Acrylic on cardboard – 8 x 8 inch – Unique work

The sun has finally broken through the thin layer of morning mist. It’s mild outside for a Friday at the end of January. I fed the birds sunflower seeds (they love them!) and fat balls. Since then, it’s been a free-for-all. An organized flight from tree to tree, much to Zoey’s delight.

Zoey, almost two years old. A lively, playful, and sweet little cat who makes herself perfectly understood. Each of us has her own territory and respects the other’s. She lends me “her” armchair, which happens to be my birthday present from my daughter! I’ll add one more quality: generous.

I’m sitting comfortably on it actually, a small coffee on the coffee table, as I write these few lines. She tried to gently remove me, fixing me with her round, ochre eyes, but… sensed I wouldn’t break. She didn’t insist and left to join the morning performance of her live show.

It’s amazing how organized these birds are. We can see blue tits, great tits, goldfinches, magpies, turtle doves, green woodpeckers, robins… and others I don’t recognize. My ornithological knowledge is limited. Never mind, the comings and goings are absolutely gorgeous.

Zoey is perched on her cat tree, sitting, lying down. She stares. When I’m in the garden, I see two ochre-colored marbles staring at me, meticulously following my every move. I keep busy; even in winter there are things to do. Nature is simply at rest; it’s always alive beneath the surface, invisible to the human eye.

Sometimes Zoey also clucks. She’d certainly like to grab one or two, maybe even three. But no, they’re not toys. Besides, it’s dangerous for a cat to be outside in the countryside: animal and human predators! No way I’m letting her roam free outside. She tries to take a few steps when I open the patio door, but she stays right next to it. I’m keeping a close eye on her!

This text is coming to an end. I’m going back to my daily routine and will accompany Zoey in her activity. Side by side, cheeks pressed together, our eyes fixed on the nearest tree. The endless dance will begin. The day will go well…

Zoey, free behind the window.