As I sit down to write today, my two elderly cats, Bonnie and Pinky, are curled up together, fast asleep in their favorite spot. They look so peaceful, I couldn’t resist taking a photo to share with you all. It's a rare moment of calm, as usually, these two are anything but quiet. At nearly 17 years old, they’ve earned the right to be demanding! Whether it’s asking for attention, food (again), or the perfect sunny spot to nap, Bonnie and Pinky certainly keep me on my toes.
In fact, they’ve become such a part of my daily life that I couldn’t resist including them in my latest book, Tea, Scones and Treachery from the Mistlefield series. In the story, they’ve taken on their alter egos, Ebony and Flora, keeping Orla and Adrian company as they unravel the latest mystery. While the fictional versions are just as much of a handful, in real life, it’s hard to stay focused on writing when these two are giving me “the look” for more treats.
Anyone with pets can relate to the unique distraction they bring to a creative life. There’s something about their presence that’s comforting, even when it’s inconvenient. I’ll be mid-thought, completely absorbed in a new chapter, when one of them decides it’s time for a lap cuddle. And of course, how can I say no to that? As any good cat parent knows, we’re never truly in charge.
That said, Bonnie and Pinky do have their perks. Once they settle down (like they are now), I find their quiet presence quite inspiring. Maybe it’s their calming energy or the fact that they remind me that it’s okay to pause, stretch, and take things slow—especially when the words just aren’t flowing.
So, while they sleep, I’ll take advantage of the silence and get back to writing. But if they wake up and start demanding attention, well, I guess the chapter will have to wait until their royal highnesses are satisfied!
