5/31: Camouflage

Salud,

Ze Silly One's chatter has become exceedingly frequent now that he is two years old. Beans insists he is old enough to officially become a member of ze French Cat Militia. Alas, ze force is small and ze enemies remain at large.

So, let it be known that Beans, is now ze lowest ranking member of ze French Cat Militia. Let ze official training begin.

Lesson I: Camouflage

Emulating nature provides ze hunter ze element of surprise needed to secure ze kill. And there is always ze added element of relaxing undisturbed. When concealing oneself in plain sight, it takes many things. It is helpful to be petite, to be naturally dark and to be silent...clearly, this will be an exhausting endeavor for me...

One can take ze high ground or ze low ground. As prowling felines, we are frequently on ze low ground so must conceal ourselves from aerial blitzkrieg.

To do so successfully, one must strategically position oneself in such a way to see ze enemy whilst not be seen by ze enemy.

However, if given ze opportunity to take ze high ground advantage, one must climb quickly to a steady place and hold very still for an extended period of time.

Now, if friend or foe is at an equivalent height, a true mastery of ze Camouflage is to blend into ze milieu. This takes patience and a keen observation of ze surroundings. To be fully hidden requires one to allow ze environment to veil oneself until invisible.

Although Camouflaging in ze outdoor wilderness is ideal, nooks and crannies may be utilized indoors as well. Hiding among human structures can be difficult since there is no tree bark to grip or sand to provide balance. But, because ze indoor environment demands a certain flexibility and determination, it provides a suitable practice ground.

Frequently, ze best nooks are difficult to get into, and even more difficult to get back out of. Only one with a true zen mind can withstand long periods of time in a tiny cranny.

It is difficult to know what, if anything, Ze Silly One has gleaned from this lesson on Camouflage; as he was often distracted by flittering butterflies and tangled shoelaces.

But, to be a leader, one must have followers. And Beans does have spirit. In due time, I shall mold this Private into a suitable militiaman.

P.S. My secret Camouflage locations are archived herein - Keep them secret. Keep them safe.

Au revoir,

Lé Toots