Star

On sparkly nights, what do you see in the stars?

(Illustration Friday: October 9, 2015)

Sleep...

Hi everyone,

The Kitties are always full of great ideas, like naps. This winter, as a fought off a series of annoying colds, I curled right up with them.

(Illustration Friday: February 13, 2015)

Now that I have my energy back, I'm working on catching up with the rest of the world. Last December, I meant to recap 2014, a year during which I put down my markers and got out of the apartment. A great lesson from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way is that you should  spend time having fun on your own: Take a walk. See a movie. Learn a new hobby. Fly off for a weekend getaway. She calls these Artist Dates. I've always done Artist Dates without realizing their purpose. Last year's number of outings seemed more than usual, even for me. Concerts, plays, exhibits, and more just kept showing up, and I had to go! 

My plan to recap all these fun events was sabotaged by my constant colds, holidays, work, and life in general. But, this month, I'll get started posting reviews of what I saw last year for you all. It's better late than never, right? Here's some of what you're in for:

• Appreciating Charlie Chaplin.
• Experiencing great live jazz.
• Catching up with Sting and company.
• Learning about our best American songwriters.
• Catching up with The Lucy and Rufus Wainwright.
• Partying with the Rainforest Foundation (New York).
• Rocking at 930.
• Joining symphony and dance at The Kennedy Center.
• Flying high with Savion Glover.
• Finding Neverland in Boston.
• Finding The Real Thing in New York.
• Celebrating the work of Danny Elfman for Tim Burton.
• Going on a Broadway Extravaganza (New York).
• Sailing Away with The Last Ship (New York).
• Catching Up with John Cleese.

Eventually, I'll catch up to 2015, so just bear with me while I get these all out of my system. Also, mark your calendar for a new installment of Johnny Kitties on March 9th! I promise to throw in some random Kitties every once in a while too. You know they're always around. 

Best,

King

This happens every time we watch The Wizard of Oz at my sister's house.

(Illustration Friday: August 8, 2014)

For all of you who want to sing along and practice the speech in front of your own mirror (it works for Comet), here's the real thing.... Enjoy! 

(YouTube video: http://youtu.be/Ak3J5DayiCk © MGM)

Universe

If you look up at night, you might see them.

(Illustration Friday: May 23, 2014)

Retro

When I was younger, I spent lots of time in the corner of our living room that had the radio and music equipment. Peering into the speakers, I saw the lights shining on the singers and band that I was hearing through Dad's giant headphones. I'm a little disappointed that when I look in there now, all I see are the shiny metal pieces that make up the insides of speakers.

Here, borrowing Dad's big blue headphones, Comet is rummaging through all of my favorite records. It's one of the best ways to make time fly.

(Illustration Friday: May 15, 2014)

Spark

Comet wasn't sure what to think when Ashes first moved into his house, but eventually she won him over, as she does with everyone. Nothing's better than finding a lifelong friend.

(Illustration Friday: March 7, 2014)

True Celtics Forever!

Hi everyone,

Bad things happened this weekend that I can't wrap my head around. (I'm talking to you, Florida.) Among them, the "blockbuster" Celtics trade with the Brooklyn Nets became official: So long to Jason Terry (The Jet!), Kevin Garnett (The Big Ticket!), and Paul Pierce (The Truth!). It's clear to me Head Coach Doc Rivers left for the West Coast to coach the L.A. Clippers last month as protest!

I've been sad about trades before, but this summer's transactions are going to leave a scar! Do they know they've lost one of the best coaches ever? Did they realize they traded their team captain who has been with the them for his entire 15-year career? Who will be taking over for KG in the enthusiasm/intensity department? Who will master Jason Terry's suave 'n' smooth public relations skills?

At the last minute, they threw in  D.J. White into this group shipment to cover some sort of technicality. Note, he doesn't have a nickname that I know of, and I've run out of male cats to pay tribute. Simon offered to step in, but it's best not to confuse the rest of the team because we all know who Simon really is. Instead, Mini is thrilled to volunteer because she wishes she was as big and tall as the 6' 9" Power Forward.

Farewell to these Celtic stars, who I will miss seeing in green!  You may have moved homes, but you'll always be Celtics to me!

This drawing was inspired by photos and many, many memories of some of my favorite people.

Paul and KG loved watching the jumbo screen at the Garden.

D.J. White, Paul Pierce, and Jeff Green have some laughs.

Before each game, Kevin always talks to the post.

During the games, he screams a lot.

Jason Terry always flies around the court after a big basket.

After 10 years, MVP Paul Pierce takes in a championship moment in 2008!!!

It was awesome after such a long wait!!!!!

And, we were all thrilled!!!!!!!!

Okay, now I'm going to cry.

Going into the 2013-14 season, let's welcome Coach Stevens, some Brooklynites, and some newbies to Team Rondoooooo!!!!!!!!! (And, keep an eye on those Nets and Clippers games, because they have some of the coolest people over there now....)

Best,

Train

Is it just me, or do you always think of Buster Keaton when someone mentions a train too?

This drawing was instantly inspired by a scene in one of Buster Keaton's best movies, The General (1926). You can see it here:

Now, see how brave Comet can be? (This seat is not recommended.)

(Illustration Friday: April 19, 2013)

Shy

Comet is a great hider, but he shows up when he wants.

(Illustration Friday: November 2, 2012)

Haunt

I know it's Christmastime, but I'm a little behind in posting my Illustration Friday drawings. Haunt was the topic for the last week of October.

At the time, I had just seen Tim Burton's Frankenweenie and was completely inspired to create Frankenweenie Kitties.

Then, while in San Francisco, my friend and I caught a bit of Young Frankenstein, one of our favorite movies, on TV.

                                               

So, here's a mix of both: Comet is "The Monster" (with a heart of gold). Ashes is his bride. B.J. is Dr. Frankenstein with Simon assisting as Igor and The Mother Kitty providing musical accompaniment as Frau Blucher. (Oops, I set off the horses.)

(Illustration Friday: October  26, 2012)

Frankenweenie images  © Disney Pictures; Young Frankenstein images © 20th Century Fox

Imagination

This Illustration Friday topic is from two Fridays ago. Thanks to our Willy Wonka upbringing, The Kitties and I have been singing "Pure Imagination" every day since first seeing the word. Comet was all over filling in for Gene Wilder here--a perfect match that no one could argue.

(Illustration Friday: September 7, 2012) 

Here's a treat, the original Willy Wonka singing the song:

From Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory © Warner Brothers

Is it stuck in your head now too?

Suspense!

(Illustration Friday: February 3, 2012)

Phew!

Stripes

(Illustration Friday: November 4, 2011)

Disguise

(Illustration Friday: August 29, 2011)

Comet donned this disguise for a while after he saw Superman. He gave it up, saying it only worked 2.7% of the time. He figures he just couldn't match Christopher Reeve's charm. While that is a tall order, we know Comet never lacks in charm. So, I suggested that it was more likely the tail that gave him away. Encouraged, he's back to researching this method.

Gesture

When Ashes first moved in, it took a while for Comet to warm up to the idea of having another housemate. But a few surprise gestures later, we realized he was cool with it.

(Illustration Friday: July 15, 2011)

Soaked

(Illustration Friday: May 20, 2011) 

It looks like Comet's found the perfect spot under a sunny window. 

This illustration was inspired by some photographs I took of Comet at my sister's house.

They aren't quite the same.

Meet the Kitties: Comet

When Julie received her White Coat, a milestone in her veterinary studies, Comet was first to test it out.

Comet had a rough childhood, growing up in Cincinnati. At age 3, he was brought in to a veterinary office to be euthanized because his owner's boyfriend didn't get along with him! Can you imagine anyone not getting along with Comet? He couldn't either! He was—of course—saved by his undeniable cuteness and lovable personality. The veterinarians displayed him in a cage in the front office, trying to entice customers to take him home. That's where my sister Julie met him.

While Comet still struggles to conquer his shyness and fears, life with Julie was completely different. Days were full of love and fun, as they spent them playing Hide and Seek and Tag. A couple of years down the road, Julie brought Ashes home to be Comet's new friend. It took some adjusting, but now—as you know—they're inseparable.

Comet prefers the quiet life, and works on building up his courage every day. He spends his days hiding, wrestling with Ashes and listening to her endless stories, napping, and watching the birds. Comet enjoys reading the works of great, reflective minds—such as Abraham Lincoln, Richard Feynman, and Leonardo Da Vinci—and brave adventurers, including Howard Hughes, Jane Goodall, and the Cowardly Lion. He practices yoga, watches classic MTV, and enjoys musicals, silent films, and The Honeymooners.

Comet makes a cautious approach.
(Illustration Friday--March 5, 2010: Brave)

Racing

(Illustration Friday: October 22, 2010)

When Ashes first arrived, she made Comet quite anxious. Eventually, though, he warmed up to her and now they are great pals. Finally, something other than worry gets Comet's heart racing.

Artificial

(Illustration Friday: July 30, 2010)


Comet goes to great lengths to avoid visiting the vet's office. (You may remember his last attempt here.) Today, he's hoping "Artificial Comet" will do the trick. He spent all day tearing up my orange duvet cover and stole some of dad's socks to do it. I think the paper ears may give it away, though. 


Happy August, Everyone! 

Linked

(Illustration Friday: April 9, 2010)

It wasn't love at first sight, but soon enough, Comet and Ashes became forever linked.