By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

Misty knew how to express herself, and you didn't need to speak Felinese or Catonics to understand her… Purring was a definite sign of happiness and contentment. So were big eyes, nuzzling, rubbing and rolling against you. Misty could tell you she was annoyed, firmly taking your finger into her teeth as a warning that she was not pleased and could use her very sharp teeth if you didn't stop rubbing her fur the wrong way. Her specific meows made it quite obvious whether she agreed with you or not.

Overall, Misty was a happy cat and received joy from many things… sleeping in the sun, gulping down her Fishies, basking in a chin rub or a getting a good brushing. (She didn't like to admit she enjoyed getting brushed so she'd allow about seven strokes before she'd move just out of reach, to repeat the process once you were close enough.) Another thing that made Misty happy was a good pair of tennis shoes after walking. She'd investigate all the new scents, becoming intoxicated by the various aromas that had attached themselves to the sole. Her tail would fluff out in excitement and her eyes would grow as big as a kid's on Christmas morning! Then she'd rub her whiskers all over the shoe of choice and roll herself into a sneaker induced nirvana.

There was no mistaking Misty's delight in a pair of odoriferous walking shoes. Knowing what made her happy made it easy to satisfy her wants and needs. While most humans don't have the same zest for smelly sneakers that Misty did, we should have a good idea of what we are passionate about. We also have a responsibility to express these essential joys and to let others know when we are happy. Most people in our various relationships take pleasure in creating our delight, as we do for others. But in order for our needs to be met, we must express them. And we must show our gratitude and joy… both for what we have in our lives and for that which has yet to come. It's a simple law of the universe that really works.

Remember: If you're happy, show it!

--- © Jeanette M. Pintar, inspired by Misty