Important distinction

Many of my cartoons are drawn from real-life experiences.

Don't ask.

 

Family connections

I don't know how it is where you are, but when our stake does a trek experience, they usually try to incorporate some sort of family history activity to go along with it. This would certainly make it more interesting!

 

What songs of the heart

The hardest part of this gag was figuring out which music pioneers to reference. Johann Sebastian Bach? Ella Fitzgerald? Chuck Berry? Mack Wilberg? Sugarhill Gang?

I should mention that we shouldn't get pioneers confused with the Sons of the Pioneers, a western singing group that helped launch the career of Roy Rogers, amongst others. 

Days of '48

Cartoonists often play the "What if...?" game, where you ask yourself what if (this thing) verbed (that thing)? For example, what if it snowed on fast Sunday? What if Brigham Young ordered flowers for Mothers' Day? What if things could get worse? You get the idea.

The other day I asked myself, what if seagulls did their version of a pioneer trek? What would they do? They probably wouldn't be pushing handcarts!

 

I've seen this before!

If it's July and it's after the Fourth, that means it's time to turn our hearts and our cartoons to honor our pioneer ancestry!

I know I've said this many times before, and I'll say it again: I hope a lot of these folks have a sense of humor!
 

Editor's note: The Oregon Trail game showed the hardships of traveling as a pioneer. The game often ended with the player dying of starvation or dysentery. 

Sketchbook: True to the faith

There are some who think that kids on the trek should experience everything. But sometimes it's a little challenging to come up with blizzards and mobs, so they settle for the little things.
 

You've tried scrubbing it out

Considering some of the stuff they used to use for cleaning clothes, I might agree that dirty might be better!
 

Historical accuracy

Yes, we played The Oregon Trail in our household. Why do you ask?

It was a bit of a paradigm shift moving from Utah to Oregon. The biggest threat to pioneers moving west went from being terrorized by angry, violent mobs to developing gastroenterological issues.
 

Scrubbed

Have you noticed that a lot of events at church have their own, unique smell? FOr example, the Chili Cook-Off is distinctly different from the ward Christmas party. The Relief Society room smells different from the Primary room.

Pioneer trek has a scent that's all its own!

Happy Pioneer Day!

 

Learn from the classics

What I think is funny is that in the universe of available topics in LDS humor, twice this month there have independently been new gags based on the story of Hansel and Gretel.

I'm sure in the grand scheme of things there's a deep meaning behind it. But then again, maybe not.

Guests

Sometimes the problem with being in the great outdoors is that there's too much nature involved.

At the end of the line

Sego root and crickets make excellent toppings, I'm told.
 

King me

My father-in-law used to make the grandkids play checkers with him — and he would show no mercy. I'm sure his intent was to help them develop a love of the game, but I think perhaps it had the opposite effect.
 

Some must push; some must pull

It's summertime and time for pioneer trek reenactments! There are always so many interesting variations and good ways to learn about your ancestors and yourself.

 

Ahead, ox factor one!

You never know what you'll find when you study your family history.

All too well

If I had a better Reputation as a Swiftie, I would Speak Now with some sort of Fearless pun. Yeah, I know I Need to Calm Down, but that's what happens when you give me a Blank Space!
 

Why she had to go, I don't know

There are some days on trek (or camping) that are just plain miserable! But without the misery, how could you know of the fun you're having?

 

We're all the same

Editor's note: I'm taking a bit of a vacation, so I'll be running some reruns for the next little while.

The ward we visited last week had reports from some of the girls who went to Girl's Camp. It maybe wasn't the happiest of experiences for all of them. 
 

A place for everyone, and everyone in their place

As a kid, sometimes the best way I could help my dad with a project was by staying out of his way.
 

Keeping it clean

It's difficult to keep clean when you sleep in the dirt.