The Cafe Cat: Cats

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Sunday, 17 August 2014

A Weekend Walk #9

A weekend well spent between Kent and London started with a vibrant and lively business meeting at the Goods Shed, Canterbury, regarding our unique company culture and how we can maintain this in an intense period of growth and change- cocktails from the Wild Goose bar were helpful in lubricating minds. Possibly my favourite place in Canterbury, the tucked away nature of the food hall means that the atmosphere is calm and subdued. Perfect for starting the evening and marveling at the beautiful architecture of the old railway building as the sun sets.

I spent Saturday enjoying the wonderfully tempestuous and moody weather that spectacularly saw the skies dance between rain and sunshine like a mad tango. Walking through the orchards at Shottenden, I wondered when I might move away from London back to such a place, if at all? All I know is that I certainly feel more at home there than I ever did elsewhere - it has truly stolen my heart and refused to give it back in its entirety.

Back in London today, we ate a hearty Moroccan lunch (lamb meatballs in a date, almond and tomato sauce if you must know) in the downpour and strolled to Tufnell Park's Ruby Violet for ice cream in the fierce hazy beams of a triumphant sun.

Tonight seeks concentration for some written work promised a long time ago now and a prawn, coconut and butternut squash curry to tend to.

Do stay a while and tell me what you got up to? Did you get caught in the rain? Did you get out of the city? And above all, did you wish it was autumn as much I did?

Friday, 14 February 2014

An Interview with Le Animale

Happy Valentine's Day, kittens!

I've been a huge fan of Laura's from Le Animale for a while now, from the moment I bought one of her little clay fox necklaces all the way through to when I bought three more pewter totems, all of which went to extremely happy homes.

We were lucky enough to quaff a glass of fizz together when she visited London last summer and even spent some time sitting on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral under a moody sky.

If you want to know more about Laura, do be sure to read my special interview with her below. She's one extremely talented lady.

Hi Laura!

Where are you from?

I'm from North Carolina. I grew up in Wilmington - a cute historic town wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. I now live in Raleigh, North Carolina's capital in the good ol' rolling hills of the Piedmont.

Why and when did you open Le Animale?

I opened le animalé in 2011, just for fun really. Before I knew it le animalé was my full time business and I was all in. It is hard to believe it's not even been three years yet; it's been such an incredible time!

My animals represent totems, but still with a lighthearted feel, which sets me apart from polymer clay artists who aren't into the spiritual aspect of totems at all, and also from folks who take the totem aspect even more seriously.

What makes you different?

I think my in-between approach makes totems an easily approachable subject for everyone. I very much believe that animal totems can help us grow and gain new perspectives if we approach them with an open mind, but I also like throwing a bit of sense of humor and lightness into my work, because there's also nothing wrong with just collecting cute little animals! Posting new pieces so regularly (every Wednesday) keeps my shop fresh and allows me to develop my skills on a regular basis. Even though I'm always moving forward with new things, there's a consistency in my work, my brand, and my schedule that my customers can count on. Stylistically, the fact that my animals don't have eyes sets me apart in one more way.

What's your favourite thing to do?

I have so many favorite things. Creative things, traveling, spending time with my boyfriend and our dogs. I'm kind of a homebody, so when I'm not traveling I don't really go out exploring very much, but I love that I am close to an airport to head out to wherever I want! At home I work on my business, write, paint, play music, have pizza parties with my boyfriend, daydream, study random things. I also like to shop; hunting for a good bargain never gets old. I love that in Raleigh you can easily have a lot of your own space - a yard and house that are set away from neighbors and busy streets. Personal space and quiet time are important to me.

How did we meet?

I am often not so great at remembering how exactly I become acquainted with people, but I believe in the beginning you featured my work that you'd stumbled across on Etsy, and we started chatting, then eventually had the opportunity to meet up in London this past summer! I love being able to meet folks like yourself through my business; that's definitely one of my favorite parts!

Describe your shop in three words

Cute handmade totems.

Thursday, 21 November 2013

Throwback Thursday: The Sunday Shade

In the interests of improving this blog, I have been working through old entries and discovering that they are so oddly formatted, it's easier to just repost them and makes a nice series for throwback Thursdays.

This short tale was crafted way back in the summer of 2010 when I was a lonely girl living in Spain. I would visit my old love (who for some sickening reason I refer to as my 'love cat' and while he worked hard, I would scour the streets for inspiration.

It also marks a time where this blog started to turn from reviews into a more story-based concept.

Well yes, I know. I know I have been away for a while.

Truth be told, this Cafe Cat is still at the receiving end of transport difficulties.

This weekend I managed to make it to Pamplona again and felt utterly defeated that I hadn't made it to Toro or Salamanca for more material.

However, my Love Cat suggested another cafe here that he had discovered and then he promptly presented me with a new camera!

(Sweet work, Mr Love Cat)

So off I went in hunt of the cafe...

BUT

Has anyone else ever tried to follow the Love Cat's vague directions? No? Well let me tell you... when someone says "Go diagonally across the main square (no specification of which direction), at some point you will find another square and then on one of the streets there is an old Farmacia that is actually a cafe." you basically WON'T find said cafe.

There are a LOT of little streets in Pamplona, Love Cat, but nevermind.

This leads me to an entirely different entry. Yes yes, I may be the Cafe Cat, but there are no rules here, people.

Plus, it is also pretty central to the focus of this blog.

May I present to thee 'The Sunday Shade'... Featuring hot little kitties of Pamplona...

It was an early start. The sunlight poured through the open window as the Cafe Cat and the Love Cat stirred from their slumber. Having indulged in a little croissant and some sweet coffee, the two cats set off into the city.

The Love Cat went to make sweet treats for the people of Pamplona, while the Cafe Cat set off in the direction of the Farmacia Cafe to take pictures for her blog.

She came across many Farmacias on her journey, but they all sold topical creams and nothing that even vaguely resembled a steaming mug of goodness.

Feeling slightly defeated she stopped for quick refreshment.

She continued along her travels, brushing the crumbs from her mouth.

The sights and smells of Sunday Pamplona wafted past her... fresh bread and coffee, and in the distance she could hear the sound of a saxophone dancing into a cool, narrow street and a man singing merrily.

As she approached the window she caught sight of this rather handsome little fellow, who was obviously enjoying the music.

She greeted him jovially and he bowed his head with kindness before disappearing into shadows, for he was terribly shy.

As she meandered aimlessly through the narrow lanes, she so wished that the Love Cat were with her but, nevertheless, she warmly appreciated the sun that was high in the sky and the peace that the solitude brought to her mind.

As the minutes passed, the sun shone down on her in bright, relentless beams of happiness and she was soon seeking the coolness of the shade. There appeared to her a long passage, which led into the shadows. One which she was unsure that she would be allowed to tread, for fear of passing into private territory.

Regardless of these thoughts, she slowly wandered along the path, hearing the distant clanks of a busy kitchen, catching the early smells of lunch and listening to the raucous laughter of a Spanish family, high up in the buildings that towered over her.

As she came to the dimly lit end she could sense that she was not alone and thought she could make a face out in the shadows.

She came closer but dared not make any sudden moves.

"Excuse me?" She said. "Would you be so kind as to let me sit with you for a while? It's just that I am terribly hot and I need to rest."

There was no reply.

Gingerly, she sat on the bench and, as her eyes grew accustomed to the light, she now certainly saw a startled little face peering at her.

"Hello." she said.

But the little one did not reply, his eyes only widened as he regarded her silently.

And so she sat. Very quietly. And watched as two more little ones appeared and stared up into the sky, not daring to look in her direction.

The time ticked slowly by.

Finally, the smallest of the three trotted up to her and at first he didn't say anything. He just regarded her with a gentle look.

After a few moments, he quite calmly said "Good day miss, thank you ever so much for visiting us. We hope you have enjoyed your stay but we must ask you politely to leave. The matters of the alley cat are quite private and we cannot be seen to be associating with outsiders."

He saw the sad look on her face and added bashfully

"Please miss, if the queen were to see you here, she would be displeased with us. You must go now."

He bowed his head and averted his gaze.

She was sad to leave, as the shade has been so sweet and the cats so pretty. She had always thought she had an affinity with the feline world, but today had learned differently. There were no kindred spirits for her in Pamplona.

Wandering out of the shadows, she made her way to a grassy stretch and spent the rest of the afternoon under the big blue sky, alone and thoughtful amongst the green blades.

Monday, 15 July 2013

My 27th Year- We Walk

And so there I was again- back to square one after a long learning interval and I wasn't quite sure where to start. I only knew that I had to keep moving, little steps because if I stood till, I feared I would be overwhelmed. No job, no place to live and no life that I recognised as my own anymore.

After a brief stint at my mother's, I packed my bags once more and headed to where I knew best.

It was late September and on the train journey I idly cast my eyes over the green Kentish countryside and its familiarity was a comfort in which I delighted. This time, however, I wouldn't be in the very thick of the city but rather, an idyllic nook, removed far from any town- in a fortnight I had gone from the very humming heart of Barcelona, with every conceivable convenience to hand, to a place where over an hour's round trip on foot for a bottle of milk was to be standard- no more dreamy takeaway morning coffees or late night coriander buying, that was for sure.

As I lay my bag on the bed that was to be one of mine for the coming months, a rusty chirrup came from beneath my feet and a leap and a bound later there was my dearest and weirdest cat pal, Buddy. With notes of desperate excitement that I had come back to him he pressed his cheek up against mine and rubbed black snot across my brow. "Why is your snot always black, Buddy?" I said and he answered with a feverish croak. Seeing no other choice but to scoop him up and prop him over my shoulder where he could bury his face in my neck, I left him to his curious ways and together we padded downstairs into the garden where Bruce the sleek but troubled greyhound and my Vicki were waiting in the early autumn evening. "What should we do now?" I sighed, placing Buddy gently on the grass. Grabbing Bruce's lead she simply replied with what would be my answer to everything for weeks to come.

"We walk."

Monday, 3 June 2013

The Cafe Cat does London

Did you hear? The Cafe Cat has gone from country cat to city kitty. I bade farewell to my beloved Kent, wished the lambs of the long lane well and sighed as I turned my back to the farm where Pumpkin the cat regarded me silently from beneath the old oak frame of the cider press.

I'll miss the gentle purr of that little one as I stir my homemade soups, as much as I'll miss the beautiful orchards, forests and friends that I've left behind. Buddy considered coming but I gently reminded him that the city of London was no place for a sleek country king such as himself and he sadly slipped off his scarf and rubbed his face up against mine, leaving a snotty black smear that spoke volumes of his love (and levels of hygiene ).

And so here I am, in the the city of smoke, culture and bodies with a makeshift bedroom in the living room of my brother's house. I completed my first day at my new job and teetered between being overwhelmed and extremely excited for the future and all that it might hold.

From a village with merely a letterbox, a handful of cottages and the sweet scent of apple blossom to the busy bustling capital with everything at my fingertips, it has been a rather dramatic change and one which I hope will only bring wonderful things. I suppose the beauty of the countryside comes with the price of the stagnation I felt and a restriction of growth, whereas here the potential is phenomenal.

And so here I shall stay with the hope one day of working my way back to a pretty nook of Kent that I can call my own with a job that I deserve and allows me to thrive.

Until then, Buddy can hold the fort.

Thanks for reading. If you are new or even a frequent visitor, please leave a comment or follow- it's always lovely to know who's supporting you, to make new friends and to share the blog-love around. Please come by and like my Facebook page for daily quotes, pictures and musings.

Monday, 22 April 2013

A Cat's Life #6

Good day all,

I'm back with another installment of A Cat's Life and yes, I'm still here in Kent.

After last week's wonderings, I made a drastic change to my life that means that for the time being, I have stayed put. However, now I will have more time to explore and that could mean sailing off elsewhere. I've been dreaming of taking on foreign lands and projects and yet designing my own Cafe Cat space in my head.

Oh dear life! Whichever way will you take me next? Make up your sweet little mind!

I think this quiet Monday night calls for a lot of lists and maps to be drawn up.

The week past was another peaceful one. The calm before the storm perhaps? Or the rainbow just after, like this one I caught while I supped a fine bottle of rouge outside the Chocolate Cafe in Canterbury with a fellow adventuress.

What with spring finally making an appearance, we've been up in the woods with Bruce and checking out the seasonal action from the watchtower. Perhaps I'll take my notebook up there this evening?

Perfect for a little scribbling, hey?

Whaddya say, Brucie? Shall we go watch the sunset?

In other news, I befriended a mangy cat by the name of Pumpkin Pie. She hasn't had human pals for years apparently but with a little butter and weeks of short conversations, we've formed a tentative alliance.

Her back legs don't work very well so she drags herself around the farm quietly and will often stop to rest in the flower pots. Between you and me, I don't think she has very long left so I am happy to be her friend for the short while she's still with us.

I'd like to say the same for Buddy but he keeps bringing me dead voles and wailing at my window just before dawn breaks. The other morning I was dreaming that I had had a terrible nosebleed and when I awoke, my nose and mouth were actually very wet. For a moment I thought my dream had come true but then I opened my eyes properly to find Buddy sat squarely on my chest, hovering over my face.

DOING THIS.

It wasn't blood.

Oh no.

It was the love liquid of a fiend most feverish in his attempts to win my soul for eternity.

Somehow, I don't think voles and saliva make a convincing bid. Do you?

Dream on, Buddy. Dream on.

Monday, 11 March 2013

A Cat's Life #1

It's been just another week for the Cafe Cat, wandering here, wandering there... climbing high and low.

I still don't have a room so my small suitcase is still rolling on and on, picking up winter's debris in the wheels, but every cloud has a silver lining because even though I sometimes run out of clean clothes, I get a little bit of everything and everyone in my life.

Recently, I've met with some seriously lovely people, which after a grey period peppered with total knobheads, has been a welcome respite. I sometimes get myself into a tizzy when I go to meet almost complete strangers for coffee but I'm always pleasantly surprised by who I find and the new friendships I forge.

Apart from random coffee dating, I went to London for sushi with my best friend Charlotte...

Where I also had coffee with the nice, young editor of a place for which I want to work at this super cool London cafe on Leather Lane.

Later in the day I went on a mammoth stroll, images of which you can see on my city blog The City Kitty, and I sat and drank tea at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, writing cards for loved ones and making notes on life in my book.

This tea was wonderful, it had tiny rose petals in it and tasted like my childhood when my best friend Bobbie and I would make potions out of herbs and flowers in the garden.

Speaking of flowers, my pretty pal Claire and I went to the dreamiest place by the name of Essentially Hops, where there is a small, stone building brimming with dried flowers... see for yourselves!

I want to go back here and write a full article. I'll be going one day soon, who wants to come?

The weather may have turned dull, grey and cold again but over at Badgers Hill Farm, we've been getting ready for the spring.

And just look at my chocolate animal display that the munchkins of Kent have been thoroughly enjoying!

I finally got back to the village last night where I'll be for the next few days, hiding from the cold and spending quality time with creepy Buddy and his scabby nose, who was so pleased to see me last night that he tried to climb into my mouth.

Even the elusive ninja Little Bear stopped by to say hello this morning. I think she's a little scared of the blizzard that's going on outside.

Wrap up warm folks, it's going to be a cold week!