Ink

Norman and Mini got inked the other day. I thought it was okay as long as it's temporary; but Ashes prefers her coat just the way it is, thank you!

(Illustration Friday: October 2, 2015)

Grow

Mini dreams of being big, if only she could find the potion Alice drank.

(Illustration Friday: July 31, 2015)

Nature

All kitties take care of things in their own time.

(Illustration Friday: July 24, 2015)

Pet[s]

Check out this Connolly Family Portrait 2015: Mini, Ashes, Lily, and Tyrone with honorary Golden Retriever Kitty, Polly.

(Illustration Friday: May 15, 2015)

Polly is a rescue that my sister took in this year. She tried to find another home for her, but it turns out she was already home. She fits right in with Ashes and Mini. In fact, I think she may secretly be a  big cat in disguise, but I'm sure my sister would disagree.  

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)

Temptation

Kitties can't help it.

(Illustration Friday: May 30, 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,

Shy

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

(Illustration Friday: November 2, 2012)

Mirror

The Mother Kitty studies the Funhouse Mirrors at every amusement park she visits. I think she's on the verge of figuring them out.

(Illustration Friday: October 5, 2012)

Refresh

After a while away from yoga class (because I don't believe in going to class when it's a triple-digit oven outside), I started up again last week. As usual, I realize how much I've missed yoga within the first five minutes of practice--even if I feel like a creaky old lady. One of my favorite poses is Triangle.

Here, Mini demonstrates it:

• Place your back foot parallel with the back of your mat and your front foot toward the top of your mat, pointed ahead. 
• Outstretch your arms, facing toward the top of your mat.
•  Reach your front arm as far as  you can before bending from the hip and placing your hand on your shin, ankle, or foot. 
• Stretch your opposite arm toward the sky. 
• Turn your gaze upward.
• Breathe.
• Use your core to lift and stretch in these opposing directions, maintaining your balance, as if between two panes of glass. 

Be sure to do both sides!

Ahhh, refreshing!

(Illustration Friday: June 29, 2012)

Swamp

The Kitties and I have never seen Swamp Thing or read the comic book, but somehow it was the first and only thing that came to mind. And, you know how the Pixar cartoons show bloopers during the ending credits? That really happens! Don't worry, Norman and Mini finally got it together.

(Illustration Friday: March 23, 2012)

Capable

Of all The Kitties, Mini is the only one capable of revealing Norman's playful side--
and getting him some exercise.

(Illustration Friday: February 24, 2012)

Popularity

For Christmas, I got my sister Julie's kitties a carrot full of catnip. For a while, it was the most popular toy in the house, and the black-and-white kitties battled it out.

(Illustration Friday: February 10, 2012)

There was one clear winner in this fight.

(Don't worry, Ashes shared eventually--even if she still complains about it.)

Suspense!

(Illustration Friday: February 3, 2012)

Phew!

Prepare

And...Mini's ready to nap.

(Illustration Friday: January 13, 2011)

Ferocious

Sometimes, Mini is the most ferocious of all of The Kitties.... At least, she thinks she is.

(Illustration Friday: September 23, 2011)

Swell

(Illustration Friday: August 12, 2011)

Norman just ate. (Mini still marvels at the capacity of his belly.)

Swept

The Kitties and I are thrilled about the start of the new season of "So You Think You Can Dance." To celebrate, The Kitties pay tribute, here, to one of our favorite dances from last week's opening show. Choreographed by past contestant Travis Wall, the joy of this dance swept us all away.

(Illustration Friday: June 10, 2011)

Here is the dance performed by the final five contestants to be selected for the competition: Ryan [Lily], Mitchell [B.J.], Ashley [Ashes], Alexander [Gordon] and Caitlynn [Mini]:

© Fox Broadcasting Company

Meet The Kitties: Mini

Mini spends a lot of time on the stairs.

Years ago, my sister Julie moved from Cincinnati to Columbus, and Mini showed up at her work place in early 2010. Like B.J. Mini was a stray living outdoors and off the kindness of strangers. When she also contracted FIV, her original caretakers no longer wanted her because of her bothersome disease. Although sad and angry, she brushed off this rejection and instantly regained her sunny disposition in her new life with Julie. In Julie's house, she found several friendly cats, including a huge one who looked just like her! Like a long-lost relative, Norman saw her and called out, "Mini-Me!" He raced up—as much as Norman can race—and gave her a bear hug. They were instant friends, bosom buddies, and definitely an odd couple!

Much like Norman's kitten ways, but with unvarnished sweetness, Mini spends her days climbing, attacking, and exploring. She fears nothing and is ready for everything. She cannot grow up fast enough, and there is not enough time in the day for playing. She spends them chasing and attacking Norman, to the great amazement of everyone around her. She loves games, gossip, social engagements, and basically anything and everything exciting. At the moment, she is obsessively investigating the workings of the living room's mysterious giant clock. (It sets itself at random times—but why?) Her role models include Tallulah Bankhead, Oprah Winfrey, Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White, and James Dean.

But she eventually makes her way downstairs to great you.
(Illustration Friday--January 15, 2011: Chicken)

Chicken

Since Mini came to live with my sister Julie, she's been The Queen of the Upstairs. if you go up to see her, she may act timid at first. But, she's no chicken.


(Illustration Friday: January 15, 2011)