Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd be more than happy for you to join us! Before we begin, though, we're sending continued purrs, woofs, and prayers to my Fill-Ins co-host Ellen and her sweet yet sick kitty Sammy.

We've been thinking about you, Ellen and Sammy, and we're sending you hugs.

My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I have never been able to _________.

2. I _________ competition.

3. I _________ when spring has sprung.

4. I would like everyone to know _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I have never been able to imagine my life without furry friends.

(Since I was a young child, as in for most of my memorable years, I have shared my life with cats and/or dogs, and I've loved every second of it. I can't imagine any sort of future in which I don't have that sort of companionship with cats and dogs. I could go on and on about this, but let's suffice it to say that I can't live without my furry friends.)

2. I loathe competition.

(Deep down, I'm competitive by nature. That said, I don't enjoy competition, I think largely because it stresses me out. That's why I never played any sports or anything of that sort in school. I prefer to do things for the fun of it, otherwise the activity in question just feels too overwhelming. Also, I'm admittedly a control freak and not the best with teamwork, so group competition has never been for me.)

3. I sneeze up a storm when spring has sprung.

(Hello, allergens. It's unfortunate to see you again.)

4. I would like everyone to know that you should always be yourself.

(Ever since I was a kid, I've always felt frustrated when I see people trying to force themselves into whatever mold society has manufactured as the most desirable at that time. I couldn't stand seeing my peers doing this in school, and I had no idea I'd see so many adults do it when I grew up. If someone pursues something because they genuinely enjoy it, great, and good for them. But, sometimes I feel like I'm just witnessing people trying to meet some standard rather than pursue what they enjoy, and that's just sad. This is why one of of my favorite quotes is Oscar Wilde's, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Now, if you'd like to hear me go on a brief tangent, the only thing wrong with that quote is the semicolon. Grammatically speaking, it's correct. Personally speaking, I just really hate the use of semicolons, but I majorly digress.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

Our resident blooper queen Eddy kicked off her outtakes by first turning her attention to the window rather than the camera.

And then, of course, Eddy had to do a little dance with the window. Because obviously.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

As part of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're now talking about the risk of poisonous bites your kitty or pup might receive from other critters. Depending on where you live, or where you might be visiting with your furbaby, you might find it necessary to be on the lookout for critters such as snakes and spiders whose bites can have toxic effects. When it comes to snakes, some of the dangerous ones include certain coral snakes and rattlesnakes. As for spiders, as most of you certainly know, black widows and brown recluses are among the most dangerous. Bites from such critters can result in any number of dangerous or life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular shock, respiratory distress, neurological damage, and tissue damage, among others.

When outdoors, especially in areas where snakes, spiders, or other venomous critters are a known possibility, always monitor your furbaby and keep an eye out for danger. As needed, research the wildlife of areas you will be, so that you know what snakes, spiders, and other critters of which to be cautious. Of course, if your kitty or pup is bitten by a spider or snake, especially a known venomous one, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. In many such cases, counteracting the venom in a timely manner is crucial.