#kelpie rambles

Even when Grizabella appears, he's not nearly as hostile as some of other adult cats. It's tense, sure, and he fends off the younger cats, but there's a distinctive. I believe, in his mind, he's protecting them. He definitely doesn't accept her, but there's something. Now this one I'm not so sure about. As Grizabella slinks away, he reaches after her. I feel like this indicates some conflict within him. He's not willing to go to her, but part of him wants to, or doesn't want her to wander back into the cold, alone.

I have so many thoughts and emotions about this one.

Anyway, on to Bustopher Jones. His pride at being greeted by Bustopher Jones is adorable

He stops Bustopher to show him that Mistoffelees has rushed up, and then has a chair (a hat) brought out for him and helps him onto it. And his face when Bustopher talks about food is so sweet. He's hanging on to every word. (Unrelated, but Mistoffelees following Bustopher around like a duckling is so funny and cute)

In Old Deuteronomy, pictures can't really translate his slow, gentle movements as he pets and touches any cat who reaches out to him. I can't emphasize enough how important touch is to the jellicles. There's a reason Grizabella begs to be touched. The cats pet and nuzzle to show affection and acceptance.

And then Deuteronomy appears. The delight in his face is just glowing.

More gentle touches as the cats approach their leader, offering reassurance

Open arms. Welcome.

He so obviously wants to rush forward to greet his father, but at the last moment he kneels and sends the kittens forward first.

And at last, he gets his turn. Munkustrap spends much of this song and a few songs ahead holding Deuteronomy's hand and offering the old cat support to help him move around.

I love how upset he gets at the cats messing up his play. He tried so hard to have it perfect for Old Deuteronomy

NOOOOOOO

Oh no, a Macavity scare! Before, he scattered with the rest of the jellicles, but Deuteronomy isn't so mobile. Activate Potect Mode! Can he get any wider???

Throughout much of the ball and several following songs, he sticks close to his father, helping him get around and acting distinctly protective. His group's most vulnerable and respected member is now his responsibility, and he is taking it very seriously.

When Grizzelda returns, once again, he plants himself a barrier between her and the rest of the cats as a protective barrier. Cruel to her, for sure, but clearly protective of the rest.

Oh no! It's Macavity for real this time! And he's taken Deuteronomy! Munk launches into action, chasing him to get their leader back. And when it seems like Macavity is coming back, he's right back to protect, to touch, to reassure.

He fights to protect Demeter and is injured, but the rest of the jellicles drive Macavity off. Despite his injuries, the first thing Munkustrap does is go to Demeter and the two comfort each other. (I'm pretty sure this is him)

I feel pretty sure the cats aren't particularly possessive about partners, but I feel pretty sure these three have something going on, probably linked by Demeter. This is unrelated to his general devotion to the jellicles, but i love the screenshot.

The little air punches while Mistoffelees is dancing. He fully believes in my best boy.

I painted death onto these pants (that I bought, completely destroyed and stained the bottom, and then decided to paint probably almost a year ago and the other leg is still empty 😭) I got really inspired by spray painted "graffiti" pants and saved a ton of ideas and then went the stencil route. Spray painting with stencils always reminds me of the labeled gear boxes artists have so it's like... so me.

Plain and simple. Had a few mishaps since it was my first time using spray paint on fabric but mistakes r what make things cool. Then I put Bambi on it because she's cool as hell. I ended up cutting the neckline and making it an off the shoulder because I've been liking the style a lot more and it just felt a little too constricting.