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Sunday, January 04, 2009

green-eyed lady


When my edges feel too rough.






When complications of the human exchange seem beyond my ability to maneuver.
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When I need to cool down.
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When I need to remember that circumstances are not what give, or take away, peace.








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When I need to close my eyes and feel Nature's riches.





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My elegant green-eyed goddess barncat comes to the rescue.
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She looks into my eyes.
She eliminates Time, and Distance, and Separateness.
She says, "I love you."
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And I say, "I love you too."

77 comments:

Susan said...

Beautiful Bishop.....and she's a counselor and confidante. I don't get why some people think that cats aren't affectionate. My cats love me and show it, and I can see that Bishop is very loving as well. You're lucky to have such a wise and non-judgmental friend.

Ruth said...

I wonder if the cats that aren't affectionate are the ones that are turned "evil" by people who think they aren't affectionate. :|

How many cats? Two, right?

When we're in the hot tub Bishop comes to me and licks my toes if they're sticking out of the water. I have never been a cat person, and I still don't think I am. I am a Bishop person.

myonlyphoto said...

Ruth, it is my first time here, just clicked accidently on the follow up email from Bob's blog. Wow these are breathtaking photos of the cat, and heartfelt words. Thanks for sharing. Happy healthy new year 2009, wishing you all the best. Anna :)

Ruth said...

Hi there, Anna! Thank you. It's nice to have a new friend come and visit. I am still smiling at your fetching baby. That image of her (?) sitting and looking at the bookshelves is fused in my vision.

cathyswatercolors said...

Ruth, I had to read this twice and both times I couldn't stop smiling. Great thoughts and beautiful photos. Love that pretty kitty.Thank you.

Karen said...

Aww, Bishop looks just like my Tiger did. What a cutie.

Bob Johnson said...

So true, having a cat soul mate as well I know of what you speak.

Ginnie Hart said...

Bishop is priceless, Ruth. She will lead us all!

Susan said...

Ruth, I have 3 cats. Angel, Tobey and the evil one, Cricket, who tried to shred my arm back in the fall. Yes, she's still around. I didn't have the heart to have her put down. She's been with us for almost 15 years, for better and for worse. And she still sleeps by my head every night.

I love that Bishop licks your hot-tub toes. Sweet kitty.

sandy said...

and I LOVE the post and photos! Very refreshing to come here...looking at her recharged me!

rauf said...

You can own a dog but you can't own a cat Ruth. i wonder what they think of themselves and you can't make an army out of them as they never obey a command.

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." --Anonymous

"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." --Jeff Valdez

"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." --English proverb

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat." --Ellen Perry Berkeley

"One cat just leads to another." --Ernest Hemingway

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later." --Mary Bly

"Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia." --Joseph Wood Krutch

"People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life." --Faith Resnick

"There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats." --Anonymous

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." --Hippolyte Taine

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

Hi dear Ruthy,
What a sweet and adorable little housefriend do you have a HUG for catty!

We are back from holidays...I always enjoyed visiting you blog in 2008, you were a reall inspiration to me.
I wish you many Happy and Creative wishes for 2009! I hope to watch your beautiful photogaphic blog many, many, times in 2009 with also much joy. Please feel/be welcome to follow my blog also,

Friendly greetings from:
JoAnn's D Eyes

www.joannwalraven.blogspot.com

Loring Wirbel said...

My cat is such a wimp, she'd never roll in the snow. Although we don't let her do many outside stints due to the foxes. But she loves to just sleep on my stomach or neck.

VioletSky said...

I have never had an evil cat.
Well, not intentionally evil.
I only share my space with affectionate animals.

Bishop certainly loves the camera

Ruth said...

Cathy, you are under Bishop's spell, like many of us. I can't stay glum when she comes around. Not that I'm often glum.

Ruth said...

Karen, I think Bishop is an American Wirehair.

Ruth said...

So cool, Bob. Maybe your cat is from the moon.

Ruth said...

Ah Boots, I'm so glad you're home safe.

We need to watch animals for instruction in life. I wonder what she gets from rolling in the snow.

Ruth said...

Oh dear, Susan. Well at least the shredder isn't named Angel. I know you have a big heart, a tolerant heart. That's wonderful. I need to learn from you about that.

Ruth said...

Dear Sandy, Bishop's touch is soft, giving and unselfish. I don't know why I know that.

laura said...

Bishop really is a beauty--though I imagine any cat of yours would be photogenic! You express what cats do for us perfectly (purrfectly). If not for my cats to snuggle and whisper to, I think I'd be wretched!

Ruth said...

I wonder what cats think of themselves too, rauf.

If cats have been like Bishop, I understand why they were worshipped.

Ruth said...

How kind, JoAnn, thank you so much. Your sweet Ios is more than an animal to you, more like a companion full of love. Thank you for your new year visit and kind words. I look forward to seeing AMS through your lens in the months ahead.

Ruth said...

Loring, we are all wimps since we live indoors. Please don't malign your cat that way. :D But I must say I believe Bishop adores her life. And man, does she ever have thick fur!

We had another cat long ago that slept on my neck too, or on my hair. I found it a little distressing.

Ruth said...

Sanna, good boundary management. I have never quite understood allowing mean cats to stay on the premises. Don's family had one, Nicki, that would hog the couch and swipe at anyone who walked by. Of course it may have had something to do with Don and his brother dropping her down the clothes shoot with the dog waiting at the bottom.

Ruth said...

Aw, Laura, that's a nice image, you whispering to your cats. I don't recall that you've shared any cat paintings with us. I was thinking yesterday as I snapped away at Bishop while she writhed in the snow that I'm getting the hang of photographing her. She doesn't lie still, and I'm finally figuring out when to click.

Sharon said...

You may not be a cat person Ruth but you've captured your connection with Bishop so beautifully here.

I am a cat person but even I don't like the neck thing! :)

Ruth said...

Oh dear, Sharon, I am looking at Hanging Horn and suddenly imagined him sleeping on your neck! I think animals come to you in droves, you have such a love for them all, well maybe not coyotes.

I wonder how your mouses are faring. Do the cats or the mouses rule the cabin?

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Ruth....outstanding post!
I LOVE Bishop!

Mrs. SwedeHart said...

Hi! It's been ages, but I just had to drop by... I'm glad I did! Lately, I've been appreciating Roxi's cute little puppy dog eyes that are always saying things like: "Can we go... yet?" "Soon?" "Perhaps now?" "You know what would be fun?" "We should just go." "Hmmmm?" And then all I have to do is whisper, "Should we go?" And she springs into the air victorious!

Anonymous said...

I have a crush on Bishop.

GailO said...

Gorgeous photos of and wonderful comments about a gorgeous cat - I am in love with Bishop - and it must feel wonderful to have your toes licked by a rough little tongue..oh I have always been a cat person...

Sharon said...

Oh, definitely the cats. Thanks to the link Don gave me on my comments we are pretty mouse free these days.....at least inside!

Peter said...

Your Bishop post inspired me to create my own blog!

Nautankey said...

Aah those green eyes :D

PeterParis said...

... and although I'm not a cat, I say: I love you and your blog and your posts...!

Ruth said...

Thank you so much, Kerri! You would love her even more in person.

Ruth said...

How precious, SwedeHart! I'm so happy to see you, I hope you are not overworking yourself. I hope you, Swede and the kids are having a good start to 2009. I go back to the university today after a long break. But classes don't start until next Monday.

Ruth said...

Peter (the one who's my son), I'm excited to see your new blog, and to think this post sparked it, hehe!

Ruth said...

Dear Oliag, thank you for loving Bishop. I don't know why I say thank you, because I know you can't help yourself, she is so lovable. But thank you.

It was not wonderful at first to have her lick my toes. I was a little heebed out, but now it feels wonderful.

Ruth said...

Sharon, great news! Your cats must thank you - or not.

Ruth said...

Ohh, Nautankey, I didn't remember your green-eyed lady when I posted this title! As you see, my son has a crush on this one.

Ruth said...

Paris Peter, ah thank you! And right back at you, and I love Paris too, as you know.

gaz said...

dogs, pah.
cats rule!!

happy new year ruth to you and your clan.

Ruth said...

Ha, Gaz. I didn't grow up around animals, but I do like a dog now and then. As long as I can say good-bye quickly.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thank our lucky stars for animals... the loyalty... the trust.. a feeling that you are special to them.. never changes... they look at you with those beautiful windows to the soul ... It feels darn good...

I have never been without animals in my life... and hope to keep it that way... the more the better...

I had a good laugh over Rauf's cat Quotes..

Oh and I have never met an animal that I didn't like, just some that need a little more understanding...

Barry said...

Phenomenal pictures Ruth!

Makes me want to go out a get a cat. But how would I break the news to the dog?

Ruth said...

Gwen, you never cease to say something profound. I was thinking about the skull you posted (and others you've posted) that you painted. That is a gift: to paint a skull. To explore that structure and think about the life that existed there.

We came from such different backgrounds - me with no animals. But I have connected with just a few, in ways that maybe no one else would appreciate. Once on a metro train in Paris a dog crawled to me across an expanse of floor, and put his head under my hand. People stared.

What you wrote about some animals that need a little more understanding - you can't know how that fits my circumstances at the moment - with people.

Ruth said...

Thank you, Barry the Story Teller!

I bet Lindsay might follow your lead and accept a cat. Dogs seem to adjust to human behavior more than cats.

myonlyphoto said...

Thanks Ruth. That is Matthew's favorite place of the day. I have one photo where he is flipping pages, and it looks like he is reading this book, lol, and he is only 7 months. In a couple of days he will be 8, where did this time go? Thanks again, and I keep looking at your cat photos, they are amazing. Cheers, Anna :)

Gwen Buchanan said...

just referring to """What you wrote about some animals that need a little more understanding - you can't know how that fits my circumstances at the moment - with people.""".................... Oh yes, Ruth... Unfortunately I think I do... I just "Dealt" with "Christmas" .... but I'll say no more... but I do mean Dealt...

JackeeG4glamorous said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog - your photos are wonderful - both in content and craft. I too have a Nikon D40-but my pictures are not as clear and concise. I think it's because most are indoor and the lighting is not as bright. I'm still working on learning all the functions. Do you have special lenses? Your cat's color's and texture are absolutely PURRfect.

Ruth said...

Anna, oh so cute. Our kids did that too, especially Lesley.

I assume you mean Matthew is now 8 years old, not months.

Ruth said...

Gwen, what are the holidays if not full of cheer and DEALing?

Ruth said...

Thank you, Jackee. Most of my photos are taken with the standard 55mm lens that came with the camera box. But indoor is far more difficult, I agree. I have far fewer good results indoors. In fact I've been resorting to flash a lot, during the holidays for instance.

myonlyphoto said...

Sorry Ruth to bother you again, no no Matthew will be 8 months in 2 days. It feels like we just brought him from hospital yesterday! Anna :)

Anet said...

She has to be the most beautiful barn cat in the land!
We had a neighbor abandon a cat when they moved last winter, a very sweet boy named Bob. His coat was so thick from being outside for most of the winter. I made him a cat house on my front porch. After a few below zero nights, I gave in... let him in and had to house train him. He's now living with Autumn's boyfriend and he is one happy spoiled house cat:)

christina said...

OMGoodness! I love this! I feel the love! ; )

Ruth said...

Anna, actually that was my first instinct, since he's in your profile pic as a baby! Thanks for coming back to tell me. Watch out, the years will fly.

Ruth said...

Christina, dear, there is so much of it.

Amy said...

NAW! you're most definitely a cat person. That cat knows it too..just look at him with you? Love this story, and love that you found a bit of peace with Bishop's help...beautiful photos my friend!

freefalling said...

How is it she makes that cold, wet snow look like a cosy, warm blanket?

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can not say anything to this, I just feel !!!
Happy day to you, Ruth!

to Letitia: Snow is not always wet, it is to many animals just a cosy, warm blanket in our climate. Even many of our hibernating birds go inside snow during the hard frost times and will survive!

Ruth said...

Amy, you think?? It must be intuitive then, because I never thought I was in me head. Thank you, dahling.

Ruth said...

Letitia my dear, it's partly what Leena said so well. And since the sun was out, it was one of those days you could stay out a long time, and I was almost ready to squirm around on the snow with her. I wonder if you've been around snow.

Ruth said...

my dear Leena, that is the perfect thing to say, because that's what I wanted.

photowannabe said...

Beautiful thoughts, beautiful photos, beautiful Bishop.
I can see your heart was in these pictures.

Ruth said...

I'm glad you felt that, Sue.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

she's beautiful, Ruth.......those green eyes remind me of Scarlett O' Hara's from Gone with the wind....where one of the opening lines describing Scralett went something like "Her eyes were pale green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly black lashes and slightly tilted at the ends" ........Margaret Mitchell may have as well been writing about Bishop :)

PS: I think I love her pink nose too ....and no it doesn't remind me of any other literary heroine :)

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I adore her little pink nose!

Ruth said...

Ohh Moi, I love you comparing Bishop wish such a strong, beautiful heroine. I would not put it past Bishop to act. I'm serious.

Ruth said...

Pamela, I'll tell her.

Gone2theDawgs said...

Ruth, that is one of the most touching posts I've read. Bishop is a very special cat, and the pics and thoughts you share about her are precious. Thank you.

Ruth said...

Tammy, it makes me so happy Bishop's nature came through this post.

willowdanny said...

Bishop is adorable. And nice way of blending the pictures with the words, it worked really well.

Ruth said...

Thank you, Danny. Bishop is the best.

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