I’ve never enjoyed creating self-portraits. But, for some reason I just created one, and really enjoyed doing it! I was suddenly inspired by a weird painting I saw in the background of an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It was a framed painting of a woman standing next to her cat. In the episode a woman from the 50s is being scolded by her parents for allowing her marriage to end. I was only half watching, because I was really drawn to the painting hanging on the wall of the woman’s bedroom. Even now, I’m not sure what it symbolized.

I guess there’s the stereotype of the lonely woman with no husband and only a cat for a companion. It could have just been there as some sort of subliminal symbol. I wonder how much this has really changed over the years.

Anyway, for some reason I really felt compelled to re-create the image I had seen ever so briefly. I especially liked in the image I saw how the woman was shoulder to shoulder with her cat, like they were totally in this thing together. I drew my current cat, Freeda. She definitely has the strongest personality of any cat I’ve ever been familiar with. Some of you may not know this, but she even has her own blog. Even though I only have one cat, I still proudly consider myself a cat lady.

Soooooo, Happy Caturday!

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Love,

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates children’s books that celebrate diversity, creativity, and all the special qualities that make each of us unique. Her book EVER OPEN is now available on Amazon in print and for kindle.

Deep in the heart of the Everglades, 26 tiny eggs are beginning to hatch in a giant nest under a tall cypress tree. The fourth alligator to see the light of day is about to embark on a classic hero’s journey. Join Baby D as he explores his world through the innocence and wonder of a natural dreamer. Discover what makes him special while pondering what it might be that makes you special, too.