Lucy of Skylight Books
This, I feel, is a very apt portrait of Lucy the bookstore cat of Skylight Books in Los Feliz. She napped in the main window like this so frequently that there were often signs up saying "don't tap on the glass," because that's what passersby instantly did. It kept people courteous but...I'm betting she probably wasn't real concerned either way.
I loved Lucy (to borrow a phrase ;) ) and used to visit the shop just to see her and/or take pictures of her. She was quite willing to be worshiped, easy going about being picked up, petted, etc. (She was also a naturally bobtailed cat--the amount of tail you can see here is exactly how much she had.) She'd usually give you a little chirp when you first disturbed her, but then acquiesce readily when it turned out you wanted to spend time paying homage. Then she'd chirp again when you went to leave--"where ya going?"--but just as quickly make peace with your departure, because after all, there were naps to be taken, and you weren't the only admirer in line.
I walked into the store a week or two ago and was stopped in my tracks by a little framed flyer: Lucy had passed away a couple of days earlier. She lived a long, celebrated life full of personality and unique cat experiences--she had a whole store of her own over which to preside, after all. I know she enjoyed it, so it's okay that she passed, in a way, but of course it's also a shame. She will always be remembered fondly, by all who knew her. I'm just glad I got to meet her during her reign as Queen of the Window. :)
[x-posted to kittypix]