Susan the Elder

You may be asking yourself why there is a picture of a poodle up here today. I can try and explain, but I am not really sure myself.

Last year we were at an antique store just looking around for some small treasure. I turned a corner and there was this lovely hand-painted photo of someones poodle. You can't tell from this picture, but the photo is contained within an elaborate gold frame. This was obviously a real treasure to someone, presumably an elderly woman. After a good chuckle we left the antique store and went about our business.

For the next couple of weeks I kept thinking of this photo. I truly couldn't get it out of my mind. I decided I had to go back and see it. I figured it would be gone and I could let go of this strange feeling I had. However, that was not the case. She was still there, proudly poised for her unseen photographer. I knew then and there that I was the owner and I just had to admit it to myself. So, she came home with me and now watches over us in her own special way.

The weirdest part is that I am not a poodle person at all. Don't get me wrong, I love all dogs, but I am a very tall and very clumsy girl. I feel as though I may accidentally injure such a delicate breed as I fumble about my daily life. So, naturally, I was surprised by my need for this pooch portrait.

I named her Susan the Elder. She sits like a royal in her gold frame, passing her silent judgment from beyond the grave.