Do you wrestle with what to draw? Perhaps you feel like the events of your life don’t merit being chronicled in illustrations? Well, think again. In this post, you’ll see how an illustrated life can have charm even when the inspiration is drawn from everyday objects.
An illustrated life…
Mine, to be precise, revolves these days around taking care of this little beastie:
Ollie is currently on a three-month pill regime to treat FIP – the dreaded (often fatal) disease that affects some young cats. Fortunately, even though the meds are not yet FDA approved, success rate is very high with the treatment protocol. In addition to watching our little baby like a hawk, we are showering him with love and affection.
(By the way, no one is more loving than Ollie’s brother, Ziggy. And I’m pretty sure Ziggy’s hugs are medicinal, too!)
My illustrated life of late…
Has remained confined to our apartment. I was supposed to travel to visit my mom last week, but Omicron put a stop to those plans. However, I’ve still managed to find ways to have flights of fancy on my “staycation”:
One such way is my daily study of Spanish and French on Duolingo. I’m also watching Conta-me Como Foi, a fabulous Portuguese sitcom/drama that takes place in my native Lisbon right around the time I was born. There are no subtitles in Conta-me Como Foi; fortunately, my Portuguese is good enough that I can do without them. And, every once in a while if I get stumped, I can always stop the video to look up the word in question with Google Translate.
I’m also celebrating…
Because my hair has finally grown past these awkward stages:
To a cute 1920’s bob length!
Plus, this afternoon I put the finishing touches on the 2nd Quarter illustrations for my ongoing project with Nomura Research Institute. Finishing a month early is definitely reason to break out the bubbly and do a happy dance!
Cha-cha-cha!
Adorable!! I’m sorry to hear about Ollie’s issues. You’re the best cat mom ever.
Hi Jen,
I’m so grateful that 1. the meds seem to be working really well for Ollie, and 2. that I have the opportunity to try my best at being a cat mom. 🙂 A few years back I wouldn’t have even described myself as a “pet person.” Funny how things change, right?
I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love. And I look forward to being able to catch up on a phone date whenever the time is right.
xox – Joana
Your new cartoon-haircut looks very cute! I like fantasy-travel Joana and dancing-girl Joana.
Hi Helen, I actually went back to my hairdresser the day after the haircut to get him to take a bit more off the neck. I guess I’m fussy – but then again, with this style of cut every little detail matters. (Hee-hee!) Fortunately, he agreed with what I was asking for and had no problem making the change. Now I must cha-cha-cha myself into the bedroom to make the bed with fresh sheets.
xox – Joana
Ah, you should have seen Pucky perk up when he heard that birdie at the end of your pixie video. He approves of your bob, cha cha cha!
Ooh, so happy to hear that Pucky likes my new ‘do. He has exquisite taste, of course.;-)
xox – J