Mar 14/10: Portrait

Mar 14/10: Portrait, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Sunday challenge: Catchlights in the eyes make a portrait sing. Make a portrait of someone with catchlights in their eyes.

Well - one eye caught the light. I don't often feature portraits on my blog - so I chose my feline subject. Basil is often distracted by what he sees (a tuft of fur in the air, dust in a sunbeam....). He twists his head backwards, upside down - it doesn't seem to matter to him. Sometimes I wonder what he is thinking - or does he think? He certainly knows how to get his needs met.

Basil can always be counted on for distraction with his silly antics. He purrs very softly so you have to cuddle close to hear it and meows quite loud when he is alone in a room so you call him to remind him that others are around. Then he comes prancing into the room grateful for the company. He can still be kittenish at the age of 13 - that's one of the traits of a Cornish Rex.

Jan 17/10: My cousin

Jan 17/10: My cousin, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It would take a lifetime to tell the story and stories of my wonderful cousin. Although we are more than 30 years apart in age, she is my first cousin. Our grandmother had three children, the oldest of whom was N's mother, before being widowed. My mother was from her second marriage. N grew up in Romania and when she found herself an orphan at 16, she stayed one more year to finish high school and then immigrated to Canada to be with our grandmother. N and my mother were only 5 years apart in age and soon became very close and over the years as I became an adult our relationship became one of friendship too.

My cousin has always worked in jobs that brought her in touch with people and at 91 continues to volunteer and brighten people's days. A story teller, avid reader, caring person - she is a role model for aging well.