VPID 006

The sounds of the bridge traffic fill Astoria Park. People are out running, walking, exercising and enjoying the morning. You and your beautiful black and white dog (part border collie?) lie side by side in the grass near the track, peaceful and at rest. You are lying on your back with one leg crooked over the other. The sky is lite, overcast but bright. The air is warm and full of moisture. Still, there is a slight breeze coming off the water, and the humidity is being wicked away for the moment. Your right hand is on your friend's flank petting him softly (advise on dog's gender and I will revise:-). The dog's gaze is on you alone. You turn your head to him, so that for a pause in time the two of you are in a world of your own. Simply looking at one another. This is a perfect moment captured only by your memory and the virtual camera of a stranger passing by.

VPID 001

The swirl of children at play is all around you while you sit on the park bench just outside of Athens Square Park in Astoria. What marks you as a great photographic subject is your dog, also on the bench. A great golden retriever with his head in your lap. Clearly this great hulking animal lives in the belief that he is much the same size as the beagle that skitters to-and-fro playing with the children. The beagle is barking with excited yaps and yelps, and having the time of his life. Your dog is old, older even than you, and he hasn't the least interest in chasing kids or begging to have a ball thrown for him, but he does watch after the quick movements of the smaller dog with lazy eyed interest. Perhaps for a brief speck of time he considers joining in, but no, the effort would just be too much. For your part you rest your hand on his head, stroking it quietly as the sun beats down through the overhead leaves. This is a photo of peace after what must have been a long and difficult journey into the digital age.