Cat Book: "Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them" by Deborah Barnes

FROM THE PUBLISHER:According to author Deborah Barnes, Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them, came to be when she got out of the shower one morning and wrapped her wet hair with a towel. She felt something land on top of her head - it was her otherwise shy cat, Mia, who decided that was the perfect spot to nap. Barnes was accustomed to her cats doing odd things (she has seven of them), but says, "this was odd, even for her standards," so she decided to pursue the concept of a book. 

I couldn't be happier that she did! Makin' Biscuits by Deborah Barnes is a MUST have for the library of EVERY cat lover. . I had the honor of reviewing both of Deb's books prior to "Makin Biscuits...", each one is special in their own way. You know the saying "the third one is the charm?".......well, it is!

Makin' Biscuits features a foreword by New York Times bestselling author, Gwen Cooper of Homer's Odyssey and is endorsed by many top cat experts in field, including Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian," contributor to Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, and three-time bestselling author of 25 pet-related book.  There is a  host of Deb's colleagues and fellow cat lovers, (including me!), who provided testimonials that appear in this delightful and informative book:

"In today's world where the popularity of cats has soared, there are still shelters overflowing with cats in need of a home. Many wound up there for behavioral problems that could have been solved by understanding the instinctual mindset of a cat. In Makin' Biscuits, Deborah Barnes tackles this subject in an enjoyable, easy to read manner as she shares a compilation of funny, sweet, and poignant stories from ailurophiles around the globe. FOUR PAWS UP!"----Caren Gittleman publisher of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody.

 FROM THE PUBLISHER: Each chapter begins by Barnes narrating a story about her own cats, moves on  to "Mews From Others" where she shares anecdotes from other cat lovers, and ends with a "Purr Points to Ponder" a section of information, advice, and tips to help cat guardians provide their cats with an optimally enriched environment befitting their instinctual nature.

I enjoyed the "Mews From Others" immensely! Reading stories and moments shared by others about the unique qualities, "talents", and quirks their cats possess might just make you think that your cat(s), aren't that different after all!   I have had cats in my life for well over 20 years, and  the "Purr Points to Ponder" sections following each chapter (along with Deb's personal stories that begin each chapter), are some of my favorite parts of this wonderful book. Just when you think you have learned and read everything there is to know about cats...you find out that you HAVE NOT!

"Great Book Ms.Barnes
but you went and revealed
ALL OF OUR SECRETS!!"

A SAMPLING OF MY
 FAVORITE CHAPTERS ARE:

You can pet me, just don't touch me
Cat lovers! I think that is pretty self-explanatory!

Cats in Toyland
  This chapter explores the often strange things that cats adopt as toys. I particularly loved the snippet that Deb shared about Jazmine's affinity for running off with the stems of string beans as Deb is cooking, as well as the untraditional "cat toy" that Pattie Kleinke the human behind the blog, Stunning Keisha, bought for CK. A rocket launcher that shoots foam rockets that CK loves!!! 

"Speaking of toys, Ms Barnes,
this tassel you have on your bookmark
makes a darned good cat toy too!!"

Is This Seat Taken?
If you want a certain seat it's a pretty good guess your cat will be there! In the Purr Points to Ponder section where Deb offers suggestions, advice and tips in each chapter she offers a suggestion for those who do not like cat hair on their couches and chairs. Just use various colorful throw blankets, and wash as needed!


Are You Going To Eat That?
Had me cracking up laughing thinking of my own night time ritual with Cody where EVERY NIGHT he sits ON THE TABLE (that he is NOT allowed to be on, in a quest for more food). If I don't share fast enough, or choose not to share at all, he will reach his paw out and tap me, like "Hey lady, you forgot something!"   This chapter will have you rolling with laughter.



It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere
We all know our cats have the universal talent of ALWAYS knowing when it is time to eat. They know based on our daily rituals and their own internal "clocks" An excerpt provided by Dawn White, Lola The Rescued Cat is one of many purrfect examples of the "even weirder habits" of the humans who love these wonderful beings. Talk about devotion! "My cat, Lola, expects breakfast every morning, but she insists it never be in the same spot each day! I frequently find myself following her around my apartment, with food bowl in hand, which I put down when she decides on the perfect breakfast spot."


The Twilight Zone
You will have to purchase the book to find out what that chapter is about! Cody and I are just tickled to have our submission be a part of that chapter!

"I came to sit next to Mom
while she was reading your book Ms.Barnes,
just look at the "WEIRD" that I  had to endure!!"

 WHILE THERE IS MUCH HUMOR

IN "MAKIN' BISCUITS"

THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE

 OF THIS BOOK

CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED

FROM THE PUBLISHER:Deb  hopes Makin' Biscuits will make a difference in cat welfare by helping to enhance the feline-human bond and to enlighten readers on certain subjects, such as the need for spay/neuter to help reduce the staggering numbers of cats in shelters (in the United States alone, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicates each year approximately 3.4 million cats enter shelters nationwide); as well as to provide readers with resources, tips, and advice to correct common behavioral problems that can land a cat into a shelter, such as litter box issues. 

FROM MAKIN BISCUITS: If you don't understand the underlying mechanisms of what makes a cat tick, tensions can mount, the problems can get worse, and out of sheer frustration, your cat is scooped up, stuffed into his carrier and brought to the shelter because you feel it's the kindest thing you can do for him....

Adopting a pet is supposed to be a lifelong commitment. Your cat is depending on you to take care of him, and if you don't give him the proper tools to be the instinctual creature he was born to be, you're not being fair to him. Or you....while cats might appear to be complex, they truly are simple. Their actions and behaviors are their way of communicating with you.

Help others who may not understand cats as well as most of you who are reading this, by "gifting" this book for the holidays  or for any day that someone is adopting or thinking of adopting a cat.

For ordering information, please visit http://www.makinbiscuitsbook.com.

Deborah Barnes is the owner of ZZP Publishing, LLC and the author of Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them; Purr Prints of the Heart - A Cat's Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond; and The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey - A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary; as well as the award winning cat-related blog, Zee & Zoey's Cat Chronicles. She is the Vice President of the Cat Writers' Association and was awarded 2013 "Writer of the Year" by Friskies Purina. She is the Secretary of the nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida and her freelance work has been featured in Cat Fancy magazine, Kittens 101, Catster.com, BlogPaws.com, TheCatSite.com, and the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians newsletter.

Give them A LIKE on FACEBOOK!! 

Follow on Twitter @Makin_Biscuits

In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a complimentary copy of "Makin' Biscuits" in exchange for my always honest opinion.  

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Honoring My Angel Bobo

ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:

This special day was created by Deborah Barnes – author, award winning blogger, and cat advocate in tribute to her cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her most recent book, “Purr Prints of – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death,and Beyond,” a warm and heartfelt book that is written in the wise and comforting voice of Mr. Jazz himself as he shares his life and death journey to offer guidance and understanding through a cat’s perspective as to why sometimes letting a pet go can be the greatest gift you give them. 

On behalf of Deb Barnes, Purr Prints of the Heart, and the Zee/Zoey Gang – thank you all for your support. To share your post on Facebook, click here.

In order to not make this post overly "photo heavy" I have created three collages to honor my beloved Bobo whom I was blessed to share my life with from December 1989 until July 2, 2007.

Bobo was found as a stray in sub-zero temperatures when he was approximately six months old. He spent every day of his life showing me his gratitude for having rescued him, and more unconditional love and devotion than I ever thought could exist. His life cannot accurately be portrayed in a mere three collages, but that is all I can do for now. Many of the photos I am sharing with you today,  you have not seen, (I apologize for their poor quality, but they were taken before the days of cell phones and blogging), and I will offer some explanation of the photos. Please join me in remembering my beloved Bobo with all of my love and with a heart that still breaks and grieves when I gaze upon his photos and share these memories.

In this collage you will see in the top left some of Bobo's favorite toys that I cannot bring myself to part with, nor do I ever allow Cody to play with them. The photo on the top left shows them in the bag in which they are stored, in the bottom photo you see his "kitty" that he slept with every day, his stuffed woofie, a mouse, two balls and his catnip pillow with a picture of a kitty that looked so much like him.

In the photo on the top right, are his last bowls that are kept in a trunk for safe-keeping. I have never let Cody use them. They were Bobo's and as much as I love Cody, I never could bring myself to allow him to use these bowls.

This collage is rather eerie when you hear a story that accompanies it. First, why in the world I bought my mancat a PINK carrier is beyond me! For the life of me I have no idea why I did that!

The bottom left photo shows my maiden name with Bobo's name on top of the carrier, all ready for for trips to the vet. The photo on the right is my Bobo sitting on TOP of his carrier which he used to do ALL of the time!

The photo on the top left is a photo of the  carrier as it looks today.  I keep it in the closet of my office, everything in it is exactly as it was since the day he crossed the bridge.I haven't changed or touched a thing. I sometimes think I should dispose of it, but I can't. It will be with me always.

What is eerie is one day I couldn't find Cody. I searched everywhere, and when I finally found him I found him IN the closet, IN Bobo's carrier. He had opened the door, crept in, and it has now become  one of his favorite sleeping spots. He does this nearly EVERY DAY.  I like to think that on some level he and Bobo are communicating, and I am convinced that they are. How and why Cody ever discovered this in the closet, I have no idea. For some reason it brings Cody happiness and comfort to sleep there, and it makes me happy that he does it.

I leave you with a photo of Bobo on the top left in his eating area when we moved to Michigan in 2001. 

The other photos show him on the couch that was Lenny's before we were married. There is a photo on the top right of Lenny and Bobo. Lenny didn't meet Bobo until he was 12 years old and had already slowed down considerably, but they were blessed to have six years together. Sadly, that is the same couch that the Vet helped him cross the Bridge on and we no longer have it. I just couldn't keep it, it caused me enormous pain every time I looked at it.

I used to think Bobo's markings were so unique until I saw a number of cats in the blogosphere who looked so much like him it was uncanny! I adored his perfect four white paws and his "bib", he was such a handsome boy.

He wasn't a people cat as Cody is, I often wondered what Bobo experienced in the months before he found me. He didn't like strangers, he was a much more fearful cat than Cody (who is fearless), but he had a sensitivity and a remarkable way of being attuned to every nuance of my being that was something that isn't experienced often in ones' lifetime. When I hurt, he hurt, and vice versa.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to me by a friend when Bobo passed. I keep it in a frame in my office, where it still brings me comfort.

I didn't intend for this post to be quite this long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I also would like to thank Deb Barnes for creating this wonderful event.

I send my love to each and every one of you, and look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos of those "who came before." May we all derive some comfort from these posts. 

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day-Honoring My Angel Bobo

Today it is an honor to be a part of the first annual:

ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:

This special day was created by Deborah Barnes – author, award winning blogger, and cat advocate in tribute to her cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her most recent book, “Purr Prints of – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death,and Beyond,” a warm and heartfelt book that is written in the wise and comforting voice of Mr. Jazz himself as he shares his life and death journey to offer guidance and understanding through a cat’s perspective as to why sometimes letting a pet go can be the greatest gift you give them. 

On behalf of Deb Barnes, Purr Prints of the Heart, and the Zee/Zoey Gang – thank you all for your support. To share your post on Facebook, click here.

In order to not make this post overly "photo heavy" I have created three collages to honor my beloved Bobo whom I was blessed to share my life with from December 1989 until July 2, 2007.

Bobo was found as a stray in sub-zero temperatures when he was approximately six months old. He spent every day of his life showing me his gratitude for having rescued him, and more unconditional love and devotion than I ever thought could exist. His life cannot accurately be portrayed in a mere three collages, but that is all I can do for now. Many of the photos I am sharing with you today,  you have not seen, (I apologize for their poor quality, but they were taken before the days of cell phones and blogging), and I will offer some explanation of the photos. Please join me in remembering my beloved Bobo with all of my love and with a heart that still breaks and grieves when I gaze upon his photos and share these memories.

In this collage you will see in the top left some of Bobo's favorite toys that I cannot bring myself to part with, nor do I ever allow Cody to play with them. The photo on the top left shows them in the bag in which they are stored, in the bottom photo you see his "kitty" that he slept with every day, his stuffed woofie, a mouse, two balls and his catnip pillow with a picture of a kitty that looked so much like him.

In the photo on the top right, are his last bowls that are kept in a trunk for safe-keeping. I have never let Cody use them. They were Bobo's and as much as I love Cody, I never could bring myself to allow him to use these bowls.

This collage is rather eerie when you hear a story that accompanies it. First, why in the world I bought my mancat a PINK carrier is beyond me! For the life of me I have no idea why I did that!

The bottom left photo shows my maiden name with Bobo's name on top of the carrier, all ready for for trips to the vet. The photo on the right is my Bobo sitting on TOP of his carrier which he used to do ALL of the time!

The photo on the top left is a photo of the  carrier as it looks today.  I keep it in the closet of my office, everything in it is exactly as it was since the day he crossed the bridge.I haven't changed or touched a thing. I sometimes think I should dispose of it, but I can't. It will be with me always.

What is eerie is one day I couldn't find Cody. I searched everywhere, and when I finally found him I found him IN the closet, IN Bobo's carrier. He had opened the door, crept in, and it has now become  one of his favorite sleeping spots. He does this nearly EVERY DAY.  I like to think that on some level he and Bobo are communicating, and I am convinced that they are. How and why Cody ever discovered this in the closet, I have no idea. For some reason it brings Cody happiness and comfort to sleep there, and it makes me happy that he does it.

I leave you with a photo of Bobo on the top left in his eating area when we moved to Michigan in 2001. 

The other photos show him on the couch that was Lenny's before we were married. There is a photo on the top right of Lenny and Bobo. Lenny didn't meet Bobo until he was 12 years old and had already slowed down considerably, but they were blessed to have six years together. Sadly, that is the same couch that the Vet helped him cross the Bridge on and we no longer have it. I just couldn't keep it, it caused me enormous pain every time I looked at it.

I used to think Bobo's markings were so unique until I saw a number of cats in the blogosphere who looked so much like him it was uncanny! I adored his perfect four white paws and his "bib", he was such a handsome boy.

He wasn't a people cat as Cody is, I often wondered what Bobo experienced in the months before he found me. He didn't like strangers, he was a much more fearful cat than Cody (who is fearless), but he had a sensitivity and a remarkable way of being attuned to every nuance of my being that was something that isn't experienced often in ones' lifetime. When I hurt, he hurt, and vice versa.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to me by a friend when Bobo passed. I keep it in a frame in my office, where it still brings me comfort.

I didn't intend for this post to be quite this long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I also would like to thank Deb Barnes for creating this wonderful event.

I send my love to each and every one of you, and look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos of those "who came before." May we all derive some comfort from these posts. 

Purr Prints OF THE HEART, A Cat's Tale of Life, Death and Beyond, as told to author Deborah Barnes by Mr.Jazz the Cat

It is with great love that I  to present to you today the latest book by author Deborah Barnes, Purr Prints OF THE HEART, A Cat's Tale of Life, Death and Beyond, as told by Mr.Jazz the Cat.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Back in 2011 I had the enormous honor of having a cover quote appear on Deb's, first book: The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey.   

I am even more honored to have been one of a lucky few who were sent the manuscript to Deb's latest book, and this time, my "mini review" is located smack dab on the first page of the Purrs of Praise section!

MY QUOTE READS AS FOLLOWS:Deborah Barnes exhibits her writing prowess as she bears her soul in the poignant memoir, Purr Prints of the Heart, brilliantly narrated by the book's muse, "Mr. Jazz." Reader's emotions will be stirred to their core as Barnes magnificently climbs into the mind, heart and soul of not only Mr.Jazz, but cats as a whole and the humans who devote their lives to them. Purr Prints takes the reader on a journey that is like a salve in book form that offers comfort to all who have had to deal with (or will have to deal with), the inevitable loss of a beloved pet. Written with eloquence, grace, humor and a love that transcends the pages, I defy any pet lover not to see themselves depicted in this literary treasure.


When setting my review date it didn't dawn on me until I was writing the review, that  Deb's book is being featured the week that marks the eighth anniversary, (and what would have been his 26th birthday),  of my Angel Bobo's passing. Divine intervention?  In life there are no coincidences. When I opened the book to re-read parts of it (I had read the manuscript MONTHS ago), and saw what Deb had lovingly penned, I knew, that indeed it WAS divine intervention that I feature Deb's book so close to Bobo's anniversary.

"Caren, in loving tribute to your precious Bobo-may his memories always carry purr prints in your heart..."

The next page of the book:

In loving memory of those cherished pets we have lost but not forgotten...

Divine intervention, INDEED.

Reading Purr Prints took me back to happy times spent with Bobo, as well as the years we spent after finding out he had heart issues trying our best to give him the best quality of life and giving him all of the love that we could, before the inevitable. Had I had Purr Prints at the time Bobo passed, it would have afforded me much needed comfort.

Purr Prints of the Heart, will take you on a journey full of love. It will be a journey that you will be able to relate to in reference to your own babies that you have loved, still love, and lost.One that you will not soon forget.

"Deb and Cats" Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Dictated by Deb's beloved cat "Mr.Jazz",  you will follow Deb and Jazz's personal  journey, some of which includes,  milestone moments such as, the first moment the pet joins the family,  to all of the changes that happen to both the humans and cats in the course of the years they spend together.

Part of life is death, in Purr Prints you will tear up as Mr.Jazz shares the inevitable beginning of the end when a pet becomes ill, through HIS eyes,  and what we all go through as pet parents from trying everything imaginable to heal them, to delaying the inevitable, the inevitable completion of the "Circle of Life", You will laugh at the way that Mr.Jazz interprets much of Deb's behavior and his perception of the happenings around him. You will cry, nod your head in recognition and allow yourself to be swept away by the memories of your OWN pets that will come raging to the surface.

I know what you are thinking. You are afraid to read this book because you don't want to be sad. YES you will cry, but you will NOT be sad. Your heart will fill with love and you will find COMFORT. You will find comfort because you will be reading the words of love and gratitude from Mr.Jazz, as lovingly written by Deborah Barnes, a cat who could easily be YOUR cat. Deborah, an author of a book that could in many ways be a tribute to your own pet(s).

Mr.Jazz in Healthier Days
Photo Courtesy of Deobrah Barnes

From the Prologue:

MY NAME IS MR. JAZZ. I'm a Ragdoll cat and on August 28, 2013 after 15 years of life, I asked my beloved humans for the most difficult gift of all-to help me cross the Rainbow Bridge.

I was always a humble cat with simple desires-quiet naps on the couch, the love of my family, and a full belly were all I really cared about...I never aspired toward fame, and writing my story wasn't part of my master plan.

But the truth is my death deeply touched the hearts of a wide audience and I couldn't ignore that there appeared to be a greater purpose to it all-my death brought with it lessons learned that need to be told from my point of view so anyone who has ever loved and had to say goodbye to a cherished pet can understand from a pet's perspective that when it's our time to go, we want you to let us, no matter how difficult that might be for you. We want you to understand when that moment happens and we are gone from your life in the physical sense, we remain in your hearts and souls forevermore and the intense pain you feel as you grieve will eventually soften, to be replaced with the memories of happier days shared with us.

"With Kit.Shami.Whitney.Tosha"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Located  in the back of the book, is a Guide to Coping With Pet Loss,  something I wish I had had access to when my beloved Bobo passed. Deb mentions how each situation is "personally unique", she discusses the various cycles of grieving and what you can expect, to allow yourself the necessary time to grieve and to remember that you are NOT ALONE.

"Last Photo" Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

I urge you to read Purr Prints. You wouldn't be reading this blog (or this review), if you were not a pet lover.  When the book arrives, light some candles, sit someplace comfy and quiet and allow yourself to become as engrossed as I was, I could NOT put this most touching tribute down and I am certain that you will not be able to either.

The memories and paw prints of a beloved pet

 remain in our heart and soul forever.

"A Tribute to Mr.Jazz"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

TO PURCHASE: all options for purchase are available - from electronic, to Amazon,  by clicking HERE.  If you choose you may order directly from Deb. Purr Prints retails for $15.95 soft copy, and $4.99 electronic.

Those who want to order directly from Deb, her email is info@zzppublishing.com  If you order directly from Deb you will receive a book that is beautifully presented, and it will include,  an autograph from Deb, book mark (that is a photo of the book cover), and it is beautifully wrapped in tissue.

WHERE TO FIND DEB BARNES:

WEBSITE

BLOG

ZAZZLE

FACEBOOK-ZEE and ZOEY

FACEBOOK -PURR PRINTS

PAWSITIVELY HUMANE, INC.

"Helping Mom Write"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deborah Barnes resides in the tropical paradise of South Florida with her fiancé and feline family of seven. She is the author of the 5-star rated books, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of theExtraordinarily Ordinary and Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Taleof Life, Death, and Beyond as well as the award winning blog, Zee& Zoey’s Cat Chronicles that continues to cover the everyday journey she shares with her cats along with topics from the humorous behaviors of cats to very serious subjects on pet responsibility.  Deborah was awarded 2013 “Writer of the Year” by Friskies Purina on behalf of the Cat Writers’ Association and she is also the Secretary of the nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida, whose mission is to create public awareness and reduce the numbers of animals on the streets and in shelters through an extensive educational campaign.

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. Yes, I know and am friends with Deb Barnes, but our friendship in no way influenced my opinion of Purr Prints, a book that I am sure I will re-visit again and again. Yes, throughout this review I referred  to Deborah Barnes as "Deb", because knowing her and valuing her friendship as I do, "Deb" just flows from my lips and fingers more naturally than "Deborah" does!

Friday Fun!! Da Bird!!! With Video By Zee & Zoey!

Cody is a rather lazy cat who tends to be on the chubby side.  To try and encourage him to move more and to pique his curiosity and stimulate his hunting instinct, I am always on the lookout for new toys for him. Much of what I find is of little interest to him, which is often the case with many cats. That is, until I found Da Bird.

One day last February, I was reading the highly informative blog The Conscious Cat, by my dear friend, Ingrid King, and to my delight she had featured an incredible new toy called "Da Bird." She had mentioned how  Da Bird was now her cats (Allegra and Rubys') favorite interactive cat toy.

I consider Ingrid to be a highly respected and knowledgeable voice in the cat world and when she endorses a product, I, like many others, LISTEN!

She had mentioned how Jackson Galaxy, of My Cat From Hell fame had used Da Bird in every episode.

I promptly ordered it and couldn't wait to video Cody using it, that is until I happened upon another blog post by yet another cherished friend, Deb Barnes,  author of The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey.

Much to my misfortune,  Deb's significant other, Dan Power, had filmed one of the most entertaining videos I have ever seen, all showcasing Deb's brood of SEVEN playing with and LOVING Da Bird.

I'm no dummy, and when I saw that video I KNEW that no matter how talented Cody was with Da Bird and ohhhh was he ever! He ADORES that toy, there was NO WAY I could top the photographic skills of Deb's beloved Dan. I fretted and stewed and then asked Deb if I may share that wonderful video with all of you!

Being the incredibly kind and generous person that she is, Deb agreed and I am honored to present the video to you!



Do you see what I mean? I enjoyed this video so much that I have watched it repeatedly. WHO could EVER top that? Jackson Galaxy are you listening? You have seven possible "spokescats"  who come with their own ready-made commercial! Sign these cats to a CONTRACT NOW!

Along with the superb video, in  Deb's post she discussed "the importance of playtime" and when a woman who is as cat-crazy as Deb,  the kitty mama of SEVEN stunningly beautiful cats, gives HER seal of approval, well,  it would behoove you to listen!! To read that informative post click the link above or click here

Da Bird is definitely "all that and a bag of chips" kibble...with glowing endorsements from some of the "top cats" of the internet (Allegra, Ruby, the Zee & Zoey clan and of course my cat toy maven Cody), what more incentive do you need to get one?  After all "Da Bird is Da WORD!"

You can purchase it right here!



Nope! I wasn't compensated for this post. Da Bird is fantastic and I wanted to share that with all of you! Thanks again to Deb Barnes and Dan Power for allowing me to use their video and thus avoiding an assault on all of your eyes by making you view mine!

The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey Give-Away Winner!!

You can read my review here

The winner of the give-away,

 (as chosen by www.random.org) is:

SHARON WAGNER

Of the blog:

"Sharon's Paws Create"

ABOUT SHARON:

Sharon is a Minneapolis based artist and freelance illustrator. Her subject matter is everything inbetween whimsical and wild. She can't get enough of hot and humid weather, traveling with her cool husband Dean and wrangling their naughty cats. Sharon is a member of CBIG (Children's book Illustrators Guild) and the SCBWI. To learn more about her check out her website http://childrensillustrators.com/sharonrwagner

Please take a moment to check out Sharon's blog here

CONGRATULATIONS SHARON!!

You will LOVE this book!

Please email me your address to:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Thank you Deb for a great give-away!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Book Review: "The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey, A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary" By Deborah Barnes (And A Give-Away!)

How do I even attempt to complete a task as "ordinary" as a book review and make it "extraordinary?"

How do you take an act as simple and "ordinary" as reading a book and turn it into an "extraordinary" experience?

The answers to those questions can be found by reading The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey, an "extraordinary"  story which not only chronicles
Author Deborah Barnes' life, but the lives of two of her seven cats;  Zee, her adorable and lovable male Maine Coon and Zoey her female "wild-child leopard inspired Bengal cat, who fell madly, deeply in love." The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey is  the first (of what I am certain will be many) books by Author Deborah Barnes.

I was one of a few lucky individuals who was offered a "sneak peek" of Deb's manuscript this past summer. I had the additional honor of supplying a comment for the back cover:

"The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey are a treasure, simply enchanting, captivating and engrossing, both as a true story the author shares about her life with her feline clan, and as a visual masterpiece of stunning photographs and delightful artwork. They say animals are drawn to those who emit a "blue light" and Deb must have this aura radiating from her like a floodlight because she doesn't just WRITE about her love for her cats, she LIVES it as well. Because of this innate understanding she has for this beloved species and the trust they have for her; she is able to translate the most ordinary of everyday life events into a story that is nothing less than extraordinary!"

Webster defines the word "ordinary" as being "common, an everyday occurrence, unremarkable."

There are literally scads of books about cats on the market.  That in itself is "ordinary."

How does one take a common topic,  one's life with cats, and make it "extraordinary?"  Webster defines  "extraordinary" as  "going beyond what is usual, regular, customary." He defines it further as "exceptional to a very marked extent."

The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey ARE "exceptional to a very marked extent."

- What is the likelihood that you will lose your job after dedicating most of your adult life to it?

-What is the likelihood of turning that "ordinary" yet devastating experience into a life-changing extraordinary journey?

-What is the likelihood that a cat who is not one of the namesakes of this story being the reason this story exists?  That cat would be Deborah's beloved cat "Kit"  who as Deborah says "without her, this tale would surely never exist."

-What is the likelihood that you will have two cats living in your home who "fall in love" and proceed to have the most amazing kittens stirring in  YOU a feral, protective instinct and love the magnitude of which you would never have believed was possible?

-What is the likelihood that  your own life's story would run parallel to that of your cats? YOU  meet the "man of your dreams" (which translates to "he loves ME AND he loves CATS!"), and he is a photographic genius to boot?

-What is the likelihood of  "ordinary" acts such as watching the  The Ellen Show and learning about Oprah's "vision board"  resonating with you so powerfully that they  inspire you to begin to make monumental life changes?

 -What is the likelihood of embarking on and completing the daunting task of writing a book about your life, replete with lessons learned, as a result of observing and making sense of the behavior  of your beloved feline family?

 -What is the likelihood of writing  in such a descriptive, loving and insightful way that the reader feels your pain, laughs at some of your hilarious experiences,  gets into your head and can find parallels from your experiences and relate them to their own lives? Not only is this not very likely, it is an "extraordinary" feat.

Deborah Barnes in The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey has taken what to some would be an "ordinary" story and made it an "extraordinary" lesson of life and love.

This book isn't just a "book", certainly not, that would be  completely "ordinary."  This book  is a sumptuous banquet. It is a banquet that will stimulate  your senses.

You will love the feel of this book, it is an ample size, the paper is of superb quality. I am not and never will be a Kindle girl. I need to delight in the sensation of holding  a book in my hands. I even find comfort in the the smell of the paper a book is printed on. The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey more than satisfy those senses.

You will love the look of this book. When I received mine I literally and audibly gasped in awe and delight. It is simply breathtaking. You will be hard pressed to find anything like it.  There are literally hundreds of  Disney-worthy, art museum quality photographs lovingly and masterfully created by Deb's fiancee, Dan Power.

  Each page is bordered by artwork that is both erethral and  whimsical, giving this "real life" story a "fairy tale" flavor. The pages are  simply stunning and captivating,  they are  the brainchild of Deb but superbly executed by Bright Pink Studio. This isn't a book that you will  relegate to the bowels of your bookshelf. It is a book that will wrap itself around you like a warm afghan, it will satisfy your soul while luring you into it's depths of captivating images and literary brilliance, it is a book that GIVES as much as you will want to savor and share it again and again.





That in a nutshell is The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey. And THAT, my friends, is "EXTRAORDINARY"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: "Deborah Barnes currently resides in South Florida and after an unexpected life changing event, she decided to follow her dreams of becoming an author and used the relationship of her cats as inspiration for her first book. She also writes the popular blog, Zee & Zoey's Chronicle Connection, that is a collection of beautiful photos, artwork, and heartfelt stories about her feline crew." You can also visit her exquisite website here.

You may browse The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey,  better yet, you can PURCHASE the book HERE

You may buy The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey on Amazon but if you purchase directly through Deb's site (click HERE ) you will receive your book beautifully wrapped in custom leopard tissue wrap, you will also receive  a Zee & Zoey sticker and a bookmark!   Deb will also provide an inscription,  a personal and keepsake touch, especially if you are presenting the book as a gift!

Deb "rockin'" her  trademark leopard

And...Deb generously offered to give ONE lucky reader of Cat Chat  (U.S. and CANADA only please) their own copy of The Chronicles Of Zee & Zoey!

HOW TO ENTER: Just leave a comment telling me how your cat(s) or dog(s) have made your life go from the "ordinary" to the "extraordinary!" The DEADLINE to enter is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH at 11PM EASTERN. The WINNER will be announced WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30th.

Good luck and make this an "extraordinary" day!