The Authentic Eclectic

Dr. Clawson’s New Acquisition

We were walking through the park on a clear winter’s day, braving the wind and sharing life updates, when Dr. Clawson’s mouth jerked into that signature lopsided smile that split slightly to reveal a pronounced canine. My heart leapt in anticipation.

Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/claude-monet/train-in-the-snow-or-the-locomotive-1875 — fair use

“Would you like to hear about my most recent acquisition?”

“As ever.” I felt myself trembling; whether from the cold or excitement, I cannot say.

She linked her arm in mine to speak more quietly, though the nearest person was a quarter-mile away. “It is exceedingly docile and polite, but it has a most curious perspective of the material world. Observe this tree.”

“Spruce,” I said, to show off my knowledge.

“Grand fir,” she replied. “Regardless, we both consider it a substantial subject of our present fields of vision. Let us do a little cross-experiment, using you as subject.”

“Unhand me,” I joked.

She pulled me to a stop and continued, “Describe to me what you see before you.”

“Well, I see a jogger way in the distance, a lot of lawn, a bunch of mostly evergreen trees. Buildings in the distance, cars down that way. In my peripheral vision, your plaid scarf.”