My Cardboard Balcony

by Belinda Roddie That's no meerkat; 'tis merely a cat. And his name is Thackery Binx Roddie. Yeah, I didn't really have a Storyteller idea this week - because all my time was taken up by the new, furry member of our family! Meet Thackery Binx, or Binx for short - 1 1/2 years old, all black domestic short hair, and a complete sweetheart. Loves to explore, though he is definitely a Cautious Cathy (get it? Cat- hy?!). Arden and I love him, and we look forward to all the years we can spend with him as his cat mommies! And yes - he does sometimes sit up on his hind legs like a meerkat.

Folks, exciting things are on the horizon. I've been turning in my paperwork for my new job. Only three weeks remain of my current job. The yearbook is coming next week, and Lord, I hope the mistakes are few and the names and pictures accurate. But perhaps most importantly...Arden's and my family will be growing. No, no kids yet. We are far from prepared for that. No, we will be introducing a feline friend to our home in the upcoming weeks (or even days!). Tomorrow, we will be going to an adoption event to visit two cats we have expressed interest in, and while we aim to adopt one, who knows what may happen. We're staying open-minded and want to make sure that whatever we decide, a cat will have a loving home with us. I have to admit, it is a little intimidating. This will be the first pet I've ever owned independently with my wife, and while I know cats are usually low maintenance, I always get so nervous about messing up. I want to make sure the cat is well beha...

Reggie The Mighty by Belinda Roddie Reginald is, no question, the perfect name for any pet.

Four Hundred Times by Belinda Roddie Four hundred times I've made mistakes, and yet you seem to think the very best of me. You kiss my tears away and press your chest against my own, dispelling tragedy that I have concocted in my poor head. How many are out to get me? Zero, you remind me, and no, I won't be dead before thirty. You do not make a show of your affection, but you make it clear how much I mean to you, and I feel so ashamed for dragging you through sheer guilt trip after guilt trip. Still, though, you try to break the spell I've cast upon myself, my demons, you repeat, are someone else.