{: Cindy Vincent is welcomed to Jorie Loves A Story :}

Cindy Vincent was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has lived all around the US and Canada. She is the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls. She is also the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper books, and the Daisy Diamond Detective book series. She lives with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines. You can learn more about the Buckley and Bogey books at buckleyandbogey.com.

{: conversing about our mutual love of rescuing cats & giving them a loving home :}

A forever home to an animal in need is a long lesson in stability because they do not always trust they are safe or have access to food and water. I remember those days when they (the tabby & tux) would scratch around both the food bowl and the water bowl as if to ‘cover and hide’ it from outside predators. It took ‘years!’ for them to realise the only ones who would go near those bowls were the twins and/or us (the humans!) to clean and re-fill them! I always fully supported adopting animals and children in need of loving homes as they have one major thing in common: they both need a family willing to accept them as they are and see them for who they will be once their fear and anxiety melts away and reveals their authentic self. Love can heal through time, but its the ability to see past where a cat or a child is at point of adoption is the true measure of faith and love combined. To give someone a second chance at a forever home and family is the ultimate gift we can share and freely give with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

– quoted from my book review of “Cats Are Part Of His Kingdom Too”

I am happy to welcome Ms. Vincent to my blog today, as I enjoyed reading her cat-inspired devotional where she interspersed the stories of her cats (from their adoptions to their life spent inside her loving home) with meaningful life lessons and words of faith-based wisdom. The devotional reads more like a personal journal left behind for you to pick up and walk a bit with its author as the stories of how her interactions with her beloved cats has led her to tap into keen insights as she observes grace through the mirth of how cats can become the unexpected teachers who guide us whilst they are living with us. I could connect instantly to the devotional being a girl who grew up in a home surrounded by cats and other animals who grew a special place in her heart, memory, and of whom she never quite has forgotten even in the years since she has grieved their loss. Cats have a unique way of touching our hearts and inside their gentle kindness we can gain so much more insight into the larger questions and moments of fundamental wisdom if we listen with our hearts to their messages.

Let me yield now to the conversation which came out of my interview:

Hello, Jorie, and thank you so much for hosting me today on our blog tour. It is my pleasure to be here. And before I get started answering questions, I also wanted to thank you for all the wonderful work you do with homeless animals, as well as the animals who call your house home. It’s great to know people like you are working hard to rescue and provide for these wonderful creatures. My own precious Buckley was rescued from a kill shelter, and to this day, even the thought of someone putting him down just breaks my heart.

What I initially loved about your approach of the devotional is the focus on how the animal companions who mean the most in our everyday lives can become our best teachers. What was the impetus to beginning to compose the devotionals included in Cats Are Part of His Kingdom Too?

Vincent responds: It all started with an orphan kitten that we took in. He was such a tiny, little black kitten that he fit in the palm of my hand. His mamma had been killed long before he was ready to be weaned, and to top it off, he was probably the runt of the litter, too. But with one look at him, whereby he made immediate eye contact with me, I was in love. He came home with us. Then we bottle-fed him until he was old enough to eat regular food.

From that time on, he truly looked to us as being his Mom and Dad, more so than any other cat we’ve ever adopted. Though thankfully, we had an older female cat who took on the job of socializing this little guy as to proper feline manners. And, as I’m sure you read in one of the devotions, we named this little guy Moose. Being optimistic, of course, believing he would become a good-sized cat. And yes, he did become a big cat, and he never went a day of his life without food. And even though there was always food in his dish, he would get anxious and nervous around dinnertime every night. It was as though he was afraid that “this” would be the night when we’d quit feeding him. But that wasn’t going to happen. So one night I turned to my husband and said, “Doesn’t he know by know that we’ll feed him?”

And that’s when it hit me. I expected Moose to trust me. I couldn’t understand why he didn’t have faith in me. Yet in my religion, that’s exactly what God asks of his people. He wants us to have faith in Him. Yet, much like Moose worried every night about whether we’d feed him or not, we still worry about whether God will take care of us, too. I took care of Moose because I loved him, much like our Heavenly Father takes care of us because he loves us. And once I’d seen this parallel, I started to see examples all over the place, comparing my relationship with my cats, as a pet Mom, to my human relationship to my Heavenly Father. So I decided to put these into writing, feeling it would be a great way to demonstrate the love God has for us.

As a lifelong cat adopter and a supporter for the rescue of all adoptable animals, not merely cats, I oft find it difficult to accept the view that companion animals are not a part of Heaven. Did you initially set out to dissuade the argument or did that evolve as you progressed?

Vincent responds: Well, I have to say, I have been very blessed in this regard. Because no one has ever told me my animals won’t be going to Heaven. Especially when they’ve seen the grief I’ve experienced in losing a beloved animal, much like so many pet parents have gone through. (People have actually sent me cards and flowers whenever I’ve experienced such a loss.) And, much to my relief, I’ve had both a Christian minister and a Christian theologian tell me that I could expect to see my animals in Heaven, because what kind of Heaven would it be if I didn’t see my precious pets there?

In my local community we have an amazing programme for the capture and release of feral cats who are allowed to live free throughout the city and county as a way to keep down the rodent population. They receive food, shelter, and water as well as annual check-ups and shots. Does this programme exist where you live as well?

Vincent responds: What a fantastic program, and what a kind, humane way to deal with feral cat populations! While I know that a number of programs do exist within our area, I don’t know if we have this exact program. None-the-less, there are lots of groups and organizations near us, with incredible and caring volunteers who work hard to see these animals cared for, and if possible, rescued and placed in forever homes. Such wonderful people!

After my neighbour died, the last of the feral cats was left without someone to watch over her as she had grown accustomed too. My family took it upon ourselves to leave out food and water as our neighbour had once done. Yet what we felt compelled to do in the wake of our neighbour’s death was found to be unwarranted by others in the same neighbourhood who felt the cat could simply relocate or leave. Do you ever feel conflicted by the apathy and disinterest in the welfare of animals who need our help by others who dismiss what you are doing?

Vincent responds: First, let me say, how incredibly sad that nobody else in your neighborhood is helping out with this precious kitty, if nothing else, just to honor the neighbor who passed away. (Shaking my head over this.) And thank goodness you and your family are taking care of her!

But I think you have brought up such an important issue here. Yes, it does upset me when I see the callousness so many people have toward animals. And I have grave concerns about how this may impact our society in the long run. I recently saw the results of a survey conducted amongst college students, showing they were 40% less “empathetic” than their counterparts forty years ago. This scares me. What kind of “people” will we become, if we lose our empathy toward each other? And I wonder if a lack of pets in the home may play an impact here.

I grew up at a time when every family on the block had at least one cat or dog. Or a hamster or something. Having a family pet was considered a healthy way to teach children about responsibility. But now, I see so few families with pets. Which means fewer and fewer children are being raised with animals. And growing up with animals has the added side benefit of teaching children about compassion and empathy.

That is one of the reasons why I created one of my other book series, the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, featuring two black cats who run their own detective agency. I’ve written these stories from Buckley’s point of view. And Buckley is a two-year-old Maine Coon Cat with an anxiety disorder. (Based loosely on my own cat Buckley.) My hope is that children everywhere will read these books, identify with the main character and start to think in terms of how the animal might feel. In other words, gain a sense of empathy. And I’m also hoping these same children will encourage (or rather, bug) their parents into letting them get a pet or two. I see so much societal value in setting a trend to adopt pets again.

I could definitely relate when you mentioned in your devotional that everyone seeks you out if there is a cat in need. We were always a top reference at our Vets (still would be but took a break from being on the call-list!) for taking in a cat who was between foster and adoptive care. We helped two cats transition out of unwellness to get adopted out, and one of the cats was a Katrina rescue. Both were non-social and the curious bit is that when they stayed with us and our cats, they were able to complete their journey towards a forever home. What do you feel sets us apart to where others intuitively know an animal will thrive in our homes?

Vincent responds: It’s so nice to meet another person who was at the top of the call list for adoptions!! So glad to know we’re not the only ones!!

When someone loves animals, I think it comes across very well. If you have the ability to be sensitive enough to tune into the little nuances of an animal’s verbal and non-verbal communication, I think animals pick up on this. Then you’ll be the person in the room that the otherwise aloof cat will come to. There’s a proper way to hold a cat and to pet a cat, and there’s a proper time to do this. Animal lovers pick up on these things, and most importantly, they care about these little idiosyncrasies. And I think vets, who work with such a wide range of animals, notice people who really are tuned in to animals, and they put them on the list. That’s my theory, anyway.

Back to your thoughts on cats arriving when there is a need of connection between the animal and yourself. This is truly how I feel about our neighbourhood cat right now, who visits us twice daily to eat and have a bit of peace in her day. A beautiful tabby with a fluffy tail and a curiously stern face with a soft smile! Her markings melt my heart in other words! Do you think that cats are as intuitive as people are in regards to knowing where to find love and trust?

Vincent responds: Your tabby friend sounds wonderful. What is her name? I’m hoping you post her picture along with this blog post!

I think outdoor cats or animals who’ve been abused are a little more street smart and intuitive when it comes to finding people who will be kind to them. Although, years ago, I would have told you I thought all cats had this sense. That was before we adopted Bogey, or Bogart, another little black cat, named after Humphrey Bogart. Bogey is such a sweetheart, and he’s so optimistic he really has no concept that someone might harm him. Whenever anyone comes to our house, he’s on their lap or on their chair or trying to wheedle his way into their arms. And if it’s someone who doesn’t like cats? W-e-e-e-l-l . . . that just makes it all the better!! He seems absolutely determined to win them over. Because Bogey doesn’t know a stranger, and he acts as though everyone, everywhere, absolutely loves him! And now he seems to be training his brother, Buckley, to act the same way. Lately, both boys have been front and center for any visitors. Lord help the poor people who think they can ignore them!! Resistance is futile when it comes to these guys . . .

Animals speak in whispers directly attune to our hearts, as I thrive on walking in nature and find the same connection to the living environment to be a calming balm to my spirit as nestling close to a cat. Why do you think most people are too harried in their everyday lives to notice the subtle whispers which enrich our lives so dearly?

Vincent responds: Sadly, with all the ways we have to connect and communicate now, I fear we’ve even more disconnected. I remember a time when people had conversations with the people sitting next to them on an airline. Or when people chatted over a cup of coffee instead of over the internet. It seems real friends have been replaced by virtual friends. I meet young people who don’t know how to have a simple phone conversation, because, well, it’s just not part of their culture. They’re much more comfortable with emails or texts. And when people become disconnected, I suspect they can’t connect with animals either.

You set a unique pace in your devotional by sharing personal antidotes and stories of your cat family and then interspersed a life lesson with an affirming piece of scripture for reference. Did the flow of how the devotional would become compiled organically grow out of how you were writing down the stories, or did you have an outline of what you wanted it to become ahead of writing?

Vincent responds: Probably a little of both. I’ve read lots of devotionals over the years so I probably naturally had the format down. Even so, being a small, indie publisher, I have complete freedom to write and produce my work as I see fit. Being an “indie” is such a great joy to me, because I have creative control. But as an indie publisher, I know it’s vitally important to make sure my work meets some very high standards, in order to be competitive and taken seriously. That’s why I hire an editor and other consultants, to give me a very polished product.

What were your early influences and wanderings in literature!? Which authors spoke to you as far as a style of story-telling endeared itself to you ahead of creating your own stories? Are there any titles you could share which are still brought forward to mind in fond affection?

Vincent responds: Well, I wish I could tell you I was influenced by the classics, or something truly profound, but the truth is, I wasn’t. I read Trixie Beldon and Nancy Drew as a kid, along with oodles of fairy tales. And, as a grown-up, my absolute most favorite author in the world is Dorothy Cannell. I still laugh like crazy when I read How to Murder the Man of your Dreams, or The Thin Woman, or just about anything she has written. Her humor is so dry and subtle, and I think it’s wonderful. But I was also greatly influenced by Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers with their entire Pink Panther series of movies. Such incredible humor.

On your own personal writing style in narrative and story-telling, what do you find sparks the most joy for you to compose a novel length story? What kinds of characters enrich your creative heart?

Vincent responds: I was born Canadian, and my grandparents were British, so I have a true appreciation of humor. My favorite things to write are actually more comedic. (This devotional is probably a one-time event, and a departure from what I normally write. It was simply a book that I had inside me that wanted to get out. ) In fiction, I love to write very imperfect, somewhat klutzy characters. Probably because I have some truly klutzy days myself, not to mention, I seem to have a history of really bizarre things happening to me, where the only real option I have is to laugh and see the humor in it all.

Outside the realm of writing and nurturing cats, what enriches your spirit the most? Where do you find your serenity?

Vincent responds: I am blessed to find serenity in so many things, though it usually involves some creative activity like painting, art quilting (LOVE art quilting!!), or sewing. But I’m also a gardener and I love to grow things, as well as wander amongst my beautiful roses. Prayer is also very powerful when it comes to finding peace, and spending time laughing with my husband and our friends makes me incredibly happy, too.

Now, I’d like to thank you again, Jorie, for hosting me today with your blog. It is so thoughtful of you, and I so appreciate it. You’ve asked some fantastic, in-depth questions, and you are truly a deep thinker. I hope and pray that you’ll continue all your wonderful work animal rescue efforts, as well as enjoy your own beloved pets.

And I hope you’ll keep up your wonderful blog as well.
All the best to you, and I hope to run into you again somewhere down the road!

Official Author Websites:  Site | Pin(terest) Boards

Converse on Twitter: #CatsArePartOfHisKingdomToo

And, I would like to thank Ms. Vincent for giving us such a beautiful testament of God’s unconditional love and grace through the stories she elected to share on behalf of her devotional! I am hopeful that it will inspire each heart who takes the moment to read its passages and find a murmuring of familiarity inside! I know that I have felt blessed for having this book come into my life, and I am thankful to have had such a wonderful conversation with the author as well! I always find it a special treat to interact with the authors I am showcasing a book for as it gives me a chance to get to know a bit about them personally and thereby add a dimension to the experience that might otherwise have not existed! I was going to surprise the author today and post a photograph of my neighbourhood tabby I am watching over but alas I cannot locate where I put the photographs of her as I only have two thus far! She’s not as photogenic as my other cats and therefore a bit hard to ‘catch’ on camera! I am determined to get more photographs of her as she’s simply too beautiful not to have a keepsake of for prosperity! I love photographing cats, as they always allow their personalities to shine right at the moment you’re attempting to capture their natural essence! Makes for a lot of folly, I can tell you that! I want to thank Ms. Vincent for her kind compliments on my behalf and of my blog. I will always rescue animals and there will never be a cat who is a stranger to me as once I meet the little bloke or lass, we’re instant friends from that first paw to hand! Some hearts are simply made to become guardians of those who need us the most! I am truly thankful our paths have crossed and do hope our paths continue to cross down future roads! Keeping in touch would be quite lovely as I have appreciated this moment immensely!

This Author Interview is courtesy of:

hosted by:

{Amber took a job at a publisher & closed her publicity service Summer 2014}

Previously I reviewed “Cats Are Part Of His Kingdom Too”

in conjunction with this blog tour!

Be sure to scope out my Bookish Upcoming Events

to mark your calendars!!

Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.

Oskar the Blind Kitten and His First Toys via Oskar & Klaus

Info on Song as provided by Oskar & Klaus:

Music provided by SMITH’s CLOUD from Lincoln, Nebraska & Seattle, Washington.

The track is called A CHANGE OF DAYS.

Smith’s Cloud on Facebook | Twitter | MySpace (more tracks to listen too)

I was inspired to share this video of a cat who although bourne blind has found a way to overcome his disability and greet life with a joyful spirit and heart. His adopted family grew his strengths to the brink of where his inability to see melts away and only his independence shines through! I discovered this amazing cat via an article on Daily Dot: Outlining the Friskies Awards! I could not get over his ability to find the toys by ‘sound’ just as a human would deflect their blindness by leaning on their other sensory gifts! In the original version I watched through Daily Dot the soundtrack was not added so  you could ‘hear’ the ball as Oskar found them whilst he played. However, I could not just watch one video of wee little Oskar — I must have watched half a dozen whilst I was meant to be editing this Interview to post live for the blog tour! I have watched him explore his apartment hallway, take down a Christmas tree with absolute curious gusto, beg for food by climbing up his Mama as if she were part of a tree, and snuggled up against his best bud in the world Klaus, the cat who can see and yet of whom has bonded back to Oskar as though the two were identical twins! I love finding uplifting stories like these, as I am sure most are already aware of the story of “Theo & Beau” the young toddler and puppy who became ‘litter mates’ and ‘best buds’ whilst sleeping!? Their book of photographs comes out soon as it is now commissioned due to the overwhelming support via Instagram. I am curious if perhaps tales and photographs of Oskar & Klaus will one day make into bookshoppes & libraries? I always celebrate the moments like these where people and their pets create such a unique bond as if they are creating a new spin on how best to live!?

{SOURCES: Book cover for “Cats Are Part of His Kingdom Too”, blog tour badges were provided by Editing Through the Seasons and used with permission. Oskar & Klaus had either URL share links or coding which made it possible to embed this media portal to this post, and I thank them for the opportunity to share a video about the wisdom of cats. Author Interview badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Post dividers & My Thoughts badge by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination.}

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