Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Cat-o'-Lantern Flashback

Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I _________ when I feel overwhelmed.

2. My favorite streaming service is _________.

3. I try to help _________ when I can.

4. I could tell a scary story about _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I plan when I feel overwhelmed.
(I have a planner in which I create daily to-do lists, brain dump my thoughts, and even scribble up most of my drawings. When I feel overwhelmed, it generally indeed helps me to write down my ideas, plans, to-do lists, and really anything that helps me get my thoughts together. I also will sketch up drawings in this planner that moonlights as a sketchbook, because that also helps clear my mind. I should share a photo of this planner sometime, because it's just a messy DIY notebook I put together for cheap, but it's a lifeline most days. Of course, all of this is accompanied by lots of kitty and pup cuddles, because that's also a necessity when I'm overwhelmed.)

2. My favorite streaming service is Netflix.
(This is such a basic answer, but in general, Netflix probably has the biggest variation of movies and TV shows that I enjoy. I regularly use a few others as well, mostly HBO/Max, Peacock, and the horror-centric Shudder. So, while Netflix is my top choice, those other three are my honorable mentions. I also need to give credit where it's due, because I use my parents' accounts for all of these. They're amazing like that. Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

3. I try to help animals in need when I can.

(I'm not perfect at this, and I always wish I could do more. That said, I try to donate to rescues when I'm able. I also always stop and try help any lost animals I find out and about, whether that be while I'm driving, walking Astrid, or any other time I see an animal who looks lost. I always put out food for ferals in our neighborhood. It's one of my goals in life to do a lot more related to animal rescue, but for now, I try to do what I can.)

4. I could tell a scary story about feline fecal matter.
(I really almost didn't put this as my answer. But, especially recently, this is the primary ammunition I have for scary stories. I won't give any graphic details here, but Evan's colon is currently very unpredictable, and that has led to some very horrifying happenings.)

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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Next week, Tonks and Thimble will be sharing the current status of the kitties' beloved little cat-o'-lantern basket toy. It's looking especially rough these days, so evasive Eddy thought she'd share a flashback to give you all one last glimpse of the cat-o'-lantern in its prime.

There were so many bloopers in this photo shoot, because we are talking about Eddy, after all. We'll share one more, because why not.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a fantastic Friday!

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Not So Spooky Doodles of the Day

In part for the story I'm writing that takes place around Halloween, and in part because this has always just been something in the back of my mind, I created a fake-but-I-wish-was-real spooky little bakery and cat café.

The way my brain has crafted it, this bakery serves a variety of spooky and kooky baked goods, some indeed being kitty-inspired. I've decided that the cupcake on the sign there is called the Frankenstein's Meownster. I even felt compelled to scribble it up a second time.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday's Halloween tip was about the benefits of feeding pumpkin to your furbabies. Today's tip is related to this, but is about a part of the pumpkin that isn't as often discussed with regard to a furbaby's diet. We're talking about those pumpkin seeds. If fed in a manner that is safe, pumpkin seeds can have health benefits for our furbabies, just as they can for humans. For example, pumpkin seeds contain valuable nutrients, and they can have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed by some that pumpkin seeds have some deworming properties as well.

All of the above being said, if you decide to offer pumpkin seeds to your kitty or pup, of course do so safely. First, feed them only as an occasional treat or food topper. In addition, if the seeds are a potential choking hazard, you can cut them into small pieces. Also, of course, ensure that the pumpkin seeds are plain, and that they do not contain any added ingredients, such as onion, garlic, or even salt or sugar. We'll again also add that, should your furbaby have any health concerns, of course first discuss adding anything such as pumpkin seeds to your furbaby's diet with your veterinarian.