Good afternoon, felinity assembled, I hope you are sitting comfy on all fours, as I come to you with a very special announcement that has me, as well as Nikita and Elvira Mistress of Felinity very honored and excited.
A couple of weeks ago I shared the story of a late night pep talk I experienced at Blog Paws.
As I wrote, during that talk I was strongly "encouraged to do something when I finally got back home, something that, to me, came at my tired brain so unexpectedly that I was almost at a loss for words trying to understand how I, a mere blogger, though a man who proudly calls himself a writer, could do it."
I submitted a membership application to the respected Cat Writers' Association.
The wait for an answer is finally over; this morning I received an email from the CWA secretary that began this way:
Dear Kiril,
It's my pleasure to welcome you as a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association.
My first reaction was to feel tears well up in my eyes and to grab for the nearest cat for a hug, appropriately Nikita, my original muse when I first went online in 1998 and became a blogger in 2002.
I am especially grateful to author Amy Shojai, founder and former president of the Cat Writers' Association, for her sponsorship (her blog).
The Cat Writers' Association describes itself as "an organization of professionals writing, publishing and broadcasting about cats. Our members include writers, editors, publishers, artists, public relations specialists, broadcasters and others."
Aside from networking opportunities, other goals of the organization include:
1. Be a major influence for the good of cats by providing news, information, and educatgion on all aspects of cats.
2. Improve the quality of writing about cats.
3. Encourage cat writing in general newspapers and magazines.
4. Encouraging professionalism and providing education on being published.
That is just for starters. There is a lot to this organization that I believe I can learn and benefit from.
The Cat Writers' Association will hold its 21st Annual Conference in Irving (Dallas), TX, from Thursday, October 31 through Saturday, November 2, 2013.
Somehow, someway, I intend on attending.
Over the past 2 years my personal creative journey has begun a slow walk in new directions, even as I've struggled with unemployment, and medical issues, from my ankle to my eyes.
I believe the worst is behind me now and I have faith that things will slowly return to normal.
I have done much inspired reading, and inspired writing, being encouraged by several wonderful people to challenge myself in new ways.
This latest event fits in perfectly with the message of encouragement to me that I have posted on my wall above my desk:
1. I am a writer.
2. I am a poet.
3. I am a storyteller.
4. I am a journalist.
5. I am a photographer.
6. I am creative!
My other blog = Mad Macedonian
7. I am confident that when I open myself to my creativity, I open myself to the Creator’s creativity within me and my life.
49. I am a man with a peculiar sense of humor.
50. I am the voice of 2 opinionated pussycats.
56. I am going to be bold, and believe that Mighty Forces will come to my aid!
96. I am going to build upon what I know and what I have done.
97. I am going to exercise my balls!
The cats are in for some extra Greenies tonite and I am going to go out to dinner at a new restaurant I've recently discovered that offers healthy eats and a quite place to write.
****UPDATE - 1030pm****
We would like to thank genealogy, history and book blogger, Elizabeth Saunders, a cat lover, for leaving the 3100th comment on this blog since it began on New Year's Day, 2010!
How devoted a cat lover is she?
Get a load of this recent post & adorable photo!
****END UPDATE****
Congrats my friend, that is so wonderful!
Posted by: Brian | July 12, 2013 at 01:26 PM
Yeah! Congratulations to you, Daddy Kiril! :)
Posted by: meowmeowmans | July 12, 2013 at 01:48 PM
Thank You, my friends.
Posted by: Kiril Kundurazieff | July 12, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Congratulations, Elvira-and-Nikita's daddy! I keep telling my Mom: stick with cats and you can't go wrong.
Posted by: Katya Graymalkin | July 12, 2013 at 02:47 PM
Awesome! Sooper dooper! I had no idea such an organization even existed! Seems like this author gal really steered you in a good direction to get you to join! If I had known about this organization, I would have encouraged you to go for it, too!
You SO deserve this honor, Daddy K! Congrats!
Posted by: SocciWriter | July 12, 2013 at 02:48 PM
FanTAStic!! How absolutely wonderful!!!
Keep on sending us links so we can keep up with your writing!
Marilynn
Posted by: Marilynn, Grace & Company | July 12, 2013 at 02:58 PM
Congratulations! We know you will do a great job as an official Cat Writer!
Posted by: CatSynth | July 12, 2013 at 03:32 PM
Congratulations, Nikita and Elvira, for helping your human achieve this!!!
Posted by: Sparkle | July 12, 2013 at 03:44 PM
We are thrilled for you, huge congratulations! :-)
Posted by: Fuzzy Tales | July 12, 2013 at 04:26 PM
Congrats we are so happy for you and very proud of you.
Posted by: Scylla, Socks, Tuiren & Fenris | July 12, 2013 at 07:03 PM
But of course, you're a cat writer! Congrats!
Posted by: Elizabeth Saunders | July 12, 2013 at 09:58 PM
Oh Daddy Kiril we are so happy and excited for You, Nikita & Elvira!! We can hardly wait to see what NEW stuff is coming your way!!
Hugs,
Chandra, the Girls & Maverick
Posted by: Samantha, Clementine & Maverick | July 12, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Congratulations, Kiril.
Posted by: Sabra Bowers | July 12, 2013 at 10:45 PM
You rock! Kiril! As does the awesome Mr. Nikita & Miss Elvira!
Posted by: Randy Eady | July 13, 2013 at 01:45 AM
Concats Kiril we are so pleased for you and hope you will be very proud of yourself.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Posted by: Hannah and Lucy | July 13, 2013 at 06:45 AM
This is wonderful news. I send my congratulations, and Squeaker, the calico currently perched on my shoulder like a parrot, requests a paw-print.
Posted by: Kim Bussey | July 13, 2013 at 01:57 PM
Hi, lorraine here, congratulations. It's always great when we receive recognition for all our hard work. Frankie says hello to you and your furbabies
Posted by: lorraine williamson | July 13, 2013 at 03:39 PM
Thank you, very much, everyone!
Welcome, as well, to those just discovering the writing of Nikita and Elvira, and myself. :-D
Posted by: Kiril Kundurazieff | July 13, 2013 at 08:47 PM
concatulations Daddy Kiril!!
Posted by: The Meezers | July 14, 2013 at 08:55 PM
Concatulations on your new affiliation. That is quite an honor. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
Posted by: Kitties Blue | July 18, 2013 at 07:42 PM
congratulations! I'm learning more about CWA. You should be very proud!
Posted by: tamstercat | July 26, 2013 at 10:36 PM