Saturday, October 24, 2009


Costumes

Edward refuses to wear a costume on Halloween. He has witnessed, what he feels to be, the appalling menagerie that prances down his street once a year on the last night of October - that traveling band of his own kind, canines of every shape and stripe, dressed in the most ridiculous getups he could ever imagine. A spaniel Darth Vader, a beagle Harry Potter, a poodle masquerading as pink fairy princess. What could their people be thinking? He sees them, he shakes his furry head, he sighs. His dignity is so manifest I would never dream of asking him to participate and really, I think I understand his feelings. No doubt his thoughts are akin to my own when I happen to spy some poor chap dressed as the Statue of Liberty in front of a tax office in April. Human stature slips a rung.

Costumes are tricky. If you have ever found yourself clad an ensemble that caused you to feel dreadfully out of place - a walking oxymoron of sorts - then you will know what I mean. I well remember the one time I was seduced by a jacket in the Anthropologie store. I generally shop there for unusual bits of kitchenware, perhaps a bar of soap that smells like mimosa, or a candlestick the colour of dawn. But I give the clothes a wide berth, knowing they are meant for others. So perhaps I had a fever that day, or maybe my inner compass momentarily slid from its moorings, but I spotted a colourfully embroidered jacket and I was intrigued. I decided to try it on. Once in the dressing room I held the garment out in front of me trying to decipher exactly who it reminded me of. (I now think it was Heidi, but that name didn’t come to me then. It should have.) I slipped on the jacket with my back to the mirror, turning around to assess my reflection. I stood there, shocked into silence. And then I began to laugh. Long and hard. The kind of laughter that can make your eyes water. Imagine if you will, spotting Jackie Onassis in a drill team uniform, or perhaps The Queen in a pair of skinny jeans. I looked that silly, in an article of clothing so unlike myself I seemed to be in costume.

So yes, I know how Edward feels, and once again, he shall not be participating in the Halloween festivities like some of his counterparts, no matter how cute I happen to think they are. He will however, be assisting me with my duties at the front door - handing out candy and homemade cupcakes, making everyone welcome - tasks much more suited to both his noble temperament and exalted station.
I applaud him for remaining true blue to his well-honed sense of self.



Painting above by Thierry Poncelet

48 comments:

  1. Not trick-or-treating might save Edward a few dental bills too. Even if you didn't think of that, I feel certain he did.

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  2. This post reminded me of a recent visit to Harrods, I thought I was in the baby department when I suddenly realized that the "baby clothes" had four arm holes!

    I like the witches hat by the way.

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  3. Good that you respect him this way. They will love him.

    I laughed at you in the mirror too, at Heidi. I sometimes get that longing to wear something that I admire but is unlike me. I think that is one reason costume parties work, because you get to be someone else with perfect impunity.

    But Edward is beyond all that.

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  4. Hi Pam,
    I immediately recognized the painting of Thierry Poncelet. I have one hanging in my home of a Dalmatier! I bought it from Thierry himself. He is a Belgian painter and he loves dogs!

    I can understand Edward that good that he doesn't want to be dressed in a Halloween outfit! My Ralph wouldn't do it neither!
    Greet

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  5. You are such an amazing individual. I am not certain you are actually a real live person. How can I receive notice of new posts, and time and again be as enchanted with each as I was my very first? You must not be real! Edward must be real. Edward must be writing this from his enchanted perspective, yes, that must be it!

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  6. Pamela, Edward is adorable and will delight with or without costume. xv

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  7. I love that Edward knows himself so well--far better than many humans know themselves. Your description of trying on that jacket is perfect! I've had that same experience more than once!

    xoxo Gigi

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  8. I am new to The House of Edward but am thrilled to know he always conducts himself with such dignity. He's very handsome the way he is.

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  9. Good for you Edward! Although I do think that you would look grand in ANY costume you might have choosen! Cupcakes? Yummy!
    Denise

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  10. Good old Edward remaining true to his dignity. Let the others display themselves in their frippery. A dog only needs a fine coat of hair and an owner who understands him.

    Loved the tale of the decorative jacket too. Would liked to have seen it.

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  11. You both look charming, I quite understand Edward's aversion to camoflage.

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  12. Love, love love this post! It is so very true about dogs-Some dogs. Moses would never have accepted a halloween costume-it did not even cross my mind-though I once did photo him with a magnif mongolian lamb collar-He did like it. But my Zetta is a different story-She is begging for something-I bought her a little lady bug hat-fittingly her other name is "Bug" & yes there is a story there!I love the photo of you 2- Edward almost seems a bit embarrassed to be seen with a witch- even a very attractive blonde one.I just bet when you walked into the room-he looked at you like you were crazy (again)-Trust me I know that look. Gaye

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  13. Hello P&E,

    No prizes for guessing what Edward is thinking on the bench!

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  14. I don't think any of us would expect anything less of Edward!

    Love the Thierry Poncelet!

    I agree about Anthropologie... housewares to discover and die for, but clothing whose design is unique yet not entirely wearable across the board.

    Though enjoying fall, Mimosa IS something I'll miss until next summer... maybe I should check for that soap!

    (I shall be mentioning/tagging you in my next post-- hope that's okay!)

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  15. Totally agree with Edward - I didn't know that dogs dressed up on Hallowe'en. It is not such a big thing here except in this household where Hallowe'en happens to be my birthday! The farthest we go is to have a pumpkin in the garden lit. As we live a long way from other houses we don't get callers. I am sure Tess would not like dressing up at all.

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  16. Love this last photo with Edward peering at us, over your shoulder. He seems to be saying, just look at me and you can see why I prefer to be sans-costume.

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  17. Too amazing. A client called yesterday telling me about her dog Sam. They dressed him up, trial run, for halloween.

    And he liked it.

    They were stunned beyond belief. Never realized dogs with halloween costumes could be a conversation topic!!! Life is good.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  18. I am absolutely in sympathy with Edward's feelings about Halloween costumes for the canaine population as is Bilbo Baggins. A dog has his reputation to consider! However as a hander out of Halloween treats I should think that Edward has no equal:)

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  19. Here on Lot 13 on Cemetery Hill -- the yard is decorated and I have my witches hat (same one as yours! LOL) ready to go! However -- the cats (now three) are remarkably unco-operative about costume possibilities too! LOL! We have One (a bowling ball with legs); Two (a high priestess of Cool) and Three is always A Toad (x-reference to "Wind in the Willows") But those names refer to their looks -- and suitable costumes are still out of the question.
    I'll just hope that they put in some appearances in the windows -- for the evening's festivities!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  20. I do love that blonde witch, with the bewitching green hat and the handsome companion. Very much part of the autumn landscape.

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  21. Hi Pamela,loved this post ! What a laugh. Yes, I too have found myself in Anthropologie having similar thoughts. Glad to know I am not alone. Great pictures. I also agree with Edward. One must hold on to one's dignity in these silly times.

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  22. well done edward for being true to yourself.....i had to laugh at your changing room tale...heidi..i also have this problem although mine is that i am deluded by thinking i can fit into a size 12 and disappointed when i can't!!!!

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  23. Edward is too adorable to wear such silly costumes, but I wouldn't mind seeing that photo of the Queen in skinny jeans. Actually maybe not.. haha

    Lovely enchanted post and gorgeous witch's hat.

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  24. Hi Pamela,

    I loved this post and Edward is such a darling dog.
    I can't blame him for not wanting to wear a costume.
    You had me laughing with the thought of Jackie O wearing a drill uniform and the Queen in skinny jeans!

    Have a wonderful weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  25. We did put one of our dogs in a Halloween costume a few years ago because it rather amused us; he, however, was not amused and felt it far beneath his dignity to be seen in a ridiculous Darth Vadar costume! The photos we have are proof of his feelings. We think our friends (uncostumed) dogs may have laughed at him. We've never forced him to don Halloween attire again :)

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  26. I'm afraid that I hate it when people dress their dogs up. I just don't see the point.I'm so glad that Edward doesn't like it, either.... XXXX

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  27. such a good story - and hugs to Edward :)

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  28. And who can blame dear Edward?

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  29. Edward is very wise! Costumes are not needed when he already has the majesty of a lion and the demeanor of a lamb.

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  30. Good for you Edward! Someone has to take a stand.
    Now that witches hat I could wear.

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  31. I always felt silly in costume-even as a child. I do appreciate the way you felt trying on that jacket. I love earrings and have many lovely pair- I put them on, look in the mirror, and always go back to the pearl studs.
    I love Edwards suit-no dress-up needed there.

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  32. Dear Edward & Apple,

    We did decide to adopt Miss Piper Belle rather suddenly, though we had been checking our local shelter "daily" for a very long time. Looking at the all the dogs and hoping that one day our hearts would suddenly open again ... and that happened with a "poof" one day last week.

    Then when we were at the shelter to pick Miss Piper Belle up, we met and fell instantly in love with a grey muzzled, very distinguished and oh so handsome shepherd mix named Desi. Desi is 11 years young and needs a warm home with lots of love & kisses to live in for his remaining years. We've decided to foster him - which means that the shelter will help out with his any big expenses.

    We're thrilled, the cats (BleetNess, Oliver & Gus) have not decided how they feel yet ... but we're very happy and Desi should arrive early next week.

    So ... yes this all did seem to transpire quickly but I think it's actually been in the works for a very long time.

    Much love, Miss Winnie Dixon

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  33. Love the description of your dressing room experience... we have all been there. And Edward, I can understand his thoughts. My dogs, however, are not so dignified and are quite silly and they will be participating. They actually enjoy the attention. Especially my foster pittie who is so not scary looking in a pink tutu. ;-)

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  34. I often wonder just where do you find your illustrations for your posts...they are always just right.
    This one is especially wonderful:)...I have to agree with Edward on the dressing up bit...it isn't for everyone...

    ...oh and have I ever had a few "dressing room moments" myself!

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  35. yes i do think Edward is right in his attitude here.....

    Enjoy the festivities though...

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  36. Edward is so cute that he never needs a costume!

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  37. Buster agrees wholeheartedly.
    I bought him a bee costume
    but fear it will not be appreciated.....

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  38. oh no!!!
    what a great shot of you and prince edward.
    xx

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  39. We can all learn from dear Edward...I put my Chihuahua in a doll nightgown and she prances down the street in the dark trying not to be seen. I must rethink this...Misha has class too, and I am thinking I make take a new direction next year and keep at home.

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  40. really. good for Edward. Sammie Jo refuses to be a princess this year. She is grounded right now. ha! just kidding. of course.

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  41. That painting is funny and horrid at the same time! Molly once wore a pink silk flower Hawaian garland to a party, we had them too, she didn't seem to mind that, but i think that's as far as I'd go. I sometimes wonder about getting her a waterproof as she hates getting wet through, but worry about humiliating her, she's a spaniel after all, not a yorkie...

    I look in shops of bright, outlandish, motley clothes and wonder, but feel I couldn't quite be free to be myself if I were to wear them. I remember an English comedienne saying about how she'd put her hair in pigtails with ribbons and looked in the mirror and thought she looked like 'Heidi with some ghastly ageing disorder...'

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  42. I can quite understand Edward not wanting to participate in the fancy dress for Halloween - love your hat though and Edward's face over your shoulder - great photo:)

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  43. Your post made me smile Pamela and I'm pleased to hear Edward is not dressing up for Halloween. I kind of think it is a bit odd, dressing up animals to be like humans... Edward has a lovely white fur coat and does not need a costume!;)
    I love your witches hat by the way and I'm really pleased you will be wearing your fairy bracelet to go with your outfit.:)
    Lovely to see you again and Happy Halloween!

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  44. "To thine own self be true"- Shakespeare. I always thought Edward had dignity on occassions.

    Love the way you decorated your hat.

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  45. Edward is a canine of dignity. His views are to be respected since he represents not just his human household, but a canine community.

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  46. Oh what a wonderful photo of you and Edward on the bench. I'm so glad he doesn't have to endure the indignities of a costume. Far below his station I would say. Buster would just eat it off if I dared dress him in anything!!

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  47. Costumes used to be just that, beautiful tailored jackets with slim skirts below the knee. Perhaps a silk blouse peeped out and a string of milky pearls caressed the neck. Sheer stockings, beautiful Italian leather court shoes with a sensible heel (pumps here in America), no adornment necessary. Now that WAS a costume without being a.............costume, if you know what I mean. Yes, of course YOU do Pamela!

    Just off to grab my long camel coat with hand stitched lapels, my leather gloves, cashmere scarf, and as it's windy today, one of my favorite hats.

    Now I'll head to a big box store, or the drug store and get such peculiar stares..........guess they think I'm "in costume".

    Oh for the good old days - I'm thinking of moving to New Zealand where they say it's like England was 50 years ago! Perhaps there I could dress like this again.

    Lovely back view of you and Edward. So gld you didn't force him to don a costume!

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!