Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Kastner.
Hi Kathleen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Encinitas in 2015 with my husband and two soul mate brother cats, Julian and Oliver. I had been a yoga studio owner in Kansas City, MO for 16 years and wanted to live near the ocean and Self Realization Fellowship. After teaching yoga full-time for 20 years, I wanted to focus on writing, plant-based education, and vegan cooking. I’ve been vegan since 2002. I wrote a book in 2015 called Yoga’s Path to Weight Loss, describing the benefits of yoga, meditation, and a vegan diet.
Sadly, my cats, Julian and Oliver, passed in 2018 and 2021, which was devastating for me. I wasn’t sure how I was ever going to be happy again. I decided to write a children’s book in honor of their memory called, Karma Cats to the Rescue, which I launched on Dec. 9th, 2022. Julian and Oliver are the Karma Cats, who help my rescue Noah, find his forever home and place in the world. I adopted Noah from Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas after Julian passed. The book is for ages 4-8 years old. I have several Karma Cats sequel planned for the future. This has helped me get my joy back!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After selling my yoga studio, I definitely had an identity crisis. Teaching yoga had been my life for so long and I felt lost without it, even though I felt called to try something new. I explored other career paths in Encinitas before I was able to focus on writing full-time.
There’s a quote by Julia Cameron who wrote, The Artist Way: “Leap and the net will appear.” I like taking risks and seeing what’s behind door number three. I have a strong relationship with God and am always praying for guidance. I trust God has a plan for my life. Things seem to work out over time, with faith, patience, and perseverance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in writing and teaching yoga. I teach a yearly Ashtanga Yoga and Surf Retreat in Costa Rica with my husband Wade. I also have a vegan cooking channel on YouTube.
I am most proud of being a Cat Mom! I have three wonderful cats and being their mom is the most important thing in the world to me. I always dreamed of being a stay home cat mom and now I am because I can write from home.
I’m a cat volunteer at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, which brings me a lot of joy also. I love helping shelter cats find their forever families.
I am also a Board Member of Vegan Justice and Voice for Asian Elephants Society. Helping animals is my passion in life.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Movies are one of my passions in life! I would love to write a Karma Cats screenplay for Disney Animation. Walt Disney use to work in the building where my yoga studio was located in Kansas City, MO. I’ve always felt a connection to him.
Pricing:
- Karma Cats to the Rescue Hardback $18.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kathleenkastner.com
- Instagram: @kathleenkastnerwriter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.kastnermortenson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC299Ew8_-TCs7yf1Y_FRCGA. @kathleenkastner
- Other: www.thekarmacats.com
