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.
_______________________________________________________

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
._______________________________________________________

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.
_______________________________________________________

Overheard while eavesdropping on a conversation: "The stupid cat licked the Drano bottle."
_______________________________________________________

COWS

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Cows: I. HEART .THEM.
_______________________________________________________

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.
_______________________________________________________

HO-HO-HO
_______________________________________________________

I loved the above holiday image so much I used it for my FBook banner!
_______________________________________________________

... and for a birthday card!
_______________________________________________________

The Latin translates into: AMERICAN SMOKING CROW
_______________________________________________________

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.
_______________________________________________________

Why, yes. I *did* have a difficult time getting over that squirrel. Why do you ask?
_______________________________________________________

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.
_______________________________________________________

THE EARTH IS MY WITNESS

_______________________________________________________

The friend of a friend. He has long since crossed over...
_______________________________________________________

Commissioned piece: portrait of a therapy dog. The human is a former soldier and credits this fellow for survival.
_______________________________________________________

I see animals in the clouds.
_______________________________________________________

MOBY DICK is one of my all time favorite novels.
_______________________________________________________

THE PINK SHEEP

Every family has one.
_______________________________________________________

My daughter with her favorite beastie.
_______________________________________________________

Ohio has stupid laws.
_______________________________________________________

FUS RO DAH!

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

TEMPTATION

She hangs over my bed.
_______________________________________________________

THE GUARDIAN

From my sketchbook.
_______________________________________________________

LUST

And now... some versions of humans.
_______________________________________________________

I'm... not sure. Let's just move on...
_______________________________________________________

WISTFUL

_______________________________________________________

THE POPE OF TOLEDO

_______________________________________________________

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...