Blog
June 2004-January 17 2005
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4/4/2004 - "Little Dee" to be released June 7th. For more information on running "Little Dee" in your paper, click here
The strip is daily, M-SAT (no SUN), and I do hope you enjoy it. And we're about done with two months, and I hope everyone's enjoying how it's moving along. It's a very different beast than my other projects, which is making it a challange with every week seeing dozens of scripts getting scrapped in order to pick out the best. but at the same time that's what's so exciting about this project, the exploring the new territory, plus trying to create this perfectly balanced, funny, loveable, and even sometimes quietly sad little world. Also of note, the site will now automatically update at 3:00am Pacific Time (6:00am NYC). Up until this point I've been doing it manually, so it's been going up erratically and much earlier. Not anymore. :) ------------------------- 9/1/04 - In my memory, this is all my impressions from the Franklin County Fair in my hometown of Greenfield. I mean, the memories have adapted from fairs I've visited since, but the impression is from there. Myself, I've never won a prize from my dextrous skills, but I have eaten my share of fried-dough (elephant-ears) and cotton-candy. 
And thank you for all the emails, you are all so great. And I apologize for using a graphic for the email rather than text or a link, spam-bots can read text email addresses, and not so long ago I was receiving hundreds of spam per day, and this has helped tremendously. I have more to say on the emails, but it has been a very long day. Friday may lighten up slightly. :-( Which reminds me of earlier today, Bethanne and I had a very nice day in the deep woods in Oregon, hunting for chantrel mushrooms, which we later had for dinner. Mmmmmmmmmm. 
11/2/04 - Knitting.... So, Bethanne (my sweetie) as well as several of the pants press women have taken up knitting. Me... I taught myself to knit for a bit in elementary school, but it wasn't my thing (yes, I was a bit geeky back then) (Well... okay, i still am). But I respect it, and since Bethanne has been talking about it and all the ebay yarn she's been acquiring and everything, it made me want to do a week about knitting. Anyhow, if you're curious, the pattern which Vachel, rather concisely, describes today, I present to you, the vertical weave: 
11/4/04 - For the record, i should mention that my friend Anya is quite a large part of the inspiration in many facets of my strip, Little Dee. 11/5/04 - There was a brief time when i was younger and was into video-games, and we actually had one or two around the house. I cannot tell you the number of times my brother and I were called to dinner or something, and we'd reply "just one more game" or even better, "but this is a new high score." Well, what goes around comes around, and now when it's time to eat or for bed, Bethanne states "just one more row." When you think about it, is there really that much difference, between the two. Ummm... aside from being able watch a movie, have a conversation, think, stay in the real world, and have a finished product when you knit. 11/16/04 - Today I drew a fill-in strip for Jon Rosenberg for his comic Goats, which is a fun strip, although some of the material may not be viewed as suitable for all ages. 11/17/2004 - Emperor Penguins I know this is a humor site, but below are actually some facts about Emperor Penguins. They may seem bizarre, but they're true. 
Emperor Penguins can swim 1,500 feet below the water and hold their breath for 22 minutes. The have more feathers, about 100 per square inch, than any other bird. The feathers are well oiled, which keeps them from getting wet swimming in the cold water. Their bones are solid, unlike other birds, being that they wish to dive deep rather than fly. When the waddle, thay're actually acting like upside-down pendulums, with 80% of the energy of each step flowing into the next, very efficient (humans are at about 65%). 
The females lay an egg in May and pass it to the male who balances it on his feet and beneath a tummy-flap of skin called the "brood patch." All the males huddle together to keep warm, as the female returns to the sea for food. The mother returns three months later in August (the dead of winter in Antarctica). The dad is now 40% lighter from fasting. The chick is born and they take turns getting food and regurgitating it for the chick. Five months later they leave it to fend for itself in the Antactica summer as the ice begins to break apart. 
Mario Lemieux is an extremely talented hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. For an update of how Little Dee is faring, I still feel the strip is growing, and feel that most strips take about a year to really settle into their clothing. I crossed the half-year mark two weeks ago, and feel good about things. It's challenging, but I'm exciting about continuing on pushing forward. Bethanne, my sweetie, and I have plans to have some Thanksgiving time with friends, and then spend a couple night in a B&B on the Oregon coast. A much-needed and much-looked-forward-to journey. I adore you, readers. If there are any middle-school social-study type teachers out there reading who wish to help with an educational side to the website, and have plenty of time to douse on it, feel free to raise you hand and we can talk On another note, I wanted to say that there will be no interruption to Little Dee this week despite me going away. So, enjoy, and have a fanastic weekend! And lastly, check it out, a fun little interview type thing with Scene Missing Magazine. 
They are all priced at $40.00. That's it. No extra for shipping or anything. Even for overseas. I wanted to make them affordable to people, while still helping me pay my bills a little bit on this end. And I know some of you may think, "Gee, that'd make a swell Christmas Present," and all i can tell you is that you're right. But sadly it is very late. But any sales made by noon on Sunday (Pacific Time) I guarantee will get out in the mail first-class on Monday, which gives them a relatively decent chance of timely arrival. Oh, and I added a "tip jar" at the top of this page as well. Just because. Aside from that, life's okay. Been working really hard at the comics, and have been still consistently happy with Little Dee. Been drinking tea, which makes my brain buzz with pleasure. :) And heck, you've all been so supportive. I've received so much positive email and support, you all are great. And here's the deal, you keep reading, and I'll do my best to keep up a top notch strip that I'm proud of and love doing. Fair? And for those out there who celebrate anything this holiday season, I hope that you have (or had) a warm and happy time with loved-ones, because really, what else is there in life? Oh right, what else is there in life indeed! There's comics. Yes, Little Dee will be running uninterrupted, no worries. :) Anyhow, I'm not sure how the jump was made from bunnies to the pipes bursting and freezing the entire cave in ice, but so it happened. And, so yeah... and what seemed like a silly little idea (the frozen cave), now, when i look at it, just seems very very surreal. The whole week. I'm rather amused by it, although if pressed, I might not be able to exactly tell you what's funny about it, the theme or the individual jokes. but perhaps, in the end, it's better that way. The best link I've found for helping (financially) is the Red Cross through Amazon.com As well, Clio (a fantastic illustrator) is doing a really nice benefit auction, although it's already rather high. hmmmmmmmm. And never, ever, tell your audience, or they'll know how your devious mind works.  1/17/05 - Happy Martin Luther King Day. I'm happy with how Dee's going, and it's been fun playing with the alligator this past week (and a couple days this week). I look forward to the spring though, it seems many of my ideas require outdoor activities. Oh. And: happy. Anya sent me a Studio Ghibli 4-dvd/7-movie collection of Miyazaki's works. I am very excited, and yes, I'm excited even though I've seen all of them but one! Miyazaki makes me so happy, makes me feel so good inside. Kinda like cocoa with friends, laughing. Score: Flu----1 Chris--0 Ugh. I was out of bed only for about two hours, in order to watch a movie on the couch. Have missed now 3 days of work. But I'm sure the flu will stop pummeling me any day now. untether the horses untether the horses Anyhow. Somehow the strip wrote itself around that phrase. I'm amused. Plus I got to leave you with a cliffhanger. I am all smiley going into the weekend. What more could I ask for. :) But nonetheless, I am still going to say what's making me smile about today's strip. And that is that Dee is so happy with the "magic trick" which isn't even really a magic trick at all. Her happiness and optimism, to me, even though i draw the strip, is oddly contagious.
------------------------- 5/18/05 - and to end it all, and to gradually ease you back into the idea of me being the usual creator of this strip, a strip written by Anya Kozorez and drawn by me. I hope you enjoyed all the guest strips. My vacation was great. i really needed it. And if you hated the guest strips (it's okay to feel these things), thank you for your patience. Bon Apetit! I'll be on a panel this weekend at the comics fest in olympia, come if you can. more info can be googled! But I just wanted to point out that today is the one-year aniversary of Little Dee. True, with the lack of computer/ftp/and shading, it isn't the most glamorous occasion, but still. Yay. I feel good about that. Oh, and some of you have begun to ask about books. I will be printing books, and will most likely do them for 1.5 year increments, so expect it out early (theoretically) 2006. oh, and "acepromazine tranquilizers" are actually what they do give some dogs so that they don't freak out because of fireworks. It's a tough day of the year to be a dog. NASA calls off Wednesday's shuttle launch Wed Jul 13, 2005 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - NASA on Wednesday delayed the launch of its first space shuttle mission since the 2003 Columbia disaster after discovering a problem with one of Discovery's fuel sensors, NASA's launch commentator said. "We will not be able to fly today," said commentator George Diller. Not that any or you mind, or even noticed perhaps. I do tend to over-think things. When really I need to simply sit down, have a nice cup of pudding, and watch the sky for a bit. Stop fretting. But I do know that I miss them in their little forest, doing the silly daily things which they usually do. But things are good when occasionally mixed up. They'll get back. They always will. Ted: Does little birdie want a push? Vachel: Does little bearykins want two broken arms? And i will not argue whether that was funnier or not, all a mattter of preference, but as i read it, i just felt bad. ted isn't that mean, and also, when i began the strip i promised myself to avoid using "threats of violence" as a punchline, as it's too easy and kinda' mean. And I know, people say that kind of stuff and "don't mean it" and it's fine, no judgements, but I want Dee to be a strip that is positive and makes people feel good. Sure, sometimes Vachel can be a jerk, but they all love each other and there's some level of kindness in their interactions. Anyhow, just some thoughts. :) 
If you're curious more about Duchamp and "R.Mutt", I found a rather good webpage talking about it at binghamton.edu. Here's an excerpt: A urinal displaced and called art, this Readymade has caused much controversy ever since the fateful day in 1917 when it was refused entry to an art show priding itself as being open to all. Rotated and signed with the pseudonym "R. Mutt 1917" on its upper side, Fountain isn't merely one of Duchamp's Readymades. It has become a recognizable icon in the history of modern art Dee is indeed in a paper, the Shelburne Falls Independent, where the staff have been very kind and excited about Dee. I can't thank them enough for the moral support they've given me. Of note though is that the are running it from the beginning, and only every other week, and are still in the summer of 2004, so me taking a week off will not affect them at all. Yup, i am taking the week off. As most of you know, i work full-time plus do this comic, and last week and this week i am taking swim and scuba-diving lessons as well, and I simply burnt out. And so i am taking the week off. This coming Monday I may even simply post this week's Monday's strips again. I need this time, both for my sanity and also so i don't spend any more time than necessary not liking doing this thing I know I love. My best, -Christopher So, today we're back to Monday's strip, and tomorrow (Tuesday) a brand new strip will appear, my vacation being over. Oh, and I have to mention. I went with Bethanne to see March of the Penguins. Now, I've developed quite a liking for emperor penguins, not-so-coincidentally from stories Bethanne told me, and later on through my own reading, but still... seeing this... it was humbling. My eyes remained wet most of the film. When I didn't even come in third, and was crying and frustrated, they allowed me to jump one more time to prove myself, but i was so nervous i jumped extremely poorly, and so my plea was not further considered. My mom somehow slipped away and returned with a little plastic trophy with snoopy on top (I loved snoopy) and on it read "you're #1 in my book" and gave it to me. This meant a lot to me, so much obviously that i still recall the words written on it. And I'm not totally sure why it meant so much, but my guess is that my life has somewhat been about not caring if the world approves or if i "win", but if at least one person sees how hard I'm trying, and loves me for it, that's all that matters. Anyhow. Secondly was that it was important to me that Blake and Dee lose. I've seen too many cartoons and kids material that are all about "if you try, you'll win," which I'm not sure is such a good message. I prefer the "if you try, that's all that matters, and we love you, and want to help you be happy." A bit long-winded for a fortune cookie I mean, what else do the astronauts do up there but eat freeze-dried ice-cream and drink tang? As far as writing it in Little Dee, it's a bit of a delicate subject, but I'll give it my best shot. 
And now you know where Alfred Hitchcock, Jim Henson, And Christopher Baldwin overlap. Now, I'm not into horror, Hoffman's "Sandman" was too much for me, in fact, today's 3rd panel creeped me out a bit just to draw it, so don't expect it to get very scary. This is an all-ages strip, so it's not going to go too far (my apologies if you think I have). but it's hard to balance those two, I do want it to be somewhat of a genuinely scary story, but it'll also have silly punchines at the end. Of course, Anya, who's influence/inspiration comes out here and there throughout Dee, "Henry-Henry" is for you, as is "Whahooooeeeeeee!", and you know why for both. Oh, and the punchline, I know it's exactly the kind which drives you nuts. :) "The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids (some types have more of these chemicals than others) Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dogÕs reach. If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks." This is just a note to tell you that there will be one eventually. I have not even begun pre-press, although for tax reasons I'd like to put it together and send it to the printer before year's end. So yeah. Several people have asked, and i just wanted to reassure you, there will be. :) So yes, if anyone has any feedback on this week, feel free to send it my way. This week was definitely a bit of a break from the norm. Again, I think that fairly small kids can enjoy mildly scary stories like "Treasure Island" and "Jekyl and Hyde" and so I wanted it to be just a little scary, but I may have crossed a line. I hope not. Or that it was at least balanced by many giggles in panel #. Little Dee is a strange strip. Like ANY project I've ever done, it seems to not be able to keep away from "reality". All of the cast is very real to me. Like when they visited the tepuis in Venezuela, there was just something so rich about it. And Dee gets hurt sometimes, and even genuinely sad. I never intend to get that far away from the somewhat plasticky emotions generally expressed in many newspaper dailies, but I can't help it. It's not even artistic integrity, I'm just unable to not write what feels right. Sigh. I'll never be a contender. Anyhow, I loved doing this week. But it will not be the norm, starting next week we'll be back to the 100% perfectly normal Dee world, the world the strip will always return to (it is the "form" or "constraint" I've willingly put on the project). Well... maybe after a brief dream-sequence. Oye.  This Saturday I'll be at table #68 at the Portland Stumptown Comics Fest. Saturday October 1st, from 9am - 6. At the Smith Memorial Ballroom on the east side of the Portland State University campus. 1825 SW Broadway, room 355 Portland, OR 97201 It's a great little fest put together by the ambitious and great guy Indigo kelleigh. Very few collector/dealers, almost entirely just cartoonists, many online ones. Check it out.  See you January 1st10/3/5 - I am taking a hiatus, totally unplanned (it honestly was born and formed last night), for three months, Oct-Dec, of both Bruno and Little Dee. On January 1st i will announce what will be happening with all of my online art projects, or at least whatever I figure out by then, and will begin something online then, possibly Bruno possibly Little Dee possibly some other project(s), or possibly all three. i ask you to please return there to see my status.The Moodycow Store and original Dee strips will still be open/available, so feel free to stop in. Also the Bruno original books are still available (blogged below on the main Bruno page, scroll way down) So, the rest of this is going to be a long post, including talking about the reasons for the hiatus, ramblings about my weekend and the Portland comic convention, but I wanted to get the big stuff up front. The hiatus. I have been feeling a bit worn down lately, having worked full-tim and done two daily comics for a year now, and lately it's been showing more. Bruno more often than not seems to be a half-sized strip with no background to speak of. And Dee has been keeping up well, but lately I've felt a bit overwhelmed by it. I love both projects. I can't imagine not continuing Bruno because she's like family, so much part of my life and so dear to me. I can't imagine ending Dee either, because reading Dee makes me feel so incredibly good and warm inside. And I also feel a lot of connection to you all, even a responsibility. You all have been such faithful readers, and written me such kind things, and been for me in so many ways. I'll be sad to not have that connection. And I'm sad to leave you without my work which seems to offer something which speaks to you. What I'll be doing during these three months. I need to find a job in Seattle and move, and doing that on top of my workload has been making nothing happen. Then i need to set up home a bit up there. And in that "community" vein, I am going to Massachusetts to visit on Wednesday for a week, and I'm sure the holidays will take some time as they always do. Plus, with all the changes I've been going through, i think having this time will allow me to process it all a bit. I also need to organize my business and business plan. Will I be continuing to pitch Dee to newspapers? I need to digitize my receipts, computerize my books. I'm dropping my merchant account because it loses me money. I need to do my taxes now to see how much I need to set aside. I'll also likely start laying out the first Little Dee book. I also will be puttering on other potential projects. My graphic novel "the cave" is pretty much ready to be drawn, and "PASS" and "The Double Story" are begging for attention. My Weekend. I went to the Stumptown Comics Fest, and will write of that next. but today i took a horseback riding lesson, and it was great. I rode a very large horse, who was very nice, though at times let me know he didn't want to be in the rain, and kinda' wanted dinner. He didn't actually bolt of rear up, but he had moments. My instructor, Heather (did I mention the karoke night?) said that I did well. "Stumptown" comics fest report  Picture taken by Bill (thanks!) This weekend was the second annual "Stumptown" comics fest, put together by the dedicated and talented Indigo Kelleigh. I admit I went with some reservation, I don't really do cons anymore these days after burnout a couple years back, but Indigo is worth it. And in the end I had a marvelous time just visiting with everyone, and even sold a decent amount of books to boot. Jenn and Kip put Bethanne and I up Friday and Saturday night (actually, Bethanne had to leave Saturday afternoon). It was great to see both of them, as always, and wish I had seen more of them and evryone else. We showed up at their house Friday night amidst a raging party, of which i had forgotten about despite Kip's informative post about it. And I had a great time, talking with Dylan about plot contruction, seeing Eric Jacobsen randomly, Michael Russell after too many years, and everyone else. Saturday was the convention, then Dinner with Max and two of her crazy friends, and on to the post-con party, again hosted by Indigo. I got to catch up with Kevin a bit more there, which was great. I got to bed by 1:00, and up by 6:00am to catch the 7:40 greyhound back to Olympia. I took a few pics, so here are three which summed up the convention. Bethanne (right) helped me with the table for the first half of the con, and Max (left), a printmaker and old friend of Bethanne's, was a good chatty companion all day. 
I was sitting next to Amy and Kazu, who were great company, here they are talking with Indigo, again, the mastermind behind the whole convention. 
Lastly, a random pick of people i know, a mish-mosh, which kinda shows the mishmosh of the weekdnd. Patrick, who also stayed with Jenn and Kip. Also seen are Jenn Wang, Clio, and Jenn Manley in the background and i think that's Vera she's talking to. 
Hope all is well for all of you as we swing into the holidays. my best, -christopher I'm on Hiatus until January 1st, but am still on track to have Dee coming back full-time starting then. And the first book should be ready in the beginning of January. :) Looking forward to being back in two days! :) So yes... I hope you had some great and warm holidays. Mine were spent with friends and were good. I admit, though, that I've just been excited to getting back to the comics. My vacation was a real treat, and much needed, but I've definitely missed creating comics. If you're curious, I also have several new projects starting over at baldwinpage.com So yes. Welcome back. :) As you may notice, it was pencilled on the back of office scrap paper I had brought home ages ago. Verrrry classy. Feeling a bit more human. Tired of watching silly movies because it's the most my brain can process. Stupid flu. Anyhow, yesterday, the correct erosion rate of "Madre De Dios" is 10mm. I will try to get in and change it this weekend. I am guilty of being in the third category. There was nothing funnier as a kid than Wilde E Coyote. I see the violence, and it even bothers me, but it doesn't keep it from being funny for me. I have yet to understand it, or else am too embarrassed to voice my theories (cough). Either way, I recognize that many people are in the first two categories, and so I try to only use it sporadically. See, I like you. All of you. :) Also, I wanted to mention a nice new strip out there, Pirate and Alien, by Tyson Smith. I love the artwork and the voice and am curious where it might go. Actually. I'm not so sure that has changed, although I am a tad more adventurous. :) No, really. I might note that today's strip is not without nod to Shaenon Garrity's wonderful and much-more eloquent Little Dee fill-in strips from last spring (which you can view HERE). Oh, and I think i can officially say that the hiccups have passed. Thank goodness. Regarding today's strip: One of the few charming things I remember from my childhood are the emotions of forgetting that you're supposed to be having a bad time, because you've already decided you are, and then the embarrassment (and inevitable denial) of being caught having this good time when you assured everyone in the whole universe you wouldn't. A bit of a challenge making that all fit into four panels, lol. But I think I did okay. And thanks everyone for the kind birthday wishes. :) In other news, I've been playing around with T-shirt ideas. If anyone has any thoughts on what they'd like to see, or any reaction to what i have below, email me, I'm still feeling out what to do. 
Today, Dee is wearing a "construction helmet" which is actually her caving helmet from their visit to Chile (hers was the only one which survived the trip, the rest were lost underwater). 
I am well, feeling fine, but just couldn't do it today. Tonight I got home from work, cooked a wee dinner. Andy came by and I took some reference photos of him for an upcoming comic, and then we chatted a bit. I did dishes, then spoke with my attorney regarding a negotiation I'm in, then I responded to a few important emails, went to the library to return an overdue movie (which i still never got to watch) and pick up some books. Dropped them off back at my apartment (way heavy) then went to the grocery. Inked bruno and Dee, and now it's past my bedtime. A full evening. But I'll have two up before the week is done! I swear! Tonight I got home from work, cooked a wee dinner. Andy came by and I took some reference photos of him for an upcoming comic, and then we chatted a bit. I did dishes, then spoke with my attorney regarding a negotiation I'm in, then I responded to a few important emails, went to the library to return an overdue movie (which i still never got to watch) and pick up some books. Dropped them off back at my apartment (way heavy) then went to the grocery. Inked bruno and Dee, and now it's past my bedtime. A full evening. But I'll have two up before the week is done! I swear! And thanks to J.M. over at Geekcaster for the fantastic review! Actually, "reviews" of both Bruno and Little Dee. Also, T-Shirts. I do wish to put them up for sale, but the only thing keeping me from it is finding the time to do the html. I'm afraid I'm entirely wiped with the working and drawing schedule I'm up to. Now, I find this terribly endearing, because dogs on the whole are such simple, loving, faithful creatures. but they also have their weaknesses, their desires, and so they seem to be stuck where they couldn't help being "bad" and then feel utterly terrible about it. I contend, that if dogs could whistle in a guilty fashion, they would. Anyhow. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. -christopher First is to thank you for a fantastic first book release. I'm actually getting low on books, both because I have never had such a successful release, I printed only a modest number, and people started coming back with second orders after receiving their first. So, thank you all for making it happen (not to mention for the kind words given when ordering, and the flattering words sent from those who have received it). The second thing is for those who have not yet received your book(s). On Saturday, I finally got the remainder of the orders out. Domestic orders were sent Media Rate, so expect them anywhere from 2 days to a week, depending on your proximity. EDIT: inked. I took the day off from work and slept. Still feeling under the weather, but a bit recovered. Thanks to Heather Macnaughtan for updating the Dee Main Archives, as I had been meaning to, but not getting around to it for two years now (and thanks to Joshua for the CGI offer). Thanks to Gwendolyn, Nikolai, and Kat for links to the "Tank Cozy" pic which is circulating the web. See it here, here, and here (ignore my shameless self-plugging). Anyhow, one of the things I love about Little Dee is the status-quo, and I like going on tangents but having them always come back, often with a wee bit more depth, and often not. The cave is good. Mm. A strange and strangely satisfying work, this Little Dee is. They were shipped out Media Rate, the current rate I use, and so in the US that means anywhere from about 3-7 days. First is that there will be no shading during that time. I put in a 30 hour weekend and have worked every night past midnight to get ahead, but was unable to do the shading as well. I will do it at some point, I'm sure. Second, if you order any original art while I'm gone, it will not be shipped until I return. I hope you enjoy, I really like the strips I did. :) I will tell you though, in brief, the news I hinted at last week. Soon Little Dee will be moving to comics.com. I have entered a web-site agreement with United Feature Syndicate in this regard. This does not mean I'm syndicated, but it is the next step in that potential. They've been kind and generous to me, and I am excited at this development. (and a shout-out to Mr. Reese, my attorney, for your the help. Thanks!) I'll go more into details when it is going to happen (soon). The switch was going to happen tomorrow (tuesday), which is why I pre-released the second print of Little Dee Volume #1, but the move was pushed back a bit due to various circumstances. And that's my news. :) Have a great day! 6/1/06 - I know, I'm not usually one to lay such heavy references on current pop culture, and I know in ten years when nobody even remembers "the Da Vinci Code" (um... let alone Ian McKellen's playing of both Magneto in the X-men movies as well as Sir Leigh Teabing), this strip will make little sense. But the whole plotline of sherlock holmes was accidental, and then I accidentally watched "the Da Vinci Code" and it all just became rather inevitable. Notheless, it makes me giggle. What more can I ask for? Also, if you're curious, over at Fleen I answered some interview questions asked by Gary Tyrrell (Thanks, Gary!) regarding Little Dee's upcoming move to comics.com. 6/2/06 - Okay, so have you ever needed advice? Better put, have you ever wanted advice from the most endearing Vampire Bear ever? If so, go and watch him, you won't be sorry. 6/9/06 - The books have been shipped by the printer, and the delivery date of them to me is this coming Wednesday (14th). I'll make sure to have the receipts and envelopes ready, so hopefully all the orders I've received from you all will be out in the mail to you before the end of next week (17th). Yay :) 6/14/06 - The books arrived! and I packaged up and mailed about a third of the orders, the rest should be out on Thursday and Friday. They're being sent media rate, so expect them in about a week or two. :) -Christopher 6/29/06 - Where is my mind. My site only has to be ONE week behind comics.com. i will fix this on Monday (currently I've been running it two weeks behind) Overall, the transitions went well, and they and I are pleased. And the books came from the printer, looked good, and all orders have been shipped out (and I have plenty more if you want them). 7/3/06 - okay, it's fixed. the strips on this site now run only one week behind those at comics.com. My mistake, but I fixed it. :) 8/28/06 - Yay! Re-runs are done! New strips are now back! Enjoy! 8/30/06 - A lovely blog-review of the first Little Dee collection posted today by Mike Rouse-Deane. 9/6/06 - I would like to send out a huge congratulations here to Rich Stevens, who's comic strip Diesel Sweeties (which I read daily, and recommend), has been picked up by United Feature Syndicate, and will be released to newspapers on January 8th. 9/18/06 - Just a hello here to say I'm still alive, although I haven't been blogging much. Things are busy. I'm moving in a couple weeks. Making a short film (for fun). That sort of thing. Hi. :) 10/4/06 - So, I've got a piece from my comic strip "Bruno" that'll be in a show a Pushdot Studio in Portland for October. I will NOT be there due to transportation difficulties etc. But you should go because it's good art and good folk. The opening is this Thursday, October 5, at Artswalk. The address: 830 NW 14th Ave Portland, OR 97209 Speaking of which, I will be tabling at the Stumptown Comics Fest October 27th and 28th ion Portland. I'll remind you all closer to the date. So, I moved this weekend. I like my new house and my new housemate. I'm tired but happy. Hope to see you there.  11/23/06
Discount Scuffed Copies of Book#1 Now available. I'm not a big one for doing sales pushes around the holidays because I know there is already too much pressure for everyone (particularly the US) to spend gobbets of money around the holidays. But nonetheless, it is nice to give and receive gifts, and Little Dee items seems to bring people pleasure. My prices are already quite low, and I can't afford to go much lower for a sale or anything. But I've been meaning to begin selling "scuffed copies" for a while, but haven't gotten to it, and thought I would now. So, I'm selling the "scuffed copies" for $10.00 instead of the regular $12 book price. By "scuffed", I mean that they're in fairly new condition but maybe have a light scratch on the cover or a slightly dented corner or something. They're in nice fine condition, but not quite nice enough to sell at full price. Anyhow. I hope everyone in the US is having a fine Thanksgiving. And I hope that the holidays coming leave you all happy and warm and surrounded by loved ones. -christopher 12/6/06 - So, way back in the comic here on 11/2/2004 Vachel described the pattern he was knitting. I actually pulled it from a book which Bethanne had, as she was knitting a lot at that time. I'm not sure if i totally wrote it down acurately, though I'm sure i tried to, but a brave soul attempted to find out. Alison Hyde knitted the pattern, with... interesting results. Read about it in her blog. You're Awesome, Alison, thank you. :) 12/25/06 - To those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas. :) 1/1/07 - I am very very sad. Narbonic has finally reached its conclusion. I mean, I'm glad Shaenon ended it when it felt right to end it, but I will miss it. it was my favorite daily comic running. if you haven't read it, do! The entire archive is online. In her finale guest-sequence, I contributed the picture of Caliban, if you're curious. 1/16/07 - Happy MLK Day yesterday, btw. I forgot to mention it yesterday, been a bit scattered these days. 1/29/07 - I know I haven't been blogging much lately. Mostly I've been simply working hard. I just spent all weekend doing my retail business end-of-year tax stuff. Now there are boxes all over the house with rifled through papers hanging out, where I was looking for things. I've been going birding the last three weekends at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge near Olympia. Some some pretty bitterns and a couple of bald eagles last week. I have a blank plane ticket (range: lower 48) to take a trip with. I am not sure where to go. So far it's been an okay year. I hope all of yours is likewise. 2/6/07 - I'm not sure which I adore more, Mary or the Gadget Cozies she creates. Seriously, they are adorable, and you should check them out not only for that reason, but because she's one of those rare great people I know who has silly dreams, and actually tried to follow them through. 
2/14/07 - Roses are red. Violets are violet. The pilot lights the burners, but you light this pilot. Anybody want to be my Valentine? Well, you are then. xoxoxoxox 7/25/07 - There's a little interview of me by Gary Tyrell up at Fleen regarding Dee's switch back to littledee.net and Modern Tales from comcis.com. Thanks Gary! And if you missed it, there's also an interview of me by Brian Warmoth over at Wizard Entertainment. Thanks Brian! I'm away to Fairbanks until the 7th. Orders will be fulfilled when I return.I'm visiting my sister, and am very excited. i haven't been up to Alaska to visit her since maybe 1998 or so.I'm away and can't check their site, but there should be a small interview of me by Shaenon Garrity (author of Narbonic and other lovely works) over at Modern Tales. Thanks Shaenon! 8/1/07 - Little Dee has returned to running again here at littldee.net, and the full archive has here has been restored. And Little Dee is also currently running at Modern Tales, a great site with tons of talented folk running strips on it. Yay! For those of you coming from comics.com, the original artwork for the strip can be purchased directly in the archive (or on this main page for the current strip), see the links on the left side of this page for archive pages, and books can be purchased through the link at the top of the page which will bring you HERE. My relationship with United Media is not over, but there is no new news at the moment. I will keep you posted when news occurs. But basically, relations are still positive. For those of you who have been reading Little Dee at comics.com when you desired to continue reading it here, thank you for bearing the inconvenience. I asked for the favor, and I appreciate it. 8/7/07 - Okay, I'm back. Or will be in 6 hours. I'll try to have all orders out in the mail in the next day or two. I have the correct link now for the interview with Shaenon Garrity, it's at Talkaboutcomics.com. 8/7/07 - Okay, I'm back. Or will be in 6 hours. I'll try to have all orders out in the mail in the next day or two. I have the correct link now for the interview with Shaenon Garrity, it's at Talkaboutcomics.com. 8/13/07 - if you're confused by the return of the Pudu, he first appeared HERE, and last appeared (with the mop) HERE. 8/20/07 - I'm relaxing a bit this week, and filling in with interviews of the cast. Please excuse any breaking of the 3rd wall, disillusioning of anyone and everything, and general silliness. Just know it is that and nothing more: silliness. And me resting up a bit. 8/27/07 - Back in the saddle. A week of working furiously to get caught up on everything else. And I'm... well, in decent shape. I've had dreams about birds. Shooting at me. Dreams are weird. 8/31/07 - Um... You know.. "chased" "chaste." Common unicorn legend, only tamable by chaste maidens? Oh. I see. you got it. That pained look is because it's such a terrible pun. I go hide now. actually... I did want to note that this has sometimes been my interaction with kids, when they are being particularly beastly. First, I get surprised. Then, i try to make light of it to give them a saving-face exit. Then, I stop, and give them my full attention. Then we both frown. Actually, that's kinda how i interact with my friend Nick too. 9/1/07 - Quick teaser: Little Dee Volume #2 will be out neat the end of the month. Here's a link to the Front Cover and here's a link to the Back Cover 9/12/07 - If anyone is concerned, I just wanted to say that, no, I haven't lost anyone recently. I'm not sure what this week is about as far as my life, but I guess I felt the need to write about loss for some reason. I do find it a tricky situation to deal with heavy issues like this in a comedy strip. I wish the strip to remain funny, at least somewhat, but I also try hard to do justice to the issue. I'm not sure if I have (or am), but I'm trying. 9/17/07 - To nip it in the bud, for those of you looking for precision. A marathon is actually 26 miles and 385 yards. Ted is approximating. :) 9/25/07 - Today's strip may seem a tad odd to some, and so I will provide some explanation. For those who do not know, Halo 3 is a video game that's been awaited for eons by video gamers, and was released today. The two characters in panel 3 are based on Tycho and Gabe, from the lovely video game themed comic strip Penny Arcade written by Jerry Holkins and illustrated by Mike Krahulik. -Christopher 
This week marks the book release of " Little Dee Volume 2" And although the strips this week will be silliness regarding the book release, know that indeed, a fair part of my income comes from Little Dee Sales. So please, if you can, and enjoy the strip, I encourage you to buy a book, buy an original strip, or even simply donate. My best, -Christopher 9/28/07 - Jeezum Crow! I have too many blogs and such. I just realized, I don't think i mentioned that I'll be tabling at the Stumptown Comics Fest this weekend. Oye! I'll also be moderating a "Spotlight on Shaenon Garrity" who's responsible for the lovely Narbonic, Smithson, Trunktown, and the weekly Overlooked Manga Festival. Also, I've been nominated for two "Comicsfest Trophy Awards." one for "Outstanding Art" for book #10 of my comic strip Bruno, and the other for "Outstanding Small Press" for Volume #2 of Little Dee. Anyhow. Sorry i didn't mention it. I mentioned it in my monthly Livejournal blog (or for Myspace: here), and totally forgot to mention it here.
10/1/07 - There was a lovely write up over the weekend in the UK Daily Telegraph about online comics, and they listed me as #2 for "pick of the web comics." Thanks, Telegraph! And welcome, everyone who has linked here from there. :) 10/2/07 - So, I'm going to be going away sometime next week. And I am going to be traveling for several months (not sure how long). During this time, the strip will not be interrupted (to the best of my effort), as I will be bringing it with me. but... But a friend of mine will be taking over duties of fulfilling online orders. So, that was part of the reason for the big sales push of Little Dee book #2. Sales went well, thank you all, and I encourage others to try to get orders in this week, to leave as little as possible on her shoulders. Also, half-way through yesterday I posted about an article in the Telegraph, if you missed it, see post below. :) 10/8/07 - Thank you all for a great book release. It went really well, along with many kind emails about my work. Thank you. Books didn't go out as speedily as I wanted, they were delayed from the printer and I received the books staggered, in two shipments. But, as of Friday afternoon, all book orders had been shipped (and tomorrow, Tuesday I will go to the post office again (Monday is a holiday)). So all initial orders should be received by next Monday (if you do not receive them by the end of next week, write me!) BUT I'm not off the hook that easy, someone has reported a problem in their book, that some of the pages were printed upside down. I have looked through stacks of them, none with any problems. And so, I am hoping it is an isolated incident. But write me, for sure, if there is any problem with your book(s). But overall, I think it all has gone smoothly. The books look really-really good. You all were really supportive. And I've made some new friends at the post office from me standing at the counter so long. :) 10/15/07 - If you're scratching your head, umm... well... it's like this: this week I decided to write a sea shanty for Little Dee. Only it's about knitting, and sailing a sheep. if you're looking for explanation beyond that, I am unsure I can help you. :) 10/19/07 - wow, people are really loving the knitting shanty. Thanks for all the emails. :) And actually, due to me enjoying it too much, it's extending until next wednesday. I am also looking into getting prints of it available, since the set of the strips has already been pre-sold, and people are asking for it. 10/20/07 - I got an awesome email from Mark Shanks, who gave me some info on the "long historic association of knitting with sailors." He said: "There is strong evidence that it was Arab sailors who first spread knitting around the Mediterranean basin. Moreover, blue water sailors up until the late 19th century were famous for their knitting...as one of the traditional seagoing crafts right up there with scrimshaw, carving, and ropework...especially since the equiptment was small and portable, and could yield practical garments like socks, sweaters, watch caps, and mittens that would make cold nights more bearable. A knitting sea shanty is a fair tribute to those long watches of knit one, purl two...." And also, he happened to mention that Vachel's Sea Shanty was "utterly charmingly ludicrous." Thanks, Mark! :) 10/23/07 - People continue to send in happy thoughts about this week (plus) of the sea shanty (it ends Wednesday). Thanks for all the response! And yes, this week I'll be working hard to try to have a frameable poster done up. Oh, and for the questions I receieved, "shanty" is an accepted alternate spelling of "chantey." Also, my friend Kevin has changed the name of his comic "Sheldon the Pig" to "Wanderlost." And Shaenon Garrity just interviewed him over at Modern Tales. Oh, and I'm in Philly for a few weeks. Any suggestions of awesome things to do? 10/24/07 - So, thus ends the Sea Shanty, which I believe I am naming "We Rogues of Wool" from the Oct. 18th strip. I have begun designing the poster-print of it, and have found a vendor. I will print one with the vendor first for myself (I have never seen their finished work), to make sure the quality is up to my standards, and then I will make them available. Some people have asked whether or not this song will actually be recorded... well, being that my brother is a musician (as well as a mathematician), and I am visiting him, we are discussing it. I'll keep you apprised. People have asked about the situation with Anna Cruz having bought all the shanty strips, and so I will explain. Whenever I am drawing a storyline and the same person buys the first two strips of it, i try to drop them a line and ask if they wish to purchase the entire set. Both because it's a logical possibility, and because I like the idea of a set story sticking together in one piece. Today, Alan, a reader, went further to ask if Anna would want to share who she is and why she bought the series. I asked her if she wished to reply, and she did. She wrote: "Hi Christopher, I have been enjoying the series too and marveling at the fact that I scored the whole thing. I discovered Little Dee at comics.com and by the time I found out there was a web site and the originals were for sale, many of the ones that really struck a cord with me had already been purchased. Being a knitter myself, I especially enjoyed the knitting ones, so I jumped on them right away when the shanty started. I really hadn't intended to end up with so many, but I feel like they should be together. So that's the why. As far as who I am I'm not sure what to say about that. I'm just a working stiff who has a husband and 8 cats. Born and raised in Wisconsin. Been working at the same place for 31 years. Pretty boring. Have a second job and no time for the numerous hobbies I've acquired along the way. Feel free to post any of this you wish. Thanks, Anna" Sigh. My readers are so awesome. Anyhow. Oh, and much advice received on Philly, thank you. :) 11/6/07- Hrm. Yesterday, briefly, after hours and hours trying to upload the graphic file, I thought I had the Sea Shanty poster ready to be sold. But I was wrong. The printer's site I was using doesn't work how I thought it did. I'm back to the drawing board of how to do it and make it feasible while on the road. 11/6/07- Update I found a vendor and am going to be shipping posters from on the road. I should have them by The 21st, and will be taking orders then and shipping all before December 1st. or at least that is the current approximate plan. Thanks for the helpful input from people. 11/07/07 - Below, in my last post, I give an update on the poster. but now, there's the video and an mp3 of the sea shanty "We Rogues of Wool." I ask that you watch the video to hear it, and only use the mp3 if you wish to download the actual song. This will keep my bandwidth reasonable. Below is the link for the mp3. Right click or with Mac's "ctrl" click and then "save linked file", that way you don't have to reload it. Thanks! The story is this: since I am currently visiting my brother, and he's a songwriter/producer when not being a mathematician, I asked him if he wanted to write and help record the song. And so he wrote the music and played all the instruments and did some of the chorus backup, and had me sing the two leads (plus monologue). And it was fun and he's awesome and I am pleased. And then I thought I'd also put it to video (of sorts), playing it along with the frames from the corresponding strips. Who has the awesomist brother in the world? I do! 11/10/07 - sigh. My memory has fond recollections of autumn in my childhood. 11/10/07 - Lots to blog about today. I'll start off with the fact that I have ads up now. Over the next few months I am going to be experimenting with various revenue sources in an attempt to more secure "Little Dee" as a career project. "Project Wonderful" seems like a good organization and comes highly recommended, so, please welcome them, bid for ads, and check out people who think "Little Dee" is good enough that they'd want to advertise here. Vachel's name. So, up until this point I haven't mentioned how to pronounce Vachel's name. I knew I mis-pronounced it, and so I think I felt guilty imposing my mis-pronunciation on you. But now I have. Bwah-ha-ha-ha! (I mean, "sorry"?) It started with the recording of the sea shanty, where we sung his name how I pronounce it, and so i thought I'd put it in the strip as well. So yes, "Vach-" rhymes with "watch" and "-el" rhymes with "bull." Vachel is old french, and it means "small cow" which cracks me up. I think "Vach-" usually rhymes with "latch." I think I've also read is pronounced like "vay-shell" Oh, and I forgot to mention, my brother and his cohort Ben's incarnation as the musicians/songwriters/producers "Hercules" also have a Myspace Page. And I also wanted to holler out, Peter Zale has begun writing and drawing Helen, Sweetheart of the Internet again. So far he's posting a week at a time, every two weeks. She's still the relationship-failing obsessive computer geek neurotic we've always loved. A fun read. Check it out! 11/13/07 - Strip will be inked sometime on tuesday. But I'm feeling icky, and am just posting the pencils tonight. 11/14/07 - Thanks for the well wishes. I am feeling better. I am painting a mural for Peter and his wife's yet-to-be-born child (due in December), and I painted too long with not good enough ventilation. Didn't really notice until I stopped, and was dizzy and ill the rest of the night. Ick! (but I'll post pics when I'm done!) 
(click on image for more detail) 11/19/07 - I'm afraid the Sea Shanty poster has sold out. Since I am on the road and only could take order for a couple weeks and couldn't carry them with me, I only did a small run. Little did I expect them to fly off the shelves so quickly. I'll try to have them available again as soon as possible, but it will be at least a few months. The Sea Shanty Poster is NO LONGER available, 18"x24", and only $10! (shipping free only in US. Sorry!) It's SOLD OUT! I'll be taking orders for it for the next week or two (I only ordered 100, so if I sell out, it may be months before it's in stock again) (oh, and it's for such a short time because I'm on the road will be shipping the posters personally, and I won't be able to ship anything for a while after that). Plus, I opened a Little Dee CafePress shop. I only marked prices up $1, because their base cost is so prohibitive to begin with. But I wanted to make them available, and you all have been really supportive buying books and artwork. Thanks! (if you feel guilt about this, ummm, I guess donate or buy more oriingal strips or books). Oh, and I only have a few products listed because they are the only products there which are "American Made" and thus, should be sweatshop-free. Other products of theirs may also be sweatshop-free, but they provide no information on it. 
11/22/07 - I'm afraid the Sea Shanty poster has SOLD OUT. Since I am on the road and could only take order for a couple weeks and couldn't carry them with me, I only did a small run. Little did I expect them to fly off the shelves so quickly. I'll try to have them available again as soon as possible, but it will be at least a few months. But check out the Little Dee CafePress shop. For those who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving. :)
11/27/07 - Jeeze-Louise, somebody is feeling wordy this week. 12/3/07 - The peanuts make me laugh. :) 12/11/07 - For those buying Christmas gifts, well, hm, today is probably the last day you have much of a chance of things reaching you before the holiday. And yay! Blake is out on Groundhog Day shadow snow patrol! A bit early perhaps. 12/13/07 - It's odd. I never quite realized how effective a business retreat could be. Not that I'm really on a proper retreat, but my travels this autumn have allowed me to step away from the day-to-day business side of things, and re-look at a lot of stuff I'm doing. And especially, since United Syndicate and I parted ways, it is time for me to pay more attention to the business side of things. If for no other reason because it helps support me continuing doing the strip. Which is fun. And you all like it. :) On other news, amazingly, I used no white-out for today's strip. 12/14/07 - Yesterday I walked into an old stone church which had been converted into a small shopping mall. It was not quite to my taste, so I wandered to a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop and got a mozzarella and sundried tomato sandwich served on bread carved to look like a leaf. Today I make a new friend. Life is good. 12/15/07 - if today's strip makes you think you're missing something, allow me to refresh your memory: here (4th strip) and here (3rd strip).  12/17/07 - So, after many requests, I finally managed to find the time to figure out the computer language and such etc to create an RSS feed for Little Dee. The feed xml file is here at Dee Feed So far, I've set up a Dee Feed at Livejournal. If anyone sets up more or creates widgets, let me know and I'll add them to the links column (which you may noticed just shifted to the right along with a slight page re-design). Along with web tech stuff, things are well all around. I'm in Dublin, Ireland now. Staying with a very old and dear friend and her wife. For the holidays, another couple I'm good friends with who are living in Denmark are coming over to bake, explore, and generally muck about with us. Pretty happy days. 
12/19/07 - Here's a link to read more about redwood trees: the Redwood National State Parks (U.S. National Park Service) website. 12/22/07 - I'm doing the solstice strip on the 22nd of December when it's usually on the 21st. Why the 22nd? Because this year it's on the 22nd. Happy Solstice, btw. :) And I am very happy right now. Why am I happy? Because I'm an uncle. That's why. 
Wee little unnamed Baldwin Jr. was born at 5:19PM; 20 inches long (51 cm); 8lbs, 11oz (3951g) That's why. 12/24/07 - Look! A new web design and new advertisers! As you know, I was under consideration by United Syndicate for a year, running Little dee at comics.com and working with Ted Rall as my editor. I felt discouraged when we parted ways, but since then I have been exploring the world of the webcomic business models. Currently so young, it's only vaguely defined and still shifting. One of the avenues I'm exploring is advertisements. I have chosen ads I thought you might be interested in, such as "Better World" books in the top right corner: used books, some proceeds go to help fund literacy, sounded pretty good. I am currently traveling, but once I am back in one place I will FINALLY be delving into some merchandising, which people have been clamoring for for a while now. Including re-printing the "Sea Shanty" poster, which was so well received. I appreciate you all coming along with me on this ride, and most of all, hope you continue to enjoy the strip. In other news, I'm having a lovely time in Ireland with friends during this holiday season. Last night was lasagna and making the walls for a Moomintroll gingerbread house. Here is a picture (taken by Paula C) of me at the coast in Balbriggan, a small town north of Dublin. 
Oh, and they're making a "Calvin and Hobbes" movie, only it's not a movie with Calvin or Hobbes in it, it's actually a "thank-you" movie to Bill Watterson, and doesn't have him in it either. Hm. Either way, It seems like a nice thing, and as, like many of you, I'm a long-time fan of his work, it makes me happy. my best, -Christopher 12/25/07 - Happy Christmas, for those who celebrate it. We made gingerbread houses yesterday. One based on loosely on a Moomintroll design I found online, and the other a greenhouse made off the cuff from extra dough, although I broke off the cat's tail on the roof and the candy windows began to melt when we put a candle in it. And then there was the attack of the gingerbread cookie monster! 
12/27/07 - Today Ireland is closed. Christmas is a two day holiday. Howth has been delayed. Life's tough all over, aint it. 12/28/07 - Malahide and Howth were lovely and Kyle and Ian were delightful company. I was tired, but noting tea and eggs didn't hold me up against. 
12/29/07 - I know it's not scenery or dramatic castle ruins, but I'm a cartoonist, and I thought it was a fine piece of cartooning. Li'l Green Castle is all smiley. :) 
12/31/07 - OKay, so Shaenon Garrity has begun a new strip today called Skin Horse. Since today's the first day I can't say anything about it, but her previous daily Narbonic is one of my favorite daily comics of all time (yes, really). She draws it and it is co-written with Jefferey Wells who she worked with when he began writing an enormous piece of Narbonic Fanfic A Brief Moment of Culture. On my side of the net, Saturday, Kyle, Ian and I went down to Kilkenny. It was drizzly all day, but we enjoyed seeing the castle and various churches and the town in general. Here's a pic of me with the boys and Kilkenny Castle in the background: 
1/1/08 - Happy New Years. Hope it's a good one for all of you. I hope it's good for me too. 2007 sure was pretty dang nice. Yesterday I forgot to mention that I also had a Smithwicks (a kind of beer) in Kilkenny. Being that it is brewed there, it seemed I should. And I had a grilled cheese. Always important. 
1/2/08 - Dear Readers, I have a New Years Resolution for you. Sort of a compact. Between you and me. This year I want you to resolve to spend at least $10 on my strip. Because you read it and love it and love me. In return, I'm going to try and provide you with a variety of merchandise so that you have ways in which you can feel good about spending this money. This thought of your resolution came to me when I read Gary Tyrell's blog yesterday about how cartoonists should maybe strive for earning $10 per reader. I encourage you to read that blog and then to realize it's not an unreasonable request (without giving numbers, I can say that I am way below the $10/reader number). If you wish to get your resolution out of the way now, you can donate ten dollars easily in the tip jar at the top of the page, or purchase original artwork from the archives, or the books. If you wish to wait, I will remind you as merchandise comes up. Because I am thoughtful that way. :) And I hope that you feel this is a worthwhile investment, and that you feel that the strip keeps getting better. I think that it really improved in 2008. And hope it will continue to do so. Love! -Christopher 1/5/08 - There was some confusion yesterday over Dee talking, people thinking that the characters were playing make-believe, but in "fact" Vachel was merely dreaming. Dee does not talk. In yesterday's strip she was not Dee, she was Josephine, first wife of Napoleon. Oh, and I've been meaning to mention, the comic strip Goats drawn by Jon Rosenberg just finished a several year storyline (he's been drawing it for a decade now). Not only is that impressive, and the strip quite excellent, but now isn't a bad time to start reading, as a new storyline begins. 1/10/07 - A link if you've ever been curious which position your democratic presidential candidate would have On a Pirate Ship. 1/13/08 - There is a lovely review of Little Dee Vol. 2 in the Washington Post today, written by journalist/critic Douglas Wolk. (If you're looking for the Linus Christmas parody, btw, it's here.) The amazing thing is that it's a review of classic comics which are being re-printed as books, such as the McCay's Rarebit Fiend and Schulz's Peanuts. And then I'm brought on as the single example of the "next wave." Whooot! (Why again didn't the syndicate pick me up? heh. sigh.) 1/15/08 - Remember Reggie... 1/16/08 - A bit of a pie debacle today. 
I don't think I'm actually OCD, although it's fun to say it sometimes, but I do have the ability to concentrate deeply on very detailed activities for long periods. This makes me adept at tasks such as cross-hatching or making pies. Pies. You pour a couple cups of flour into a bowl and then you cut the cold butter into teeny-weeny cubes, adding them one by one and rolling them with your fingers in the flour so they don't stick to each other. You slowly add cold water to this until you have dough. Roll it out, cut little "v" shaped vents, and chill. Then, you peel the apples. I'm back in the east, so I have access to Macintosh apples again. Divide them into quarters, gouge out the seedy innards, and slice. If inspired, you put the peels in a coffee grinder or food processor and throw them in as well, all along with whatever random assortment of sugars and spices you feel like it. Maybe a little more butter or cheese. And then you bake it lovingly, and take it out piping hot with the whole house smelling like heaven. THAT is when you drop it on the floor. And then you go to fetch your camera, because why loose such an impressive sight. After that, you're free to scoop up some bits that didn't touch the floor to taste. Yes, it was a lovely pie. And strangely that felt like an accomplishment this evening. The making of the pie, and a taste of what it was. Makes me feel all zen (and shit), the road and not the goal and all that, but I was surprised at how little it bothered me. Meh. Not too surprised I guess. I'm rather accustomed to me, being that I am me and all that. 1/18/08 - I thought in early November I had posted the mural I did for my yet-then-but-now-born nephew. But it appears I didn't. 
This week I briefly passed through Philadelphia again, and was able to meet my nephew, as well as finish the mural, which consisted of painting in a little dee, who I had pencilled in before. 
1/19/08 - In Ireland (and I hear also in England), a pantomime is a performance for children (NOT silent), normally of well known stories such as Cinderella, and it is very interactive. So everyone I met in Ireland knew exactly the "oh no I wont," "oh yes you will" bit, and the "where?" "Behind you!" Also, of note: I'm out the door and off the map until February 2nd. The strip will continue uninterrupted. But what this DOES mean is that if you purchase original strips from January 16th-February 2nd while I am away, they will be shipped when I return. Everything else will ship as normal. :) 1/21/08 - Another Irish specific strip. On the Irish flag, the green represents the Catholics or nationalists and the orange the protestants or brits. Kind of, it's not that simple really. Oh, and white is the hoped for peace between them. So, yeah, there's been orange marches and such, and they can get messy. But if you wear something orange in Dublin, nobody's actually going to care, just don't march in a parade of orange people and yell "god save the queen" without expending at least a modicum of response. And Hurling is an Irish born sport from before Christ which is sort of a mix of lacrosse and gladiator. 2/4/08 - I am back on the map (though still on the road), and orders and all for everything will now continue as normal. Yesterday I was contemplating out loud about writing today's strip about laundry, when my brother suddenly whipped out these two strips. 
Obviously very rough, unedited, he was doodling from memory, and he's a musician and mathematician - not a cartoonist. Yes, despite all that: they're totally great. I was stoked. (And I totally would have used the second one if I didn't feel it was too far out of character for Blake.) Hm. Either brilliance or insanity runs in the family. :) 2/5/08 - La Peque–a Dee, "Little Dee" has been published by Dolmen Editorial in Spain in Spanish.  Yes, the first book has been translated into Spanish and published in Europe. Yay! It seems to be available on quite a few online websites, but being that I don't speak Spanish well at all, I'm not sure what the best would be to recommend, but it's listed as 10.95 Euros. So, if you wish to purchase a copy in Spanish, the best would be to google it. Although, feel free to recommend to me best options, and I'll post it here. :) This has been in the works for over a year and a half, so I'm pretty excited and can't wait to get my own copies. :) 2/8/08 - Pop references two days in a row. How unusual for me. Hrm. 2/11/08 - Art shanties (because they're awesome. (thanks, Mary). 2/12/08 
But Dee, I- Ut! Don't you think?- Ut! Ut! I- Ut! Talk to the hand. 2/14/08 - Happy Valentines to all you lonely hearts. xo, christopher
(click on image for more detail) 2/13/08 - The Sea Shanty Poster is again sold out!, 18"x24". I'll be taking orders for it for the next two weeks (through Feb 23rd). I only have 60 posters, so if I sell out, it may be a couple months before it's in stock again. As before, it's for such a short time because I'm on the road. 2/18/08 - As you can tell by today's strip, this week's modest storyline aims to be a tad bizarre. Luckily I can blame it on my brother, who came up with the basic story points almost in its entirety in a late not gibberish conversation. So few people are as in tune with my writing and humor as my brother, and I love him for it. 2/22/07 - I'm afraid that again I have sold out of the poster. Casualties of me trying to do business while on the road. For those who missed it, sorry! For those who got one, yay! 2/23/08 - Remember Vachel's previous cell phone?  pic by nantricia 2/25/08 - It's my birthday. Another year. I'm 35. And life is good. I have good friends who I love and love me. I have worked hard and am now lucky enough to be doing a job which makes me happy and brings others daily morsels of happy. There is little more I could ask for. 2/27/08 - This is one of those gags where I could easily never grow tired of it. Fortunately for you, I know that many of you are more sophisticated than I am and could. 2/29/08 - Hrm. Apparently seems someone has a monster obsession. Vachel too. 3/3/08 - finished version uploaded Traveled down to NYC this weekend, and was not able to juggle things well enough to complete Monday's strip. The finished version should be up by around noon or so. 3/4/08 - Kids, remember that playing with power tools such as circular saws is very dangerous. No joke. 3/5/08 - Last night I went to S'Mac's, where the menu is Macaroni and Cheese (whoot!), with my high school friend, Kim (here's a video showing them cooking). We had good talks, and she's still as tough as nails as I remember. Her winding road life and stories and friends added to the pile of Australian connections I've had this past month, down to me accidentally online putting my residence down as WA (Western Australian) rather than WA (Washington). I've been invited to go this summer to Melbourne (our summer, their winter), and although I'm not sure if I can swing the time and money, it excites me to no end. It was warm, and we had excess carbs to burn, so we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. And did I take pics of any of this despite me having my camera with me? NO! Sigh. I'll just have to do it again. :) 3/6/08 - I had a long meandering discussion yesterday with Maximilian about whether or not good begets good. If you do something good for someone can it have actual good results, or can it really only lead to good if they do it for themselves. And does a "failed" good act have merit because it inspires others who may not have thought the act possible in the first place? I feel that it's good to look at these questions, to be most effective in your efforts. But in essence, I feel strongly about striving to do what you feel is the good thing. 3/7/08 - Long before I began drawing "Little Dee", I had been drawing dogs and bears on birthday and holiday cards to friends and family. I referred to them as "stock dog" and "stock bear." When I was creating a new strip, later to become "Little Dee," I thought, "wow, I know these characters, I love them, others love them: I should draw them." And so that came to be. I was recently visiting my father and stepmother in Greenfield, and saw again several of those cards which my dad had framed in a big collage. Since my dad enjoys doing remodeling and woodworking, I would usually draw him a bear with a baseball cap and tool belt on. Which is what inspired this week. The outfit. It's fun to see how far I noodled with it. But then, in the end, I HAD to do a strip about the outfit. 3/10/08 - The weekend I bought a new jacket (with fashion help from Anya). Mine was a zillion years old, falling apart, ratty, and after wool gets drenched a few hundred times - the smell was pretty ripe. I don't feel the sentimental attachment to older clothing like I used to, but I do like using things until they are used up. I guess being brought up with little money made me very practical, and concern for the environment made me very conscientious about thee things. And it's puffy and has a hood. Yay! :) 
3/11/08 - I've had some ridiculous ideas in the strip before, but the rocket doghouse is... well... up there. And "despite" or "because" of this, drawing today's strip was SO much fun. :) Oh, and I'll be tabling at the Portland Stumptown Comics Fest on April 26th and 27th. Stop by! 3/14/07 - Today's strip is a nod to my friend Dan, author of the Wildlife stories, which I did illustrations for. This past autumn, he and I drew 24 hour comics together in my kitchen in Olympia, and his piece (which I need to finish doing pre-press on and post) featured a tree in the desert. It's also his birthday this week. Yay! 3/17/08 - I have very fond memories of childhood, going to my aunt Joanne's where she'd make us a green meal on St. Patrick's day. If it were evening it would be more along the lines of dyed-green macaroni and cheese, with green milk, peas, etc. Rituals from childhood (and ones created new) keep warm places in the heart I think. 3/19/08 - I was thinking as I drew today's porcupine strip, have I had a porcupine in the strip before? Does today's strip make sense within the strip's history? These are the types of questions one asks after YEARS of doing a strip. Did I already do that? Is it consistent? HOW long have I been doing this exactly? Then I counted the weeks I've done, and realized that around the end of January 2008, I had drawn 1,000 strips. Hooray for Dee! 3/20/08 - Taking note from Shaenon's Post, I'd also like to mention The Harvey Awards. The nominations for this year close on Friday. "Comics industry professionals" (webcartoonists, reviewers, etc), might I encourage a nominate for "Little Dee" perhaps in the "best cartoonist" category. And/or perhaps something from Water Street for "best single issue or story" (maybe Hans Krunkel, or Astronaut Astronaut, or Vava, or Mariana 1/365. Here's the form, just email it in. Thanks! 3/24/08 - I just had the most fun weekend. A good friend just got married, I was the best man, and there were zombies. I have yet to recover. I hope the easter bunny treated you well. 3/25/08 - remember kids, tanks and anti-tank missiles are not a good way to resolve a conflict. Peaceful solutions are always preferred. 3/31/08 - What?! The tank's still here?! My goodness, won't it EVER leave? That's the problem with tanks, you can only politely ASK them to leave and then cross your fingers. 3/31/08 - What?! The tank's still here?! My goodness, won't it EVER leave? That's the problem with tanks, you can only politely ASK them to leave and then cross your fingers. 4/1/08 - Okay, so this is somewhat mature in content, so not for you kids, but I created the premise and core characters for Mike Rouse-Deane's Guest Strip Project, as well as wrote and drew the first strip, main banner, and cast page. Mike Rouse-Deane has done several projects like this for charities. This one benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. I was happy to contribute. (I hope you do as well, either in cartoons or donations!) Have great April 1st. I hope someone fools you, and you get to be a trickster yourself. 4/4/08 - who'd of ever thought I'd get so profound and philosophical in Little Dee, in it's own little way. I tell you who didn't! Me! Strange times. Fun times. And here's a page on an awesome website (like Wikipedia, but more entertaining), about Kettles. Bethanne and I had a good giggle about this last night. She was very tired. 4/7/08 - It's strange. I've been spending a lot of time with children lately, and watching them develop negotiation and conflict resolution skills. And today, like spilled milk, it seems to have spilled over into the strip (today's is just the intro). 4/8/08 - Was feeling a little low last night and didn't finish the strip. Today I'll have it up as soon as I have my tea and get to it, I'm sure. 4/9/08 - Feeling much better! :) 4/10/08 - I'm having a "I'm slightly shy on taxes, oh crud" sale! All books are reduced $2, and all original artwork is $5 off, going on through Monday! I have changed the prices on the books, but the artwork I'll have to do via a $5 refund, as there is no easy way to go in and change the price on all of them. So, today, or this weekend, isn't it time you perused the archive and saw what lovely strips are for sale? I can answer that: it is. And for $35 apiece? Heck, yeah. It really is. My best, -Christopher 4/15/08 - Thank you everyone, for helping with the "I'm slightly shy on taxes, oh crud" sale. I was hoping I had reached the point of needing no more bailing for my boat. But I did. And you helped. And I'm in the black again. Thank you. 4/19/08 - They're saying "frrriieeennnnds" the same way a zombie might say "brrraaaiinnns" although I'm not sure if there's any further correlation. :) 4/22/08 - there's something woefully universal about a band-aid (sticking plaster, for you europeans) on the head. 4/25/08 - Don't Forget! I'll be tabling at the Portland Stumptown Comics Fest this weekend, April 26th and 27th. Stop by! 4/29/08 - Stumptown was funny this year. I was simply there. I had many lovely conversations, but couldn't get the muster to do hard selling or much networking. I did fine, and had a good time, but it was simply strange. Good strange, i think. Shared my table with Kevin Moore, who always makes me laugh. Sat next to Meredith Gran of the lovely Octopus Pie, who was excellent company; and on the other side of her was Erika, who I fumbled telling her how much she's loved. Had some long chit-chats with Kate Beaton, who was really nice and is very talented and you should check her out. Lovely to see the usual faces and some new ones. Sorry Shaenon I had to be so tight-lipped! Nicholas, you're weird! Steve, you galoot, you make me want to use words like "galoot." And Jenn and Kip, I am soooo happy for you. And so many others, I love you all! Here's a picture of me at my table knitting. Now I just need to convince Kris to desire my company at the New York Sheep & Wool Festival (although Jen just gave me her first hand-spun skein, you're awesome Jen!). 
5/5/08 - I'm off to the weekly potluck with my friends in Olympia, who I love. I'm sure it will be a fun and relaxing this evening, as it usually is. I was officially overworked this past week. And it's gonna be like the next couple weeks probably. Got several art projects going on, plus am unpacking and re-packing everything I own. I've learned to not do this to myself because it burns me, but at times everything kinda coalesces and you slog through. All's good though. Just, hopefully this will create as little inconvenience or delay to you as possible. Have a fun Cinco De Mayo! - Christopher 5/6/08 - SuperMe is back on top of things again. Today's and yesterday's strip are finished and uploaded, and I feel geared up and ready to tackle whatever comes by May. Yay. :) 5/8/08 - I think I have been spending too much time around children. I cannot explain this strip nor the grin it puts on my face. 5/9/08 - Yes, the rumors are true. I'm moving back to Massachusetts. Beginning of June. Wish me hella luck. 
5/12/08 - Little Dee (and Bruno) books are now available at TopatoCo. Jeffrey and everyone there is awesome, and they gots good stuff aside form mine.
This also means that T-Shirts will be sometime this year. Really. 5/17/08 - Komondors are real, by the way. 
5/20/08 - Yes. Not quite summer, but warm enough for grilling. Of course, for some people, if the lid isn't frozen shut, it is warm enough for grilling. On a side not, amusing yet true, if you have a Broil King Signet 90, you might want to return it before the bottom melts into molten metal drippings of pain, according to Consumer Reports. 5/24/08 - Apparently, the best way to light a grill is in fact (or at least in spirit) with three gallons of liquid oxygen (thanks, Purdue University!). 5/28/08 - Yesterday's strip is inked, if you wish to see it. 5/31/08 - June has almost arrived. Sunbathing for some parts of the country, rain slickers for others. I got a fun (and really nice) email yesterday about grilling, and asked permission to post parts of it. Hi Chris, Regarding the fastest way to light a grill: liquid hydrazine in addition to LOX is faster than just liquid oxygen, as my engineer husband B--- pointed out to George Goble in 1995, shortly after the videos of the initial experiments were released. I don't think George has ever worked up the nerve to try it, but his reply was quote: "Interesting". A--- Note from B---: I actually suggested DRY hydrazine and in very small (teaspoonfuls to start until the right mix is found) amounts. Dry hydrazine can be purchased from farm chemical dealers. LOX and hydrazine is what they use to power the space shuttle rockets along with solid fuel rockets. You want to light the grill, not send it and the neighborhood into orbit, so it's best to use small quantities. Another trick I've seen (at a biker party west of Indianapolis) is some Vietnam vet took empty wine bottles, filled them with gasoline with a little bit of air at the top, melted wax over the top as a "cork", then set it straight up in the middle of a campfire. Everyone that was around the campfire ran back about 80 feet or so, and in about a minute and a half, the gasoline boiled inside the bottle, the wax melted and whoosh - a pillar of flame shot straight up for about 60 feet lighting up the night. It didn't explode at all. He did this trick several times during the night (24 hour party) and was one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen. I'm working on a nuclear fusion generator in my garage. This is NOT a joke (but could be.....) There are about 25 of us in the US working on a "fusor" which technically is an inertial confinement fusion generator to produce better than break even fusion. They are roughly 40% efficient whereas the tokomak reactors are only 30% efficient even after 30 years and several billion dollars of taxpayer money. http://www.fusor.net is the link. Anyway, Thank You for years of fun with Little Dee, A--- & B--- 6/2/08 - I am moving this week back to Massachusetts. The date has arrived. To ease things for me a tad, I am doing a somewhat shorthand week, as you can see. The artwork is still for sale, but at a reduced price, for those interested. That's it. :) 6/3/08 - I am still in the chaos of moving, although I am arrived in Greenfield. Unfortunately, my scanner died in transit (2nd offed scanner this year). Fortunately, I have a spare, which should be arriving with the rest of my stuff within the next week. Until then, I am using my digital camera to take photos of the strip and uploading that. 6/9/08 - Hm. This is an odd week (I've been saying that every week for about a year). I wonder where I'll take it. It may be partly inspired by the fact that I've been listening to (audiobooks) too much Terry Pratchett lately, and his character of Death always puts me in stitches. I've always found the grave diggers in Shakespeare's plays to be a hoot too. Hrm. heh. Last week seemed to be well enjoyed, I'm glad. They were fun and quick, like candy. I enjoy breaking reality, but only as an exception (these will not be put in book #3 with the normal strips, but may be included in the back). For those unsure, I did do this once before last year when I interviewed the cast. Scanner should arrive today or tomorrow. 6/11/08 - Ha ha ha ha! I know where I'm going to take this storyline. One of those nice moments. I thought this gravedigging was a funny idea and that I would do it for a week and move on, and then suddenly I wrote two weeks of what will probably be a 3-4 week long plot. Good to have those moments of inspiration. If you don't enjoy it. Then curse my inspiration. Curse it! 6/12/08 - Some of my last batch of boxes I shipped to myself arrived. But NOT the one with the scanner. Annnnny day now, I'm sure. Heh. :) 6/14/08 - Yay, scanner! Also, today's strip was inspired by Fran, who told me about her dear Irish Wolfhound pup, Keva, who is "better known as the Diva or "I'm digging to China, wanna come?". 
6/16/08 - So, the scanner has arrived, and I have scanned in the last week-and-a-half and posted them. And all orders for original art during that time will go out Monday or Tuesday (I couldn't send them until I could scan a high-res copy, sorry!) Also, I listened to (audiobook) Steve Martin's fairly new autobiography "Born Standing Up" this weekend, because I appreciate his work and view standup as very similar to daily cartooning. And this passage stuck with me, and I think is very pertinent to my work as well: "I learned a lesson: it was easy to be great. Every entertainer has a night when everything is clicking. These nights are accidental and statistical. Like lucky cards in poker, you can count on them occurring over time. What was hard was to be good, consistently good, night after night, no matter what the abominable circumstances." Yup. Felt that many-o-times.  6/18/08 - I have tee-shirt designs. I know my tee-shirt instincts aren't terrific, and so I am asking ALL of you to take a poll I've set up. Let me know if any of them even come close to hitting the mark (there's an option for "no, none" as well) (of course, if you have your own ideas, throw 'em my way!). Please, go and look atthe designs and give me a sense of things. Thanks! -Christopher 6/19/08 - Thank you all for the overwhelming response to the tee-shirts. What's funny is I went from being unsure, to being utterly bewildered. Soooo much info. I will try to sort through and categorize it all and come up with some intelligent choices, possibly one more poll before I send one or two to press. Thank you again, you always come through for me. it's awesome. 6/30/08 - This week of strips was inspired by a friend's son and daughter who I was babysitting, and who played in the rain. Me, I have been adventuring in the humid streets of NYC this weekend. Waterfalls and rooftop dancing. Good times. 7/4/08 - You foreigners know we Americans blow things up on the 4th of July to celebrate our Declaration of Independence, right? I just got back from NYC and Philadelphia. Friends and family respectively. Good times, but I'll be happy to get a good night's sleep. After a 12 hour journey back, I walked in the door, ate some cottage cheese and sat down to draw Little Dee. But now... NOW! Now I sleep. 7/10/08 - I find it funny that when I went swimming on Monday, I tried to keep my senses pricked for things I could put in the strip this week, but came away with nothing. That night, M--- suggested finding a rock. Then the next day my mind remembered that the only thing kids were allowed to use in this swimming area were floatation vests or arm floaties. And then I remembered M--- had brought a boogie board (which he couldn't use, as stated above), but on it was a drawing of several sharks. And the week ploughed ahead. The mind is baffling and dang silly, I tell you. 7/8/08 - My little friend M--- helped me brainstorm today's strip. Smart lad. (Thanks, M---!) 7/15/08 - So, as many of you know, "Little Dee" is not the only cartooning I do. I do not talk about it much here because some of it is considered not all-ages. I did an eleven year daily comic called "Bruno," I've been writing and drawing for MAD Magazine for a couple years now, and I also do an experimental comic every month. For the month of May, my experimental comic was a diary strip of my life. It looks like I may end it any day now (a month and a half more than I had planned already), and I felt I should share it. In general I'm a pretty happy person these days. Sadly the diary strips don't express that too well, as this past month has been a difficult time for me. A romance which didn't happen, and going to my home town to face old ghosts. Anyhow, if you're curious about two and a half months of my life, here they are (updated daily here or RSS feed here, for however much longer I continue to do it). 7/22/08 - I recently went for a sushi lunch at a friend's house, 6 adults, 5 kids, and myself (which am I?) And the kids and I started playing the chopstick glasses while the adults were in the other room, and it was a din and lovely. And then we were asked to stop. heh. btw, for those of you who enjoyed my other works on baldwinpage.com, know that the Bruno books as well as Little Dee books are for sale at Topatoco. Sorry that T-Shirts got shelved briefly. It's a long story, but it was out of my hands. There WILL be T-Shirts, but it might be another month or two. 7/28/08 - I am down in Philadelphia and New York again briefly, visiting friends, family, and to help my brother move a Hammond organ (oof). Little Dee this week mon-wed will be in pencil until I return, and all should be inked by Thursday. Enjoy! My best, -christopher 7/31/08 - Yay! I'm back and the week is inked. Enjoy! 8/2/08 - things in the not-so-o.k. coral. 
8/4/08 - I was actually done with the cowgirl storyline, but on Friday, Julie T--- suggested I do a western song. And it formed in my head. I can't help it, I love writing lyrics. But this is not the Musical nor the Rogues of Wool, it's just today, short, simple, and sweet. 8/5/08 - Over at my Diary Strip, I am offering to draw people's day for a reasonable price. Read about it there. 8/8/08 - I forgot to mention. This week's storyline is another lovely crackpot scheme from my brother. The last one was the taxidermy company. I love my brother, he makes me laugh. :) 8/10/08 - Probably the last week Im offering it: Over at my Diary Strip, I am offering to draw people's day for a reasonable price. Read about it there. Although, I think today's meter sounds better in my head than read. I'l have to record a version of this one too, when I get the chance. But it's almost contradicted. First of all, I have a vulture doing a rap battle against a duck in an underground library which he has returned to, to help a child he is caring for with a bear and a dog. Serious? Earnest? It's also contradicted by the fact that even though that panel is utterly sincere, I find it to be the funniest part of today's strip. Anyhow. Strange. The whole rap battle is strange. I'm writing it in earnest while giggling. Go figure. First, I'm going to try to have an "Anarchist Librarian" t-shirt/sweatshirt available. I will post more later this week as I know more details. Second, if you like libraries or librarians, you should check out the wonderful comic Unshelved by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum. Third, Vachel is full of literary. He's rapping to librarians after all. Panel one (not so literary) is a nod to the final rap battle from the movie "8 Mile." Astraea is the Greek daughter of Zeus and Themis, she personified justice and holds those scales. Has a constellation named for her. Descartes, of course, said "I think, therefore I am." Let's see, "The Hollow Men" is a poem by T.S. Eliot. And a Mcguffin is an object in a play or book which serves no purpose at all except to move the plot.  Tee-shirts, sweatshirts, and totes are now available for the "librArian" and "We Rogues of Wool" designs. As long as sales keep coming in, they will remain available, so get 'em now! What, you want posters too? Of the "librarian rap battle" AND reprints of "The Rogues of Wool"? OKay! Okay! I'm working on it! And if you wish to help by linking to all this on knitting and librarian blogs, message boards, or to friends, please do. Thanks again to Bill Barnes for links from Unshelved! -christopher And sales have been good thank you, although a little slow on the Rogues design. Need a few more in order to have enough to print, so if you're inspired... 
The order for the shirts/etc has been put in to the printer, and they'll remain in stock through at least the holidays. For those who didn't wish to PRE-order, I'll post here when they're in stock. Those who DID order, you will receive an email from Topatoco when your individual order is shipped. And a special thanks to Jeffrey Rowland of WIGU and Overcompensating, who started Topatoco and is responsible for making my current store and making this merchandising thing happen. As well as to Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum for links from Unshelved! Thank you all again. :) 
Being naive to fashion, I delicately cribbed from About and Focusonstyle and other places. 9/24/08 - Ah, the Ball jar. No, not by Silvie Pleth. You know, the "e" and the "a" are... um... nevermind. Well, I've been as excited to get a tee-shirt as many of you. Because of logistics, I order the shirt through Topatoco, just like the rest of you. And mine came in the mail today, and I'm really happy with how they came out. 
9/25/08 - Putting up the bunnies. 
9/27/08 - one of the beauties if dreadful sick humor is you're never alone. (thanks, Zargon) 9/29/08 - Autumn is sneaking in. New wallpaper for now at least. And a sweet picture of my nephew Miles with the Dee mural in the background, I love him! Cheers. 
10/1/08 - It's very nostalgic for me, writing about firewood. I grew up in a town (not a small village or anything), in Massachusetts (real winters, snow, etc) but our two-story house had a metal wood-stove as our sole source of heat (I used to have a scar above my belly-button where I stood too close once). And so, in the summer, we'd have a pile of log sized trees get dumped in the field next door, and chop 'em up (usually the adult job), and then we'd have to stack them all: some outside covered in plastic, and some in the front hall to be periodically replenished from the outside wood. I wouldn't say it's a fond memory, but it was what it was, and is a significant image from my childhood. Anyhow. Thought I'd share. :) 10/2/08 - If anyone wants to take a picture of themselves wearing or carrying the new Dee shirts/sweatshrts/totes. I'd love to see, and would welcome them to use on the website! 10/7/08 - Here's a pie I made a couple weeks ago. :) 
10/9/08 - I received an email from Mary Anne G--- today, mentioning that "you can run a handful of uncooked rice through a coffee grinder to absorb rancid oils and funky tastes." That's pretty cool. Thanks, Mary Anne! :) And we here at littledee.net do not endorse nor hold any liability for this proffered method, and our team of lawyers ask us to state that if you find yourself with dried rice mash sticking in your coffee grinder causing it to stick, break, burn, and/or set fire to your household leaving you destitute and friendless, we don't know you and please lose our phone number. 10/14/08 - A couple fun images today. First off is Laura, who sent me a great photo of herself with a Dee store item. Thank you Laura! That was lovely of you, you're the best! (and I encourage you all to be brave and follow her example). :) 
And also, the pie I made this Sunday. I actually found some Macintosh apples out here on the west coast, which always make for a lovely pie. (I also, for the dinner part of the meal, made some stellar peanut sauce which I'm still really thrilled about). 
10/16/08 - Tacoma, I was waiting for a friend as the sun set. I obtained some tea from a shop, and found a nearby bridge, watching trains roll beneath it, the smoke, bridges, brick, water. Reminded me of my past, factory towns which once were in splendor. Silly me. 
That strip you always wanted is NOW AVAILABLEOver the past couple of years I have received many emails from people who wished to purchase a strip, but found it was sold before they got to it. I am now offering to re-draw ANY strip for $80. And worth every penny.Not only will I make sure that any strip ordered before November 1st will be drawn and mailed by December 1st, but also the funds raised will be going directly into the Little Dee book#3 fund, which should be to the printer around year-end, and hopefully to you by February or March. Come on, you know you want to. Maybe something from... knitting? Rogues of Woool? Milk Bubbles & Buttery Noses? Rap Battle? Also, I made a pie as usual at Sunday potluck (although I forgot to photo the apple pie I made on Thursday). I used Nick's grandmother's "Cottage Cheese Apple Pie" recipe. It was yummy, but didn't hold together (my bad). 
10/31/08 - Happy Halloween! 
11/4/08 - Phew. I've been working overtime at both work and play. I always wondered this about kings and celebrities. And my thoughts seem to have matched the reality: you work your life towards a goal, but you know that it's not going to change or satisfy anything. There is no answer, life is just life. it's good to find a path that suits your temperament, such as becoming a full-time cartoonist has suited my wandering nature. But everything else, it remains the same. you go on. Life gives you the same hurdles as far as happiness and interpersonal relationships. And it's all good. Be good to people. Laugh. Eat good food. Anyhow. It's late. I'm rambling. Enjoy the superhero storyline. 11/5/08 - I know you all come here for comics, and not politics. But I wish to briefly comment on yesterday's election. I support Obama as politician, but what I wish to state here is just how much I am moved by what a monumental milestone this is on our nation's road towards racial equality, towards acceptance and tolerance. And not to be shadowed out, Clinton and Palin, candidates running for president and vice-president, movement towards sexual equality, shifting of public acceptance. I wish there had been more, but am glad there was some. I have been pleased or sad during previous elections (depending on my favored candidate's success), but this one choked me up. 11/6/08 - Congrats to Shaenon Garrity and Jeffrey Well's, their comic strip Skin Horse is now running simultaneously at UClick's GoComics. An awesome and deserving strip. Go, Shaenon and Jeffrey! 11/10/08 - Man, I loved dressing up as a kid. :) 11/11/08 - I made this offer a few weeks ago, to re-draw older strips for people for $80. I have been working extra hard to get them done, and am just finishing up the orders I received. So, if you wished those, or any various freelance art etc for the holidays (or merchandise of course), if you do it now, i can get it done before the holidays. Reposted below! That strip you always wanted is NOW AVAILABLEOver the past couple of years I have received many emails from people who wished to purchase a strip, but found it was sold before they got to it. I am now offering to re-draw ANY strip for $80. And worth every penny.Not only will I make sure that any strip ordered before November 1st will be drawn and mailed by December 1st, but also the funds raised will be going directly into the Little Dee book#3 fund, which should be to the printer around year-end, and hopefully to you by February or March. Come on, you know you want to. Maybe something from... knitting? Rogues of Woool? Milk Bubbles & Buttery Noses? Rap Battle? 11/12/08 - Oh right, and more pies of course. Although I seem to only remember to take a picture of them every other week. On November 2nd I made a pie (pictured below) which was a brownie mix on the bottom (from a box, due to laziness) with a raspberry pie layer on top. The juice from the berries unfortunately mixed with the batter, and so the brownie part never quite cooked in the middle. In fact, I cooked it extra long, which made the crust tough but still did not help the brownie part. It tasted fine (who doesn't like brownie batter), and I received many compliments including in the from of a broken plate from children fighting for possession, but I wished to improve on it. This week, the 9th, I made a pie with a thin cherry pie layer below, a crust on top of that, and then baked it slightly to let the crust begin to cook. Put a homemade brownie mix on top (altered to be super-gooey). It also was very well-liked, especially the brownie mixture, but the middle layer of crust did not cook. Nick suggested I broil it next time before adding the brownie mixture on top, and I think he may be on to something, he is very clever, and an amazing cook. 
11/13/08 - Today's strip is based on a fond memory of my father's sense of humor and sometimes frustrating (to my mom) rearing ideas. 11/17/08 - This is the first time I've been this sick for ages. Fever, sweating, fading in and out. Anyhow, hopefully I'll be better tomorrow and I'll re-draw what I've done. but this is the best I was able to today. 11/18/08 - Feeling a bit better. The fever broke yesterday evening, but I'm still pretty wiped. Nonetheless, I did manage to draw yesterday's strip and today's. 11/19/08 - Today's strip was inspired by a word by Thorn 44. Thank you! 11/20/08 - Which is why it is always useful to keep a snow shovel in your bed. 11/24/08 - Ah, so soon, the holidays start rolling back in. Hello, Turkey. 11/25/08 - I know it's early, but just a heads-up for holiday shopping. The earlier you order, the better to secure timely arrival. I have no special sales, but Topatoco is now offering gift certificates, which is exciting. And as ever, the Little Dee books make great gifts for young ones in your life (as well as for us adults). And there's the teeshirts and totes as well. Also, I remembered to take a picture of the pie I made this week. It has a oatmeal crust, which I made, thinking of my sister (celiac disease). The custard was orange flavored, from the zest and juice of 3 Satsuma Oranges. Also mixed in were cranberries and chocolate morsels. 
THE RECIPE And this is what i think i did, based on memory and from scraps of paper where I wrote down things from about 5 different recipes. let's see. The crust. Mix together: 1 cup quick oats 1/3 cup brown sugar 4 tbsp butter, soft or melted 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp vanilla And then spread it out in a greased pie plate The custard. Mix together: 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup OJ (squeezed from about 3 small oranges, or 2 big ones) zest from oranges you got the OJ from 5 large egg yolks 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sugar Then I threw in a bunch of cranberries cut in half. I also threw in a handful of chocolate chips, but they didn't melt and came out hard and distracting. :( I put the custard in the crust and baked at 350 for 30 minutes. Let sit for another 20. Then refrigerate for 3 hours. Voila. in hindsight, I may have added more sugar to the orange bit, not too much though. Just to make is lightly sweeter. And then I'd cut up more cranberries and cook them into a bit of a paste before putting them in. For a tart to balance the sweet oj custard. Maybe even cook the cranberries in a bit of lemon juice. The chocolate, perhaps I would have melted it in with some butter, maybe a bit of cream, to soften it. Then put the chocolate in the crust first, followed by the custard. Who knows. Just thinking out loud. Good luck! 11/26/08 - Oh, and my apologies about the intrusive "rich-media" banner ads which have been dangling all over the screen. I thought I had disabled them through my advert site, but hadn't. But I'm pretty sure I did it correct this time, so you shouldn't see them anymore. Oh, and I forgot to mention yesterday, I can still do a few more re-draws (see below, 11/11/08) before the holidays, if anyone wishes. 11/27/08 - Happy thanksgiving. Much love to you all. 11/28/08 - So, this pie-making happened on Wednesday. 
My friends Danielle and Matt came over Naomi's (who is away, I am house-sitting) and we made pies. Matt made pecan, Danielle made a carmelized-pear custard tart type thing, and I made a fairly standard apple pie. Well, standard except with some bits of Norwegian Ski-Queen Gjetost-Cheese thrown in. I love the slightly sweet carmelized taste of this strange brown goat cheese, and it goes well with apples (and much to our surprise, with nutmeg.) (Tangentally, it also went strangely well with nutella.) It was fine, a bit overly salty perhaps, and mellowed nicely by the next day. But it doesn't melt very much, and so if i did it again, i would shred it and mix it in a bit more. 
This crust was a new thing for me, but not really. I mixed vodka in with the water (thanks to Naomi's generous liquor shelf). This twist was first mentioned to me by Noachoc two weeks ago, and then by my friend Mary who told me scant hours before I made this pie, who had heard it on NPR. So, my crust (since we've begun talking recipes). How do I do it? The trick with crust, as you may know, is to keep it cold. So, I freeze my butter and also put ice-cubes in my water before adding the water (I don't add ice cubes to dough). If I was organized (or felt it enough of an issue) I'd freeze the flour and bowl too. So, I throw in 2 cups of flour. I then take 1.75 sticks of butter and chop it (sharp knife) lengthwise in four strips, tip it sideways and cut the four strips into a total of 16 sticks, and then cut them off and add them row by row (16 little cubes per row), breaking them apart each row and rolling them in the flour. I then start adding water and mixing it by hand. Some people won't use their hands because of the added heat, but I work quickly and briefly and am uninterested in not using my hands. This is a sensual thing for me, a physical thing, this baking. Keep adding splashes of water until it barely holds together enough to roll. I've come to love rolling dough ever since I realized it doesn't stick if you throw down generous amounts of flour. Just cake the sucker. Roll out about 3/4 of the dough. Once rolled, fold it in half, and in half again: this makes it easy to pick up, place in the pan, and then unfold. Cut of the generous trim and mix the trim back in with the rest of the dough. Roll that out, fold it, then cut slits in the two fold edges (which come out as "v"s when unfolded). Throw the folded top in with the bottom and then toss the pan in the fridge while you make the innards. Now, about the vodka. A common problem people seem to have is adding too much water. Water makes the dough easier to handle, but it means it bakes doughier and harder. The vodka helps, because it simply evaporates and doesn't leave any taste. My final assessment isn't helpful though. We all have knacks, and for me, it's crust (well, and a few other things in life). So, I didn't notice a difference in taste, and since I don't over-water my dough normally, I didn't notice a texture difference either. Anyhow. On another note: I used Granny Smiths, which always disappoint me, but I have not found another west coast apple which does please me. Granny's have the tart, but the flavor (lack of flavor?) doesn't interest me. I really need to buy one of every local apple and think about the tastes. 
11/29/08 - I think the bathroom is a funny place, if you have a talking fish in the tub. A couple things. I am traveling to visiting family on December 10th. I will not bring originals pre-Dec-1st with me, so if you wish to order an original strip from the archive, do it before December 8th, or it will have to wait to be shipped until the January 6th (I know, it's wayyyy too long, I agree). General holiday ordering through Topatoco. If you wish it shipped by the holidays, DO IT NOW! And again, they now have gift certificates, which is nice, and good for any Topatoco merchandise. Jeffrey Rowland of Topatoco just informed me: "International orders need to use Express/Priority/UPS and US orders should consider ordering before December 12 if they want their things for Christmas." I will be working from the road, and the strip will continue as normal, and I will have every strip after December 1st with me and so I will be able to ship those. Topatoco handles my books and T-shirts, so they won't be affected. Any original artwork from before December 1st won't be shipped until January 7th. I will be working from the road, and the strip will continue as normal, and I will have every strip after December 1st with me and so I will be able to ship those. Topatoco handles my books and T-shirts, so they won't be affected. Enjoy! I'll ink it sometime after waking. :) 
Now? Me and luggage and location all united. Although, burning it at both ends here. And like a year ago, I find myself getting ready to go stand in the front yard in the freezing snow at 3:00 in the morning to upload the strip because that's the closest wireless signal. Life is full of obstacles, and I am glad that for the most part they amuse me. I've had a lovely week. Making latkes and Borsht with Siri and Anya. Opening "Chrismas" (no "t." They cheerfully named it thus for my benefit) gifts from my family with them before I flew off again. Lighting the menorah with Jess, Filipo, and family (and more latkes, and I learned to make applesauce: EASY!). Anyhow. Greetings and warm wishes and all that. I made a pie on Saturday (Mac apple with butterscotch pieces tossed in), but forgot to take a picture. But here's a present from my brother and my sister-in-law. Very well, I am aptly branded. :) 
And a picture and my nephew (the other) Miles and I. Cheers! 
I am so pleased that having Dee show up with a shovel and donuts precludes any need to explain anything. I'm currently about 2/3 through reading "Ender's Game" and am amazed. I want to read other books like this. So, first, what qualities in this book I am drawn to and inspired by? The characters are truly clever/tactical/politically-savvy, they push themselves really hard, they are confident. Possibly the main striking difference to me from the usual "hero" novel is that the usual protagonist is not confident and is tested until they have the will and confidence to do what is needed. In the books I am looking for, the characters have some of this doubt, but mostly from the beginning know they've already passed that threshold, and what they really need is to refine what they have, or to have their strengths severely pushed by circumstance or intention (crime, villain, political motivation, etc). The only other book which readily comes to mind is "Trickster's Choice" by Tamora Pierce. So, I'm not looking for your favorite sci-fi or fantasy novel, please. What I'm looking for are books which share these qualities I mentioned. And if they're on audiobook, I will definitely read them. if they are only on paper, I will do my best, but I am a slow reader, I rarely have time for full fledge on reading. If you have ideas, thank you ahead of time! Email me! -c -christopher Anyhow. Sorry (kidding). -christopher Best wishes, -christopher 
It was greek. Which is strange, I've had greek so infrequently in my life, and this was twice in two days. Keylee's Masala was amazing, and Nick made pita bread. And it was all lovely. As was the company. I made yet another apple pie. And I thought the results were pleasing. The crust behaved oddly, I suppose I made it oddly, but came out well. The inside, perhaps there should have been a little less sugar. I did add lemon juice from half a lemon to make it tarter. I used two granny smiths, two pink ladies, and three braeburns. I peeled them first, then chopped up the peels, and threw the peels in with the apples. Good times. 
I made plain white. It's been 15 years since I made bread, so I just wished to dig into it, nothing fancy this time. Felt good. 
The moment I took a bite of one, it made me almost melt with delight (although, after three, the intense amount of yum and butter somewhat made me want to gut myself). I usually find my pie interesting and pleasurable; this one: I really liked this one. The crust was half for my friend Keylee's casserole thing (very yummy, I've forgotten the name), and so I crossed the two recipes and then played around. Her recipe asked for one stick of butter, but I used my usual 1.75 sticks. Her recipe asked for 1 egg (I usually put in none), and so I put in 2 (yes, 2). Then, 2 cups of flour, standard. Sage (odd, but right). And ice water. The result was a crisp, almost candied crust, I think mostly because of the egg. Very exciting, and I wish to play with this theme (as well as play with using less butter). The pear inside was simply chopped up pears stirred in with a wee bit of white sugar and flour. The topping was oats, dark brown sugar, and soft butter (I measured none of them, so, who knows). Rolled the dough and cut out circles which I pressed in the tin. Put in the the pear then the topping. 375 degrees, 45 minutes, the usual routine. Anyhow. I was happy. Dan's reaction was "my god, pure butter" and then his eyes crossed and he gobbled up the rest. Leslie "thanked the gods for inventing taste buds." Me = satisfied. Today's strip was inspired by an old Woody Allen routine "The Great Renaldo," which you can hear on his album "WoodyAllen - Standup Comic." Although today's strip is as much inspired by me recently re-reading Dan's Wild Life stories which I illustrated. It was interesting reading about spinning wool, though. It seems the old drop spindle can actually be used in quite a few different ways. But after reading a bunch and watching some youtube videos, I chose to portray it how I did. All is well, except my health, I've got the flu again. :( Feeling a bit better today. Thanks for the well wishes. Not only that, doing Little Dee has been very rewarding: because of you. Knowing I make a bunch of people in the world smile every day. That's a hell of a something. It feels like a pretty worthwhile vocation. 
But it did make for being the only topic I could think of. If you're in NYC this Sunday the 8th, Go and see Anya Kozorez at the Girls Rock Festival. To hear her music, go to her page here. 
Words of wisdom, that. 
My first serious girlfriend told me that if any guy could ever explain to her what the Beatles song, "Cry Baby Cry" meant, that she could marry them. I'm still not sure what she meant. But in my gut, I feel I do. And so, of course, I made rhubarb pie for potluck. A little watery still in the picture (below) as it could have set longer, but quite yummy. And thus it inspired today's strip. 
Right now, I am off in distant lands, babysitting my nephew all week. 
And, again, letting you know that you will find me tabling at the Stumptown, Portland's comic convention, alongside Kevin. Yay! Yes, this weekend you will find me tabling at the Stumptown, Portland's comic convention, alongside Kevin. Yay! 
Btw, you can find me on facebook. Cheers! All is well here. The sun has begun returning to Seattle with more frequency, like a guest who knows you always serve really good tea and cookies. Of all the lovely things to happen to me, I have a girlfriend (Beth!), and we've been together for a bit now. This is a happy thing. Sadly, a member of her family has fallen gravely ill, and we've taken a sudden trip to North Carolina through the weekend. I will most likely be able to post every day, probably the finished strip. But today was a plan-travel-all-day day and we arrived in the hotel past midnight, and this was all I was able to really finish on the plane. I'll do a finished version as soon as I can. My best, -christopher On other good news, Beth's family member has retracted his imminent appointment with death, and is stable and doing well. Thank goodness. Beth continues to receive positive news of her family member's recovery. Me, I am tired. Today (Sunday) was a long 22 hour day, flying, drawing, and now, sleeping. G'night. Also, despite money being a tad tight, at Stumptown I just HAD to purchase a copy of Bite Me! by Dylan Meconis. Yes, true, she is a friend, and I like to support my friend's endeavors, BUT... it is EASY to be supportive of friends when they release books like this. I love this comedic story of vampires during the French revolution, and her finally putting it into print made me very happy. I just re-read it, and it lives up to my memory. (if you're pressed for moolah, the whole thing is also online). 
I'll be going around with Mimi and Wynston, delivering flowers. Yay. 
Happy Cinco de Mayo. And condolences to the French and all that. 
I found a bicycle on craigslist (for $30! yay!), so now I can bicycle back and forth to Beth's house, and maybe join her on the trails when she roller skates 25 miles. I was out walking this morning and someone had set out free spider-plants starters in pots, so now I have a new plant. Tonight I will go to Olympia and make a pie, laugh with friends, drink and laugh and brainstorm with Dan (and maybe Leslie), and then return on the bus, Monday morning, tired and silly. Good days. 
And, Day of forgetting. Oye. So, yesterday I forgot to put the Dee cast in their "off to interact with the human world" outfits. And so I drew clothing on them, which you'll see has been corrected in the archive. I also forgot to mention Memorial Day. Without an office job where I'd have holidays off, and with no real wall calendar, I sometimes forget the events going on around me. So, let me just say, may those who have fallen, rest in peace. What horror and sadness is war. 1. I created a Little Dee group on facebook. 2. Book #3. I'm working on it. Hopefully off to the printer within the week, and to you by sometime in August. 3. Posters, I'm working on them. A bunch of 'em. And per popular request, I'm also making one of the nurse strips last week. Also, again this year (4th year going?), I did there poster for free. They're good-hearted folks, in Olympia. I like to support them. 
Right. Onward. Olympia Comics Fest was fun. Thanks for all of you who came out! :) Her's a view of the leaves above the hammock where Beth and I lay with the sun setting towards our feet. 
I never did follow up Friday's "rain hat" picnic. We found a park with a lake in the woods, and it started raining, quite steadily. No place to sit, no cover. And the loop back went on and on, up steep hills and down more, eventually not even sure it looped back to the car, in mud, rain, and both of us laughing. We picnicked on the dining room table. I think I only drew three strips, not particularly funny, and I never listened to much of Michael Jackson, but he was an icon and totally pervasively so especially after 1982 when "Thriller" came out. Anyhow, he was odd, and it's kinda odd that he's dead. And then there's the big question: who now owns all those Beatles songs? 
And happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans. Sorry about that, England! And please, if you're drinking, don't drive, and if you're driving, be careful of the drunk drivers. The photo is from Saturday. Beth and I went down to the Hiram M. Chittenden locks in the Salmon Bay Waterway in Seattle. Amazing to watch 'em. 
 Books and posters are still awaiting the rest of you! ;) 2004-7-26 2005-1-17 2005-4-11 (starts in the final strip) 2005-5-09 2005-9-12 2006-5-15 (starts in the final strip) 2006-10-30 2007-4-16 2007-7-30 2007-11-19 2008-1-07 (starts in the final strip) 2008-6-16 2009-3-16 2009-7-27 And please, continue to help the Book #3 release! So, read it, post replies, put the RSS in your favorite RSS reader, and enjoy! 
 Book 3! Book release sales are about half of what they were on the last book! Keep me fed! Keep Topatoco happy for representing me! Dee lovers, unite! Thank you for the orders last week. I only get periodic sales reports from Topatoco, so I have no idea how much to thank you, but thank you nonetheless. I know we're going through hard economic times, and I appreciate all who help, and even those who want to help but can't. Anyhow. Yes, eastern philosophy. Everything's all so transient and both meaningful and meaningless, and there just seems to be a levity to the philosophy. Anyhow. But I've always liked eastern philosophies, even though I have no interest in following any particular philosophy very deeply. But, back in 6th grade I taught myself yoga (from a book) and did it for about 30 minutes every day for half a year. And then I remember within a year of that (before or after, don't recall) I did a paper on Buddhism which I would be interested in reading now, but I think it's long lost. I was a strange child. Oh, and this strip is very much influenced by Bollywood dance numbers. I watched a slew of them in research, which was fun. I think Nagara Nagara was my favorite. Also, I posted the recipe I made up, for blueberry pancake cookies on the blog cookrookery.com which I run with some cooking friends. 
Book 3! You know it's available, yes? I looked through the html and my webmaster scoured the server, but I think it most likely came from my ads. This isn't the first time I've had trouble with them, and I think they've been slowing down viewing the site. And so I've dropped them (including from the archives). Maybe I'll try project wonderful ads in the future, but for now, enjoy Dee ad free. And my apologies again. -Christopher 
Which means I should probably talk about the future of Little Dee, with you. I am sad to tell you all, but I will be ending Little Dee in early spring of 2010 (exact date not yet set). I have loved drawing and writing Little Dee, and love the characters. But I feel it is time for me to try new things. I first started thinking about it summer of 2008. I realized that I was feeling I had told most of the tale of Little Dee and her friends, and that I have other stories outside of them to tell, more characters and worlds to create. And that I loved Dee, but if I didn't make sure I had new paths to walk, that I would one day wake up and feel stuck and feel it a burden. I never wanted that. I had ideas for several strips. I remember one about a female governor, another about a misunderstood teen. I wrote a bunch and sketched a bunch, but nothing took. And then I had the idea for the space comic. And it just wouldn't leave my mind. I remember sitting on an old worn chair in my friend Catherine's apartment in NYC, and going over names in my head. I bought the URL. That was the moment which probably made me realize that this was the next step. And so I began development of this new strip, and started a long plotting out of a final storyline for Little Dee (which won't run 'til 2010, although I have begun drawing it). And the road on developing both has been long, and carefully done. And so, that's it. Dee will be ending. I'm sorry to say that to you, you who have loved her and her friends, and who have always been so supportive of me. I will keep you posted as I know dates better. And I do fully plan to have a 4th book out. So for now, please forgive my choice, and enjoy Little Dee as it slowly winds down. I am very very proud of it. "Will the books, shirts, totes, and posters remain available for sale?" Books will remain for sale and in print. Merchandise... some of that will be up to Topatoco. But I will try to let you all know if I know they are ready to drop something. "Will you be keeping the archive online?" Yes! Definitely! "Any thoughts of doing more Bruno?" Readers of my previous comic, Bruno, still ask this. And I am endeared by the request as well as the continued love for her and her friends. unfortunately, although I do still think about her lovingly, but I have no current plans to revisit. "Was last week's Unshelved's reference to "space trawlers" related to your new project?" Nope. Just a happy coincidence as far as I know. And lastly, Gary gave me a nice shoutout over at Fleen, including a pool guessing how Dee ends. Thank you, Gary! 
10/13/09 - Some friends and I ventured into a corn maze yesterday. They make pictures out of the maze (only visible from above or on the postcards), although I'm not sure their method. So, as it turns out, "the old bearded guy with the birds" ended up being a portrait of Darwin. We had a mission too, to get stamps and find out facts from clues in the maze, which was nice, since a corn maze isn't a "start and finish" kind of maze, but rather a "I wonder if I'm near Darwin's earlobe right now?" kind of maze. Candy corn and hot cider afterwards were welcomed. Usually after the mazes they only give me cheese or an electric shock. complaisant: willing to please others, obliging, agreeable. complacent: showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. My personal apologies from us English speakers to anyone attempting to learn our silly language. 
to "hawk": offer for sale, often by shouting to "hock": to pawn and shall we not forget ...sure ensure: to make certain (something will happen) insure: provide financial compensation if something bad happens 
Today's strip... just one of those feelings I'm feeling right now. So behind on being up on the people I love. 
I hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving. Beth and I went to Naomi's and it was warm and lovely. I was feeling strong enough to make lasagna (the main dish I grew up with, having been brought up vegetarian). We also watched "Up," which somehow I had missed in theaters (really enjoyed it). I was very happy to note that it largely took place in the Venezuelan Tepuis! The same place the Dee cast visited (we must be reading the same National geographic). Also in news, Dylan Meconis's amazing comic "Family Man," about werewolves (note: with some adult content), has it's very own home now at www.lutherlevy.com (ummm... and today's is just a sad picture of a dead rabbit). Also, if you missed it, on Saturday the 28th I drew the strip from the previous Saturday, the 21st, which I missed due to the flu. You can read it here (the last strip on the page). "Re-draws" ALSO benefits you in this bizarre backwards way. Dee will continue running normally until I finish drawing the final sequence ENTIRELY, after which I will begin running the final sequence. So, any freelance or re-draws you give me will impede my progress, and thus give YOU more strips. Also, on note of this week's strips, I altered Monday's strip slightly, I just moved the "CRASH" to happen before panel #4. Hope all is well. Beth and I bought a tree today and tonight we're going to watch a movie while making garlands of cranberries and popcorn. Tonight, Beth and I made a fire and relaxed (read: worked) in front of it. MORE warm thoughts. :) 
Hope you all stay warm. And also, my new comic SPACETRAWLER is live! Go read! Put it on your RSS reader! Enjoy! 
I had hoped to finish drawing it before running it, but doing two-strips per day proved too much, and so I am beginning it now. It should work out fine, I have a rough draft and MANY strips written, I hope you like it, I'm putting a lot of effort into making the final storyline really solid and good feeling for the strip as a whole. best, -christopher Anyhow, one of those moments I feel like I deserve a little pat on the back, and am unashamed of doing it myself. Hm. Anyway. 
As you may guess, during the final storyline, I'm going to be bringing back as many characters as I can, see them one last time. So, watch for your faves. :) Rogues of Wool (and video) Furtovian Library Tao of Derby Russel the Ram, a thug The Dog of War, & The hit-man Komondor I wish I had a satisfying answer, but I can answer it perhaps more thoroughly, although perhaps unsatisfyingly. It was about two years ago when I first realized that I was winding down with ideas for Dee. It's a set world, and I love it and her and all of the cast, but I only have so many stories to tell of her. I was slowly beginning to have to kinda stretch for new ideas and re-hashing old used ones. And so I began playing with ideas for new strips. And that's an important point. Even if I WASN'T starting a new strip, Dee would likely be drawing to an end. Sure if I made more than about 8k/year on it I might reconsider. But with that size of an income, I am not going to drag out a comic longer than I feel the deep passion for it. In fact, someone asked me today what it would take to keep me doing it. I'll tell you. 10k (on top of regular earned income). Not a lot, you say? I agree, but I don't have it, and it is not being offered. I could keep doing Dee for years, but the food stamps other forms of welfare, plus the babysitting on the side... I simply need a balanced amount of inspiration to overcome all that. Now please don't take that as criticism or expectation. You have all been warm and supportive and awesome. if anything, it's because my readership is too small, and so you all have been asked to carry too large a burden, all of which is no surprise being that I am so awful at marketing. And so I focus on the art. I have taken 2 years to not only make sure I had a new project, and to make sure that I was ready (maybe it was just a slump, and I was going to find myself with bursts of new inspiration), but also to make sure I gave Dee my everything and brought it to a satisfying conclusion. Because I love it that much. If you do not love Spacetrawler, that's okay. It is a very different project, and so I know some of you will not. I am enjoying it immensely, and some of you and others will too, and THAT is what counts to me. If you wish to help me as an artist, link and blog the heck out of Spacetrawler. That's all I ask. Oh, and if you know any talented marketing students who wish to do their thesis project and building me into a fortune 500, send them my way. Regarding Dee Book #4.... I'm not sure what to do. In a few weeks, Little Dee will end and I do not have the book ready and certainly don't have the money to afford a print run. But once it actually ends, I'll have even less of you around to purchase it, so it becomes an even less profitable venture. I'm looking at Print-On-Demand options now, but I'm not sure how that will pan out. Hopefully I'll know by early next week. Anyhow. I hope this isn't all a downer. Me, I just try not to think about it too much, and that's how I make it through the day. And I'm a pretty happy guy, so it can't be all wrong. BOOK #4, okay, I'm going to try to go with pre-sales so i can keep the same size and quality as the previous books (Print-On-Demand would not work for that). I have inquired with Topatoco regarding how to set that up and as well have asked my printer for price quotes. I'll keep you posted. And lastly, come say hello to me at the Seattle Emerald City Comic Con this weekend, I'll be at the Topatoco table! 
And of course....
here (3 weeks worth) and here.
I'll post a longer blog in the next couple days, but I just wanted to say thank you all, those who stopped by, to Topatoco, and to all the other generous and fun creators who make this such an exciting field to be in.
I had a really good time at the Emerald City Comic Con. Thank you all for coming out, and specifically to those who made it to my table. I enjoyed chatting with all of you all weekend. :) I finally got to meet Bill Barnes and Dave Kellet, as well as got to welcome Scott Kurtz to our fair city (somehow though I missed the chance to say hello to Kris Straub and Brad Guigar). I said my usual Hellos to the Portland crowd: Indigo Kelleigh, Dylan Meconis, Erika Moen, Steve Leiber, and Johnzo. Always a pleasure and I look forward to seeing them all again in a month at Stumptown. Saturday night I went along with Indigo to a "Drink and Draw" to meet some local cartoonist (Calamity John and Adam among others), of who I have been woefully unfamiliar. Good times were had. And special thanks to Jeff and Holly for putting together the Topatoco booth. Not only for the great support and and awesome booth, but it provided me a chance to meet a bunch of the other artists they represent. Most of my time was spent sandwiched between Jon Rosenberg, making jokes and talking shop-talk, 
and Kate Beaton, who I chummed with but she was very busy cheerily attending to her persistent line. 
I enjoyed myself. Ate decently. Didn't drink too much. Made modest but respectable sales. met good folk. A good report. Little Dee Book #4(and other related items)Here's the scoop. I Should have book#4 off to the printer by the end of this week. The last strip of Dee will run on Tuesday, April 6th. I will begin taking PRE-SALES starting on April 5th or 6th, at which time I should have an estimate of when the book will be back from the printer. That's it. I've been waiting until i had solid information before posting anything. Oh, and my mom already asked for the final strip, so if you wanted it, no luck there. I've been considering doing a final print of some sort, maybe as a fundraiser to help pay for the book, I will keep you posted. 1. Will the collection of 4 books have all the strips? Yes, all finished strips. I have not included the pencil scrawled ones from when I was traveling or sick and unable to draw finished strips, such as here. 2. Will there be a discount for buying the whole set of four? Yes, I believe it will be $10 off. Yay! :)
I hope it felt satisfying and gave you a sense of closure. That's the best I can hope for. So, thank you all. I appreciate greatly all the support, links, emails, purchases, gifts, which you have given me throughout the run of Little Dee. And I think with the final sales (below) of book #4 and the print, I will be able to survive for a short period as Spacetrawler gains momentum. Lastly, I'll leave you with this. Beth filmed me at the grocery store, completely impromptu asking me about ending Dee. best, christopher |
