Cats have been pets in my life since I was a toddler. But it was after rescuing my first cat at the age of 26 that I truly made cats an integral part of my world. Over a short period of time, having one cat turned into having two or three at any given time. (read more in About the Cat Lady). I never once considered myself crazy, yet others did. I got so tired of the disapproving comments and justifying my affinity for felines:
- You don’t have kids—only cats? Yep, just cats.
- You know what they say about having two cats… Do tell!
- You have three cats!? So you’re a crazy cat lady, huh? No, I just love cats.
- Have you ever thought about getting a dog? I don’t understand the question.
I put my paw down. It was time to dispel those archaic beliefs and misperceptions about ladies who love cats. After all, cats have been domestic companions for humans for at least 10,000 years. History documents that ancient Egyptian and Roman societies highly revered these animals. Yet, in today’s world, even despite the recent cat craze (thank you social media), a woman living with cat companions (especially a single woman) is still considered to be a “Crazy Cat Lady”. I bet the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet would disagree.
During the time I was getting fed up with the crazy cat lady comments, I lived in Laguna Canyon with three cats and I was writing for a local magazine and blogging for an e-commerce website.
Bobcat
Topper
Lexington
These platforms sparked an idea and Cat Lady in the Canyon–Crazy Cat Lady Redefined was created. I merged my passion for cats and writing together into mini memoirs shared through blog entries, which showcase these amazing creatures as not only lovable companions, but as guides and healers.
Cat Lady Gets Cancer. I experienced a whole new level of devotion for my cats and from my cats when I was diagnosed with advanced stage cancer in 2020. From diagnosis to treatments, to victories leading to post-cancer healing, my cat companions were critical members of my support team throughout every step of the journey. Blog entries chronicling my cancer journey can be found in the 2020 through 2022 archives. Writing about coping with cancer was cathartic, but my intention with these stories was to inspire and support anyone dealing with cancer, either themselves or a loved one.
What people may actually see in a crazy cat lady is a passionate, enthusiastic and devoted cat lover—someone the ancient Egyptians would hold in the highest regard.
This week I participated on a Career & College Day panel at Lowell Elementary School to speak about my unique career path to becoming an author and about my children’s book. Upon arrival I was ushered into a small auditorium by counselors, Eva and Maria who organized the event. I sat in a chair next to my fellow panelist, a flight attendant. As I looked across the room, I saw Leilani, the teacher who invited me to speak, waving a copy of my book, which she got so that she could read it to her students. Then in an organized fashion, in came the second and third graders who sat in neat rows on the floor before the stage. I was introduced by the principal and up to the stage I went before about 150 kiddos. I scanned the audience as I grinned and thanked them for having me. Several girls sported cat-ear headbands. The cat-ladies-in-training in the audience made me feel at home (along with the impeccable hospitality of the staff). But could I hold their attention?
Curious as kittens, the kiddos enthusiastically asked questions throughout my presentation. Many kids expressed their affection for felines, and a handful wanted to be writers. Some asked questions about my book, my cats, and several demanded that I write another book about the cat I have in my life now.
I’m still basking the afterglow of this remarkable experience. My heart is so full.