Welcome to Michaels Hopkins Cartoons Blog…a place for Michael's thoughts, observations, remembrances and general incoherent ramblings concerning the creative process behind his drawings and life in general...
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.
"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.
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)
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
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…
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.
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..
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