This is a story I wrote once about two roommates and their cat. [Technically not a story at all. Would not even qualify as a short short. But that’s ok.] These are the two roommates:
Dean, a steampunk goat and Chaz, a steampunk llama
Each 2.5″ x 3.5″ pen and ink, circa approximately October 2011
DEAN:
Dean starting inventing eyepieces in seventh grade. The first had a rudimentary long-focus device which he made in order to better see Eliza, a popular and adorable Nubian, across the playground. Yes, of course they had a playground in seventh grade. These are farmyard type creatures, after all. Need their sunshine. Just like people actually, but that’s another story, isn’t it?
It is many years later now, and in that funny way life has of going in circles, Dean and Eliza are now dating. She doesn’t even remember him from seventh grade. Which he couldn’t be happier about.
Dean is also Chaz’s roommate (Chaz is an inventor and a llama). They have a blue and green cat named Phil who has about as much interest in their inventions as he has in other cats, which is to say, absolutely none.
CHAZ:
Chaz the blue llama is an inventor, first. The bird shaped device he is wearing over one eye is made of leather, brass and various metals. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, he is particularly proud of the tiny wing fashioned from an orange washer. The mechanism, with a cable connected to a power source in his front pocket, has both long-focus and enhanced night vision capabilities.
And this is the cat:
Phil the Cat
2.5″ x 3.5″ Art Card, pen and ink
PHIL:
This is Phil, a serious, colorful cat with one green eye and one golden eye . He lives with a llama (Chaz) and a goat (Dean). Phil is interested in tin foil and the mythology of the cat goddess Bast. Phil’s theory is that Bast was a space traveler whose ship experienced a major electrical malfunction that not only forced her landing in the Nile Valley, but caused her to bestow upon humans the scientific advances that she intended to give to cats.
Phil does not like other cats, believing they squander their superior intellect in the misguided pursuit of the perfect sun spot.
I was going through some older Etsy sales recently (in the case of Dean, above – October 2012) and ran across my little tale about Dan, the steampunk goat, and Chaz, a steampunk llama. And their cat, Phil. And I realized I had forgotten it. So part of the reason for this post is to remember! But I thought you might like to read it, too.
Thanks for reading this far! You’re the best. ;)
Steampunk goat and llama, oh my! Perfectly charming. I love Dean’s jaunty expression, Chaz’s earring and Phil’s sweet face:)
Your stories are always great!!! I love them!!!
What I don’t understand is why you aren’t making millions writing and illustrating children’s books. Once again, these are beautiful and very imaginative, Cindy!!!
Love your stories almost as much as your art♥ Great post!!!
Your story makes me smile, and so do you paintings. I love the colors.
Sunday morning enjoying a cup of coffee, and reading your story, just perfect! Enjoyed the story as much as the illustrations. I do love Chaz’s eye piece, genius.
I agree with others that your stories are super-can’t wait for the book of short stories or however you decide to set them up!! Want a signed copy!!! Love, Mom
Love these…your technique’s changed some since these were done but will always like your steampunk characters….and such wonderful little stories!
Hey Chaz and Dean are cool dudes! I like their story…I want to know more!!!
Interest in tin foil? LOL! Made me giggle :)
I like your stories and remembering stories are important. They are the blessings from our past that help to shape us, don’t you think? Love the cat, once again. This one is not so slinky in appearance. He looks as though he is genuinely more interested in what is going on around him.
haha…steampunk, very cool!
I love these guys! I especially love that bird-shaped monocle. How fabulous is that! The colors are brilliant. Oooh, you are too cool!
WOnderful story and illustrations! ;)