Google Maps and Me

Hey, Blogosphere! 

It’s Sunday morning and I’m feeling pretty good. I completed another successful Michael Hopkins Caricatures Event last night, my son’s coming home to visit from the Navy and the drawing mood has inhabited my soul once more, so yep (or yup… if you're an old cowboy), life's pretty pretty, pretty, good. 

Let’s take a look at the results of last night's event...

BUT FIRST (insert sound of brakes screeching!), let me tell you a story about my love/hate relationship with Google Maps. Although the event turned out great, unfortunately the drive to the event was a little stressful. I would love to blame Google (Google maps specifically) however I must confess, the fault was all mine (again). Ya see, I'm at that stage in life where I like to think I’m smarter than some app on my phone. I’ve had this encounter with my "arch nemesis app" (i.e., Google Maps) previously, the most notable time was a trip to Las Vegas with my son. Let’s set, The Wayback Machine, to the year to 2019 (I think).

As we're entering the Las Vegas area, Google Maps tells me to take an exit, that is about four exits earlier than the one I normally take. After a brief, heated conversation with said app, I decide that I know better than Google, ignore its advice and decide to proceed to my usual exit (stupid move dumbass). I soon realize that my stupid app was correct and I was wrong (go figure?!?). The exit I normally take is closed due to construction (can I get a harrumph?). After apologizing to Google Maps with a string of creatively combined expletives, Google forgives me and gets us to the hotel via the street that I originally would have been on...had I exited the freeway where Google Maps originally told me to exit (and I'm positive, Google Maps was smugly and sarcastically smiling at me as I realized this fact). 

Anyways…Last night, Google Maps once again proved that old Caricaturists should shut up, listen and follow driving directions. Because if I would have, I would have made it to the event early, instead of 26 seconds prior to the beginning of the event. 

I am not smarter than Google Maps

I am not smarter than Google Maps

I am not smarter than Google Maps

I am not smarter than Google Maps

To make a long story short, lets looks at some Michael Hopkins Events Caricatures from last night

Till next time!

Simple Fun

I've been in a bit of a rut lately when it comes to drawing. Although the Event Caricatures have been progressing well, my pen & ink drawings have been virtually non-existent. Although, I've been getting headaches from all the drawings floating around in the 'ole cerebral matter, sitting my butt down at the drawing table and having those drawings flow from the brain (down the neck, through the formerly cancer infected shoulder, down the arm, though the fingers, being one with the pen, filling the nib) and spilling onto the paper, well...it's been a hot minute (as my son would say). I think I'm making this drawing thing, too complicated.

However, inspiration has arrived via a life-long friend, and Author, Daniel W. Shegrud and his, "Fun Words to Say!". Let's take a look…

Daniel W. Shegrud, Fun Words to Say!

I love these videos! They're Simple and fun. I've been missing that in my life lately. Growing up with Dan we had  a lifetime of simple fun. It was a riot! It seemed like everything we did was simple and fun (although the majority of our peer group would disagree). Fuck 'em! We didn't care. We lived our life for us and our amusement. Not that life these days are bad, it's just missing the simple fun that Dan and I enjoyed. As I was watching these videos of Dan’s, I realized that he’s still living that lifestyle and I’ve gotten off track. Life wasn't meant to be complicated. We’re here to enjoy life and obviously, Dan is still enjoying life. I need to find my way back to that life and Dan’s my inspiration.

Hold that light up for me Dan, I need to find that path back to the simple fun.

Uncomfortably Comfortable

I find myself uncomfortably comfortable these days. This is worrisome because I think it affects my creativity. I find that when I'm comfortable, my creative drive diminishes. To those of you who follow my art, you may have noticed this in my work...or lack thereof (the exception being my event caricatures). This  comfortableness is a product of minor success, in both my side-gig (The Daily Planet) and my increasingly successful event caricatures. Sure, the event caricatures can be creative, but the creativity is limited due to production expectations of the person who hires me (they're paying me by the hour, so they rightfully want as many as drawings as possible) and the self esteem of the subjects I'm drawing (i.e., I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings). You may ask, "...but Michael, don't you worry about those things with any caricature you draw?" Well, yes and no. No, because I don't intentionally over-exaggerate a person's features, in a caricature, to make them feel bad. However, when I'm drawing a person across the table from me (as opposed to a "celebrity" that I am drawing in my fortress of solitude) I can see their feelings and feel their emotional reactions through every stroke of my pen, which (sorta) limits my creativity, because again, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I just want to make them smile.

Anyways…the point I was trying to make was, I need to to make things less comfortable and more creative. To achieve this goal I need to expand my creativity to a point that makes me uncomfortable. The other option is to give up one of the things that are making me comfortable. As I previously stated, the two things causing the comfortableness are the side-gig (mild mannered fueler for a great metropolitan fueling conglomerate) and the burden of being the second greatest Caricaturist to have ever walked God's earth (Thank you God and thank you, Al Hirschfeld for the inspiration). Since I am carrying the burden of being the greatest Caricaturist, obviously I'm not going to quit drawing event caricatures, that would be like asking Billie Piper to quit being so damn perfect...

(am I right, or am I right???)

The other option would to leave The Daily Planet. While that has always been the plan, is this the right time? Good question 🤔 That's a question that I'm planning to answer soon. That answer will depend on a couple of things. Number one is the size of my gonads (that's what she said) and number two is the success of the rest of my repertoire. Since I've had no complaints about the prior, I'm going to increase the latter, by taking more chances.

More to come, Stay tuned!

 

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Tolerate Online Dating

Is it me…or does meeting people at online dating sites seem more like job interviews than finding someone you want to spend time with? What happened to the days when one person was attracted to another person and said person asked (the person they were attracted to) if they wanted to meet for some coffee, or lunch or whatever??? Maybe it's my lack of patience for modern day online social etiquette, however I’m not going spend weeks online answering questions about why I don't post more international travel photos (because the only international place I've been is International House of Fucking Pancakes) or what the environmental consciousness movement means to the plight of the red spotted backwards walking beetle in southern Mozambique (or similar WTF! questions) before we meet for a cup of coffee and decide whether we want to see each other's face ever again?

However, since I (begrudgingly) paid the fee to this dating site, I’m going to continue my foray into this strange trip in hopes of finding someone who enjoys coffee, road trips and Alice Cooper as much as myself. Wish me luck, I’ll keep you updated…

My most recent gig was last Wednesday and Thursday. If you've read my blogs, you know I'm my own worst critic, however this last one's results (good caricatures and happy people) ranks up there with the best of my gigs. So here's a few pictures from the event that I consider pretty damn good! 

By the way, if you're interested in booking me for your next event (Christmas Party time is coming!) Give me a call and we’ll set it up. Make your next event, your best event!  My number’s (775) 276-0256 or email me at scribblesisme@yahoo.com

The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store

Let's talk about my online store, The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. Introduced a couple of years ago, my store is the online home of my "Original Pen & Ink Caricatures", "Original Aviation Caricatures" and my "Pen & Ink Caricature and Aviation Limited Edition Giclée Prints". I also have a couple of “oddball” collections in my store as well, (including) "Michaels Quick Caricatures", my "Caricature Color Prints" and my latest category, "I Must Have Something Better to do than Watch YouTube Original Prints" (a category in which I draw Youtubers whose channels I frequent when I’m bored - alas, the name of the category).

I'm also considering introducing a new category, "Cosmic Fowl Original Art". This category will offer some of my original Cosmic Fowl Webcomic originals. To introduce you to what a Cosmic Fowl Webcomic is, here’s a link (https://cosmicfowl.blogspot.com) and a brief synopsis of my Webcomic…

                              Cosmic Fowl   by Michael Hopkins

Synopsis -->>> Cosmic Fowl is the story of James Byrd and his eternal search for the meaning of happiness, in this galaxy and beyond. Many themes re-occur during James' search for happiness. A couple of the main themes include, James loathing of Space-truck Drivers, the Feline/Fowl conflict (think Arabs vs. Israeli, on a Coke vs. Pepsi level). Other than those and other reoccurring themes, James encounters are a continuous observation of modern pop culture, the society he lives in and the values that shape it. 

Although I have dabbled in a few other Webcomics, I believe this one of my favorites that I have created. For those of you who may not understand it, you can always keep on reading, Hi and Lois (Chris). Anyways (as I was saying), I’m thinking of offering a few of my Cosmic Fowl originals at my online store. I don't know if there's a big market out there for an almost unknown Webcomic's original art, however if it ever does succeed, you’ll be glad you own one of the originals (am I right? right...right)

Back to The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. In honor of the upcoming holiday, I'm offering a special promotion at the store, The Spooktacular Sale! Starting now, through October 31st 2022, receive 25% off all Michael Hopkins original art. Just use the coupon code, Spooktacular22 at checkout to receive the discount. That’s right folk’s, 25% off all original Michael Hopkins Caricatures!!! (shipping and prints are not included in the discount). The discount ends on Halloween, so you better head over to my store before the good one’s are all taken ghosts and ghouls!

‘Till next time….

Goodbye Clayton

Clayton LeFevre was one of the good people God put on this earth. Unfortunately for the rest of us here, God called him back home a few days ago. Clayton was the only person I've ever met that I can't recall seeing without a smile on his face. Clayton was always friendly to me (even after his sister and I were divorced). From what I know, Clayton was a lot like his father and although I can recall a few times (very few) when Clayton's father was not in the best of moods, I can't recall Clayton being anything but in a good mood and he always had that smile on his face. Although I rarely saw Clayton after the divorce, whenever I did, the smile was still there. For those of us who were lucky enough to have had Clayton touch our lives, we were better because of it.  

Goodbye Clayton, It was nice having known you.

Temporary Happiness for Under $5.00

"Sometimes, the simple things are more fun and meaningful than all the banquets in the world …"

E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

Indeed. These days I find the simple things in my life are the most satisfying and fulfilling. A text from my children, a magnificent sunrise or even a smile from a beautiful woman. 

Ah yes, even a perfect maple bar (insert Homer Simpson drooling) can make a crappy morning seem less ordinary and more extraordinary! Add to that delicacy, a perfectly brewed cup  of coffee and suddenly it's a pretty good looking Wednesday! It's magical how a little sugar and caffeine can brighten one's day! Why if it wasn't for the readily available supply of coffee and sugar (and the fear of addiction or death) I'd definitely consider alternative substances on mornings like this one.

Since my induced state of being was going so well, I decided to take it a step further and peruse the internet…

$#&$#@!$$ Internet!!! Damn you, Al Gore!!!

According to Healthline.com, A study found that “intermittent access to sugar can lead to behavioral and neurochemical changes that resemble the effects of a substance of abuse.” 

Well at least I still have my coffee…

According to Addictioncenter.com, Caffeine has addictive properties that may lead to physical dependence. People that regularly consume Caffeine need to make good and responsible choices when it comes to consumption, such as limiting intake to only one or two cups of coffee a day. 

Whatever! Temporary happiness this morning, reality tomorrow.

The Amazing Johnathan

Submitted for you consideration, I give you, The Amazing Johnathan by Michael Hopkins (me).

The Amazing Johnathan (John Edward Szeles) was an American comedian and magician. His act was  composed of hijinks, interaction with  audience members and  some magic tricks. From 2001 to 2014, The Amazing Johnathan was a  headliner in Las Vegas

If you are not familiar with The Amazing Johnathan, Ill direct you to this Rolling Stone article from February 23, 2022 (unfortunately the day after his passing) 

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/the-amazing-johnathan-dead-obituary-1311643/

John Edward Szeles was fucking amazing!

I created this caricature on September 18th, 2022 after watching a documentary about him. It was created on 9"x12" Canson Mix Media drawing paper, with India Ink and Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens

Goodbye Toby...err...Russ

That look when you realize your old team, that had no chance of defeating your new team, just defeated your new team.

Russell Wilson by Michael Hopkins - 09/14/2022

Fuck Cancer

I’m taking a small break from The Daily Planet today and tomorrow as I'm resting from some minor skin cancer surgery (which is also why there was no blog yesterday). Although it doesn't feel minor to my shoulder, apparently this skin cancer is relatively common. The type of skin cancer I have is called, Carcinoma. Here’s a description for you…

"Carcinoma is cancer that forms in epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue lines most of your organs, the internal passageways in your body (like your esophagus), and your skin. Most cancers affecting your skin, breasts, kidney, liver, lungs, pancreas, prostate gland, head and neck are carcinomas 

Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma can be cured when found early (mine was) and treated properly. Today, many treatment options are available, and most are easily performed at a doctor's office (mine was again)"

Anyways, I’ll find out in about two weeks how successful things went, which I'm pretty confident things went well. I have a great Doctor, and his assistant and himself performed the surgery in his office, with very little discomfort. The worst part of the visit was the injection of the Lidocaine to numb the area being cut and that wasn't really that bad at all, basically it stings.

Although it was minor, whenever you hear the diagnosis of cancer, it makes you think about life and where you are in your journey and all you have planned for the future and have yet to accomplish. It made me think about how precious life is and the fact that we don't have forever. I have so much left to accomplish, I had better get busy. 

Another thing that crossed my mind is the size of my goals. I’ve come to realize that the loftier the goal, the harder I work to achieve my goals. Recently (maybe because of my age), I've lowered my goals and expectations. I think this was a bad move because when I lowered my goals, I came to realize that I haven't worked as hard to achieve them. This was probably because (logically) the lowered expectations were easier to achieve. The cancer diagnosis made me realize I still want a lot out of life. So starting today, I’m starting over…

Sometimes You Get Doodles #1

This doodle of an airline chasing its tail was created in my head while waiting on my delayed flight from Las Vegas to Reno on September 8th. I finally got it out of my today. As such, I guess it was delayed as well.

Happiness is Attainable

Good morning. Blog number 3 of 365. I started this goal (365 Blogs in a row) on my 61st birthday and I WILL complete this goal. Hopefully, by the end of the goal, I will have figured shit out and I will be at a better place when it comes to my state of mind. Happiness is attainable.

I love drawing and creating art. When I'm in the process of creating art I’m in a better place mentally and physically. I know that may sound strange to many of you but it’s the complete truth. I’m a better person when I’m creating. Opposite of that theory, when I'm not creating I'm miserable. Even if I’m doing something that I enjoy, I only receive temporary satisfaction, for a short period of time. However, it’s just a fix, like a good cup of coffee (something else that can't live without) 

Take for example my current occupation as a mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet (occupation and names have been changed to protect the innocent..i.e., me). I wouldn’t be here if I didn't need a second occupation to pay the bills. In fact, I wouldn’t  have a second occupation, if my art paid the bills. However, since do I need to pay the bills, one would think that this occupation would be perfect for me. I should love this job. This job should be the least “miserability creating occupation”. I'm surrounded by aviation. I love aviation. However, most of the time, I’m miserable at the Daily Planet and I unconsciously find things that make me more miserable and then I dwell on them. Trust me, I don't have to look far to find miserable creating elements at The Daily Planet. There are plenty of things there to make one miserable, including, incompetency, heat (in the summer) and the cold (in the winter), inadhereance to policies and working with psychopaths (you know who you are). However, even if everything was sunshine and lollipops at the Daily Planet, I would still find a way to be miserable. The complete end of my miserableness will only come when I’m completely self-sufficient as an artist. Until then, I’ll keep creating, and overload on caffeine to get through my day..

Which bring me back to the purpose of this Blog; i.e., to figure shit out and of course. bring the universe’s attention to my scribbles..

P.S. Universe, the links are below…

https://michaelhopkinscaricatures.ecwid.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michaelhopkinscartoons

https://cosmicfowl.blogspot.com/

https://missed-approach.blogspot.com/

The Friendly Sky's?

I loath air travel. It's not just the airport or airline employees. It's not just the overpriced airport food. It's not just airport security procedures. It's not just the person sitting next to me in sandals (without socks) with the obvious toe fungus problem (and their uncontrollable elbows constantly taking more than their fair share of the 1.5 inch seat arms that the airlines and aircraft manufacturers provide for our comfort). It's not just the constant delays. It's all of the above and more. 

If it wasn't for the fact that there's a possibility that I'll save time as opposed to driving (and that's not a guarantee, given the constant and continuous delays) I would drive everywhere I needed to go. 

Let's look at an example. 

To drive from Reno to Las Vegas (or vice-versa) is approximately 7 hours (in comfort, no security, nobody in my car, whose company that I don't enjoy). So far on this trip home I've already spent 2.5 hours and my flight was delayed (surprise, surprise!) so I still have 1.5 hours until Southwest Airlines best (Ha!) guesstimate of a departure time. That's already 4 hours! The approximate flight time from Las Vegas to Reno is approximately 1.5 hours. So the best case scenario is that this trip will take 5.5 hours. So for an additional 1.5 hours, I could have taken my car!

To further elaborate my point. Given the fact that if I was driving,  I would have left the hotel before dawn means, I WOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW!!

P.S. I made it home at approximately 6:30pm. That was almost exactly 7 hours after my Uber driver picked me up at the Luxor Hotel Casino (to take me to the airport) or approximately the same amount of time that it would have taken me to drive home.

Point made. 

You Say It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday, me. 

Wake up 3:30am (ugh, it's too early). Back to sleep

Wake up 5:32 am, this will work.

Good Tuesday everyone! It's my birthday today and I'm Waking up in Las Vegas.

What?? You were expecting, Katy Perry??

It's the fourth day of a marketing trip for my caricatures. Two contacts made, several business cards passed out. But today’s not about business, it's about me. Which I guess about business because my business is me, so we'll say it's about me, which is about my art, which is what I’m about (anyways).

I thought I would blog my day here in "Sin City" and share my thoughts about my day and at the beginning of my 61st year on this planet. 

Today started out with a spectacular rendition of, Happy Birthday to You, by my younger brother Roger. Thank you Roger. For those you you what don't know my “slightly younger” brother, here's a caricature of the of the character (his family included).

I went downstairs at 6:30am for breakfast. Unfortunately for my wallet, the Pyramid Café does not open until 7:00am, so I threw some money in the slot machines. After a disappointing start to slot play, I finished even. Breakfast was amazing!

After breakfast, I went upstairs, took a shower and then hit the pavement, the HOT pavement. The high yesterday was around 114 degrees (I don't believe that's a healthy environment for humans to exist in?) Thank goodness today is only going to be a cool 107 degrees.

For those of you who are concerned, Las Vegas is still here. I only took a few pictures, ‘cause I'm sure everyone's seen them before and the strip hasn't changed much..

After a bit of shopping from the local street merchants including, The Hershey's Store, The Coke Store, The M&M Store (there seems to be a theme emerging here??) and having a discussion with a local Busker concerning his CD, his brother's health condition, my white privilege and why I should give him my money (I wonder if this person understands there's a reason why people pass him by and pretend that he doesn’t exist?),  I decided to eat more. Today's lunch was provided by Amazing Canes and it was Amazing, Cane!

Random thoughts…

• I didn’t know Las Vegas Showgirls are now accepting plus-size models

• The smell of urine in some areas of Las Vegas is only surpassed by the smell of Cannabis

• Jesus Christ has a plethora of representation in Las Vegas

As a birthday present for myself I decided to visit The Titanic Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel Casino. If you're the least bit interested in the story of the RMS Titanic or history in general, you need to visit this exhibit. From the moment you walk into the exhibit (once you get past the obligatory photo pitch person)  you are transported back to that night in April of 1912 and immersed and surrounded by the real individuals whose lives were altered forever on that evening. An astonishing and sobering experience, amidst mendaciousness, that is Las Vegas

Empty Nest Syndrome

My son's officially a sailor! It's been a tough couple of months adjusting to life without him (given the fact that he's always been here), however I do believe that I have now adjusted or at the very least, adjusted to the point of less adjustment needed. Does that make sense? If not, join the club. Sometimes you can't make sense of life. Life makes sense for 21 years and then it doesn't. Even if you know life is going to change soon and you prepare for it, sometimes you're not prepared. Enter, the, Empty Nest Syndrome.

The empty nest syndrome refers to the grief that many parents feel when their children move out of home. This condition is typically more common in women, who are more likely to have had the role of primary carer. 

From The Better Health Channel 

Although it states that it is typically more common in women, trust me guys it can easily happen to anyone, who has the role of "primary carer''. Which is less defined as a female role these days. I was the primary carer for my youngest son and the empty nest syndrome hit me like a ton of bricks. It's very real and the grief can be overwhelming. Luckily I got through it with the support of my friends and almost daily letters to my son (letter therapy?). 

Although our normal form of communication (talking with each other) was silenced (due to Navy bootcamp rules) the centuries old standard form of communication (letter writing) took its place and those letters saved me (with the help of my friends) from grief bordering on depression. If you're going through empty nest syndrome or know someone who may be going through it, take it seriously and be there for them. If it wasn't for my friends who were there with me when I needed someone to talk to, things would have been a lot tougher. Alas, I made it through this period of my life. I was there for my son's Navy bootcamp graduation and we're using modern technology to communicate again. Life is good once more.

So now it's time to get back to the cartoons and less serious subjects (at least until something serious needs to be addressed again). I apologize for the necessary break in the blogging and I'm looking forward to making up for what has been missed!

The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store, Hide and Seek Promotion!

June is here, let's have some fun! 

Introducing, The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store, Hide and Seek Promotion! Each day in June, I will reduce the price of one of my Original drawings by 90% (for only 24 hours!). After 24 hours, if the drawing is not sold, the drawing will be re-listed at its original price and then on the next day, a new drawing will be listed at 90% off. If the drawing is sold, the sale is over for that day.

You heard correctly! if the original price was $5000.00, the sale price for 24 hours will be $500.00! If the drawing's original price was $225.00, you will be able to purchase it for $22.50!

*Normal shipping costs still apply*

What’s the catch? The catch is, I’m only going to give you one clue, as to which drawing is on sale. Decipher the clue to find out which drawing is on sale at The Michael Hopkins Caricature Online Store! 

Each day's clue will be listed on the following pages

• Michael Hopkins Instagram (@iamscribbles)

• Michael Hopkins Cartoons Facebook Page

• The Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog

June 1st 2022 - Today's Clue. My nickname is Dakota.

By the way, today’s original drawing is already on sale!