July 29, 2009; Backporch, Amsterdam @ 14.20
I went out to the back porch this afternoon and found Cinta (left) and Oga (right) both staring towards a point somewhere in the open garden area between the buildings. Their gazes were fixed on something, but whatever it was, it was something that I couldn't see. And I looked real hard.
Then I remembered something I once read in one of the books about cats that we have in the house. I thumbed through several books until I finally what I was looking for:
"The cat is sound asleep, seemingly oblivious to the world around her. Suddenly she awakes, alert, her senses keen. She stares at a fixed point on the wall - but nothing is there...."
And that seemed to be exactly what I was witnessing. This wonderful passage comes from a book by Joanna Sandsmark entitled, "10 Spiritual Lessons You Can Learn From Your Cat."
This is a pleasurable and insightful book that will bring joy to every cat lover or anyone thinking about bringing a cat into their lives. From the back cover jacket (Dutch version translated by me into English):
- There is always time to play, even in the busiest of lives.
- Smother people who are dear to you in love and attention.
- Sleep well and learn the art of relaxation in fine detail.
- Keep your eyes open for new opportunities.
- Find pleasure in the small things of life."
I have indeed learned much from Cinta and Oga in the five years I have had the pleasure and honor of being their companion and caretaker (although who is taking care of whom is open to debate). I am a better, more patient, more loving and more insightful human being thanks to them. Not only have I learned a lot about them but I have discovered so much about myself thanks to them.
And I thought when we bought them that I was 'merely' taking two wonderful pets into our home. Little did I know.
