Marylou says, “This is ‘Baby Cat’ from Mt. Tabor Way who can often be seen hanging out with his neighbor ‘Jack’ the cat.
“Also, I am happy to say that Steve from ‘The Comfort Zone’ has kindly agreed to display my series of greeting cards, ‘Ocean Grove Pets’ which will be for sale in his wonderful store.”
Below is a link to another cat portrait by Marylou Shipman: (Note to OG artists, please submit your work to BF for exhibit, to be viewed by many more people than would see your work in a gallery. Join some of our great local artists including Jack Bredin and Marylou. ——PG)
“Auditorium Park”
By Jack Bredin
A celebration of the Together Program Aug 2, 2015.
The following quote is from Dr. Dale Whilden’s address:
“The great and overwhelming success of the TOGETHER Campaign was achieved by the generosity of dedicated donors, valuable volunteers, extraordinary organizations, and commitment of the Campaign Steering Committee, each of which worked hand-in-hand to accomplish a virtually miraculous outcome”
Dr. Dale C. Whilden, President
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
Aug 2, 2015
Editor’s note: Jack Bredin is a well known artist specializing in views of Ocean Grove. His paintings are on permanent display at the Ocean Park Gallery on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.
Here is a link about Jack posted on Blogfinger in January:
Hello Paul…I love your photo of the Hemingway cat…the Siamese is truly a regal creature. I am a great admirer of cats and I have done several interpretations of Ocean Grove felines in watercolor/gouache. In the past, you took an interest in my painting of Maggie the cat (beloved Ocean Grove feline). I so appreciated the fact that you shared my artwork on your blog. I thought I would submit my latest painting of “Willow”…taking a nap on her Franklin Avenue porch. I tried to capture that “Leave me alone, I’m napping” look in her eyes.
Sincerely yours,
MaryLou
Mary Lou—this is a fine painting of a cute cat. She is the epitome of comfort—an inspiration for humans, especially those who have access to an Ocean Grove porch. Sometimes I take a walk in the Grove and pass a person who is curled up on their porch in a comfortable chair, reading a book, taking a nap, or sipping a drink. Oftentimes their legs are up on a cushion or tucked underneath. They seem so content, and I am jolted–because it reminds me that Eileen and I need to spend more time relaxing on our porch. We need to stop and smell the flowers and the ocean breezes, like Willow.
Thanks for sharing with the Blogfinger audience.
CAT POWER is the name given to recordings by singer/songwriter Charlene Marie Marshall, a Southern soul performer. This is from her 7th album —-recorded in Memphis in 2006 to great acclaim. Other than her stage name, this music has nothing to do with cats. But like so much of the music which we post on Blogfinger, it’s here because I like it.
These lyrics are a bit obscure, but the music is dreamlike and beautiful. Sometimes we can enjoy vocal music for its shear sound, ignoring the actual words. We do that often when listening to opera or some rock and roll. But that never happens when listening to Sinatra.
Marylou Shipman sent us her portrait of Maggie, a feline favorite among people who live on the west side of Franklin and Clark Avenues. Maggie, owned by Mick and Mike, passed away on January 25.
“Maggie” by Ocean Grove artist Marylou Shipman. Click left for full view.
FRANK VIGNOLA with BUCKY PIZZARELLI. From the album “Moonglow”
Ten years ago, my sister and I purchased a two-family home here in Ocean Grove. Shortly after we moved in, my niece, who was 13 at the time, lost her beloved cat, Simon. Sadly, he died of natural causes at the ripe old age of 16. The very next day, a female carbon-copy of Simon showed up in front of our house. She greeted us with a “Please rub my belly” burly roll and we were hooked. Simon had something to do with this for sure! Our mail lady told us that she knew of a similar cat in the area whose name was “Maggie.” We weren’t positive if she was the same cat, but the name stuck and Maggie has been a part of our lives ever since.
We came to learn that she was left behind by neighbors who moved away. My sister and I have our own indoor cats. Maggie was welcomed to join the club; however, she insisted on going outdoors. I had her spayed and by the grace of God (and geography) a wonderful couple moved in two doors down. They adopted Maggie as an indoor/outdoor cat and, not long after, blessed her with a sister beagle named “Maya.” We are not sure if Maya is a blessing or a curse in Maggie’s mind. She has been seen, however, following closely behind her dad and Maya on their daily dog walk. While patrolling the street, Maggie is always willing to stop by for a belly rub and a quick conversation. She’s also the volunteer taste tester at evening barbecues.
Ocean Grove is a haven for cat and dog lovers. Over the years I have become acquainted with many four-legged friends on my walks through town. I still say “hello” to Jason, the senior citizen dog who takes himself for a walk and could probably tell you his phone number (if he remembers). I will always recall, like many tent owners, the big black-and-white cat named Oreo who lived near the auditorium. He could often be seen lounging across his front porch step or wandering from tent to tent. As an illustrator, I have managed to capture several of the neighborhood cats, including Maggie, in my own paintings. That way, they will always be in my memory as well as my own home gallery of Ocean Grove cats.
