Mr Finch's Other World

It was through Dainty Doll that I was led into the world of Mr Finch.

Before I knew it, I was reciting Rudyard Kipling's poem and

making a flora-fied facsimile of the 97 year-old-house-model.

Who is by the way, doing quite nicely.

And, turning my back on tea-stained and lovely bridal headpieces.

For the minute. 

 Anything goes with the pattern, just trace around your pet when it's sleeping.
You just need a silhouette to capture.

It's all about how you twist the stuffing into those canine or feline nooks and crannies.

 Don't argue this point, stitch an outline drawn on the fabric, then cut around the shape.

Leave a margin, 1/2 centimetre with get you out of trouble.

Leave an opening so you can turn it through with more seam allowance and

then slip stitch shut.

 There's a caniche on the right, the makings of my friend T's lion on the left.

They've been basted with tea stain.

 Start to decorate, anyway you want.

The Power of the Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie--

  Perfect passion and worship fed

  By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find--it's your own affair--

But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,

You will discover how much you care,

  And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

  When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-time loan is as bad as a long--

So why in Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Does anyone's torn heart need mending?

Let me know, lovelies.
I might be able to help.