One of my friends (Bella) recently called me "Ally Cat" -- and I like it! It's wordplay on the old expression Alley Cat which refers to a domestic cat who lacks a home. I feel like that at times.
There's something naturally feminine about felines. When I was young, I mistakenly thought all cats were girls and all dogs were boys. That's the impression I got from cartoons.
Is there a totemic animal you identify with?
Oh, and something else. I like to play with photographs for art purposes. This morning, I selected and edited a picture from a recent photoshoot. The thing I like best about the picture is the shadow on the wall -- the shadow reveals the silhouette of my dream. Both dream and reality are displayed here, side by side. The real-me (unshapely, unfeminine) is looking at the dream-me (idealic), with poignant, aching, palpable desire. Physically, the dream-me is larger, as it is symbolically in my mind.
Who knew a picture could say so much?!
Beautiful picture Ally - I agree, a picture can be so reflective and say so much without words. This one is truly beautiful. I'd say it's frame worthy!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think Ally Cat is a fitting nickname for you! I don't know what animal I'd most identify with.
I really like that photo! Very artistic. And kind of sad, but beautiful in that way.
ReplyDeleteI love cats. If I get reincarnated, I want to be a cat :) I also love octopuses. They're super smart and just cool looking.
ReplyDeleteyou are so creative too.. I love the photo with the shadow in it.. and I love those tights from the other day.. the white dress and colorful tights look awesome.. and you have some great and very feminine looking poses too.. very awesome!! xo J
ReplyDeleteStunning photo. Ally--you are becoming the dream you more and more each day!!
ReplyDeleteI hope so, buddy.
DeleteI like that picture a lot. I'm drawn to photos with shadows in them too. I like the play of light and dark, inner and outer selves.
ReplyDeleteBirds are my totem animals. They inspire me, like the challenges I face in the real world are just illusions but I can fly away to bigger and better things anytime I want. There's something freeing about birds. You know the saying "the sky's the limit"? Well, for birds, the sky is no limit at all!
Beautiful photo. I like the name 'Ally Cat', good play on words! I'm currently looking for a name for my 4x4 desert driving team. If you have any creative ideas let me know!
ReplyDeletetake care
bel
http://b-by-bel.blogspot.com/
Ally Cat - sounds good :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a totemic animal I relate to and that is of course some sort of reptile. Vegetarian, lazy, feisty when needed and not going with the pack. :) Could be iguana or some of dinosaurs.
x, Lara
http://rockteraptor.blogspot.fi/
LOVE it! You are a true Ally cat, not feline for the alley but a mix of playful and fierce. I'm so glad you like your nickname! xo.
ReplyDeleteAlly Cat is the perfect nickname for you! It's strong but feminine at the same time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture!!!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, how funny that you do this post and as I click to read it I'm listening to the CATS soundtrack. :-) Is Ally Cat your Jelicle cat name? ;-)
I definitely identify with birds. I had a friend who said I reminded him of Michelle Pfieffer's character in Ladyhawk and I always took that super personally. If I were an animal I like to think I'd be a bird.
Wow. I absolutely love that shot. And I dig Alley Cat, bit I'd make it AlleyC. Just cause I do stuff like that. It's not as in your face but YOU know what it means. And it's cool. In my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI don't identify with any particular animal.
Thanks for Ally Cat with us. I do think it suits you well (and plus that's a new expression I might use).
ReplyDeletethe picture is very beautiful indeed. it reminds of illustration of old lady in the wheel chair looking at her shadow where her chair looks like a a skirt when dancing. It's very different but it shows off the dreams and having the shadow idea :)
PURPLE!! You know, I did think Tom was a girl cat now that I think about it! I would probably be an animal who hibernates in the winter. I love to sleep :P
ReplyDeleteI don't think the real you is unshapely or unfeminine at all in this picture - after all, you made the graceful shadow.
ReplyDeleteSquirrel. No, not attention deficit disorder - ME...lol.
Shades of Mehitabel? But a much happier life.
ReplyDeleteShadows are brilliant. As are clouds and reflections of water. All different ways of visualising, the eye "unfocused".
Echoing Lynn's feedback on your photo; the longing in your posture speaks to sometimes missing all the ways you already are. I would guess that many, many of us relate.
ReplyDeleteDeer. bird. Passing beyond many years of fish.
I'm so glad you told me about this because I just love a tutu. And your long long legs. Well, it just isn't fair. I think I am a busy little bird or a happy seal.
ReplyDeleteI've always majorly identified with Egyptian-looking cats like that, ironically.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree...I don't think you look unshapely OR unfeminine in that picture!!