My intention was to have fun with reflections in the brass kettle by depicting a mouse eyeing a chunk of cheddar on a cracker. At home, the closest thing to a mouse I could find is a mouse-shaped paperweight with a long tail serving as a paper receipt pin. It's not easy to find a realistic-looking model mouse, even on Amazon. Ironically, a horde of the real things is probably occupying my cottage right now hunting for some cheese.