Happy holidays!

Hi everyone,

I'm still here!

I know it's been far too long, but I apparently needed this break. Life has gotten in the way of my creativity. Among other things, I had to find a new job, while my old one was puttering out. Luckily, I found a good one, but I'm still adjusting to all new daily routines.

I thought I'd have time to draw a few kitties, but distractions keep coming and going one after another. (Now, the Kitties are distracted by Christmas boxes, wrapping paper, and ribbon!)

Once things settle down, Melissa's Kitties will be back. I have several ideas brewing, like building a website and shop, refocusing my blog, and having the Kitties invade Instagram. You can look forward to two new kitties joining our family, long-overdue book and event reviews, and the latest Johnny Kitties tribute.

In the meantime, enjoy the season! See you in January!

Best,

Neighbor

I haven't meant to be away from my blog, but I'm still distracted from drawing. I'm slowly trying to get back into a routine, which I hope will happen soon.

In the meantime, The Kitties are finding plenty to do. For example, here Tyrone goes to hang out with the neighbors. Have fun!

(Illustration Friday: July 28, 2017)

Sailor

Comet was first to volunteer to pay tribute to one of his silent film era heroes, Buster Keaton, recreating this scene from The Navigator (1924).

And I thought cats didn't like water....

Portrait

Hi everyone,

I'm having trouble focusing on drawing this summer, but the ideas are in my head and I hope to slowly get back into it now.

Kitties don't pose often for portraits, but I did my best to capture them here.

(You might notice some extra guests here. They are always practicing their ninja moves, but I will introduce them to the Melissa's Kitties family when I can get them to sit still.)

(Illustration Friday: July 7, 2017)

Love

This is part of Lily's nightly routine. I didn't even ask for it.

(Illustration Friday: June 30, 2017)

Three

The Kitties are good with numbers.

(Illustration Friday: June 16, 2017)

Sprout

Sometimes I question Norman's embellished memories of the day Mini joined our family. However, she does not dispute any of his claims.

(Illustration Friday: June 23, 2017)

Skate

One time, I came home and this was happening in the garage.

(Illustration Friday: June 9, 2017)

Mind

Sometimes, Simon has brilliant ideas. But, most of the time, he's just happy to see you.

(Illustration Friday: May 26, 2017)

Team

Thanks for an another great season, Celtics! (Okay, Orioles, let's play ball!)

(Illustration Friday: May 19, 2017)

Resist

Some cat toys are irresistible.

(Illustration Friday: May 5, 2017)

Shoe

Sometimes, Lily tries on my boots.

(Illustration Friday: April 28, 2017)

Mother

The mothers in our family – Mini, The Mother Kitty, and Polly (our honorary Golden Retriever-Kitty) – got together for this sweet portrait.

(Illustration Friday: May 12, 2017)

Fable

Even Norman knows that these are some words to live by....

(Illustration Friday: April 14, 2017)

Illusion

I don't know where The Kitties are, but it certainly makes them stretchy.

(Illustration Friday: April 7, 2017)

Hot

On really hot days, Simon flattens out.

(Illustration Friday: March 31, 2017)

Umbrella

I didn't make it down to the National Mall this year to see the Cherry Blossoms, but The Mother Kitty never misses it.

(Illustration Friday: March 24, 2017)

Delicious

Mmmm, catnip is delicious!

Illustration Friday: April 21, 2017

Snail

Simon is great at making friends.

(Illustration Friday: March 17, 2017)

Punk

Like most cats, Ashes doesn't enjoy bath time. Yet she can't deny the funky results.

(Illustration Friday: March 10, 2017)