When the old woman died, there was no one left to care

unknown

Alderson Magee, 1973

China Board Drawing

Four years before Susie was born, four years before the old woman knew the love of her life, nine years before Alderson Magee would draw this picture, I joined Horizon Club, Camp Fire Girls for Senior High School. That was in 1964. The adult leader of our club gave me this picture 44 years later.

Briefly, I met Pam, the daughter of our leader (Mrs. Pat Boney), a tall, shy, classic beauty. We slowly became fast friends and as the next 45 years rolled by, we became like sisters. It is because of my precious Annie (part of the name of my Blog), that Mrs. Boney, a licensed Estate Appraiser, gave me this picture.

The dogs name was Susie. On the back of the drawing, the old woman loving wrote:

"Susie, born November 5, 1968 - died July 20, 1981, 10pm"

If the fact TOW (the old woman - [I wish I knew her name, but I don't!]) commissioned this beautiful drawing wasn't enough to tell of her love of Susie, that one line of handwritten information tells volumes. I'm sure TOW thought Susie would be remembered forever, but that was not the way it was to be. When TOW passed away, perhaps there was family left, perhaps not. In any event, this drawing was discarded into an Estate Sale. Even worse, no one bought it.

Mrs. Boney realized it was very similar to my Annie and generously gave it to me. I have to admit, I didn't think that much about it until I myself became so interested and involved in art. I took another look at the drawing and realized its significance.

First, it is a magnificent piece of artwork. Alderson Magee, Sandy to his friends and family, began doing China Board Art in 1970. He is still living, born in 1929, but I don't know if he is still drawing or not. Perhaps he is best known for his 1976 -- Canada Geese -- Federal Duck Stamp.

But what tugs at my heart, what makes me cry is knowing that Susie again has someone to love her and carry into the future the love TOW felt for her.

Yes, they are gone. but through ART, caring and loving becomes immortal. I think it is a good idea to have a painting done of your beloved pet but remember to finish the story by writing on the back. Someone in the future will find the painting and remember there once was ... and now there is again!

Goodnight TOW, Goodnight Susie

Not a Cast Iron Doorstop

Mommy Flo's Back Door

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

nfs, Private Collection

I used a palette knife on the door. This was the first time I had use the palette knife and I loved it. The picture came from an old calendar photo. I loved the photo and it has been hanging in my dog kennel, a small utility type room that has a large kitchen sink for dog baths and inside/outside door for the dogs. I like to put doggie cards and junky pictures in there where I would not use them elsewhere.

When my Mother was a child, she had a black Scottie named Lassie. The door immediately reminded me of my Grandmother's back door in the home they lived in, in Cherokee, Kansas, for over 50 years. I never fail to think of my Mother as a child and my Grandmother's home when I see this picture! I wrote about Flo before Mother's Day, she was so special to me.


I gave this painting to my dear friend Pam. She had lived with me for about one year, and there are all kinds of things here that remind me of her. It has always been my theory, that the longer you are friends with someone, the more you should see yourself in their homes. In fact, I learned that from Mommy Flo. She had so many pieces of furniture or nick-knacks from so many friends and relatives. I as her how she came about these items and she said it was because she either helped them move or because they came from family.

I wanted Pam to have something special and of value of mine to have in her home. I told her that she was to walk around and if she saw anything she liked, she should let me know. How else would I possibly know she admired something. Thinking she would select something from one of my collections, I was so surprised when she asked for this picture. Couldn't have gone to a more homey family home than hers.

If you have an image in mind that you think of remembering your family or your pets, be sure to paint it, or write about it or find something that looks like your image and buy it. When you get right down to it, what is better than your memories? And maybe it would be a good idea for you to think about what you would like your friends to have when you are gone. You never know what's goina' happen and you would want your friends to see you in their homes too!

That's it,
Goodnight