Village Craftsmen

170 Howard Street 

Leon

Our Beloved Leon passed away February 2, 2006.  Jude will always miss her dear friend.

Hi folks!  You've come to the right place.  For now, forget about all that silly shopping for high quality crafts.  Just settle back, prop your feet up on your desk, and relax.  This page is all about me -- not about business (I couldn't care less about selling anything).  I know that most of you come into the Village Craftsmen just to see me, anyway.  It's OK to buy something, of course.  It keeps Philip happy, and then he can keep the shop open --and that means you can usually find me lounging around the place.

I hate to disappoint any of you, but I'm not a native.  That's right.  I was born in Colorado, of all places.  I was living with some homeless folks under a bridge in Grand Junction.  That was way back in 1991 (you do the math yourself if you want to know how old I am).  It wasn't such a bad life.  The fellows shared their vittles with me most of the time, and they never harmed me.  There just wasn't much sense of security there.  And not much of a future, either, if you know what I mean.

Philip's daughter, Amy, was living in Grand Junction at the time, not a stone's throw from the bridge.  We'd see each other from time to time when she'd pass by.  I was just a little tyke of course -- an orphan actually.  When Amy would glance in my direction I could tell she wanted to get to know me better.  One day I sidled up to Amy's leg.  I think she fell in love.  I know I did. 

I lived with Amy ever since -- until she got a notion to move to Berlin (that's a long way away, I'm told).  I wasn't interested in going.  Someone told me that even the cats there speak German -- something like "miau."  To tell you the truth, I'm getting too old to learn another language.  So I decided to move in with Amy's dad.  I got right settled in, and when Amy came back home I just decided to stay over here at the Village Craftsmen.  I see Amy every day of course, but now I have a good paying job and a decent place to stay.  If I moved back with Amy I'd have to commute, and I'm not very fond of that idea, especially in the summertime when the traffic is so heavy.

It's a pretty good job.  Not too much responsibility, and lots of freedom.  I set my own hours, and no one hassles me.  Oh, once in a while a little hyperactive rascal gets on my nerves. But then I just retreat into the back room, or out into the yard.  If I crawl up under the building I can hide out there for as long as it takes.  Generally speaking, of course, I stick around the shop during normal business hours.  That's what is expected of me (and it's nice and cool inside on those hot summer days). As most of you know, I'm as gentle a feline as has ever graced this planet.  I enjoy people a lot -- even get a tad lonely during the winter when it's so quiet on the island.  So don't hesitate to scratch my neck or rub my belly next time you stop by.  I'll even tolerate your young-uns as long as they don't rush at me (if they do, I'll just run away).

Before I leave you, I just want to mention a couple of things.  I've said this before (and I really am not that sensitive), but you might want to consider your choice of words when you refer to my size.  Personally I like the word, "robust."  "Big," and "husky" are OK; "fat" gets a little old.  And what if I asked your friends how much you weigh??

And, to set the record straight, I do have a tail, and nothing has happened to it.  It's short, I'll grant that.  But I'm kind of attached to it. 

Thanks for visiting.  And I hope to see you on your next visit to Village Craftsmen.

Leon
leon@villagecraftsmen.com
 
(I like getting email, but I'm sorry, I don't always respond. My paws are just too big for the keyboard and it takes me a long time to type.  Besides, I usually prefer to just play with the mouse.)

PS: I love cantaloupe.  Really!  So if you've been to Owen's veggie stand, and have a small piece or two left over, consider bringing me some of it.  Thanks!