Whatnot Wednesday: The Scoobies & the Color Black #CFFC

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

cat Daphne Sitting Piano
Daphne 2026

Welcome, all. The Scoobies have another color quest from Dan Antion.  This time he gave everyone the Crayola Crayons color black for “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” (CFFC).  When I lived in Washington, DC, everywhere I looked it seemed that I saw nothing but people dressed in black.  Seriously, tan was a “pop of color.” I became so starved for colors that even years after leaving, I just don’t want black.  So, the Scoobies and I had to put some extra thought into this quest for our favorite blacks.

Now, here are the Scoobies to get this color quest going.

Velma:   Good job, Daphne. That old piano has to be Yummy Human’s favorite black.  She said she bought it used when she lived in Nashville, took it with her to Albuquerque, then to DC, and then back to southern New Mexico.  That thing’s really been around.  No wonder it’s so out of tune.

2 Ginger cats on my piano
Velma and Daphne accepted the piano immediately (2023) although they aren’t too sure about my playing…

Daphne:   Huh?  Oh, I see, I’m sitting on the first thing in our color quest.  The piano is a pretty good high-perch… but  I don’t like when Yummy Human plays it.   Anyway, yes, Velma, I agree — it’s a good memory because it was the first high-up thing we found when we were kittens and we adopted Yummy.  It’s funny how you and I used to be the same size.  Didn’t you grow at all?   

Velma:   I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that snarky remark, Daphne.  That black onyx ring is another thing Yummy got way back in her Nashville days.  Black onyx gemstones promote emotional stability, resilience, and inner strength.  Hmmm… maybe Yummy needs more black onyx… the way she was hollering at that auto menu on the phone…

Daphne:   Hey, Yummy, what’s that you’re reading on the laptop?  You found the word “black” in that book — and the book cover is mostly black too!  Good job, Yummy…      What?  It’s one of Uncle Dan’s books that you’re reading?

The Evil You Choose by Dan Antion
The Evil You Choose by Dan Antion purchase link

Velma:  What did you say, Yummy?  When did Dan Antion become Uncle Dan?  Pshaw… I won’t dignify that with an answer.

Daphne:  Hey, I found another black — her typing gloves.  Yummy, why did you take them off?  Oh, you don’t need them for reading.  Yeah… but you must need something, because you’re squinting at the computer.  Got any black eyeglasses?

Velma:  Shhh — Daphne, don’t tell Yummy!  I found some of her hair stuff that’s black.  If I can just jiggle this drawer open a little further…

Daphne:  Oh, you’d better not, Velma.  Yummy Human doesn’t let us play with that stuff… but just the same… move over and let me inspect everything.

Velma y Daphne y hair stuff in black

Hey, what are ya’ll doing in there, Scoobies?  Did I hear a drawer open? 

Velma:  It was Daphne!

Daphne snoozing with bat toy

Daphne:  No way!  Velma did it.  Besides, I’m in here asleep with my bat toy.  Can’t you tell?  Got my eyes shut and everything.

Velma:  She’s faking!  Oh, but look, the bat is black.

Nice work, Scoobies.  I guess my book cover can be my black find — Speak Flowers and Fans.

Thanks everyone, for joining us on this quest for the color black.   Friendly comments are welcome.  Hugs.

♣ ♣ ♣

Naturally, the obligatory shameless self-promotion must be included.

Speak Flowers and Fans: a Dictionary of Floriography and Fanology

Universal Purchase Links

E-book:  relinks.me/B0FK3ZGNQT

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0FK3RH7LY

♣ ♣ ♣

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65 thoughts on “Whatnot Wednesday: The Scoobies & the Color Black #CFFC”

  2. Love this, Teagan. The ring is beautiful. Something I remembered as soon as I saw Daphne with the bat toy was the night I saw a cat catching a bat back in Puerto Rico. The bat flew too low, I guess. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 🫶🏽

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    1. Edward, it makes me happy that you enjoyed this visit. Hmmm… you’ve touched on a topic for ponderating. Encounters with bats (even secondhand ones) really stand out in the memory. Back in the bad old days, one of my ex’s dogs caught/killed a bat. (That dog was absolutely indolent, until it saw any rodent outside — then it moved like lightning. Go figure.) It was a sweet looking poor thing — white with tan spots and tan wings… I guess they often fly low, chasing flying bugs.
      Thank you kindly about the ring. I really did rack my brain to think of black things. LOL. Hugs to you and yours.

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    1. Oh, yes, Jennie… I had to give up 4/5ths of my belongings and all my furniture to move across the country. Foolish though it probably is, I just haven’t been able to give up that piano. It was over half of my moving expenses. However, the next time I move, I’ll probably have to let it go. Thanks for joining the cats and me on this color quest. Hugs.

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      1. No, it wasn’t foolish that you haven’t given up the piano. It was meant to stay with you! You know that. Do you play the piano, still? I bet the Scoobies love it. Can someone come in to tune it?

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        1. Haha, the Scoobies like jumping onto it, but they definitely do not like when I play it — particularly Daphne. Velma tolerates it, but not Daphne. It seems like I rarely play anymore. A few years ago there was a bad incident with the woman next door (getting drunk and extremely aggressive, verbal attacks, etc. but before she got cranked up, her wife had gotten me to play it and started insisting that I give her lessons… Even before C-PTSD took over my life, that wasn’t something I’ve ever been able to do. I play by ear, and it isn’t anything I can teach. Anyhow, I know it can be heard outside, and I just don’t feel comfortable playing. (Even though they split up and the aggressive one has recently moved out, and the wife is not as bad, I just… It’s hard to explain.) I gave up on finding a tuner here. There aren’t people to do any kind of service work.
          But I still love it just the same. Once in a while, I’m able to find “the zone” and play contentedly, go full-on Liberace (although with a ton of sour notes since I’m so out of practice!). 😀

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          1. I get it! I wouldn’t want to play after the scenario next door. Still, having the piano and playing in the zone is wonderful. I learned long ago that no one – especially children and cats – cares if singing or playing the piano is out of tune. That makes your piano beautiful.

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  7. Teagan, your Scoobies always make me smile! They certainly rose to Dan’s black challenge, and Daphne’s “high perch” on the piano was the perfect beginning.

    I LOVE my copy of Speak Flowers and Fans: A Dictionary of Floriography and Fanology. It is a wonderful reference. Every time I open it I discover another layer of meaning hidden in flowers and the language of fans. It reminds me how much history and storytelling can be tucked into the smallest details. Sending many hugs on speedy wings to you and the Scoobies!

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    1. Rebecca, I’m so very happy that you love Speak Flowers and Fans! It really means a lot to me.
      Haha, we racked our brains to find black things around here — as you might have been able to tell when hair doodads came up. Next week is “Orange” and that wasn’t any easier, but I’ve managed to make a short list — and got a photo of Daphne on my orange scarf. Which she surprisingly fell in love with. I felt bad about taking it away from her, after coaxing her to sit on it. LOL. She was making biscuits on it and everything. Too cute. Hugs and purrs back to you. ❤

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  8. Oh! I think we have the same piano but, mine is brown not black. I have her tuned annually and just had to have her registered. Don’t you hate it when a key drops?!

    The Onyx ring is lovely. Onyx adds protection as well. Did I miss you saying that? When I wear it I pair it with amethyst or diamonds.

    I wear a lot black myself but, am trying to add more color for the summer. 😊

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    1. I’m impressed, Deborah. I haven’t been able to find a steady piano tuner since I left Nashville. I got one visit out of one in DC, but he was in the middle of retiring. I haven’t been able to get one at all here. But then, there aren’t people doing any sort of service work here period.

      Black onyx and amethyst pair very well, in appearance and properties. Of course your diamonds go with anything. 🙂 Hugs.

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      1. I’ve been very fortunate with tuners. I’ve only had two since I bought the piano. The first one I had for 23 years. When we moved I found another good one and hope to keep him for a long, long time as well. I hope you find a tuner and you like the way they tune your piano!! Hugs!

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  14. Another fun and colourful post by the Scoobies, thank you Daphne and Velma!

    Oooo Uncle Dan’s book looks mighty scary. It probably because of the black.. and the word “evil”. Okay going back to talking to Yummy Human now!

    Thanks for letting the Scoobies highjack the post, Teagan. They are soooooo cute.

    That black onyx ring, gorgeous, and I wear black gloves for typing. We are in sync!

    ❦ HUGS ❦

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    1. Then I am in marvelous company, Resa. I’m happy you could join us. Dan has “Orange” scheduled for next week. That might actually be more scarce around here than black… LOL, I could just resort to any pic of the Scoobies — orange tabbies (though I prefer the term ginger). Wishing you a splendid rest of the week. Hugs and purrs back to you.

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        1. Five years ago I would never have thought I would think of the 90s as a weather improvement… Amazing, isn’t it… We’re back to 100 after a couple of days respite in the 90s. I’m thinking watermelon salad for dinner! 😀 Stay safe. ❤

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          1. Watermelon salad sounds great. I have been in Washington, DC, when it was pretty hot. I remember I was on my way to testify at the FDA (by invitation), crossed a street, and left one of my shoes stuck in the asphalt.

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            1. Ha! That had to be startling. In GA, TN, and FL there were a number of times when hot asphalt tried to take my shoes, but not quite successfully. By the time I was in DC, I wasn’t out on the pavement much. That had to have been a miserable weather day — and in that circumstance, I’m sure you were wearing a suit and tie too. Ah, the bad old days of dress a clothes and half melted pavement. 😸

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  17. I don’t have a lot of stuff in my wardrobe that’s black, except for pants. I think it makes you look older! The Scoobies are SO cute. I love them! Please give them some belly rubs for finding all the black items!

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    1. I always kept a pair of black slacks for the office (for things that wouldn’t work any other way), although my preferred neutral was gray to pair with colors. Black certainly matched, but it felt wrong. Then there was a fashion woman on TV who relayed a remark/belief from her mother, “Black cheapens a color.” When I heard that, I instantly understood my reaction to black as a neutral.

      The Scoobies thank you for the recommended extra belly rubs and enjoyed them very much. Hugs and purrs to you and your feline crew.

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  18. I have a picture of my wife, two daughters and two grand daughters walking to a restuarant in Destin Florida and they were all dressed in solid black. My first thought was we were a normal dark vampiric steampunk goth family, which wouldn’t draw any attention, then I thought perhaps they were in mourning because we went there to spend all day in the blistering heat and they prefer air conditioning.

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    1. Haha! I guess it could have been either. As Olga was commenting, black clothes really do seem to draw the heat. Before DC, I thought it was a good look (although I only recall doing it myself once, and that was for a costume party). I’m sure it actually is… but my personal taste altered drastically. However, I bet the photo is fabulous, Daniel. Many thanks for visiting and commenting. Hugs.

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  19. Your kitties are so helpful! We can always count on them to reveal sekrits and follow quests. Maybe they need their own book…?

    Tipper and Chickie and Adi and Peanut say hi to the Scoobies, and hope they keep getting into mischief, where kitties belong.

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    1. Haha. These two are so lazy from the heat that they didn’t even bother to get up when I moved the sofa so I could set up a humidifier… Add the fact that I’m a huge klutz — which means things got bumped around and nearly turned over — more than once, and that’s cat-tastically lazy. Thanks for joining us, Marian. Purrs and hugs to you and your kitty crew.

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  20. I try to avoid the colour black in the summer, as it’s supposed to attract the heat, (and I do like a touch of colour), but those are very good choices, and the cover of your book and of Dan’s look fabulous. Have a lovely week, Teagan. Big hugs and love to Daphne and Velma! Good work all!

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  21. You girls look pretty good on that piano. Just the pop of color it needs.

    Thanks for mentioning The Evil You Choose, but don’t you girls go being bad today. Put those things back in the drawer…except for the bat.

    I hope you and Yummy have a great rest of this week.

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    1. My pleasure about your book, Dan. It’s a great series.
      Those Scoobies are so lazy with this heat (even though they don’t go outside) that they didn’t budge from their morning nap the entire time I spent setting up a humidifier for the living room. I moved a sofa so I could plug in the machine (and evict the dust bunnies) and neither of them moved. The epitome of laziness. LOL. In other words, they’re too busy snoozing to misbehave. 😉 Hugs.

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