Posted by admin on Jul 19, 2012 in
Cats!,
Inspiration,
Photography,
Travel I was lucky enough to be doing some traveling the beginning of this month — seeing Asheville, Savannah, Charleston and the Outer Banks to mention a few of the stops along the way. But, only I would want to plan a stop on vacation at a cat rescue. Now, hear me out — this was no ordinary rescue. To start, it was a sanctuary. In other words, every cat there never has to worry about finding a new home ever again. But, more than that, it was a sanctuary for blind cats, and other less adoptable ones (with FIV and FELV). Yes, blind cats. In truth, I have had very little experience with blind cats. Maybe, throughout my photo sessions with The Shelter Me Project I came across one or two, but never more than one at a time. My curiosity had been piqued by following their facebook page — I wanted to meet these little guys.
Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary
Welcome to the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, located in St. Pauls, NC. It was a late day visit as we traveled from Charleston to the Outer Banks, but Alana at the shelter (aka the wonderful person who makes this all happen) was kind enough to deal with our fluctuating arrival time and give us the grand tour. And it was grand — seven immaculate rooms!
Blind kitties at the sanctuary
They were all so sweet and friendly!
Along the way, we made plenty of friends. It’s a completely different experience than any shelter I have been to. These cats, because they’re blind, or because they are just so happy, are not shy. Since they can’t see you, they come up to you to sniff you or to touch you. At some points, we were simply covered in cats. It’s a heart-warming experience to say the least.
This little guy was blind -- born with detached retinas.
One of the younger cats from the kitten room -- so playful!
They were so much like “seeing” cats in their behavior that you didn’t even really notice that they were blind. They had the most adorable faces — some with eyes (detached retinas), but most without. But, after meeting a few of them, you stop thinking of them in that way. They get around just like any other cats you are familiar with — jumping, playing, rolling, purring, scratching, meowing — it’s all there.
Another friendly little kitty...
Enjoying a quiet moment...
The shelter itself consists of two buildings with seven rooms total. There’s an FIV room and an FELV room where seeing kitties enjoyed the company of other blind kitties with these disorders. Each room had plenty of places for the kitties to get comfy, and a door leading outside to a big fenced-in play area. It was very well done, and very, very clean.
The outdoor areas for the cats.
This visit might have been a once-in-a-lifetime. Truly. I don’t know of too many groups dedicated to only blind cats, or that I will ever be down in North Carolina again. I can only hope I get to visit again someday — it was that moving and that wonderful of an experience. In the meantime, my view of blind cats has completely changed — I no longer see them as handicapped or helpless — they are different, yes, they are survivors, true, but they don’t know that. To themselves, they are simply cats. You have to respect that outlook on life.
Posted by admin on Dec 15, 2011 in
Photography,
Travel Yup — it’s true! I made my television debut this past Tuesday on FOX’s morning news show! So exciting!! Okay, and completely nerve-wracking, lol… :) But, I made it through and overall really enjoyed the whole experience. I was promoting my Shelter Me calendars which means a lot to me anyhow, so it’s not like it was a presidential debate or anything! Here’s the link, and then below are a couple of pics I snuck with my iPhone camera — sorry, a bit blurry, but I was on my way out!
http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/66742570/News/Pet-Photo-Calendars-|-12/13
Posted by admin on Feb 11, 2011 in
Travel A slightly bizarre, yet delightful little video about Iceland. Very fun! Kinda makes me want to plan a trip — beautiful scenery. Click here to watch it on Vimeo.com.
Inspired by Iceland Video
Posted by admin on Dec 8, 2010 in
Photography,
Travel My trip to Hawaii turned out to be more than I had hoped for — not only was it relaxing, which was much needed for my very tired self, but it was so visually beautiful that it seems like a dream. Here are just a few of my favorite images (since I took about a thousand pictures!) that I wanted to share. If you ever have the chance to visit, don’t hesitate — jump at it and soak up the sun while all your worries just fade away… I know I’ll be going back if there’s ever a chance! Aloha!
Oahu
Oahu, North Shore
Sea Turtle (Honu)
Oahu, Shark's Cove
Oahu, North Shore
Oahu, North Shore
Oahu, North Shore
Oahu
Posted by admin on Nov 6, 2010 in
Photography,
Travel,
Uncategorized This is the paradise that I am about to travel to…. it doesn’t even seem possible that I will be seeing sights like this with my own eyes as of tomorrow… I can’t wait!!! Visit gohawaii.com/oahu to learn more.
Oahu
Oahu
Oahu
Oahu
Posted by admin on Oct 31, 2010 in
Artists,
Great Finds,
Photography,
Travel Just read this article on cnn.com and immediately added this to my list of places to visit. Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has installed 403 ghostly life-sized human figures made using special cement mix to encourage coral growth. deCaires Taylor told CNN he wanted to “create a monumental artificial reef, a habitat space that would encourage fish to colonize and inhabit the area.” Good for the environment and good for the creative spirit. A haunting sight that I can’t wait to see in person…. I just need to learn to scuba dive first…
Underwater art doubles as artificial reef in Mexico
Posted by admin on Jul 15, 2010 in
Decorating,
Photography,
Travel Wow! When we heard that my nephew had chosen a location above Boston for his wedding we all didn’t understand why — but then we got there…. Just wow! Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Mass is just breathtaking. We drove up and took a short stroll down a flight of stairs and were confronted with a beautiful sight. Hammond Castle was built by John Hays Hammond, Jr. between 1926-29 as a wedding gift for his wife. Not only is it a beautiful setting for a wedding (see the pictures below) it is also a museum worth the tour. I highly recommend making the trip! Visit their website for more information: hammondcastle.org.
The wedding ceremony
The dinner table in the Great Hall
Interior courtyard in the castle
A hallway leading from one great room to another
One of the ornate bedrooms
Part of the museum at the castle
The castle at night
Posted by admin on Jun 23, 2010 in
Photography,
Travel I came across this photo today that we took last summer in Block Island. We had gone out there for a friend’s wedding and it was such a beautiful and memorable weekend. Seeing this photo just sent me back and now I want to schedule that ferry trip! Hope you enjoy this little burst of pink with incredible blue skies…. :)
Flowers on Block Island
Posted by admin on Feb 20, 2009 in
design,
Travel ….with Tennessee yet, but this website might just give me a change of heart! I absolutely love the background! Bravo to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and to Designsensory for developing such a great site! Maybe it’s time for a road trip?
Fall for Tennessee
