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

Chill

In the midst of my meditation & research on migraines, mental illness [health?] and moxie, I pause to think of the blessings in my life.

For example: Mama et Papa and the loving home they make for me, walks in the neighborhood, dinner guests such as Amy,Peter & JPEG, a fine & diverse home library, & etc.
But what could be better than....

a personal 1992 4-door Toyota Corolla?

What more conducive to dog-happiness than tooling down the highway, on the way to nowhere, warm breezes ruffling my ears and rural Georgia yielding up it most secret treasures?

Note in the Toyota photo the stickers on the bumper. To the right, an artifact evoking wistful memories of my 3-weeks visit to Berlin as the wall came crumbling [literally] down.

But, on the left, the mark of ownership: a picture of a poodle, my name inscribed underneath.

Truly, the Toyota Corolla is the best car in the world & the best of the best resides in my garage.

If any of you, my loyal friends & fans, have car stories that can top mine, please use the comments section at the end of this entry.

[Any Vespa owners? You're also invited to share tales of Vespa adventures. And see photo of Amu (uncle in farsi) Hassan Aragh below. He kindly treated Mama to a ride on this fabulous machine (car in farsi) And may I recommend the film, Caro Diario.]

Amu Hassan Aragh, 1930s Vespa

My New Friend, JPEG

Meet my new friend, JPEG.

JPEG lives with Peter & Amy.

Peter, a noted photographer, Amy a popular professor & widely published scholar have been my friends for the last 2 years, i.e. ever since I arrived at the Roushanzamir home. Since JPEG chose to make his home with them, their calls upon us have changed in ways unpredictable yet entirely satisfactorily.

Peter & Amy pursue international agendas of great significance. And previously, their conversations tended to reflect their interests.

Above view but one of Peter's shots documenting conditions in war zones (here Iraq). He has travelled to developing countries, ongoing wars on several continents, & locations of the aftermath of conflict situations bringing, through his photos, the devastating human tragedies very close to those who otherwise all too often choose to remain ignorant (or as I refer to it, learned ignorance).

Amy's curriculum vita with her list of publications speaks for itself. Please click the link to view it (& to see a wonderfully representative picture of Amy).

Accomplished as they prove themselves, their visits occasioned only passing acknowledgment of my presence. Yes, they were kind, yes, they greeted and bade me au revoir respectfully and yes, they might (no guarantee) pass me a pistachio or, even more rarely, a sip of champagne.

But those unforeseen consequences of adding JPEG to the mix improve the quality of these visits dramatically.

Perhaps because JPEG personally selected Peter & Amy as his rescue people, the folks with whom he wished to spend his life (may be long; he's a 3 month old puppy), they seem especially appreciative of the blessing that walks with them.

And such happy results (for me).

Since JPEG's arrival, Peter's & Amy's formerly wide-ranging conversation is now --and let's be honest, thank goodness for it -- pretty much limited to JPEG: his behaviors, social adjustments, quirks, good looks, habits, preferences, and so forth. (Benefits accrue to me by association.)

And while they undoubtedly plan to continue with their presitigous careers and distinguished pursuits, their lives (properly) center around JPEG. Now, JPEG and I together determine the agenda & logistics of the (sadly, all too infrequent) occasions of their visits.

Look at his appealing face, glorious coat, handsome markings, perky ears, slender paws, sleek & perfectly proportioned body -- and those eyes, what eyes! JPEG, now a treasured part of my life, enriches the lives of Peter, Amy and all who meet him. Thank you for choosing Peter & Amy as your rescue people & for thus rescuing Peter & Amy (& frankly your impact on Mama et Papa is also refreshing).

And finally, thank you for your love, licks, your glorious public displays of affection, your friendship.