How I came to get my new kitten

Around July, I noticed a beautiful calico roaming the neighborhood. The dogs would bark at her as she sauntered by and then disappeared into the woods. 

Let me back up. A few months earlier, My husband had put down a moratorium, saying “no more cats”. (After my Lilly passed away, I had said I wanted another kitty, but every time I brought it up, the idea was met with resistance.). So I decided to put it out to the universe that if I couldn’t adopt a cat, then could a cat please adopt me?  

So when I saw this calico, I went out and bought some dry food. When I’d see her, I’d run out and shake the box at her. I’d see her sporadically and then not again for about a month or so. 

Eventually she showed up again and 

, I began the process of feeding her again. Eventually I got her to come over to our side yard. She’d sit under Tucker’s van and wait for us to feed her. I started calling her kitty girl. 

After a few days of feeding her and seeing her up close, I suspected she was pregnant and probably due anytime. 

Then on a Tuesday, we had a new roof put on. We didn’t see her all day and suspected it was probably too noisy for her. We saw her again Wednesday  morning and I noticed right away that she had given birth. Thus began the great adventure of finding the kittens. 

She’d come two, sometimes 3 times a day to eat. We started giving her probiotics and a vitamin supplement and also adding chicken to her diet for added protein. She was big into hissing at us and wouldn’t let us get to close to her, but she began coming up onto the porch and waiting for us to come out with her food. She was working hard. Then she’d head off into the woods. A few times I snuck behind her and began to think I knew where she was headed. 

I came up with the plan to follow her. So next morning when she came, Jeff fed her and I ran into the woods ahead of her and hid behind the garage of the house where I thought she was going. The Jeff called out, “she’s coming back”, so I ducked down behind some bushes and waited. 

When she walked by, the other side of the garage, I walked parallel to her and peaked around the corner of the yard. She snuck under a blue tarp that was covering old furniture, a mattress and other junk like that. She had her babies in the back yard of some neighbors who had let their property go and it was junk and trash. We’d also heard they had sold the property as is, so we began to feel like we needed to find those babies quickly for their safety and before they went feral. 

I spent the next few days doing the same thing. While she ate, I’d discreetly try and look in the pile. I was starting to get uncomfortable being on their property, so the next time I saw one of them, I casually said I was trying to track a stray cat and could I check the back yard. (I really didn’t want them knowing about the kittens). 

The next morning, with permission granted, I ran over there and finally found them! There was a mattress leaning against an old recliner and when I lifted it , there they were!   I thought there would be more, but gratefully, there were only 3. 

I was working with a feral cat rescue group and the plan now that the babies were found, was to take them when they were about 4 weeks old, where they would begin a foster program. Then we would capture momma and have her spayed. 

Around 3 weeks, I came home to find momma  sitting at the bottom of our ramp which was very unusual. I knew something was up. So while she ate, I snuck over to the property and sure enough, that back area was now being used, bikes parked by tarp, garage door open. That meant the wayward daughter “with issues” was home. I didn’t like it. 

It was decided I would go over in 2 days and get the babies. Longest 2 days ever. Finally that morning I snuck over early, my heart pounding. Pulled back the mattress to get them  and they were gone. I didn’t know what to think. Had she moved them or had the homeowners found them? 

To be continued. 

it is my goal to begin blogging again.

An art friend, Andrew, recently made a post, daring people to blog again. Yeah, why did I stop blogging? Maybe because I thought people had stopped reading, which yeah, they had. My last blog post was in 2015.  Facebook makes it convenient to catch up with people with little effort except to scroll. Except facebook is more of those minute by minute sort of thoughts running through our heads and then, THE POLITICS. Don't get me started on all that bull crap. The fighting, the anger, ugh. I pretty much only posted and tried not to get caught up in it. Who needs all that sort of ugliness?
So it's been running through my head again to start blogging again. So here I am.

I thought I'd dedicate my first post to a good friend of mine, Maija Lepore, who passed away last week. It was shocking news and news spread quite quickly. She had been ill, but they weren't sure what was going on. Right before she died, they finally realized that she had pancreatic cancer. (And my info is coming second hand, so if I find I am mistaken, I will correct the info). We hadn't been in touch as much in the last few years, as things go, but once in awhile, she'd text me or I'd text her or she'd send me a box of my most favorite toffee, from Enstrom's (made in Colorado, where she lived)

Mostly I knew Maija from art retreats. She loved them as much as I did. Originally, I think we met via blogging and then one year we both went to Artnest in Utah, and it  ended up that we were roommates. She was the very friendly type and made quick friends with everyone. She was so well loved. A few years ago, when I was driving cross country, I stayed with her and Al for a few days. We had the best time. She had all these funs things planned for us to do and really made me feel quite welcome. It was a wonderful visit and I'm grateful I got that one on one time with her. They took me out for a lovely dinner the night before I left.

Maija was not fond of funerals, so there will be no funeral. Instead there will be a celebration of life on November 18. I will be flying out there to attend. I absolutely must go and toast to a wonderful lady, who will be terribly missed.

Portland with Flora Bowley

Hello world! I've just returned from a painting workshop in Portland with the fabulous Flora Bowley! It was my birthday treat to myself and I made the most of it. 

So many of you know that I've been painting in the style for about 6 years now. I've taken previous classes with Flora and also began my painting journey with Jesse Reno. So why would I go take another class if I already know how to do it?

Easy, because I wanted to. Flora is a very gentle and inspiring teacher. Her yoga experience (as a teacher) shines through as she encourages her students in positive ways. I had not yet seen her new studio, so right there, is a new reason to experience. 

I'm so glad I went. I've been on the road to new horizons of late and it was good to get out side of my life for a bit. It gives me a chance to be ME.  Not a wife, not a mom, just ME. It gives me a chance to also to meet and bond with new people who are getting to meet ME. 

And I did learn new things. I make the same mistake over and over again and it was fun to tackle that during the weekend. I tried new colors, new shapes, worked in darker colors and just explored. The last day and a half I was pretty tired, so I bought another canvas and went back into my comfort zone of creating my little characters and then practicing some of Floras exercises within those shapes. 

This post is to tell you that if you've always DREAMED about taking a workshop with an admired artist, then it's high time you put that dream into motion. Make a list. Make goals. What do you do to make it happen? do you need 2 years to save up? then start saving! stop making excuses and figure out how to make it happen! and we are all guilty of making excuses , so that's not said as a judgement - it's said to encourage. 

Follow along with my photo essay. It's my hope that you can feel connected in some way . Cheers.

kecia

Life through my eyes

this is VERY important. Learn to listen to what's happening inside. Process those feelings and figure out how to express them in a positive and rewarding way. 

Lose yourself in the moment. Experiment. Embrace the ugly. Explore new colors. Get out of your comfort zone, but also now when you need time to be in your comfort zone. 

Treat and indulge yourself. This time I rented a place (Flora's airbnb loft) all by myself and glorified in all the space I had to myself. Lots of breathing room is important to me; otherwise I find myself feeling trapped. 

Connect with animals. They are good for the soul. Delight in how others are affected by such caring and unconditionally loved creatures. 

Go have dinner with strangers. I guarantee you'll leave feeling more rewarded for meeting new and interesting people. We all have  our own stories and I think you'll find that we are all doing the best we can.

look around you and be inspired by what is happening to those also there to experience something new. 

I don't care who you are, we all need clarity. Clarity opens the door for change. I needed clarity this year after my bff died. It took a toll on me. I needed to process the situation and understand the impact it had on my life and those who loved her. But at the same time, I also knew by allowing that time, I would find myself on a new path. One she would approve of. 

Find new authors. underline things they say that you can relate too. Put those words in your paintings. I think you'll find that they correlate to how you are feeling at this juncture in your life. 

Try to see yourself as others see you. It's fun to hear  what a fabulous, interesting person you are!

Connect and make new friends!

Find beauty in the smallest of things. The snacks we were served, were not only SCRUMPTIOUS and HEALTY, but beautiful. 

Notice the magic in the air, whether its the building excitement, the decor or new smells. Take time to appreciate all the work that went into making your journey happen. Flora's assistants were absolutely amazing in creating a low stress environment for everyone. They were on hand to help out in any way. This is truly a gift for both student and teacher. 

Try new foods.  Break out of that same old same old BORING routine! This whole week for me was all about trying new things!

Observe things that catch your eye. This is simple decor made out of cardboard and I loved it and want to create my own. Make a conscious effort to follow through on such ideas. 

Take plenty of pictures. I was obsessed with this window and altar. I must have taken the same shot over and over, but during various times of the day. The blue hues from outside to the green inside. The statue with "flourish" was written just for me, not really, but I made it mine inside. 

More magic! I've seen this umbrella before and fell in love with it. And here it is again for me to love all weekend. Again, appreciation in things that make you happy. 

Become best friends with Pearl. This should be #1 on your list. 

Listen, take notes and observe. Make mental decisions on how to proceed with no judgement on yourself. You are here to learn. Keep your expectations low and remember this is brand new. 

Be gentle with yourself and keep yourself in the front of the line mentally (behind Pearl though) on how important you are. Loving your fabulous self is what makes an experience turn remarkable. 

Be GLEEFUL! This photo from an exercise just says it all. Soak in the environment, the new processes and ENJOY. Don't be shy, don't be timid, don't be embarrassed. You be that all at home. Now is the time to SHINE. 

Ask someone to take some working photos of you. I delight in taking them and I delight in seeing them of me. It documents that precious process and is a reminder that, "Hey, I am pretty cool". 

More appreciation of my surrounds = magic

Beautiful rocks dropped under water following an exercise on intention. Capturing the essence helps me relive the moment and thus embracing my intention once again. 

Yeah, it's Pearl and me again. Bff goal with Pearl going well!

Create your own photo scenes with things you like. This coral shaped heart was in one spot and I loved the fabric doily, so I united them for a beautiful photo. 

Very cliche, but I love pictures involving my feet and what is happening in front of me. I was thinking of all the other women who have stood right there being brave and vulnerable. From the paint drips on the wall, I felt their spirit.

Make a crazy mess and disregard the outcome. Practice the here and now, not tomorrow or the next day. Right now only. 

Don't be afraid to get messy! I had paint on my clothes, hands, face, mouth, ears, purse, shoes - you name it. It was even on my new skirt. I don't care! It's not ruined, it's only enhanced. I embrace imperfection - it makes me happy and feel happy. 

Listen to a wonderful story. Feel amazing that someone is reading you a book. That hasn't happened since I was a child. Made me feel very special. Practice gratitude when wonderful things like this happen. 

Draw your mood; understand your feelings. Negative or Positive, they all count. I felt sad after our yoga class, so it was good to put it on paper and also share with my neighbor who listened and understood. 

More appreciation for what is going on outside my own bubble. It's not always about us. The world is  a BIG place! You can learn alot from walking away from yourself for a bit. 

Little pods like this make me happy. Listening in on the chitter chatter makes me happy. Observing, makes me happy. 

Candles and flowers, always a favorite. 

Surprise someone with photos you took of them. I know they were grateful to be noticed. 

Ask questions. Your voice is important. Make sense of your confusion.

Be so excited to hear a handsome shy young man play the cora. Go buy his CD and ask him to autograph it . Smile with happiness that he is surprised at how much we adored him. 

 Observe the shy (or just quiet)  and sneak in pics. Remember to tell her how beautiful that purple is!

Remember to refuel- learning a new method is exhausting.

Explore an idea that catches in your mind!

Mingle, socialize! It's important - appreciate the very rare opportunity for fellowship!

More beautiful flowers while others work hard.  Such combinations around the room invite color and shapes into the dialogue. I like Katie, an assistant, up top, right corner, doing her thing. 

Marvel at how different all the paintings look

Marvel at the extensive out pouring of work as we all bought more and more canvases! Our enjoyment got the best of us!

A new friend and I worked on each other's paintings when we needed a push in a new direction.  The end result was FUN and exciting.  It also encouraged others to be brave and do the same thing. 

need i say more about this?

Pomegranates  and roses - the color scheme alone is perfect for a palette 

and if anything else: