Over the past few months I have found it a little uncanny how often people will look over at my car and smile. This might happen if Ayumi and I are out and about, as she tends to get attention everywhere she goes. It might happen if it's just me in the car with the top down despite the season. However, the pattern is always the same: people see the bright yellow car, they look inside, and they smile.
Given the overall reaction that people have, I'm beginning to wonder why more people do not have fun cars and happy puppies.
Last month it seemed like Ayumi and I were approached by at least one person everywhere we went who wanted a photo of the puppy hanging out the window. It happened at Bentenjima, Lake Yamanaka, Oarai Sun Beach, Nokogiriyama, and Hakone1. During the workweek, we would sometimes head to Teganuma Park at lunchtime. People would see Ayumi poking her head out of the car and remark at how cute she is or wave to catch her attention. Phones would be pointed. Pictures would be taken and, presumably, shared. It's wonderful to see.
One of the reasons I chose my car was because it looks happy, and it's hard for me to not smile when walking up to the vehicle from the front. It's headlights and big grille make it look a bit like a cartoon character; forever in a good mood and ready for silly adventures. While most people invest their money into practical cars that can get them from Point A to B in a safe and reliable manner, it's a shame that so many vehicles on the road are dull and utilitarian. Not everyone can get by with a two-passenger convertible, but car companies could do a little more to make their vehicles a bit more interesting for the average person. Offering vibrant colours would be an easy place to start.
Maybe if more people could smile – and were smiled at – while in their car, we'd see less road rage and fewer frowns throughout the day.
Ayumi and I had a very busy month, it seems.