Tribute to Mr. Buster Kat

Mom is going to take over my blog since she needs to share about Buster.

Wanda here. I hope this posting will have some continuity, but I can't promise it. I am going to talk about THE gold standard of cats, Buster. I haven't been able to blog about his death, and I need to talk about him.

I went to look at cats at a local rescue. There was something very special about this ginger cat, something palpable in the air. Buster came home with me. That night he jumped into bed with us, purring and being a happy drooler. He knew we were now his people, and he was watching over us.

The kibble bowl always needed to be full. It was one of his insecurities. Buster would round me up and direct me to the bowls in the basement if there was only 1/4 of bowl full. It was years before he became confident enough that we always had the kibble for him.

As I said, Buster was a happy drooler. I can't tell you how many pieces of clothing he "sogged" up. I wouldn't trade that for anything. It made my heart so glad that he could show he appreciation.

I got another cat from the same rescue. Nelson was cage bound for 9 months. Buster showed him the ropes of being a cat, including how to clean butts properly. They played in the vertical blinds. Oh, what I would give to hear that again.

Buster was a menace to the rodentia population. Mice, chipmunks, moles, bunnies, and squirrels were no match for the mighty hunter. My husband who had never been around cats could not believe what a prodigious hunter Buster was. It worked out very well. Buster ate most of his prey, leaving a bit of innards in the yard. Hubby's dog wiould find the innards and role on them. The dog then needed a bath, hubby's job. I praised the cat. Talk about a circle of life!

Buster was a philosopher and understood humanese. He would listen when our cousin or myself would talk. All it took was one look from Buster, and we knew what he was thinking.

I am sorry, but I can't go on. I am crying too much.

Buster was laid to rest August 23, 2011 after losing a battle with kidney failure. He told me it was time since he peed on the carpet. He was so embarrassed - his first mistake.

I can't seem to upload these pics. sorry
Buster (head over chair) and Nelson
Buster with scape on nose after a set to with the Black Marauder
His Professional photo
Buster in our garden

Art Auction for Okey's Promise: Art for a Cause

Our dear anipal, Brewski Butt, let Bztat, aka Vicki, come to Blogpaws 2011 to make a presentation about the next phase for Okey's Promise. In her kickstarter page, Vicki explains: "My hope is that this artwork will start a dialog about the combined issues of animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence." A key issue is that this project will only be funded if at least $6,000 is pledged by Monday Sep 26, 4:02pm EDT. as of 9-6-11, $1285 have been pledged.

As you may recall, the link between domestic and animal abuse is very dear to Mom's heart. She had me contact our group of artistic anipals and we are putting together an auction of artwork. Our list so far is: jewelry by Duck'sTypist, drawings by CheshireK, a print from Bztat, a Pasikas scarf, and one of Mom's beaded wallhangings. Details are still being worked out as to when, where, how.

I hope to have pictures for you all. I promise that Parker will help mom for sure. I will say that I have left fur on it already - it is a Christmas Laurel Burch wallhanging that she plans to hand bead. Mom, you had really better glam this up, because i am falling asleep just looking at it!

Love to all,
Maggie

Printer Problems

We have all had a printer problem day. Check out this lady cat's solution.

Domestic violence and animals

Our anipal community is trying to help a domestic violence situation, and they family has 2 dogs. The mother and children were moved to an emergency shelter, and the dogs have found VERY temporary housing and need to be moved soon. Here is one of mariodaCat's tweets: "Temporary FOSTER home needed for 2 dogs - So. WI. See http://mariodacat.blogspot.com/ for details & pictures."

The dogs have found a home in California, but need transportation. Agin, one of mario's tweets: HELP! Dogs need @pilotsNPaws transport assistance: #WI to #CA will drop off & pick up! HELP! PLS RT! shrinkalink.com/41678 We might have to fly the dogs commercial, or form a transport "train".

Here is a link to very helpful listings regarding domestic abuse and shelters.

Mom has been very silent on this matter. She was verbally abused in her first marriage, and didn't realize what actually happened to her psyche until much later. For some reason, this situation has resurrected feelings that she thought she had counseled out of her, not to mention her situation was totally different. She has worked with Lydia's House (shelter), given much of her time, energy, and quilts while trying to understand it all. She is not trying to turn this post into a pity pot, but really trying to piece together why she has been powerless to help.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Actually, every month is awareness month, or should be. thanks to all the anipals who could help. I think mom can only give money to transport the dogs. She is shedding tears for the mom and kids.

Last Auction

I have the honor of having the last piece for the Art Auction for World Vets. Our fearless leaders, @CheshireK and Robin, have worked so hard keeping everyone informed and coordinated. Kudos to our artists @Boomiethecat, @whskr/@dashkitten and @Cokiethecat / @bohopets.

Please go to the link above and bid on Mom's quilt. Please?

The small wall quilt is a Kimono print from Kona Bay. Complimentary fabrics were chosen for applique elements which were stitched in gold metallic thread. The surface was heavily quilted. The picture does do justice to the main portion of the quilt. The dark rust area will be heavily stipple quilted to match the interior density (to lie flat). All machine quilting was free motion. The quilt will be bound with a contrasting fabric. The back has a suprise fabric, but I will tell you there are samuris aplenty.

Parker and I were really helping mom with this one. She said we delayed her progress, but we knew when she needed a break, mainly cuz her threads kept breaking! We are goona show you how much help we were!

Maggie on chair snoopervising Bored?

I am NOT sleeping

Nice Samuri, Mom! Doesn't look any better this way.

World Vets - I'm In!

Please read FrugalDougal's post about World Vets. I couldn't begin to be as eloquent as he is. @CathyKeisha is a talented writer and gives another view of this crisis. Please read her blog as well. I am part of a blog hop for World Vets. Please visit the links at the end for other stories and items for sale.

Several anipals are joining together to offer our handicrafts for proceeds going to World Vets, @Boomiethecat, @whskr, @CheshireK, and me, MaggieTKat. Some items will be auctioned on Cheshire's blog. Other items will be for sale in our store.

All the monies for my items will go directly to World Vets. I am putting together small quilted wallhangings and notecards. My first wallhangings will be about 18" x 22".

This wallhanging that is almost ready (need to do the binding). It is made from a kimono print produced by Kona Bay. I used elements from other fabrics to add collage to the surface. I attached the collages with free motion using gold metallic Sulky thread. The quilting was done with either clear nylon or rayon thread. Email me if you want to know specifics or better colors.

Here are 2 more hallhangings that I will be doing.

Shine of Your Japan

click below for Steely Dan

Bodhisattva