Flowers for Marzipan

[tcpip]

One of the finest art deco buildings in Melbourne is the Astor Theatre, which has really picked a great niche for film goers, appealing to fans of cult and arthouse as well as classics. A feature of the cinema has been a calico cat, Marzipan, originally a stray who has lived at the cinema for some twenty-one years, or so the story goes. Naturally enough Marzipan was much loved by the cinema visitors, including myself, taking every opportunity to visit her (I once sneaked into the ladies powder room just for a chance to say 'hello').

But Marzipan is no more, and the Melbourne's Astor fans have reacted with expected sympathy (FB). Arguably, the reaction is irrational. After all, Marzipan neither knows nor cares of the response. But funerals are for the living, and Marzipan did know that there was an enormous quantity of people who would visit her and would quietly watch flickering lights on a screen. Her death has brought that community gather in mutual recognition that she was a valued member.

So it is not flowers that I shall send to the Astor, nor even a card. Rather, I shall provide something that she would have not even been aware of. It is through the anonymous and forgotten animals, far from the pampering of the developed world that I shall express my sadness and solidarity; the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Please donate generously, in remembrance of Marzipan Astorcat.

Comments

[serehfa]

Sad to hear that, though a long and pampered life is something to be glad of.

[tcpip]

It's absolutely brilliant how many people have stories of her. Even in passing she's brought the Astor community together.

[castleclear.livejournal.com]

I am sorry for your sadness, and yet must applaud your International Fund for Animal Welfare donation in honor of the Marzipan Astorcat. I can hardly think of anything more befitting the memory of a feline friend.

Best wishes from across the Pond.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Marzipan was pretty awesome; when the theatre celebrated its 75th anniversary a couple of years ago, apparently she stole the show...

The best comment I've seen on her various obituaries is "Twenty one years in a cinema? I'm jealous!". Well, she certainly ended up with a good life from being a stray.

In some way, the response is similar to Paddy The Wanderer of Wellington.

Humans can be delightfully strange and sensitive creatures.

[castleclear.livejournal.com]

May I echo your last sentence? "Humans can be delightfully strange and sensitive creatures." Yes, indeed! In fact some of my favorite beings are human. (wink)

Apologies if that evokes a groan rather than laughter. Hope you are having a marvelous day!

[maxcelcat]

I once had the honour of being scratched by Marzipan. There was a cat who had the odd cranky mood!

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

She certainly did; I think all the attention could get a bit much for her, especially at the end of a long day.

[fluffyblanket.livejournal.com]

Adieu ,Marzipan !
I hope the food on the Eylsian Fields is as delightful as the Art Deco on our mortal plane .

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

There's now a compiled post for her on the Astor's 'blog. I quite liked the following:

And God asked Marzipan are you ready to come home?

Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul. And, as a cat, I am most able To decide anything for myself

Are you coming then? asked God. Soon, replied the whiskered angel but I must come slowly, for my human friends are troubled.

For you see, they need me, quite certainly. But don’t they understand? asked God That you’ll never leave them? That your souls are intertwined for all eternity? That nothing is created or destroyed? It just is … forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand, Replied glorious Marzpain. For I will whisper into their hearts that I am always with them I just am … forever and ever and ever.
– Jim and Jenny

[fluffyblanket.livejournal.com]

Wonderful !