Posts

A Pet Subject. . .

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I’ve adopted a lot of cats- on one trip to the shelter, I saw a tag that looked like it read, “Mange.” It really said, “Marge” but my cartoonist brain grabbed that moment and filed it away for later use. . . fast forward about 12 years. . .

The Green’s cat’s name is Mange. When we started to create the cast of the Green House, we thought this young couple would have gone to a shelter and rescued a cat for their first pet. It’s what I did when I got my first apartment. To be exact, a friend brought a kitten that she’d rescued, and I took her in and named her Mandy. I love dogs and cats, but cats are an easier “starter” pet when you’re first learning how to live on your own.

As we begin our comic, we’re introducing you to the characters and their personalities. We’re also providing a setting: a home, their surroundings, their likes and dislikes, their jobs, their neighbors, family- all the things that create their world. Todd is a cartoonist and works from home, which, as we begin, is a modest apartment. Pam is a special ed teacher and part-time yoga instructor. When deciding on the first pet for them, I drew inspiration from another cat I helped rescue back around 2006 named Maggie.

My sister owned an apartment that she was subletting, and when a tenant moved out, the tenant left behind a cat in a crate. . . a sad looking old cat that appeared to be malnourished, sick and neglected. My sister had two cats of her own and 2 dogs and couldn’t manage another pet at the time.  I had two cats and a dog, but I also had a studio where I could keep this cat until another home could be found for her. She was long-haired calico and her voice sounded more like a “croak” than a meow. When I got her to trust me and let me hold her, I started petting her and rubbing her neck, where I  found that a tiny collar was embedded in the fur deep under the mats on her neck. After carefully cutting away the hair and removing a collar that must have been her kitty collar, I found that her croaking was caused by choking. A trip to the vet was next in order and this brought the discovery of diabetes and parasites. With the help of my wonderful veterinarian, we got Maggie back to reasonable help and began insulin injections. Long story short, she only lived about 5-6 months with me before passing on. Her diabetes was in very advanced stages and other parts of her digestive health were failing, but she waited by the door for me to come in and out of the studio- sat on my lap and then on my shoulder while I worked, and when I laid down to write, she’d lay on me and purr more deeply than any cat I’d ever known.  She was a true blessing to me and I suppose, I to her. She was a special cat. Well, every pet I’ve ever had was special, but she was here so short a time, it was just different.

So, in thinking of a pet for the Greens, she seemed like the perfect choice- a studio cat, with a little bit of attitude and a lot of love. . .  but love isn’t always funny- so we gave her an attitude drawn from another cat of mine, Snickers. . . a Garfield clone.

It’s Monday, the coffee’s kicking in and my brain’s starting to thaw. I should start doing some stretches, and perhaps I will after I finish typing this. . . but I’d just like to suggest that you all join me and take a minute or two to remember your past pets and perhaps think about your current ones and what they mean to you. I can’t think about Maggie without feeling a deep calm and re-connection to her. Her spirit seems to stay with me and bring me comfort. Seeing her in the comic makes me happy. I hope she makes you smile a little too.

Do you have a story about a special pet or pet rescue?  A deep connection you made with an animal in a short period of time?  Comment here or on our Facebook page, we’d love to hear your stories.

 

That new Playstation game will have to wait a few more months. . .

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We’ve all been there. . . when life is like a Country song and there’s “too much month at the end of the money.” What I like about this strip is the priorities. . . charity before “mad money. . . ” others before self. Todd may be upset at the balance in his “mad money” account. . . but it’s inspiration and motivation to do more as we’ll see very soon in The Green House.

My favorite writings about money- and self-value are in Dan Millman’s “Everyday Enlightenment- The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth.” I remember reading the book back in 2007 and loving every bit of it and making an internal pact that I would follow these writings and embrace the Twelve Gateways. . . except for the Fourth one- because I didn’t have much money and was just “getting by.” I obviously needed a kick in the “gateways,” because it’s all there, even for those who have nothing financially. . . I just wasn’t in a place to align with these teachings. Millman opens the chapter with this:

The Fourth Gateway~ Manage Your Money

“Money is neither god nor devil, but a form of energy. Like love or fear, it can serve you or bind you, depending how you manage it.

By clarifying your goals and using your gifts, you can make good money, doing what you enjoy while serving the highest calling of your soul.

Using money wisely, and well, you increase the material and spiritual wealth with your world.”

Pam obviously has learned these lessons well. . .  I’m still in “Todd-ville.”  Yes, I’m re-reading
“Everyday Enlightenment” this month! :0)

Do you recall a moment in your life where you had that revelation that you could be doing more, not necessarily working harder, but working smarter and opening yourself to be more. . . to receive more? Share your thoughts and stories. . . someone at the Green House is waiting to be inspired today! As always, the conversation is always happening on our Facebook page. . .

I Keep Forgettin’ . . .

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Sometimes real life writes the strips . . . in those situations, it isn’t always funny.  Fortunately, I don’t mind bringing home a plastic bag every once in a while. I find uses for them around the house, or I fill a plastic bag with plastic bags (anybody else have a special place for that plastic bag full of plastic bags?), and bring them back to the store for recycling every couple of months or so. I also find uses for paper bags at home, so those work too. . . but why can’t I just remember to grab the cloth shopping bags whenever I go into a store?

It’s not just the grocery store. . . I bought a new pair of jeans last night and got to the checkout line, and thought, “Why didn’t you bring in a shopping bag?” I carried the jeans au-naturel. It’s probably just my scatter-brained nature. I’ve tried putting them in the front seat so I won’t forget them. . . I’ve tried putting the shopping list in a bag . . . that one works if I can remember to do it- at least I don’t end up in the shopping line without the bags. . . and now some markets have signs on the door or in the parking lot reminding us to grab our reusable bags. . . but you have to be conscious to notice them.

I’m sure I’ll get it someday, but in the meantime, I’ll always think of this strip when I’m walking back to the truck for my bags. If only they could talk?. . . . Ah ha! Sensors in the shopping bag connected by Bluetooth to an app on your phone that set off an alarm if you get more than 10 feet away from them! Or, I could just make sure I only go shopping with my wife, she always remembers.

It’s probably just a “cartoonist thing.”  What are your secrets for remembering your shopping bags? Any good bag related stories? We’d love to hear them and share them with other “cartoonist minded” folks! Please leave your story in the comments below or as always, we have the best conversations on our FB page!

NOW. . . where did I put the shopping list? . . .

Writing, The Waltons and Free Range Women. . .

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Looking at a carton of free range eggs one morning, I started to think about Pam &  Todd making breakfast together. . . and this came to mind.  It’s simple- it’s a small moment in a morning that sets the tone for the whole day, and it’s honest. What more could I ask for? Honesty is one of the things I strive for most in my writing and one of the greatest gifts I can receive when it emerges. It’s the thing I look for in and treasure in other writers and story tellers. . . it’s what I loved about some of my favorite TV shows growing up. . . The Andy Griffith Show, Little House On The Prairie and The Waltons- probably the show that inspired me the most. I loved how the show was told through John Boy’s writing. . . looking back, telling the stories and bringing that amazing family to life for us all.

This comic pulled together Pam & Todd as a couple for me- like the tender moments I loved in the Waltons. And especially the moments that caught me off guard. . .like when late at night, John and Liv would be in bed talking about the troubles of the day and sorting it all out. . . and then they kinda got. . . frisky? Yeah, frisky. How did I think all those Walton kids got there anyway?  And occasionally there would be a moment when Grandpa started getting frisky with Grandma. . . and she’d slap him playfully. You never know when those hormones will take over!

When I create characters and write for them, I have to believe in them and know them. . . know what they’d say, know what they’d do. . . know them like family. . . And laugh when they surprised me or maybe even got “frisky.”  This strip made me laugh when it spilled out on to my pad. Channeling my inner Earl Hamner, Jr. maybe, and letting the “frisky” moments happen.

Thank you Earl for the inspiration and creating a show that was honest, enduring, loving and down-to-earth. It’s what I strive for in my work.

(Here’s a Youtube video from the Waltons Final Goodnight, with some of the most beautiful prose Earl Hamner Jr. ever wrote- and naturally it’s about the mountain, the sky, the wind,  the earth, and the family. )

“Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

Be Conscious and Chew Your Words Slowly. . .

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“Kwin-oh-ah.”

What is this kwinoah stuff? OHH!. . . That’s the KEEN-WAH stuff you’ve been talking about? Funny way to spell it, Q-U-I-N-O-A. . . .  Now, who is the authority on how to pronounce this new sweetener, STEEEEEVia? Anybody want to meet me at Cheee-poe-tlay for lunch? I’m not even going NEAR Ah-sigh-eeeee. . . .

Not only is learning to eat healthier good for your body, it’s wonderful for your vocabulary . . . although potentially hazardous to your ego. . . briefly. It seems like we are beginning to get more adventurous with our eating, and opening ourselves to trying new, exotic and foreign foods, but there awaits the ever-present and ominous choking hazard. . . choking on a mis-pronunciation. Even when you listen to an expert in the culinary field, you may switch to another channel and hear the same word pronounced a little differently. I did a google search on “How To Pronounce Chipotle” and here’s what I got. . .

But, wait. . .

At a party this weekend, I heard 3 different pronunciations of “chipotle.” Two of them were total wrecks: “chipoltay” and “chiploatlay.”

We’ve apparently had this problem as a nation for quite a while. ” Tom-ay-to, Tom-ah-to. . . Poh-tay-to, poh-tah-to,” let’s call the whole thing, fun.

I’m no expert on vegan cooking, but this strip came from watching an episode of “Christina Cooks,” with our friends, Christina Pirello and her musical accompanist, Jon Michaels. Jon commented that he was willing to try what Christina cooked, but he was still a “steak and potato guy,” mostly because he couldn’t remember the names of half the stuff she cooked.

At the Green House, Pam is a vegan and Todd is just an average guy who grew up on the “Great American diet” (of somewhat disasterous food). Pam respects Todd’s dietary choices, but is trying to bring him along slowly to a healthier way of organic, clean eating. Sure, we could just make Todd love all the stuff that Pam eats and advocate a healthy diet- but that’s not the reality for most of us. It’s a slow process, an interesting, exciting adventure. And it’s also funny! We like funny, we need funny. We need to keep it real, laugh at ourselves and be willing to make mistakes along the way. It will help that Pam is a Special Ed teacher. She’ll need a lot of patience with Todd.

What was the last funny food moment you had, the last great foodie revelation, the last time you looked at the veggie isle in a health food store and asked yourself, “what the heck is a jicama or whatever new foreign food that caught your eye?”   (It’s “Hee-com-ah”. . .  I think. . .     ;0) )

Getting Our House In Order. . .

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It’s another beautiful day here at the Green House! The weather has been odd. . . in a good way, mostly. July- like February. . . March-like April. . .  June-like . . . hopefully JUNE? . . .    As Mark Twain said about New England weather, “WTF?”  That’s not really a verified Mark Twain quote but he must have asked, “what’s the forecast?” as least once or twice in his lifetime.

Things have changed rather abruptly for us in the Green House too as we began looking into the reality of our “business plan” going forward. . .  just like the 80 degree days that popped up out of nowhere in April- the sun began to illuminate a path for us and our work.

Realizing that we have SOOOO much we want to do and just a few months until a new year is upon us, we have decided to do as Pam is doing in today’s comic. Put the “inside” out. . .

“Ohhhh, ahhhh. . . . (the little voices in my writer’s head are saying. . .) Brad– that’s such an mysterious statement. . . is it a metaphor for your life’s ambition?. . . Is it an astral projection?. . . Is the cat at the door with it’s legs crossed?”  All of the above!

In the next few blogs, we’ll be revealing our new path and talk about the steps we’re taking. It’s kind of like we’ve been walking up to the forest and saying, “Yeah! Let’s walk through this thing!”  And then finding the trail head. . .  all the signs pointing to interesting stops we can make along the way. . . so we’re going to put what’s inside us – out to y’all and see what you think.

We’d love to get your feedback and comments about what interesting stops you’ve made along the trail. Did you see a Mantis? A worm? A young couple carrying a houseplant?  There’s fun stuff to see and talk about “out there” and we’re glad you’re here to share it with us. . .  I think you’ll enjoy our new focus.

We’ll be making a big announcement shortly. . . maybe something about a book?  Maybe a new website or two. . . there’s a lot hinging on the month of June!

Now. . .  the “inside part” & “hinging”  and getting our houses in order . . here at the Gilchrist house- my hallway and the two doors that lead to vastly different destinations: the garage and the bathroom. . .  ( I could try to find a common denominator or tie- in here. . . but, um. . . nope . . .    :o)    )

Part of our new focus is about the small steps in the big journey of life. . . how to do it greener, simpler, more consciously. Yes! BE CONSCIOUS Brad. . .  stop ignoring that high-pitched squeek everytime you open a door. . . wow, so many metaphors here that I’ll have to pass, lest I keep you on this blog all day. . .  Here’s my Red Green Tip Of The Day:

 

The squeeky wheel. . . in this case, hinges. . . got their due this morning. After (at least) 1,000 trips to the bathroom and garage, hearing those awful squeeks and ignoring them, I finally decided to play Home Handyman this morning. A few whacks of a hammer. . . the hardest part- getting that pin to pop up out of the paint, not put the screwdriver into the wall or door, and getting that little space to extract . . . pull the pin, steel wool it down a bit and apply a few drops of the miracle 3-in-One oil. . . Note to anyone else who I am inspiring this morning: LEAVE A GAP WHEN YOU REPLACE THE PIN- JUST ENOUGH FOR A SCREWDRIVER HEAD (IN ABOUT 20 YEARS). . . Two doors have been made silent and functional. Yay! As Red Green would say, “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.”

 

See you in a few days, at the (suddenly more quiet) Green House.

 

Doing good and Alternative Solutions. . .

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I could never be a politician. . . but I listen to the radio each day and want to try to find a way to inspire our “leaders” to look at the position they’re in and see if there isn’t SOME way they can REALLY try to solve our state’s and county’s problems. . . put together a coalition of good people with good ideas – a blend of races, parties and interests and say, “NO special interests here. . . what can we do to make things better?”

Really, I do find myself day-dreaming about this kind of stuff. How can we lead others to a path of doing for the greater good, to consider alternative ways of solving problems beyond partisan politics and personal gain. You say something like that and people laugh at you. . . so I guess I’ve chosen to spend my time being laughed at. . . and making others laugh.

Back in the early ’80’s I found myself working for Jim Henson’s Muppets and King Features Syndicate on The Muppets Comic Strip. . . and I was 21. I really didn’t know what I wanted to  do with my life yet ( and I’m still not exactly sure)  but I’d accepted a challenge to try out to write a comic strip for the Muppets. . . and won the challenge- so there I was.  .  . along with my brother, Guy- creating a world-wide feature about my favorite entertainment group of the day, the Muppets.  I actually was a member of the Muppets Fan Club at the time. It wasn’t a dream come true scenario, because I’d never dreamed that something like that was possible. . . and suddenly I’m writing a comic strip for 700 newspapers, meeting with Jim Henson and Frank Oz and hob-knobbing with all the greats of the comic strip community, Mort Walker, Dik Browne, Garry Trudeau and so many others.  As suddenly as you’re dropped into a fantasy world like this- the fantasy becomes a reality and a business with deadlines, corporate opinions, pressure. . . wanting to please everyone and trying to learn how to take the criticism.

At some point during the first few years, things got really complicated and I was really doubting myself and my work. . . and then, out of the blue, we got a call from Jerry Juhl, head writer of the Muppets just to tell us we were doing a great job. We talked for a while and I confided my doubts and fears. He listened . . . and then explained that they all felt that way, still. To paraphrase, because my memories not good enough to remember his exact words, he said, ‘every time we write something, or create something, we put ourselves out there -and you’re going to hear from the critics. You’re going to piss somebody off. . .  and they’re the one’s you’re going to hear from. . . NOT the millions of people who are enjoying what you do. They’re just happy you’re there for them everyday. Just believe in yourself, do the best you can and if something doesn’t work, move on and create something else. . .  just do good things and good will come from it.’

So, from that point on- I grew to love and embrace that little space I was fortunate enough to occupy in 700 newspapers – and make it my task of creating something that would bring a smile to whomever was looking into our world that day. That’s a big responsibility, but somehow, it was mine (ours). . .   As they say now, “haters gonna hate.”  Just do good and everything else will take care of itself.

Now, the story doesn’t have a real happy ending, because the “business” of the comic business ended up causing the demise of the Muppets Comic Strip after 5 years of publication. But what an experience it was, and what amazing people to be mentored by. It’s been tough getting back to that place where I have such a huge following and level of success that I had at 21. . . but I’m still trying follow Jim & Frank’s example, and Jerry’s words, “move on and create something else. . . just do good things and good will come from it.” 

 

 

Balancing Act. . .

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“We can either wait for change to be imposed on us (by the ecology) – and so increase the risk of catastrophe – or we can make some difficult changes on our own terms, and so reclaim control of our destiny.”  (pg 178, “Earth In The Balance” by Al Gore)

I love this quote from Al Gore, because it gives a great message, muddied up with an unnecessary phrase just in case we can’t imagine the intent of the previous phrase . . . essential Al Gore. . .   “-and so increase the risk of catastrophe.”  Yes, Al, we kind of get that. . . that’s why we’re reading your book.  But it’s a good quote overall, and I’m being picky, because I’m a cartoonist, and to me, the most powerful messages are edited down to their most critical elements. . . make the most of the small space you’re given and make your point. Like today’s featured comic. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one is worth five thousand from Al Gore.

Peter and I are at a critical point in our development of the “new Green House.”  Critical because we want to do the most we can with the time we have, make the most impact, do the most good, reach our desired audience and hopefully help others make the essential decisions they desire to make to create a better world. That ain’t easy! So, we’re are starting at ground zero, literally. . . the ground – and what is it?

Today I’m working on a rough outline of a poster about Composting. . . what is it,  how does it work, how do you do it? We’re creating a poster, a booklet and a comic adventure about “everything compost” because, that’s where it all starts. . . and ends . .  and starts again.

A flower emerges from the earth, growing on the decay of all life that came  before it. . . nurtured by those nutrients. . . yes nutrients. We are all nutrients for something else, either while we’re here or after we’ve gone. . . same as the flower. Currently, I’m doing my own research on two forms of composting, composting in a container and worm composting, and I’ll be sharing photos and information on the blog. While we’re working on the stories of our friends at the Green House, Peter and I will also be sharing our compost information online with the poster and publications, on this blog as a forum – and in a series of talks we will be giving on a local level to schools, libraries etc.

At the same time, we will be creating new Green House material and looking for markets to share it with. Let us know what you think of our posts, comics, information etc. . . if you love it- we’ll move further in that direction. If you don’t, we’ll compost it and let it nurture some new material.  Below are two pictures: one of my worm composter, and one of a rotating compost bin that my sister-in-law had retired, as she’s got chickens and a big compost pile to take care of her needs.  I’ve had the worm composter going for about 60 days and the bin going for about 30. . .   please share your thoughts or questions.  We need the input and feedback. . . help us find a balance to work from. We have so many lessons to learn and share. . . Peace.

Starting a Fresh Week

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I’m always trying to find new ways to motivate myself. . . cleaning my desk, organizing my notes, rewriting a schedule, creating a little reward. . .  and in the end, if it works, “Hallelujah!” If not, just get down to business. It’s Monday morning and I have big plans for the day and week and month.  . . so it’s time to stop scratching the surface and dig in and do what I gotta do. . . I’m just hoping I don’t stink the place up by the end of the week.

What’s your big goal for the day and beyond? No, really, I care. . . :o)

A Lot of Bull? . . .

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My daughter, Carly is a Taurus and this comic represents her to a Taurus “T.” She’s typically interested in things like Horoscopes, but the first one to call “BS” when she sees it. I used to like reading my horoscope (Scorpio) when I was younger. . . and I’m a believer in Astrology, but I find that newspaper Horoscopes often left me thinking, “huh?” Kind of like fortune cookies, they are a neat little novelty to get you thinking, which is also a positive mental trigger.

Today’s comic came from a real life moment, and my response. Here’s Pam’s actual online horoscope for today: “This isn’t a good time to climb up on soapboxes. People are watching out for any signs of pomposity, and may have even brought some rotten tomatoes to hurl at unsuspecting pedagogues.”

I had to look it up. . . pedagogues are by definition, teachers. Don’t throw any tomatoes at your teachers today non-Taurusians. . . totally unnecessary. Wait till tomorrow and see what your horoscope says, maybe something like, “it’s a good time to mend fences, apologize for any rotten tomatoes you may have thrown yesterday.”

For Pam’s sake, I’ll listen to the horoscope and not try to make any profound statements about horoscopes. I also just put some rotten, well, soft and shriveled grape tomatoes into my worm composter, so pedagogues, relax. . . I will say that everyday is a chance to write your own destiny, your own plan, your own tomorrow. You determine your ‘scope!

Do you have any good horoscope stories? Share them hear or on our Facebook page. As always, that’s where we can really have a great open discussion!

Oh, deer. . . she knows me tooooo well!

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Is it just me?  I find I cry at almost any movie or slightly sentimental moment lately. I am emotional with song lyrics. I smile at the smiley moments of almost every Facebook post or happy Youtube video. . .    My nephew was asking me about my most emotional movies and I basically said, “all of them.”  I don’t remember being so easy to stir emotionally when I was younger. . . maybe I was tougher or perhaps cared more about trying not to cry? I think I’ve gotten older and just “let it go.” It feels good to be moved by the moment. . . even some of the cheesy Hallmark Channel movies my wife watches get me. Are there movies or songs that make you cry EVERYTIME? The end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a no-doubter for me. Do you think you’ve become an easy Weep Target as you’ve grown older?  Sniff. . . . it’s so beautiful to experience all this amazing emotion!

Vegetables On The Brain. . .

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“Pick up these vegetables, please”, she said.

But I knew her words I’d soon forget,

So I pictured the vegetables on my head.

Where they’ll stay till I reach the Green Mark-et.

Then one by one, I’ll take them down.

And pick out a match with discerning care,

In a few short ticks I’d have them all,

Lest I lose a radish in my hair. . .

. . . again.  

A poem for fans of visual memorization. . . . help me think of a title for it, please?

 

The Seeds Are Planted. . . Welcome Back To The Green House!

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A lot has changed since 2007. . . . Let’s get a fresh vision of living Green in 2017~

Happy New Year! Happy Earth Day (Every Day!) Happy Monday. . . and welcome back to the Green House!
It’s been quite a while since we’ve been active on Facebook or with anything new in The Green House. . . but like all things green, sometimes the first attempt grows and doesn’t find the right conditions to survive. The key is to keep the seeds . . . and when conditions are right, give them some sun, well-composted nutrients and let them grow into something new and (hopefully) ever-lasting.

Peter and I have been keeping the Green House seeds dry and warm, tucked into pockets close to our hearts and waiting for the right conditions to plant them again. . . this is that time. 2017 is the year.

For the past few months, we’ve been meeting, writing and drawing new material and formulating a “growth chart” for the Green House projects. And now the time has come. . .  We are going to share our adventures and stories about the “daily sproutings” and our “process” here with you beginning today!  It’s been a little like developing quality compost- mixing a little of this with a little of that. . . green stuff, brown stuff. . .history, new ideas. . failings, dreams, renewed hope and energy. . . a little manure. . .

What is the Green House story? It’s a story about finding our passion, believing in it, working hard at it and then keeping the embers glowing after it looked like life, time and circumstance had blown it out.

So at the risk of being long-winded here and “messing with our embers,” I’m just letting you all know that the seeds have been planted in the compost and we are returning to the Green House to get things GROWING!

Our gratitude goes out to all of you who’ve kept in touch with us, asking, “How’s Wormy doing?” and hoping to see some new foliage. New growth will be popping up here and growing toward YOUR light.  We hope you’ll read and contribute your thoughts and comments.

We didn’t give up. We were just composting.

Peter & Brad

Seat of The Soul Revistited

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INTENTION and How To Find YOUR Authentic Self & Spiritual Path in a Comic Strip. . .

That one little moment. . . when you peek out from under the covers, see a tiny ray of light shining through the curtain, and something awakens deep within you. . . that awakens the whole of you and gives you the strength to get out of bed and seek the light. . .

Yes, it’s all there on a tiny note under the shoe that Mantis is meditating on. It’s about INTENT. I intend to keep this post brief so more of you will read it. . . so I won’t elaborate each point. . . but Peter Menice has been a sensei to me and hundreds of other people. . . he’s been my Mantis since we began the Green House, whether he likes it or not, he has often been the teacher and the light. He led me to Gary Zukov, Oprah Winfrey and Jim Carrey. . .

I wrote a fun little strip about Mantis trying to meditate while Link is digging through some Swap Shack CD’s. . . both are seeking nirvana. . . one finds Pearl Jam. Some may be seeking Pearl Jam and find Nirvana. . . which is how Peter works his sensei magic. Peter takes my “gag” (what cartoonists chokingly call a strip idea- no, I don’t think “chokingly” is a word, but it fits the description). . . so he takes my gag, and places Mantis on an old shoe and puts a tiny note on the bottom of the sole. . . “Seat of the Sole.”  Days later, while we’re discussing the gag, Peter barely mentions the note, except with a few words that carried a tone of satisfaction that he shared a message that is both a good pun and a valuable lesson.

I said I’d keep this brief, so I’ll just let you take the same little journey I took. . . I googled, I found, “The Seat of the Soul,” by Gary Zukov. . . I read some excerpts. . . I found that Oprah Winfrey credits “The Seat of the Soul” with changing her life and how she conducts herself and her business. . . discovering the power of Intent, which told her that “Intention is at the heart of authentic power. . . how do we intend to serve?” Learning about Intention from Zukov’s book changed her life in a powerful, spiritual and authentic way. I also found a profound piece by Jim Carrey. . .

If you’re reading this, you’re finding the note on the bottom of a shoe and you may be thinking, “I’m going to put that shoe on and find a path.” I’d recommend putting two shoes on and make the trip more comfortable. . . so I’ll share two quick videos here. Fifteen minutes total that could change your life. AND. . . ( just a little inside tip from the Swap Shack)- The Audio Book of “The Seat of the Soul” is available on YouTube completely free. Thank you, Mantis. . . thank you, Peter!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOW_uhF8bk

Help yourself to some well-aged advice. . . and share YOUR secret . .

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Who’s old enough to remember “The Secret?” It was THE Self-help mega-hit back in 2006-2007. . . Here’s some Wikifact material:

The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne was released in DVD format in March 2006. The tenet of the film and book is that the universe is governed by a natural “law” called the law of attraction which is said to work by attracting into a person’s life the experiences, situations, events, and people that “match the frequency” of the person’s thoughts and feelings. From this, the book argues that thinking positively can create life-changing results such as increased wealth, health, and happiness.

The book is very much influenced by Wallace Wattles‘ 1910 book The Science of Getting Rich,[2] which Byrne received from her daughter during a time of personal trauma in 2004.[3][4] Byrne read and synthesized several classic books and the words of modern-day teachers who spoke about ancient wisdom and the ways for people to attract what they desire into their lives.[citation needed] The book includes many quotes from these people.

After being featured in two episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the book reached the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it remained for 146 consecutive weeks. The book has been translated into 44 languages,[5] and has over 21 million copies in print.[6] Thanks in big part to the appearance in the Oprah TV show, the book and film have grossed $300 million in sales, according to a January 15, 2009 article by Forbes.[7]

The Secret posits that the law of attraction is a natural law which determines the complete order of the universe and of our personal lives through the process of “like attracts like”. The author claims that as we think and feel, a corresponding frequency is sent out into the universe that attracts back to us events and circumstances on that same frequency. For example, if you think angry thoughts and feel angry, it is claimed that you will attract back events and circumstances that cause you to feel more anger. Conversely, if you think and feel positively, you will attract back positive events and circumstances. Proponents of the law claim that desirable outcomes such as health, wealth, and happiness can be attracted simply by changing one’s thoughts and feelings.

The book begins by introducing and explaining the mechanisms of the law of attraction, then goes on to describe its historical applications and the great men and women in history who are claimed to have harnessed its power. The book describes the law as a magnetic power emitted through one’s thoughts. The power of thoughts is likened to a transmission tower that sends out a frequency to the universe and then returns the same frequency in a physical or elemental form.

Next, a three-step creative process for manifesting dreams is introduced: Ask (visualize in the film), Believe, and Receive. This creative process is based on a quote from the Bible:[10] “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. (Matthew 21:22

The Secret highlights gratitude and visualization as the two most powerful processes to help manifest one’s desires. It asserts that being grateful both lifts your frequency higher and affirms that you believe you will receive your desire. Visualization is said to help focus the mind to send out the clearest message to the universe. Several techniques are given for the visualization process, as well as examples of people claimed to have used it successfully to manifest their dreams.  Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_%28book%29

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So. . .  this is the big Secret? Conceptually, it’s spot on.  .  . why was it so successful? Great marketing. You see, these concepts aren’t anything new. If you read through the description above, you’ll remember that Byrne reintroduced many concepts she derived from  Wallace Wattles’ 1910 book The Science of Getting Rich. An even older influence is the quote above from the Bible, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. (Matthew 21:22). . . Ask, believe and receive. . . ask in prayer or meditation, visualize by living in the positive energy of gratitude and receive, the manifestation of your dreams. Old stuff, repackaged, but still great material to study.

Now, what’s the big Secret I want you to take away from this reading? . .  Recycle. Reuse. Repurpose.

There’s SO much great material out there that’s “old,” aka tried and true. I’ve found amazing books and self-help CD’s in the swap shack, at yard sales, on eBay. There’s really no need to go out and pay hundreds of dollars for the “hot new program.” If a book from 1910 energized Rhonda Byrne, it can certainly energize you. Example: Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich,” first published in 1937 gave motivation and guidance to Jim Rohn, who mentored Anthony Robbins who. . . well, all three have been an inspiration to me. I’ve purchased $1,000 programs on eBay for $29. I bought a copy of “Think and Grow Rich” for $2.98 NEW at Barnes and Noble. Almost all of the best self-help material in the world can be borrowed for $0 from your Public Library. I even found myself re-reading Susan Powter’s “Stop the Insanity” last week, and you know what? . . . it’s still relevant, inspiring and vibrant! It just needs repackaging for a new market.  Still great advice: Stop the insanity. . . find the old stuff and take it in. . . “Seat of The Soul,” by Gary Zukov, “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” by Dan Millman, “Season’s of Life” by Jim Rohn. . .

What old treasure chest of wealth, knowledge and inspiration would you recommend? What book, DVD , CD or movie changed your life? Share your thoughts here or on our Facebook page where we have the forum for awesome, life-changing discussion. Or, you could just e-mail us. . . Just don’t keep “it” a “secret.”

Here’s a re-packaged video of Jim Rohn lecturing on the seasons. . . hip new music, visuals. . . slightly annoying echo element. . .

Perfect Form Friday

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I’m showing you all this Sunday strip from 2007 for two reasons. . .

1. How bad my writing can be. . .   and 2. How tremendous Peter’s drawing can be.

This is not the worst strip I’ve ever “approved” and finished, but it represents perfectly those times as a writer when you’re “real close, but still far away.”  The basic idea that Todd’s physicality is badly lagging behind Pam’s get’s across, but there’s something not quite right about how it’s presented IMHO. I liked it well enough back when it was composed and sketched out- but it hasn’t stood the test of time for me. I know it’s hard for you all to believe, but I’m not always brilliantly funny and clever. Not so  hard to believe?

Seriously, what I LOVE about this strip is how Peter drew it. . . drew Pam in the background and then interwove her perfect yoga poses into Todd’s slow-paced sit up. He saved the strip with the depth of his caring about the art and connection to character.

Below is a larger version of the strip if you want to click on it and study it more closely. I love doing that with Peter’s stuff. . .

Have a great weekend and see you back on Monday at the Green House!

Monday, Punday. . .

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Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. . . create power from moonlight?  Not likely anytime soon, but the idea shone like a lighthouse beacon toward a really good pun. What I like about this strip is connection to the characters that we get in the small moment in time it captures in the life of the Greens. Beyond the attempt at humor, we see that Todd’s reading his favorite blog, Link’s Underground. . . Pam’s doing yoga and you see the small, intimate space they share. To me, the “atmosphere” of the strip is as essential as the words. . . it brings you in and sets the scene, creates familiarity and comfort. This is where they live, it’s where they relate and we’re getting a sneak peek in. This week, we’re focusing on just that- establishing the setting, getting inside the Green House, which as the strip starts out, is a small apartment in Barely Green, USA. . . I just made that up. . . Anywhere, USA is overused and suffering from economic depression I’m told. Even the dentists there are having to get creative to make ends meet!

I love the molar panel idea though. . . if there’s no sun where you are- get out and suck up the moon beams and let that energy carry you till morning. Enjoy the day, enjoy the sunshine if there’s any where you are -and if not, store up all the moonshine you can! Uh . . . make that moon light!