All That Glitters Is [Mari-]Gold

UPDATE: Magpies! I know a lot of you read me on your smartphone, and that my mobile site is acting REAL weird right now. I’m working on some site enhancements and am hoping to get this resolved ASAP. In the meantime, for the best view, click on the title of a blog post you want to read and then click the four little lines in the upper right hand corner of your URL bar — see screenshot here — and you’ll be all set!

We debated for years about what we would name our dog, well before she was even a possibility, given our busy travel schedules and condo living accommodations and all the other excuses you throw around as to why the timing isn’t quite right for a [dog, move, baby, etc.]. Mr. Magpie was lobbying hard for Gertrude (“Gertie” for short), and I loved the name June. But it wasn’t until we’d driven out to see the litter of airedale puppies the week before we’d actually bring her home that the name Tilden–the name of the street I’d grown up on in NW DC–occurred to me. It was in part inspired by the stateliness of the puppies’ mother’s name: Murphy. I hadn’t thought about a strong, masculine last name as a contender. And it just came to me, all of the sudden: Tilden. One of my favorite streets, full of so many childhood memories largely centered around playing with my siblings.

Once Tilden was settled upon, the middle name (yes, Tilly has a middle name) came easily: I can’t recall who suggested it first, but Marigold was the perfect accompaniment and we agreed on it instantly. Ladylike, old-world, slightly crotchety. Tilden Marigold. And the name suits her to a tee. She’s a spunky, independent, highly intelligent, sassy, occasionally cranky, but entirely affectionate terrier.

And so as I was realizing I had been pinning and saving a spate of marigold-hued pieces, I couldn’t write about the trend without throwing a little love Tilden’s way. She has been such a joy. Occasionally an incredible frustration (puppy! she’s just over a year, and she’s still very much a puppy!), but she makes me laugh every day. And on one particularly blue day a few weeks ago, as I wiped away a few tears, she trotted over, put her paws on my shoulders, and gave me puppy kisses for days. I mean. Man’s best friend, am I right?

But anyway. Let’s talk about another ray of sunshine: this marigold trend.