I bought this collar for Gracie about a fortnight ago as her old collar was looking rather frayed. Sadly she never got to wear it so we’ve decided to save it for her successor. I thought it fitted today’s theme well. This particular collar has a bell, which keeps the birds safe if the wearer decides to go big game hunting, and a name tag which does the same for the cat by showing where he or she lives, should they get lost. I did take a couple of frames including the bell and tag but this one just worked better as a composition. Hopefully we’ll have someone to fill this collar fairly soon. We always intended for Gracie to have a successor, although we expected that day to be many years away. We’re both missing having a cat about the house a huge amount since Gracie died and while we could never replace her we’ve started looking into adopting a new waif or stray from the same rescue centre we adopted Gracie from. No doubt there will be photos here when the time comes – I just hoped that blue suits the new arrival!

Thanks to Paul (LazyWasp) for setting today’s theme. Last Tuesday’s theme was ‘Set’. The other interpretations of this week’s theme can be found here.

The “Tuesday Inspiration” began in 2009 when Stefan and I started setting each other a photographic challenge on a… Tuesday. Very soon afterwards, we decided to open this up to other PB members, followed by the idea that we should not reveal what the subject is, so that other members could compare how different members view a single theme. The Tuesday Inspiration is not a contest or a challenge, but a group of people all agreeing to post their interpretation of a single theme on Tuesdays. Each week, one of the contributors sets the theme. There are now over 40 members contributing to the TI. We have only two “rules”: don’t include the subject in the TI title or tags and please comply with standard PB guidelines on courtesy, etc. If you would like to take part, please send me a message via this blog.

A moving post Helen! And I am sure that the successor of Gracie will know how to return her honor...Especially with the small bell ! :) josy63 · 2011-01-25: 09:49

Great Helen. And it is very moving. I am anxiously awaiting our introduction to Gracie's successor. ????? · 2011-01-25: 09:53

Such a perfect shot and a poignant story, Helen. I hope you find a wonderful new friend to share with us here on PB! Thanks for the work you do to keep the "TI" going! djnana · 2011-01-25: 09:55

I'm sorry to hear about Gracie. It's difficult to lose a family pet. I'm sure you will find a kitty to fit into the new collar. There are so many waiting to be loved. ArtBee · 2011-01-25: 10:35

For this weeks TI.....my guess is "protection" ArtBee · 2011-01-25: 10:36

Nice blue good luck in your search. MoMac · 2011-01-25: 11:15

Very moving post, thanks for sharing the shots and your thoughts, mystic1 · 2011-01-25: 12:18

A lovely shot. Lynda · 2011-01-25: 12:27

You'll make some cat very safe and happy even if you're still missing dear Gracie. :) ????? · 2011-01-25: 13:37

Very poignant post...Gracie cannot be replaced but good luck with finding her successor - looking forward to the posts when they arrive! cariad · 2011-01-25: 15:15

Such a lovely post, I am sorry about your Gracie...I think adopting from the same shelter would be a great idea. karmankwarner · 2011-01-25: 15:36

a very crisp image. the theme surfaces. imdanchan · 2011-01-25: 16:09

Oh Helen! danrav · 2011-01-25: 19:13

moving post ilikethat · 2011-01-25: 19:40

Great color in that photo, the blue pops out really GKorts · 2011-01-25: 20:12

Sad news about Gracie. Good luck with the new one - whenever that is. Jarvo · 2011-01-25: 21:13

So sorry about Gracie, hope you find the right successor soon. thebronzebow · 2011-01-26: 00:06

nice photo all the best with the search slowpete · 2011-01-26: 01:39

Tagged: tuesday inspiration theme collar blue ti110125