Today I want to a steal of a moment of your day to note the passing of my precious cat, Smartie. I wish I could bring happier news but I am so, so sad and am going to therefore unburden this grief in the only way a literary blogger can. I want to discuss some of the characters that have touched my life in ways that are comparable to how Smartie enriched mine.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with the juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and, with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin. Let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling in the sky the message: “He is dead!”
Put crepe bows around the white necks of the public doves.
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my north, my south, my east and west,
My working week and Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song.
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can come to any good.

Smartie was a beautiful ginger tom and had been a part of my family for what feels like forever. You may have seen him in my instagram pictures, mentioned here on my blog, or frequently in my YouTube videos. Where I would usually be battling for keyboard space with him on my lap, my room is quiet and empty – it is a pure tragedy to see that cat go. He was cuddly as anything, had a rumbling purr and quite adept at stealing your dinner. He’s been unwell now for a long time and as much as you want the day to never come, I had to say goodbye to my baby this morning. I am heart-broken. So this post is for you, my sweet.

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Hans Hubermann – The Book Thief

This man is a beautiful character. He is strong and loving and give Liesel a home where she was not expecting to find one. I think Hans is an inspirational character for keeping your chin up in the hard times and learning to stand tall even when other bow down to outside pressure.

Fred & George Weasley – Harry Potter

If anyone could teach you how to live, it was these two. The Weasley twins were a fantastic duo of fun. They livened up every one of those books and what I wouldn’t give to be able to steal some of their enthusiasm for life right now! Or even just steal a few of their sweets.

Despereaux – The Tale of Despereaux

A brave little mouse doing amazing things. I’ve always loved this story – I love the ridiculousness of such a small mouse achieving such big things. It’s a great children’s story for teaching you that you can do it, no matter who you are or where you’ve come from.

Mr. Tom – Goodnight Mister Tom

Not nearly enough people have read this book. Mr. Tom is a beautiful literary character. He’s an unlikely candidate for letting a little boy steal into his heart and teaching him to love again. I love the self-growth that his character goes through in this story and how it shows that you can always find a way to be happy again.

Lucy – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

I think more than any day, today I have though about Lucy. Of course I’m relating this particularly to when she and Susan accompany Aslan to the alter. Lucy is a wonderful character full of fight and belief and I think both of those things are important to be strong against the negative opinions of others.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat – The Dalai Lama’s Cat

For the life of me I can’t remember if the cat’s name is ever given. This is a book for every cat lover. I love the perspective it gives on cat’s opinions on life and every other detail about it. This is one of the best narrations of a novel.

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Just A Few Notables . . .

I am afraid that’s all I can write today. These are a handful of the characters I’ve read and shared stories with and all of whom have a left a little something with me. So here’s my blog post for you Smartie, and thank you for giving me every reason to be happy for all those wonderful years you were with us. Rest in Peace.

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~~ Kirstie ~~

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