1994-2007This past June Raven, my beloved studio assistant was diagnosed with cancer. Early this morning she passed away quietly under the head of my bed. She was the first cat I ever fell in love with. She changed my entire attitude toward cats in general and talk about attitude? Trust me, this gal had it in spades.
She was always my faithful helper especially in the kitchen. She loved to watch me prepare food and she loved to eat. Her tastes ran the gamut from tacos to spaghetti and the list goes on. I could call her just by opening the refrigerator door. She knew that sound well and was always 'tuned' to it.
A funny story...When she was just a little kitten she scared me almost to death. It was nighttime and I couldn't find her anywhere. I was frantic! I looked everywhere in house but no Raven. Finally I tried to calm down and retrace my steps. They brought me to the refrigerator. Noooo..she couldn't be...she was...in the frig. I thought she'd be traumatized by the experience but not her. She was busy working on a piece of Polish sausage and when I opened the door she looked at me like, "What do you want?" That was my gal.
9 comments:
Oh Billie, I'm so sorry to hear that Raven died. I know she was more than just a cat to you.
Funny story about her liking of the fridge. Its good to remember her and smile. Hugs.
Billie, I am sorry to hear the sad news about Raven. I know it is hard to lose furry friends. Thank you for sharing the refrigerator story.
Billie - I am truly so sorry you lost your studio assistant. I know how for a while you will continue to see her out of the corner of your eye. Your series of cats is rather good timing. Or maybe planned since you had a heads up. Hope you find a good pic of her to add to it.
Hugs.... and more hugs
Billie, I am so sorry and I know how much you enjoyed her on your lap while wirting on the computer.
Hugs, Billie!!!
thanks everyone. it's finally starting to hit me that she's really gone. i'm realizing now Raven had become a part of my identity so this is like losing a part of myself. i'm sure gonna miss those purple paw prints on my paintings. never thought i'd say that! no more..."sorry, kitty on keyboard" either. funny...i can still feel her presence around me.
Billie - so sorry to hear about your cat. I loved the story about her second home in the fridge.
From my en my experience, I highly recommend framing as many photos of her as you can and dotting them all around the place while you get over your loss.
Your paintings of cats are really great - I guess you now need to do another one?
thank you, Katherine. unfortunately i don't have many photos of her. she was obviously a black cat so difficult to photograph. i did take a few of her this summer and plan to paint her eventually. thankfully i have two other cats the same age to keep me company.
i have a couple new refs lined up and ready to paint for my Catitude series. i'm still working out the details.
Billie, I am terribly sorry for your loss. I know our own pets are full members of our family and I can tell you felt the same way about Raven. She was lucky to have you in her life and I take it that you thoroughly enjoyed her. It's great that you have stories to make you smile in remembrance. Again, my thoughts are with you.
thanks, Lisa. i've been spending a lot of time in my gardens this week. it seems to help more than painting right now. when i called in my two remaining cats last night i called for her not even thinking...just out of habit. i can tell this is going to take some time for me to get past losing her. i do appreciate your kind words.:)
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