It’s My Party and I’ll Poop If I Want To!

Today is Peter S. Mooney’s birthday!
It’s hard to believe he was born in a Wycliffe Bible outpost in Bolivia fifty-nine years ago. Incredibly he spent the next ten years of his life learning to play Futbol and listening to the only Beach Boys Album available, Surfin’ USA, on a scratchy bit of vinyl at 33 1/3 RPM. This was when his yearning for America developed into a fever pitch. Fortunately he was able to attach himself to a Swedish army captain and his wife passing through from service in the Philippines during WW II. Deeply affected by their war experiences they took him in as their own.

Upon arriving in Fullerton California USA, Peter learned quickly that no one played Futbol but everyone liked the Beach Boys so he started hanging out in the clubs and bars along Sunset Blvd working odd jobs for the bands and performers. All the time he told his parents and family that he was going to school. First it was Westmont in Santa Barbara then it was UCSB but actually he slept in alleys and worked rock shows and concerts for the likes of Country Joe MacDonald and Captain Beefheart. It was easy to fool his parents, playing off their trust and devotion, but his brothers quickly clued-in when they kept getting free tickets to the hottest concerts of the decade.

Peter’s big break came when Bob Dylan’s publicist fell off the stage at The Summer of Love in Monterey and broke his arm. Peter stepped up to the plate, picked up the slack and filled in the void by working the phones and coordinating the acts, all the while staying in touch with the hospitalized publicist by cell phone and fax machine until the event was over. Later one of the only sober musicians, a guy named Bobby McGee said, “Who was that guy! He saved the whole event!” A few phone calls were made and the rest, as they say, is history. Peter went to work for the Joe Isuzu Marketing Group writing copy for Hodaka Motorcycles USA.

It was at JIMG that Peter saw the coming Japanese onslaught in cars and electronics. Through a series of moves and with pluck, hard work and luck Peter attained the lofty position of Chief Creative Officer in the largest advertising company in the world. Remembering his humble beginnings he lavished his new-found fortune on his family and friends. He bought a new Datsun sports car for his brother and a chain of clothing stores for his father who loved wearing imported silk ties.

Tired of the ad business, Peter struck out on his own in 2003 with a series of highly successful ventures centered around products to accessorize the suburban garage. Anchored by a revolutionary line of chemical toilets of varying price points, called the GO ‘n Flow which can be safely drained into residential streets, these products make the average garage seem just like home. Fireplaces, HVAC systems, cabinetry, furniture, even a complete salon and health spa can be custom fitted to any garage.

Peter’s greatest contribution however has been his writing. Philosophy, theology, language, psychology, history, politics and culture have all been the subject of his poetry and prose. With this in mind it is entirely appropriate to honor Peter’s life with a day of celebration.

Peter’s Ashtray is encouraging all Peter’s fans to express their appreciation in their own particular idiom. Some may want to write a poem, others to sing a song. Some may want to write a tribute, others to offer a prayer. Some may engage in their favorite pastime or recreation, others may tip a glass or just get drunk. Whatever you feel is appropriate, you are encouraged to tell us about it here at Peter’s Ashtray. We will surely pass it on.

As for us here at PA, we want to be the first to thank you, Peter, for being the air beneath our wings and the colors of our rainbow. We would not exist without you. We love you man! And congratulations on another year in paradise. May you have many more.