Saturday, April 02, 2011

Meet the Kitties: Norman

Norman
Norman, ready for his close-up. 
Norman muscled his way into my sister Julie's life after spotting her on a bike trail in Cincinnati, where somebody "took him on a little trip" and promptly disappeared. Confused and unsure of his situation, he spent hours trying to snag passersby, but to no avail. By the time he saw Julie on her bike, he was desperate and ran for it! Julie, hearing a constant pulsating cry, finally looked behind her and discovered she was being chased.

Once home, Norman immediately settled in—to the great dismay of Comet and Ashes. Julie named her new kitten Norman after Psycho's "Norman Bates" because he was and is completely mental. As a kitten, he attacked everything with a feverish, unsettling look. He jumped after anything, with no consideration of how or where he might land. Norman is a survivor.

The early trauma Norman experienced in that open field planted deep-seeded insecurities about belonging. Analysis was useless. Once he had the constant guarantee of scheduled meals, he also began his lifelong struggle with weight. The older he gets, the more of a bully he becomes to ward off any potential teasing in these sensitive areas. And, he doesn't always need to be provoked to lash out. While lazily content in his new life of luxury, he still gets that crazy glint in his eye every once in a while, so watch out!

Norman loves laps but not to be pet. He spends his time napping and eating or eating and napping, sitting, and randomly smacking whoever crosses his path—cat or human. Norman's heroes are Marlon Brando and Mike Tyson.

Of course, Norman has his good, lovable side too. Since his birth, Liam—Julie's now 7-year-old son— has been Norman's favorite person. They bonded and are best playmates, who over the years, have fought many dinosaur and Star Wars battles. Norman's newest dearest inseparable friend is Mini, the latest addition to Melissa's Kitties. Although he lights up at the mention of his new friend, Norman can't talk now. He's off to defend Iron Man against Liam's Harry Potter wizardry. I'm not sure who's winning yet.

Crunchy (December 4, 2009)
"Cooookieeee!!!!"
With strategic flair, Norman picks out his own Halloween costume.
(Illustration Friday--December 4, 2009: Crunchy)

6 comments:

Chibi Janine said...

Love your kitties, so far it seems the kitties found kitties, glad you and your family are the ones to give them one.

Melissa Connolly said...

Thanks! They are all a joy for us too! I'm so glad to have you following along. :-)

Chibi Janine said...

Rereading my last post it made very little sense, think toddler was pestering me at the time LOL. What I meant to say is it looks like your kitties have been found by you and your family in some way ie adoption or they just turned up, not bought kitties. I'm glad that you have taken them in and given them good homes.

I'm loving reading about your kitties and your cartoon stripes are charming.

Melissa Connolly said...

Oh, I knew what you meant! :-) Babies are distracting, aren't they? haha Thank you for your comments! I've been checking out your blog too. Do you teach art?

Chibi Janine said...

No I don't teach art but I have been in a teaching role as a teaching assistant. I'm in the process of teaching myself about art ect, I lose my way sometimes but I have quite happily settled into my little comic strip now. What I want my blog to become is a chart of my progress and something to help others further their talents and dreams.

I am glad I came across your blog and I have really enjoyed reading about your kitties. Toddler allowing I am working through back post so I can see more of your charming work.

Melissa Connolly said...

Sorry, I meant to respond to this sooner! That's really cool about your teaching assistant role and a great idea for your blog. I find blogs helpful in that way. I too want to start taking some art classes soon--You've got to keep learning....