Round Tummies In the Sun

Sunday I hosted a waffle brunch at my house for Easter refugees. One friend, who I had not seen in almost a year, came in and said, “Is that the same cat you had before? She’s so fat I didn’t even recognize her.”

My cat would be happy to hear it. Getting fat has been primary objective number one this winter. She and I have enjoyed a lovely winter of fatty foods and lounging.

She’s always had a fussy tummy. I had her on a food this fall made of cranberries, garlic, echinacea and a little bit of chicken. On that food, she became skinnier and skinnier, light and bony, no matter how much she ate. A couple months ago I switched her to a sensitive stomach food, so greasy and good. It was like being fed candy for every meal. She was in heaven and the weight went on with glee.

I’ve now switched her to something a little more balanced. For weeks after this latest switch she has pouted by her dish. Well, how would you feel if you were fed big slices of chocolate cake and then poof, only carrots and celery sticks? You’d pout too.

My weight gain plan has been a little more subtle, four months of hosting a green monster in my head. It takes a lot of energy to grow a goo ball large enough to take on the world. While the growing was happening and the subsequent battling back, I’ve spent a great deal of time resting, sleeping and moving slowly. And let’s face it, eating. Yes, eating, eating foods that taste good, that make me feel good or are easy to make.

I’m adopting the attitude of my cat. Have you seen my round tummy? I’m so proud of it. I worked hard to get this tummy. This tummy is evidence that life is good, that I’ve been fed on cheesecake and shortbread waffles.

After the guests left Sunday afternoon my cat and I took a nap on my bed, curtains open to the afternoon sun, our round tummies proudly exposed to the world, little smiles curling the tips of our mouths.