Pearlie's Predictions for 2008

Of course, you know she hates to meddle in the affairs of us puny mortals. And besides, she is still stinging a little over the missed date for Atlantis rising. At least she is in good company there Edgar Cayce said Atlantis should have risen by now, too. Probably, it would have but our causing global warming was one of those unpredictable things due to so many different factors involved. At least, Pearl says that is her excuse and she is sticking to it. What with the Arctic pack ice melting down, we may never see Atlantis in our lifetime. However, we may see beachfront property in Arizona.

Pearl fixed me with a baleful blue eye. "Look, I told you months ago that a few stuffy rich old white men have long since decided who is winning this election. Of course I know who it is - but you won't be any happier if I tell you and there isn't a thing you can do to change it." She snorted, "As if those in power would let the peons pick their own leader. Puh-leeze."

"So what can I tell you that any talk show host doesn't already understand? The rich will get richer, the poor will get poorer, and the middle class is going to vanish like snow in the sunlight. Between cancer, and 'happy pills' and hard work this generation will die off before they can instill any hope or dreams or stories of better times in their kids. At least, that's what the rich and powerful are hoping for." By now, I was wishing I hadn't asked.

Pearl sighed and closed her eyes, a furrow appearing in her forehead as if what she sees pains her.

"Look, you know I've said this before, but I'll say it again. You must learn to be more like us cats. The future is never set in stone. You cannot control all the factors of your life, but you can control how you react to it. You can decide that you will not give up and that like water, when something gets in your way, you go round it.

"Who would have thought that I would learn to love traveling and living in a tent with you? You never thought that what would happen is we would become closer and more loving. I didn't always have a satin cushion in a sunbeam, but I always had you to love me and provide for me. I saw what you humans are capable of when called upon."

Pearl turned her head and looked at me, eyes wide as she purred loud and deep in her chest.

"I learned a few things from you humans this year! Yes, ME, Pearlie!"

I couldn't help laughing. "And what did the great and terrible Pearl learn from us?"

"Live, love, laugh." she purred, "Make the most of what you have. Help others whenever you can. Someday, someone will help you when you need it most. Share your knowledge and skills with someone who needs them, and that will come back to you when you need it, too."

"Believe in a better world, and live in such a way as to make it come true."

I sighed. "We didn't do so bad - did we? We found a wonderful new place to live, new friends, new jobs. We learned a lot about living and surviving, and about what we really need - and don't."

Pearl snuggled close and purred louder, her eyes closed. Audience over.

Yes, Pearlie sees some rough times ahead. It is up to us whether we become diamonds or dust.