This is Meeko, a kitty cat who sashays onto a photography set and owns it. He doesn't mind the lights, the flash, the attention. He is a natural in front of the camera, and tomorrow, he will be the lead attraction in the shop's new April Fool's slideshow. (Note: here is the slideshow. It'll be live until Sunday.)

For those who don't know, I used to celebrate April Fool's by pranking my kids. This year, the only child left at home is out of reach, traveling with the high school marching band for spring break. So annoying. 

Though he and his brothers would say I am the annoying one. Pshaw. Yes, they have endured a few jokes, like the time I got the 7th-grade teacher to let me pose as that day's substitute. I led my son and his classmates through a series of invigorating Michael Jackson-choreographed calisthenics in preparation for my pop quiz. Before you call the shame police, consider that the son in question is kind of grown-up now, and he is not at this time seeing a therapist.   

In fact, he loves me. Because of my antics or despite my antics? No idea. 

Now the kids are gone, and you, dear reader, are the victim of my April Fool's prank. However, you are different. We do not share the same DNA and if my sense of humor offends you, you simply hit 'unsubscribe' and you take your attention elsewhere. 

This has happened many times. I lose readers whenever I show my true colors. The Bubble Joy's subscriber count is worse than my waistline in terms of yo-yoing. It has made me into a kind of scaredy cat. I edit out the rougher stuff. I tone down the sarcasm and snark. 

Then April Fool's comes along and I remember that the whole reason I opened a shop and started a blog is so that I can be weird, sarcastic, and irreverent without fear of a boss's recrimination. Or anyone else's. 

So let's all take a good look at Meeko. His devil-may-care glean. His "yes, I am beautiful and I do whatever I like" attitude. Let's do that. 

Photo of Meeko by Renn Kuhnen. 

If you are interested in any of the props used in this photograph, scroll below. Each photo links to the item in the shop. And please check back on Friday for the slideshow. I hope for the love of Pete that you find it humorous. 

If you love unusual, one-of-a-kind, pretty things that you'll never find at Pottery Barn or West Elm, maybe you should subscribe. I post every Friday. Give it a try!