Categories
writing

We Grow Media – Dan Blank » What We Leave Behind – The Real Meaning of Your Platform as a Writer

Dan Blank has a post on building a writing platform.

We Grow Media – Dan Blank » What We Leave Behind – The Real Meaning of Your Platform as a Writer.

The photograph he uses makes an effective point. What changed in seventy years since the first photo was taken? A lot, or did it?

This got me thinking about a business man I knew who passed away recently. He was a great guy and the picture of health. Yet he passed away at age 74 from surgery complications. It wasn’t even a life-threatening procedure. One minute he was here, the next, he was gone.

He will be remembered not for his business accomplishments, but for what a nice guy he was. He always had a smile. He was encouraging and a man of common sense. You could rely on his advice.

His Facebook profile is quiet now. Not many people will remember him for his Facebook account or for past business deals. What he will be remembered for was how he was a man of encouragement and integrity.

As I write and illustrate today, I’ll be thinking about Dan’s post and my friend. What will I do today that will build a legacy?

Categories
church cartoons

Cartoon: New Here Santa?

Cartoon of woman talking to Santa Claus. She says, "You're new at our church, aren't you?"

Cartoon of a woman and Santa Claus in a church pew. Woman says, “You’re new at our church, aren’t you?”

It’s December, and you never know where Santa Claus will show up, do you? There is no mistaking his red suit and stocking cap. Let’s face it! Even in December, he has a hard time blending in.

I drew this for the December, 2012 issue of the CHOGnews newsletter.

Categories
motivation

How Do You Minimize the Impact of Negative People? | careynieuwhof.com

Carey Nieuwhof has a post on dealing with negative people.

How Do You Minimize the Impact of Negative People? | careynieuwhof.com.

While his focus is on ministry, this applies to business and entrepreneurs as well. I’ve seen firsthand how someone with a bitter, negative attitude can suck the air out of a room.

Carey is right that you have to take measures to minimize the impact of a negative person. Unfortunately, some people are determined remain in the muck. When that happens, make sure they don’t take you down too. Some pessimists just won’t rest until you are just as miserable as they are.

Categories
writing

School Yourself in the Writing Field

I just came across an interesting article on journaling and writing at the “Journal For You” blog.

School Yourself in the Writing Field.

This is good advice whether you want to write, illustrate or pursue any creative endeavor.  When you treat your creative pursuit as a form or exercise, it will free you up to be creative.

Whenever I have faced writer’s block, the one thing that has kept me creating was to write and draw in my sketchbooks whether I felt like it or note. Pretty soon, those creative juices come back.

Don’t wait for the muse to strike you. Get creative in your journal or sketchbook today, whether you feel like it or not.

Categories
Coloring Page

Christmas Nativity Coloring Page

Thumbnail of Christmas nativity coloring page

Merry Christmas! I just love this time of year. The sounds, smells and sights of Christmas bring back memories of Christmases long, long ago. (Hmm. sounds like a Christmas tune.)

I’ve done another nativity scene in a different style. You can find it here.

Here is a Christmas nativity coloring page for you. It is free for personal and classroom use.