Via: MNN.com

Mother Nature Network:  Rite of Spring – Cute Animal Babies

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As of yesterday, it is officially Spring, though it may not necessarily feel like it.  But whether it is snowing, raining, or shining, with Spring comes new life – flowers bloom, the leaves return to the trees, and baby animals are born.

Everyone loves babies, and there really is nothing cuter than a newborn monkey, lion, or bear.  So, whether you need a little cheering up, or would just like to add a smile to your face, check out the link above for some adorable new additions to mother nature!

Happy Thursday All!

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Title:  Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned about Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat

Author:  Gwen Cooper

Synopsis: ”The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight.”

ISBN: 0385343981

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 My Review:

Everyone loves a good pet tale.  Whether it is about a naughty dog or a curious cat, stories about animals are both entertaining and emotional.  And Homer’s Odyssey, a true-life account of a naughty and curious kitty, is no exception.

After adopting an eye-less kitten who nobody wanted, Gwen Cooper realized her life had suddenly changed.  When she was not blind-proofing her numerous homes, she was making sure Homer, the newest addition to her now three-cat family, was not getting into too much trouble.  But, sure enough, Cooper had her work cut out for her, and realized quickly that though Homer was blind, he was more than a normal, curious cat.

Filled with chapters of Homer’s antics, Cooper takes you on a journey from kittenhood to the elder cat years of twelve.  The different stories of Homer’s adventures are engaging, and whether Homer is annoying his two cat sisters, or making friends with practically every human he meets, his shenanigans are quite entertaining.  Two chapters though really stuck out to me.  The first consisted of Homer literally saving the life of the author from an intruder, and the second of the harrowing ordeal the author and her cats endured during 9/11.  Both of these chapters were two of many which portrayed how much Homer truly impacted Gwen Cooper’s life.

The writing itself is captivating, though I did have a few issues with the author.  At times Cooper came across as a know-it-all and slightly self absorbed, but to be fair, this is a memoir about her life and experiences.  However, throughout the whole book she preached how important her cats were to her, especially Homer, and it seemed her entire life revolved around the care of her cats; throughout the the 9/11 chapter, she was more concerned about her cats’ safety than that of her own.  So, it honestly surprised me when she ended up falling in love with a man who did not like cats to begin with.  Though her future husband did eventually warm up to her three kitties, I was still a little taken aback by how unperturbed Cooper was by what I would consider a huge flaw.

All in all, Homer’s Odyssey was a compelling and sentimental read.  It made me smile at the mischief of my own cat, and forced me to examine how important my own pets are to me.  We all need love in our lives, and whether you are a cat-person or a dog-person, this book is for everyone.

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here:  Homer’s Odyssey

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis and photo were taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2013*

The Huffington Post:  5 Ways To Try A New Writing Style

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When I first started writing back in my teen years, first person was my go-to tense.  It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started experimenting in 3rd person, and realized that it not only offered a different flavor to my overall work, but also pushed me to write even better.  As writers, we have to constantly challenge ourselves to be better.  Whether that includes writing a genre we’re unfamiliar with, or writing in a different tense, changing things up is extremely important.

Experimenting is often key when writing, and today’s link of the day shows five ways that you can change up your writing style and tackle the unknown, and maybe even become a better writer in the process.  So, check out the link above and challenge your creativity today!

And, let us know in the comment section below how you have changed up your own writing, and how it has benefited you as a writer.

Happy Wednesday All and Keep On Writing!

Via: National Geographic

National Geographic: The Truth About Pit Bulls

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Pit Bulls have gotten bad rap due to the way they are used.  On account of their natural brute and strength, humans use this breed as attacking dog guards and fighting killers, and because of this Pit Bulls are subjected to breed discrimination on a daily basis.  However, it is not their breed that is harmful, it is the way they are raised and trained.

Yes, certain dogs are aggressive, and sometimes those dogs may be of the Pit Bull breed, however just because one dog of a certain breed is threatening, does not make the breed itself dangerous.  The majority of Pit Bull dogs are loyal and friendly animal companions, and even those who have been subjected to terrible abuse by humans may also be able to be rehabilitated.  It is not the dog that we should fear, but the human owner.

Click on the link above and read the truth about Pit Bulls.  And even though it is necessary to take certain precautions when around dogs you do not know – this goes for all breeds – make sure to keep an open mind and do not discriminate against any certain breed.

Happy Tuesday All!