Lullaby and Good Night

Bed time is always a special time. Although not for the reasons you may think. The first challenge is to avoid PJs, a trick performed only through practice and repetition. Here, for example, you see one of my failures.

On the bright side, I watch pre-bed time television. And stay up for as late as Maman et Papa will allow. The trick with television is to commandeer the remote. This photo shows a successful attempt. From there on it's clear sailing (so to speak). I choose the channel, I choose the shows. Saturday night's English comedy night; my favorite, Keeping Up Appearances. Law & Order is on some channel on almost every night. As for "reality television" I choose What Not to Wear and Millionaire Matchmaker.

All good things must end (again, so to speak). Eventually Maman et Papa insist on putting me to bed. They expect me to cuddle & lick, they croon and talk baby talk, and finally through sheer exasperation if nothing else I fall asleep.

Of course I don't know what I'm missing, but I'm convinced wild and wonderful things occur.

Little Lucy Visits

As you'll note from the photo, I've been napping and catching up with my zzzzz's after a thrilling spring break weekend. Little Lucy, aka Lucy Robins, flew into town from Boston, accompanied by Melinda, her Maman. [see other photo]

I've known Lucy long-distance for several years but this was our first face-to-face. Maman has known Melinda for a couple of decades! Maman et Papa love Melinda and Lucy. Perfect set up for a wonderful few doggie-centered days.

What we did: ate. watched the Oscar's. walked. slept. played. ran & jumped in the UGA intramural fields. requested special treats. Need I say more? Every element of a perfect fun-filled weekend.

What I learned about Lucy: her weight, 9lbs. personality, alpha dog. talents, goes for a walk off leash. Adventuresome & adapts well to unfamiliar & challenging situations. Willing to travel tourist class even though she's a first-class kind of girl.

Lucy revealed a lot about her life in Melrose (the town near Boston where Lucy's house is located). She occasionally travels into the city to give a lecture at Emerson College after which she lunches at the Ritz and then indulges in a postprandial stroll through the Boston Gardens. On days at home, she rests, roots out dropped bits of food, gazes out the windows, dips into a murder mystery (she prefers those by Georges Simenon or the English police procedural genre) and then rests when her eyes get tired from reading. She asserts her alpha personality when necessary -- which is infrequent since she established her requirements on her initial interview with Melinda. Few variations to those established routines of home life occur.

Lucy enjoys long walks, rainy days spent indoors, prefers Italian to Mexican foods, and swing to punk. Favorite film star: Asta. Favorite color: red (like her coat). She enjoys a cuddle but she also treasures alone time.

I love Lucy now that I've met her face-to-face even more than I loved her long-distance. She's my best pal. I'm so happy that she accepted my gift to her, the royal-purple bed that becomes her so well.

Hope

Dear Friends & Fans,

This is a meditation on Hope. I celebrate the quality of Hope which passes by all depression, sadness, dire circumstances and bad behavior.

Hope leads me to expect many meals and more desserts each day. Perhaps I'm not altogether worthy; I certainly get more than my share. But, beautifully prepared and served is the food that I enjoy each day.

Hope springs eternal (or very close to it) that Maman will not force or even encourage me to wear doggie clothes. Doggie clothes are not really for doggies nor are they really clothing -- they gape in embarrassing places.

Each month I hope that I won't have to go to Doggie Shapes. For as much as I like Kelly's company, unspeakable things happen at Doggie Shapes. Enough said.

Hope is the light that lets me imagine that I will spend all the days of my life with Maman et Papa and that each day to come will be as joyful as those already lived.

My wish for you is that Hope also lights your life and shows you the way through any darkness you may encounter.

Love, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir

On a winning streak

Reuters photo staff [Shannon Stapleton/Reuters] can be credited with capturing this winsome endearing picture of Sadie, the Westminster Best in Show winner 2010. But where was Reuters when I struck the poses and performed the stunts that remain alas known only to a lucky few? Where was Reuters when, newly bathed and coiffed I returned home, bow on collar and smelling of a subtle combination of lavender and rose?

I admit I only browsed the entire online showing of Westminster which in any case was televised over a couple of days. I had other, more pressing shows to watch. Primarily, Law & Order; my good friend, now, sadly, deceased, Jerry Orbach, plays his role of roles Lenny Briscoe. Lenny Briscoe is a fully developed character that Orbach wore like a skin. A working class man with a Catholic-Jewish childhood. A recovering alcoholic with a past littered with damaged relationships and long-borne hurts. A good cop. A good friend. A tender human being. A 20th century man. Yes, Law & Order by and large trumped the Westminster.

The poodle showing in the "Toy" category disgraced himself. No, that's not quite correct. Human beings seem determined to impose specific cuts and shapes to our naturally luxuriant hair in order to conform to their own odd whims. Yes, the dog had teased locks in front and shaved hair (none) on the rear. This look is not modern; poodles are mocked for it. But remember, poodles were long exploited as hunters and retrievers of water fowl. During those days, now consigned to a tiny historical footnote, the cut was required by the demands of the job. The 21st century makes no such demands on poodles; the Westminster--and the AKC to whom it owes allegiance--should rethink these archaic demands. Poodles everywhere would rejoice.

I titled this entry "On a winning streak" and I'll end with what's been won. Visibility on prime time television for dogs everywhere. Respect for owners who choose gourmet food, provide basic necessities & plenty of treats, heightened awareness of the importance of education and entertain for their dogs. And reminders, if such were needed, of the relevance of dogs to civil society. And finally, a comfortable seat on the couch from which to watch the dog show, mounted in NYC, and Law & Order, shot in NYC, from my safe, warm home in Athens, GA.

Dear Friends & Fans & Darling Santa,

I must admit that I've made grievous errors. First and foremost, I did not write a thank you letter to Santa. What must I have been thinking of?! What disgrace have I brought down, on myself, my family, and generations to come. Even maman posted Facebook photos of the gifts I received (& had asked for) for Christmas.

But my punishment is swift and sure. Valentine's Day arrives within 2 weeks. But doggie Valentine's Day pictures appointments can be scheduled starting next Friday. Next Friday! Doubtless, the photographer will have pink and red heart fluffy necklaces or hats or back-drops. Maman has already explored the options and located a photographer's lair within a mile of our home.

To my friends and fans, but in particular to my darling Santa who granted every wish, accept my deepest apologies for the hubris and lack of loving-kindness with which I have acted, and please send messages to maman to spare me the indignities of doggie Valentine's Day portraits.

Dear Santa!

Dearest, darling Santa,

How are you these days? I am fine and furthermore I am very good indeed. In the spirit of the season and to be perfectly honest I will list my good & bad behaviors over the course of 2009. You can be the judge as to whether my Christmas wishes--also listed below--will be fulfilled.

On the bad side: one or two infractions must be admitted, to wit: occasional paper eating, but it's really not my fault. Papa leaves his newsletters in tempting, easy-to-reach places. And sometimes Maman forgets to close the bathroom gate, thus permitting access to wonderful, marvelous toilet paper. What fun that is, to pull it round and round, draping it over carpets and furniture until the roll is finally all used up. But, I digress. And is it my fault if I assume that a chair pushed out at the dining table is meant for me to sit on? Finally, and perhaps worst, I'll admit to a couple (well, 3) tiny accidents indoors. But can something called an accident be considered "bad behavior?" I don't think so.

My Very Good Behavior: first I've followed your advice-- I don't shout, I don't cry, I don't pout. Ever. I'm not a picky eater. I go to bed on time. I defend the house, and Maman & Papa, vigorously. I allow Maman to put sweaters and coats and dresses on me no matter when or why. I behave graciously to guests, both dog and human. I share my toys. I have learned to follow some new commands. I always bring joy and love into the lives of Maman & Papa. I could proffer many other examples of my good behavior, both waking & sleeping, but I know you see me and frankly that you already know that I've been good, for goodness sake. So, now my list of Christmas gifts, best first, then in descending order.

For Mercury:

--Microsuede Cozy Cave in red

--a Crypton Throw pillow in papaya

--an ARFgyle bone, Christmas version

--a Pine o' Plenty interactive toy

--a Barker's Bounty Gift Bucket (small dog size)

--a 6" retro Santa toy which will remind me of you all year long

--a car seat (don't worry about this one, Santa; Maman insisted I include it on my list)

Because I am such a very very good doggie, I've agreed to include Papa's and Maman's lists too.

For Papa:

--a Mercedes (the bigger, the better and fully loaded) Please note that Papa asked for this last year to no avail. I attest on his behalf that his behavior could be catagorized as Exemplary.

--new shoes, both practical & stylish

--a custom tailored jacket and 2 custom fitted shirts

--a cashmere sweater

--a big box of gold-wrapped Christmas chocolates

For Maman:

--black cowboy boots with silver tips

--a camel hair coat

--a Burberry scarf

--Burberry perfume

--a $100 gifts certificate for iPhone apps



In conclusion, darling Santa, I love you so much. I tell everyone I know all about you, not only during the Christmas season, but all year long. I am your most faithful, loyal friend and fan. Do you read my blog during the year? I hope so. I will leave your favorite cookies & some milk on the coffee table in the living room; help yourself. And even though I know I'm supposed to be asleep when you come to our house, I will try to stay awake to welcome you to the Roushanzamir home.

I love you with all my heart, always your friend,
Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir

PS: I'd also like a new, bigger Christmas stocking. ;- D
Also, I found this delightful image of you at:

www.santaclaus.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21...

Mercury's Breakfast

Now that I'm attending university, it's imperataive that I nourish both mind & body before embarking on my arduous day. I asked Maman to snap this shot as it exemplifies Every Morning.

Note first of all the coffee cup to my right. Maman presented it to me upon admission to school because she acquired it at a scholarly conference in New Orleans many years ago. In fact, it was a gift to her, a recognition of the value of her participation at that conference. Of course it's Papa who prepares the coffee. He uses a percolater which makes the coffee very strong and very hot. He also feeds me either buttered toast or crumpet with marmalade.

Then there're the morning papers. Because one needs to know, I first read the Athens Banner-Herald. While perhaps lacking in general news coverage and incisive editorial comment, the AB-H describes Athens happenings thoroughly indeed. The New York Times covers its deficiencies.

Luckily for me I've developed the skill of doing several things at once. For I also watch the national news on CNN and/or NBC. If you look carefully you can see the CNN logo in the background. And sometimes I choose to read a book or substitute a video (vintage Perry Mason?) for the news. You can see my dvd collection behind and to the right.

I sometimes wonder if you, my loyal fans and friends, enjoy an equally pleasurable morning each day. I can only hope that you do and that you'll take the opportunity a blog affords of sharing your experiences. Please click the Comments button below.

With my kindest regards, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir