Pages

Monday, July 14, 2014

"Lookit The Cat!"







































"Lookit the cat! LOOKIT THE CAT!"

I suppose I'd shriek the same thing if I came upon this sizable critter while walking my dog in an otherwise normal neighborhood. He's an inch or two over six feet tall and that glossy orange coat is a knock out traffic stopper. If I were totally adverse to the attention of gawkers I probably would have confined him indoors while I applied finishes touches. But that's not the way I roll.

Paper mache construction began on the back deck several weeks ago. But alas! By the time a pair of extra-chubby cheeks blossomed on this cute little face, my buddy was too wide and too bulky to fit back through the door. Grandpa helped me lower him over the railing and into the garage. I've parked outside for a month and kitty has lived contentedly inside, enjoying his journey from a pair of cardboard appliance boxes to the "Mister Purr-sonality" figure you see here.

And now what? Well, kitty is actually the last of my new attractions for our upcoming family carnival, so he's not just gonna sit here all day dreaming about pet treats. He's a working cat! One whose job it is to burp out "hairballs" for the purpose of (hopefully!) delighting children who approach him with a ticket to place in his generous paw. Once he purrs a sweet "Thank you!" he'll ease into a coughing spasm - the universally recognized warning to cat owners that something's on its way up - and its going to be slimy and gelatinous!

"Hairballs!"


I'm sure there's a code of secrecy respected by carnies that keeps tricks of the trade under wraps. I probably shouldn't blab about how this game functions. So I'll just say that "maybe" it has something to do with a secret door in back, a daughter willing to sit inside with a portable mike and a sense of humor, and a box of colorful "hairballs" to toss out of Mister Purr-sonality's mouth at just the right moment!





13 comments:

  1. I can't believe how cute he turned out! You sure have put a lot of work into him -- including replacing those feet the chipmunk kept chewing off! The kids are going to love him!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think the cat will be a big hit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh - my - gosh - that cat is amazing!!! Your carnival beats the one that comes to our town every year! We actually just picked up some Purina Hairball formula at the store a few days ago. Yup, we know that sound well! Have a fantastic carnival!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fabulous! What fun!
    Would love to see photos of the carnival!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOL ! I hope it's not too hot that day for the daughter inside!

    You just crack me up..you couldn't fit the dinosaur through something ( door in the house, was it ? ) about half way through either.

    Kitty is amazing!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow - this is amazing and another great addition to the carnival! Looking forward to seeing it in action, J, and also those lovely, smiley faces taking everything in. They are going to be so excited, it's going to be the best day for them! Roll on, family carnival!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome! and really clever. I wish I could come to your carnival!

    ReplyDelete
  8. As they use to say in the old days - that is the cat's meow! I love that cat! And, I can only imagine the shrieks of laughter when hair balls start flying. OMG Hysterical. You are without a doubt, the most creative Grandma of all times. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joyce, you may have outdone yourself with this one! Mr. Purr-sonality is amazing, and the kids are going to be delighted! I can't wait to see pictures of him, um, in action! ;) Thank you for bringing him all the way over to Treasure Box Tuesday this week- we enjoyed having him!! PINNED! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well, well - that is indeed some cat. You need to get pix of it with the kiddies standing there so we can see the grand scale. You amaze me with the things you do for the grandkids - they are gonna love those slimy hairballs. I'm as anxious for the carnival as if I were a little kid.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is perfect! Super cute cat I bet you'll have a great family carnival. Sounds like so much fun!! Thanks for sharing at this past week's party! Hope to see you again this week and Happy Summer!!! Theresa @DearCreatives

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, what an amazing job! He looks fabulous, and well worth taking over your garage. Looking forward to seeing photos of your carnival!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome! You really do have a never-ending supply of ideas, and time, and patience! :D

    ReplyDelete