[The Stage is on Fire] is a page-turner in which, much like life, there are no easy answers and yet each step of the journey yields insight and hope. This work of heart must not be missed!
Melanie Faith
Creative Writing Teacher, Essayist & Poet.
Katie Steedly’s first-person piece [The Unspeakable Gift] is a riveting retelling of her participation in a National Institutes of Health study that aided her quest to come to grips with her life of living with a rare genetic disorder. Her writing is superb.
The Society of Professional Journalists
In recognition of receiving the Dateline Award for the Washingtonian Magazine essay, The Unspeakable Gift.
I thank you … It is the authenticity of your “class notes”; and it is the delicacy and skill with which you present the nuances of classroom life and the actuality of your students’ and fellow teachers’ lives.
Maxine Greene
Philosopher and Education Scholar
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Live Humble as a Dog (or Cat)
Things I learn from my cats
Note: I like all pets. I had dogs and cats growing up. I still like dogs, but I have only cared for cats during my adult life. I have adopted 4 cats over the years. Gizmo lived 20 years. Lucy lived 15. Currently, Tater and Freckles (both 8 years old) allow us to share their home.
Forgive Often
Cats don’t hold grudges. They may be angry and let their feelings known, but they move on. They may even pout for a short time, but the quickly return to climb up on the nearest lap or go paws and belly up in an appeal for love. It is easy for them. I wish I could move on from things as easily as they do. There is value to letting go.
Play Often
Cats love to play. They play with shoes strings and feathers. They play hide and seek under sheets. They lose themselves in the chase. They crouch and pounce and roll in an effort to subdue rogue opposition. They play whenever a willing partner will join in. They do this to the point where purrs and meows make their joy palpable. I wish I could lose myself more. I wish I played more.
Be direct
Cats ask for what they want. They are not ambiguous. There are no guessing games. Clear communication. If they want a treat. They ask for it. If they want to sit on your lap. They crawl on to your lap. If they want to burrow in the covers on the bed. They burrow. They do not feel the need to contort and cajole. Directness is admirable.
Get Rest
Cats rest. The older I get the more I appreciate rest. A cat’s pace is one of ease and presence. They move between paying attention and taking a nap. As we learn about the value of rest and sleep from scientists and others, I think we can learn from cats, too.
Love your people
This is perhaps the most admirable quality of cats. Cats love their people. They greet their people at the door. They snuggle with their people. They talk to their people. I aspire to love my people, too. I want to let my people know. I want to tell them I love them fully and often.
https://kitt.global/july-29-live-humble-as-a-dog-mark-nepo-the-book-of-awakening/
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About Katie
Born in Louisville. Live in Atlanta. Curious by nature. Researcher by education. Writer by practice. Grateful heart by desire.
Buy the Book!
The Stage Is On Fire, a memoir about hope and change, reasons for voyaging, and dreams burning down can be purchased on Amazon.
I am learning from stripey now. We have a routine…I wait, he comes,or not, we snuggle,he eats, more snuggling, mores eating, then he is off to do cat things. I worry about him, and wonder how he will deal with our moving. I will miss him,..will he miss me?