Jessica Kautz

I had a big male cat named Zoe, who we wrongly assumed was female as a kitten, as well. By the time we realized it, he was already Zoe to us ... and remained so until his death at 20. He was a legend.

FWIW, I agree - Dave's is an awesome name, too!

Today’s Not-Terrible Thing -

My neighbors. We’re always trying to out-kind each other. Baked goods, beehive honey, peace cranes & HM jam get delivered randomly. Sidewalks, magically shoveled. And last wknd we hung out in the snow having hot drinks together just because we can. So not terrible.

Today’s Not-Terrible thing - Without being asked, my almost 13-year-old fed/gave medicine to the cats, made me tea, and brought the goodies to me and our elderly-est of kitties in bed. Definitely a Not-Terrible way to start this beautiful snowy day.

Let’s not crumple in despair, friends. Onwards!

Hi! It’s me, your friendly internet introvert. I’ve had a hard time posting since Nov b/c of …(waves arms around wildly)… all of this. Our timelines already have enough terrible stuff, so I’ve decided to use this space to post “Not-Terrible” things for the time being. (See next post...)

www.jessicakautz.com/for-children-1

Hey new community! Excited to see so many new & old friends on here!

A little about me - I'm a sunny person who likes gothy things. Kindness is my religion. I say hi to every dog & cat I see. Currently in Montana.

Here's what I've been working on recently (pic from my website). Nice to meet you!

Love this!!

Let’s go!!!! 💓

This year November 5th feels way more scary than October 31.

5 more days to vote. Let's turn the page, friends! 🌊💙

Been cranking a Halloween mix in the car lately that my boy and I made when he was 6. I’m tickled (and a little surprised) to report that he still likes it as much in middle school as he did in 1st grade. (Me, too!) 🧡🖤🎃💀

Best time of year!

(In a joyful, sing-song voice ) - I voted, I voted, I voted!

Cha-cha-cha!

Have you? Let's do this, friends! 💙🌊

Brains are weird things.

Out of the blue today, the lyrics - "You're kinda kooky, and kinda cra-zy" came to me. Which led me to think of the band (epicly-named House of Large Sizes, Iowa City band from the 80s/90s). Which made me wonder what they're up to today.

Again, brains are weird things.

Getting ready to go to a writing conference where I need to bring work samples .... tomorrow.

And my printer died ... just now.

Uh oh.

Kid quote of the week - "Every time I get my hair cut, I feel like I go through 3 stages. 1 - I’m like, whoa, that’s not really what I wanted at all. Then 2 - later that day, ugh, this is the worst thing ever. Then 3 - finally - ok, actually it’s just fine and I like it."

#SoRelatable

My boy drew this for me a few years ago, and every time I look at it (on the fridge - hence the stains and general grubbiness), it makes me smile. He knows me so well. 🤣😻

Trying to shove reading glasses on my face while opening the computer, not remembering I am currently wearing another pair of reading glasses.

Still punk AF....

There has been a porta-potty in my driveway for a week now with no obvious construction going on. (It's for some roofers who have a delivery delay.) My yard also has messy, enormous sunflowers, spiders from last Halloween and random dog toys. (But no dog!)

So grateful for chill neighbors.

YES! Best time of the year commencing!

Goodbye, mean light that wakes me at 5 & keeps my child up till 11!
Goodbye, aggressive brightness that keeps me from my yard & porch all day!
Goodbye, sweat & bugs!

I may be part-vampire (& an #unpopularopinionhaver), but I don't care. Yay!

My dr’s new nurse asks if I’m ok with being weighed at the start of appts rather than telling me to get on the scale. For those of us who were raised with “that number” determining how our day would go, what a freaking gift.

(FWIW, I usually say no, & we just move on. Bliss.)

Last week, I took a longish solo drive and was reminded of how fun it is to absolutely blast the radio on a secluded stretch of road, and sing along at top volume.

I never thought I’d still feel like this at 50. What a delight!

Favorite kid quote of the week - "Mom, I think cats are like snowflakes. Each one is different - their tail length, their different fuzziness, their fur, their body type. And they’re all beautiful."

Aww.... 🥰 And true.

Leaving the dog park, I jotted down the names of the people we met. I have the worst memory for human names. (The dogs, on the other hand, I'll never forget.)

My mom: “Jessie, you’re a ... unique ... person.”

Translation:"Honey, you're so odd but well-intentioned."

(😂Guilty!)

Had a full circle moment taking my tween to a Ziggy Marley show, whom I saw as a teen with my folks, as well. Happy to report that the reggae-concert-attending-with-mom experience is just as faux-mortifying-yet-secretly-enjoyable for this generation as it was for mine. 😆

Poor travel planning yet again. Got back from Spain at 1:30am Tues & have not slept past 4 am since. Jet lag + neglected cats + STUPID SOLSTICE WEEK IN THE NORTH OF THE US WHEN IT BARELY GETS DARK ANYWAY. Ugh. Sorry for yelling but I'm so stinking tired & it's all my fault. 😭

Oh, hello beautiful! What a surprise! I missed you all winter. So nice of you to pay a visit in … (checks calendar) … the end of May. 🙄💐❄️

(Speaking to my fickle friend, Snow, in case that’s not clear. She can be so silly.)

This past week I both got carded and an AARP letter in the mail. Being 50 is a weird age.

Me waiting up to see the Northern Lights every time they've been predicted where I live: nothing happens.

Me going to bed last night at midnight only to get this photo from a neighbor at 1:20 am -

Sigh.

The city cut down 3 majestic trees across the street from me yesterday as part of a expensive boulevard sidewalk project that neighbors don’t want, fought against, & will destroy many yards. I just don't get ... why.

I already miss those trees, and their birds, so much. 😟

Unpopular opinion: I find these long bright days exhausting. It's too much light, too early & late.

The one shining light (pun intended) is my very favorite warm weather activity: porch couch reading! Another plus: if I'm overtired anyway, I might as well be horizontal. 🤷‍♀️

Today's date is 123123 and sunset where I am is 4:56.

I like it.