More of these sun puddles are cropping up and am I happy! Look how nice I look against the braided rug!
It was pretty torn and dirty when Julie purchased it at a garage sale, but it became part of my novel. Wait 'til you hear its story revealed in this scene when parishioners Beth and Foster came over to visit:
"Her mother made it? The whole thing?"
Beth admired the stitchwork and the rhythmic colors in the braiding as it swirled around in an Americana display--deep reds, blues and a rich green woven along the edge. In its center, each color broke up into speckles, clipped and scattered like confetti. It wasn't just functional, it was a work of art, and hard work at that. The entire rug had to be at least eight feet wide and thick.
"Beautiful!" Beth moved her feet over to the side. "I hate to step on it!"
"Look closely at the dark green part around the outside of the rug," Will pointed out.
"What about it, Will?"
"Mary Lou's mother took her father's World War II uniform and weaved it into the rug."
"Really?"
Foster and Beth looked closer at the outer ring and the deep green of the army wool.
"Talk about recycling," Will said.
"That's a really special rug." Foster had done his share of military service and preserving memories like this was as unique as he'd ever seen.
The part about the army uniform was not made up. That is actually what is sewn along the edge. If you were to count the "braids," from center to edge, you would find 57. You didn't know I could count, did you? The rug measures over nine feet diagonally. According to its previous owner, it was entirely hand-braided and sewn together by his mother.
It's a very special rug, I know, but it took me the longest time not to sharpen my claws on it. Talk about ballistic! Mary Lou went nuts the first time I stretched with my claws extended.
Imagine if cats could make things like this. I might have thumbs, but I wouldn't even try. I'll just have to sit on it to make it look its best!
--Tom
23 comments:
WOW - dat is one pawsome rug. I don't quite understand why oomnans won't let you sharpen your claws on it tho - guess dey just gets unreasonable sometimes.
That's a beautiful rug!! It would be pretty tempting for us too.
The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie
That is a lovely rug - it's perhaps as well we don't have anything like it cos we both sharpen our claws a squillion times a day.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
It really is a beautiful rug, but looks like it would be so hard to resist with the claws! Have a great weekend!
What a wonderful looking rug, I just love it!
Rudy
Very nice weaving - the rug into the story, that is. We'd advise you to keep those claws hidden around it.
That rug is incredible; please don't shred it, Father Tom.
What a special rug and the memories it creates. I don't think sharpening your claws would be advisable!! (but tempting, for sure).
It's beautiful, with such a special story. We've hopped over and signed on as your newest followers. Would love it if you could do the same at Critter Alley!
Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
That's a beautiful rug, Father Tom! You are doing a fantastic job modeling it! It's very good of you to practice restraint by not sharpening your claws on it..oh, dear! mol!
Why do human make such treasures so temptingly scratchable?
Very Very Special Rug, Father Tom !
I don't know how you can be so behave by not sharpening your claws !
Since I saw this Rug, Nothing in my head except....." Scratch !!! "
Then I saw the details...In my head " OMC ! This is purrfect for Claws !!! "
And then I read...some part of rug made from World War II uniform ...In my head " Purrfect !!! Battle start now !!! "
** ( Whisper ) Father Tom, I think you can sneak to do it ! Seriously...That's purrfect thing to to destructive !
You are not going to get the trouble, Just tell her " You try to create more texture : ) "
A very very special rug and my mom would be hesitant to use it if it had family clothing in it that belonged to her deceased father or brother. BUT: if it is down on the floor then the rug must take its chances, don't you know?
Holy Cats! We would be afraid to pass GAS in the same ROOM as that rug!
my goodness what a wonderful story of the special rug! to keep the memory of a loved one so very alive who served bravely in WWII is amazing......yes it was a very hard time, one which must never be forgotten lest we are to repeat it...God forbid.
Thank you Tom for such a fine post as this....
your friend, Misses Peach
What a nice rug! Noah would love to join you on it :o).
Take care
Alex
We love all of your comments on the rug. Katnip, that's something Father Jack would say!
It's a special rug, but it's also part of our household, so it gets lived on, but I think the pets know it's special. So far, hurls have happened elsewhere like the hallway or stairs. Although not originally my creation, it represents military service, history and what brought my dad to Europe (and you have to admit, it is a little different!)
So, thanks again for your thoughtful comments. Have a good week ahead everyone, and we'll see you soon!
Hugs,
Julie & Tom
xoxo
Julie & Tom
Beautiful and full of the hearts and souls of so many. The Lady's grandfather braided rugs too.
That is such a lovely rug and so special. Father Tom, don't shred it! :-)
Wish you have a good day
wellcome to blog of me : http://photos-animals-pets.blogspot.com/
Photos-Animals-Pets
Pawsome rug, Father Tom! We can see how it would be hard to resist using your claws on it, though.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words when Maggie passed away. We do imagine that she and Vinnie are having a grand time together...
It really is beautiful and has a pawsome history! You are one lucky cat to nap on something like that =^_^=
purrs!
Luna & Zulu
We have 2 braided rugs but they're small. One is in the kitchen and the other is under my litter box. Both yours and ours are pretty.
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