These pictures have something in common besides being pictures of cats.
To me they express three aspects of joy: elation, contentment, and poignancy.
When things are going our way and everything is good in our world.
We are giddy with joy.
We smile and laugh and feel happy.
There are times when troubles and difficulties are few and we feel good.
We rest in quiet joy.
Confident and relaxed.
Then there are times when sadness and sorrow come to us.
And still there is joy.
Deep within we know all is well.
Some people do not know joy.
My heart breaks for them.
Two Shoes Tuesday, prompts this week awaken or joy.
Patricia's Place 
I love this…been having such a hard time and you remind me I have choice. Don’t need to dwell in the darkness, can switch on a lamp…the cats are so sweet. Wishing you and Teddy, and those you love, a very Happy Christmas.
Sometimes I have a poor Patricia pity party then I get tired of my party and, as you say,I switch a light on. I am sorry you are in this struggle. I have visited your blog–just not commented–your writing remains strong so I think you are fighting and all will be well in time Be patient with yourself.. Teddy purrs for you.
I like the post and background snowflakes. I always try to be joyous, but when I am not feeling too joyous, I always find a cat to bring me joy! : )
Cats are a joy!
Well said, Patricia. Blessings to you…
Thank you, Carol.
So true. Joy doesn’t come in the same pattern in one’s life . . . . .
Joy is always moving through us and in many different ways but always within although sometimes hidden
Thought provoking piece. All emotions are complex, though. They vary between people, as well.
Emotions are complex and sometimes mystifying.
Beautifully written..thank you for sharing with us these wise words!
Thank you and you are welcome.
Bongo is clearly a bad dog! Are you sure in the first one that he is not about to cough up a fur ball?
Bongo isn’t really bad just mischievous. I am never sure what a cat is up to…but this one looks like he is happy to me…or about to sneeze.
Love the photos and the eloquent descriptions. Thank you for sharing this!
~Carole
Thank you for visiting my place and commenting.
I love that you used cats to express joy. But I would find more joy if I could chase those cats.
Not sure how joyful it would be if one of those cats stopped and clawed your handsome nose.
Yikes! Scratchy has done that to me before.
Fantastic post, Patricia. Succinct & Wise!
Thank you, Nancy. Glad
I really like this Patricia, it was an excellent reminder that there are different kinds and measures of joy. I am not an LOL person, in fact I don’t often chuckle, unless Papa Bear does something funny to make me laugh. But I know joy, peace, contentment, an appreciation of humor, and sometimes when something makes me very sad, I still know that life is good and in time all will be ok again. Beautifully done, Patricia, thank you!
Thank you, Josie. Your prompts make me think and I like that.
Awww. Plucks at the strings of my heart.
🙂
😛