A show called "Cheaters"

Here in the United States, we sure do have our share of "reality television." I watch some of it, especially those that are less "staged" than others. Take the series, Cheaters, for example. When someone suspects that their spouse or romantic partner isn't being faithful to them and have reasons to suspect, they call Cheaters. If selected, a crew of television people and private investigators seek to either prove or disprove that the potential cheater is being true to their mate or not. With video cameras, they record evidence if something is wrong, then show the worried partner what is going on. Then, with camera crew, host Joey Greco and the disgruntled spouse/significant other, they confront the cheater and his or her new partner, usually at a restaurant or at home, when they least expect it.

When you feel lousy about life, just watch this show, and it will make your problems seem very small in comparison. I'm not one for violence, just for justice. And, having had a cheating ex or two in my past, it's nice to know that some of the dishonest and shifty ones actually do get caught. Then, maybe they learn (or not).

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Another Day in Paradise

Catching up on the latest tv internet coverage of what's happening in Pittsburgh, where I lived before Florida, to my total shock,there was my ex-boyfriend, who regrettably made the tv news. I never regretted leaving the man, who had a long list of big problems, disguised as a businessman. Now, here he was,being interviewed by a reporter for turning in his daughter (from a previous relationship before me) for robbing a gas station dressed as a ninja, complete with sword and dagger! Now, I've heard of everything. I hope she gets help while incarcerated, she was such a nice little girl before coming to live with him.

Far away from that madness, I relax here on my lake, it's a beautiful day and my orchids are blooming like crazy outside. I just got a few more orchids at a flower show, and they make my patio look like a subtropical wonderland. It's getting hotter down here in Florida, so I'm keeping cool here inside.

Our Economy Needs More Stimulation That Just a Check

I've been doing ok despite the disasterous economy due to Bush and his horrible presidency. Up in Cleveland, my parents are hanging in there, too, thank goodness. It will be great when Bush is out and someone else - anyone will do, practically - takes over the White House.

I've cut back on groceries, and don't drive since taxis are cheap and plentiful here. Buying in bulk has helped me weather this financial storm that has caused many families to lose their homes, sell family heirlooms to put food on the table, etc. Meanwhile, Bush says nothing's wrong. He actually went on a game show, and made some joke about the economy there, how stupid and tactless is that?? And, I really don't care that his daughter wrote a book, or that she's making wedding plans. Spare us all, the US has more important things to worry about, like basic survival.

We've been in a recession, big-time, though Washington won't admit it. They just spin propoganda to try to cover it up. It's like trying to put a Band-Aid on a broken leg, it doesn't help. Governmental fat cats feel nothing, since they're rich and aren't affected by the money crunch. What has happened to our government, yikes. I'm not political, but this is crazy. I feel fortunate that our family isn't suffering. It affects us somewhat - prices are too high for me to want to fly and see my folks, or drive. Too expensive. There, I'm off my soap box. It just saddens me to see such problems and suffering in our country. Bring back Bill Clinton, he did a good job, despite the Lewinsky thing. Go Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama! Either would do just fine. That's my two cents. Oh, and this..

Cat Cafes of Tokyo, Japan

Today I was reading online news stories and came across this one, about the cat cafes of Tokyo, Japan:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0425/p20s01-woap.html

What an interesting idea. People having their coffee and spending time with cats, who entertain them just by hanging around and amusing themselves. This would be a great way to give homeless cats a place to live and be cared about, and give those without pets a chance to interact with them. Ok, it's not for everyone but according to the article, the premises are kept spotlessly clean. Also, there's a "no tail-pulling" mandate, and kids aren't allowed for that reason. Interesting. A serene atmosphere of animal appreciation, coffee and tea. It's a good thing.

Busy, Busy, Busy

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I've been hard at work drawing and painting for customers and for my own projects. See some of my work on the above link. Without Starbucks, delivery food and endless energy, I'd never get this much work done. It's like an art factory over here. I love my job, and don't care how many hours it takes. It's all in a day's fun, that pays.

A day of photography and slacking off

Today, I sat outside and took a bunch of pictures, with my cat, Beau by my side. It felt good taking a break from drawing, but sometimes its necessary to keep the that creativity groove flowing. Here's a few photos from a day of photo relaxation.


My cat Beau, bird watching. Big cat of the orchid jungle.


This is Elvis the Muscovy duck. He and his ladies live in the bushes nearby and visit every day for whatever food they can get.


A dock on my lake, a favorite hangout for herons, storks and egrets.


My orchids in bloom at the moment. I have a bunch and they all flower at different times of the year. I got lucky this time, when some bloomed together.

Found some old photos from long ago

Here's a few from my photo album, that I just dug up.

This one is me on top of a pyramid at the ruins of Coba, Mexico in the mid-nineties.


Walking on the beach with my ex in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We lived there for two years.


Teaching drawing to Kofie, a student from a local school, during a Mentorship program.


Me at 22 yrs old, after finishing a poster for a radio station client back in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

Lots of Drawing Going on Here

Found this creative little poster on the net. It's pretty clever in a creepy sort of way.

My online store is getting even bigger, with the addition of many new designs on all my items. Basically, I'm a drawing machine these days, working from morning to late at night on my drawings, for myself and clients. It's fun and not work, but when my eyes get tired, then it's time to stop. I've learned discipline in this regard, since health is nothing to mess with. The horrific back problem (sciatica and herniated disk) last year taught me that lesson, loud and clear.

For young artists, take care of your eyes, because the older you get, they gradually to weaken with hard use. Especially if you do the kind of work I do, tight and detailed renderings that make you go crosseyed when working on them for long periods of time. To me, turning forty three was when I began noticing that my eyes aren't what they used to be and needed help. So, I have bought work lamps of different kinds, a pair of non-prescription reading glasses and added an anti-glare screen to the computer monitor. My magnifier light is a Godsend at times, too, for those intense details in drawings.

So, here I sit, in my recliner, drawing pad in hand and the latest Harry Potter movie playing in the background. I work well with music or tv going, for some wierd reason. My usual place to work when the artwork isn't too big and fits nicely in my lap. I'm surrounded by lamps, and have Beau draped across my feet. He's good at draping himself across things.

Example 1: The Carpet

Examples 2 & 3: My desk

Such is the life of a pampered studio cat. When he gets bored with sleeping, he goes and watches the egrets, storks, ducks and herons that live on the lake in back. Cat TV, especially when the seagulls swoop around, he loves that. There's a little lizard who likes to perch himsef on the glass of the sliding glass door, above Beau's head, just out of reach. It drives Beau nuts, as he tries in vain to catch it. It's so funny to watch, one of these days I'll get a photo of it.

As for me, I'm on a roll here, finishing a design a day for the last week. Check out my website at:

http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats

Now, it's back to the drawing board, literally..

Animal Lovers Take Note of This..

The ASPCA is a great organization full of useful information and services for pet owners. They also help to find homes for the many lost and abused pets who have nobody else to turn to. This group is near and dear to my heart.



A Cat's Prayer



I hope I'm not asking too much, Lord
All I want is a home of my own
And to know when my next meal is coming
Instead of the scraps I get thrown
I've been out in the cold far so long now
Coping as best as I can
But it's not so long I've forgotten
The touch of a soft caring hand
I look in house windows at Christmas
As cats doze by the fire, quite replete
How I'd welcome a box in the kitchen
And tasty food for me to eat
For me there was tinsel and gift wrap
But the fun didn't last very long
They put me out with the rubbish
I don't know what I did wrong
I really don't want to be greedy
At the moment I'm all skin and bones
So would it be too much to hope for
That someone will give me a home?


— Author unknown