Virginia A. Spiegel

Claudine Intner’s quest to raise funds for autism research is reaching new heights this year with over 90 artists participating.  Art Now For Autism, Claudine’s brainchild, is a reverse auction this year with prices dropping throughout the week.

Art Now For Autism began today and will continue through October 10.  This wonderful piece of fiber art donated by Patty VanHuis-Cox to Art Now For Autism has now joined my collection:

Ever Watchful

The Art Now For Autism reverse auction allows you to browse by types of art (art dolls, digital art, drawing, fiber art, jewelry, mixed media & collage, painting, photography, printmaking & artist books, prints, and three-dimensional art), subject matter or artist.   I know I will be stopping back throughout the week as well as following Claudine’s tweets about the progress and success of this fundraiser.

Alert eyes noticed the little feline sitting in the corner in this photo I posted quite some time ago of my old studio.  I posted that photo on purpose as Mr. Pouncer was indeed a shy creature.  I  already had a rescued cat when I adopted Pouncer and his sister sight unseen from a friend.  I asked for the shyest female kittens of the litter to make it easier for our formerly abused Purdue. It turned out Pouncer was a male and his sister was a bully.  So we found the little girl a new home after a bit and welcomed another crazy cat to our home.

He hated strangers (everyone but Joe and I), doorbells, and loud noises.  I called him my Klingon cat because if I sat down, he had to sit on my lap or be as close to me as possible.  If we sat on the deck, he would make soundless distress meows at the screen door until we came in. He opened dresser drawers and laid on my clothes, he sat on a heating pad warmed basket while I was on the computer, he played great baseball, and he kept an ear out for all important activities from a soft perch on our bed while I was in the studio.

One night Joe came home very late from work.  Pouncer heard the door open and shot off the bed growling. You have to love an attack cat. He was an only cat for the past five years and loved every minute of it.

Old age (almost 17 years) finally overcame his zest for life this past week.  He will be missed.