The Fall, Beauty and Joy

My planned Rest from the world of blogging was negatived by Mama. She insisted I display her photo shot shortly after my visit to Fabulous Kelly [see entry July 18, 2006]. Mama et Papa claim I'm a creature of beauty and a joy, if not forever, for as long as possible.

This may have nothing to do with my day at the Doggie Shapes Salon, but it occurred shortly thereafter. In the interests of the whole truth and nothing but the truth I must admit My Bad. Here's what happened.

Once a day, almost every day, Mama says, "Now I will check the mail. You stay. And I'll check the mail." [She often repeats herself as if I'm not bright enough to catch it the first time.]

On that particular wonderful fall day, leaves whirling, sunshine streaming, Mama opened the door to check for the mail [our post box being attached to the stoop]. Just at that moment one of my kind, a big dog with coat similar in shade to mine, walked proudly by.

I dashed out to greet her [as any proper dog would], happily running back & forth, up and down, crossing the street with great abandon. My ears flew back, my head, held high, the sheer beauty of the day and joy of the moment overtaking me.

Mama screamed. Cars stopped. The big dog's Mama cried out, "Get her a treat."

Only when Mama fled in tears towards the house did I realize that I'd overstepped my boundaries. Kindly and forsaking my perfect Fall Moment, I scampered [yes, scampered] to our front door where Mama, on the point of collapse, was standing, head bowed.

She learned a lesson that day. And I learned a little bit about her.

Apparently, when she was just about my age, she crossed a Very Busy Street, lured by the promise of television watching [her family lived in the Poor House, thus unable to provide TV for their needy children] and petit fours. As she tells it, all was well until her Mama [my Grandmama] found her glued to the TV & with cake in her mouth.

With alacrity and a certain vindictiveness [due perhaps to Grandmama's missing out on the petit fours], my Mama was snatched up, promptly returned to her home and spanked soundly.

Luckily for me, spanking is now Out.