I challenged myself by creating and posting a working html-based image map. It was glorious. Now that I have discovered the mobile format isn't so keen on it and the "ease" that is not present in editing the links between it and the rest of the site I believe I may have to find another simple way to simulate a comfortable 'Home Palette."

I easy - but it's gotta be "cool" AND easy. Heh. Sometimes never the twain shall

"Read!Read as much as you can get your hands on, my boy!"

Those were the words spoken by a newspaper editor when I first submitted a batch of cartoons. They were the greatest cartoons I had devised thus far. They were so carefully drawn, and were really humorous; or so I thought. When I look over those very cartoons today (I saved them) I understand now what he meant. I was told that I should draw about the things I knew. Well, it only became apparent when reviewing these cartoons that what I knew wasn't very much and illustrated that quite clearly.

In retrospect I'm quite happy that my cartoons were rejected at that time. After taking that editor's sage advice, I've become a much better cartoonist for the experience and knowledge I've gained. In the bible it speaks of knowledge for the sake of it alone is not conducive to a healthy well-being, but if there is a purpose given to its acquisition then you have purpose and direction that all can see and share in.

Now, more than ever, I find it much easier to look around me and find something to smile at. Oftentimes that smile is generated by devouring the context of a good story, like that told in a popular television series called Smallville. For those who don't watch television much if at all (I applaud you) the series is about the young Clark Kent - precursory protagonist to the Superman epoch. If ever there was a show in present day that served as a role model for young and old alike this would be it.I would go so far to suggest that "I" was raised by a Jonathan and Martha Kent of my very own. My own parents have given me the freedoms few children are allowed these days due in great part to the fear parents hold over a gazillion life possibilities. I was given an example of right and wrong, and then allowed the opportunity to make my own decisions. I cared about what my parents thought of me, and even though breaking the rules from time to time seemed to be a right of passage for me the disciplinary actions my parents took were so much more effective than a switch or a belt. It hurt more to wonder at that age if I had jeopardized my parents' affections for me whenever I crossed the line from good little boy to the obnoxious rule-breaker.

In a way I would say we all live in a Smallville, Kansas town.

My advice; read as much as you can about your town and the people in it. Let your imagination take you where it may, and realize that you are surrounded by reference material wherever you go. You just have to open your eyes and read about it, live it, and appreciate the good things that come of it.

Build yourself an excellent weekend, and we'll see you in the studio next week!

I sit at my desk once again pondering a new year ahead of us, and am quite contented. In fact, I'm reminded of how blessed we are to share the capacity for empathy over great distances. As some of you may know I am married now to a beautiful (yet humble) young lady from Calgary, Alberta CANADA. We tied the knot in August of 2010, but due to our busy lives we knew we would be in for a little bit of a wait in her relocating to the states. :-( It has been trying to march through 17 months apart. We would visit each other, of course, but it's just not the same as being together. I am happy to announce (as this directly affects my artful ways) that our time of waiting is only a few months away. As I began my point of reflection with the concept of knowing how other people are feeling I am constantly reminded of this power when Stephanie and I talk. It's an incredible power to use when it comes to channeling your own powers of inspiration. We are told to read as much as possible in order to find the best possible content for your project, but I submit you have an even more potent tool in your creative kit - that is your powers of empathy. See how others are seeing or rather feeling about life, and channel that emotion into your art. Nothing is more powerful when creating art than the emotions behind it.

It's after 6pm. I'm thinking of Stephanie, and for reason I'm awfully thirsty. I wonder if I call her now whether she will have upgraded that pitcher of Kombucha Tea, and had some.

Good luck all, and welcome to 2012! Play your music loud, exercise hard, and when inspiration comes don't doubt the emotion that drives