Pale

(Illustration Friday: January 16, 2009)

Who you callin' pale???

Contained

(Illustration Friday: January 9, 2009)

I told The Kitties a secret over the weekend. They are containing themselves surprisingly well so far.

Resolute

(Illustration Friday: January 2, 2009)

With the new year, The Kitties have resolved to conquer The Ribbon. (They make the same resolution every year, of course, but don't discourage them!)

Clandestine

(Illustration Friday: December 26, 2008)

My sister moved into a new condo, in which Comet and the other kitties are fascinated with a particular downstairs closet. We can only guess what clandestine plans they have been making in there. Should we be worried?

Voices

(Illustration Friday: December 19, 2008)

As you know, The Kitties love to sing! While on vacation, they were nonstop with Christmas songs. They sounded pretty good--with only a couple of mix-ups.

Rambunctious

(Illustration Friday: December 12, 2008)

Norman is named Norman for a reason: he was one rambunctious kitten! As a grown-up, you may still catch a glimpse of that PsychoKitty inside. It leaps out every once in a while to keep us on our toes.

Similar

(Illustration Friday: December 5, 2008)

Beneath a sunny window, all kitties have similar ideas....

B.J. (1999?-November 24, 2008)

Sadly, B.J. (Bob, Jr.), passed away in November after his brave battle with cancer. Originally found in Cincinnati amid his worldwide travels, B.J. lived among several other alley cats in the area until he met my sister. The third cat to be welcomed into her family, B.J. decided to move indoors and live out the rest of his days with them in Columbus. B.J. was a large bear of a cat. While I didn't see him as often as the other kitties, it was clear that he loved to chat and play with anyone willing. I have lasting memories of being greeted by his loud hellos and enjoying his long conversations. The group will be a bit quieter and little less bright now, but I'll keep him going here. So long, beloved B.J.! We miss you!

Happy Holidays!

The Kitties are already playing in the snow and I'm off to join them. I'll be without a scanner for a couple of weeks but promise to be all caught up in January. See you then! Happy holidays, everyone!

Balloon

(Illustration Friday: November 28, 2008)

Norman doesn't seem as nervous as I think he should be, but is he ever?

Opinion

(Illustration Friday: November 21, 2008)

The Kitties are clear communicators when it comes to certain topics.

Pretend

(Illustration Friday: November 14, 2008)

For this week's topic, the kitties were of one mind. One of B.J.'s favorites, we all agree that you can't go wrong with a little of The Platters fit into your day.

Wise

(Illustration Friday: November 7, 2008)

Everyone knows who to go to for advice...no matter how long the wait.

Vacant

(Illustration Friday: October 31, 2008)

Simon is an expert at seeming "vacant," but we all know of his multiple secret and disguised talents, from his start as a trapeze artist in the Cirque du Soleil to his more recent role as star point guard for the World Champion Boston Celtics. Don't tell anyone. His crossed eyes and walking-in-circles thing is really fooling a lot of people.

Repair

 
(Illustration Friday: October 24, 2008)

For the last few weeks, my phone has been working only when it feels like it. Maybe the phone repairman will figure it out tomorrow...since The Kitties have been unsuccessful so far.

Late

(Illustration Friday: October 17, 2008)

The Kitties are never late for dinner. ....Well, maybe Simon is a little late sometimes.

Strings

(Illustration Friday: October 10, 2008)

I didn't know that The Mother Kitty could play the violin!

Sugary

(Illustration Friday: October 3, 2008)

The Kitties have prepared plenty of sugary treats in the kitchen this weekend for my nephew's birthday. It's The Big 5! Yeah, I know my drawing's a bit messed up....I think all of these sweets have gone to my head, but no one seems to mind. Have a happy day, Liam! I miss you!

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

"I'd like to be remembered as the guy who tried -- tried to be a part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being." Paul Newman

I knew this was coming, but I was hoping for a miracle.

I've seen almost all of Paul Newman's movies, but I can't remember which one I saw first. Was it The Verdict? Or, was it Absence of Malice? I was already hooked by the time my dad directed me back further to Hombre, Hud, and Cool Hand Luke. I was hopelessly devoted by the time I saw a younger Paul in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Long Hot Summer, and The Hustler. Yet, I rushed out to the theaters to see his later films -- Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, The Hudsucker Proxy, Nobody's Fool -- and fell just as much in love with the cranky old man. (Cars counts too!) Discovering an old Paul Newman movie was like finding a gift that was just for me. Waiting for a new Paul Newman movie was like anticipating a visit from an old friend. Imagine how elated I was to catch him in 2003's Broadway run of Our Town! Oh, to be in the same room with The Man!

I don't remember how I became so loyal to Paul Newman, but how can one not be? For me it had little to do with his films or the pretty face. Reading and seeing him in interviews just made my admiration grow: the intelligence, the well-spoken thoughtfulness, the kindness and generosity, the eagerness and joy for life, the biting sense of humor -- The Whole Package. His talent -- displayed in his entire body of character-driven projects -- is a happy bonus.

When Newman's Own products hit the grocery store shelves, I'd plead with my mom to buy them -- or sneak them in the cart myself. If confronted regarding my selections, my arguments were always chock-full with simple facts: "It's Paul Newman's: it's good." And, if that didn't work, "He donates all the proceeds to charity!" The Hole in the Wall Camps are his gift to children worldwide, and he has raised more than $250 million to it and other charitable causes over the last 25+ years. Who can argue with that?

Paul Newman is it: the guy everyone should aspire to. Good luck. He was one of a kind. His wife and family are lucky, and we are lucky to have known him too.

The kitties and I wanted to pay tribute, of course, but being such a brilliant character actor made it difficult for us to whittle down distinct movie moments that lend themselves to illustration. Norman offered to eat 50 hard-boiled eggs in one sitting, but I thought that'd be unhealthy for him, nor did it quite sum up The Greatness that is Paul Newman. But how do you draw such broad traits as exceptional, genuine, decent, good, inspirational, or wonderful?

So, we decided to take the easy way out: load up on the comfort food and have an open-ended Paul Newman Film Festival until the sun comes back out. Many thanks and farewell, dear friend; you have made a difference and are missed.

We are all sad, but we are surrounded by a few of our favorite things: We have two of our favorite books (the inspiring Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good by Paul and his friend A.E. Hotchner and Paul Newman: A Life in Pictures, my favorite Christmas gift from last year.) We have our favorite anytime dinner (spaghetti with Newman's Own Sockarooni "Sock-it-to-'em" spaghetti sauce). We have our favorite movie snacks (Newman's Own Organics Pop's Corn microwave buttered popcorn and/or Mint-Creme-Filled Newman-O's).

[All of these yummy products should be available at your local grocery store. If not, check the Newman's Own website when it gets back to normal. Remember, It's Paul Newman's: it's good! And, all the proceeds go to charity! Oh, Comet also wants me to point out that, while you're at it, you can donate to the Hole in the Wall Camps.]

Lastly -- and thankfully -- we have a large supply of Paul Newman Movies. (B.J. and Norman have apparently chosen Hombre to start us off.) Settle in and enjoy!

Note: Be sure to catch TCM's 24-hour tribute to Paul Sunday, October 12. Yay!

Packed

(Illustration Friday: September 26, 2008)

The Kitties don't live with me, but when I see them during my trips home, I try to come up with strategic ways to bring them back. I'm afraid that they wouldn't get past airport security. The kitties would probably be mad at me for a long time after I picked them up in baggage claim anyway. Never mind....