Edith

Last week, I bought a giraffe.  That's right.  I bought a giraffe.  Over the last couple of weeks, I noticed a large antique mall that I had never visited before off of Wedgewood Ave. in downtown Nashville.  I like to attack antique shops to look for a cool painting or two.  When I finally went into this place, I had walked through each booth growing more and more disappointed at not finding ANY artwork that appealed to me. 

Then, at one point, I reached a large corner booth and started to glare at every object, as I've been prone to doing lately.  There was a sizable wooden dining table in the middle of everything, and there she stood.  I was surprised that I didn't notice her first because she's a little bit tall.  Adorned in pastel green and blue stripes, I just marveled at her.  I have a fondness for objects that have a fun and whimsical quality about them.  She looked like she just stepped off a boat that came from an island with a magical forest.  Standing at a lanky height of 3'4", she had a formidable presence about her.

I wanted her, but I thought to myself, "Asian, what in the world would you do with a giraffe?".  Her $12 price tag wasn't already enough to convince me to buy her, and so, I decided to walk around some more and think about it.  I'm not one to spend my money frivolously, and so, every cent is carefully doled out. 

I whipped around to the front of the building where I found an old piano.  One of the store's clerks invited me to play, and I briefly did.  Afterwards, I mentioned my interest in the giraffe, and he said something that sealed the deal.  He said, sure, she will not have much practical usefulness, but, will she make you happy? 

The only answer I could think of was "Yes."  So, I walked with purpose back to that booth and grabbed her.  When I held her in my hands and carried her back to the cash register, I was thinking that this was probably what it felt like to be crowned Miss Universe and do a victory walk in front of thousands of people.  There's this sense of self-awareness and a feeling that something very special has just happened. 

I can only imagine how silly I must have looked holding this huge giraffe in my hand and smiling from ear-to-ear.  That's okay.  Life needs to be silly once in a while.  :-)

Thankfully, she didn't mind doing a little photo shoot the other day in a corner of my room by my window. 

I love this giraffe so much.  Here is a full body shot.  She is a statuesque beauty. 

Sigh.

 I swear.  Every time I look over at her, I can't help but smile.  She was truly a worthwhile investment.

I might even make her a stylish little shawl.  How dorktastic is that!!?!

 

Oreo and Buttercup were apprehensive at first because she towers over them.  They warmed up once they got to know her.  

The clerk at the antique mall said that all objects have an energy about them.  They carry their own history and heritage wherever they go.

Edith, as I have now named her thanks to my friend PSBChris, is a bit worn in some places.  This is, perhaps, evidence of a long, rough journey from a distant, far-off place.  

She has a home now, and she and I will take care of each other for as long as possible. 

Thinking back.  I think she chose me.  I heard her call and answered it.

I am so glad that I did.

Comments

[lette]

Looking at her frayed edges, I wonder where she's been. It's too bad there's nothing on her that says where and when she comes from. Or even by whom. Too bad she can't talk. I'm sure she's got a mighty awesome story to tell.... She makes me smile too.

[lette]

DUDE! You know what would be AWESOME???? Knitted legwarmers! Her long legs could so rock those! Red ones, mayhaps? hmmmm