Ever Thanks

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving if you celebrate. If you don't, I wish you a wonderful day. Thank you for your readership and support.
 

Light the World: Health Caring

It's hard to say enough about health care workers and first responders — especially this year. 

THANK YOU!

 

And now, a word of thanks.

Cartoonist Rick Kirkman of Baby Blues fame came up with an idea to have cartoonists say thank you to the front line workers today. Cartoonists were asked to include six symbols to represent the people who have been on the front lines: a mask for medical professionals, a fork for food service workers, a shopping cart for grocers, an apple for teachers, a steering wheel for those in the transportation industry, and a microscope for the scientists and researchers trying to find a cure..

At the same time I got that news, I was studying in Come, Follow Me — about Alma and the mighty change of heart. Which evolved into this. It may be more of a Halloween-themed cartoon...but its heart is in the right place!

Light the World: Thanking a mentor

OK, so this one is a little different. It's more of a true story instead of a gag. It's a nod to one of my mentors.

My Journalism professor at BYU, Ed Haroldsen, pushed me from doodling in my notebook to being a genuine cartoonist. He not only noticed and encouraged me in my cartooning, he gave me ideas to use from time to time. It wasn't unusual for him to greet me before class and give me a critique of the day's cartoon in the Daily Universe.

He had an amazing career as a journalist and as a teacher. I am honored that he took the time to encourage me in my cartooning. He taught me some great writing and editing skills as well!

That said, there are three other people I have to acknowledge for their gentle prods and encouragement. In high school, Valerie set up an appointment for me to meet with the cartoon editor at the New Era. That was huge for me, and started me on the path of cartooning as a professional. It never would have happened without her.

Similarly, in college Susan encouraged me to meet with the editors of the school paper. BYU had cranked out a bunch of editorial cartoonists, but (as far as I know) up to that point they hadn't run a humor strip. That nudging led to my relationship with Bro. Haroldsen, and it led to me achieving one of my bucket list items before I even knew I had a bucket list. The paper ran two daily comic strips: mine... and Peanuts!

My dear wife Christy is a constant encouragement and inspiration. She laughs at my gags even when they're poor and gives me ideas to improve them. She helps keep me motivated, and is the best marketing rep that I have!

I've truly been blessed with some great people in my life. Thank you!

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Have some pie!

Thanks in all things

The number may vary by family, but the thought is the same.

Oh, those blessings!

Family time so often brings out the best in everyone!

Just a note to say

Those notes mean a lot to teachers — both kinds!

Naming those blessings

This is a time of year when we take the time to remember our blessings. Some families have a tradition of a blessing tree or a gratitude jar. Whatever your tradition may be, take time to acknowledge and give gratitude for your blessings.

Make Thanksgiving work for you!

It occurs to me that the dividing line could really be that simplistic. Cultivate that attitude of gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Monday Sketchbook: Giving attitude

My neighbors already have their Christmas lights on, so it must be about time to start the Thanksgiving-themed cartoons, right?

By way of thanks...

They just took away both of my wife's counselors in the Primary presidency and gave her new ones. To thank them for their service, she gave blankets to her counselors who were released -- and included this little card.