The past few weeks have been truly awful for me as I watched LuLu struggle through a surgery and various serious illnesses. And yesterday, was the sadest. My dearest friend and beloved family member, LuLu, passed away at our home. It was a bit of a shock, as we had returned from the Vet Hospital about a week and a half ago, and we thought he was getting better. I was helping him to eat, and he was spending long hours in the sun and with my other 2 cats. Each night he slept with me in my arms. I think perhaps God granted us a week or so to say goodbye. I thank him for that.

I can not express the sadness I feel on losing this very special cat. He was incredibily intelligent, completely devoted, and my dearest friend.

Lewis, pictured on the right, came to me at the sadest point of my life - 14 years ago. I was all alone, and without a friend. LuLu was always there for me, and continued to be there for me through the years. Without faill, I could rely on him to be there.

Everyone says it will get better with time, and I know one day you stop outwardly crying, but inside I will cry forever.

I am not sure if there is a heaven, but I hope so.

Tara

Hi everyone,

For years now I've been telling my children stories from THE VALLEY OF THE CATS. These characters are based on our very own house cats. Though the Empress of the Cats in our story has passed away (2 years ago), she also is a central character to this story. I will post a picture of her soon. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to some of our other characters.

Prince Lewis (orange cat) with his 2nd wife, Princess Moonshine (black cat)

Though Prince Lewis is now middle-aged he is still a fierce warrior and General of the Cat Army. Married to Princess Moonshine for 2 years, he still misses his one true love, Empress Kizzy.

King Sunshine

King Sunshine rules the land. Though the relationship between Prince Lewis and him are at times strained, their alliance is unbreakable. King Sunshine was born with his sister Mercede under dire circumstances. Rescued and raised with the VALLEY OF THE CATS, he took his rightful place as King soon after reaching maturity. His rule allows no question, though his kindness is known throughout the Kingdom.

Hillary Clinton! That's right, after very careful consideration I have decided to officially endorse Hillary Clinton. (I'm sure she won't use my endorsement in her press materials, but nonetheless I'm putting it out there).

Like many other people, I was at first drawn in by Barack Obama's charismatic and inspiring speeches. It's exciting to think that a democrat might once again be in the White House.  It's been hard to watch our countries economy and world opinion slip further and further. However, if you are a spectator of the democratic debates, perhaps you will have noticed what I have noticed. Hillary Clinton is someone with a PLAN. Not only does she want change, she lays out how to get there. I have never seen or been convinced of the same thing from Barak Obama. As many people who know me know, I love a STRONG WOMAN LEADER! Hillary can stand up to John McCain. Can Obama? I'm not so sure.

The reason the press points their questions to Hillary first is because she has an actual solid response. She has a path to follow, and steps to achieve her goals.

While I would love to see a black man as president, I have to say I'm voting for the woman this time. I doubt very seriously there will be another woman in the near future who has all the traits that Hillary Clinton has.

Now, that said I want to add that I was always bothered that Hillary stayed with Bill Clinton after his infidelity. I didn't understand it and I saw it as a weakness and a flaw. Perhaps in time we will learn all that happened behind the scenes. I don't think Hillary Clinton is the type of woman to stand back and accept this type of behavior. Is it relevant? I'm not sure.

Well, I've finally found the time to block out one day a week towards my book. As much as I despise and hate vampires, I am drawn to them and must write their story. I've decided that my hero is a necromancer, spawned from a vampire in the most despicable way. The vampire who creates him is his most dreaded enemy. This new hybrid vampire, the necromancer will be a hero like no other you have read about. Torn between what he is, what he was, and what he will become will carry readers on a turbulent emotional journey. Oh yes, and there is a romance. A deep consuming and passionate romance, but...we'll get to that later.

Finally the Writers' Strike is over. I'm so glad to find out that Moonlight will be back the week of April 11 for at least 4 more episodes. Apparently it hasn't officially been picked back up for another season, so let's keep our fingers crossed. Next to Battlestar Gallactica, Moonlight has to be the best show on TV right now.