Another jolly interview, thanks to Transylvania Beyond – lots of photos in this one.
Tag: cats
Candour or caution?
Thanks to the Romania Journal for some keen questions in yesterday’s interview. I opted to be candid, since cautious answers make for an anodyne read…
What do you think – should I have responded more neutrally?
Book world in the spotlight
Kids from Class 3 at School 169 check to see how they feature in Dalia’s Pet Detectives, at Bookfest
Booklet Fiction’s cat, who was both Winston and Dalia’s cat Onyx.
Kids from Federico Lorca school learning about Dalia and her pet detectives during Bookfest 2018
Following on from Bucharest’s spring fair Bookfest, I wrote the cover feature for OZB magazine.
I plan to write more, to give an airing to various aspects of Romania’s book world – not just to give readers a better idea of how much value they get for their 40 lei, but to spot opportunities in the publishing world and to highlight good practice and book world stars. What do you think of the article? I’d love to read your candid comments.
‘My’ stand at Booklet Fiction, Bookfest 2018
Cats were the face-painting theme of the day
Help me save a dog for Christmas!
I’m donating royalties from my new book, Floss the lost puppy, to two fabulous animal charities here in Romania.
Every book you buy will help save a dog (or a cat) that is homeless, sick or injured.
Romania Animal Rescue is an amazing group of vets at the Centre of Hope in Bucharest – see what they do every day to save dogs and cats.
Eli Pet Transport is a Romanian-British charity that rescues dogs from all over Romania, socialises them till they’re ready for a new home, then takes them to the UK to their new families.
All the people involved are stellar human beings who have devoted their lives, their homes, their careers to the welfare of cats and dogs.
If you love animals, buy a book, donate direct to their websites, spread the word about what they do, teach kids about the value of pets and how to care for them – help in any way you can…
Thank you!!!
PS: You can find out more about Floss on his website, and read reviews of the book here.
Come to the launch of Floss’s book!
I’d love to see you! I’ll be on Booklet Fiction’s stand at Romexpo from midday on Friday 24th, and at lunchtime on Saturday, too. Come and say hello, and get your books signed.
A perfect Christmas story, set in the mountains near Brasov. A bilingual edition, so a great read for Romanian and English-speaking kids aged 7+.
Readers of all ages love the book – read some reviews!
11 lessons I learned from my cat
This is George Cat. He is a ginger guru, and I love to learn from his natural, unaffected wisdom.
He lives with me in a remote mountain village in Transylvania, along with his brother, sister, and mother. As you can see from the photos, George is a live wire, except when he’s dead to the world. He’s sweet-natured (as they all are), ridiculously happy, curious, persistent, optimistic, opportunistic, loving, affectionate, entrepreneurial, funny, and magnificently beautiful.
George teaches me something every day. Here are eleven of his life lessons that we should all remember.
Number 1 – family comes first
George loves his family. With his sister and his brother, he was born to his mama Hobbs here in my study in 2011, and they haven’t been separated since. Family is very important to George, even he does have the occasional spat.
Number 2 – get plenty of exercise
Always make time for physical activity. You can dance by yourself in the snow, you can take a hike in the mountains, you can use a chair for some gym work, or you can race your mum to breakfast…
Number 3 – get plenty of sleep
Slumber in peaceful solitude, or catnap with friends. If you get enough rest you’ll have all the energy you need to life life to the full.
Number 4 – be honest
Never be afraid to say what you really think, even if it’s a controversial opinion.
A year ago today (8th November) I’d asked George what he thought of the new orange incumbent of the White House. Despite sharing hair colour, George told me precisely what he thought of America’s choice.
Number 5 – take no notice of big egos
Don’t be intimidated by flashy loudmouths. You can ignore people who think they’re cock of the walk just because they are snazzy dressers and like the sound of their own voices. More often than not, underneath the fine feathers, they are chicken.
Number 6 – take your work seriously
You must never miss an opportunity to hunt out a tasty deal, and be persistent in persuading people to your way of thinking. Persistence, for an entrepreneur like George, is critical. He doesn’t take offence when his advances are rejected; he just keeps trying. Never say never, says George.
Number 7 – never stop learning
Always take advice from experts. Whether you’re young and on a steep learning curve in life, or whether you’re mature but still eager to advance your development, seek out those who can teach you something worth knowing. Your mum is always a good place to start. Mums know best.
Number 8 – always be kind to children
…especially if they’re lost, lonely and frightened. When hungry youngsters appear at your door and want to share your sofa, your toys and your breakfast, give them a warm welcome, even if it’s difficult. It can hard letting strangers into your life, but offering a friendly paw can bring many rewards.
Number 9 – be curious
Explore new situations, meet new people, investigate potential opportunities. Even if they go wrong, explorations are always worthwhile, even if they’re sometimes scary; at the very least you’ll learn something of value: don’t do that again!
Number 10 – be magnificent
Remember – you are the culmination of evolution. You are the savannah cheetah, the jungle tiger, the mountain lion and the snow leopard. You carry the memories and wisdom of all your kind. Never forget how unique and remarkable you are.
Number 11 – above all, laugh
Be daft. to hell with dignity. Fill your life with happiness and be thoroughly adorable. Life is short so live it with joy.
Which of George’s lessons do you like best? What lessons does your cat or dog teach you? Do tell me in a comment. Send George a message!
The fish thieves
Cats = opportunists. We know this. I try to discourage my small clan to desist, but when there’s fresh fish, freshly cooked and sitting on the counter top, all law-abiding morals go out of the feline window. George and Buster are determined to help themselves to the kitten’s supper as it cools…
Bent nail = happiness for a cat
New cat video! Here’s George Cat, entertaining himself with a bent nail. Cats are so delightfully cheap, in so many important ways.
Washing up, cat style
Here’s Buster helping out with the housework, while Rachel and I make hot cross buns at Easter.
