Pattern

(Illustration Friday: September 26, 2009)

I haven't yet figured out Jane's fur patterns from the photos I've seen. From what I can tell, she's a fluffy motley mix of greys, with a touch of brown. While I know I don't have her quite right yet, she says she doesn't mind--She's just happy to be here. She says her hot pink collar is perfect, and that's her favorite feature anyway.

Infinite

(Illustration Friday: September 18, 2009)

The Kitties tails (and tales) are infinite. (But Jane's is still growing.)

Welcome!

(Illustration Friday: September 11, 2009)

My nephew Liam tells me that there is a new kitty living at his dad's house. She was found outside a hardware store in Cincinnati. (She knows all about tools and mechanics.) Her tail had somehow broken long ago, and she has yet to tell us how it happened. It healed itself a bit askew. Her name is Jane, and I have yet to meet her. In any case, The Kitties are already pals.

Strong

(Illustration Friday: September 4, 2009)

B.J. is the strong, not-so-silent type.

Magnify

(Illustration Friday: August 28, 2009)

I woke up to this sight once. I'm not sure how long Ashes was staring. As usual, she won't tell me.

Caution!

(Illustration Friday: August 21, 2009)

Norman is abby-normal.

Wrapped

(Illustration Friday: August 14, 2009)

The Mother Kitty used to help Mom and Dad with the mail...until we realized what she was keeping under wraps. It's OK: Simon always took these opportunities to practice his Houdini-esque escapes.

Impatient

(Illustration Friday: August 7, 2009)

The Kitties typically grow most impatient around mealtimes. Please excuse B.J., who built up such an appetite that he hasn't yet bothered bathing since our last drawing project.

Modify

(Illustration Friday: July 31, 2009)

This week's topic stumped me, so I turned the markers over to The Kitties and told them to modify themselves however they wanted. (I see that some of the artistes tested out their ideas on themselves before committing them to paper....)

Norman just made himself fatter so that he could fit in more food (a practical modification, he said). I think Gordon went for some sort of late '70s/early '80s Glam Rock look. Simon--who, I should explain, has been celebrating the anniversary of Woodstock and listening to lots of reggae lately--decided to use all of the markers. The Mother Kitty sees no reason to experiment with her beautiful blank canvas. She did make one change, however, which she is convinced gives her the ultimate sense of mystery and will confuse everyone. B.J. turned himself into his favorite distant relative, the tiger. And, while I thought Comet just drew a picture of Ashes, he actually drew himself with her shiny black coat--just to see what it's like, he said. No one is exactly sure what Ashes was aiming for. She's quite pleased with that reaction and refuses to explain it.

Idle

(Illustration Friday: July 24, 2009)

Norman is dreaming while the action is outdoors. A staring contest is underway!

Tango

(Illustration Friday: July 17, 2009)

The Kitties and I are addicted to "So You Think You Can Dance!" So, they all fought over who would participate in this week's drawing. But the choice was obvious, since Ladies' Man, B.J., is the only one proficient in Tango and promptly swept The Mother Kitty off her feet. The others are busy practicing for when the spotlight turns to them.

[Sleepy] Hollow

(Illustration Friday: July 10, 2009)

There was no talking The Kitties out of this one. I can't really blame them. It was the first thought for all of us. We really tried to think of something else, but all we heard were crickets. Besides, Gordon was already headed for the tree. Of course, Norman volunteered for the other role because--you know--he's crazy. (Don't ask me where he got the costume.) Comet is still hiding under the bed.

Shaky

(Illustration Friday: July 3, 2009)

Simon is only afraid of a few things: cars, trips to the vet's office, sitting too close to The Mother Kitty. Most recently, we discovered that thunderstorms also give him the shakes.

Worn

(Illustration Friday: June 26, 2009)

We all imagine that when Gordon returns from his exotic worldwide travels, he'll be a bit worn out.

Drifting

(Illustration Friday: June 19, 2009)

A couple of weeks ago, I raced home to give The Kitties a minute-by-minute report of the fantastic Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood concert at Verizon Center. Gordon, of course, is still reminiscing....

Unfold

(Illustration Friday: June 12, 2009)

Norman tends to unfold when he sleeps. We're still trying to interpret the dreams that cause this.

Craving

(Illustration Friday: June 4, 2009)

At mealtime, Norman quenches his cravings quickly. His housemates are typically still hungry.

Adapt

(Illustration Friday: May 29, 2009)

In summer, The Mother Kitty adapted to the warm weather by decorating our brown living room rug with tufts of her fluffy fur. This was Mom's favorite of all of Mother Kitty's habits, especially if she had just finished vacuuming.

Cracked!

(Illustration Friday: May 22, 2009)

I have an old photograph of kitten Norman making this face. He still does it, and you know when you see it that something has momentarily cracked. Beware of PsychoKitty.

Contagious

(Illustration Friday: May 15, 2009)

Kitty happiness is contagious.