At the heart of it all
The animals and I
Last night I did not truly sleep . I tossed and turned and adjusted my body in peculiar positions to adapt to the idiosyncrasies of the coming and goings of cats and one expansive sleeping hound dog. I had been excited about the prospect of sleeping on a new mattress after the last one’s sagginess only added to the achiness in my hips and lower back . It was not to be. All of our animals are seniors -like us. So I admit we pander to their needs a bit more with the recognition they have special value and needs at their ages and stages. So when I stretched into an enhanced s shape to accommodate these dear ones it contributed to my morning malaise. The wake up chorus start anywhere between 4 and 5 am . Outside (the windows are open in summer ) the 5 roosters start their early morning announcements and the cats stir and hop off the bed to whine and make a fuss about their version of wake up and feeding time. I have tried various methods of prolonging this inevitable scenario. As for the hound dog, Gracie -She creeps up during the night only to splay her entire body horizontally across the pillow part of my bed . Then her snoring commences , amplified by her perceived comfort while enveloped by pillows and legs fully extended into my back.
If you have or have had a cat , that is determined to rule your world then I’m sure you understand the folly of trying to sway the situation in my favour. My sympathetic side surfaced after reading a most beautiful literary tribute to the special relationship between a feline and man titled “My beloved Monster” by Caleb Carr. I borrowed this book from my library and was truly moved by their journey. (A Cautionary note -if you are sensitive to pet loss and grief right now this may not be the Book for you )
We love and adore our animal companions so I really am not complaining-it is what it is. We accommodate.
Gus on sentry duty
Gus and Sadie are both 16/17 year old and wandered into our lives together as strays
Nap time is almost all of the time (except for 3 am in morning)
Always in comfort mode ..
Gracie is about 11 and Eddie the Jack Russell 15 or 16 .
Winston the pot bellied pig thankfully has his own house outside ..He is 15 or so years old
as do the roosters..ages a mixed bag!
4 of our roosters are friendly and the 5th staring at the camera (and me) is a little tyrant. I have mastered several avoidance moves to save my legs from his pointy sharp beak . I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me for what “purpose do we keep roosters “
They all truly do enhance our lives in every way and our sacrifices are minimal .We are totally responsible for their health and well being and its been a privilege to have them share their lives with us.
I happened upon author Tom Cox ‘s wonderful essay today about a very special cat ( and beloved cats in his life ) and it seemed timely !
Animals factor into my art quite regularly.
It’s time for an almost end of summer sale!
I am offering 30% off all of my art -prints and originals from my shop site Thursday morning August 15th until Sunday the 18th only ..
You will need the coupon code : 4XMLWP (the discount will be reflected at checkout )
How do animals factor into your art making..as a muse or….?
Thank you for reading Ageless Artist …:-)
Yours in art (and more!)
Heather
What a lovely little bunch you have there. I have eight myself, four cats, four dogs. If I had any money I would love to have more. I really don't have anyone except my kids, so they are my world. I can't imagine not parenting animals. My kids are 27, and I so miss mothering and home educating. I miss little kids being around. The eight of them will always be children. I am kind of feeble these days and would likely be in bed a lot more without them. I get up for them. I talk to them. Phoebe, my mutt, loves me to sing to her.
My youngest, my chihuahua Lupita, never leaves my side. That warm little body sleeps pasted against me every night, all night. I have two elders, a Pomeranian of 13 and a cat of 14. I often look at them with a lump in my throat because of their aging issues, which they have alongside me. I feel I cannot give them enough. None of us has an adventure very often, which makes me sad for the young ones. But they are dearly loved and given attention and good care, and that will have to do. We love each other, and it's what I live for!
Oh, such wonderful pets you have in your life, we have an aging French bulldog, Hugo, who slept with me last night, but normally sleeps with my daughter. He has a bit of dementia and walks less now but still loves us all to bits. I think when he passes on I will look for a small dog just for me, I need a good companion in my life right now. I like your roosters, especially the fierce one with the "don't mess with me" stare! I was woken up by our loud crows and a blue jay who is just so noisy in the early morning!