The Wildcats

Nope, I'm not talking about a sports team. I'm talking about these cuties who charm me with their "wild," adorable ways...

Is there anything more fierce than a tabby cat who hides in the bushes? (He even lets out a deep "meow" to let you know you're approaching one of his favorite napping spots!)

Oh my goodness! What could be more terrifying than two crazy cats?? (Can you guess which one is the real one? They're practically twins!)

There goes Mr. Murphy, high-steppin' and confident!

And look at Muffin Man embracing nature and blending into the scenery! (It may be a fake plant, but an indoor wildcat has to make do with what he's got, ya know?)

OK, seriously, they'd like you to think they're ferocious, but they're just too cute! (Well, Muffin Man actually is rather ferocious...)

Mr. Murphy lives as an outdoor cat at my grandparents' house and Muffin Man lives as an indoor cat here at my parents' house. And my old Dorm Cat pillow has a nice spot in my room, even though he doesn't have the luxury of a window view anymore. ;)

Just thought I would share the cat love today, seeing as how I had some fun pictures on my camera. Hope they make you smile - these boys sure brighten my days! (Or at least make them more interesting...)

On the Verge of a Mystery

Yes, it is almost that time! Monday is the official launch of "Mystery Week," but I must say that it might be a little different than what you're thinking. Of course, you could ask me how I know what you're thinking . . . and I could answer you that I don't know, at least not for sure. ;) Either way, just think of it as all part of the mystery!

Now that I've thoroughly confused you, I thought it would be fun to talk about our favorite mystery books, movies, T.V. shows, games, etc.

As far as books go, one Christian fiction mystery book that sticks out in my mind is Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark. I bought it last year when I was at Walmart (a favorite hangout for the college student), and I really enjoyed it! I loved the setting and the characters--and the mystery/suspense kept my interest.

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"What Secrets Can Be Found by the Light of the Cajun Moon?

New Orleans may be the "Big Easy," but nothing about it was ever easy for international business etiquette expert Chloe Ledet. She moved away years ago, leaving her parents and their famous French Quarter restaurant behind. But when she hears that her father has been shot, she races home to be by his side and to handle his affairs—only to learn a long-hidden secret that changes everything she knew to be true about herself and her family.

Framed for murder, Chloe and a handsome Cajun stranger must search for a priceless treasure, one whose roots weave through the very history of Louisiana itself. But can Chloe depend on the mysterious man leading her on this cat-and-mouse chase into the heart of Cajun country? Or by trusting him, has she gone from the frying pan into the fire?

Following up on her bestselling Gothic thriller, Whispers of the Bayou, and Amish romantic suspense, Shadows of Lancaster County, Mindy Starns Clark offers another exciting standalone novel, one full of Cajun mystery, hidden dangers, and the glow of God's unending grace."

As for movies, I love Murder She Purred! This movie is great for animal lovers as well as mystery lovers--so cute and so fun!

Here's a description of the movie from Amazon.com: "A fun, spoofy thriller, MURDER SHE PURRED is based on a book from Rita Mae Brown's popular MRS. MURPHY mystery series! In the spirit of AIR BUD, a crime-solving cat named Mrs. Murphy talks with her canine counterpart, Tucker ... and together, they conspire to help their unsuspecting owner, amateur sleuth Mary "Harry" Haristeen (Ricki Lake -- MRS. WINTERBOURNE), get to the bottom of some baffling local mysteries! So when there's a suspicious death in their cozy little Virginia town, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker become the secret accomplices in Harry's investigation! Your entire family will be entertained as this intrepid threesome set out to sort through the bizarre events, wild rumors, and shocking revelations that stand between them and the truth!"

Plus, I have a fun story that goes along with this movie! I watched this when I was younger, and my cat (who stays at my grandparents' house) was simply called Murphy for the most part. After seeing this movie, my grandpa called my cat Mr. Murphy (to parallel Mrs. Murphy in the movie), and the name has stuck through the years. ;) Of course, his name is often shortened to Murphy or sometimes "Murfin" when I'm thinking about my sister's cat Muffin Man. But I digress . . .

There's only one obvious choice for my favorite mystery T.V. show (actually two if we're going to be technical): Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys from the 1970s! LOVE those shows, especially the earlier actors and actresses. Don't even get me started about Parker Stevenson, the actor who plays Frank in The Hardy Boys--talk about BLUE eyes! ;)

Below is a YouTube video I found with the introduction of one of the seasons of the show:



And as far as games go, there's nothing like a good game of Clue to get you in the mood for a mystery! I love the original version, but I confess that some of the newer versions, including Clue DVD, are pretty entertaining!

At this point I must add my love for Murder Mystery parties!!! Some of my high school friends and I have done a couple of these parties at my house, and they're always so much fun! We use the kits that come in a box, and my mom and I have a lot of fun planning, decorating, etc. The one we did last Christmas break, for example, was Mardi Gras themed, and we had lots of food (including jambalaya!), Mardi Gras themed plates and cups, decorations we had left over from my 10th birthday party, etc.

What really helps with these Murder Mystery parties is having a dummy in the house. ;) We have a dummy named Bubba (which my dad has used when teaching at the Police Academy at a local community college), and he's always good for a scare (and laugh!). Definitely adds another element to the party when you can see the "body"--and when you can hide it and have someone accidentally stumble upon it. Oh, the memories . . .

Here are some pictures from our last Murder Mystery party (my parents also got in on the fun!):

Note the food! Food is a very important part of every party. ;) As you can see in the above picture, everyone was getting into their roles and diving into the story.

Staying in character throughout the Murder Mystery party is key!!! This is what makes it fun. Everything you do or say can be a clue to all the other characters, and vice versa. Plus, it's just so entertaining being able to accuse each other! ;)

Have I already mentioned that Murder Mystery parties are fun? ;) Don't we look like we stepped right out of Clue? Note Bubba playing his role quite well on the floor! (As a warning, some of the kits can be somewhat inappropriate in their story content, so I just want to make sure you're aware of that if you have an interest in purchasing one.)

Well, I've gone on and on about mysteries, and I'm sure I could continue to do so. But now I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you enjoy mystery stories--whether reading about them, watching them, or acting them out? Any favorites you want to share?

Be sure and stop by tomorrow for a fun interview with author S. Dionne Moore, who has written a couple of cozy mysteries for the Heartsong Presents Mysteries collection! (And yes, this is all just to get you excited for next week--it's not "Mystery Week" in the sense that I'm planning on quite yet--but soon!)

Reading Retreats: In the Company of Animals

Pets can make great reading companions, can't they? Of course, that's only when they're behaving--otherwise, they're horrible reading companions (even if they are cute). Above is my wonderful purring-machine, otherwise known as Mr. Murphy. Isn't he adorable? I agree that he does have the "fierce tiger" look, but don't let him fool you. He can be tamed by a simple scratch behind the ears or rub on the belly. =)

Anyway, today I would like to welcome one of my great blogging friends, Kav from Best Reads (2010)! She's got an interesting story to tell about her own furry reading companion, so be sure to take a moment and read the following interview:

Amber: Where is your favorite place to read? Do you prefer curling up by the fire or going out into the sunshine?

Kav: Pretty much anywhere I have a book in hand. Maybe the bus while I’m traveling to work and home again. I’d go squirrelly if I couldn’t read on the bus.

Amber: Where is the most interesting place in which you have read a book? (This could include an intriguing town, an exotic trip, or simply an unusual quiet spot.)

Kav: Okay…this is going to sound weird and definitely not glamorous – but walking my dog. I have this sheltie with a prey/herding instinct so high that he really should be a working dog. Wish I’d realized that when I got him. Let’s just say he’s had challenges adapting to city life since he was a puppy. He has issues with squirrels. BIG ISSUES. Basically he thinks this planet isn’t big enough for both species. His soul purpose in life is to chase (thankfully he never catches) squirrels. So what does this have to do with interesting places to read a book?

Well, after multiple obedience classes and personal trainers and oodles of cash I had a perfectly trained dog – unless there was a squirrel around. Since I live in a lovely treed neighbourhood with a squirrel family living in every tree…well, I won’t go into the grim details here. In desperation I tried the desensitization theory -- taking your dog into an area that is ripe with his problem and totally ignore him while he goes demented. You keep him on a short leash and only walk when he is behaving nicely. The minute he goes ballistic you stop and ignore. It’s very important not to make eye contact or engage the dog in anyway because that just feeds the frenzy. He thinks you’re joining in on the squirrel rampage. The dog trainer suggested reading a book.

So that’s what I did…for months. Walking down streets and stopping every time Simba saw a squirrel. I’d open my book and read and he would howl and yowl and moan and cry. It created quite a sensation. I could read pages before he’d calm down enough to continue the walk. We’d barely get half a block before there’d be another squirrel sighting and off he’d go again and I’d start reading again. The neighbours thought it was hilarious and still greet me with “Read any good books lately?”

And, in case inquiring minds want to know – alas, the desensitization method did not work on Simba. Seven years later after quite a bit of negotiating and mediation we are more or less on the same page now…He doesn’t chase squirrels on a walk and I don’t haul him back by his nice plumy tail.

Amber: Wow--that's quite a story, Kav! ;) If you could choose any location to read in for a day, with any kind of scenery, where would you want to go? And if you could choose to bring only one fiction book with you for this day trip, which would you choose?

Kav: Hmmm…only one location? Well, I guess I’d say I’ve always had a hankering to own a wingback chair in my very own home library. With a fireplace. And a window seat close by. And an old globe – the really big kind with an oak pedestal. And a plush comfy lounger. Oriental carpet on the floor. Brocade drapes framing the window seat (glass would be leaded). I’d spend the day moving from window seat to wingback chair to lounger with my nose stuck in a book all the while.

And you actually want me to name only one fiction book????? You know I’d read more than one in a day if that was all I was doing, don’t you? Well…it’s impossible for me to name just one. That’s like asking your mother who her favourite child is. It’s just wrong. I’ll just say that I would bring the book I was currently reading at the time and I’d sneak in the top book off my TBR pile when you weren’t looking.

Amber: I like the place you envision. It's lovely! So, which upcoming release (book) are you most looking forward to, and why?

Kav: Ack – is this a trick question? Book as in not plural? I can’t do that either…it’s just so wrong to pick favourites.

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad (she’s a writing buddy of mine and she writes historical romance with a touch of comedy. I’ve read some of her other work and it’s fantastic. This is her debut novel with Revell and it comes out beginning of September).

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman (need I say more…I’m really looking forward to this one – especially since she gave us a sneak preview on your blog).

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Her debut novel as well. It’s a YA fantasy – retelling of a fairy tale – from Zondervan. I LOVE that kind of fantasy so I’m really excited to read this one).

Made to Order Family by Ruth Logan Herne (I’m committed because this completes her first series and she knows how to spin a tale full of laughter and angst and romance. Sigh. It’s also due in September…though if you order from eharlequin I think you can get it in August sometime.)

Okay – I could go on…but I’ll stop there. Those are the September releases I can remember at this point but now I’m feeling guilty because I’m sure I’ve left somebody out.

Amber: Remind me never to suggest picking just one book again to you! ;) I think I've learned my lesson now! Thank you so much for joining us today, Kav!

I'll leave ya'll with another picture of Mr. Murphy. I confess that usually he's not the best reading companion because he always likes to knead me and rub all over me, which is a bit distracting. Doesn't he look guilty here? =)