This is Peanut Butter Brickle.  Remember when we used to take pictures with things other than our phones?  I even remember that a little bit!

Pictures are very important.  Especially ones taken of me.  And there are never enough pictures taken of me.  It is just not possible.

But last weekend at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, I gazed upon another kind of picture on their wall.  I have never seen anything like it!

The nice persons at the sanctuary told us that it was called an intarsia.  I know a lot, but I didn’t know about this!

I learned an intarsia uses varied shapes, sizes, and species of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture with an illusion of depth!  Wow!

Intarsia is created through the selection of different types of wood, using their grain pattern and coloring to create variations in the pattern. No paint is used, but it still looks like it is painted! After selecting the specific woods for the pattern, the woodworker cuts, shapes, and finishes each piece. Some areas of the pattern may be raised to create more depth. The completed individual pieces fit together like a jig-saw puzzle!

Now, the intarsia at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is said to be one of the biggest examples of intarsia in the world.  And I find that this is appropriate, because their sanctuary is one of the most wonderful places in the world.

There are many pieces to Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary that make it beautiful.  From the care of the people, to each individual dog, to every detail that has been put into the operation of the sanctuary.  So many things made for a beautiful, total picture.  Just like the intarsia.

When we look at ourselves in the mirror, what do we see?  Do you just see an older soul?

Or do you see how much of a difference you have made in the beauty of our world?   I want you to see it.

Sometimes, it takes someone else to remind us that we are more than appearance.  Sometimes it takes someone to remind us of the entire package that makes us who we are.  And I want you to remember that today.

Although we will be moving on soon in the RV, and we will be on to our next destination, we will carry reminders of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary with us forever.  Not one face will we forget.

Let others see your beauty, and listen to them when they tell you how beautiful and unique you are. And if no one tells you that today, I am.  You are more than your years.  You are a beautiful picture. Share your story.

-Peanut Butter Brickle

Thank you to Good Sam and Camping World who made this visit possible with all of their donations, supplies and the #BeGoodDoGood spirit!  And thank you all for helping us raise $3000  for Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary on our Facebook fundraiser and posts this month!