“We are all such fragile creatures in a web of life we will never understand.” (Dan Dagenais)

My post is straying from its usual fashion theme in an effort to stop and contemplate on the meaning of life. The above quote (by my creative brother) about the “web of life” got me thinking about the meaning of that expression. Therefore, I set out to visit my favorite secret spot this past weekend, to search for answers on that subject.The sun was shining brightly and it looked to be a superb day to capture some stunning views from this mountain top location. I believe that nature speaks to us revealing life’s wonder and mystery. Humans are fragile yet enduring; delicate yet strong.We exist for a purpose greater than ourselves.We are living, breathing, desiring and feeling organisms.Embrace the simplicity that exists within nature.To reveal life’s deeper meaning.And truth through its beauty.The web of life.

My beige skirt and black cardigan blend nicely with the winter landscape.My wool pencil skirt is by J. Crew and cardigan is by Cherokee.

Mabel’s colors match the winter scenery:  black, brown and white. With that thought, Mabel just told me she wants to check out the snow and eat some slushies, an authentic wintertime treat. Enjoy the rest of your week!

I am taking a brief intermission from fashion to dedicate this post to my beloved cat, Ishi; 9/1/08 to 1/24/20, RIP. He was our beloved cat for almost 12 years. He survived the ice storm of 2008/2009, the arrival of two new feline sisters, and had to deal with our now 85 pound puppy. And he just purred in return. He had a way of locking eyes with you and gazing at you with an expression of pure love. He was extremely playful as a kitten and was known to do flips on the bed.

My husband and older son gave him the name Ishi following an archery class in 2008 where they learned that Ishi was the last known member of the Native American Yahi people from the present-day state of California. When they returned home from their class, they decidedly announced that his name would be “Ishi.” Prior to that, his name had been Raphael after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a name given to him by his foster mom.

In his prime, he weighed 18 pounds. He was a mackerel tabby with distinctive stripes that ran perpendicular to his spine and lined his legs. This tiger-stripe pattern was dubbed “mackerel” because of the stripes coming off the spine resembling a fish skeleton.

He is giving me his silent meow here.

Do you see the “M” above his eyes? This marking sets tabbies apart from other cats.

Farewell my handsome kitty. You were greatly loved and will be deeply missed.