If you've had any dealings with me at all, you probably know that I am just crazy about cats, and my most favorite cats are big fuzzy red ones.

I license lots and lots of artwork from wonderful artists around the world, and I am so very grateful to all of you for sharing your time and talent. Without you, my work might be very dull indeed.

However, I decided it would be nice to have AT LEAST ONE image on my site that was created purely from my own hands and my own imagination. This is quite a challenge for someone who cannot even draw a stick figure but I have this great software called Xara Xtreme that I'd been wanting to try. I did not use any tuts or lines or filters, just the basic vector tools provided in the software. Lucy was the end result of my labors, and I'm very proud of her, even with all of her flaws. I used PSP9 to add the final "fur" texture. I'm not going to admit how long it took me to draw this simple little kitty! It was definitely a learning process.

All she needed was a name, so I decided to sponsor a "name the MausWorks mascot" contest. I received lots of wonderfully creative submissions and had a hard time choosing among them. In fact, I was so torn between Lucy and my second choice that Lucy gained a companion named Dizzy so I could use both of my favorites.

Lynn submitted, "Lucy, in honor of my favorite red head, for her mischievous and humorous antics (much like our furry friends)...." (July 2006)

Caroline submitted, "Dizzy is my all time favourite [cat]! Dizzy got his name because when we found him he was only 5 weeks old and very ill... he was so dizzy that he could hardly stand up. He is currently 17 years old and still as cheeky as ever :)" (July 2006)

Lucy and Dizzy are available for Adoption at MausCats.com.

Thank you again,