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Mondays With Merlin: Catty Drama Queens, The Dalai Lama & Hammock Time

If you love cats, sharing makes us purrrr :-)

After last week’s whirlwind of good, bad and ugly events, cats as always restore equanimity. Leave it me, Merlin to get Layla back on an even keel. Sadly, to add insult to injury, a cat blogger and is a current finalist for best pet blog wrote a prickly post yesterday about the drama surrounding the Petties Awards. No doubt in response to my post about the Petties snafu.

She accused those types of being drama queens and psychic vampires. Those accusations were largely meant for you know who but the subtext was: if your life is surrounded by crisis, drama and gossip those admonishments are for you too. So many of us going through a rough time and I was taken aback. These days everyone could use kindness and not catty judgement.

DRAMA QUEEN

Yes, I agree life is easier when we take the middle road but real meaningful change does not happen without rocking the boat. Historically, this is the role of the revolutionaries, the visionaries, the anarchists and shit disturbers. It makes people uncomfortable because it upsets the status quo. Layla would be way more successful if she was less honest but has zero tolerance for brown-nosing and bullshit. She’s not perfect (heaven knows, even Mother Theresa was less than saintly) but she’s not afraid to go out on a limb for truth and justice even when it means going against popular opinion.

What happened with the Petties was fundamentally wrong and the lily white, always PC blogger showed her true colors. Cats have innate intuition. They know who they like and don’t like. Humans are more easily fooled. Be discerning. Don’t trust someone who is always so nice, PC, staying neutral and saying just the right thing ALL the time.

Even the Dalai Lama has very human emotions. In response to a question about anger he once said, “You see when I get angry or irritated due to very small mistakes of some other people, then I just express and then finish, but sometime when it is a more serious form of anger, I try to separate myself from anger, then watch my anger, that emotion… then immediately the strength of anger diminishes, according to my own experience. And then, I also share with my friends, just as these, in order to bring more calmness to my mind.

You cannot have some sort of special practice for each case, but you must build your basic mental attitude in a healthy way, like in the case of a healthy body if the immune system is strong then some virus or germs can’t disturb you much, so similarly, your mental attitude has to be calm, then if some disturbance come, even if some negative emotions come, they remain for very short period, all the emotions remain on the surface, and do not disturb much in depth.”

Good advice for all.

If you’d like to vote for us (Best Designed Blog) or anyone other Finalists in the 2014 Petties Awards, please click here. (this contest is closed and we won!)

My #1 remedy for Layla is HAMMOCK TIME. I used to nap with her in a hammock in my sighted days but the movement is too disorienting now. In the gentle swing and sway, and refreshing breeze, one can think about balance and the need recharge. Is your glass half full or half empty? There is another view (see below).

Hammock time-relax quote

Merlin cat water glass

38 Comments

  • Sweet Purrfections

    I haven’t been reading many blog posts the past week because of work, but I did hear about the problems with the Petties on FB. It sounds like things are really messed up and I’m sorry to many of my cat blogging friends were hurt by some incompetent people. I also try not to get in the middle of “drama” even though there are many times I want to. Let’s hope that some cats win some of these awards so the rescues will win in the end. My thoughts are with you (and others) and Truffle and Brulee send their purrs.

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    Life is short, say what you mean and mean what you say! This is why I stay away from the political BS. I have not the time nor desire nor energy to devote to crap. My devotion to crap is reserved strictly for cleaning the babies kitty pans.
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig and Peanut and Romeo >^..^<

  • Oui Oui

    I must be completely out of it! I don’t know who posted the drama queen post and I don’t intend to look for it. Hopefully, I won’t run across it either. Life is too short to be dragged into someone else’s drama. We talked about this kind of thing at Blogpaws. Have faith that those who know you know better, we can see what is going on. Keep your chin up, Layla, your friends are with you!

  • Cathy Keisha

    TW loved her time in the hammock with Nicky. She so wishes she had a picture of both of them cuddled on there. Her then BF took the photo and never gave her a copy.

    I must be the only one not to see the “drama queen” post and somehow I’m glad of it. You have to keep it real and we respect you for it. We won’t be voting for anyone because we’re not sure if the votes will count or if they have their own agenda who’s going to win. Keep speaking your mind.

    —the never-PC CK

  • Caren Gittleman

    I read the post too, but to be honest, it could have been directed at me because I was the one who suggested that every one pull out. The Petties snafu wasn’t just a minor problem in my opinion. It still destroys the credibility of the competition and I stand by what I said when I said that at the very least the original finalists should have stayed, the new ones added, and every finalist should receive a smaller monetary prize for their respective shelters. To me, that is a great solution. I wasn’t just being a drama queen for the sake of being a drama queen on my comments, I loathe injustice (that’s because I am a Libra) and to me, the entire competition, this time around, is unjust.

    • Layla Morgan Wilde

      Caren, I think only part of it may have been directed at you and thank-you for sticking to your guns. We were the only ones who went all out. I’m still waiting for my apology from DogTime and every day that goes by I question my decision.

  • jansfunnyfarm

    We read your post and today we read that other post. She would have been singing a different tune if it had happened to her. But since it didn’t, she could have been gracious and kept quiet instead of making a fuss and calling someone else a drama queen. Our opinion.

    Congratulations on your nomination.

  • Tamago

    Hi Merlin. No, your mom is not drama queen or psychic vampire. She is honest and true to her feelings, which is very brave and wonderful. Your hammock time remedy is a great idea. I hope she gets good rest and relaxing time 🙂

  • Connie Marie

    Layla, I found that bog post and don’t let her get to you!! It was so poorly written and full of untruths I found it hilarious!
    You had 3 nominations taken away, I’d be upset too. I’ve also had cats who were total drama queens! My cats thrive on helping me be happy, or get well and they stay healthy.
    People who have completely serene lives are living in clouds. I won something from her too, I’m embarrassed to say. Your blog is real life and informative. I love that huge white cat in the above photo, laying on his back. Darling Merlin, give your Momma a big hug from me please.

  • da tabbies o trout towne

    layla, in a perfect world, which does not exist on this plane; there will always be drama, innuendo, emotions that run the gambit, mistakes and failure to admit them.

    while I personally stay away from as much “drama” as possible, it is and always will be unavoidable; either from family, friends, co workers, neighbors, and social media…..

    yet at the same time I will cause a scene to garner myself enough ‘dramatic academy awards” to line a library wall if you mess with my inner circle of family, friends and causes I hold close to heart.

    the entire situation with the petties this year was handled, poorly…and if there was an error or mistake made, have the cajonez and say so…to the nominees//bloggers via email, it’s not like they didn’t have your address…..as to how, why, and what ……happened

    hell, if I had a nickel for every mistake I’ve made in my life time; I could have retired to an exotic island… 30 years ago….

    perhaps in the future these awards need to be addressed from an entirely different perspective….. since it IS all about the shelter//recuse organization; next years awards should involve categories for best dog rescue, best cat rescue, best all around shelter, best video made for that shelter, shelters who have helped TNR, small animal rescue such as bunnies, guinea’s etc, and by pass the human aspect altogether

    2015 petties: in 500 words or less tell us why your shelter should win; post it for everyone to vote on, award the shelter and be done with it

    would I be mad if I were told my shelter stood the chance of winning some big time cash, only to be told a week later, hey, our “server” messed up, …hell yes I would be mad…if I were a new nominee that was newly picked, would I be apprehensive about even posting it, yes because I know someone was bumped, yet I would be thankful at the same time my shelter now stood a chance at the prize.

    bottom line is the cats///dogs /// small animals are getting the shaft …once again ….from none other than …humans

    try not to let this “rent space in your head”, odin N crew will pick up on it as will the crew down at new rochelle….

    sorry for ranting and rambling and if you want to delete this comment I understand

    laura

    • Layla Morgan Wilde

      Laura, I never delete comments except spam and have always welcomed ALL opinions. I have no regrets for my actions and by going public with my grievances I hope it will have a positive outcome for the 2015 Awards.

  • Flynn

    Life is too short for cattiness, and no, I don’t think you are a drama queen. Enjoy your relaxation in your hammock.
    I have just been to vote again.
    I have to admit that I looked through the finalists to see who had made that post. There is one comment made there that was laughed off as a joke that I thought was very telling. I am sure you know which one I mean but I am leaving it at that so as not to stir things up more with that person.

  • Nerissa's Life

    Hammock Time… Sounds like a plan. Hey they should write a song about that. DID they write a song about that? Hmmm… Nope. Think that was ’bout hammers or somethin’ like that. Not nearly as relaxin’ as hammocks.

    Purrs,
    Nissy #Niss4Senate

  • maggie

    I love the Dalai Lama’s healthy and sensible way of dealing with strong emotions.
    I pinned Merlin’s words of wisdom to my cats pinterest page so I can find and admire it again. And lastly, Yea! I am receiving your posts in my email again.

  • Bev Green

    I must say that Merlin you are spot on..my own much missed Merlin was my grounding force..it must be the name my sweet…he too realised that sometimes I had to be put firmly on the bed and laid upon with his soft panther furs….the world needs to be shake by the shakers…otherwise we are always doomed to mediocrity.now go tickle Layla’s toes with your whiskers 🙂 hugs Fozziemum xx

  • The Island Cats

    The Petties are screwed up this year. That can’t be denied. But Merlin, your words are wise and we should all remember them. Keep Miss Layla in that hammick…and we bet you’ll benefit from some of that hammick-time too.

  • Carolyn

    Merlin you speak wise words! Such a lot of nastiness over stuff that is not important in the scheme of things! You tell your mom to take care and give her plenty of snuggles! xxx

  • easy rider

    I just voted for you. You wrote what you felt and to speak it out is far away from being a “drama-queen”. I was sad too as I saw that some people I like are no longer finalists and I think that’s ok… or I’m a “drama-queen” too :o)

  • Sammy

    Great post today Merlin……we think the kerfuffle about the Petties is sad indeed but we are voting for you although you SHOULD be in other categories as well. Never fear – truth and honor are always winners no matter WHAT. Love the photo of you getting a drink and it’s ever so true…..half full/half empty – what matters if you can reach the “good stuff” !!

    Love and Hugs, Sammy and Mom

  • speedyrabbit

    Oh I know what you mean Layla,I have been there and done that too,People always show their true colours in the end and the not so nice ones well we just forget about them and move on as they really aren’t worth wasting energy on.So here’s a toast to a great new week ahead,onwards and upwards I say and keep up the good work,xx Rachel

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