Tomorrow, I’ll be wending my way northward to the Oklahoma Writers Federation 40th Anniversary Conference, May 1-3. I’m the president and have spent the last year sweating blood, planning, and organizing this massive event--40 seminars, 7 editors and 5 agents from NYC, 15 best-selling authors, even JA Jance as keynote speaker.

There are still registration spots left, and I’m expecting close to 400 folks to attend the big party, some as single day-only walk-ins. So my nerves won’t get a rest until next week…and then I plan to sleep a month!

And through all the angst, Seren(dipity) has been my staunchest supporter. When the worry became too much, when gray hairs began popping out all over my brow, and when that nervous tic became noticeable in my right eyelid--Seren purred me calm.

While the d*g snored through my sleepless nights, Seren stayed by my side. She checked every piece of paper that came through the printer, giving it her paw-stamp of approval. She paced with me during my angst-attacks, and snuggled on my lap during important phone calls (this from a cat that avoids lap-sitting on general principle!).

How does your cat help you during times of stress? Seren even plays “clown” for me, and revels in making me chuckle. Do your kitties notice when you’re upset, or depressed, or nervous? What do they do?

I couldn’t have made it through all the trials and tribulations of the past year without Seren’s gentle purr-sonal attention. And I hope she knows how grateful I feel.