Awakening, matted and framed, linoleum block print © B.E. Kazmarski

Quote reads: “‘Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.’–Anatole France. Dedicated to my prince and princess and all those since who’ve awakened their part of my soul.

Because they opened my heart and awakened my soul, I have a special piece of artwork on Valentine’s Day.

“Awakening” is a linoleum block print, 16″ in diameter, printed in water-based ink on handmade white rice paper. For Valentine’s Day I’m offering a print matted with a rich red mat to encircle your feline loves.

ABOUT THE CATS

“Awakening” was inspired by my close companions Kublai and Sally who ran the household together for about 12 years and who actually slept curled like this. I enjoyed following the inspiration to combine the image of the two cats with the decorative border simply made of shapes and patterns that were both attractive and easy to cut in a block print.

Detail of Kublai

I had seen the quote in a number of different places, and of all the quotes about how animals fill our souls this one, the concept of awakening, I found most moving. These two cats, especially Kublai, the “original” black cat, were a major part of my awakening not only to animals but to love in general.

Aside from the fact that they were both loving, friendly and social, they were complete opposites in the way they expressed this love and were as different in temperament as they were in color and texture as the loose reference to yin and yang illustrates.

In their own ways they nurtured about 30 foster cats of widely differing ages and social abilities, just as they nurtured me in the years they shared my life.

Detail of Sally

“Kublai” is somehow derived from the word for “prince” in Sanskrit, and “Sally” is derived from the word for “princess”—Sarah—in Hebrew.

Block printing is a technique wherein the artist carves the surface of a piece of linoleum, leaving raised areas which will become the image. Ink is rolled onto these raised areas, then a piece of paper is pressed against the block and when it’s lifted away the ink remains, leaving the image on the paper.

I also print this image on textiles, such as t-shirts, curtains, tablecloths, shawls and tote bags! Please check my apparel and housewares categories to see what’s currently available.

Because of the nature of the medium, each print is unique and ink coverage is not always perfect. Most artists consider this random activity to be part of the process of creating an individualized print, and along with the hand-painting makes a unique work of art. “

Mat and frame for print.

ABOUT THE PRINT

Mat is an acid-free rich red, my favorite shade to coordinate with plain black and white block prints; not too bright, not too dull. I cut the circular mat myself in my studio; the narrowest portion of the mat is 1.5″. The frame is a 1″ wide plain black matte-finish wood. The final framed size is 21″ x 21″.

I have two matted and framed prints available in my Etsy shop.

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All images and text used in this article are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Peaches Reflecting

When we lose one of our precious animal companions, our own aftercare is very important. I am comforted to know that Deb Chebatoris of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation is there for me, that she will lovingly and respectfully receive the body of each of my cats, knowing that they will be handled and cremated with dignity, and that the cremains I receive will indeed be theirs.

February marks the annual Healing Hearts for Pet Lovers program sponsored by Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation. Any person who is having trouble coming to terms with the loss of a pet, regardless of when the loss occurred, is welcome to attend. There is no charge for participating.

The session addresses the needs of families who are experiencing the loss of a precious companion. The afternoon will involve both education and remembrance to provide grieving families with help and resources to work through the trauma of losing a beloved companion.

• Grief Information
• Grief Resources
• Tributes
• Fellowship

Please bring a friend to support you or who also might benefit from attending.

The one-afternoon session is free and will include a speaker to provide grieving families with help and resources to work through the trauma of losing a beloved companion. You will be in the company of other families who know the gut-wrenching feeling of losing a pet. Families grieving the loss of their pet are welcome whether or not they have worked with Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation.

Where and When

The session will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at LaBella Bean Café in Bridgeville. Labella Bean is located at 609 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017, just two blocks away from Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation. LaBella Bean will be closed to the public during this session.

So that we may properly prepare and also contact you in the event of bad weather, please RSVP if you are planning to attend by calling 412-220-7800.

Bleeding Heart Flowers © B.E. Kazmarski

For any updates about Healing Hearts you can either check sign up to receive blog posts from Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation or friend them on Facebook using the links at left to automatically receive notices.

And please visit our website at www.ccpc.ws to read about our services and other pet-related resources we offer.

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All images and text used in this article are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Karen's Tasha and Keegan enjoy the furnace vent © Karen Sable

by Karen  Sable, Guest Columnist

Winter is upon us and, while Western Pennsylvania has so far been spared any brutally cold weather or major blizzards, we know our luck can’t last, and that another “Snowmaggedon” could be just around the corner. In my last article I talked about some of the holiday hazards our pets can encounter. While the holidays have passed, the winter season itself requires some common sense precautions to help keep our furry family members healthy and safe.

Not all pets are “winter hardy”

It’s an unfortunate misconception that cats and dogs are equipped to handle the cold weather because they have fur. The truth is, unless your pet is well adapted to living outdoors, the cold weather can be just as hard on them as it is on us. If your pet normally only leaves the comfort of your home just long enough for a walk or some play time, they are not adapted to spending extended periods of time outdoors, and can become victims of cold injuries just as easily as we can.

A sled dog in his shelter © Karen Sable

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to spend some time exploring Alaska, and even trekked up across the Arctic Circle. As you might imagine, dog sledding is a common activity throughout the state, and I was able to visit a couple of the kennels that breed and train dogs for races such as the Iditarod. I was initially rather shocked when I saw that all of the dogs are kept outdoors, often in frigid weather.

While that’s certainly very different from what I would normally consider humane, it is a very different culture there, and the dogs are working animals who do adapt to the conditions. It was obvious from their interactions with the dogs that the owners did love them, and they do take certain precautions, such as providing adequate enclosures the dogs can get into to shield them from the wind and which are elevated above the ground. They also feed them specially blended food that is high in calories and heated to make kind of a warm porridge. Even during a long distance race, the mushers pack a small camping stove which they use to warm their dogs’ food. Most of them also put booties on their dogs’ feet, or use a special wax (Musher’s Secret Paw Wax) to protect their feet from the snow and ice. So even for animals who are bred for life in the cold outdoors and are acclimated to harsh conditions, certain precautions are needed to ensure their health and safety.

For those of us with pets who are far more accustomed to snuggling under the covers with us than to braving the cold, it is extremely important that we take precautions during the winter to keep them healthy, and also that we know what to do in the event that they do become the victim of a cold injury, such as frostbite or hypothermia.

Cookie balances on her maiden voyage on the branch.

Minimize outdoor time in cold weather

Obviously the best thing you can do for your pet when the temperature drops is to keep them inside. But if you do allow them outdoors, try to minimize the amount of time they are exposed to the elements. Some animals just by their size don’t do as well in the cold or snow as others. For example, cats and small dogs that essentially have to wade through the snow are less able to tolerate the elements than, say, a Great Dane whose stomach isn’t dragging in the snow when he walks. Likewise, short-haired animals can’t handle the cold as well as those with long or thick fur.

Additionally, your pet’s age and overall health will impact their ability to tolerate cold weather. The very young animals, and the seniors, are more vulnerable to the cold. Likewise, pets with diabetes, endocrine diseases , and many other medical conditions are less able to regulate their own body temperature, and are therefore less able to tolerate exposure to the cold. If your pet has any type of medical condition, it is advisable that you talk to your veterinarian about whether the condition may affect their ability to handle the cold, and what you should do to avoid any problems.

Careful with heat sources indoors and out

Those of us who have cats know that they are very skilled at finding sources of warmth. A laundry basket of clothes fresh from the dryer attracts them like a magnet. If you have forced air heat vents or a fireplace, you know that your cats will claim those spaces as their own. I wondered why, even after getting a new furnace, my house still seemed chilly. Then I realized that my cats had found all of the furnace vents, and were sleeping against them, blocking the flow of warm air to me. They are all nice and toasty, but I have to wear a sweater in the house!

• Warm car engines Because they will seek out places to stay warm, you have to be especially careful if you do allow your cats outside, or if you have ferals or strays near your home or where you park for work or shopping. Every winter there are cases where cats are seriously injured or killed because they climbed up into the warm engine block of a vehicle, and then were caught in the moving engine parts when it was started. While your neighbors may think you’re a bit crazy, it’s always a good idea to rap loudly on the hood of your car, or even blow your horn, before starting the engine. You just may see a very startled cat scurry out from underneath!

• Protected areas outdoors Dogs and cats may also seek shelter in dumpsters, window wells, cellars, sheds, under porches, or even in snow banks, and can become trapped. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets if you do let them outside, and monitor any spaces around your home that could be an inviting shelter for an animal.

• Fireplaces If you light your fireplace or use a space heater, the heat will attract your pets. Make sure your fireplace has a secure screen around it to keep any curious paws or wagging tails from being burned, and be sure to place any space heater where your pets can’t come in direct contact with the heating element, or possibly knock the heater over and cause a fire.

A friend's homemade outdoor cat shelter © B.E. Kazmarski

Build an outdoor shelter

If you absolutely have to leave your pet outside for any extended period or if, like me, you care for strays and ferals, a proper dog house or other enclosure is essential to help them survive the elements. You can purchase a good, insulated pet house, or you can even build your own fairly easily. An on-line search will turn up plans for a variety of different outdoor enclosures.

Whether you buy one or make your own, an important step to take is to add a thick bed of straw inside the enclosure. Straw is far better than blankets, towels, carpets, or even fabric pet beds, since it is a good insulator and does not hold in the moisture.

Another friend's outdoor heated water bowl with one of her feral cats © B.E. Kazmarski

A Water Source

Whether it’s summer or winter, your pets need access to fresh water. Unless you live in a warm climate, you will either have to replace your pet’s water often as it freezes, or take steps to keep their water from freezing. In the winter I simply run an outdoor extension cord to where my feral cat station sits, and I plug in a heated pet dish. Even on the coldest days it provides a welcome source of unfrozen water for the cats, as well as the other critters in my backyard habitat. If you do not provide a source of unfrozen water for your outside pets or any strays you may care for, they are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters, which unfortunately can be polluted with things like oil, run off from chemical deicers, and even antifreeze.

Arthritis and pets outdoors

If you happen to suffer from arthritis, you know that the cold can be particularly troublesome. Our furry family members are no different. Dogs and cats with arthritis also suffer from stiff and tender joints when it’s cold. They may seem a bit awkward when they walk, and may find it more painful and difficult to climb steps or get up onto furniture. You can make it easier for them by something as simple as placing a small step stool or set of pet steps next to their favorite chair or next to your bed if they share it with you. Providing them with a soft, thick bed in a warm area is beneficial on those cold winter nights.

It’s important to be especially gentle with arthritic pets when it’s cold. Be careful to stay close behind them when they are climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture in case they stumble and fall. Also, be careful when you take them outside for a walk, since they can be badly injured from a fall on the ice. And, whether your pet is young or old, healthy or with some medical issues, when they do come in from the outside, take a few moments to dry them off and to thoroughly clean their legs and paws, especially between the toes. Rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melt can stick to their paw pads and between their toes.

Frostbite and hypothermia

Even if you think you have taken adequate precautions, you still should be alert for the two serious conditions that are caused by exposure to the cold: frostbite and hypothermia. As with a person, when an animal is suffering from frostbite, their body gets cold and the blood is drawn away from their extremities to their central body and vital organs. Without enough blood remaining in the exposed extremities, i.e. their ears, paws, tail, nose, and genitals, those areas of the body can get cold enough that ice crystals actually form in the tissue, causing tissue damage and, in severe cases, tissue death.

Pawprint

While frostbite generally affects the exposed extremities, hypothermia is a condition in which the animal’s core body temperature drops to four or more degrees below normal. Animals suffering from hypothermia are at great risk for frostbite as well due to the action of the body in funneling blood away from the extremities to the internal organs. And, since the tissue damage resulting from frostbite may actually take a few days to become evident, prevention and prompt intervention is all the more important.

One of the first signs that your pet may be suffering from a cold injury is shivering, which is basically a defense mechanism of the body to try and increase the metabolism and help to retain heat.

Other signs include slow, shallow breathing and a decreased heart rate. As the condition progresses, the animal becomes lethargic, and even shivering stops. Areas of the skin with frostbite may be swollen, red, hard, and painful. And, the gums may be pale or even bluish in color. If your pet is showing any signs of a cold injury, it is critical that they be moved into a warm area as quickly as possible and, if wet, that they be dried off. A hair dryer can be used to dry wet fur, just be very careful to keep it at a safe distance to avoid burns. Wrap them in warm towels or blankets. Warming the towels or blankets in the dryer can help, but again you must be careful that they are not too hot. Likewise, a hot water bottle can be used, but it’s best to wrap it in a towel and place it next to, not directly on, the animal. If the animal is conscious and alert enough to safely drink something, you can give them some warm liquid, such as broth. Be careful not to massage or rub the animal’s skin, as that will be painful and, in the case of frostbite, can cause further tissue damage.

Meeko On the Trail © B.E. Kazmarski

And, even if your pet appears to respond well to your care, it is advisable that they been seen by a veterinarian, since the full extent of the injury may not be apparent, and frostbite and hypothermia may well require treatment beyond what you can do yourself.

Just be careful

The winter season is a beautiful time of the year. With just some common sense precautions, you can help to ensure that your pets will be able to enjoy it as much as you do.

Karen with a friend's dog, Sequoia

About Karen Sable
Karen Sable, owner of Pet Emergency Training, LLC, completed the Pet Tech Instructor program in March, 2011 and teaches pet first aid classes in the Pittsburgh area. Karen is a trained responder with several national animal response/rescue teams, including American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services Team, United Animal Nations’ Emergency Animal Rescue Service, and Noah’s Wish Disaster Response Team. She is also a member of the PA/Allegheny County Animal Response Team, and a volunteer animal rescue transporter.

In addition to having a Veterinary Assistant diploma, Karen’s training certifications include Emergency Animal Sheltering, Large Animal Rescue, Animals in Disaster, Livestock in Disaster, Hazardous Materials, Incident Command and National Incident Management. As a former healthcare Human Resources Director, Karen now devotes her extensive training experience, and love of animals, to teaching pet care professionals and fellow pet parents the skills and knowledge that can save their pets and improve the quality of their pets’ lives. Visit her website at Pet Emergency Training, LLC.

An article by Karen on a timely pet first aid, wellness or disaster rescue topic will appear on The Creative Cat every month.

December 2011: Holiday Pet Safety

November 2011: Senior Pets Make Great Friends!

October 2011: Help Your Pets to Stay Well

October 2011: The Snout-to-Tail Wellness Assessment

September 2011: Are Your Pets Prepared For An Emergency ?

Read more about Karen in The Creative Cat Welcomes Guest Columnist Karen Sable.

I'm Just the Cutest Thing When I Do This, charcoal © B.E. Kazmarski

I’m beginning to think JB is playing me. I realize I’ve got more sketches of him than any of the others lately. I think he knows exactly when and how to pose so I’ll sketch him again. Tell me cats don’t know these things.

But he really is cute when he scratches on the scratcher hanging on the doorknob, especially when he looks up at me with those eyes. He had a good scratch, then hung from his claws and looked at me upside down until I noticed him. Yes, I’m sure he knows exactly what he’s doing.

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Click here to see other daily sketches, and for a gallery of the ones available for sale, visit my Etsy shop in the “Daily Sketches” section.

All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Mewsette and Giuseppe make it difficult to concentrate.

If you had to look at this all day, could you get any work done?

This is what I have to deal with at my computer day after day, and I ask you: is this fair? Should I have to deal with this sort of distraction while I’m trying to earn my living—and theirs? Do they do this intentionally to test me and see how committed I am to what I do? Or should I just be committed? How many photos do you suppose I took of these two while they cuddled cheek to cheek right there in front of me? Do you think I got anything at all done?

And if you have any doubt at the difficulty of working with such distractions, here is the full view of them on my desk, right in front of me.

It is impossible.

This is hopeless. There is nothing I can do but gaze at them and take photos.

Somebody make it stop!

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To see more daily photos go to “Daily Images” in the menu and choose “All Photos” or any other category.

All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Someone has to keep an eye on things out there.

“All your good thoughts made their way to me and I feel much better. I’m back to keeping an eye on the neighborhood.”

It has to be that, I only changed a few things for her and today she is stronger and more interactive, still a little unsteady but definitely a different cat from yesterday. I might fool myself to think it might be a bit of a turnaround, but I just don’t get the feeling Cookie is ready to give in.

She got up on the shelf on her own but climbing up my camera bag and purse to my lap, to the keyboard tray to my desk to the shelf in front of the window. She’s gotten up and down the steps, and up on the kitchen table to get to the cabinet, which she couldn’t do for a few days.

And Kelly is feeling a little better, no longer spending the day in Narnia in the back of the closet, so today I had the pleasure of two tortie cats on my lap again as I worked at my computer.

Cookie and Kelly settle on my lap again.

Mewsette takes her responsibility seriously and tries to fit on my lap with the girls; she thinks she is tortie-sized, but she is easily twice tortie-sized. Initially, Mimi was balanced on my knee cap, and Mewsette was trying to settle, four cats on my lap. My lap is really not that big.

Mewsette tries to figure out where she fits.

Persistent Mewsette finds a way to nuzzle and give a few licks to her little big sisters. Here is Cookie from the front and Kelly’s rear, and you can see the white inside of Mewsette’s ear just above Cookie’s ear.

Mewsette takes care of her little tortoiseshell big sisters.

I am just a big warm cat bed.

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To see more daily photos go to “Daily Images” in the menu and choose “All Photos” or any other category.

All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Cookie soaks in the sun.

After a series of rainy mornings we had a lovely sunny morning Sunday, and the day remained sunny from beginning to end.

Another snow cone!

For the first time in days, Cookie had a little time outdoors on the deck and she and I enjoyed the breeze that felt oddly warm after days of frigid weather.

And for the first time in days Cookie was more active, walking around, visiting me at my desk, ate more and more easily, and just had a more relaxed look about her. Normally she and I will go outside when I feed the birds every morning, and sometimes later in the day as well. But with temperatures well below freezing I haven’t wanted to risk Cookie’s depressed body temperature and apparently neither did she, so even though she sat at the door and wanted to go, when I opened it she wouldn’t go out. Eventually she quit asking, just went to sit in front of the furnace vent in the kitchen with Mimi.

The bunny tracks.

But on Sunday morning, in all that sunshine, I picked her up and carried her outside, and together we looked out at the bunny tracks in the snow and felt the sun warm us. I took her in but soon she was back at the door soaking in the sunshine. As the temperature rose we went back outside, she stepped out onto the deck herself and walked around exploring, stepped down to the flower pot that still held a cap of snow and licked some of it, then explored the deck some more, walking better all the time.

Back inside, she ate some more, walked around the house looking out the windows and generally being her congenial little self before I settled her and Kelly into the bathroom where it’s warm and cozy from the sun for their senior special lunch and naptime.

Still, I found myself once again hovering around her, trying not to actively worry (ha), to remain calm and relaxed so that I didn’t upset her but I knew I’d spend all day checking on Cookie and wondering what else I could do for her. I had planned on printing more cards and working on artwork and writing a few articles, the busy creative schedule that I’ve looked forward to in the new year, yet every day lately this has been the pattern as I plan my day then abandon a good portion of it for concern over Cookie. I don’t mind.

Unnamed Tributary, pastel © B. E. Kazmarski

On Sunday I knew I’d never focus on what I had planned and decided I had to just leave the house for a while, break the spell, do something that both carried me away, relaxed me and filled me with inner strength to work with Cookie and accomplish all the rest I plan for my days and give poor Cookie a break. The sun shone on the snow and I wanted to be out there somewhere walking in it, feeling the stillness of a winter day, indulging in a little painting to free my mind from my thoughts and worries. I got in touch with a friend and we met at a local trail, went for coffee afterward and I returned with a painting and a lot of photos and a renewed spirit.

I’ve not doubt Cookie felt better as much for my absence as for my renewal by nature.

Cookie observes her yard.

Cookie’s condition has improved since Christmas Eve when she suddenly couldn’t walk in the morning, her body temperature was low and she would not eat. She had compensated for so long but suddenly had to lower her standards. Intensive fluid therapy, vitamins and supplements and she’s more comfortable, eating well enough and walking better but I think we both know she’s losing a little each day in her battle with renal failure. Her hind legs, never strong to begin with, are still wobbly and sometimes just collapse; her right in particular just seems to have a mind of its own carrying little weight and slipping out to the side when she sits. A few days ago she could still get herself up onto the table and cabinet in the kitchen, but on Monday simply could not get up from the chair to the table. She’s been eating less and responding less, even to me.

Aside from all the supportive care, subcutaneous fluids and supplements there’s not much I can do, and where I have a day of work and projects planned I find myself unexpectedly spending more time, most of a day, checking on Cookie, trying to sense what she needs in this moment, trying one thing and another in addition to the regular treatments and just sitting with her on my lap trying to impart what energy and absorb what discomfort I can, finding myself exhausted in the effort, and we both sleep.

Cookie watches a bird on the deck.

This is what Cookie has done for me all these years, just being at my side, quietly vigilant, the only living being who understood what I was going through with my brother’s injury and my mother’s illnesses and their effects on my life and my business, all my worries and my struggles with my creative self, our losses of other feline members of our household, Cookie has simply taken it all in and given me only her expression, “I am devoted to you.”

It is a year ago on Wednesday that my mother passed away. I know the memory of that time and the thought of loss is heavy on my mind as I remember my sister, brother and I keeping a vigil in our mother’s room for nearly two days. She had been in hospital and been hospitalized before that more and more frequently; I knew intuitively her death was imminent but didn’t know when and really struggled with it for a couple of months before it happened.

It was also the first time Cookie ever showed physical distress through her support for me. I remember calling my veterinarian saying I didn’t know what was wrong with her but she was lethargic and had no appetite, I gave her fluids though she wasn’t necessarily dehydrated, her temperature was normal and no infections, and my veterinarian reminded me that I was under a lot of stress and Cookie always took that in from me. All these years of absorbing my angst, but at turning 19 it was almost more than she could take, though she would never consider turning away from me, not doing what she felt was her job, taking care of mom.

Cookie and Mimi enjoy the last of the sunshine.

She recovered as I started rebuilding my days and my business, but in May I could see she was losing ground again, and it wasn’t necessarily from my influence. Her June exam showed her thyroid had finally kicked into overdrive but her kidneys were slowing down. All this year we’ve done our best to balance this, and while she’s gone through all the days with me, following me upstairs and down, out into the yard and even to my shop a few times, I could see it was with diminished vitality though not diminished enthusiasm.

Where's lunch?

Poor little Kelly is pretty upset, both at Cookie’s condition and my worry but calming essences and supplements have slowly restored her balance, at least where Cookie is concerned. She is still afraid of all the black cats though they never threaten her; Cookie is the last of the cats she came to know and be comfortable with, and I don’t know how she will react when Cookie isn’t there for her anymore.

With a few changes I’ve made to Cookie’s diet and a few new supplements and reiki sessions I may be able to help her restore a little, and she may surprise us all and take that little restoration and turn it into a big one. It’s all up to Cookie, and I will do my best to keep my worry at bay so that I don’t upset her needlessly and impede her wellness. But I think I’m not facing this very well, in fact I’m not accepting it at all at the moment. While writing this I had Jelly Bean curled tightly in my lap, purring heartily his healing purr for me, and Mewsette quietly near me as Cookie rested in the next room; I didn’t want to transfer my anxiety to her as I wrote, she should rest and let the young ones take care of me for the moment. She has instructed them well.

Still my little sunflower.

This morning Cookie was sleeping in the bathroom where she stays overnight with Kelly, did not get up when I went in and could not control her hind legs when I picked her up and set her down to see how she was managing; that is not unusual the past few days and it only takes a few minutes to get warmed up and get a little more control. She dragged herself into the litterbox, then got out and walked to the landing on wobbly but working legs. I carried her downstairs and let her walk a few steps, the carried her to the cabinet for her breakfast, which she did not eat, only sat and purred loudly.

No sun this morning; it is overcast but not freezing. I picked her up and carried her outside, held her against my chest as we looked into our muddy back yard until I felt her gathering strength, set her down and let her walk around, unsteady but purposeful. She sat on the top step, I sat next to her and she looked up at me for the first time this morning, then gently put one paw on my lap followed by the other and pulled herself up. Curling on her side she faced the yard and purred, and we enjoyed a few minutes of the morning. Later I offered her breakfast again and she ate happily; daylight, fresh air, her deck, my lap, medicine for both our weary bodies. She and I will take it, for now, this comfort of each other and try to do a step or two better, just day by day.

All images used in this article are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

The Little Sunflower

This sunny morning photo reminded me of this painting I did of Cookie many years ago, from a photo I took of her years before that. She still likes her morning sunbath in the light through the back door, all these years later, and she’s still my Little Sunflower.

My floor is a little worse for the wear, though.

And here she is on the morning of January 23, 2012.

Still my little sunflower.

The Little Sunflower, pastel © B.E. Kazmarski

Real sun worshippers, all of my cats wait for the sun to enter the house in the morning and take their appointed spots. The brilliance of that first light and its reflections around the room, plus the contrast of all the exaggerated straight-line shapes with the organic shape of little Cookie and her shadow inspired this one.

This is available as a note card in the set entitled My Cats in the Sun, available in my Marketplace.

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To see more daily photos go to “Daily Images” in the menu and choose “All Photos” or any other category.

All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Mewsette Watching the Rain

Mewsette watches the rain in a graceful posture.

On its own, the photo is not exceptional and there’s also a bunch of stuff on the table top, but I loved Mewsette’s quiet curving silhouette as she gazed out the window. I decided to use a bunch of different techniques to soften out what I didn’t want and to accentuate what I did.

I desaturated the image, used the “ocean ripple” filter in Photoshop with a lot of action but small ripples, and then added a blue filter to give the photo a bit of mystique, that feel of a rainy day. I will occasionally create a very rough surface on drawing paper in order to achieve the same effect with pastel or charcoal.

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To see more daily photos go to “Daily Images” in the menu and choose “All Photos” or any other category.

All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.

Good to the Last Drop.

Jelly Bean waits patiently for the drop to fill with as much water as it can, then he tries to catch it when it falls. He’s usually not successful, though he’s really cute.

He put on quite a show in the sink today, I just may have to do a little slideshow of him someday.

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All images and text used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used in any way without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in purchasing one as a print, or to use in a print or internet publication.