cuddles from a cat; reflections on a family

I am sitting on my couch, getting some serious love from my roomie's cat. She's kneading away at my chest, her paws are strongly suggesting that I need to make room in my heart for her attention, she's burrowing herself into the crook of my arm, and she's purring so loudly, I wonder if it's an old diesel enginge idling outside. I am totally wigged out on her bliss.

And it's making me think of families and love. This beautiful pummeling of my soul aside, I have noticed some strong feelings in myself to want a family. Even if it's something that is transient and fluid. Even if it's something that is easily lost or left behind. Or something that changes the way a river and stream changes with the seasons, the wind, the sunshine, the animals that quench themselves with it's depth and taste. I feel I am comfortable with change and movement. And I would still enjoy the feeling of being able to share my love, my energy, ME, with people that I feel close to. People whom also feel comfortable and interested in spending time with me.
To me that feels like family; like home.

It's WORLD AIDS DAY

It's snowing and sleeting here in Ottawa. I am at home, safe under my roof, warm in my pajamas. I have food in my belly, music drifting through my speakers, and I am feeling incredibly lucky.

A perfect day, I think, to spend some time thinking about how other people are living in the world.

Time to think about AIDS.

Today is World AIDS day.

Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. What spreads AIDS? Ignorance and prejudice.

If I can think about this disease, and do one small thing towards stopping it - by making a donation, talking about it, making people more aware, giving just a little - perhaps we can take a step towards finding a cure.