Friday, December 28, 2012

New York Jurascals: Looking to the Hudson

In JURASCALS, the rascally Jurassic dinosaur named William is trying to help Lina discover more about her world. In December he took her to the library to pick out "any" book, preferably one about "JURASCALS" but instead she picked out a book on the Hudson River. Now, William needs to find some way to teach Lina about the Hudson River and he knows HE can't get there himself. What's the solution? Find out in January!






Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas 2012

I am cross posting this from my In Torrington Today blog (intorringtontoday.blogspot.com)



Christmas 2012: It’s a Tuesday and a light frosting of snow covers the city, creating the picture perfect landscape the way black and white musicals always depicted Christmas.

The children arise an hour before sunrise and excitedly review the treasures under the tree, patiently waiting approval for their imminent onslaught of the wrapping paper.  The Christmas lights on the tree shine only half as brightly as our children’s eyes and as a coffee and tea is respectively made for Daddy and Mommy, the go ahead is granted and son and daughter unwrap their presents with sounds of joy.  Our daughter happily hugs a doll and she says she loves her; she had wanted a “sister” for her other beloved doll. Our son excitedly exclaims “HOT WHEELS” with every car inspired toy he receives.  The cat and kittens wisely keep their distance despite their natural curiosity until the pandemonium subsides and the colorful wrapping can be examined more closely by their feline eyes.

Such peace and wonder seems almost too perfect to be real.  It recalls Christmases past when I as a child ran downstairs with my siblings in wondrous elation and discovery.  In the peace and contentment that follows, I quickly draw a little sketch to capture this Christmas.  The drawing has flaws; I can see the imperfections in the muted water color and in the not so straight lines.  While it dries, I begin to write for I do not wish to lose this moment in time.  While at the computer I look out the window to find my neighbor’s son who’s visiting from out of state is shoveling our walkway.  I stop to wish him a Merry Christmas and give our present to his folks to him.

Egg Nog can be shared for breakfast this one day a year and my son says, “Egg Nog please” so I pour two small cups for both children. My daughter returns to her Candyland game with the kitten and my son returns to his racetrack. My wife curls up in bed for a well deserved nap.

I want to say something profound, some phrase or moral to end this vignette but nothing I can think of can top the beauty of simply describing the day.

So I’m left with simply saying I am grateful for the opportunity of this day. 

 I say “Thank you” to God and “Merry Christmas to one and all”.

 

Christmas in Torrington 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

RADIO INTERVIEW 12/18/2012 6:10PM (EST)


The radio show will be streamed on www.wapj.org so even if you don't live in the Torrington area, you're welcome to listen in (and if you plan on doing that, send me an email at rascals@jurascals.com or leave a facebook comment on facebook/jurascals or comment here or SOMETHING!) because that would be great!

We'll be talking about comic strips and how they relate to the newspaper industry: the past, present and future as I see it. We'll discuss In Torrington Today (my torrington blog) the JURASCALS comic strip that's published in New York and Nebraska newspapers!

We'll discuss the burgeoning art movement of World Class Regional Art and I hope to share some shout outs to some great local artists/artisans!

I'll go on approximately 6:10pm (EST)

Tune in!