and she didn’t turn a hair….no attempted paw through the screen, or anything like that (for such an over-indulged cat). I’d like to see your older cat featured regularly here.
She is a wonderful kitty who I love very much, but probably the most skittish cat in the world, and hides in the Peter Rabbit room almost all day everyday. I could take lots of pictures of her, but they would all be the same! She sleeps next to me every night, but seriously, she will run away from me during the day! Joe too. We grab her and snuggle, but her eye is open like the eye of a shark as she warily and uncomfortably “allows” it. She’s very hard to feature!
That’s too bad. Cats look so cute that their looks just seem to invite you to snuggle!
Makes me want another kittie! Jack is sooo cute.
I just discovered your blog while sitting with one of our three cats (Rufus) here in our small but cozy apartment in NYC, thinking about being in Martha’s Vineyard again for this summer’s vacation. It’s been getting a little depressing with all the cold and snow and slush but your statement about life’s purpose lightens the load of dismal weather. I work with an animal protection group here in the city and I see a lot of tuxedos with wonderful markings but Jack’s are remarkable….he seems to carry the silhouette of a fanciful evergreen tree on his nose reminding us all of the wonder of nature!
Nice to meet you Leslie! Thank you for the work you do. xo
I want a kitten 🙂
i want a jack 🙂
Hello!
Just love reading the story of how you acquired Jack and about “Girl Kitty”. We now live in an apartment and are unable to have cats yet maybe someday we will have one again. 🙂 We had 2 fantastic cats when we lived in our home. First there was Kiowa Fire….a beautiful red tabby persian. He just loved to be brushed and would stretch out and let you brush and brush him while all the while to you told him how handsome he was. Then they was Tucson Blue an elegant yet playful Blue Point Siamese cat. And did I say talkative too! You could wad up a ball of foil and throw it and he would go get and drop it at your feet and meow and patiently wait for you to throw it again. Tucson also got along quite well with our Shetland Sheep Dog and would curl up in his paws and often take a nap. The three of them were family and when we had to move from our house to an apartment the hardest thing was not leaving the house and wonderful yard we loved to work in yet giving up and finding homes for Prince, Kiowa Fire and Tucson Blue! In the meantime we will enjoy Jack and Girl Kitty on your blogs and think of the day when we might be able to have pets once again! Thanks for sharing Jack and Girl Kitty!!! a r
Jack’s story is so much like our Bootsy’s. And like Jack, Bootsy has an older sibling– his name Beau. They are both tuxedos.
Bootsy’s antics are fodder for fun among my Facebook friends. Lately what has tickled me is that I had written a Christmas story for our Advent Booklet at church which will be published next year– yes, I’m a writer too– and that story had come true. It isn’t fiction any more. Bootsy had indeed run off with the Baby Jesus from a manger set I keep out all year and I never know where I will find the dear little soul.
Thanks for your story and pictures. We belong to a very special club!!!!
Awww! I love Jack! He is so precious. I wish I had another cat. I have a ginger colored kitten; his name is Luvems and he has little stripes on the end of his tail. His nickname is “Baby” because he is still little. I love your blog!
Jack is adorable! I never liked cats as a child, but when our children were in grade school my husband brought home a grey and white kitten from a veterinarian friend, and I fell in LOVE! Since then we had two Blue Point Birmans, who are known for their loving natures. Lots of hugs and kisses from them, too. But, my real reason for writing is to inquire about the English Springer Spaniel ‘reading’ about Jack in your book. Is this your dog? We had an ESS for about 12 years. She came to us as a stray, and we came to view her as a ‘gift from God’.
The dog isn’t mine but his name is Bentley; he belongs to one of our Girlfriends, Jackie P. I’m so glad you “discovered” the joy of kitties, it happened to me that way too and I feel so lucky to have made the discovery!
Thank you Susan, for responding. I think we were perhaps twins seperated at birth! For many years I’ve enjoyed all the same things you do; vintage linens, glass of any kind, old bottles, quilts, assorted floral china, and Beatrix Potter. We are the same age, and even like the same movies, and authors. If not twins, then surely kindred spirits! 🙂
Definitely! And I think you’ll find many more of our ilk right here amongst the Girlfriends.
Oh my, Susan. I’ve been a fan forever but somehow just found your blog. Anyway, my family just finished fostering mama cat and her 5 babies. I was a complete mess when we had to take them back to the humane society to find forever homes for them. So many tears because I think that no one can possibly love them as much as I do!!!!! If we didn’t already have 3 cats and a dog I would have kept all 6! They are so dear. Jack sounds like so much fun. We have a longhair tuxedo, Oliver, a tabby, Percy and Percy’s sister (tabby&white), Lily. Add in a Jack Russell named Harvey and that’s our furry family.
Blessings to you and yours.
Oh, that must have been so hard to see them go! How fun for you though.
Hi, I just read about Jack. It was fate that he come to live with you when you talked about the name Jack only to find out that was his name. So cool!
I have a 14-year old black and white we call Dood (short for Doodle). His name of record is R.P. All my kitties make frequent appearance on my blog. Currently we just have two. The other is a tortie named Sophie. I lost my Rosie last November after 16 years of togetherness. He was truly my little buddy.
I’m so sorry. Our little petty pets mean so much to us. What a gift they are. xoxo
Hello Susan and Good Morning from Fremontville. I to live in a small town and on a lake at that. Gets pretty cold here and the roads are not cleaned well. I’m inside a lot. I find this time of year peacefull. I organize and email everyone. Your address book looks like it’s right up my alley. I to have many small books for all important things. I even have a book of books to read, how about that. Enjoy your fire and cozy up with a warm blanket and your sweet kitty.
xooo
The book of books! Makes sense to me!
I love to go to our local SPCA and see the kitties! ( My husband is allergic) There was a young man there visiting his cat, he was going through a rough patch and had to put his kitty in the shelter till he can take him home again. He came every day….how heart touching! For our love of precious kitties xoxoxo
Love the kittie story. Its been several years since i lost my cat, maybe its time to get another one.
I think it is Annie, the perfect time!
Love, love, love the address books! Of course, I love everything you do!!
I love the address book! I would love to have my own! 🙂
I would love to own and organize a book just as you have! Good Luck to me and everyone else! Stay warm everyone!
One for me and one for an equally organizationally addicted friend? Divine!
Please and Thank You.
Would sooo be excited to win your internet address book!!!
BIG question! And I’m serious. How do you get your Christmas things put away so quickly? You are washing glassware and shelves? I’m still working on getting tangled lights off the tree, and I haven’t put away the ornaments that ARE packed, or my caroler dolls, or sorted the paper and ribbon for packing away, etc. It will be February before I can sit with my books or paints! I’m thinking that you are a much better time manager than me! Hints?
I don’t bring the old year into the new ~ something about that just bothers me for some reason, so I get it all away as close to New Year’s Day as I can. The poinsettia is still lurking, but its days are numbered because even it kind of bothers me!
What a great idea – I have two of your address books (why? = I have no idea) and now I know what to do with one of them! Way cuter than my plain black book – I have a kitty, too, named Rascal – he is an outdoor cat because my daughter-in-law is allergic to cats but he is a good kitty and comes home around 5 pm every night to be let in to the garage for dinner and his bed which is a scratching post that I’ve tried to get him to sleep in for years and Finally he gets it!!
Love your kitties. I have a calico cat that is very rambunctious too:)
Love the organizing idea with address books….mine are just on scraps of paper also!
What a great idea for web sites, passwords!
Yes, brilliant!!
Brilliant!!!
PS Susan, I want to tell you a happiness YOU have brought this 67+ lady. My whole life I’ve felt as if I were weird, or at least different from all my friends and relatives who seemed to be doing things “right,” while I was watching birds, filling a pretty bowl with acorns or a vase with weeds or peacock feathers, and spending what little money I had on books and art supplies, or things like Beatrix Potter figurines or an old crock from a previous century. Friends’ houses were carpeted and filled with trendy things. What was wrong with ME that I didn’t care about the latest fashions and fads and new cars and remodeling? Then I found your blog and discovered that there was SOMEONE WONDERFUL who was filling her life with everything I love, too. THANK YOU for showing me that there IS another kind of quiet, contemplative life and it’s ok, I’m ok. Your blog, your life, is beautiful.
Aren’t we lucky? The internet has made all of this lovely “finding” possible! You are so OK!
Happy New Year, Susan. Love your blogs, as always, and thank you for them (and your)!!
Vicki
Susan, you have no idea how mush I just love you and all the wonderful love you share in everything you do. We have a precious little grey cat that was being abused by a group of children and ran up on my porch for safety. “Smokey” is the love of our lives, my husband never ever wanted a kitty, needless to say God had a plan for Him and us. He has the aids virus for cats, and we have almost lost him twice, with all the love we can give and Gods’ loving mercy, he is still with us, he is LOVE. One day I will write a special story for our hearts treasure, till then we just love him more and more each day! God has indeed given you so many gifts, thank you for everyone you share. I think your life is a gift. God Bless and give Jack a extra hug from us. Happy and Blessed New Year!!!!!!! Maggie
That is a smart kitty who chose the perfect house and people to love.
Organization would be a great thing in this little corner of Smallsville. All of my passwords are written on a scrap paper that my husband is forever misplacing
I so enjoyed your blog today. I was taking a break from washing my glassware – by hand- and was delighted to find a kindred spirit. It’s just too darn cold here to do anything else.
Loved, loved your idea of using an address book for passwords as mine are in scraps of paper in my desk drawer. Thanks for the great tip.
Looking forward to your next blog.
I have a Beatrix Potter address book that is stuffed and coming apart at the seams. It is not expandable, so it is breaking apart with to much information.
How wonderful it would be to replace it with one of yours. I am sure my sister
would love one also…How very sweet of you to have this drawing. Blessings to you!
Love the pictures of Jack!!! We have a tuxedo cat named Mitt and recently adopted another black and white polydactyl cat and named her Polly Esther!!! It’s always been on my bucket list to have one of these big- footed wonders in our life…and we finally got Polly from a shelter . She’s extremely shy. Does anyone have any suggestions how to deal with that? We’d like to see more of her!! Thanks so much ,Susan, for your beautiful photos and the wonderful text to go with them!! Happy and joy-filled new year! Mary
If Polly Esther (
My poor address book is crying out to be put out of its misery. Never has had enough room for all my “notes” and numbers. I would definitely treat the next one with more respect, kindness and neatness–I think.
I would love to have these address books for website passwords. I really need them badly. How nice of you to have them in a drawing. Thanks. Happy New Year too.
my passwords are a mess. Disorganized and usually a disaster. Would so love to win an address book. Loved seeing you at Falmouth library. I had blue nail polish that you commented on. Happy new year!
Oh Yes, cute!
My old address book is on it’s last legs. The only reason I hold on to it is because it’s full of kitty pictures. Would love to replace it with one of yours. I have two “boys”,Teddy and Sandy. They are both two years old and are a constant source of joy.
Thank you for brightening my day!
I admire your cleaning glassware in the middle of winter! I usually feel like doing that come March when I know the smell of Spring will arrive.
I do like your address books and the organization about them. Of course I do not have one ! I would give the other one to a special friend of mine, Sandy. She is a true friend..we may not see each other often but, are in each others hearts always. We have known each other since 1975. We chat on the phone and visit now and then but do not live near each other now. Internet and Facebook have been a great way to share.
hope you and Joe and the kitties enjoy the weekend and the Football!
Say hello to Sandy from me!
I think your loveable cat is so sweet. It might be related to his name. I had a West Highland White Terrier named Jack. Jack loved to cuddle, snuggle and be by your side. Like your Jack, my puppy loved to get his picture taken and posed like a model on the runway. Jack would run from window to window watching the chipmunks that played on our patio.
My current address book is falling apart. I just celebrated my first anniversary and have been searching for a new address book to combine our friends into one book. I would love to add your book to my collection.
What a living doll !!!
Love the address book idea. I have tried to remember my ids, passwords and credit card info. Guess how well that works.
LOL Katie!
I do love my kitties, Bailey (15 1/2), Lexie (7 1/2), and Allie (4). They are soooo precious. I also love reading about Girl and Jack. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Jack is such a handsome cat! I have had some much loved kitties but I have developed asthma and cats with long hair especially bother my breathing. Kitties are such fun and maybe I can take shots or something and have one again. In the meantime I will enjoy yours long distance. 🙂 Incidentally I could use an address book. Ha!
I mentioned this before, but in case you missed it, I’ve heard there is something people can sprinkle into their cat’s food that keeps them from giving you an allergic reaction ~ I don’t know for sure if it’s true, but you could Google it if you are interested.
CDJ ~ there are several breeds of cats and dogs that are good for people with allergies (don’t shed; limited dander, etc.). Right now, I have a lovely Seal Point Tonkinese girl kitty who has a thick, beautiful, mink-like coat. Nary a hair on her bed, in her brush or on my furniture! (My neighbor has an adorable, fancy-schmancy Labradoodle: same thing.) Could you maybe look into adopting a cat with this quality? It’s too sad to think of you taking shots, or doing without a kitty for the rest of your life.
I loved the address book idea – I too have scads of papers with passwords and people’s email addresses and they are never all together. I feel like I have known you all my life. We are kindred spirits in a lot of ways. I look forward to your blog !
Susan, what wonderful pets you have. They are delightful!
I absolutely adore your address books. I always love the colors you use. The yellow one makes me happy, just looking at it, and the Blue one is equally wonderful. Thank you so much for bringing your talents into our lives.
Kitties are a gift that warms our hearts. My kittie is Frankie{short for Frankincense] He was a Christmas present!
This is a brilliant idea for keeping passwords organized. I have the same four sheets of paper! Thanks for the chance to win, and Happy New Year!
Loved reading your sentiments about kitties….and all animals. They are indeed, gifts from God for us to enjoy and even learn from. Happy and best 2015 to you and your loved ones.
I would love to win one of your beautiful address books, Susan! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Love, love your new “address” book – how perfect! I , too, have those pesky little notes with crossed off and added on passwords, numbers, etc.
Thanks for the offer!
a great idea, ms. susan! many times the simpler things are the best. i am off to find an old address book and start 2015 in an organized fashion.
I love your blog it always brings comfort into my soul. Love the address books
I love your idea for the “Internet address book” and would love to win one. So tired of having all my little pieces of paper around with tidbits of information!
Hi Susan, I just read your post about your address book. I have and stil use mine for all our family and friend contacts. Never thought about one for the other info you talked about,good idea. Thanks, Sandy
I save clicking on “Susan Branch Blog” when it comes to my inbox as a special treat to open around 4pm. As the day is winding down, it picks me back up. Thanks.
I’m like tea! Thank you Victoria!
I’ve rediscovered you only recently (I have a cookbook from the 90s) and feel so disappointed that I have not been following you and your beautiful work all these years. But that won’t happen again! I couldn’t find the little gray “comments” section at the bottom of your emailed blog so I clicked on the website link which brought me here. So I hope I’m in the right spot. Your blog today, January 9, 2015, mentions a giveaway for 2 address books. Both books are darling and I’m always in the market for a fun way to get more organized! My current address book is 25 years old and, as you can imagine, is falling apart! The websites I’d like to visit and any new passwords I’ve made are on little pieces of paper held together with a paperclip! So if I win the books, they will be put to good use!
You made it DeeDee!
So love the idea of using an address book to get myself organized with all of my internet passwords! Good luck to me…lol…best of luck to all!!
HI, love your Blog!
Thanks for sharing photos of Jack !
Thanks for a great giveaway too!
I just moved to Berkeley Springs from Charleston SC after a glorious private wedding with my teenage sweetheart of more than fifty years ago. We have truly been blessed that God brought us together again after both our spouses passed away in 2013. Susan pursuaded my late husband and I to take the plunge and go to England and we came back on the Queen Mary 2; what a blessing that was before he passed away!! If anyone knows about TWO MEETING STREET INN in Charleston, SC or have stayed there, they know what a VERY special inn it is; Lewis Comfort Tiffany windows on the first floor and all. My sweet new husband took me there for our wedding night. What a fairy tale experience—even for two 70 year olds!!! It was like a dream come true to be in such gorgeous luxurious surroundings and enjoy the surpurb service with the man I loved all those years ago. Susan you really help to put romance back into people’s lives, which makes our lives so much for fun to enjoy!!! Thank You!!!
YOU are the fairy tale Karen! I LOVE your story and your zest for LIFE!
Been a fan of your illustrations, recipes, stories, etc. forever, and absolutely loved your book! Comforting to know someone out there sees things in a similar way, ( I have a man cat too) and can express it in such a fun way! Always delighted to see a new posting!
Of course I would LOVE the books…the more organized I become, the better I feel. My Peter Rabbit book is expanding to the point of explosion. But again, I must comment on Jack…he’s such a star. Couldn’t be a better subject…a classic example of improving with age. All those natural poses make him model perfect. What a cute kitten he was, but what a glorious cat! He’s the best!!!
Sharon
He is. Pure moosh. sometimes he will even lay in my arms for a while and let me look at him and pet his nose.
Love the blog! I need to get this area of my life organized (passwords, etc.) as I have been working on cleaning out drawers, closets, etc. Thank you so much for the tips!
Love everything about your blog. Watercolorists must think alike. I have a password address book but it is old and tattered. I would love something fresh for the new year. Love your photography.
Would love to have the address books to organize my passwords and my daughter needs one too! What a great idea.
I love all that you do and I enjoy your blog so much. Your work is so warm and beautiful. Thank you.
Two comments:
I think Jack needs his own book! and, I’ve now started taking the book where I keep my passwords with me when I travel, but it’s not nearly as pretty (or organized!) as yours.
bless you!
I LOVE YOUR CATS . WHEN I SAW THEM I DECIDED I NEEDED A NEW KITTY , I LOST MINE ABOUT A YEAR AGO HE WAS FOURTEEN YEARS OLD AND I LOVED HIM SO .MY SON GOT A KITTY FOR HIS CHILDREN FROM A NO KILL SHELTER. MY DAUGHTER HAS SEVEN CATS ALL RESCUE SO WE HAVE CAT LOVERS IN OUR FAMILY TOO. LOVE YOUR WEBSITE!
I have accepted the fact that as time goes on you can get very unorganized if your not careful. I would like the address book too. It will help put everything in one place. And it is so pretty.
Dear Susan, Loved reading about Jack. We had to put our 12 yr old cat down Christmas Eve. Terribly sad. We will wait for a while before we get another. Next time we will try to give a home to an adult cat. Have a great year.
I’m so sorry, it really is such a sad thing to lose a little petty pet. They are so good to us.
I love Jacks mustache! You explain the love of animals so well! I think Jack organizes this toys just like you!
Ha ha ha, we’re birds of a feather!
I came upon your site by accident and it was a very good find, indeed. I love your blog and am astounded with how it seems like you are talking personally with me though I know that is impossible. It is just like having a one way conversation with a good friend. You make me smile and be peaceful as I read. My daughter has two tiny black kittens … brother and sister that have brightened her life after a difficult year. I hope they will grow into the interesting cats that you have. They are showing promise of doing just that. Very clever and entertaining brimming over with joy, each with their own delightful personality. Love your blog.
And now, look, it’s a two-way conversation!
Love the story about Jack and am so tempted to get a kitty….
Oh I hope you do it! 🙂
So happy to read Jack’s story. I, too, talk “kitty language!” I can never get enough of their cuteness. Since my husband and I first got married 44 years ago, we’ve always had at least one cat, and as many as five at one time, not counting the litters of feral kittens we’ve fed and kept warm in our backyard over the years! Thank you for sharing, Susan!
Blessings to you, Joe, and your lovely furry family,
Dawna
Edmond, OK
Thank you for your years of loving animals. It’s a wonderful legacy. xoxo
All my passwords are scribbled in the back of my address book in the “Notes” section. Never did it occur to me to use an address book to keep them all in order. What a genius idea! I always learn so much for you. Love your blog.
Thank you Emi!
love this idea for passwords!
Such a terrific idea! Lovely address book. Lovely kitty too.
I am a new comer to your site. Love it! Have already passed the web address on to my daughters and friends. Seems like I am reading an e-mail from my sisters cause we share so much of the same interest. You truly make a difference. Please enter my name in the drawing, good idea for our pass words.
Welcome Barbara! Nice to see you here!
I absolutely love your blog [especially the kitty love!]. Your sunny life and darling artwork really cheer me. I’d love to win one of your address books because my passwords are on random scraps of paper tucked in my wallet. You’ve inspired me to get more organized!
Thanks for the smiles…………patti
Hi, Susan,
I have been using spiral bound index cards for my personal information as it is small and very portable. I have been using address books for years to keep track of the books I read by author. I am on my sixth one! Having a special place to keep important information is great and I hope you have good luck with your newest venture!
Really enjoy your blogs! Thanks so much.
Carla
How I would love to give my “Sister by Choice” since first grade, one of your lovely address books:) She absolutely loves everything and anything Susan Branch:) I do too and I was shown the way by my her:)
Great address books, would love to win them.
I loooove this style of address book, and, like Susan, so many passwords, etc. stored on index cards now! PICK ME!!!
I have your original address book! It needs replacing since my husband has numerous entries, often on the divider pages over the beautiful artwork and quotations. Next book will be off limits to his additions!
What a great idea the little pieces of paper with important information..all shapes and sizes, like graffiti strewn around my desk, they would love a new home, all organized and coxy.
My current address book is about to fall apart. I’m crossing my fingers and my toes that I win your lovely address book.
The address book as a data base for passwords and other cyber information! I hope win one! If I don’t, I may need to order one!
Would love to have a place to keep all my passwords. Can’t believe how many there are!
When I see your blog arrive I smile and reserve the next few minutes to sit with such a sweet friend that you are! And I love looking at a finished shiny-clean shelf, love having time during these frosty days to bestow some care on treasured belongings. You’re a treasure too!
I do miss my lap kitty…..and now I’m inspired to “clean up” my accounts folder…. if I can find where it got put last time….! eep!
Your artwork and ideas always lift my spirit. Thank you! I would love to have one of those lovely address books! That is such a good idea, to make them into internet address and password books! May you have a wonderful 2015, Susan!
I love the idea of using your address book for my passwords. I would love to get organized and clean off this desk. I sure hope you pick me. Make my day,please!
Carol
Reading about your address book and “Smallville.” I was feeling sad tonight on a Friday when I was so pleased to have no plans but then heard of friends who were going to parties and I doubted myself. Read Smallville and felt like I’m not alone in loving my own little space.
Oh, Susan, I just love your pictures of Kitty Jack~ he is adorable, and so cuddly! I loved the address book idea for passwords, and email. I use a notebook, but this is a thousand times better!
Hi Susan 😀
You are adorable and your ideas are too!
Thanks for sharing the happy things of life with ‘the girlfriends’ … it always gives me a lift!
I am new subscriber, but loving it all.
Welcome Margaret!
just a question – what does WEBSITE mean? I don’t know what to put there.
It’s OK, you don’t need one, it just means, do you have a website and if you do, what’s the address.
Hi, Susan..love your stories. And would love to win the address books! I’ve been wondering what I could put all my computer info. In….waaaaalaaaa!! So I’m hoping my name is picked! Have a good day, Loretta