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A silver-haired woman whittles wood in a rocking chair while a tortoiseshell cat watches the shavings fall. 20 / 27

Maple Watched Every Curl of Wood Fall From Grandma's Whittling

AI imagetortoiseshell catwhittlingporch

Grandma sits in a weathered rocking chair on the porch with a small knife and a block of wood, curling pale shavings falling at her feet. Her hair is tied up, her cream cardigan is a little dusty, and she looks down at her work with calm concentration. Maple the tortoiseshell cat sits low in front of her with her ears forward and her green eyes following each falling curl. Pruning shears, a flowerpot, and a basket of gloves sit around the porch. A pale pile of curls has already gathered around the legs of the chair.

Whittling is a quiet, absorbing craft, but it takes care when pets are nearby. Sharp tools should be kept well away from curious paws, and the pile of wood shavings can be tempting for a cat to bat and chew. Sweep them up regularly, since small bits can get stuck in a cat's fur or be swallowed. Cats love anything that moves unpredictably, which is why a falling shaving can be as thrilling as a toy. Offering a safe toy nearby can redirect her attention.

Maple watches each curl fall as if it were the most important event of the afternoon. Grandma works patiently, glancing down with a smile. The porch smells of fresh wood and warm sun. Craft hours move slowly, which suits them both.

A small carving may be taking shape.

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