Bouquet

Typically, flowers don't last long at my sister's house.

(Illustration Friday: October 30, 2015)

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)

Octopus

Norman really loves his Halloween costume this year. No one is sure when he's planning to take it off.

(Illustration Friday: October 10, 2014)

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)

Norman (1998-2014)

Hi everyone,

I'm sad to report that Norman passed away last month, having succumbed to his mounting health problems. When he was just 5 weeks old, Norman joined our family—whether we wanted him or not. He knew a good thing when he saw it and chased my sister Julie as she rode her bike down a country road, minding her own business! When she heard his frantic cries for a lift, of course, she swooped him up and took him home. How could you deny this face?

Norman was ready upon arrival.

This is the sum of our relationship (2004).

Over the years, Norman shared Julie's home with fellow Kitties Comet, Ashes, B.J. and Mini, and (as you know) he didn't always get along with everybody. It's clear now that they all had steadfast camaraderie. Even Ashes, who never failed to complain at the sight of Norman, was by his side at the end.

The rough exterior, bullying, and sometimes psychotic behavior that earned Norman his name masked an inner sweetness that couldn't be denied. Who can forget his dramatic entry into our lives and the early daredevil stunt he pulled, flying off the cat tower for a dangling toy without a second thought about where he'd land? (Check out my depiction of that moment here.) Then, there are all those times he curled up next to (or on) us, sharing the warmth of his silky fur coat. All Norman wanted in life was some attention, good food, playtime with his pal Liam (my nephew), and a comfy lap to sleep on. Doesn't everybody?

Well, he got plenty of it from us in his adventurous 16 years. Norman will be sorely missed, but he'll always live on in our hearts—and for as long as I have some markers and paper.

Hugs!

Farewell, Friend. We love you!

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,

Tension

Norman is not her favorite.

(Illustration Friday: May 24, 2015)

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)

Hitched

Norman was abandoned in a park when he was a kitten. When he saw my sister riding her bike down one of the trails, he hitched a ride home with her. (At least, that's how he tells the story.)

(Illustration Friday: May 4, 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.)

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.)

Meet the Kitties: 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.

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

Mail

He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then Norman thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!

And what happened then? Well, they say that Norman's small heart grew three sizes that day! And then, the true meaning of Christmas came through, and Norman found the strength of 10 Normans--plus two!

(Illustration Friday: December 17, 2010)

I'm off to spend Christmas with my family in Ohio. (Maybe we'll get to watch my favorite Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)

©1966 Chuck Jones/Time Warner

Max, The Grinch, and little Cindy Lou Who

Happy holidays, everyone!

Savour

Dad makes such good sandwiches that the rest of us always said he should open a shop. He hasn't done that yet, so only we get to enjoy his special talents for now. 

For Thanksgiving, Mom made a delicious dinner for about 16 people when there were really only 6 of us to feed. 

We had turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, stuffing, turnip greens, shrimp covered in her own marinara sauce. The few things Mom didn't cook herself were the pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, cranberry sauce and Gram's cheese pie.

Taking the cue from Dad, Norman took a stab at creating his own sandwich with a little bit of everything that was leftover. 

(Illustration Friday: November 26, 2010)

We're not yet sure how good this sandwich will be, but he'll probably eat it anyway. 

Can you hear Norman's pre-feast chant? Savour the sandwich...Savour the sandwich....

Dessert

This weekend, I had plenty of desserty eats: a warm, velvety, chocolate truffle cookie, an amazing strawberry and blueberry crepe overflowing with nutella, blueberry frosted miniwheat cereal, a refreshing mango popsicle.... But I had trouble coming up with an idea for "Dessert" this week. 


Instead, my thoughts were on my sister's new 9-month-old kitten, Mini, whom she recently brought home from her office. More amazing than my delicious crepe, Mini has become instant friends with Norman! Watching the two of them--Norman, a large bear of a cat, and Mini, a tiny burst of sweetness, reminded me of one of my favorite Warner Brothers cartoons growing up. 


Directed by the great Chuck Jones (who made all the best Warner Brothers cartoons), "Feed the Kitty," is about a bulldog named Marc Anthony who falls in love with an orphaned kitten. 

Okay, while Norman isn't nearly as sweet as Marc Anthony, Mini is very similar to this kitten. 

But, more on Mini later. In the meantime, Simon decided to bake some cookies while I try to think of a "Dessert" drawing. Here's our homage to Chuck Jones.  Mmm, cookies. 

(Illustration Friday: September 3, 2010)