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

Yes We Can: my vote counted

Pal JPEG

Finally, after an unacceptably (and unaccountably) long delay, Maman et Papa invited JPEG, Amy and Peter to dine. Amongst the toasts, mutual admiration, and critical commentary (that seems to be how humans communicate, i.e. lots of talk-talk), JPEG & I were able to relax and simply enjoy one another's company.

We sniffed each other, exchanged a few bawdy stories, commiserated as the humans blandished endearments towards us, and so forth.

The pickings were good: pistachios, Mexican beef, Iranian-influenced tofu, chips with cheese, ice cream. Trust Maman et Papa to provide a copious spread.

JPEG teaches me new tricks, patiently taking my size into account. And he runs wildly, exuberantly through the house, locates lost toys, and in short, is a firm friend. I admire him more than I can say.

Cheers, JPEG, this one's for you. Please return soon & frequently to your friend, Mercury

Relaxing, Eating, & Writing

I've been struck by the frequency with which my best writing comes after a relaxing snooze or a beautiful and tasty meal. Finally I've decided to analyze how & why such is the case & to share my findings with you, my loyal friends & fans.

Relaxing: Lounging around frees the mind to hear and see, smell and feel the sounds, sights, and experiential aspects of life too often ignored in our get-ahead-quickly world. From the vantage point of my bed, I explore a world of ideas untapped as I go about my daily round.

Eating: What's finer than a great meal, loving prepared and loving appreciated? A gourmet probably figures as the happiest being in life, savoring the subtle flavors of a fantastic meal, leaning back for sparkling conversation, drinking a superb wine while appreciating its subtle scents and colors. Each meal, a work of art.

Writing: When the body is soothed and the senses stimulated, therein lies the premium state of being for creating a thoughtful, well written (dare I say?) masterpiece.

Friends & fans, I can only recommend you follow my example, for whether you write a chef d'oeuvre or a letter home to your Maman et Papa, relaxing & eating are your pathway to success.

Please send your own stories about the value of relaxing & the pleasures of eating by clicking the comments option below.

'Til next time, your friend Mercury Murphy

Do Dogs Smile?

I enjoy a walk through the neighborhood with Mama. Sometimes, as I become winded, I open my mouth revealing my (well cared-for) teeth. When this happens Mama looks at me and says:

"Oh, you're smiling, you're so cute & darling, that makes me so happy, you make me smile too."

At home I contemplate the age-old dog question. Why must human beings anthropomorphize dogs?

We are not human beings and although domesticated, we share very little of their means of communication. For example, humans seem to use their voices excessively while dogs communicate through body language and subtle glances.

Do dogs smile? I suppose it's all in the eyes, and the intentions, & beliefs, of the beholders. Yes, I enjoy the walks with Mama, and on the weekends the special treat, walks with Mama et Papa. But my facial expression corresponds to my elevated heart-beat rate. As a point of information, dogs may work out, but we do not sweat.

I shall ever wonder at the apparent need for humans to believe that dogs share their own characteristic behaviors and emotions. And perhaps I pity them for their incessant desire to find among a higher species shared communication patterns.

Defense

A dog's life involves responsibilities and concomitant dangers. Here's an example.

First, to put it in its context, one of my responsibilities is to protect our house and property. Another is to watch over the neighborhood more generally.

Second, we live at a busy T-intersection. Many cars, school buses, small trucks and delivery vans speed by daily. Furthermore, the sidewalks provide tree-lined pathways for neighbors and students from the nearby high school. Walkers, joggers, bikers, parents pushing prams, etc.

I trust this sketch wil help you comprehend the example I shall now relate:

This morning, a gray and blustery morning, I was outdoors on the porch with Mama. A Large Dog, wearing a collar but no tags, broke into our space, approaching the screened porch and rampaging around our property. He said he wanted to play, but why should I believe him? I knew what I had to do--first the low growl, then the full-out bark.

"Arf, arf," I cried.

The Large Dog opened his mouth and showed off his tongue.

"Arf, arf," I shouted.

After several returns of this sort, the Large Dog ran away. And I chalked up another success in the dangerous but satisfying job with which I am trusted.