BYOB Cartoons

Sometimes cartoons become social experiments. I have been accused by critics of having a rotten attitude... that I am negative. The thing that is troubling about this is that I guess I just don't see it. Many times the message in the cartoon isn't negative. The reaction of the reader is really a statement about who they are and how they perceive the world in general.

This week's cartoon is one of those. At first glance, it's not particularly drop dead funny. How do you react to this cartoon? At first, I guess a lot of people might think the message not optimistic. "Every year is the same."

The truth of the matter is that EVERY YEAR IS THE SAME. Screw the calendar! Every month is the same and every week and every day is the same. What changes then?? It's you. How much responsibility for yourself are you going to take in the next 365 days? How much effort are you willing to invest to make yourself happier? How can you be better? Where are you going to be in your life when 2009 rolls in?

By the way, thanks for reading these questions. I don't expect any answers. These questions are for me personally. Answering them and acting upon those answers is a daily goal of mine for the coming year. Get happy!

A Chloe Cartoon for Christmas

Merry Christmas! This story was recorded last Christmas when Chloe was only 4. She is cool.

New Year, New Cartoon

I don't really know about this one. Just a reaction to the same people, in the same bar, on the same stool every time I go out. Of course... there I am to see it. Who is judging who? Happy New Year!

And I Was There...

You ever just look around you and think, "I am glad I am here"? It happens now and then. I took my daughter to her Sunday school this weekend. She and the other kids sang as part of the service. We've been getting a lot of snow. I had my camera. I felt glad to be there. It was more than just a cool picture moment. I was just happy to be a passenger.

Christmas Questions for You!

What Child Is THIS?

Here's this week's cartoon. A little bit of background... the local paper has a few opinionated curmudgeons that LOVE to toss around the Creationism versus Evolution debate. They are fun to read, but they can become a little tiresome. Anyway, whatever you believe, I say go for it! This cartoon isn't really about who's right or wrong in the long run. It's more about teaching our kids tolerance and acceptance. We can't all agree. The world would really be boring.

I Have Issues...

Do you let people touch you? I don't mean physically. Do you let people emotionally affect you? I don't know, but it seems like the older I get the more jaded and distant I become. Have I just built up calluses? When a guitar player builds up calluses, they are almost like a badge of honor. As an accomplished guitarist those help you perform.

Emotional calluses on the other hand (no pun intended) do serve a purpose, but make me feel like I am missing out on so much. I think about myself, or the person I have become and it makes me sad and angry. When do you decide it's okay to let people in. I guess it's personal. Some people would argue that it's not as easy as just deciding one day to change. That might be true or it might just be bullshit. I don't know.

When I was much younger, I was more open, and less careful. It felt like living.

The Importance of Being Jr.

Junior. Are you one of us? I'm not talking about a specific year in college or high school. I'm talking about the untold masses of people "BLESSED" with the name of one of their parents. Although it seems for the most part to be a males only club, I bet there are a few of you ladies too who were labeled with mom's name, (and maybe even dad's). You females named "Francine" because your dad was "FRANK" or "Willamena" because your pop was "WILLIAM", don't count. You still got your own name.

I suppose if my parents had been well-to-do, I might have gotten a better title. "The Second" is far more regal sounding. "Junior" on the other hand has a diminutive vibe, which sucks. Or so I thought...

Sammy Davis Jr. once said "The ultimate mystery is one's own self." High words from a guy with the same name as his father. I have never been upset to be a junior, but it is always there. I remember the standard phone call at my house went like this:

"Hello?.... (long pause) .... Senior or Junior?"

It's not a huge big deal, or at least that's what I used to think. My name is Gary Peters. That's my dad's name too. That's also the name of a Major League Baseball pitcher. That's also the name of a Michigan State Senator. There's a bunch of us lost on Google.

But, the other day I Googled my self and included the Jr. There I was! Finally! It's not so bad being a junior. Sometimes the things you think make you the same as other people are REALLY the things that make you stand out.

Gorgeoush Horshes

I laugh every time I read that. Just a quick ad I designed for a local riding stable. They really have a cool farm. I don't consider myself a good photgrapher, but I went out to this horsefarm on a warm autumn day and could not take a crappy picture. It was just awesome.

Sooner or later I will get around to posting some of the photos I took. Don't hold your breath though.

Another Week, Another Cartoon...

Wah! It must be the holidays. Very little sleep and lotsa lotsa work to get done. SNOW.
Enjoy this holiday classic.

Also... a very quick cover for the WORD.