Debbie

The other day I saw an older tiny lady looking for change in her purse for some chips - she was the lady who stands on the corner with the paper people sell for donations. I told her I could pay for her chips. She said thank you - and when i was leaving the gas station, she asked for a ride. She is tiny, about late 60s. There are assaults and robberies on the corner and i said yes. Her apartment complex is across the way from mine. She told me her name was Debbie and she had a cigarette behind her ear. Probably bummed one. This tiny lady made me feel positive and safe as we talked in the car - she is one of the strongest women i know. She starts on the corner at 6:30 AM and stays all day. She has an apartment. She's alone. And she's amazing. I could feel such strength from her..... thank you Debbie. 

CAT IN THE HOOD - Chiquita's Story

"I am telling my tale from my hiding bush in this third world America. Nothing surprises me anymore. I'm a totally self-contained kitty - with the help of a human who seems to care - sending food my way and water. I won't let go of my instincts though - bugs have always been delicious and I'm not about to give them up! My name is Chiquita. I have survived being trapped and my sex taken from me - but, in the long run - it's ok - I don't have to worry about being chased by these big old toms and attacked. I don't want to go through what my mom did. She did her very best. Me and my brother left - she didn't make it. We did - I am a survivor - I'm a cat in the hood." 

“You need to know first about me. I love my freedom – that’s number one. I’m two years old and according to statistics I won’t live much past five unless my human keeps caring for me – then I may be able to have a full life. But it’s not easy dodging those souped-up motorcycles that split my eardrums and cars that sound like bombs are driving them from across the street! Why do humans so love noise? Don’t they understand how much more they could learn and thrive if they simply would listen to what’s around them?” ... to be continued....