May you claim it with the confidence and comfort of  Toby claiming the packaging from the new Bernina and discovering it has a cutout for his tail:

Give it your goofiest blep (captured by Doc):

Chomp it like you’re staging a sneak attack on a jade plant you are not allowed to eat:

I had not one but two naps yesterday and didn’t do much of anything except take pictures of Toby, who was having his Best Day Ever lounging around with me in different places:

(I thought I could be getting sick, but after two naps, no activity, and eight hours of sleep, I feel GREAT!)

Peer at it with the wonder of a cat watching his people power wash the deck:

Sit on it like it’s a pile of fabric you want to cut out today:

(I took a day off at the last minute–time to put red thread in the serger and sew!)

Eleven years ago yesterday I brought Toby home from a Petsmart adoption event. He’s been the constant in my life, between houses and jobs and relationships and sorrows, and as we both reach middle age together he’s both a given and a fresh joy every day.

Sometimes I look at him and don’t see Toby, the cat whose meows I know, but this wild creature who lives in my house and will let me pet him–and I’m overcome with wonder and gratitude that such an impossible thing could even happen. Who hasn’t dreamed of having a tame tiger ?

First year babyface with a pink nose

With the dignified nose freckles of middle age

Currently a Very Distinguished Gentleman with his floppy ear

Claim it like it’s a really nice Pendleton blanket that has become your own personal bath palace and give it a look of wonder.