Loki enjoys sunshine like any good cat, but it doesn’t hurt when the tree outside is filled with birds. Ah, to dream the impossible dream…
Still, as the Irish legend goes: “A cat’s eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world.” What I wouldn’t give to see what they see, even if only for a moment… to glimpse that other world.
Loki absolutely loves to lie on top of me when I’m prostrate on the floor or bed or anywhere else. So yesterday I nestled on the floor next to the patio doors in the living room, a move intended to let me soak up some sunshine while enjoying the company of a few lazy cats who likewise were intent on absorbing sunbeams. But the moment I got on the floor marked Loki’s incessant demand that he get to sleep on top of me. It started innocently enough.
He stretched out atop my abdomen and watched the goings on outside—namely some avian activity. But then he had to determine if I intended to stay put.
Once he’d determine I wasn’t going to kick him to the curb, at least not yet, he settled in for a bit of shuteye.
And there we both stayed for a while. There’s just something about a cat stretched out on top of you that lends itself to a feeling of safe relaxation.
We don’t disturb the devil when he’s sleeping. We especially don’t disturb him when he’s found a quiet spot hidden away from the other cats where he can rest comfortably. I’m sure he’s recharging his batteries for another night on the town stealing souls from hapless victims. Such is the life of Loki, the master of darkness and all things malign. Even the god of mischief needs to nap now and then.
Cats know to put aside their differences when it comes to keeping warm or being safe. Despite their longstanding rivalry, Loki and Kako understand this concept. In fact, if one of them calls out in pain, the other will leap into action to help. This is true with all the cats no matter their relationships with each other. It’s just how a family of felines responds when circumstances call for it.
Below you see Kako on the pillow with Grendel tucked neatly behind Loki. As cool weather moves into Texas and temperatures inside the house drop, none of The Kids is so far above their station that they can’t appreciate the additional warmth generated by sharing a bed with someone else, even when the two sharing are mortal enemies like Kako and Loki.
Of course, Grendel has no enemies, so he sleeps with everyone (although Kako generally sees to it that she gets to him first).
[btw, that black blanket underneath them is an old throw that I let them use as they wish; it’s essentially their blanket, although they do let Daddy use it from time to time when he’s sitting with them]
I want to wish everyone a happy New Year celebration. Be safe and careful, mindful always of your own limits as well as the many fools who have already passed theirs.
Let 2007 begin and progress as a year of wonder, respect, and responsibility. Set your sights high but never lose track of where each step must land to carry you forward. Do not let your advancement be upon the backs of others, or at the expense of this planet that has sheltered us and provided for us despite our uncaring abuse.
And finally from The Kids, a presentation of holiday faces as they wish you Happy New Year!
From top to bottom: Grendel, Loki, Kako, Kazon, and Vazra.
