Lucky by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I have it on reliable authority that 10 black cats (seen in one day) are harbingers of good luck and an easy life. I have it on good authority that black cats are bad luck if they cross your path (but only in the dark) because it’s easy to trip over them. You don’t want to trip over a black cat in the dark (especially a black cat that shares living space with you. This is because after you’ve tripped over them and sent them scampering into some obscure corner of the house, they make you feel immensely guilty.) I’ve never had bad luck with black cats, however; I’m careful and so I don’t trip over them. They—perhaps in feline gratitude—often use me as a Chip-shaped pillow.
I don’t know who this little person is. She I know that she lives downstairs from Corey and his roommate, in an apartment shared with at least three other humans and two other cats. I’ve seen at least two of the cats. This little beauty, and an amazingly gorgeous red tabby. I’m partial to this little black beauty, however, and I came across her on the day that Corey was returning home from the hospital. Black cats are, indeed, harbingers of good fortune, though I think on the day this particular picture was taken, this black cat was a harbinger of long naps (at least for Corey.)
Since the earliest days of my childhood, I’ve loved cats; I’ve lived with them; I’ve learned how to hunt mice and how to walk as quietly as possible, even on a squeaky, creaky floor. I’ve learned, from cats, the uselessness of guilt (unless its being inflicted on an inferior social life form,) and I’ve come to imitate at least a dozen or so of the 100+ different feline vocalizations. If I’m not mistaken, cats have a general vocabulary of 103 different meows, and countless facial expressions. I don’t know the name of this young cat, but I meowed (the chortling sort of meow that cats will vocalize when in the presence of familiar compatriots.) As a result of that chortling meow, I was able to talk a particular feline person into sitting still for my camera, before deciding to smell the lens as I attempted a macro shot of the nose.
In keeping with the black cat tradition and their abilities to attract good fortune, I’m happy to say that Corey is doing well…and I’m less a caretaker than the guy who keeps Corey from getting so over-ambitious that he decides to hike from Albany Park to Evanston, just because it’s a warm day. Corey is doing well enough to get over ambitious. I think the presence of a black cat on the back porch is partly responsible for that, and even if such a thing isn’t the case, I like associating black cats with best friends…but then, black cats are my best friends, in a sort of furry, four-legged, opinionated way.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope that I can get back in the swing of commenting myself. I’ve stopped in your galleries and I’ve seen the marvels that I’ve come to expect from Renderosity, but as it stands, I’m helping out with things Corey needs done, though admittedly, we’re just hanging out and even getting to enjoy a limited range of photographic excursions…mostly to the back porch. In time, however, Corey will be as good as new, and we’ll both be posting and commenting and generally doing the stuff we always do…and I suspect a trip to Chinatown will be the first thing we accomplish once Corey’s up and around.
Comments (29)
Hmmmm - so you can 'talk' to cats, hmmm? Well, you might be able to set up a service as a cat-whisperer, my friend! You sure seemed to get a delightful pose out of this one! Glad to hear Corey is doing better! Excellent photo!
Awwwwwwww part 2....I love cats, black cats in particular despite their bad rep....as for feline languages-how do you say, "get off the sofa..." In cat?
How about a cat whose waistline is about equal to 10 cats? Big tub of yogurt we call him.
Great narrative, You are a blessing for Corey, glad to hear he is on the mend.
Regardless of color, cats are our masters. It's been quite some time since I've had a black cat around and if it weren't for only being allowed on cat where I live, I might have taken in a black cat that was in need of a home recently. If you're offering feline to English translations, I could use "get down from there, there's nothing up there for you". Or "don't lie down in front of the door before I unlock it to get in".
"I am Bastet, ancient spirit, Lucky is my human name. I have come to help you Curtis. You are in need of a kick in the ass...". Sorry, channeling a little Twitch City tonight. Curtis got into some illicit Chinese pineapple cookies with 'alleged' hallucinogenic additives. And wackiness ensued. This one seems to have a wily persona to her. A little more streetwise than her pedigree cousins perhaps. I love those yellow eyes, I can well imagine how they must look in a dark room in the dead of night. No, it is very wise to not trip over any cat in the dark. For they will pounce on you later while you are sleeping. Usually around the groin area - probably not a sign of good fortune. And then you have to feed them. BTW, I hope you fed her, for modeling herself for you. Again, very glad to hear Corey is doing well. Take care, both of you.
What a lovely story about cats. I love cats too. I once had a HUGE white cat. A gentle and always friendly cat. This is a beautiful shot of Coreys neigbour :) I am glad to know Corey is recovering so well. :)
When young, not one afternoon went by that on the way home from school, I didn't pick up a 'stray' cat, carrying the usually struggling creature home and wailing to my mater that it was lost, so I rescued it! Truth is, were I in the position and not so darned sick, many more cats than my lone moggy would be residing with us. I've never been without one - and more usually 4 or more - and those I haven't acquired from shelters have generally just walked in one day and never left. I too learned more from them than they ever did from me. 'Tis no wonder the Ancient Egyptians revered them. As a Wiccan, so do I. This little furry person is very like Skimmy and Spider, twins I rescued from behind a cafe in Padstowe. I am so very happy that Corey is doing so well. I know what a long haul back it is from surgery, but at least he has you to help him. ^=^ Fabulous image Chip. ^=^
She is so sweet! I've allways liked black cats and never feel like they're bringing bad lock :) Thx for sharing!
I love cats too, but for two reasons I cannot have one. The first is that I live on a very busy main road, albeit treelined and lovely, and the second is that I have scores of birds feeding in my back garden every day! A cat's gotta do what they do, but not on my patch!
Maybe you might bring back a juicy shrimp for this little fellow!
Fantastic capture!! At first the "unlucky" cats were the white ones (because of the pallor of death) and white cats still seem to be feared in some areas of England and Ireland. Some say that this is the origin of the superstition about black cats. Though only recently scientifically proven, it seems that the black color is genetically associated with a surplus of adrenaline, so black cats are generally more aggressive than others. Obviously, this surplus of aggressiveness was also noted in the past (although the reason was unknown) and black cats were searched as fierce mice hunters. For this reason they became the beloved "cats on board" in the Barbary pirates feluccas who plundered the coasts of the Mediterranean. When a pirate ship docked, usually the cat jumped out, often because he didn't love the sea life. A black cat crossing the road often meant that there were Barbary pirates around the corner. The fate of the unfortunate wayfarer is soon told: he/she was killed or ended at the slaves market in Algiers or Istanbul. If this was not misfortune, what else! Since then, across the Mediterranean to meet a black cat means having bad luck and this superstition (?) has spread.
I really like this shot, the cat is beautiful, and I love the wide-eyed expression. I also grew up with a black cat, so for me they're something good, not bad luck. Lovely shot!
Stunning capture of this lovely animal my friend. I love all cats be they black or whatever color.
Lovely black puss cat. I know from having spoken to people in cat rescue, that the black cats are always last to be adopted. People think they are unlucky, I think they are beautiful, when I went for a rescue a month ago there was 1 black cat but he was so timid, I don't think he would have enjoyed living here with the 3 noisy girls :o)
Only the most special humans are allowed glimpses into the clearly superior feline world; you are lucky to be among these privileged people! What a beautiful creature this is!
"Get off the sofa" is not in any cat vocabulary that I know. Since it isn't in their vocabulary they will ignore you with dignity or look at you with utter disdain that a pet would deign to speak to them. };-) Nice shot. Glad your Corey is getting better.
I too love black cats, all cats but black is my strongest totem. I'm glad to hear that Corey is doing well and trust you are as well. The kittee really has a deep stare, like he is trying to communicate with you. Great shot and great writing as always. Because of what you wrote I am including info here about your cat totem, interesting to me how it coincides so perfectly with what you wrote:-) Note that the cat does not have to belong to you, only has to appear to you. The cat totem is one that encourages clear perception, an agile mind and body, strong resourcefulness and independence. The cat can also be a strong challenger, encouraging you to come up with new ideas and visit new places. Because of its quick and clever mind, the cat can offer helpful inspiration if you find yourself stuck in a problem or your creative juices feel depleted. If you’re looking for an added boost of courage or confidence, the cat is the totem to call upon. A very interesting note about the cat is that their energy field is said to rotate in the opposite direction of the human energy field. Because of this it is believed that the energy of cats can neutralize any negative energy that may affect a human. For this reason cats are often viewed as powerful healers. Even though black cats can sometimes be equated with bad luck, in many cultures they are seen as a good omen or as having protective powers. To me, it sounds like you have positive, protective energy around you. (you are so lucky!)
She is truly a looker! What a marvelous shot of this neighbour feline Chip! The reading - very entertaining! Hugs to you and Corey from Africa!
beautiful shot of this black cat. congrats on the aom. steve
Sweet portrait.
SUPERB, FASCINATING IMAGE! GREAT BLACK CAT, I LOVE HIM!
A cat story--I love em!! My last cat used to sleep ON me, and if I turned over (or tried to) in the night, I heard about it!! When he wanted to got out, he would climb on the screen in my window and if he wanted to come in, he would climb on the outside. I have a rather shredded screen. Sweet shot and best news about Corey. Try and keep him busy with his camera; that way he might not try and escape for a long walk before he's ready!1
I always liked cats myself and think it's great you can talk cat talk!
Excellent!
What a beauty~
Adorable cat and exciting eyes. Dana
She's delicate and sweet, and her feline personality shines out of this capture. I don't personally believe in the bad luck side of things, but animals are always good for lifting the spirits, so the good luck side is sure to have some effect. Great portrait!