The Letter A

This one was obvious, especially to Ashes.

(Illustration Friday: January 5, 2018)

Neighbor

I haven't meant to be away from my blog, but I'm still distracted from drawing. I'm slowly trying to get back into a routine, which I hope will happen soon.

In the meantime, The Kitties are finding plenty to do. For example, here Tyrone goes to hang out with the neighbors. Have fun!

(Illustration Friday: July 28, 2017)

Portrait

Hi everyone,

I'm having trouble focusing on drawing this summer, but the ideas are in my head and I hope to slowly get back into it now.

Kitties don't pose often for portraits, but I did my best to capture them here.

(You might notice some extra guests here. They are always practicing their ninja moves, but I will introduce them to the Melissa's Kitties family when I can get them to sit still.)

(Illustration Friday: July 7, 2017)

Love

This is part of Lily's nightly routine. I didn't even ask for it.

(Illustration Friday: June 30, 2017)

Sprout

Sometimes I question Norman's embellished memories of the day Mini joined our family. However, she does not dispute any of his claims.

(Illustration Friday: June 23, 2017)

Mind

Sometimes, Simon has brilliant ideas. But, most of the time, he's just happy to see you.

(Illustration Friday: May 26, 2017)

Mother

The mothers in our family – Mini, The Mother Kitty, and Polly (our honorary Golden Retriever-Kitty) – got together for this sweet portrait.

(Illustration Friday: May 12, 2017)

Fable

Even Norman knows that these are some words to live by....

(Illustration Friday: April 14, 2017)

Illusion

I don't know where The Kitties are, but it certainly makes them stretchy.

(Illustration Friday: April 7, 2017)

Hot

On really hot days, Simon flattens out.

(Illustration Friday: March 31, 2017)

Umbrella

I didn't make it down to the National Mall this year to see the Cherry Blossoms, but The Mother Kitty never misses it.

(Illustration Friday: March 24, 2017)

Delicious

Mmmm, catnip is delicious!

Illustration Friday: April 21, 2017

Snail

Simon is great at making friends.

(Illustration Friday: March 17, 2017)

Punk

Like most cats, Ashes doesn't enjoy bath time. Yet she can't deny the funky results.

(Illustration Friday: March 10, 2017)

Scoop

Ice cream is always a good idea, but portion control is key.

(Illustration Friday: March 3, 2017)

Heroic

As usual, the Boston Celtics have been fun to watch this year. Here are a few of their heroic moves. (The Kitties practice them all the time.) See you in the playoffs, Celtics!

(Illustration Friday: February 24, 2017)

Stomp

Although it's been years since I've seen STOMP, this exhilarating show's inventive percussion using everyday items is unforgettable. From Zippo lighters to trash cans, you can find rhythm in anything.

Watch this behind-the-scenes taste of STOMP, if you haven't yet experienced it:

CNN feature on STOMP (youtu.be/0afeh59xiLE). 

The Kitties love STOMP too, mainly because they can practice its moves at home (to the dismay of our neighbors). Check STOMP's schedule to see it live in New York City or on tour, and after the show, you might end up just like them.

(Illustration Friday: February 17, 2017)

Tea

This is a true story. Note to self: Don't leave your cup of tea on the floor during commercial-break trips to the kitchen.

(Illustration Friday: February 10, 2017)

Up

It's hard to say what the Kitties are up to here. What do you think? (They won't tell me.)

(Illustration Friday: February 3, 2017)

Spiral

Simon, the King of Wheels, is also pretty good at spirals.

(Illustration Friday: December 9, 2016)

Happy holidays, everyone! I'll be back in January with more drawings, Johnny Kitties, book reviews, and a look back at some of this year's fun times. See you in the new year!

Best,