our newest addition

jackson the maine coon | the merry gourmet

Most of the time, I’m a very rational person. I tend to make decisions quickly, but always with forethought and confidence in that decision. I am sensible, logical, and deliberate.

At other times, I just trust my instinct and go with what feels right.

Six days after my father died, and the day before his visitation, I opened an email from a cat breeder whose email list I’ve been on for several years. Her email announced that she had a litter of Maine Coon kittens available for adoption, and included were photos of them. The fourth photo was of this little guy.

When I opened that email, I was feeling vulnerable and weak. I was an emotional mess. We were not in the market for a new cat, but when I saw his face, I knew I wanted him.   The rational part of me had a serious talk with the part of me that just wanted to bury my face in that kitten’s fur. Rational Me explained all the downsides of a new kitten – the expense, the extra clean-up, the fact that it might disrupt the relationship between the other two cats, and (for a second and third time, for good measure) the expense.

Irrational Me decided that Rational Me was being a jerk and was no fun at all.

We welcomed Jackson* two days ago. He is everything I hoped he would be, and more.

Jackson the Maine Coon | the merry gourmet

*The name, Jackson, was inspired by a few different sources. One of my father’s favorite musicians was Jackson Browne, and his song “The Load Out” played at his visitation service. Jackson also comes from Jackson Hole, one of my dad’s favorite places on earth. Finally, the lead character in Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth – one of Dad’s favorite books, and a book we both have read over and over again – is Jack Jackson. 

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17 Responses to “our newest addition”

  1. 1
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    Congratulations MJ. He’s gorgeous.

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    Sam @ The Second Lunch — March 16, 2014 @ 6:08 pm

    He’s wonderful – cute furry love is the best medicine 🙂

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    As a Maine coon mama myself, I have supported your decision from the start. I love the name Jackson, and now I want to have book club with you and discuss BOTH the Knightsbridge books!! I adored them. I’m reading his new trilogy now, but finding it hard to love the way I did Pillars.

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    Maria Raynal — March 16, 2014 @ 9:19 pm

    Irrational Me’s attitude made me laugh. : ) I love his name and Pillars of the Earth. Good call on all counts. Xoxo

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    Gail — March 17, 2014 @ 7:43 am

    Sometimes the most irrational decisions produce wonderful results.
    Ergo, Josie.

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    cherie — March 17, 2014 @ 10:49 am

    Some things just feel right – now’s a good time to indulge your inner self – he’s absolutely adorable – snuggle him extra today for me!

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    Lynda - TasteFood — March 17, 2014 @ 10:51 am

    I love the irrational you. What a gorgeous cat! Coons are my favorite.

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    Paula — March 17, 2014 @ 10:53 am

    What a beautiful cat and photo! Congratulations on welcoming Jackson (love his name and all that it stands for) into your home and hearts. He is right where he was meant to be.

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    Di — March 17, 2014 @ 11:21 am

    Awwwww! What a lovie.

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    jacquie — March 17, 2014 @ 11:46 am

    he is beautiful. kudos to the irrational you – she done good. life keep moving around the cycle regardless of whether we want it to or not doesn’t it?

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    Sue H. — March 17, 2014 @ 11:54 am

    I think it is a great tribute to your dad…I approve!

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    Mimi — March 17, 2014 @ 12:00 pm

    He’s gorgeous.

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    Katy — March 17, 2014 @ 3:15 pm

    Jackson is precious, as is his name and it’s meaning to you. Petting and loving a pet is great theraphy! Blessings, Katy

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    Katy — March 17, 2014 @ 3:17 pm

    PS Does Jackson come in black? I’m down to 2 black cats, an all time low.

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    vagabonde — March 23, 2014 @ 1:23 pm

    What an adorable kitten! I am sure he will give you much love and support. I applaud your decision to bring him into your home.

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    Colleen — May 24, 2014 @ 9:14 am

    Absolutely adorable! Those ears just make a person want to scoop him up and commence cuddling!

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