Spring has come to Asheville and we’re green again. Not in the eco-sense, although here there is much attention and effort on that behalf. The leaves are back on the trees and the mountains a beautiful blue green. Even one of my opposing digits has acquired that hue, OMG.
One of the nice features of this month is the opportunity to honor our moms. There are 365 other days as well, but you know how busy we all are. I was fortunate to have a smart, warm and supportive mother. She had a long and productive life. Dorothy is with me every day. There are of course many great moms who deserve a hand (literally) for all they do and are.
One of them, Hillary Clinton, was here as part of the hard fought NC primary. For many Democrats this is a very very tough choice, very close, for different reasons. In the end, I feel Hillary has the best chance of defeating McCain, which turned out to be my most heavily weighted criterion. If Barack Obama wins the nomination, I will be proud to support him for President.
Soon it will be time to visit barber Jack and prepare for the Reubens gathering, this year in New Orleans. “Just a trim, Jack.” Will my tux still fit?
At this annual gathering of the National Cartoonists Society, our members recognize the best among us in 15 categories and overall – for works produced largely in the past year. (NCS Reubens link) It is a grand affair with a formal dinner and hilarious awards presentation. Each year we attend seminars and smaller social activities generously hosted by some of the syndicates. This year many of us have also signed up for a day with Habitat for Humanity and some local work there in the city. Cartoon illustrator and caricaturist Tom Richmond from Mad Magazine and also a leader in the NCN has done a great program cover illustration – AGAIN!
On the other side of the world, (Dumagueta in the Philippines) a great family is celebrating the 80th birthday of an amazing man, Alexander Amor. I would love to be there. Mr. Amor is still a practicing attorney and quite vigorous. When I was on my RTW, he and family members living nearby took wonderful care of me and taught me about this natural paradise and the some of the history and culture of the Philippine people. One of his sons made his way to the USA and remains a good friend, despite his humanitarian impulses.