The Universe is made up of stories, not atoms.-Muriel Rukseyer

Here is a heart-warming story for you.

Last week, there were two days of rain and snow. The neighborhood cat we were feeding was totally drenched. Door to our home opened for him. He could now dry off and warm up. Though he knew us, he had not spent time inside our home yet. Cautious and curious, this cat made himself at home for the night.

This cat, we had learnt from the neighbors, is called Orlando, after the city in Florida. He is beautiful and all black. When the afternoon light shines on him, one can see a glistening silvery fur lacing the outline of his body. He is graceful and reverential. He carries himself with dignity that extends far beyond his being feline. His eyes are lime green, and when he looks at you, you know he is looking at your spirit. That's his glance to me.

For the next few days, Orlando spent more and more time with us. Gradually, he started expressing his gratitude in his adorable ways. He started sleeping in the same room as us. Then, he moved closer and closer to us in the room. At first, we could caress his head for a couple of minutes. Now, he wanted extended love. We often work sitting on the floor with laptops on our laps and Orlando would come lay near our legs. He would nudge his little head softly against our head when we leaned close to him. On two occasions, he even came and sat on my lap for a few minutes. He melted our already melted hearts.

Orlando was clearly in the process of adopting us. He seems to have liked being around us. And in my heart there was room for a four-legged cutie! It was not long before Orlando made his way into my and might I add, Cristof's heart. On Sunday, after four days of Orlando coming "home" to us, we decided to "officially" give Orlando our heart and our home. Just some hours ago, we completed an informal ritual of handing the baton from Orlando's previous human friend to us as the next stewards of this magnificent Feline, a moving event for all involved.

So, we are now the happy and delighted friends of a marvellous, black cat, following on the footsteps of what the ancient Egyptians have done thousands of years ago. Revering the presence of this being and indulging in its beauty and grace.

May this story bring even more warmth to you in these winter days. 

Greetings and Love

Sophia

PS: This photo was taken in spring of this year on the Island of Sardinia, home of cats galore! It is divine synchronicity that this postcard was scheduled for this month! (I designed it back in November and now a cat has been manifested into my life in December!)