100th Post

Today I reached 100!!! That's right, kitties, a way mark on this blogging journey!!! How fast it has gone...and would I do it all again? You betcha!!!

It seems this should be a post of substance then...Well, in looking back, I found a bit of a loose end with our Sez You discussion. Thanks to all of you for participating. And Jitendra from SezWho checked in as well. If you haven't read that comment, here it is:

The point of SezWho really is two fold:

1. Provide context on interactions
2. Provide a community based mechanism so that we can identify most sensible conversations etc. Not the what sensible means changes with context that is why it really helps to hear from the people participating in the conversations.

There is actually no need to get rated. In fact, high reputation users would start with a high default score.

So the idea is that on the internet when anybody can participate anywhere, isn't it good to identify who the good users are and get some context on them so that you can learn some interesting new things from them?

What do you think?

I was really pleased to hear from the good people at SezWho and felt it was worth doing a post just on this and I thought I would respond to Jitendra's question (and give you the same opportunity).

In the world of positive and negative, I always aim for the positive. I do not like to write ill of others or dwell to long on the unpleasant. Sometimes one must bring a little negative to light to deal with it, but the art is in turning it into something positive (like the Cumberland County animal shelter stuff).

What I have found since blogging is that not everyone appreciates Cats. I have read some deplorable things pertaining to cats, our blogging, and even cat art. It upsets me, but I haven't really brought it to light because I don't want to spread the negativity. Instead I ignore it and make a mental note not to visit that blogger again.

So, with that said, I do not necessarily trust the masses and other people to determine what good content is or is not. There are too many popularity contest out there in the blogisphere, and I fear SezWho may be affected by such things. This is why I do not plan to implement it on my blogs. I appreciate other people's opinions, but I unless it is someone I know to be a kindred spirit, I tend to consider the opinion, but not make discussions based on them. I have loved many movies the critics have hated. I have loved books that are never considered for the Best Seller list. I have enjoyed food that other cat's deem inedible...

However, I suspect other's may find the SezWho service valuable and insightful. I am not anti- SezWho. Maybe it will help eliminate the unthoughtful and immature comments and postings...But, I love tripping along the entrecard path and seeing where it will lead. I have read some amazing posts and the talent out there is inspirational. I have made many friends this way and find that I am happy enough, at the moment, with this.

How about you?

More Mo!!!!

Life has been incredibly fast paced as of late (as you may have noticed by my lack of dropping entrecards, comments, and such), but thanks for staying with me. My blue hamster thanks you, too!!!

But today is not another widget Wednesday, but indeed an art one. Perhaps you have seen the above art work? Look familiar? Nope, it wasn't on Etsy - rather, it is our beloved artist Mo (of Not the Momma fame). You might have seen it on Purrchance to Dream. I fell in love with the image as soon as I saw it...

Just had to share!!!

The Mattress

They say the sag
is too much
bad back
bad hips
old humans
They say
the mattress must go
put away
stored
forgotten
and my bed
my beloved bed
soft
instant comfort
will be taken away
and I will
be left
with the smell
of unfamiliar
cushion
and where will
my spot be?

Thrice is Nice - Cool Cats

Thank you all for your thoughts on SezWho...and for feeding my hamster!!!! They are such fun...if you don't have one there is nothing like a cyper pet!!!

So...who is the cool cat for the week? Since I missed last week (doodle, doodle, do), I decided thrice is nice. And therefore, I am entering the dark side of black cats...Actually today's cool cat questions are in two parts (okay - six parts - but we will run half today), so you'll have to wait for next Friday for the other half...The first segment is about the three beauties - Grr, Midnight & Cocoa...P.S. - If anyone say this early, my human was being dingy. It was not your imagination.


First - Cocoa



Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

The Lady's mom worked for See's Candies, so the people were trying to think of a chocolate name. They came up with Cocoa, and then the Allergic Girl was being funny and said "Milk Chocolate Butter Easter Egg", so the Lady took the letters MCBEE and used it for a last name. Now my real name is Cocoa McBee. Embarrassing, isn't it?

What is your life philosophy?

It's all about knowing what's yours and making sure others know it too. (the Lady says I'm very territorial)

What is the best trait for a human to have?

A good cuddler, and my Lady is the best!

What would you change about your life if you could?

I want the Lady all to myself.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
Snacks. I like Temptations (but they make me itchy) and I like fishy flakes. I like wet and dry food, but just a little at a time. I'm a snacker.

indoor/outdoor
Indoor. The outdoors is scary. I won't even go near an open door.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. But if I'm not getting petted enough, I have no problem walking over the keyboard and headbutting the mouse onto the floor.

affectionate/aloof
Affectionate. I love to be cuddled, I like my tummy petted, I curl up in laps, I give kisses to the nose and mouth, and I snuggle up against the Lady's chest and face to sleep, and I purrrrrrrrr.

catnip/milk
Nip! Love it! It makes me violent and I attack anycat that gets near, but I love it!

fish/pork
Both. Do I have to pick? Can I pick both?

animal shelter/pet shop
Save the strays! I was a 2 month old feral kitten sitting under a junk car when the Lady drove by and saw me. The teenagers put out a trap to catch me and they got me and my sister Midnight the first day, and Grr two days later. We're very happy we didn't have to grow up on the streets.


Second - Midnight



Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

I was named in honor of one of the kitties who came before. A big fluffy Maine Coon boy who belonged to our Lady's mom. I'm a girl, but it's a generic name.

What is your life philosophy?

Love everyone and everycat.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

Good neck scratching abilities (my neck, not their own), and I like them to wear cotton. I love to lick clothing and I prefer cotton.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I think all the other cats should leave my special mousie alone. It's MINE. My one and only favorite toy. No other mousie will do.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
Wet food. I eat with my sister Grr at the end of the hall, far away from those kittens.

indoor/outdoor
I haven't been outdoors since I was 2 months old, but I'd really like to explore out there. It looks and smells very interesting, and I'm pretty adventurous.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. I'm on one right now!

affectionate/aloof
Very affectionate. I'll reach out and tap people with my paw as they walk by, begging them to stop and pet me.

catnip/milk
I'd prefer milk. Sometimes a bit of nip is nice, but it doesn't usually do much for me.

fish/pork
HAM! I love all pork products!

animal shelter/pet shop
Our Lady volunteered at a shelter. It's a very good place to rescue homeless animals. She got several of them out and to good homes.

Third - Grrr



Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

When the Lady and the teenagers trapped me, I was a 2 month old feral kitten. They had already trapped my brother Cocoa and my sister Midnight two days before they got me. I was scared and angry and I sat in the trap and said Grrrrrrrrr! When the Allergic Girl got me out of the trap, she asked, "What are we going to call you?" I said, "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". They shortened it to only 2 R's and there you have it.

What is your life philosophy?

Eat, sleep and attack anyone that bugs you.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

The ability to play. If it wasn't for my (formerly) Blonde Girl spending hours and hours playing with me, I would have been a scared feral forever.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I'd have all the cats in this house live somewhere where I didn't have to deal with them...except Midnight. I love my sister.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food
I like both equally. I scoop up food with my paw and throw it on the floor to eat. Then I wash my paws in the water bowl.

indoor/outdoor
The first two months of my life were outdoors and scary. I prefer to be indoors, but I'd like for some bird and rodents to come in here too.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard
Lap. And ONLY the lap of my (formerly) Blonde Girl. No one else is allowed to cuddle me.

affectionate/aloof
I'm extremely aloof, until I decide it's time for petting. Then I seek out my purrson and insist that she cuddle and adore me.

catnip/milk
Nip makes me wild and violent - it's great stuff! All dairy products are good, especially whipped cream.

fish/pork
Meat! mmmmmmmmm!

animal shelter/pet shop
Animal shelters are the best places to adopt, but don't forget about the feral kittens living outside. They make very loving pets too. Catch a whole family like our people did!

A Quicky

I just found this...but it sounds like it would be fun to participate....

CALL FOR ANIMAL THEMED ART - August 5, 2008

Accepting artwork for: PET FANCY, a no-kill shelter fundraiser and animal related art exhibition. September 5 – November 28, 2008. Juror: Laurie Russell of Ruff Art. Cash Awards. All artists working in all mediums are invited to participate in this juried competition. Original work only. Maximum size: 40", ready to hang/present. Judged from slides & cds. Entry fee (portion of proceeds go to fundraiser).


For a prospectus send SASE to:

Director of Exhibitions
Box 6418
Statesville NC 28687

http://www.islandfordart.com

Cerulean

I have decided that I want a new pet. My humans aren't enough. I was thinking something kind of small...Rattitude inspired me. So why not a blue hamster!!! Everyone can use a blue hamster. I just wish she talked a little more...

I may not be on here long today, would you mind offering Cerulean a strawberry for me?

Sez You?

My human is running around like crazy, so I have dodged onto the computer while I had the chance.

Okay, I have been thinking about this whole entrecard and sezwho thing. I noticed some of you are participating and was curious as to your thoughts on it. All I really know about it is that there were some technical problems with it and entrecard over the weekend? The other thing I noticed is that it seems to be a rating system?

I have not activated or brought it onto this blog basically because of the later point. I do not know about rating other cat's posts or comments. This begins to feel like competitive blogging. I just want to go along in my fashion, reading what you have to say. Sometimes I comment (if I have something good or thoughtful to say), sometimes I don't. And I am not an everyday blogger 'cause I take the weekends off and occasionally I just can't get past my human to put something up. What drew me to blogging is the idea that it is sort of like a web journal of the everyday, but one in which others are invited along for the ride. Sometimes I have brilliant days, and on others, not so...well, you get the point. I am not sure I need to be reminded that I am having an off day at those times. To me , it seems like it takes the joy out of it.

But, I am open to other points of view...

The Cold Box Meme

Back to basics and the regular stuff on my blog. Huge thank you for all the comments on my doodles last week. It has quite encouraged me!

One thing that I am soooo late with is that the good folks and cats behind Karen & Gerard Zemek's blog tagged me for the Cold Box Meme (yeah, I know, bad kitty and all that for taking this long to post it...)


Here are the directions for the cold box meme:

Show us a photo of the front of your Cold Box and tell us about at least one thing on it and one thing you keep inside of it! Tag your friends and remember to stay COOL! Here is our Cold Box!

So let's see...the above picture is our cold box. My food dish sits beside it as, does the heater, which is in storage for the season. We live in a one room cottage, so storage is at a premium (so my human tells me). When it comes to what is on the front of the cold box...nothing...but on the side of it (my feeding side) are printed out copies of old photos of my Pops (my human's father - we all miss him very much since he passed away), my Pops with my Mim (my human's mother) and a picture of my human, Mim and my human uncle.

My FAVORITE thing inside the Cold Box is my smelly goodness!!! My human refused to photograph it (IT IS NOT GROSS!!!!) and then there is something about free advertising for the pet food company...

Okay - I tag:
Angus Mohr
Rattitude
Lee at tarheelramblings.com
...and anyone else who has not participated in this...

Cat-astrophe - Doodle Evil

The most evil thing I could think of that affects me is an empty food bowl. Food bowls should never ever be empty. There is truly nothing worse than expecting to find you bowl to be full of crunchy goodness (except in the morning when we get smelly goodness)...and it is empty. I don't care if my human just hasn't gotten around to filling it or if Killer snuck in and ate everything - EVIL, I say!!!

Catalonia - Doodle Vacation

Well, even if I'm not there (I wish I was - minus the travel issues of getting there), hello Catalonia. That sounds like a great destination for a cat, doesn't it? I actually know nothing about Spain, but I hear the catnip is plentiful there.

My Catnip -Doodle Garden

Well...I'm an indoor sort of girl so the only garden I know is the potted plants by the fireplace. They smell so good...heavenly...la...la...la...how I love my catnip!!!

I'm a little discouraged by the lack if Mr. Linky use...so I wonder if it is not working right. If you tried to leave a link yesterday and could not let me know.

Also, if you came for the art feature...the regular postings will resume next week.

Catmos - Doodle Space

Cosmos - catmos...get it...outer space. Yes, I know that one so pushed the levels of cat decency. And now for the really boring part...why my human thought we should doodle my eye for outer space (I hate it when SHE does this). In the various theories of human development, there is the idea that humans go through an animal or primal stage, where they do not separate themselves from the universe. Therefore all that is, is all that they are. That being the case, if that is an animal state, then, well, there you have it...I am all that is...inner and outers space.

Doodle Bug

I am a Cat-a-pillar....(okay maybe a cat on a pillar). Anyway, I enjoyed doodling last go round, so I though I would take this week to doodle (as time allows). Are you doodling this week?

Cool Cat Vladimer!

What the heck happened to yesterday? I think I slept right through it. I remember there was food and then soft blankets...

Anyway, I bet you are here for the Questions for Cool Cats today and whom am I to disappointed you? I have awoke just in time! May I now present to you one of my Aussie friends- Vladimir. Sometimes I sort of think he is like the Larry King of our species (I think Larry King is pretty cool). You will find him at www.catgossip.com - Vladimir, not Larry King.

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

The Golden Gate is the unofficial symbol of Vladimir, a thousand year old city in Russia. As a kitten I was abandoned in a cardboard box under a bridge over a creek...The creek was rising and I was almost swept away. The woman found me about to leave this physical world and cross through the Heavenly Golden Gates. She fancies herself as being droll but it could have been worse, I may have been called Bullrushes or something equally inane. Besides, Vladimir suits me. I am a dignified and sober cat. Everyone will tell you..

What is your life philosophy?

No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.

What is the best trait for a human to have?

Servility.

What would you change about your life if you could?

I would remove all possums from the planet. They are noisy, messy and totally unnecessary. Besides, one of them bit me many years ago and I had to go to the Torture Place to have stitches, bandages and foul tasting capsules, which the woman tried (not always successfully) to force down my throat.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food

Dry food is for the birds.

indoor/outdoor

There's nothing wrong with being outdoors for 10 minutes in the morning sun. I recommend it. Vitamins you realize, and one must ensure nothing untoward has happened overnight, such as rain.

lap sitter/or computer keyboard

The woman has most kindly obtained a fluffy knitted rug which she places over her knees while she plays with the keyboard. This used to make her lap more comfy for me. She says it's to keep us both warm but I know it's really for the drool. She doesn't like my drool.

affectionate/aloof

Aloof of course. A cat of my status just cannot be friendly to all and sundry. Unless I want something.

catnip/milk fish/pork

Steamed chicken breast is my favourite and the occasional coddled egg.

animal shelter/pet shop

Alas. I was an orphan. I have answered this question when explaining my name. It's a deep wound but I have overcome my feelings of rejection.

A Siamese in Collage

Thanks to Sukie and Luka and Ezri (you are definitely very cool rats) for sending me cool thoughts. I do think it helped, at least enough to get me inspired to look for some cool Siamese art to share with you for this Wednesday.

Well, though I am partial to paintings (Monday's post will tell you why...if you read between the lines), I do like to throw a few curve balls into the mix and center on different mediums. So how about this one, a collage by Tailormade? The collage is made out of a combination of fabric, tissue and papers. The artist even uses quilting stick techniques to define certain ideas. I love the contrast between the dark flowered print for the Siamese and the light background.

Will Somebody Please Turn Off The Heat

Not literally (this is an old picture). It's hot. I wish my human would turn on the air conditioning. In fact it is so hot, that I am just going to leave you with this old picture and few words. Sorry. Cranky me.

Let the Celebration Begin

My human has this ego-centric side - SHE tries to play all humble and modest, but really - enough is enough. Just celebrate already!!! SHE had her first magazine article published - one that she both actually wrote and took the pictures for (SHE has gotten a little lethargic about magazine photo credits). It is an article in the Tennessee Conservationist and it is about HIM! That's right (write), she wrote an article about Ken Smith and a painting series he is doing for Historic Fort Loudoun. Unfortunately, the magazine is a little hard to come by (it is published by the Tennessee government), but hopefully the magazine will grant us the right to include a PDF or something of it on our blogs. By the way, that's HIM in the picture to the left.

Anyway, here is the press release about it and one of the pictures the article is about:

Press Release

Ken Smith’s Fort Loudoun Paintings Featured in Magazine

WHO: Ken Smith, Historical Artist

WHAT: Tennessee Conservationist Includes an Article About Historical Artist Ken Smith and His Fort Loudoun Painting Commission

WHEN: July 2008

WHERE: Tennessee Conservationist Magazine

When flipping through the pages of this month’s Tennessee Conservationist, one cannot help but notice an article about historical artist Ken Smith and his Fort Loudoun Painting series. Looking at the two completed oil paintings, one is taken back in time to the beginnings of the British occupation of the fort site in what is now Vonore, Tennessee. Maybe it is the regal Cherokee chief in “Over the Hills” or the desperation seen in the faces of the provincial solider in “Mud & Blood” that allows one to forget about the modern chaos of society. However, there is more to preserving these moments artistically than putting oil on canvas; planning, coordinating, composing, researching the details, and an amount of sweat that might leave one astonished.

This month’s issue of the Tennessee Conservationist magazine chronicles the process that Smith uses to create his oil paintings. In the article “Oil and Sweat: An Artist’s Perspective of the history of Ft. Loudoun,” Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at these paintings commissioned by the Fort Loudoun Association for the park’s 250th anniversary of its founding. This is a five year project, with each year adding a new depiction of the time when Red Coats and Cherokees roamed the locale. The article discusses the very human aspects of Smith's work including his models and their experience in the artistic process.

“I always find it interesting to see the behind-the-scenes activity that goes into a piece of visual art, and I’m happy that Tennessee Conservationist readers will have a chance to see a little of the artistic process of the Fort Loudoun series” Smith says about the article.

The Tennessee Conservationist is published bi-monthly by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation. For information about the magazine, visit www.tennessee.gov/environment/tn_consv/.

Smith is the Creative Director for Media South, a full-service design and marketing company in Knoxville, Tennessee. He holds a BFA from the University of Tennessee, an MA from Syracuse University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Hartford. He is also available for commissions and portraits. To see more of Smith’s work, visit www.kensmithhistoricalart.com.

Cool Cat Parker!

What a lazy day!!! SHE slept in , so I had to wait for her to get out of bed before I could begin and share with you an interview with Perfectly Parker (Purrfect)!!! Hey check out her eyes. They are the coolest...sort of the best of both worlds...blue and cat-eye color.

Is there a story behind your name and if so what is it?

My name was destined to start with a "P." There was no doubt about this because Puff and Powder were already here and I had a "One Who Came Before" sister-kitty named Payton who was very dear to the family. My name had to start with "P" and when my Daddy first spotted this feral, skinny, sorry-looking kitty in the alley behind his apartment (me!!!), the "I wonder what I can name this kitty" had started - even before my Mommy knew I existed. If you click on my Catster badge you can learn a lot more about this. Anyway, as I started to trust Daddy and it became apparent that I was going to join the family, Mommy and Daddy started to try out names. Here are some examples that did not pass the test - Pumpkin (please, me? Pumpkin?), Posey, Pandora, Pella, Piker, Puck, Peeker and Pouilly (pronounced Poo-Lay) 'cause that's my Mom's favorite wine. Pouilly almost was my name, but Mommy did NOT want my nickname to be "Poo." Parker seemed to fit and I would look at Daddy when he said it. Parker it was - but here's the thing a lot of you kitties don't know. My name is pronounced like this...."Paaaakha." Why? Because of a little girl who lived in the apartment next to my Daddy. She was fascinated by me and always would point at me and say "Paaaaaaaakha!" It stuck. And I am glad it did, ‘cause if you knew me in real life, I am a Paaaaaaaaakha.

What is your life philosophy?

Being a formerly feral kitty, my life philosophy is quite simple. Be happy with what you have. Always remember to show love. Grab all of the gusto out of life, if you see a toy mousie, play with it! Never say no to catnip or a good snuggle with your human; always savor your Temptations treats!

What is the best trait for a human to have?

This is simple. If they don’t have love in their heart, they aren’t worth a bag of used kitty litter.

What would you change about your life if you could?

Not much. I know how lucky I am. I think I would have liked to have found my forever home a little quicker than I did.

Which describes you more? Feel free to elaborate:

wet food/dry food

Any food, I am not a picky girl, but HAM!!!! Is my most favorite food of all.

indoor/outdoor

I started life as an outdoor kitty, I am now an indoor kitty. Indoor is much, much better!

lap sitter/or computer keyboard

I like both. I even have a mini-laptop Gizzy quilt for the times I like to nap on the computer!

affectionate/aloof

I was aloof when I was younger. I now find affectionate much more to my liking!

catnip/milk

‘Nip, ‘Nip, ‘Nip!!!

fish/pork

HAM!!! HAM!!! HAM!!! HAM!!!

animal shelter/pet shop

I am formerly feral, Mommy volunteers at shelters, and there is a kitty overpopulation crisis. I’ll let your readers guess this answer.

Arte y Pico Award

Sometimes thing happen in life that are completely unexpected - like being honored and awarded. Last week, while in the throws of the emotions of the Cumberland County Shelter issues, Karen and Gerard Zemek awarded me the Arte y Pico Award. Like the Zemek blog, this is my very first and only such award. It is very meaningful. Karen and Gerald, you have made this little cat purr!

So now it seems, it is my turn to pass this honor on to other blogs that I find inspiring and such. Five is the magic number, though and so I must narrow it down.

But first, here are the rules for this award:

This award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, also for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others."

What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!!!

The rules for passing this honor on:

1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to. (This is the hard part--there are just so many good ones around it was difficult to choose just five.)

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. http://arteypico.blogspot.com.

Here is my list of recipients:

Simply Cats - This wonderful blog is all about the adventures of three marvelous cats, Suki, Livvie, and Mitzi, and written by them with the help of their humans. They were my very first blogging friends!

Purrchance to Dream - This is a great cat blog with fabulous resources, plus Mo of Not the Momma is really community-minded, creative and gracious.

THAT MUTT: A Dog Blog - Yeah, I hear you - what's a nice cat like me doing reading a dog blog. Truth is Lindsay has shown me a lot of insight into the canine world. Plus, my buddy Scout hangs out there. Happy belated birthday, Scout!!!

Rattitude - Some might say this blog is a little over the top, I mean really, a blog about rats. But oddly, like a train wreak, I had to stop and look. Then I got addicted (and tempted). I believe it is by a lovely human named Winona.

The Junk Drawer - I had to even this out with a human blog. When ever my human reads Kathy's blog, she gets absorbed and is unaware that I take those moments to nibble on Killer's food.

In the Mood for Nesting

And now for something even a bit more different. Today's artist is one who creates nesting dolls, but instead of being the traditional people nesters - it's all cats. I have often thought a "Darwinian Food Chain" subject would be kind of cool for nesters, but I guess that is gruesome. What about if the cat nester's had the smallest one as a mouse? That could be truly satisfying!

Anyway, I am not sure who the human is behind this nifty item, but they go with moniker Homecraftscatalog on Etsy.

Just an Update from Cumberland County

Just thought you would like to know that my email from Saturday to the mayor's office in Cumberland County actually got a response. Here it is:

Thank you for your concern about the animal shelter in Cumberland County.

Effective July 1, 2008, Cumberland County has assumed control of the animal shelter.

All of the animals are being fed and cared for, no animals were euthanized.

The facility is operating under the guidance of a certified animal control agency.