An Excerpt From my Romantic Thriller "King of Thieves," --- Semiramis...

"Semiramis walked down the hall, her fluffy gray tail erect and waving gently. She stopped at the closed door of the Crème Rouge room and sat down, looking far above her to the transom, which was fully open to allow as much air into the room as possible. She blinked her huge golden eyes, then hunkered down a bit, her forelegs flat to the floor, her butt in the air. Semiramis made plenty of jumps as high as the one she was about to make. After all, the transom was only seven feet from the floor. She sprang, her front claws catching the wooden edge of the transom. Semiramis scrambled with her strong little back legs and her strong back claws, stubbornly got a purchase on the edge of the transom and she pulled herself upright. Standing, she balanced on all four feet for a moment on the very narrow edge of the transom, whiskers forward. Then, with her lovely long fur waving in the air momentarily like a gray chiffon scarf, she dropped to the room’s floor, landing gracefully and silently. Of course, her delicate mauve-gray paw pads made no sound on the polished teak floor as she walked across it and across the big Turkey carpet, to sit down, looking up at the bed. She didn’t recognize the woman who was sleeping in it. But, that was alright. Semiramis jumped effortlessly onto the foot of the bed. She pressed her nose to the comforter. She inhaled, deeply. Ah, yes, plenty of Alexandre’s scent! It made Semiramis feel secure. She dearly loved Alexandre. He was one of her favorite humans and for years she’d missed his presence. She was very glad he’d returned. Semiramis kneaded the comforter thoroughly but briefly, then curled into a soft furry ball to rest, napping until she decided to leave to the room, by the transom, as usual. …She was a queen, and a good queen always appreciates her subjects. Semiramis was a very, very good queen." --- Copyright 2026, by Antoinette Beard.

The Cats Of Istanbul...

Istanbul is home to hundreds of thousands of street cats, deeply woven into the city’s culture and daily life. Population and Presence Istanbul hosts an estimated hundreds of thousands to over a million street cats, with around 125,000 stray cats and 200,000 including house cats. Cats are found on nearly every street, in cafes, mosques, parks, and even riding ferries and buses. Locals often view them as communal pets, providing food, water, and small shelters, reflecting a city-wide culture of care. >>> Historical Background Cats have been part of Istanbul since Ottoman times, originally brought by sailors to control rats on ships. Wooden houses and abundant rodents in the city historically made cats essential for pest control. Over centuries, they became integrated into daily life, celebrated in literature, art, and folklore. >>> Cultural Significance Cats in Istanbul are revered and protected, influenced by Islamic traditions that regard them as clean and blessed animals. Feeding and caring for cats is believed to bring good fortune, and many residents actively participate in their welfare. Famous cats like Gli of Hagia Sophia and Tombili, immortalized in a statue, have become cultural icons. >>> Care and Welfare Local organizations and volunteers provide food, medical care, and shelters for street cats. The Turkish government mandates sterilization of stray animals and recognizes them as living beings, with legal protections against cruelty. Cat cafes, adoption centers, and municipal feeding programs further support their wellbeing. >>> Interaction with Humans Cats offer companionship and comfort to residents and tourists alike, often creating a sense of calm and community. Despite occasional health concerns like parasites or viruses, cats rarely transmit rabies to humans, and their presence helps control rodent populations, indirectly benefiting public health. >>> Notable Facts Istanbul is sometimes playfully called “Catstantinople” due to its feline population. The cats are free-roaming but well-cared-for, often recognized by locals and tourists alike. >>> Documentaries like “Kedi” highlight the unique bond between the city and its cats, showcasing their daily lives and interactions. Istanbul’s cats are more than street animals—they are symbols of the city’s history, culture, and communal spirit, making them a beloved and integral part of urban life. --- Wikpedia.

Momcat Rosie & Her 6 Babies...

Moms of every species truly never get enough credit. It's especially true of strays, who give birth on the streets and do everything they can to keep their babies safe, warm, fed, and loved. For the lucky few, fate intervenes and gives those devoted moms the chances at something better—for her and her babies. This is the incredible story of Stray Cat, Rosie, who birthed a litter of six kittens outside a random man's door. When one woman saw the precious sight, she immediately swooped in to help, and the rest is straight out of a storybook that you have to see! When the human behind this rescue via @rosiecozycrew first saw the mama cat and her babies, she wasn't about to leave them behind. In fact, this story has the happiest ending. But first, how it all came to be. >>> To take in Rosie and all six of her kittens is an amazing act of kindness. Keeping them together so they can all grow up as a family is one of the best things she could've done for little Rosie (who did her very best even at her young age). This restores my faith in humanity, for sure! With such an uplifting story, many people poured into the comments to praise the young woman, offering up some of life's best rewards in her honor. "May your bank account stay flooded, both sides of your pillow always be warm, and you get all the green lights on the way to work," one person wrote. "May your pockets always be full," another added. "May you receive everything you desire in life, elevenfold!" another declared. More About Rosie's Six Angels... Those kittens are now 8 months old and thriving! Delilah, Forrest, Leo, Flynn, Luna, and Koda (three sets of twins by three different cat daddies!) are all miracles, and Rosie couldn't be prouder of her little bundles of joy. Yes, the Cat Distribution System did in fact bless this young woman in a big way! I'm sure if Rosie could talk, she'd have a lengthy, love-filled thank you to share. I'm sure she shows her human mom how grateful she is every single day she gets to be with her babies. From stray to saved. Now this is one incredibly happy ending! --- From "Parade Pets".

From "Dollar Tree Finds, --- Crafts & Decor"...

Abby Morgan · March 19 at 1:19 AM · I was just sitting in that Walmart parking lot, rain hammering the windshield, when I saw her. This scrawny orange and white cat, soaked to the bone, trying to find shelter under someone's bumper. My heart just... stopped. Not again, I thought. Not after he left because I "care more about strays than our relationship." But there she was, shivering. What was I supposed to do, drive away? I grabbed an old towel from the trunk - still there from the last rescue that ended with my sister screaming I need therapy, not more animals. The cat didn't even fight when I scooped her up. Just looked at me with those exhausted eyes like she'd given up on everything. The vet bill nearly killed me. $400 I didn't have. I actually sold some of my grandmother's jewelry that night just to cover it. Sitting there at 2 AM, photographing her gold bracelet through tears, wondering if I really was as crazy as everyone said. For weeks, she hid behind my craft supplies. I kept telling myself this was temporary - I'd find her a good home like always. But then something shifted. She started creeping out while I worked on orders. First just watching from the doorway. Then closer. Then one morning I found her curled up right on my work table, purring while I packaged up a custom pet bed for someone. The storm that brought us together lasted three days. By the time it cleared, she'd claimed that corner of my craft room like she'd always belonged there. Started appearing in my product photos without me even planning it. Customers started asking about "the shop cat." Orders increased. Comments poured in about how peaceful she looked supervising my work. Now here we are, almost a year later. My business is thriving, she has her own custom bed (obviously), and that empty feeling that used to wake me at 3 AM? Gone. Sometimes the universe sends you exactly what you need disguised as another burden everyone warns you against. He still texts sometimes, says I chose cats over love. But sitting here with her purring beside me while I work on orders, coffee getting cold because I'm too content to move... this IS love. Just not the kind that demands you shrink yourself to fit.

When Cats Feel Safe With You...

Simon's Cat: Scary!!!...

Why Do Cats Bite When You Pet Them?...