Seduction is just the practice of artful stretching.
Never let people know how fast you are.
Appear slow in all things, and less is expected of you.
When someone is on the computer too long, help them by distracting them, or walk lightly on their keyboard.
So advises Stanley, a remarkably astute cat with a keen eye for the important things in life. Perhaps you don’t have time for yoga, can’t afford therapy, or wouldn’t dare cry to mother. If so, let Stanley be your guide. Lessons from Stanley the Cat offers wise and witty maxims from Stanley himself, translated by his doting psychotherapist (human) parent, Jennifer Freed. Whether you’re a cat lover or prefer companions of the canine variety, Stanley’s warmth and insight are sure to brighten even the grayest days.
About the Author:
For more than 25 years, Jennifer Freed, Ph.D., has been a licensed marriage and family counselor, group psychotherapist and educator. She was the Clinical Director at PACIFICA GRADUATE INSTITUTE, one of the country’s leading centers for depth psychology, where she continues to serve as a professor and workshop leader.Dr. Freed is a recognized expert on behavioral matters such as teen bullying, character development, marriage and family relationships, and diversity issues. She has provided thousands with the practical tools to compassionately reassess personal behaviors and make significant life changes.
Jennifer Freed is the co-founder/director of the highly successful teen program called THE ACADEMY OF HEALING ARTS (AHA!), which serves more than 1000 families annually in the state of California. AHA! is dedicated to the development of character, imagination, emotional intelligence, and social conscience in teenagers , while helping them set goals, support their peers, and serve their community. For The Academy of Healing Arts, Dr. Freed created the educational book series “BECOME YOUR BEST SELF”, which includes workbooks onRelationship Wisdom, Character, Compassion and Creative Expression, targeted to teens and young adults.
In addition to the workbook series, Dr. Freed has published THE ULTIMATE PERSONALITY GUIDE, a popular interactive guidebook for understanding personality typologies. Her latest book published by Penguin, LESSONS FROM STANLEY THE CAT: Nine Lives of Everyday Wisdom, inspired by a beloved feline friend, has received rave reviews. To learn more about Stanley, please visit stanleythecat.com.
Dr. Freed is the recipient of the 2009 Santa Barbara’s Local Heroes Award and THE HOPE AWARD from Sierra Tucson Treatment Center, in recognition of her innovative curriculum for high school teenagers, which led to a 75% reduction in school suspensions. The Academy of Healing Arts was just awarded YOUTH PROGRAM OF THE YEAR by the City of Santa Barbara in 2010 and AHA! is also the recipient of the 2010 Southern California Teen Coalition Teenie Award in the category of Be the Change Award – this category recognizes youth/teen groups/organizations that are working to help teens make a difference in the world or in their community by projects, activities or personal changes that actually make tangible differences. The membership of the SCTC is about 500 strong with about 70 or more agencies represented.
She also was the founder of the statewide program called THE MEDIA PROJECT which worked with teens to produce media products for the prevention of drugs and violent offenses.
Additionally, Jennifer is a renowned psychological astrologer with thousands of clients all over the country and the world. She is the director of Astrological Counseling Seminars which has provided classes to over a thousand students. She has also maintained a clinical practice in Santa Barbara serving individuals, couples, and families for 26 years.
My Opinion:
Living in a house with four cats I fully understand that I do not own them, they own me. I am also fully convinced that they found me – even Sherpa who came from a shelter was meant to be in my life. All four have completely unique personalities and quirks and all four drive me batty.
It’s the way of the cat.
The book is short, sweet and full of all those things we cat lovers find endearing and oh so exasperating about our pets. But along the way life lessons sneak in like:
“Do not be intimidated by bigger people or creatures. Be amused by them and let them know that your curiosity is more powerful than their size.”
There is much to be mulled upon within this little book and much to be enjoyed. It covers many aspects of life including You and Yourself, You and Others, Love and Lust and Healthy Habits. The illustrations are quite charming and are perfect accompaniments to the vignettes. Stanley, like most cats has much to offer the world. Cats, of course know that they are much wiser than we humans. It is a book to be read and referred back to often.
Lessons from Stanley the Cat is available on Amazon.com
As part of the Catstacular Event you can enter a giveaway to win a copy of this delightful book on Pricilla’s blog. Head over there and Sherpa will tell you how you can win!
Disclosure: I received a gratis copy of Lessons from Stanley the Cat from Pump Up Your Book Promotions. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.