Cat Lady Birthday Musings

Yes, it's my 56th today - ack!

I'm told by my Mother that maybe 55 years ago, unlike most children, my first words were "pretty kitty"....or more accurate, something closer to "preeee keeee", but you get the idea. ;) Somewhere, there's picture of me as a very young toddler with the basket of kittens who inspired that first attempt at language.

Fifty some years later, not much has changed. I just adore them, and would have a whole houseful if I could. The Mice President (husband John) is the only thing between ME and a WHOLE LOT MORE cats roaming around here. As it is, in addition to our sweet Australian Shepherd Cosmo, we have just two kitties now - Merlin and Guinevere...

Sadly, Merlin's brother Arthur succumbed to congestive heart failure a few weeks ago, leaving a huge void in our lives, as all companions do when they cross the bridge. Here's the regal King Arthur in a not so regal, but completely adorable pose...

We miss him so. 

Cats have been on my mind (and on the work table) even more than usual, as I work a couple of magical Wheel of the Year pieces, and in particular today, as this original Innkeeper's sign becomes available on Etsy. I don't think there's anything more beautiful or haunting than a cat's eyes, and I so love painting them....

I hope this one finds a good home. :)

Large cats have also been on my mind, as we all read in the news about the tragic death of Cecil in Zimbabwe, at the hands of an American hunter.  I'm being kind here calling him merely "hunter", and not a whole host of other names I can think of, but if I start a hunting rant here, I'm afraid I won't stop, and I do NOT want to spend my birthday in tears.

What I will do is channel all that rage and sadness into a painting of that beautiful, magnificent creature, and donate a portion of the sale to the Oxford Conservation group who followed him. I'm not sure of the details yet but off the top of my head, I'm thinking a silent auction some time in the next week or two.

In the meantime, there's lots of work calling my name, and Knit Night at The Lancaster Yarn Shop later this evening (my few hours of Zen each week)...

I'll be back very soon with new work, and a preview of Ghoultide Gathering goodies. In the meantime, I wish you all a *magical* week!

♥ Carolee

"Magic is Afoot"

Just popping in to share the latest piece, a wicked cool Black Cat footstool....

I had so much fun painting the eyes, and for a few minutes there, expected them to start blinking, hehe....

I love the tiny mouse looking up at the cat, too....

 This was truly a fun piece to paint, and one of those I'd keep if I could....but sell it I must. As of typing this, it's available in my Etsy shop, and I do hope it finds a good home.

 In the meantime, it's back to the studio for me, where commissions and many, many pieces for the Ghoultide Gathering await!

Back very soon,
♥ Carolee

Giveaway Winner!

Sarah has won the little Alice print.

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind comments on the Mad Tea post!

I'll be back very soon with new work to share...

♥ Carolee

Tumbling Down the Rabbit Hole; A Mad Tea Party and a Giveaway!

Oh my ears and whiskers, how LATE it's getting....

Life has been so hectic lately, I very nearly forgot - but not being one to miss a good party (or ANYTHING *Alice* for that matter), my tea-addled brain reminded me that magic is afoot....

That's right...

It's time for Miss Vanessa Valencia's annual *MaD TeA PaRtY*...

Some of you have been coming to these parties for YEARS, but for those who are new to all this, the Mad Tea Party is an annual blog-hop; sort of a cyber tea party where we visit with friends and celebrate All Things Alice...or All Things Mad, for that matter, hehe....If you click here, it will take you to Vanessa's "Fanciful Twist" blog, and tea party (always a treat!), where you'll find a list of all those participating - soooooo many wonderful blogs to visit!

But before you go, would you like a cup of tea?

Let's take a look in Alice's tea chest to see what we have....

Do you have a favorite?

I prefer loose tea myself, and I'm thinking I'll have a cup of lemon chiffon - along with some Wonderland cookies of course...

Delicious, yes?

I must fess up though - I didn't bake these. They were a gift some months back from a wonderful art collector, and just made me smile from ear to ear!  

Oh - and speaking of art, before you run off, I have a little giveaway. It's one of my "Down the Rabbit Hole" prints, shown here. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and include a way to contact you (blog, email, etc). Then on Wednesday evening I'll draw a number, and we'll have a winner!

Thanks ever so much for dropping by, and if you have a moment, do find me and "like" my page on Facebook as well. :)

Finally, for those who know me (friends, family, etc), I'll leave you with this thought from The Cheshire Cat:

"I'm not crazy. My reality is just different from yours."


Artful Wonderland Blessings,
♥ Carolee