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Monday, September 23, 2013

30 Days of Photographs IV: Tolstoy

Day 23. Tolstoy. Needless to say, it was MikeWJ's idea.


Day 23: Tolstoy

I don't particularly care for Russia. There's nothing wrong with Russians, they're nice people, if a bit brusque at times, and I admire their ability to drink vodka and chase it with more vodka all night long. But I don't particularly care for the way the Soviet Union first owned Finland for the better part of the 19th century, then tried to take over again during WWII, and when that didn't work, instead forced Finland into armed conflict with Nazi Germany.

It leaves a mark, history.

So instead I'm posting a photo of something that's not only relevant, but also close to my heart.

A cat.

I know what you're thinking. A cat? Really??

Yes.

Really.

Plus, I know I can't outdo MikeWJ today, so I'm not even going to try. 



"Sonya was a slender little brunette with a tender look in her eyes which 
were veiled by long lashes, thick black plaits coiling twice round her head, 
and a tawny tint in her complexion and especially in the color of her slender 
but graceful and muscular arms and neck. By the grace of her movements, 
by the softness and flexibility of her small limbs, and by a certain coyness and 
reserve of manner, she reminded one of a pretty, half-grown kitten which 
promises to become a beautiful little cat."

Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace, Book One, Chapter VII







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59 comments:

  1. You're absolutely right about everything especially the parts about this being another of Mike's stellar ideas, history leaving a mark, and this being a really good photo. My guess is Dufus will appreciate this photo more than anyone else.

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  2. I love your kitty as the star of the Tolstoy prompt! Beautiful photo!

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  3. I wish I'd posted a cat photo too. She's very pretty.

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  4. That is one of the most stunning shots I have seen of a cat... It really draws you in. Beautiful!

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  5. A bit circuitous but you got there. Looks like my Xena. I would never be able to get her to sit still for that type of shot.

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  6. That is the most precious cat picture I've ever seen!!!

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  7. mikewjattoomanymorningsSeptember 23, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    One of the ways you can tell you've met a truly gifted photographer is when she takes an overdone subject—and nothing on the Internet is more overdone than cat photos—and makes it seem fresh. 

    You've done that here. This isn't just a snapshot of a cat, it's a masterful portrait—beautifully and perfectly lit, ideally composed, regal in both its pose and color scheme, capturing an elusive moment in time somewhere between kittenhood and cathood. 

    It's brilliant, quite possibly the best photo of a cat I've ever seen, and like many of your photographs in 30 Days IV, a standout work that neither I nor anybody else is likely to top.

    I'm sure it was just your camera, of course. You have a really nice camera. I'm positive the Russians would've confiscated it if they'd successfully taken over Finland, those drunken bastards.

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  8. This is awesome because it means that I too, may post more cat pictures :)

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  9. mikewjattoomanymorningsSeptember 23, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    That cat's going to make a fine oven mitt one day.

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  10. mikewjattoomanymorningsSeptember 23, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    Dear god, no. *falls to his knees and begs god for mercy*

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  11. I'm not a cat person, but this one is actually quite lovely and I do enjoy Tolstoy.

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  12. I know... it seems this has been the year of the cat... and the toilet. I hear cats don't like toilets.

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  13. Jay of The Depp EffectSeptember 23, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    That is a very beautiful picture of a cat. Is she called Sonya?

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  14. I'm glad Mike said this. It means I din't have to.

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  15. Funny how you used both in the same sentence.

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  16. Sadly, no, this is Chili, he belongs to a friend of mine. :)

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  17. This little fella enjoys Tolstoy, too, so you have something in common!

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  18. Thank you, Cheryl. :) I live to please the dufus. ;)

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  19. I can still punish you, though!

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  20. The year of the cat and the toilet. I don't think it could sound much more pathetic than that. :D

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  21. It's not too late, we still have seven more prompts to go. ;)

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  22. Thanks, Katherine! Chili was a joy to photograph. :)

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  23. Oh, the trick isn't to get them to sit still, the trick is to move with them. ;)

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  24. Thank you, Meleah, he's a real cutie, isn't he? :)

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  25. Sigh. I was feeling all warm and happy and even ready to start liking you, Michael, and then you go and ruin it all with that last comment.

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  26. I love what you did for the prompt. It's purrfect!

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  27. Does our mother know you talk like that!

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  28. Hey you said we'd be thinking this. I was just giving voice to my thoughts. My thoughts, tough, were a little more strongly worded.

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  29. Okay, I'm gonna get back to you on this.

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  30. You have a problem with how I talk? What are you going to do about it? ;)

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  31. What a beautiful cat...named Chili? He does look warm and cuddly.

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  32. oops, I said "our" mother. That can't be right. I'm not going to do anything about it. I was just asking a question.

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  33. What a beauty! And not nearly as evil looking as Yoda and Darth Vader. I wonder why that is?

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  34. What mikewj & nonamedufus and Ziva said.

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  35. I so wish I had a cat. It seems the solution to all the Challenges!
    :-)
    Traci

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  36. It absolutely is. I recommend you borrow someone's cat for the rest of the challenge. ;)

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  37. Hmm... That's a good question. Could my evilness really be reflected in my cats? I really hope so!

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  38. He's absolutely the cuddliest little thing ever.

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