I have this issue about symmetry. I like things to be arranged symmetrically. Neatly. In matching order. Over the years I have driven volunteers, employees and contractors crazy with my need for symmetry. When we built the first cat house on the ranch in 1999 we were still living in Seattle and weren't here when the building went up. But when we drove out, turned down the drive and saw it for the first time from 1/4 mile away, my immediate reaction was ... "Ohmigod, it's off by 4 degrees!" It wasn't lined up exactly on the same north/south axis as the house or the wood shed. I wanted to hook a chain to it and jerk it into the correct alignment. I didn't, nor did I make the contractors move it to its proper place in the universe, but I have noticed that 4-degree misalignment ever since. It's just not right, if you know what I mean. (If you don't, that's okay.)
Some people have rolled their eyes when I insist our compost windrows need to be lined up in perfectly parallel rows, running east/west, evenly spaced apart. Others ... well, I could go on but it's probably better if I stop here.
One person who has lived with me for a long, long time suggests my need for symmetry borders on OCD. I won't mention the source of that presumed diagnosis, but I think she might exaggerate just a wee bit. Nevertheless, there is a positive side to this -- I knew you were wondering -- and that is, I notice when things are, quite by chance, arranged symmetrically. It is so pleasing to the eye, so in tune with the way it should be, that I think, "Oh, look, how wonderful! I should take a photo of that!"
Which is what I was thinking when I looked over and saw this matched set of Dachshunds in the living room on Saturday morning. That's blind Callie on the left and Daisy on the right. I will admit, it did bug me just a little that the color of the throw on Callie's chair was a shade off from the throw on Daisy's chair, but as I've gotten older (much older, alas), I've learned to step back and appreciate the bigger picture symmetry and not let the details get in the way.
So there you have it. Matching Dachsunds, curled up in the exact same way, on matching chairs. The Gods of Symmetry were much pleased.
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Some folks asked why Moose didn't have "house privileges" any longer, i.e., why he was over at Widget's House and not in our home. The short answer: Just not enough room. There's only so much space in a 1,400 square foot home, and he is one very big boy. When Gabe moved in (we always keep the blind-and-deaf ones here with us) and then Willie came back, there was no more room left at the inn. It is not true that because we already had one yellow Lab (Brody) at Widget's House, I wanted to add a second yellow Lab to achieve some kind of symmetry.
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Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
Steve, I totally relate. I drive some close people in my life totally crazy how I do things but what they don't realize is how they drive me crazy not doing it the right way! I too noticed the throws being a little off but then I also noticed as some others did how the dogs matched their throw...dark doxie on darker throw, lighter doxie on lighter throw!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 10, 2010 at 01:55 PM
I'm with you...crooked pictures, salt and pepper shakers that get split up on the table, window shades pulled down at different levels, a centerpiece that's not quite centered! I have to fix them! My husband will purposely do these things just to see how long I can let them alone! LOL
Posted by: Karen | February 10, 2010 at 08:36 AM
Those are 2 very comfortable looking Doxies! Having some OCD myself, I can feel you on the symmetry thing. Great picture!
Posted by: Ann | February 08, 2010 at 11:18 PM
I noticed the color difference too Steve so I understand. And while I'm not quite as picky I do like things just so (you should see how I fold up my umbrella, it has to look as nice as the day you first open it).
Posted by: Jill in PA | February 08, 2010 at 12:36 PM
As an engineer & dog lover (but no OCD), have to admit I really enjoyed that one Steve. Bravo. Those are 2 most comfortable doxies!
Posted by: Margaret | February 08, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Did you also notice that the light colored dog matched up with the light colored throw and the darker colored dog is with the darker throw....therefore, they ARE symmetrical, you are just looking at it wrong. It should be vertical and not horizontal..not that I am OCD or anything...;)
Posted by: Amy | February 08, 2010 at 11:45 AM
I think artistry and symmetry have a lot in common, so I think you should take comfort in the fact that the two color throws compliment each other (and are both lovely solid colors). In addition, did you notice the darker Dashund is sleeping on the darker throw while the lighter Dashund is sleeping on the lighter throw? Talk about symmetry!
Posted by: Miranda | February 08, 2010 at 11:37 AM
I'm excessively bothered by crooked things so I get you Steve.
Thanks for the answer to the question about Moose. Is Madison still in the house and doing well??
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 08, 2010 at 10:59 AM
START with you concern of being concerned about Symmmety. Nothing wrong with haveing things lined up correctly. I just wanted to let you know that from the START.
Posted by: Eric | February 08, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Loved this!!!! So cute!!!!
Barbara & Frankie
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | February 08, 2010 at 10:37 AM
A single dachshund for those of use who adore them is symmetry. More than one are riches beyond compare. Are you sure you didn't pose them?
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 08, 2010 at 10:25 AM
As far as the blanket colors, you are sticking to symmetry. The lighter colored dog is on the lighter colored blanket. The darker gray blanket has the darker colored dog. Callie has some black in her back. ;-) I teach high school and I drive my students nuts trying to pair and match things. Wear your OCD proudly. It is aligned with very high intelligence. That's MY story and I'm sticking to it.
Posted by: MarySue Carl | February 08, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Wonderful post, Steve. You are such a good writier.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | February 08, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Admitting you have a problem is th first step, Steve! That's so funny, that you've trained Callie & Daisy to align their sleeping patterns to please your eye. You are too funny. Whatever works, right? For all you do, if it makes you happy, I'm all for it!
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit (who's supervising me on the arm of my chair as I type this)
Posted by: ginger, Tobias & Tlingit | February 08, 2010 at 02:41 AM
Oh how cute!! I can't help but think Moose will find a family to adopt him after RDR has rescued him. He would be a wonderful family pet!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 08, 2010 at 02:34 AM
My guess is, you are a true libra and if not, one at heart..atleast that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm with you on the symmetry, Steve :)
Posted by: LuAnn Whale | February 08, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Hmmmm, Steve, that might just be a "likely story" about the Labsters! I have to admit, though, the matching Dachsies are pretty pleasing.
Posted by: Reta Davis | February 07, 2010 at 11:13 PM
I wonder if my husband would accept "symmetry" as the argument for why I want a second Dachshund?! After all, we have symmetry with our two German Shepherds...
Posted by: Vickie | February 07, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Because I'm me and as the above article proves we all have our little "things".....I worry about Moose's feelings after he was moved. I worry alot about how dogs feel....I'm thinking he settled in with the other lab and is quite happy in Widget's house...right???????
Posted by: Diane Bowlin | February 07, 2010 at 10:10 PM