Immovable

(Illustration Friday: August 27, 2010)

When The Mother Kitty is busy, she is Immovable--no matter how long you call for her.

Atmosphere

(Illustration Friday: August 20, 2010)


Last Saturday, The Kitties and I watched the Baltimore Orioles play the Texas Rangers. The night before, The Orioles beat the opposing team, 4-0. Today, we were ready to cheer for our team again! 


It became immediately clear, however, that the homeplate umpire--You know who you are!--needed glasses or more on-the-job training! The announcers said that his strike zone made a mockery of the game of baseball. He kept calling strikes that were obviously balls and balls that were obviously strikes. I mean, if The Kitties and I can see the difference, it's pretty bad!  


Early in the game, Nick Markakis argued with the umpire on his faulty calls as they got progressively worse from Strike 1 to Strike 2. After Strike 3, Nick wast ejected from the game! 


Nick Markakis is a nice guy; he doesn't get ejected. It's never happened--until today. 


Then, the new Orioles manager, Buck Showalter, caught this umpire holding up the game to lecture catcher Matt Wieters about pitches and strikes. That's when he ejected Buck Showalter too! I don't think this was a vendetta against The Orioles, but none of The Rangers got into as much trouble. The announcers pointed out the baffled looks on their faces as the umpire incorrectly called their own plays, but they took what he said since they were typically in their favor.


Our jovial spirits at the start of this game were deflated, and the atmosphere quickly turned sour. You can see how upset  The Kitties are! Poor Lily, watching one of her first games, left the room in disgust.


The Orioles lost that day, 2-0. But it wasn't their fault, we swear! The Kitties and I are so over it. 

Star Gazing

Once again, I'm slightly behind on my Illustration Friday drawings, but with good reason: I've been organizing my computer files, a tedious, tedious task....I see light at the end of the tunnel. Wait, may be I'm hallucinating. 


Whenever I look over the drawings I have done since 2006, "Glamour" sticks out as my Incomplete. I don't remember anything in particular that distracted me for finishing it. Was I rushing to post it by the end-of-the-week deadline? Or, did I actually believe I was done, leaving The Mother Kitty in this unobserved moment on a floating red carpet with massive stars and pastel asterisks (gasp!)  glowing overhead in a white sky? Maybe I had a cold that week. 



(Illustration Friday: January 27, 2006)


I originally planned to use this week's topic, Star Gazing, to finish what I started in 2006 filling in all the white space surrounding The Kitties. But, then I reconsidered. I decided to draw a new version. After all, that was 2006; this is 2010. And, you know, The Mother Kitty loves to attend fancy events. 


So, here's a different glamorous night: Of course, The Mother Kitty is the star, and Simon's along for the ride. It must be the Kitty Cannes Film Festival. Where else can she get away with that tiara and a living Siamese fur? 



(Illustration Friday: August 13, 2010)

Tom Hargus

Tom Hargus, one of my dad's dearest friends, passed away July 27. He was one of The Kitties' biggest fans.

Tom, in 2004, deciding....

Tom lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his wife Cecilia. In 2008, Dad handed me the phone, and Tom asked me if he could buy some of my illustrations. All secured in bound sketchbooks, it hadn't occurred to me to sell any of them. After a few weeks of continuous praise and reminders that I had a buyer-in-waiting, I got back in touch with him through e-mail.

I explained that my drawing hobby began through Illustration Friday, a Web site that offers a single word each week to serve as an artist's inspiration. I suggested that he give me a word or topic, and I could draw something for him.

After a week or so of silence, I received quite a response. In his lengthy e-mail, he described July 20, 1969. For all of us, he said, it was one of those Golden Moments in time that you knew was a Golden Moment as it was happening. A barbecue among Navy buddies--Tom, Dennis (Dad), Joe, Richard, and Ray--it marked a special time in their lives. On this landmark day for space exploration, the end of their military tours was approaching and the excitement of reunions and impending marriages was stirring. This celebration marked new beginnings in world history and among a few friends. Or, in another light, "It was a party on a nice day with really good food and lots of beer."


With that, Tom became the first to commission a piece of art from me, and I got to work. Throughout the process, he and Dad provided me with the details: Richard and his wife, Emily, hosted the party at their home in the Philippines. Tom, his then-girlfriend Cecilia, and his three other friends, Ray, Joe, and Dennis, arrived by afternoon. Dad described the exterior of the house and the rickety fence, the layout of the yard, and the gravely road next to it. Their friend, Ray, who was slightly older and more studious, wore round glasses and was typically reading. Joe spent the evening leaning against the fence, staring dreamingly at the moon, a round pie in the sky sliced in half. San Miquel was the beer of choice.

My final question to Tom, "What cat do you want to be?" He noted that he'd always been partial to Siamese cats, which made Simon very proud.

My first client was extremely happy with the result, to my great relief! While Tom got the original, his friends received copies.


Since then, Tom stayed in touch, mainly commenting on various illustrations by e-mail. He sent me a book on yoga and meditation when he found out I practiced. Each Christmas, we wished each other happy holidays over the phone. Most recently, Tom and I became Facebook friends, and it was there that I last heard from him. On July 3, we talked about the all-important schedule for the day on Turner Classic Movies: "A Gene Kelly triple-feature!" I announced. "Capped off by Meet Me in St. Louis and The Wizard of Oz," Tom added. "Not a bad day."


Tom, you are missed and our thoughts are with your family. Hopefully, some of my Kitties are keeping you company.

Caged

(Illustration Friday: August 6, 2010)


Yesterday, Ashes awoke from the strangest dream. "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" is still stuck in her head. Now, it's probably in your head.... 


Despite drawing through most of my weekend, I'm a tiny bit off schedule again. The DC weather has worn me out! (When is Fall going to be here?) I had to get outside this weekend, which relieved us with civilized temperatures, because I was getting too used to talking to Lily all day during our TCM movie marathons. (August is Summer Under the Stars month, you know!) So, it was back to yoga class and out with friends. I could actually sit outside and drink a hot cup of tea without feeling as though I was in the Sahara! That's progress. 

Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #3--Slow Burn (1986)

[What is Johnny Kitties? See Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp for all the details!]

©MCA

Slow Burn is a 1986 made-for-TV crime drama starring Eric Roberts and Beverly D'Angelo. I assumed Johnny Depp's role in this film was small, since no one ever mentions it in interviews or retrospectives. I couldn't find it in video stores, and it was never on TV, but I did see the video cassette up for auction years ago listed on eBay. Didn’t I need to—at least—see this Johnny Movie, just for the sake of completeness, and isn’t eBay my only option? I explained the situation to one of my friends: "Don't I need to buy it, just because?"


“Don’t do it!” she advised. So I didn’t.


Last year, though, I reluctantly convinced myself to do so, “for art's sake!” I put in a bid on eBay for $8. While I waited for the auction to end, it occurred to me to check YouTube for Johnny's Slow Burn scenes—and I found them! After watching them, I hoped that someone would outbid me on eBay, but no one did. 

Johnny as Donnie
©MCA

Here's the story: Private investigator Jacob Asch (Eric Roberts) is hired by Gerald McMurty (Raymond J. Barry) to find McMurty's ex-wife, Laine Fliescher (Beverly D’Angelo) and her teenage son, Donnie (Johnny), who may or may not be his. Asche ends up discovering a drug-related crime, uncovering lies and deceit, and falling for Laine. The important thing is that Donnie is kidnapped for ransom, and—to my great dismay—he is not rescued in time!


Despite being the center of a kidnapping plot, Johnny’s scenes are sparse and his character minor. The Kitties and I could not decide what to highlight (though we all agreed on his extreme cuteness and awesome hair). We opted to share all three scenes, so that—in a fit of obsessive behavior—you are not tempted to purchase this video on eBay.

In the first scene, Laine meets Donnie at his high school, in order to drive him home. She comes bearing the gift of new bright red high tops. Johnny does a good job seeming really excited about these.


In the next scene, Mr. Asch (as they call him) catches up with Donnie as he's leaving school and asks him about his deceased brother, Brian (the son who Mr. McMurty is seeking). Donnie is angry with him for having caused a domestic dispute the night before. Of all three, I like this scene the best, maybe because he has some substantial lines. (And, yes, Eric Roberts really laughs in that musical way.) 


In Johnny's final scene, Donnie’s bloodied body is discovered at the dump. The shock of this grisly sight causes his stepfather to have a heart attack and fall to the ground. Johnny’s Look of Death is much more convincing than Gordon’s, but Gordon was trying to cheer us up since we were all depressed by this horrific turn of events. Ces't la vie! 


Next month, Johnny goes to war with Oliver Stone in Platoon! 

Artificial

(Illustration Friday: July 30, 2010)


Comet goes to great lengths to avoid visiting the vet's office. (You may remember his last attempt here.) Today, he's hoping "Artificial Comet" will do the trick. He spent all day tearing up my orange duvet cover and stole some of dad's socks to do it. I think the paper ears may give it away, though. 


Happy August, Everyone! 

Double

I may not be as artistic as Liam, but here's my attempt at this week's Illustration Friday topic.



(Illustration Friday: July 23, 2010)


The first time Lily saw herself in the mirror, she didn't quite realize who she was looking at.

I'm back from a long relaxing weekend at home with family for a joint birthday celebration. As usual, Dad baked Mom and me a delicious birthday cake with whipped cream topping, and it was expertly decorated in kitty fashion by my 6-year-old nephew, Liam. While he may have had a little assistance from his mom, I think we can see who the real artiste is in this family. Yum yum!

Breakfast

(Illustration Friday: July 16, 2010)


Norman is ready to conquer the day.

Diary

(Illustration Friday: July 9, 2010) 


Simon is always writing in his journal in his quest to understand life. No one has read his chronicles, not even The Mother Kitty, but we're all sure that they'll end up in the Library of Congress someday.


I'm a bit behind in posting for Illustration Friday because of a quick trip to New York to catch Sting on his Symphonicities Tour. Yay! I highly recommend catching it while you can! I'll be getting back to a regular schedule once my delirium settles. 

Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #2--Private Resort (1985)

[What is Johnny Kitties? See Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp for all the details!]

©Columbia/
Tristar Studios

Johnny Depp actually survived A Nightmare on Elm Street and next signed up for a teen sex comedy called Private Resort. (Hard to believe, I know.) I feel as though every actor in the United States was in one of these movies back in the ‘80s, and I’m sure they are all a bit haunted by them.

I had hope for this one, though.  Not just because of Johnny's involvement, but his costars included Rob Morrow of "Northern Exposure" fame and—more impressive--Hector Elizondo, who’s in hundreds of good movies and TV shows. On the other hand, Andrew “Dice” Clay is also in it.

Johnny as Jack
©Columbia/
Tristar Studios 

You can probably guess from the title that this movie is about teenage boys on the prowl in a sunny vacation spot. In this case, it’s Miami. Johnny plays Jack, who spends all his time checking out the ladies in skimpy bikinis. Ben (Rob Morrow), his shy best friend, meets a sweet waitress, with whom love blossom. In the meantime, The Maestro--a jewel thief played by Hector Elizondo--is after a diamond necklace worn by of wealthy old lady, who has hidden kung fu talents. As you can imagine, chaos ensues.

Private Resort isn’t a shining moment in Johnny’s career, but it was a job that helped him pay the rent. Back then, his heart was all about music.  As he put it, “At the time, they could have said, ‘Listen, we’re gonna strap Dom Deluise to your back and you’re gonna climb this building,’ and I said, ‘Fine.’”

For me, there are too many boobs and bums in this movie, but it’s not the worst I’ve seen. This is a batty comedy, but it actually has some good slapstick moments. And there's Johnny--so young and so pretty....There are worse ways to spend 82 minutes.

All the Kitties wanted to be in this tribute because it meant a fun day in the sun. We decided to highlight the ensemble cast of crazy characters, lounging by the pool. We had to add some "extras" because there are too many of them, but The Kitties had first dibs on who they wanted to be. 

Here, Jack spots his latest conquest lounging on a float, and Ben (Comet) notices the cute waitress (Ashes, of course). Norman was the only one willing to play The Maestro because no one wanted to shave their shiny coats. (In the movie, Ben gives him an unfortunate haircut.) The Mother Kitty had the seniority to demand the part of the diamond-wearing socialite, but really she just wanted an excuse to do some kung fu fighting. Everyone agreed that Simon was perfect to play the 8-year-old kid on the loose in the resort, but they were all envious of B.J. who scored the role of the punk. (They may not have wanted to cut their hair, but they like the spikes!) 

And, yes, there is a girl who wears a turban throughout this movie, and she's very attached to that flowerpot. I said this movie was batty, right?  

Stay tuned for next month's Slow Burn! 

Giant!

(Illustration Friday: July 2, 2010)


As I have been doing several times in the last few weeks, due to the unbearable heat wave hitting DC, The Mother Kitty fell asleep during a movie and had a curious dream: Attack of the 50-Foot Kitty!


Happy July, everyone! I finished Kelly Rae Roberts's creative business e-course, "Flying Lessons," this weekend--Yay! I highly recommend it, even though I've already started procrastinating building my own creative business. I figure I can rest up while making a To Do List in my head for now.


I've also been working on Johnny Kitties: The Johnny Depp Project. (I think I have Season 1 of 21 Jump Street pretty well memorized at this point.) My next installment, Private Resort will be in a few days. 


Talking about side projects, remember that, for a small charitable donation, some of The Kitties' "Ripple" illustrations are still available. While Simon's and Comet's drawings are taken, you can see the remaining Kitties here. All proceeds help the animals affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill. (See The Ripple Blog for more details.) Please help--They will thank you! 

Satellite

(Illustration Friday: June 25, 2010)

The steamy summer days have led to starry nights. And on these nights, The Mother Kitty is usually busy working on one of her many scientific experiments.

Paisley

(Illustration Friday: June 18, 2010)

A paisley pattern of kitties...

I'm a little slow in posting this week. Blame the steamy DC weather for slowing my progress. (Naps and TV have been so much more enticing.) No matter--The Kitties haven't minded waiting in all  this paisley-ness.   

Ripple

(Illustration Friday: June 11, 2010)



This week, The Kitties headed to The Gulf of Mexico to help with the oil spill cleanup effort. Like everyone, The Mother Kitty was devastated by the images of the pelicans smothered in oil. She got straight to work! (Comet got a hug from one that he was helping.) Gordon made a new friend he found slithering nearby, while Ashes and B.J. dealt with the shellfish. She had a feisty conversation with the crabs, and he polished off some clams. (Some happy shrimp looked on after their baths.) Simon and Norman were the only ones willing to go into the water. Simon's swam with dolphins, and Norman scouted the deep for any fishes in trouble. (Right now, he's amid some safe schools.) Lily, meanwhile, learned lots from her new friend, Turtle, who is years and years and years older than she is--and all of us! (To see these illustrations individually, visit the Kitty Moments set on my Flickr account.)



Illustration Friday's topic, "Ripple," is corresponding with The Ripple Blog, which benefits charities fighting to save the animals affected by the Deepwater Horizon Catastrophe. Conceived by Kelly LIght, The Ripple Blog began on the 45th day of the spill. All artwork on The Ripple Blog are done on 2.5-inch x 3.5-inch sketch cards. Each one is sold for a $10 donation to either The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies or The International Bird Rescue Research Center. 


Check out Kelly's blog for more details. We can all do our part: Contribute your own artwork to her blog, or make a donation today! Thanks, Kelly, for this wonderful idea!

Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #1--A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

[What is Johnny Kitties? See Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp for all the details!]


Johnny Depp came to Los Angeles to be a musician, but when that wasn't working out as planned, he had to find something else to do to pay the rent. The girlfriend of his friend, Nicolas Cage, set him up with his first film audition, for a movie called A Nightmare on Elm Street. 


Looking to fill the part of "Glen Lantz," the boyfriend of the film's heroine, Director Wes Craven whittled down the candidates to three people. Johnny was among them, but he wasn't the front-runner until Wes Craven's teenage daughter had her say: 
"Daaaad! Johnny Depp!!! Oh, he's sexy! He's so sexy! He's a dreamboat!" 
"That guy? He's kind of pale and skinny..." 
"I think he's dreamy!" 


And, the rest is history. 

[©New Line Cinema]

A Nightmare on Elm Street became a classic '80s horror film. Freddy Krueger, a badly scarred murderer whose weapon of choice is a glove that has knives affixed to its fingers, haunts and kills his victims in their dreams. As I mentioned, Glen is the boyfriend of the film's heroine, Nancy Thompson. 

Johnny as Glen
[©New Line Cinema]

While I have a hard time watching scary movies, The Kitties and I like this one! (Apparently, many people did since there are five sequels--none of which should be confused with the recent remake.)  




Watching this, The Mother Kitty, Ashes, Lily, and I all preferred to draw the scene where Glen climbs the rose-filled trellis of Nancy's house up to her bedroom window for a surprise entrance. But we were out-voted because the rest of the world remembers Glen's death scene more than anything else. Johnny put it best:  "I get sucked into a bed and spew out like tomato juice!"



This moment is the right choice. Who can resist that outfit?


Coming up next month: Private Resort (1985)

Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp

Hi everyone,

Today, we're starting an exciting series! 

"Johnny, if Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?"

"Wow."

-James Lipton interviewing Johnny Depp, "Inside the Actor's Studio" (2002)

What is Johnny Kitties? It's Melissa's Kitties' tribute to the one and only Johnny Depp.

Why? It's for Johnny Depp, of course, who deserves a tribute just for being who he is. He's one of a kind and makes us all happy! (Thanks, Johnny!) Besides, it will be fun! It's all about joy and celebration. And, it's a perfect excuse for a fantastic film festival!

The Confession Origin: Everyone finds out pretty quickly that Johnny Depp is one of my most favorite people on the planet. I think it started in 1987, a year during which something must have been in the water because it seemed that I woke up some days obsessed with various people and things, all of which remain to this day.

Maybe "obsessed," with its negative connotation, is the wrong word since I mean no harm and am, in fact, very protective. But I'm sure my family and friends would not dispute it: After all, I did wallpaper my room at the time with his photos from every teen magazine available in Alliance, Ohio. (Is "hopelessly devoted" any better?)

Johnny Depp

Johnny and I are on a first name basis. (You have no idea how weird it was for me to type his full name!) It's not because I have permission but because, once I saw him on TV, everything became defined. 

Every Sunday night, nothing was more important to me than the latest episode of Johnny's show, FOX's 21 Jump Street at 7 p.m.--until it moved to Mondays at 8 p.m. The show continued after Johnny left it in 1990, but I have no memory of it. I must have stopped watching it when I followed him back to Hollywood. And, since I'm a very loyal person, here I am 23 years later, through thick and thin!

Johnny gives The Mother Kitty a pet.

 As with most other aspect of my life, Johnny's influence has spilled over to The Kitties. Maybe it was all those times they sat on my lap during repeated Johnny Movie marathons, but The Kitties are just as devoted. Over the years, various Illustration Friday challenges have already sent them on a few Johnny-related adventures. As my dad said when I told him my latest project idea, "But you already do that." Perhaps Johnny Kitties was inevitable....

Here's what The Kitties and I are doing:

The Objective: We're working our way through Johnny's filmography from the beginning, including the TV show. All drawings will star The Kitties, and we're aiming for one illustration per film/TV project – but who knows if Johnny's performance will spark more inspiration? It's been known to happen.

The Rules:

Gordon borrows one
of Johnny's hats.

• We plan to watch each film/TV project before starting an illustration.
• Watching movies ahead of time before completing a respective drawing is not allowed.
• Skipping films is prohibited. (Note: Drawings for cameo appearances are yet to be determined.)
• We aim to feature one film project drawing here on the 9th of each month (until we're current). Also, visit my Flickr account to view the Johnny Kitties Set, which will house all illustrations from this project. 
• Gordon has volunteered to portray Johnny in all illustrations. (You know what a fan he is, staying on my lap the longest during all those movies.) The other Kitties agreed that he was the best choice, as we've all seen his previous impeccable impressions. The rest of The Kitties and "kitty extras" will play supporting roles, as needed.

Note: Since Tigerlily arrived last November, after preparation for this project already began, she couldn't participate in the tributes to Johnny's first few films. I told her that this was okay, since they all had "R" ratings, and she was underage at the time. She's a quick study, up to speed, excited (always), and ready to go! She will join us from 21 Jump Street onward.

Start Date: June 9, 2010. (It's Johnny's birthday, of course! Is that on your mental calendars too?) Be sure to follow the Johnny Kitties series, with a new post/film tribute published on Melissa's Kitties on the 9th of every month going forward until we're up to date! 

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!! Enjoy!

First up is Film #1, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Let's get started! [See the first Johnny Kitties post here.]

Best,