It occurs to me as Loki paws at my leg wanting to be allowed up in the computer lap (what I call it when I’m working. For some reason the boy cats love the Indian style lap)…so it occurs to me that I write with cats who have had no proper introduction.

What I mean by, “I Write with cats,” is that they are all around me whenever I sit still and become an easier target. When I am at the computer there is always one sneaking from the windowsill to my desk,then into my lap. Still another is by my side reaching needle-pointed claws into my leg as means of begging a way into the lap. And often there is one at the side of the monitor keeping an eye on the cursor and an ear to my speakers, waiting for some excitement.

Therefore, it seems I always…write with cats.

On to the introductions. I have already mentioned O’Malley and Fannie Mae, my twins, as I call them. Both of the same litter, O’Malley is a big yellow tom and Fannie is half his size, a gray tortoiseshell pattern. They are 14 years old and shelter babies.

Next is daisy, a black tortoiseshelle who was a pregnant stray when I found her. Her litter got good homes and so did she. She’s mean as hell and tough to boot. Maybe 10 years old.

Next came Loki, my white and gray gentleman flirt, 6 years old. He was also a shelter save and came with a friend. Two boy cats for the price of…two cats. But we lost Sydney St. James two years ago and still miss his fluffy white tail.

Last but not least is Lily, my last shelter save about 5 years old. Sweet little black tortoiseshell who is a real nutcase but loving all the same. She wants to mother everyone and gets to do so with all of the cats except Daisy, who is having none of that. Daisy and Lily (my flower girls) are almost identical in appearance, but exact opposites in personality. Sweet fluff versus mean muscle.

So that’s the cast of the show. Maybe you’ll be better able to envision my crazy writing life now.

Even now, Loki is mentioning that he might like to have his picture posted on the website. Maybe next week.

With love and murder,

Suza