HE'S A REAL WILD ONE

I was out in the yard with my "Big Boy" Sam. He is a full sized Rex but he is the biggest Rex I have ever seen. I suspect he is a hybrid of a Rex and Godzilla. But I digress... While sitting in the yard with Sam, a wild cottontail bolted out of the fence right beside us. The wild one bolted OVER Sam and stopped dead about 20 feet in front of us. He seemed to pant a bit - but then settled in under the Mulberry tree. We all stared at each other for a cool 20 minutes until the Wild One took leave. The Wild One visits daily. This is him:

OM NOM NOM NOM

Inspired by the impromptu staring contest:

WILD ONE

Find Prints of the WILD ONE here.

THE OTHERS

While on one of my *many* visits to the veterinarian within the past 2 months, I had the pleasure of meeting a rat. Poor little thing was injured and was forced to wear a cone of shame. She inspired this:

I was expecting comments such as, "Interesting use of geometrics", "Interesting delve into a post modern style" or even, "Poor rat!" I did not get any of those comments, albeit I had a few "thumbs up" on Facebook. (Where would my self-esteem be without those thumbs?) What I was asked, privately, was, "Where is the bunny?"

First, let me express the appreciation for that comment! I always revel in being "The Bunny Lady." Second, let me explain that even when there are no bunnies - there are ALWAYS bunnies. Third, let me show you some of my other "non rabbit" indulgences!

I grew up in a farming community surrounded by all manner of beasties. I managed surviving to adulthood with an abundant appreciation for all of them. Except maybe creepy bugs like centipedes. Those things give me the heebie jeebies. Anyway... enjoy the forthcoming works along with some of the included tales of inspiration!

BLESS THE BEASTS

CATS

MURRAY

Murray was a beloved feline of dear friends. He decided to cross over into the cosmos. Although I had never actually met Murray, his humans certainly have imprinted on my psyche. This rendering is color pencil on a shale gray cool pressed Crescent stock.
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BLACK CAT

Growing up, I had a black cat named "Jazbo." Then I had a black cat named "Sam." Then I had a black cat named "Gregory." I sense a theme in my childhood. All three kitties were just plain nuts but loved me completely. These two facts could be (and I suspect are) completely related. BLACK CAT was rendered with Adobe Illustrator
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TYGER, TYGER

One of the first poems I forced to memorize was William Blakes, "TYGER, TYGER."

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, / In the forests of the night; / What immortal hand or eye, / Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

*THAT* wrote memorization/recitation (after over 35 years even) is evidence of educational trauma.
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Overheard while eavesdropping on a conversation: "The stupid cat licked the Drano bottle."
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COWS

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Cows: I. HEART .THEM.
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CROWS

AFTER THE FLOOD

This was the result of my obsession with the raven that Noah sent from the ark. Many people demonize that raven that Noah sent out first. What those people probably do not understand is that like the dove, ravens are homing birds. Noah purposely allowed for the raven to have its “home” on land. The bird not returning simply meant that the Earth was ready to be home again. The raven is not a symbol of selfishness - the raven is a symbol of dedication and home.
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HO-HO-HO
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I loved the above holiday image so much I used it for my FBook banner!
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... and for a birthday card!
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The Latin translates into: AMERICAN SMOKING CROW
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SKWIRRELZ

The day I moved into my new apartment, a squirrel hunkered under my car. I saw his tail. When I got on my hands and knees I saw that he was near death. Some animal had gotten him. There was no reason for him to even still be alive. I wrapped him in one of my shirts and carted him to the veterinarian. I placed him in the "box" that would be his last. I placed my hand on the clear glass and wished him a good journey. And I cried. This was him. In my mind. Waiting for me on the other side.
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Why, yes. I *did* have a difficult time getting over that squirrel. Why do you ask?
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As fate would have it - I am now surrounded by squirrels. Every season brings new ones. _______________________________________________________

THE REST

 

One evening, I was driving down a side road. A buck bolted out of the woods and began running next to my car. He was so close his face was next to my window. I slowed down and could literally look into his eye. I yell, "What are you doing?" and laughed. He then ran back into the forest. I pulled over to collect my senses.
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THE EARTH IS MY WITNESS

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The friend of a friend. He has long since crossed over...
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Commissioned piece: portrait of a therapy dog. The human is a former soldier and credits this fellow for survival.
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I see animals in the clouds.
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MOBY DICK is one of my all time favorite novels.
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THE PINK SHEEP

Every family has one.
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My daughter with her favorite beastie.
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Ohio has stupid laws.
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FUS RO DAH!

Upon seeing the first ultrasound of her first born, my daughter exclaimed, "It's a dragon!"
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TEMPTATION

She hangs over my bed.
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THE GUARDIAN

From my sketchbook.
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LUST

And now... some versions of humans.
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I'm... not sure. Let's just move on...
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WISTFUL

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THE POPE OF TOLEDO

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So... there are some samples of "the others." Remember, however, in all of them is The Spirit of The Rabbit. There are ALWAYS rabbits. Always...