My comic, “Charlie Says,” has only been in existence for twenty-ish days. I have a little studio space set up in my attic which basically consists of a love seat that has been torn to hell by the cat, some pencils, a sketchbook and a bag of cheap markers from Walmart that are very quickly showing just how cheap they are. I saw the ultimate box of 124 Sharpies at Michael’s, but they were $145.00! While considerably less on Amazon, still pricey. I am retired now! Spending $100.00 on markers is a splurge.
Even though I usually make the comic in the same spot, I have to look for the glue and at least one marker every time. I was puzzled until I noticed the cat batting around my supplies. She also always tries to sit on my lap while I draw, even though any other time she completely ignores my existence.
It takes about two or three hours for each comic and I am just posting them on Facebook. I tried Threads, but it’s confusing and I don’t want to learn another platform. This really is a labor of love. There is no profit or accolades. I often draw the panel a few times and stay up late into the night. Sometimes I have a brief moment of WHY am I doing this. I have other things I could be doing–like painting the bathroom or cleaning the basement. Or maybe searching for a real job with health benefits. But I am having fun and I want to keep making the comic.
So when I came home from the grocery store and walked up my porch steps and saw the little Charlie figurine leaning up against the post, I stopped and stared. It both surprised and delighted me. I couldn’t believe her. She is so like my comic.
Whoever left the little figure remains a mystery, and I would like to offer public thanks. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever been given. It made me feel seen and validated the effort I am putting into Charlie Says. It made me think–maybe Charlie is having an impact. But mostly, it humbled me that someone went to such an effort for me.
Charlie has been on a road trip for the last week. I have not been. I am writing her adventures in my makeshift studio. It has made me think about alter egos a bit. Charles Schulz said that he was basically Charlie Brown, but also Lucy and Linus. Most writers probably put something of themselves in their work. I am no different. Charlie is an extension of who I am, but she is like eleven year old me, filled with wonder and possibility and just unbridled joy. She is becoming on the page. Yes, she is my creation, but she isn’t all me. My Daisy Duke days are long gone and we can all thank our stars for that.
So again, thank you to my gifting angel. I think of her as my little talisman, traveling along like a little flame in my pocket. She embodies the genuine warmth and love that I hope Charlie will embody as the pages grow.
Leave a comment