Friday, March 29, 2024
black catscatsdaily photojelly beanmr. sunshine

Daily Photo: Can We Just Enjoy Our Sunny Nap?

two black cats at top of stairs
Wow, this sun is really nice

Wow, this sun is really nice. And there’s a lot of it. I can hardly stay awake.

zzzzzzzz………

She’s down there with her camera, isn’t she?

two black cats at top of stairs
Is she down there with her camera?

(Opens one eye a tiny little bit.) She’s right on us.

two black cats at top of stairs
Yeah, she’s pointing it right at us.

Let’s just ignore her.

 

two black cats at top of stairs
Let’s just ignore her.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz………..

two black cats at top of stairs
Zzzzzzzzz.

I just can’t sleep with her pointing that thing at us and moving around and talking.

two black cats at top of stairs
Let’s just ignore her harder.

Will you ask her?

two black cats at top of stairs
It’s hard to sleep when I know she’s there.

Will you just go away so we can nap?

two black cats at top of stairs
Can we just have our nap?

Well, I got my pictures.

~~~

From Instagram

Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day

This was last Saturday, April 17, founded by Ingrid King in honor of Ruby’s homecoming day. I’m obviously late sharing the big day here. I need a few more hours in each day for social networking, but at least I finally get around to it at some point.

tortoiseshell cat block prints
Tortie girls block prints.

So I spent Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day with these two tortie girls! I had a pair of matted framed hand-tinted prints to send out so I had to make new sets of prints of each The Goddess Cookie and The Roundest Eyes Kelly for 2021.

tortoiseshell cat block prints
The actual blocks I use to print.

I cut the linoleumblocks for these two blockprints 20 years ago, in 2001. Each time I pick them up to print, I carefully check them over, because linoleum blocks don’t last forever. Edges may start to crumble or curl, the flat areas start to sag, and the linoleum may become to soft or too hard to print with clean inked areas and edges. In fact 20 years is quite a long time. When I began printing this time they were a little messy, and I was frantic that both blocks might be unusable from now on. But after I finished a few, washed up and put them away to think about what to do, the next day the blocks were in fine shape. They just needed to be reconditioned with moisture, patted dry, and then let sit overnight to absorb it. I made my dozen of each, and they are as purrfect as they were the very first time I printed them.

I print the black ink, then each print is handtinted with #watercolor and let dry. I double mat them with specially chosen mat boards, and frame them with a matte black frame. I’ll be shipping them out tomorrow, and in this case, one of the two girls is in memory of a special tortie cat and the other one is a gift for a father who loves #torties too.

tortoiseshell cat block prints
“The Goddess”

You can see my studio supurrvisors were right on the ball. At least they made a nice spot to catch all my paper scraps.

tortoiseshell cat block prints
tortoiseshell cat block prints

I also make a lot of gift items with the tortie girls on them, like tote bags and trays and wood-mounted prints and even garden flags. Find everything available here.

 

From the Back Yard and Beyond

Mother Goose keeps a careful eye on me as she sits on her nest under a honeysuckle bush. I was not that close to her, I was using my telephoto lens.

I went on an unexpected walkabout Tuesday. I took my car for an alignment, and also had a leak of something that showed up on the driveway in rather large amounts, and bear in mind, this is the brand new used car. The garage I took it to was concerned about all the transmission fluid, it turned out, all over the underside of the car and suggested I have my transmission looked at. I found a wonderful business at the other end of town, drove my car down and talked to them. It’s not something that was there when I bought the car. Car is going to cost another $2K to fix this, so if you were ever interested in buying a piece of artwork, getting a portrait or buying a gift item, now is the time to do it!

Since it was a warm afternoon and I had my camera with me, I decided to go and explore/reexplore a new/old trail. This took time I hadn’t anticipated spending, but concerned about the car and money, exploring a place with my camera helps me relax and let go of it so that I can get a perspective. And interesting photos.

It’s a strip of land between Chartiers Creek and the industrial park on the west end of town where a single rail line traveled across the creek to the next community to the south, now quite overgrown, that we had once wanted to develop into a walking trail. The creek channel is quite deep here, the banks are steep and around the bend it’s steep hills with no development at all.

All the wild animals were having a great time on a warm spring afternoon. I saw several Canada geese, like Mother Goose, and three young male geese who were walking around looking for something to do, camouflaged mallards, deer on the opposite bank, the tracks with bonus spiderweb, Robinson Run enters Chartiers Creek here.

Also, not pictured, Muscovy ducks, cottontail rabbits, lots of chattering birds.

Then there was all the cool stuff in the industrial park, but…another day.

I have a couple of posts for this on my photo blog Today:

www.bernadettestoday.com/mother-goose/

The post about the three male geese is actually a story post with lots more photos.

www.bernadettestoday.com/the-three-geese-and-the-concert-at-the-creek/

From around this date in past years

Three Silhouettes

three black cat silhouettes
Three black cat silhouettes

Whether together or apart, hope you are all sharing a virtual box with friends and family today (Easter Sunday). I don’t often get the front and back images of their groupings, but their expressions often belie their silhouettes. Mewsette, Sunshine and Giuseppe.

three black cats in box
Their actual expressions.

 

My Afternoon on the Trail

I am so far behind with posting here, despite the fact I’ve had articles lined up to share for weeks. Getting the work to get the money to get the car really took a bit of time. Last week and over the weekend I was organizing last year’s financials and current ones, and applying for grants and unemployment compensation. And then spring has me kind of frantic with photographing everything that blooms, all the new sun on my cats, and interesting things on my walks to Main Street, plus spending a little bit of time working in the yard each day as well as seed starting activities. I never wish I could just focus better and not see these things and thereby have to share them, I only wish there was more time to share more.

On Easter Sunday, the day after I got the car, I decided to visit the Panhandle Trail. For the first time in two years I could comfortably walk my favorite trail in the woods, and I had a car to drive myself there. As soon as I stepped into the woods all worries dropped away and I saw only the wonder of new life all around me. So here are my photos from that walk because I kind of figure many of you are interested in these things.

I found the Fern family celebrating with a Spring Party in the woods this afternoon. I was celebrating being able to get there in my new car and my ability to hike in the woods for four hours after my hip replacement! It’s the first time I’ve done this in about two years.

fiddlehead ferns
The Fern Family.

Just some of the wildflowers blooming now in the woods.

I was barefoot on the trail for the first time this year. How good to feel the earth against the soles of my feet. I had some cleanup to do when I got home!

bare feet
Bare feet.

Up and down the trail I call the wildflower walk! I’ve missed it and welcoming all the flowers. I’m glad I can enjoy this trail again.

Two interesting photos of the limestone highwall in the old quarry pond reflecting on the water.

And…a new painting. Though I’d taken pastels and papers with me the weather was drizzly and that doesn’t work well with pastels. I knew of two scenes I wanted to paint, but when I got home I was darned hungry, the sun had come out before sunset, and Mimi and I went out into the yard. The need to create the painting stayed with me and I decided Tuesday I’d better just do it. Looking over my artwork in preparation for my Panhandle Trail exhibit last year I realized I was deficient in spring artwork and was happy to be able to sketch at least a small one, 7 x 9 inches. I wasn’t so sure about it when I’d finished it, but it’s really grown on me, and looking at it on my wall here in my studio I know it’s perfect for the event. It’s called “Social Isolation”. That’s part of what I go into the woods for, and while it may seem strange in everyday life, sometimes it’s a good thing. The reference photo is in the gallery above.

pastel sketch of trail in the woods
Social Isolation, pastel, 7 x 9 © Bernadette E. Kazmarski

From around this date in past years

Sienna Gets Tips From Mimi, 2018

Sienna spends time with Mimi.
Sienna spends time with Mimi.

Sienna joined us in the studio the other day while Mimi was enjoying a sunbath in the late afternoon. Sienna is still a little cautious about the cats she hasn’t developed a relationship with yet—so many other cats! And Sienna has to get to know them each one by one. And this meeting was important to Sienna because she typically steals all the time on my lap she can get, and with Mimi at the window it was wide open for her, but she bypassed me and went to sit next to Mimi. Mimi isn’t always keen about sharing her studio time or her sunny spot, but she was fine with Sienna joining her. But the two sat side by side, at first touching noses, a shot I missed because my work lights were in the way, then looking out the window watching the birds and the squirrels, people and cars out in the street, and the neighbor’s cat on his porch.

Birdwatching can be like tennis.
Birdwatching can be like tennis.

~~~

Siblings Day

Siblings Day
Siblings Day

We’re tired of getting our photo taken. The human heard it was siblings day so we had to sit still here until she got a good one. Can we have second breakfast now?

. . . . . . .

What other photos have I posted on or around this date?

.

Wordless Wednesday: Studio Cat Basil, 2017

Studio Cat Basil
Studio Cat Basil

~~~

Basil, 2017

Basil enjoying the sunny studio windowsill.
Basil enjoying the sunny studio windowsill.

Basil’s typically not one of the windowsill crew in the studio, but instead prefers a nice box or basket on my work table, or lolling about upside down in a tangled position on my lap—or stealing my chair when I stand up. But here he found a nice sunny spot on the windowsill and enjoyed it for several hours, as I was totally distracted by enjoyed his quiet enjoyment of the sun and trees and warm air and bird songs. Here’s another photo I took that afternoon too.

. . . . . . .

What other photos have I posted on or around this date?

.

Catching Up With This Week, 2016

They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. First Mr. Sunshine and Mewsette get in position.
They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. First Mr. Sunshine and Mewsette get in position.

Working my way backward from Saturday to last Tuesday, here are the photos I posted this past week.

You can always tell, when I don’t post at all, that work and things needed time and I had to give up posting for a few days. I’m still building Portraits of Animals, Hamlet and Ophelia have been moving forward and backward and needing time, I had to focus on two websites and other work for the week, my brother needed a few things, I took my camera for repairs, one of the ferals I’ve been helping the neighbor trap gave birth to her kittens on Thursday, the list goes on. But my cats never quit being inspiring, especially on the rare sunny day—Tuesday was overwhelming with the sunshine, as well as touching Hamlet’s belly.

It was really hard to choose the featured image for this post and I almost broke it up into several posts to be sure each group of photos got their due. Just scroll down and enjoy all the pictures!

Saturday is often a day in the kitchen, and that traditionally includes making a pot of soup and some baking and some other cooking. Today was just a pot of soup as everyone slowly gathers in the warm steamy kitchen on a cold and snowy day.

They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. Then Giuseppe joins them. Mr. Sunshine is dozing off in the warmth of cooking soup.
They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. Then Giuseppe joins them. Mr. Sunshine is dozing off in the warmth of cooking soup.
They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. Mimi joins them, but Mr. Sunshine is interested in continuing his nap.
They slowly gather for Saturday Soup Day. Mimi joins them, but Mr. Sunshine is interested in continuing his nap.
Ophelia is very happy to have her windowsill back. We won't be opening the window for a few days with the cold so I took down the baby gate.
Ophelia is very happy to have her windowsill back. We won’t be opening the window for a few days with the cold so I took down the baby gate.
Snow
Snow. Basil.

Thursday

And where were you? Mimi, Mewsette and Mr. Sunshine want to know.
And where were you? Mimi, Mewsette and Mr. Sunshine want to know.
The cat pile with normal evening light.
The cat pile with normal evening light.
The cat pile with the lights on.
The cat pile with the lights on.

Tuesday

Hamlet this morning. I touched the belly this time. Once they decided it was all "okay" they are changing every day.
Hamlet this morning. I touched the belly this time. Once they decided it was all “okay” they are changing every day.
Hamlet this morning. I touched the belly this time. Once they decided it was all "okay" they are changing every day.
Hamlet this morning. I touched the belly this time. Once they decided it was all “okay” they are changing every day.
If there wasn't such beauty on a sunny morning I would probably get more done...Bella let the lace curtain down and then did a graceful little performance, stopping for poses. I have more photos than I know what to do with. And Mimi and I went outside, and Hamlet and Ophelia are out and about, and the boys put on a show too. I'm just trying to hold it together to get work done. More photos to come.
If there wasn’t such beauty on a sunny morning I would probably get more done…Bella let the lace curtain down and then did a graceful little performance, stopping for poses. I have more photos than I know what to do with. And Mimi and I went outside, and Hamlet and Ophelia are out and about, and the boys put on a show too. I’m just trying to hold it together to get work done. More photos to come.
One more from yesterday's sunny morning and Bella with her customized lace curtain.
One more from yesterday’s sunny morning and Bella with her customized lace curtain.
Sunny morning frolic. Giuseppe enjoys a sunbath while Mr. Sunshine tells Bella not to block his light. I can't straighten photos in this camera, it's okay I guess.
Sunny morning frolic. Giuseppe enjoys a sunbath while Mr. Sunshine tells Bella not to block his light. I can’t straighten photos in this camera, it’s okay I guess.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.
Some shadowplay with Mimi this morning.

Gifts featuring cats you know! Visit Portraits of Animals

AfterDinnerNap-Etsy

Fine Art • Photography • Gifts • Greeting Cards • Books • Commissioned Portraits & Artwork

charcoal sketch of two black cats asleep
“Front and Back”, white and black charcoal on toned paper, 8″ x 5″ © Bernadette E. Kazmarski

Giuseppe and Jelly Bean were sharing the same spot of sun on the landing today, contentedly tucked side to side, facing opposite directions. Jelly Bean looks like just a pile of something. Giuseppe at least has ears. They were absolutely fast asleep. Read more and purchase.



Copyright

All images and text used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission, although links to your site are more than welcome and are shared. Please ask if you are interested in using and image or story in a print or internet publication. If you are interested in purchasing a print of an image or a product including it, check my animal and nature website Portraits of Animals to see if I have it available already. If you don’t find it there, visit Ordering Custom Artwork for more information on a custom greeting card, print or other item.


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Sunday: Essays, Pet Loss, Poetry, The Artist’s Life

Monday: Adoptable Cats, TNR & Shelters

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Wednesday: Commissioned Portrait or Featured Artwork

Thursday: New Merchandise

Friday: Book Review, Health and Welfare, Advocacy

Saturday: Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat, Living Green With Pets, Creating With Cats

And sometimes, I just throw my hands in the air and have fun!

 
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Bernadette

From health and welfare to rescue and adoption stories, advocacy and art, factual articles and fictional stories, "The Creative Cat" offers both visual and verbal education and entertainment about cats for people who love cats, pets and animals of all species.

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