Happy Birthday

I would be remiss if I were to neglect noting that yesterday was my birthday. Birthdays can be moments of both celebration & reflection. At least such is the case for me.

I was born in the state of Idaho which is very far from my home in Athens, GA. I have forgotten my birth mom. Only my AKC registration provides a clue as to her existence [also naming my father, grandparents and great-grandparents]

My life here has its ups and downs. Papa feeds me treats at every turn, takes me out for a ride in the car every weekend, and spoils me rotten. Mama exercises and disciplines me and only afterwards does she shower me with affection. An example: the photograph pictures me in the new role Mama is trying to force on me, i.e. that of Helper Dog. [a Helper Dog is one who, contrary to all laws of dog and nature, lives to assist the chosen human, to work for her, to protect her, and etc. in exchange for which the human says "good dog."]

Despite what can only be called the "mixed bag" of living in the Roushanzamir household, my birthday was a day of rejoicing. Special care was lavished on me, special endearments, spoken. I felt truly loved, even adored [therefore not missing the cake with candles that should, rightfully, have appeared].

After Kelly: beauty & terror

Kelly (see her pictured above with Virgil) is the proprietor/master stylist of Doggie Styles, the posh salon selected by Maman et Papa for my every 6-weekly grooming. Kelly combines the qualities of a good friend --sympathy, loyalty, brains, humor-- with the finely honed skills of a beauty specialist.

Every visit to Doggie Styles comprises a wealth of experiences: bathing, trimming, manicure, comraderie with dogs & people, etc. It all sounds grand.

However: in all honesty I have admittedly mixed feelings about the 6-weekly visit to Doggie Styles. Yes, I meet old and new friends as each of us endure our cleansing rituals. Yes, I learn & continue to hone my dog socialization skills. Yes, I emerge a cleaner & prettier dog. Yes, Kelly is a wonderful woman amongst women.

But suffice to say that for at least 5 days following my visit to Doggie Styles, terror grips me. Post-salon visit & after each successive early morning walk, I rush to the Roushanzamir house door begging to be let in and begging not to be thrust into the car with Papa who might, just might, drop me at Doggie Styles on his way to work. (If it can happen once, it can happen repeatedly.)

Finally (and it may seem contrarily), let it be said that I recommend Doggie Styles (as does Maman). If you long for a superior bathe & style, call Kelly and tell her Mercury really loves her & recommends her highly.

Doggie Styles Inc

2021 S Milledge Ave
Athens, GA 30605

(706) 546-5393‎

Double Dog Darling

Here, a photograph of some of my favorite people: Sophie & Pam Kohn, grandmere Manijeh Kalantari, and my own Papa, Saeid Roushanzamir. Missing from this photo are my many Iranian relatives and (few) American relatives, Lily Kohn, and obviously my Maman who took the picture. I, of course, am at the Center.

People are frail and flawed creatures. Tender of heart, strict of practice (exercise, discipline, affection). And through it all, sanguine creatures who view optimisim as a virtue.

Perhaps because of these characteristics, Maman has created a new "pet name" for me: double dog darling.

It references a 1950s childhood practice: the double dog dare. The double dog dare is issued in an attempt to up the ante; it's not as commanding as the triple dog dare which (perhaps) exceeds the limits of polite behaviour.

In any case, calling me the double dog darling is Maman's meek attempt at humor. Yes, I'm a darling. Yes, I'm double the darlingness of most doggies. So I accept the nick-name even as I mock its origin. After all, does a dog with the name of Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir really need a pet name?

BTW, apologies to those of you await my entries eagerly and with baited breath. Writers block has held me within its viscious grip. But my thoughts are always with you (each & every one of you) as are my hopes that you're celebrating life and loving it.

Noo Ruz Goodies

My American friends & fans may not know that Noo Ruz is a time for giving gifts, especially to youngsters. I sincerely hope & trust that you will remember this next year. Gifts may include, but are not limited to, new clothing, toys, bones and other desirable objects.

Below I show off my Noo Ruz goodies which range across the spectrum of acceptable presents. For example, the newest addition to my wardrobe is this shocking pink collar. Accompanying it is a pastel pink 6-foot leash. Together their colors dazzle the eye and attract attention to, what Maman calls, "my stunning beauty." New toys are also a crucial part of the Noo Ruz celebration. Below view photos of my new ball, treat-in-the-toy, and bone.

I would call this Noo Ruz accumulation of presents a partial success. I was not given a red University of Georgia t-shirt. I only received 1 bone. True, I have a new ball, but I'd like a soccer ball as well. At least Maman did not buy me a car seat which she has been threatening to do!

So the season of spring time has been ushered in by the delightful holiday of Noo Ruz. See the photo below -- I chose to shoot the holiday flowers against the background of a world map. This is my way of proclaiming to the world: happy new year, may it bring you happiness & health, prosperity & peace.

Love to my faithful friends and fans, Mercury

Noo Ruz

Tomorrow is the Persian New Year called Noo Ruz, a happy holiday shared with friends & family. We will wear new clothes (in my case a new collar), watch the goldfish swim next to our plate of spouts, and we'll eat dill-lima bean rice & fish.

Perhaps in acknowledgment of Noo Ruz, the winds in Athens blow warmly, trees are in bloom and flowers are poking up from the ground. What a beautiful, wonderful way to celebrate the new year.

Check out other Noo Ruz ecards each of which portrays a beautiful aspect of this festival (click the link). Please check out the web site because aside from the pretty pictures you can select Persian music to accompany your ecard.

To all my fans & friends, Noo Ruz Mobarak!

The Gift

Marcel Mauss wrote The Gift, considered a classic among anthropological works, in which he studied the relation between forms of exchange and social structure. While I cannot hope to attain such privileged status, here I consider the exchange of Treats.

It's a generalization to claim that Treats are considered amongst dogs as one of the greatest items of desire. A treat is an unexpected (if longed-for) joy. When offered by Maman et Papa, I accept it in the spirit with which it is offered: love & the wish to please.

The exchange of pleasure that a Treat signifies is illustrated by the photo accompanying my entry. And, to be quite honest, the photo also illustrates a departure from Mauss' thesis. For in my life--as in the picture--, Maman et Papa offer me many Treats & I do not reciprocate. However, in the last instance, I give to my Maman et Papa a total & unconditional love, one that surpasses even the exchange of doggie Treats.

Letter to Santa, Christmas 2008

Dear, Darling Santa,

Remember me?

I've waited abominably long this year to write my letter. However, let's cut to the chase: brief & to the point. I've been good all year long, whether sleeping or waking, I haven't cried nor have I begged, nor pouted. [no time to present the evidence; please take my word for it.]

Therefore with confidence, I offer my Christmas list and, as proof of my selfless [almost] nature, I've include lists for Maman et Papa. [I can only assume and sincerely hope that these lists truly reflect their desires.]

What I want for Christmas:

1 octopus stuffed toy

as many balls as possible

some tasty dental treats

and the biggest raw-hide bone available

Affection-Affection-Affection Papa's list:

1 Mercedes [C-series]

1 fancy crystal bowl

1 valuable antique

shirts that don't shrink [note: Maman does the laundry....]

Dearest Maman's list:

a fancy dress in cloth of gold

an iPhone [twice the speed, 1/2 the price]

a European cake

Harry Winston jewelry
[don't look in the Paris store which, just in case you don't know, was knocked over & cleaned out by world-class thieves]

Dearest Santa, I love you very much and think of you all year long. I hope you fulfill all of our wishes. But please do note that my requests are the most modest, therefore [I assume] the most probable.

By the way, if you prefer certain kinds of cookies, or a beverage other than milk with which to refresh yourself before you leave our home, please let me know by writing a comment on my blog.

With all due respect and ever so much love, your friend Mercury Murphy