When I was 22, I gave birth to a healthy spirited boy. At the time, I still had a “mystery” disorder, which included lower body muscle atrophy, seizures, fatigue and weakness. It had started when I was 16 and I was told by my neurologist that I might not live til I was 30. But I am lucky and I am hard-headed, although my diagnosis is transverse myelitis abnormal. (I love that it’s in my medical records that I’m abnormal.)
Now some 30 years later, I am celebrating my son’s 30th. Can you imagine how sweet that is?
I wanted to make him something special, so I asked him if he had any kind of animal totem or symbol or spirit that he identified with. Nope. He’s much more grounded and practical than I am. After a few more questions, he said, “Well, I’ve always liked cats. And robots.”
We had cats the whole time he was growing up and when he was still a crawler, I believe he thought he was a cat. Now we both live in apartments where we don’t want to pay the pet deposit so we have no cats.
So I went into my laboratory and created a cat robot for him. This is painted with acrylics on 8.5 by 11″ canvas pad. On the cat’s thigh, it says “Nice Kitty (c) Acme.” — my nod to all the Looney Toons we enjoyed together. My son has done more for my sense of humor than anything else in life. He also has a keen appreciation for dark stories. So I hope this appeals to all of that. And like me, it lacks proper perspective and is slightly off-kilter.
 |
| Nice Kitty |
Art and love will take you amazing places.
For more art in the blog world, go to Paint Party Friday.
joy murray art~stories~life 
Oh, how funny, Joy! I love the robotic cat. Neat art.
Amazing story Joy. I'm so happy that it is 30 years later. Love your robotic cat and I'm sure her will treasure it always. You are a good mother and you both are look alikes. tee hee.:) Have a great weekend. Happy PPF!
Great story! I love the robotic cat and the contrast with the homespun rug. Happy PPF
Love reading about you and your son, what an inspiring story. Your robot cat is fab! HPPF!
What a wonderful inspiring story Joy and a wonderful work of Art. Love your sense of humor and imagination. HPPF Thanks for always commenting on my blog too. 🙂
A ScorpionCat? Awesome!
Love the cat robot, and that photo is a fabulous one… your love for each other shines through…xx
What an inspiring story, Joy!
Happy birthday to your son, too.
LOVE your robotic cat! So cool!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
I absolutely love your story…every bit of it. The creation is perfect and I know he will love it, and especially because of all the two of you went through. You are a brilliant mommy!!!! Always a boy's mommy right? lol (I have 2 – better be!) – though one of mine has presently tossed me aside for the new wife for a while! haha. Lovies, Samara Happy PPF. Meow creak creak!
I love the humor in your painting, and bet he loved it too. You are certainly blessed to be celebrating your son's 30th birthday. Here's to at least 30 more!
Well it certainly gave me a chuckle! Glad you got to see your sons 30th. Time just flys…my daughter is 27 and I still can't believe it….
Love your cat, excellent job, I'm sure he loved it!
Hugs Giggles
I loved reading your amazing story! It is a very cool pic and that robot cat…my! It speaks of so many treasured moments that both of you share…it's a wonderful gift from you to your son!
Love the “cats have slaves” bit!:-)
What a great story. I'd never heard of your condition before but how great that you defied medical expectations. Your son has a lovely warm smile. I love the robot cat-it's perfect!
How wonderful! I love your robot cat and I am sure your son will to 🙂 The perfect gift
How wonderful! I love your robot cat and I am sure your son will to 🙂 The perfect gift
Where does the time go Joy? Love the robot kitty.
How wonderful to be celbrating such a profound milestone involving you both. Love your robot cat and I'm sure your son will too!! Happy PPF!
love your robot cat and what a great post to be celebrating your sons 30th after the dr diagnosis
What a wonderful story, it was so refreshing…yeah what is normal;)
The cat is great too. Nice meeting you!
ManonX
wow this is a great way to celebrate your son. Such a fun and clever painting. Happy PPF, Annette x
http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
oh, what a beautiful photo of the two of you!! He's a handsome guy… yeah, I agree: art and love WILL take you to amazing places. Love the robot cat painting Joy… xox
What a touching story and very inspiring journey you have been on…..hugs..and such a gorgeous and dazzling cat robot for him..he must love it..
Such beautiful photos too!
Happy PPF
Victoria
“Art and love will take you amazing places.” Amen to that! xoxo
Lovely photos and story and that robot cat looks so cutely menacing and dark! 🙂 Happy birthday to your son!
Thanks to everyone for their kind comments. Everyday is a celebration!
That's a lovely robocat 🙂
Belated birthday wishes to your son.
Thanks for the reply Joy and I tried the video but haven't yet got to watch it completely…have a slight Net problem. Thought I would reply after that.
Bye for now 🙂