muddling through

muddling through // movita beaucoup

Oh, boy. Where to start?

2.0’s mummy, Jackie, passed away on December 10th. Our hearts broke. The holidays were weird. We focused on putting one foot in front of the other. And then 2.0’s grandmother passed away on January 13th. It has been a rough time. There have been tears, but also lots of laughs thanks to the support of a great many friends and family. And because I hope my online home can always put a smile on your face, there is this:

dorey // movita beaucoup

Dorey.

Dorey was Jackie’s cat. And now she’s ours. Her fur is the softest and her nose is the perfect shade of ballerina pink. She’s currently set up in her very own basement apartment as we work to introduce her to Effie and Niles. We figure this should take about four years.

There are other things too. Different sorts of endings which should lead to different sorts of beginnings. But we’ll talk about that later. We’re still muddling through the middle.

My 2017 resolution is to write more. Lots more. So I’ll be back soon with more words. All of them happy, I promise.

53 Comments

  1. WillCookForFriends on January 17, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    I’m so sorry for your (ad 2.0’s) loss. What a rough start to the new year. Sending you hugs, and hope that things start looking up.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 12:42 pm

      Thanks, Willow! It has been a rough start, indeed. But I know good things are coming… xox

  2. Cyndy on January 17, 2017 at 12:19 pm

    May God give you comfort in the middle, as He is the beginning and the end, alpha and omega. Hugs to you and yours.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Thanks for your sweet words, Cyndy.

  3. Sarah on January 17, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    So very sad for all your loss and sadness . That gorgeous Dorey will be your lucky charm this year. You give us so many laughs and joy through the year with your contests and posts….Thank you for that . Sending some goodness your way….

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks, Sarah. I think I feel the goodness settling in!

  4. AHAnto on January 17, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    one foot in front of the other sounds about right. No rush for words. When you wanna. Happy, or whatever kind you find to string together.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:20 pm

      Thanks, friend.

  5. hunnyscoots on January 17, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    I’m so very sorry to hear about your losses… I know you see sweet Dorey as a little blessing, and you will all give comfort to eachother. I hope we can give you some comfort and joy through all of this because you do that for us more than you know. <3

    • Karen on January 17, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      I am deeply sorry for 2.0 and your loss. I wish I could say something that would make you feel better, like you do for me when I’m so down…. And then you write. I laugh. Hang in there. . We all love you both..and especially those furry babies. Nothing but love

      • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:21 pm

        Thanks, Karen! This blog really is my happy place – I’m glad you’re here.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      You hit me right in the feels. And Dorey really is the perfect little gift. Also, she is very, very furry, and doesn’t mind if you rub your face in her belly.

  6. s.e. on January 17, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    wow. I didn’t know about 2.0’s grandmother, 2 losses so close together, so sorry to hear about it. Dorey is a gorgeous cat, how old is she?

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      We’re guessing she’s around 10 years old!

  7. Eva on January 17, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    So so sorry for your loss. BIG HUGS!
    Luv
    Eva

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Thanks, Eva. Hugs received!

  8. Marlene on January 17, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    Oh, I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. Sending you hugs and warm thoughts. Dorey is, well, adorable and so lucky to have a home with you. Let’s hope the other two cats get on board with the plan soon.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      So far, Effie is completely unaware that there is another cat in the house. Niles has spied her through the basement door, and there was some hissing, but we’re hoping slow and steady wins the race! I mean, Dorey’s nose is pretty irresistible…

  9. Mellissa on January 17, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss! The new kitty is gorgeous and I’m looking forward to more of your words – happy or otherwise! ????

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      ISN’T SHE PRETTY?! And she’s oh-so-sweet!

  10. Lady Tofu on January 17, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    Dear Movita,
    What a huge loss. I am glad to see the universe is trying not to be a total fucking jerk by balancing it out with a sweet and adorable new family member. The other kitties probably don’t see it that way, but they will make sure to barf where you will step in it.As always looking forward to your super funny and suuuupppeeer awesome writing!!!!

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Dorey really does balance things out! She’s so, so sweet. And I swear her fur smells like candy…

  11. Renee on January 17, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    Oh, Movita. I’m so sorry for your loss. 2017 may have gotten off to a crap start, but I know good things are ahead for you. Plus, how cute is Dorey. I’m certain the others will welcome her into the fold. Crossing fingers it’s a warm welcome. And, sending you a giant hug. Take good care. xx.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks, Renee. I think that despite a rocky start, 2017 has great potential…

  12. emma on January 17, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    Ugh sorry to hear this. Glad that the bad news at least came with a fluffy plus side.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Like, super fluffy!

  13. Sarah on January 17, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    I’m so sorry for your (and 2.0’s) losses. However, I’m happy that Dorey has found you (and vice versa). I hope the feline population of your home also quickly comes around to this way of thinking. It only took Missy 3 years to mostly stop hissing at Raven.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:27 pm

      We’ve decided to make co-existance (rather than best friendliness) the goal – because cats can be so… charming difficult. Fingers crossed!

  14. shannon on January 17, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear all of this: i’m sad for you and for 2.0, because I feel like i’ve known you for ages, and you just don’t want dear friends to have to go through anything like this. I hope the tears subside and that the laughs become more frequent, and I hope that Dorey doesn’t traumatize Effie and Niles too much.

    Although there’s a part of me that hopes she blows their minds a little bit, just to shake things up. A little part of me hopes that…just a teeny bit. Dorey looks like she could rock worlds.

    Hey listen: I’m not doing a brilliant job of it so far, but my 2017 goal (or one of) is to write more words about all sorts of stuff. Is this our year to finally team up and destroy the universe? Maybe we just talk a lot to each other via email and motivate ourselves that way: i’m in if you are.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      Oh, I think Dorey could rock all the worlds! And yes, we must team up and destroy things. I’m in constant need of a kick in the pants…

  15. Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories on January 17, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    I’m so sorry Rachael for you and 2.0. Two kicks in the head in such a short time span.. very much in the middle. Little miss ballerina nose is just adorable looking in her basement apartment, and it sounds like she is the perfect antidote. I’m looking forward to reading your brilliant (I mean it) writing this year.

    • movita beaucoup on January 17, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      Geez, Karen. Now I’ve gotta be brilliant and stuff. (Thanks for the motivation!) xox

  16. Teresa on January 17, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    ……”her fur is the softest and her nose is the perfect ballerina pink”………”her fur smells like candy”……THAT melts my heart! I’m happy Dorey has such a great family to join,….one that pays attention to her special “assets”! :o)
    So very sorry for your double loss. Unimaginable really. 2017 can only get better.

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:40 am

      Thanks, Teresa! Dorey has most definitely secured a spot in our hearts!

  17. rockandwool on January 17, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    oh honey—
    i am so glad YOU are still alive!!

    i’ve been in Alaska a lot this year with my daughter + granddaughter and have not read your blog as much as I used to.

    So my “resolution” is to read your adorably awesome gruesome words.
    Go girL.
    We need you more now than ever!!!!

    Lub you,
    Teri
    Oregon
    ((((100 hugs))))

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:41 am

      Lub you right back, Teri!

  18. jacquie on January 17, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. That is certainly a rough way to end one year and begin the next. The kitty looks very sweet and precious. Thank you for giving her a new home and your love. I’m sure she is grieving in her own way as you are in yours. What a wonderful gift you have in being able to discern a bit of light in the dark – thank you for sharing that with us.

    Grieving is hard work so please tend to and be gentle with yourself.

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:41 am

      Thanks for these sweet words, Jacquie. xox

  19. Doug on January 17, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    Rachael,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my sadness for what you and your husband have gone through recently. My prayers are with you and your family. Be well, my friend.

    Doug

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:42 am

      Thank you so much, Doug. I’m so glad to have you in my little blogging world…

  20. thatskinnychickcanbake on January 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear such sad news, but I’m glad you had time with family to help you mourn and remember the good times. Dorey is a beautiful addition to your family. Thinking of you both!

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:43 am

      Thanks, Liz. xox

  21. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef on January 17, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    Oh my lovely friend, what a sad time for you and the hero who loves you. I can’t imagine losing both at the same time. When you love someone a lot, the memories are treasures you’ll have a lifetime. Dorey is beautiful and isn’t it swish she has her own apartment. Poor thing will have to give it all up for a spot on the bed soon.

    I’m glad you’ll be writing more. xx

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:45 am

      Thanks, Maureen. One of my pals described Dorey’s current living arrangement as having her own “in-law suite.” It’s pretty swish, indeed! (I wonder how she’ll adjust to getting kicked by 2.0 in the middle of the night? It’s a right of passage around here…)

  22. Stacy on January 17, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    I am so sorry to hear your news, Rachael.Two great losses so close together. Not that having them spaced would make it any better but what a blow when you are already down. I am glad that you have Dorey as a distraction and a comfort. Your (more) words are always welcome, whether happy or sad.

    • movita beaucoup on January 18, 2017 at 8:46 am

      As one of my sweet neighbours pointed out yesterday: 2.0 can’t seem to catch a break. That said, these things also have a way of bringing families closer together. And Dorey has really done a lot to help heal our hearts!

  23. wendyTplace on January 18, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Hey Movita- long time no reply from me… I’m writing and replying more too. So far the first 2 weeks have been solid:)
    Your words (you) have such lightness in the dark times. That’s a gift.
    Hope your beginnings don’t cause too much stress. x

    • movita beaucoup on January 19, 2017 at 8:48 am

      Wendy! I’ve been following your updates! Maybe this year we’ll be very good at internetting? xox

  24. Anna Fiander on January 18, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    Dorey is beautiful and funny. I am happy that she is with you. I was worried about her
    Anna

    • movita beaucoup on January 19, 2017 at 8:49 am

      I think Dorey got her sense of humour from Jackie! And I think Jackie would be very happy to know that we’ve taken her in…

  25. tworedbowls on January 21, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    I am so sorry to read this.. My heart goes out to you both. I’m glad to see Dorey’s little face and know that she can be a little bit of a balm. And excited for your 2017 resolution! I find myself playing catch-up more than I used to but your posts are always my favorite thing. Thinking of you.

    • movita beaucoup on January 22, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      Thanks so much, Cynthia. I can’t imagine the push and pull you’ll be experiencing this year with the wee one AND a book to work on! I’ll be following your adventures as always… xox

  26. Stephbo on January 25, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    Two huge losses in such a short time. I know y’all must be reeling from it, especially 2.0. I’m so glad you were kind enough to take in the new kitty. I’m sure her little world is also shaken up a bit, so it’s nice that she has you to help her sort it out. I worry about what would happen to mine if anything were to happen to me and my husband. Holding all of you in my prayers.

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