Happy Halloween!!!

Wanted to post an appropriate seasonal cartoon but couldn't decide which one so, since they are mine, I decided to post the three I have.

Each one makes me smile.

Birth of a kitchen band

This is based on a thing my son, oldest daughter and I use to do when they were little. We would put on The Beatles, get out the pots and pans, Tracy would get the wooden spoons, I would play one guitar and my son would play my other guitar, and we would have fun. Sadly, The Beatles had nothing to worry about. But I still smile when I remember.

Dillusions of godhood

I think the title says it all.

And it sure does feel good to know I am the master somewhere.

Mighty Guard Dog

Although he has been an existing character from the beginning, Gizmo's popularity soared when he took on the Mighty Guard Dog persona. He has actually become, in my opinion, the most popular of the characters. He, George and Violet are the most fun to work with, but of the 3 he is tops in my book. He always makes me smile. He practicaly writes himself.

An incontinent case

I recently heard, or read (can't remember which) the punch line below and thought it would be a good cartoon for my grand daughter, Alexandra. Somehow it fits.

C'mon Georgie, Light My Fire

This idea was originally for another strip I was developing called "Blind Allie". It was the story of three 14 year old boys; Frog, Tiny and Al. Al was blind but didn't let it dictate his life and his friends, Frog and Tiny wouldn't let it either. A little too "before its time" I was told by several editors. The idea tickled me so I let George take the heat for this one. Hope it makes you smile..that would make me feel good.

The Wisdom of the Aged

There are times when George is smarter than anyone realizes and no one is more surprised than George.

Authenticity is often a point of view

This actually happened, although the Mexican restaurant was owned and operated by a very nice family from the near east, so I chose to have the restaurant in the strip ran by a German since we kicked their ass in WWII. It's okay to say that because I'm half German. Excuse me while I smile, because it feels soooooo good!

Sorry about that!

Been feeling icky (sorry fot using medical terms but I am sure you will understand.) Post again tomorrow.

Bye for now,

Me

She is 14 going on 24

The title is plagerized from one of the songs in The Sound of Music, "I am 16 going on 17". For all of you with a teen, you have my sympathy. Nuff Said! I'll save my smile for the next post.

"My name is Boraxo Bama and I endorse this toon"

I enjoyed this one so much that I pulled it out of its proper order and am going with it today. It made me smile.

Turning Point

With this particular episode George's life will never be the same again. Actually, neither will Violet's or anyone else's...mine included.

As a footnote, I finished my 90th episode of "The Grand Life" and the 60th panel of "Outside the Box" today, and guess what I was doing most of the time...that's right! and it felt good.

Sunday's toon

This cartoon's origin was based on an old family joke that if my brother Roy (actual first name, George) was to ever enter a church it would be a good idea for those who were with him to wear hardhats because the roof would, more than likely, collapse. I enjoy taking memories and, although based on true events, changing them to fit the particular moment. It's like changing history to make lesser happy memories seem a bit easier to recollect.

Saturday in the Park

Sometimes George is so dense that he doesn't realize when he's been put in his place, especially when Sheri's doing the putting. Poor guy!

But it does make me smile, and it still feels good!!!!

A Wishfull Intro

Always a gracious host, George wishes Violet to meet his parents. Isn't that sweet?? There's just one catch!

PS Wow! Did you notice I didn't end this post with my usual "Smile, it feels good!" comment...Oh yeah, I guess I did didn't I? Never mind.

Let the battles begin

Back seat drivers are always a joy. Violet, being a composite of every person that has both been constructive in my life as well as a pain in my ample posterior, is the perfect foil for George and he for her. I smile everytime I work with these two. Yeah, I know..it feels good.

Today's toon

One great thing about having your own strip, syndicated or not, is the opportunity to say and do things to people that one doesn't get a chance to do in real life. Who hasn't, at least once in their life thought, "Man, if only I'd said this or that when I had the chance!". Well, I get the chance, everyday! It makes me smile and yes, it feels good!

Mother-in -Law's intro or Enter the Beast

Enter the Mother- in -Law. I believe that every comedian needs a straight man, whether it be himself, the audience, or another person. In the case of this strip, George is the comedian, although he doesn't realize it. Enter Violet Brudel, Sheri's mom. As you will see, for every barb George hands to her, she gives back 10 fold to George. They are fun. They make me smile, and you know what? It feels good!!

Monday's toon

As all parents know a child's neck does not function until a certain age. What that age is has yet to be determined. Most women would say that, in males, the lack of conscious function continues until death, as many a wet toilet seat and surrounding floors will attest.

A Spiritual Moment

Being that it is Sunday I thought it would be good to have a spiritual moment.

Today's toon

This cartoon was inspired when my grandson Connor asked why the movies that were made when I was a kid were in black and white.

Welcome

Welcome to "The Grand Life" This site was created to Display my cartoon strip “The Grand Life”; as well as my single panel cartoon “Outside the Box”. Another goal is to get feedback from viewers and maybe share a laugh or three.

My name is Thomas Holloway (Tom). Except for a stint in the U.S. Army as a Communication Technician, (1969-1972) SP-5, art has been my main career until 1985 when I was declared legally blind. By using equipment to aide in enlarging and converting color to black and white, I am still able to draw.

My comic strip, “The Grand Life”, is based loosely on my own life and appears in the Thursday edition of the Frederick News-Post in Frederick, Maryland. My single panel cartoon “Outside the Box” touches on, and reflects, the bizarre and some say sick side of my personality.

I have always believed that humor can be found in all things, even the tragic…when it happens to someone else. I also believe that it is amazing what the human spirit can deal with and withstand when filtered through a humorous outlook. Smile, it feels good!