Rebecca Kay Bright, Author

Cats Are Not Stuck Up, No Really!!! Most people assume that cats aren't affectionate, loving, etc while dogs tend to be. Granted dogs typically love everyone and cats seem not to like anyone but the reality is cats can be affectionate and bond closely with their chosen humans. The younger the cat is when it starts having positive interactions with humans the better. we've had cats since before I was born so I've interacted with dozens of cats during my lifetime. Yes, I am the crazy cat magnet lady! I currently have five cats. My eldest cat is the mother of the others and one of my mom's op Ted, she's four, and they are three. My mama cat is affectionate but standoffish. I found her as a few months old size of the Palm of my hand-abandoned kitten. I had gone to the post office after I got off work one night before going home and had a tiny kitten come running down the stairs at me desperately meowing. She is largely an outside cat, her preference, but comes i

Lessons from Hurricane Harvey: The Power of Unity and Kindness In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, my workplace became a sanctuary for evacuees seeking refuge from the storm's devastation. From the moment they arrived on August 24th, I witnessed something truly remarkable: people coming together in the face of adversity, displaying acts of kindness and compassion that transcended race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Throughout their stay, I saw individuals of all backgrounds lending a hand to one another without hesitation. Hispanics assisted Caucasians, green card holders were supported by their neighbors, the able-bodied helped the disabled, and the young looked after the elderly. It was a beautiful testament to the resilience and generosity of the human spirit. Here in Texas, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and sense of community. The term "Tajas," which translates to "friend", reflects our commitment to treating everyone with warmth and respect. Whi

Shifting the Spotlight: Redirecting Attention to the True Victims of Hurricane Harvey As the news cycle continues to churn out coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, it's evident that certain areas are receiving more attention than others. While Houston's flooding woes dominate the headlines, there's a pressing need to refocus our efforts on the communities that bore the brunt of the storm's fury. Let's set the record straight: Houston's susceptibility to flooding is nothing new. What deserves our immediate attention are the towns and cities that were decimated by Hurricane Harvey's direct hit. Rockport, Corpus Christi, Victoria, Port Lavaca, and countless others are grappling with the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane, yet their plight risks being overshadowed by Houston-centric coverage. History has shown us the consequences of misplaced priorities. Just as the Mississippi coastline was overlooked in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we cannot aff

Standing Up Against Price Gouging During Hurricane Harvey As Hurricane Harvey barrels towards the Texas coast, thousands of residents are evacuating their homes in anticipation of the storm's impact. However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, evacuees are facing another challenge: price gouging. It's a harsh reality that no one should have to confront during a crisis. From gas stations to grocery stores, businesses are taking advantage of the situation by inflating prices and preying on the vulnerability of those seeking shelter and safety. But there's one group of individuals bearing the brunt of this exploitation: pet owners . As families flee the storm with their beloved four-legged companions, they're met with closed doors at hotels and shelters that typically don't accommodate pets. It's a heartbreaking situation that forces families to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their furry family members. In times like these, compassion and empa

Evaluation  of  the  Sacred  Art  of  St.  William's  Catholic  Church,  Round  Rock,  Texas      There is a massive amount of art at St. William's Catholic Church in Round Rock, Texas. I was not able to speak with any of the staff there about the history behind the art but all of it is new along with the building. All of the buildings on the campus were finished in time for Advent 2006. I had visited the old sanctuary before they built their new location which was finished on  November  18,  2006,  located on 30 acres of land within three blocks of the original sanctuary.       The new home of St. William's has the look and feel of a Spanish Mission that was crossed with a small basilica. It has limestone 'stones' as the facade. The roof (minus the basilica dome) is made of clay roofing tiles. The shape and style of the building overall make one first think 'Spanish Mission' with the two rectangular espadañas with ironwork crosses on the apex of each. T

                                    The Compassionate Outsider “ Fill your mind with compassion” – Buddha     Sometimes being compassionate is the hardest thing that one can do. I was raised in a family that is like most American families…rather negative. I was not raised to be compassionate to others or even animals. I used to long for an older brother. I have no siblings at all, but now in my thirties when I look back at it I am glad I don’t have any siblings. Not that I got what I wanted or all the attention, the opposite really, but that I don’t know how likely a boy would have been able to turn out as opposite of my parents as I did. I was born in a small town in Texas and lived there until I was about seven when we moved to the Austin area. When I was in elementary in Austin my parents had me in religious private schools until fifth grade when I finally went back to public schools. The little private schools I went to were nice enough; I did like how small the class