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Dave Astor Friendships Podcast TTT Season 3 Storytelling

Season 3 Episode 31: Dave Astor on Misty’s Adventures

Misty (Photo Credit: Dave Astor)

“What greater gift than the love of a cat.” Charles Dickens

Misty (Photo Credit: Dave Astor)

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

Dave Astor and I are once again bridging the 3,923 kilometers between New Jersey and Vancouver to bring you the first podcast in the Misty series.  Every morning, without fail, my mother, Frances, and I meet up via Facebook with Misty and Dave on their adventures. This morning, when we went into the woods, Misty advised that he thought that theatrical productions may be coming back. Misty is a futurist, making brilliant predictions about the future based on current trends.

Misty (Photo Credit: Dave Astor)

Following Misty is not for the faint of heart.  You will walk on fences, jump from opens grates, run across the grass, meet up with deer, and trudge through the snow.  Misty reminds me that living in the now, embracing the power of being present creates a sense of well-being and of being whole. 

I am thrilled that Dave has graciously agreed to share Misty’s remarkable story.

Misty (Photo Credit: Dave Astor)

This is your invitation to put the kettle on and add to the conversation.  We would love to hear your thoughts on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Misty (Photo Credit: Dave Astor)

Thank you for joining Dave, Misty, and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.  Thank you, Dave and Misty, for sharing your stories. 

My daily walks with Misty and Dave continue to inspire me. Misty’s wisdom and Dave’s humour is a compelling combination.  You can connect with Dave on Dave Astor on Literature.   There is always an adventure in reading and excellent conversations waiting for your arrival on his blog.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep safe and be well.

Dave Astor on Misty’s Adventures – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

106 replies on “Season 3 Episode 31: Dave Astor on Misty’s Adventures”

Misty is an adorable kitty. It’s wonderful Dave adopted him and they are having a lot of fun together. We tried putting Spunk on a lease. That lasted about two minutes before he figured out how to get out of the harness.

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Cats are the most amazing creatures! They have a marvelous sense of self and have remarkable control over their lives. I can only imagine how much fun it was to watch Spunk get out of the harness. A Houdini move!! Thank you for listening in – always appreciate your visits, Tim.

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Cats are definitely remarkable creatures, Timothy! And I hear you about how scary it can be when a cat escapes a harness. We were terrified the first time that happened with Misty, not knowing at the time that he wouldn’t go far. He’s got it too good at home. 🙂

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Thank you very much for your comment, Timothy! Glad you enjoyed hearing about Misty in Rebecca’s wonderful podcast. 🙂 Sorry your efforts to put Spunk in a harness didn’t work out. 😦 We’re lucky to have a cat who tolerates a harness. Misty has gotten out of it a few times (when the leash gets caught on something and I can’t free it quickly enough) but fortunately he doesn’t go far after that.

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Thanks so much, Rebecca, for the conversation and for featuring Misty! Terrific, thoughtful questions by you, as always. 🙂 You and Don on the tech side are an amazing team. And I absolutely love the photo/video clip you assembled, with the music and your captions. The much-loved Misty also gratefully thanks you, and, after being on your esteemed podcast, will reduce his nap time from 16 to 15 hours today to update his résumé. 🙂

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Don and I had so much fun meeting up with Misty, Dave. Your insights were a confirmation that we need to recognize that all creatures have a story. Once we know the story, we become more connected to the world in which we live. The term “advanced society” must be redefined and enlarged to acknowledge that we are not the only “advanced” creatures to walk the earth. Misty reminds me to live in the present, to be curious about life and to pause and rest. I am looking forward to Misty’s updated résumé. The adventures continue. I am delighted that Misty will be coming back on TTT.

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Rebecca, I completely agree that every animal has a story and that knowing that helps connect us to the entire world, not just the human world. In some ways, animals are more advanced than humans — who are capable of wonderful things but also capable of horrific things. And creatures ARE role models in some ways — as you note, showing us how to live in the present, displaying intense curiosity, knowing when to rest and for how long. Also, knowing to get up — and get the human up — in the middle of the night to have some fresh food. It’s like a halftime between sleeping for me. 🙂

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Cats are very adapt at encouraging humans to get up. I remember our cat Whiskers (she had beautiful long whiskers) would run a marathon between the kitchen, the living room and then make a huge leap for the bed. TOUCHDOWN!!!

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Oh, what a beautiful interview with Misty …and his dad! They truly grace us with their presence and unconditional love.
A blessing both ways, but you already know, Dave! Thank you Rebecca for bringing Misty’s story, I loved every minute!

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I knew you would enjoy this podcast, Marina. Misty has been a source of enjoyment for many who follow Dave’s Facebook. When Frances and I connect via phone in the evening, we always talk about what Misty did today. Dave’s humourous comments are perfect pairings for his video clips. I’m hopping that the heat on your side of the world will come to an end for you, soon. I looked up your weather and see that Wednesday and Thursday you are at 41C. Take care, Marina.

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Thank you very much for the kind comment, Marina! “They truly grace us with their presence and unconditional love” — a wonderful line of yours! It’s a beautiful thing when an animal and a human capture each other’s heart. 🙂

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I am delighted and thrilled that you listened in Dan and met up with Misty. Every day when I open Facebook, Misty takes me on an adventure and offers his philosophical thoughts along the way. The word “friend” is one of the most beautiful words in any language. Ci vediamo presto amico mio!

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Thanks so much, Dan! Glad you liked the video. Rebecca and Don did a spectacular job putting it together — the captions (as you noted), the music, the repeats, the fades, etc. I was awed that the photos and videos I sent piecemeal were turned into that work of art. 🙂

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I really enjoyed this podcast, Dave and Rebecca. The conversation cleared up my question about the lead as I’ve never seen a cat wearing a lead before. Dave’s comment about taking Misty for a walk resolved my query about that. I also didn’t know cats got asthma. My Queen Push-Push is very healthy and she is very loving and affectionate without being as demanding as a dog. She visits me and gives me about 20 minutes of her time and then she leaves for her own adventures. I agree that cats communicate, Pushy definitely speaks to me.

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I am so glad you listened in!! I love following Misty on her adventures. Dave’s humorous comments are perfect for Misty’s video clips. Oh, I do like the name My Queen Push-Push, Robbie. There is a nobility in the way cats move. They are very adventurous and go where angels fear to tread. Sending hugs to you and Queen Push-Push.

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Thanks so much, Robbie! Yes, a cat wearing a harness and leash is an unusual sight. I’ve lost count of the number of double-takes Misty has received from people walking through my apartment complex. And we were also surprised that a cat could get asthma.

LOVE the name of your cat, and glad she’s very healthy in addition to being “very loving and affectionate without being as demanding as a dog.” Misty is more demanding and needier than what you describe, but not overtly so. And many a cat is indeed a “Great Communicator.” 🙂

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Thanks so much, Elisabeth! Facebook is my favorite social media “platform,” though I realize it has its negatives as well as its positives.

Misty was an extremely smart cat from the start, plus we give him plenty of mental stimulation with his walks and by paying a lot of attention to him. I guess all those things are a nice combination. 🙂

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This is a wonderful podcast. One of my very favorites. This is fantastic, you and Dave have given us an interesting look into Misty’s story and into his happy life in Dave’s home. It was great to hear of Misty’s days of finding health in his new found caring home and even that his presence brings joy in his special way. The videos are an additional treat, thank you for sharing. This is just one of your many podcasts that fill our days with extraordinary information and joy! Waiting for the next one! ! !

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I knew that you like this conversation, Frances. We have so much fun meeting up with Misty. Knowing Misty’s story makes our time with him even more memorable. Don and I had a wonderful time creating the moving from Dave’s videos and photos. Misty is a handsome fellow, isn’t he?!! Thank you always for your support and encouragement. Hugs!!

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Thanks so much, Frances, for your kind words about Misty’s very pleasant life! Greatly appreciated — by me and Misty. 🙂 I agree that the podcast was excellent; Rebecca is incapable of anything less. 🙂 As you note, all her podcasts are enjoyable and informative, thanks to her terrific preparation and questions, and her VERY interesting guests. Last but not least, I’m grateful to you for watching and commenting on Misty’s exploits every morning on Facebook!

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Thank you so much for listening in, Becky. Isn’t Misty a star!! Don and I had so much fun creating the video. Dave sent us amazing moments that captured Misty’s sophistication. (Dave – you must add sophisticated to Misty resume or should I say CV.)

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Becky, I also never thought of leashed walks until living with Misty — the seventh cat I’ve shared a home with in my life. (Two at one time and then three at one time before the last two “only” cats.)

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This was truly heartwarming, so thanks to both of you. You talk about animal companions as friends as well as pets, I agree. I believe animals are people- not being silly here – in the sense that their intelligence is exactly the same as ours- probably in the range of 3-5 year old children (although obviously higher primates are virtually us as adults) and it is our responsibility to treat them with the same respect and love as we treat children. You are right Rebecca our responsibility is to love them. Someone said you can always tell what a person is like by how they treat animals.
It was interesting to hear Dave talk about the non-verbal communication bonds that exist between him and Misty. We forget most of human communication with each other is non-verbal too. Words and thinking in words allows us to create amazing things, but equally words imprison us, preventing us from experiencing events directly without analysis and catagorisation.
Finally can I ask Dave is he has ever read the enchanting Engine Summer? For some reason I think he,and his wife, would be very happy in the human tribe that call themselves Dr. Boots List.

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Hi Paul – Misty, Dave and I are delighted that you shared the adventure with us. Thank you for adding depth and breadth to this conversation. Always enjoy your company and our conversations. I especially appreciated your thought: “We forget most of human communication with each other is non-verbal too.” I found Engine Summer on Goodreads and checked out Kindle. It looks like a most excellent read. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1335568.Engine_Summer. Engine Summer is not on Kindle yet, but it can be found on Amazon.com in paperback format. John Crowley has other books on Kindle that I am going to explore. Thank you for the introduction!

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Thank you, Paul! 🙂 Glad you liked the podcast — and I very much liked your eloquent, humane words about animals. So many of them are indeed intelligent, loving creatures. And, yes, you can tell a LOT about people by the way they treat animals (and waitstaff at restaurants).

Excellent point that there is not only a lot of nonverbal communication between animals and humans, but between humans and humans as well.

I have never read “Engine Summer,” but, like Rebecca, I am very interested! it is now most definitely on my list!

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Not though I want to talk Engine Summer up or anything (God forbid) but it was the highlight of my reading list this year so far. I said to Rebecca that I filled up at the end. It reminded me of Jonathon Livingstone Seagull (which I read around 13) in that it is profoundly moving and lived on in my mind. It also left me looking at history in a different way. You will definitely like the people of Dr. Bootes list. All my best Dave, Paul

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I love following Misty on his many adventures, Liz. Dave has the very best “Misty Quotes” to go along with the adventure. Always a good way to start my day. I know you will enjoy listening to Misty’s story. Thank you for listening in!!!

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Liz, we’re Facebook friends, so you can see a new Misty video each morning on my FB page — usually between 7 and 9 a.m. Misty doesn’ have his own FB page, although he’s taken over a good part of mine. 🙂

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This video about Misty has really shown me something I have never seen before, a cat on the leash! We have always had cats, which moved freely in our garden and caught mice, but as with human beings, cultures may change! I have understood now that Misty’s life has very much improved and is being loved, which makes me happy! I very much like when Misty makes its excursion on the cupboard! Thank very much, Rebecca and Dave,for showing us, how to save an animal’s life:) Many more adventures with your cat.

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I am delighted that you joined Misty on his adventures, Martina – through the snow, on the fence, meeting up with his friend and then coming home. Dave and Misty always welcome me on their adventures and to a vibrant community of virtual friends.

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Thanks so much for your kind comment, Martina! 🙂

A cat on a leash/in a harness is a much more unusual sight in the U.S. than cats roaming around the outdoors untethered. I assume it’s the same in most other countries.

I also love Misty’s occasional cupboard excursions; he gets up here by jumping on the counter, then jumping on top of the refrigerator, and then…

My family feels very privileged to have given Misty a healthy and happy life; he returns the favor in full with his love and fun personality.

Rebecca, “adventures” is definitely the right word for Misty’s morning doings! 🙂

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I agree that the four-legged is a better friend than humans. My dad was a quiet person. We got him a dog and that changed his life. He was a lot happier and more expressive, and played with the dog a lot. 🙂

I smiled when I listened to this podcast of you, Rebecca, and David. It reminds me of a children’s book, The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy. In fact, I have three copies of the book. It’s one of my granddaughter’s favorite books.

We adopted a few months old beautiful white cat with black paws. She loved to sleep on my feet at the end of the bed. We kept her for about 10 years. Toward the end, she lost her appetite and lost a lot of weight. One day, when she was sitting outside of the kitchen window, the dog across the street darting over and scared her. I think she had a heart attack and died in the back yard. We put her in a shoe box and buried her in the flower bed outside of the kitchen window – her favorite spot.

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Thank you so much for listening in Miriam and for the story of your beautiful white cat with black paws. Our four-legged friends grace us with their presence – they become part of our families. They have courageous hearts and compassion for their humans who sometimes get lost along the way. As Cleveland Amory once wrote: “As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows, cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the humankind.”

I am heading off to find the book “The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy.”

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Thank you, Miriam, for your heartwarming and poignant comment!

Animals can indeed be better friends than humans in many cases, and wonderful that a dog was so important in your father’s life and a cat was so important in yours. Very sorry about your cat’s death, and the circumstances of it, after about 10 years — the heartbreaking downside of living with a creature, but it’s all worth it until that sad time for them and us. 😦 I’ve unfortunately outlived six cats. 😦 (Lived with two at a time, then three at a time, and then one before Misty.)

“The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy” sounds wonderful, as does its title.

And, Rebecca, I love the eloquence of your comment and the insight of Cleveland Amory’s great quote. 🙂 Thank you.

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Good to hear you had wonderful experiences with many cats, Dave. My daughter had a poodle. That was another sad story. We had coyotes in the neighborhood before the city captured them and put them in the shelter. One morning we found the poodle dead killed by the coyote. As hard as it was, we had to tell our daughter before she went to school.

I’m glad Misty is cute and gives you so much joy! 🙂

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LOVE!!!!
Rebecca, you and Dave can play Misty for me any day!
This podcast seemed to go by too, quickly.
Misty is a wonderful cat! I’m so HAPPY that Dave & family rescued him. Poor little thing.
I think the woman who was a bit slow on giving him up was confused.
Anyway, Misty has a good life now.
The inhaler is much better than pills. I would do the same.
I am 143% a cat person. I know one can’t get higher than 100%, but with cats it’s always possible.
My darling babies… Jeep (Jeepo for short) and Johnny (after Johnny Depp… I didn’t name him… long story) add a lot of joy to my life!

Umm, who ever thought they owned a cat? I mean Jeep is in charge over here. She lets us sleep in her bed, she lets me change her litter, she picks the meal flavours and she lets me use the gown room to make my Art Gowns. Johnny is her son, so he cashes in on everything.

The idiot neighbours threw Jeep out the back into the alley, when they tired of her. They said she “ran away”. But she’s sleeping in your parking out back, I would say. By the time she flew into my arms, she was fur, bones and preggars.

Misty is lucky to go outside. I won’t let J&J out because here’s lots of traffic here, and streetcars!
What a wonderful world of cats we live in!

Dave, Thank You!!!
Rebecca, Thank You.
Play Misty for me, any day!

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I will be playing Misty all day, Resa. Jeep and Johnny sound like they have things is good order at your place. I love your long stories…. Cats have a mysterious way about them that captures our imagination and gratitude. One of my favourite cat quotes is my Jules Verne – I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” And then there is the Neil Gaiman’s thought that corroborates this thought: “All cats can see futures, and see echoes of the past. We can watch the passage of creatures from the infinity of now, from all the worlds like ours, only fractionally different. And we follow them with our eyes, ghost things, and the humans see nothing.”

I am glad that you rescued Jeep. Some things are meant to be.

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Love the cat quotes!
Cats are definitely special.
Jeep has been here almost 14 years, now.
Johnny just under 14 years.
Looking forward to Misty’s next podcast!
I wonder if he’ll be talking about his pet Dave?
{{{Hugs}}}

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Thanks so much, Resa! Loved your comment! Both serious and funny. 🙂

Misty does indeed have a good life now, as your cats Jeep and Johnny do. So awful that Jeep was abandoned by his former people, but glad he ended up in a wonderful situation with you.

Luckily, I live in a place where Misty can safely go out; I totally understand that walking a cat in a big city is a whole different story.

Cats are definitely in charge. I’m kind of surprised Misty hasn’t put his name on the apartment lease yet. Might be that lack-of-opposable-thumbs thing.

Rebecca, you just added two more terrific quotes to the ones you masterfully find, time and again! I very much appreciate seeing them.

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Thank you, Darlene, for listening and for the comment! Great that you lived with several cats over the years, and that you now live with two dogs! I’ve never lived with dogs — and my current apartment complex doesn’t allow them 😦 — but I think they’re wonderful creatures. Totally agree that it’s terrific for humans to have animals in their lives. (Unless they’re allergic, of course.)

Rebecca, that’s a heartwarming and profound thought about how magical it is when the stories of creatures and humans intersect! 🙂

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