Misty Ridge Musings

I need a break. To step away from staring into the space between pulsars and pulsing brains. From pondering the ineffable. Sometimes one has to acknowledge that the “effable” is right around us, in our friends, our home, our family.

Our family now includes two quirky cats: Count Vronsky and Muse. Count Vronsky is a rescued Russian Blue, a very earnest fellow who is aware of his long, aristocratic heritage. Muse is our little gift from the universe, appearing on our deck a year ago. She is hilariously playful. But when she settles down, she takes on a look that speaks of her royal lineage as well (we believe she is the descendent of royal cats from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul).

Muse is a third of Vronsky’s size, but yet she loves to torment him, sneaking up on him, ambushing him from behind furniture or even from the fireplace. The chase scenes through the house and up and down stairs can be like an episode from the Keystone Cops (Cats?).

But when play time is over, both cats are quite particular about their appearance. We have arranged two blankets on our couch, one in Count Vronsky’s colors and the other in Muse’s. Without fail, when they join us for a family gathering, Muse settles on her blanket and Vronsky on his. (We’re not telling the Count that his butt is hanging off his blanket. He does not like to be laughed at.)

We smile as we watch them arranging themselves. It is a moment of pure and simple pleasure. A moment of the heart, free from the endless questioning of the mind. And in it lies all the answers.