catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Touch of Catnip. . .

Catnip is all about life. The excitement. The wonder. The tranquility. Most of all, it is awareness of knowing that all three abound in conspicuous, as well as inconspicuous, places. Some glare you right in the face but go unnoticed, yet await your personal discovery.

The cat chases the mouse

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The frog catches the fly

Frog-fly-line

The dice keep rollin’

rolling-dice

As tunes rock on by

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*****

Such are happenin’s
That daily life brings
With chases and captures
Come emotional stings

*****

Within ties that bind
Bumps and knots along the way
Thoughts of sights ahead
Bring smiles at close of day

smiley-line

*****

Perhaps it’s ocean waves
Stars twinkling in the night sky
The hugs, the tender kisses
The dance you can’t deny

*****

Maybe it’s none of these
Perhaps they’re all rolled into one
Within each day that passes
It’s life. It’s love. It’s fun.

 Advice-from-the-cat

All part of the Catnip of Life!

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Comment on Comments

With the launch and availability to obtain a copy of the Catnip of Life comes time for feedback in the form of comments on social media and reviews. What I have been receiving has been a mixture of pluses and minuses, which is to be expected. Writing is an art and oftentimes the intent of the writer vs. that of the reader mismatches. Also, to be taken into consideration, are the multiple genres available for reading. Most people have a favorite author or genre.

Catnip of Life is poetry, a hard sell but an easy read. The second page of the book makes the theme of this book of poetic verses very clear: Your gateway to understanding Mother Nature’s footprints by Sharla Lee. The end of Catnip of Life is YOUR beginning as you hopefully walk in the footsteps of nature with a newly found perspective.

Bottom Line: Grab your copy of Catnip of Life! Understand it is a book of poetry devoted to bringing deeper consciousness and awareness of nature to the forefront and the impact Mother Nature has on human nature.

LinkedIn

Overall, my impression of Catnip of Life by Sharla Lee is that it is a beautifully written and well-formatted book of poetry that offers a thought-provoking and meditative experience for the reader. The focus on nature and the invitation to appreciate its beauty and connect with it is a refreshing reminder in our busy modern lives.

— Len Tien 2nd degree connection2ndSales Staff at Viettel Group

I am not a fan of poetry, but I was impressed by the beautiful graphics on the cover. After sampling the introduction pages and reading the review on OBC, I gained the impression that ‘Catnip of Life’ is very well-written with enormous attention to detail. This book of the day would be great for those who enjoy poetry, those who are just starting to explore this art form.

— Anna H. Education Consultant

One thing I like about poems is that they help us understand important themes in a simple and lovely manner. Although I am not keen on reading collection of poems, I might give this one a try.

— Selmug Voruma, Student at University Diego Portales

Review on Amazon from the United Kingdom

This has to be one of the most impressive books of poetry I have recently read. Sharla Lee’s motivational artistry imprints the soul. She observes with a calm keen eye and a quiet soul. Wisdom lifts the spirit—perceive with a listening call.

Be appreciated by your friends. Gift them a copy of this book: lyrics pulsing with such rhythm will become a blessing.

— Eliza E., United Kingdom

Review on Amazon from the US

Every poem in this collection reads exactly like a motivational poster hung eye-level across the toilet of your beachside AirB&B. Each of these delightfully repetitive verses (seriously, a person can only read the words “bird”, “tree”, and “Mother Nature” so many times). . .

— Bo

My Overall Takeaway: Thank you for taking the time to post a comment. If we were all lovers of the same genre of reading, where would be the diversity?

From the Catnip of Life:

Do you witness the splendor of a sunrise or face just another day?

SPLENDOR OF SUNRISE

It is morning. Just another day.
Or is it? How do you see it?
Rising early, sleeping late?
It’s all in how you begin it.

I arise with the sun
Etching depth into the hour
Promising, eventual
Wondrous, splendid power

The sunrise

It’s gorgeous. It’s glorious.
It amplifies. It deifies.

Poetry Vs. Fiction

There are four major genres of literature: poetry, drama, nonfiction, and fiction. While poetry might be the first mentioned, it is not necessarily first choice. Poetry relishes in moments of time and space, keen observation, and acute listening in order to make sense of the world around us. It is very emotive usually in small doses, small moments, of minutiae. Fiction, for example, focuses more so on people and represents more of a character study. It can also be very emotive but in much larger doses with character sketches, scenes, and beginnings/endings of stories.

With fiction, we always seem to begin with the end in mind. Our thoughts wander throughout the reading as to what will happen next and how will it end. Poetry is different. A book of poetry can be read from its beginning page to the end. OR poems can be randomly selected according to the mood of the moment with a single poem being read over and over again garnering new emotions with each new reading. With fiction, it is what it is.

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CATNIP OF LIFE – Book of the Day

Catnip of Life was submitted to OnlineBookClub.org for review. Catnip received a 4/4 review from a level 4 reviewer, which made it eligible for Book of the Day. At the time of the review, the highest level was a 4. Since that time, the 4/4 has become 5/5, which makes the two equivalent.

Thank you, Scott Hughes, for OnlineBookClub.org and all followers for your engagement and downloading of my book. Have a blessed day! Enjoy the catnip!

Remember, the intention of Catnip of Life is
for you to experience through nature
what cats experience through catnip –
that intense excitement or effortless tranquility. 

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CATNIP OF LIFE Hot Off the Press. . . It’s official!

The book Catnip of Life was launched March 02, 2023 @ Amazon!

Your own dose of catnip is now available for purchase!

Kindle $.99 through the weekend.

Paperback $19.95 for those who prefer book in hand.

The intention of Catnip of Life is for you to experience through nature what cats experience through catnip – that intense excitement or effortless tranquility. Using poetry as a tool to spread happiness and positivity, I am already working on two sequels (smaller versions) titled A Touch of Catnip and Voices in Nature. These serve as daily quick reminders and refreshers as you continue to Observe Life at Its Best, Listen to Life’s Songs, Embrace Life’s Bounties, Breathe the Breath of Life, and Savor Life to Its Fullest!

NOTE: I am publishing under my maiden name Sharla Lee. Most people misspell my last name, Shults, because they simply have a difficult time understanding Shults can be spelled without the “c” and/or the “z.”

Then, of course, there is the matter of pronunciation. We will stay away from some of those, for many could be deemed x-rated. LOL, My publisher said, “Let’s keep it simple. Hopefully, only a few people can possibly misspell or mispronounce Lee!”

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The Pulse of Life

heart_beats

From the first heartbeat to the last, there’s a rhythm to life known to us all in the form of music. . . slow beats, rapid beats, beats out of sync, skipped beats, irregular beats, beats that make the heart flutter. The pulse of life changes as moods swing and bodies sway in accordance with the sequence of stressed and unstressed beats until the final beat falls silent.

Remain on-beat thwarting those off-beat moments that attempt to set you off balance. Keep upbeat with a pep in your step as you reach out for the sun or walk in the rain. It’s all in the music…the music called life

And, what better way to enjoy life than hand in hand with Mother Nature. That is the Catnip of life. . . reel with excitement or relax in tranquility! Just like the music, ride the waves like dancing the Jitterbug or flow along with a mountain stream like the Vienna Waltz. 

Music-Heart-Beats

Heartbeats

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties,

Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

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The Essence of Poetry

Do you consider yourself a lover of poetry or have you always shrugged at the thought of having to read poetry? Unfortunately, poetry carries with it the possibility of misunderstanding or totally not understanding at all the intent of the poet. It is deep within a matter of perception. Poetry written with vision presents pictures/scenes with words. As you read The Essence of Poetry, create not only a vision in your mind but a feeling in your heart. Listen to the rhythm of the words in the same manner as you would a song.

Poetry is rhythmic
A melody like song
Striking the heartstrings
As life moves along

Tones are soothing
Loving sometimes
Words are healing
Calming the mind

Verses of visions
Paint a picture
Share a moment
Incite a venture

Lyrics that sing
Summon caressing
Pulse with rhythm
Become a blessing

With nature’s embrace
Spirits unfold
Laughter amid tears
Capture the soul

Poetry is art. The canvas is the mind. Thoughts are the paintbrush.
Catnip of Life

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From Tears to Smiles

A true story. . .

Today has been exploding with energy! On my early morning walk, I encountered Lily, a little girl about 5 or 6 years old, standing at the corner sobbing. I stopped and asked if she needed help. Was she hurt?

No, not physically. Her brother was on his bike peddling up the sidewalk and had left her standing at the corner. She said her father told her she could go no farther than the corner where I found her. So, there she stood with tears streaming down her face all alone.

I reached out with open arms and offered that we quieten her tears with a big hug. We stood there embracing as time seemed to stand still. I explained to her that her father was only trying to protect her.

I took her by the hand and we walked to her house where her dad was vacuuming the car. I asked if it would be okay for me to walk Lily to where her brother had stopped. He recognized me so I was no stranger and he said yes.

I told Lily we were going on a short journey and she needed to hold my hand tight. When we crossed the road leading to where I lived, I explained that was a river flowing with energy. Then, when we came to a bicycle bar along the sidewalk, I told her that was the bridge to a beautiful garden and for her to picture her favorite flowers.

We met her brother and then, turned around and headed back to the house. Along the way, we stopped, gathered and gave energy to a large tree. With both our arms, we could reach all the way around the tree’s trunk. When her brother passed by, he asked why we were hugging the tree. I explained that the tree is life that thrives on love, giving and receiving energy throughout the day and night.

We continued on our way and had I had a rearview mirror, it would have been interesting to see if the brother stopped to hug the tree.

I left her with her dad smiling, instead of sobbing feeling left out and alone. I continued on my walk knowing I had encountered the two kids that would be instrumental in listening as I write and complete my most challenging writing. . . a children’s book connecting a child with nature.

What a glorious day! We never know who or what is going to cross our path on any given day. Be grateful for all blessings received and give thankfulness in return.

Note: The photo was taken a while back when visiting family in South Carolina.

#writing #help #love #energy #grateful #streaming

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Before I Fall Asleep

Dreams . . . fantasies, awakenings of hidden memories, desires. . . occur only once REM is achieved. This usually happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. That’s an hour and a half! 

Question is “What happens in that time of pre-REM? or What do I do before falling asleep?” Is there a key or magic dust, which allows me to fall asleep calmly, enhancing the possibility of an oncoming dream and restful sleep? Wish I could provide THE answer but of course, I can’t. What I can do is think about what I actually do perhaps finding the trigger to falling asleep without counting sheep (or in my case, cats!). Um-m-m-m?

Let’s see…

  • Do I have a glass of warm milk? NO! (I don’t even like milk, let alone warm.)
  • Do I have a nice warm bath? NO! (Not sure I could get out of the tub. LOL)
  • Do I watch television? NO! (I hate TV these days. Same-o, same-o. Mostly bad news and as for movies, I know what is going to happen before it happens. Get some NEW material, producers!)

What do I do?

  • I thank my body for carrying me through the day.
  • I listen to meditative music 10 to 15 mins. Thank you, Alexa.
  • I read 10 pages in a book of empowerment and inspiration. 
  • I close my eyes in prayerful gratitude for all the daily blessings.

sleeping_cat1

Of course, the flip side is I am a writer. Usually after having fallen asleep at the computer, I decide to shut it down and head to bed. Once nighty-night preparations are in order, I wiggle my body under the covers and complete my 4-step ritual. Foxie, my calico cat, pounces into bed landing either on my chest or abdomen. (Glad I recently had her claws clipped!) Foxie kneads and kneads and kneads, then gives herself a bath and finally snuggles against my side. I give her a usual love pat and she purr-r-r-r-rs softly while settling down for the night.

I turn out the light, sighing softly to myself how grateful I am for my nice warm bed and I am ready to go to sleep. . . or so I think!

Can'tSleepMy brain won’t stop! I barely close my eyes when “words of wisdom” begin fleeting in and out of my mind like a swarm of bees flitting from flower to flower seeking pollen. I grab the ever-ready pad and pencil (or my cellphone) readily available on the night table sometimes turning back on the light, other times not. In earnest haste, I jot down as many thoughts as I possibly can but inevitably miss many in the process of writing them down or getting them into my notes on my cellphone. At least some are saved! But, now I am wide awake!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

What is your secret to a good night’s sleep?

How do you turn off the mental noise at the end of the day?

Nighty-night! Sweet dreams. . . z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z. . .

Notice Foxie is asleep on my laptop! Busy day for her, too! Meow!

Foxie_Lap1

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The Last Flight

On one of my morning walks, I glanced upon the sidewalk and noticed a clump of bird feathers. The vision captured in my mind produced. . . The Last Flight. With today being the anniversary of 9/11/2001, timing seemed appropriate for sharing.

Think about your plans for the day. Is Mother Nature part of the mental picture? If you are in a area of sunshine, take a brisk walk. Observe. Listen. Breathe. No sunshine? No worries. Stand in your doorway or look out a window. Marvel at what you see for behind every cloud or within each raindrop is a degree of sunshine.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Life is too short to let a day go by without a smile and saying, “I love you!”. . . out loud! To yourself!! Love yourself so that love will be spread to others!

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Catnip of Life’s New Website

ANNOUNCEMENT: Catnip of Life’s manuscript is in the hands of Keith Leon @keithleon.com. What a blessed milestone! I will keep you updated on the publishing process as time moves along. After all, it is a process, not an overnight event!

For detailed information on The Catnip of Life visit https://poetrybysharla.wixsite.com/catnipoflife

What is Catnip of Life?

Stir your inner spirit with Catnip of Life poetry! Be the cat on catnip—reel with excitement or relax in tranquility! Catnip poetries open doorways to nature around you, up close and personal. Voices of nature call you away from the busyness and business of life.

Why poetry? The rhythmic balance of the natural world is poetry in motion. Catnip of life widens observation at its best. It captures your listening ear to what you may have overlooked as a joyous song. Catnip’s verses embrace bountiful artistry, where the breath of life is bittersweet as you learn to savor its essence.

Mother Nature’s wonder thrives where you least expect it. Enhance your vision through a life-changing lens as the poems follow the natural cycles of nature. Quotes presented throughout the chapters connect life to each poetic writing. Pausing for reflection allows you to note when, where, or how your awareness increases.

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