Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Day Number 20,453

Greetings!



Tomorrow is number 56! Let's get back to The Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog

I’m in Las Vegas to celebrate my 20,454th day on earth...coincidentally, the day I was born (September 7th, 1961) and tomorrow, (September 7th, 2017) are both Thursdays (pretty cosmic, eh??). As Las Vegas being one of favorite cities (along with Los Angeles, Seattle and Ocean Shores, Washington), I’m here, to start my 56th year. By the way, it’s too damn hot. Current temperature 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

I was going to start a “Vlog”on my birthday, however, I decided that there’s too many damn Vloggers out there already (that’s my “old man” talk). So instead, I decided to rededicate myself to the Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog and dedicate it to those who still like to read (and look at pictures...which, by the way, I’ll be posting from my birthday in the coming days). Besides, I don’t want to be one of those "Vloggers" who walk around with a camera in their face. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (in fact, I follow several of them), it’s just not me. However, I may post a video, once in awhile...but officially I’m a Blogger dammit! (Bloggers = Good, Vloggers…Bad). Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto... 

So how do I feel about 56? Pretty, pretty good. Looking back, I would have to say, the greatest joy of the previous 55 years of my life, are my children. I have been blessed. They’re all accomplished, well rounded and independent individuals. I couldn’t have asked for more and I love each of them. So the first toast (of year 56) is to, Kristina, Darrel, Becky, Jennifer, Anthony and Savanah. I love you all and I couldn’t be more proud of each one of you.

However, looking toward the future, there are things in my life that I need to work on. I guess I will call these, My 56th Year Resolutions”.

  • #1 - Rededicate myself to my Art. Although I’ve created a lot of art and I’m proud of what I’ve created, I see myself as a bit lazy, when it comes to drawing. I’m going to fix that. You’re going see a rebirth of one of my web-comics (http://cosmicfowl.blogspot.com/  http://missed-approach.blogspot.com/) and a lot more caricatures.

  • #2 - My health. I’ve let myself go a bit and as I've gotten older and I’m feeling it. I’m gonna fix this (I’ll keep you updated).

  • #3 - Wanderlust. I remember before my mother passed away, we had a discussion about how many times I have moved over the years and I remember exactly what she said to me...she said, “Michael, you need to settle down”. She was right and she’s still right. God only knows how many times I have moved in my life. At least four states, a dozen cities (??) and countless moves...I’ve had enough. As such, the next move is "hopefully" going to be the last...

So there you have it. My final blog as a 55 year old. I’m looking forward to 56!

Monday, April 3, 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Deborah Harry 2.0

I always had a fascination with watercolors (and not one to leave well enough alone), I decided to play with Deborah Harry (in my dreams...right?). Anyways, I got up this morning and started tweaking, Debbie. I originally used a little pastel on her lips and eyes...wasn't happy with the results. So this morning I used watercolors on her lips and eyes, Then I added a bit to her hair. I was thinking about paining her dress but held off...So here you have Deborah Harry 2.0. Thoughts?


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Sunday, March 26, 2017

The Blog is Back...Again.


Me: Hello visitors! I say, "visitors", because apparently this blog has no followers...Really??
Blogosphere God:: Yes, really.
Me: DOH!!! But I have a lot of visitors??
Blogosphere God: You need FOLLOWERS
Me: Well, I guess, if I had a link on my blog, where people could subscribe to my blog, maybe I’d have some followers??? (It’s a vicious circle).
Blogosphere God: Well, hopefully.....Don't quit you day job.
Me: TA-DA!  I have now solved that problem and quitting the day job (eventually)!


If you look to the right of this post,


you’ll see I've set up a link so that you can now easily subscribe to my blog. So if you like what you see, please follow me….Of course, if I continue to have no followers??? Well, we’ll file that under future concerns.



I'm back from Spring Vacation 2017, feeling well rested and ready to conquer the biosphere!! Of course, I went to my Mecca (Las Vegas) and Los Angeles (I love L.A.!). So grab some popcorn, let’s start the slideshow and I'll show you a few highlights of last weeks journey…




The highlight of the Vegas trip, was our nighttime flight over Vegas.


Given the fact that I combined my love of  flying with my love of Vegas...this experience was a “can't miss” and it wasn’t. It was so worth the $100 per ticket, that I’ll probably do it again in the future. The experience was 10 times as cool as it looks and it looks really cool! The experience was provided by Maverick Helicopters of Las Vegas http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/ Hell, just avoid the slot machines for an hour and you’ve paid for the helicopter flight. Besides you can always go gambling when you get back to the casino (LANCELOT SLOT MACHINE, YOU MAY HAVE ONE THIS ROUND...BUT WHEN I RETURN TO VEGAS, I WILL OWN YOU!!!!)

A few more highlights...

A room with a view!
Raiding the Rock Vault!
Hard Rock - Elton!
Hard Rock - Freddie Mercury

Hard Rock - Johnny Cash
Our visit to LA began at Universal Studios Hollywood. This theme park kicks the mouse's ass!! The highlight for me was everything, although my favorite was The Simpsons attraction. If you’re as big a fan of all things Simpsons, as I am, this is a MUST SEE!!! Besides the fact that you get to visit Springfield (don't forget to eat at Krusty Burger!!) the Simpsons ride is amazing!




Our second day in LA was in Simi Valley, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Whether you we’re a admirer of the former President (and I definitely am) or not, the history contained in the library is amazing. Do yourself a favor and plan a visit on your next journey to Southern California.






And finally for this post...Do yourself a favor and visit my amazing daughter, Kristina’s, website and check out her stuff https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZipperEnthusiast?ref=search_shop_redirect
I’ve added a permanent direct link to her site, under, “These are a few of my favorite things!”



Sunday, October 9, 2016

Boredom

There’s something to be said about playing it safe...it’s boring. Boredom makes me nauseous and encourages me to do stupid things, including...overeating, gambling and considering getting into a relationship...ugh! Any of which would lead me into becoming what I don't want to be, i.e., an overweight 50-something, who gambles too much to avoid spending time with a woman he doesn't love. Whom he got into a relationship if the first place with, with because he was….BORED.


It’s not that I don't want to fall in love again. I actually did almost two years ago. Unfortunately I didn’t realize it, until she was gone. I regret letting her go...and she told me I would.


Anyways...back to avoiding boredom.


January 1st life is changing drastically for me. I am in the currently preparing for this life change. Thankfully I believe in the philosophy, of “baby steps” (or maybe I believe in Bill Murray movies).




I’m currently getting rid of excess baggage, both literally and figuratively. Although I've already started taking a few steps in my journey, my next major step toward January 1st is a  454 mile journey in a 37 year old automobile. This journey is addressing many issues, including my proclivity to playing it safe.


Stayed tuned.

Hey! I almost forgot! It’s would have been John Lennon’s 76th birthday today! Happy birthday Mr. Lennon! In honor of his birthday my latest creation is of John. circa, approximately 1964.