Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Stay home!

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while. I have lots of kitty illustration ideas in my head, but I struggle to find time and motivation to get them on paper. I wonder if the pandemic-induced stay-at-home order will help me get back on track.

I've been lucky to work at home during this weird time. Lily is loving it, though I think she secretly wonders what's going on.

Lily is all about her routines, and the pandemic has messed them up. But bed time is still our favorite time of day.

Every night, Lily snuggles up against my chest, wraps her front paws around my arm, talks, purrs, and kneads whatever is nearby (my arm, my pillow, the mattress, the air). She turns around often to see if I'm still awake and, if so, rests her chin on my hand, and purrs for some cheek rubs. This routine sometimes goes on so long that I'm considering adjusting my bedtime to accommodate it and my need for more sleep.

If anything good is coming out of this pandemic, it's the recognition of those around us and how we are helping each other get through it – hospital workers and volunteers; essential business and city workers; teachers, caregivers, and pet sitters; flight attendants for essential travel; restaurants staff offering takeout; entertainers who have found ways to reach us from their own homes; and, of course, friends and family members, including our ever-loving animals.

Thanks, Lily! This one's for you.

Lily's closeup (April 10, 2020)

Keep safe and at a safe distance, everyone. (Lily knows that she's breaking the rules here.)