My cat is not happy with me these days. She doesn’t understand why I prefer to sit staring at a bright screen over snuggling with her, chasing her around the house, or making her new cat beds (aka fresh laundry piles).
When I was ill a few weeks back, she seemed almost pleased. She devoted herself to helping me feel comforted, loved… and of course, warm.
Then I recovered. She acted as if we had gone on a few hopeful dates, and then I hadn’t called for a week and forgot her birthday.
***
Occasionally I find myself annoyed with her insistent weaving between my legs at my desk. Then I catch myself.
I remember her virtues. She is content with me, Dennis, and those we bring home to visit (and entertain) her. She doesn’t even want to leave our loft.
And she doesn’t ask for much. Ten minutes of attention and she is ready for another nap. Feeding her the best food we can find, she only costs a dollar or two each day. She prefers shoelaces and nail files to fancy toys.
She stays focused on the simple things, the readily accessible.
The Lesson
While I was tired of lounging around after 2 days of being ill, that experience gave me valuable perspective on how quickly I really do move on a day-to-day basis. It has taken me weeks to ramp up to my “normal” level of activity.
Now I am sitting here watching my cat morph my black pants into an allergic reaction waiting to erupt. I find myself laughing.
My cat has a point. Just because I can juggle dozens of different students, clients, songs, appointments, and social engagements doesn’t mean I should.
My final task for the evening will be to carve out a few spots in my schedule this week to take time to appreciate all I already have in my life – while petting my cat, of course.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
