The Last Straw: Browse The Strips

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Lynn's Comments: A friend of mine was working as a volunteer in a school, helping kids who had trouble reading. It was her observation that the kids thought to be slow to learn were often the fastest to make good decisions and show good judgment. I thought this was a nifty "so there!" to the "smart" kids who teased them!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Lynn's Comments: When I was ignored in a restaurant by a waitress more interested in a table full of gents, I retaliated by doing a strip about it. Once a waitress myself, I knew that, even if you're busy, it's still possible to be courteous!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Lynn's Comments: Tipping is always an issue when the service is poor. It was designed as a gesture of thanks, but it's become an obligation. With this in mind, I think some service folks forget that being prompt and considerate is still part of the job!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Lynn's Comments: This comes from a remark Aaron's grade two teacher made: "Kids always know their friends are coming back if their coats are still on the hallway hanger." One of the children had been ill, but the class was sure he'd be back--simply because something of his was still there for them to see. I thought this was a significant observation!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Lynn's Comments: I went to a bar with one of the women from the workshop, to celebrate our new friendship and to mourn the end of a wonderful event. We were in our 30s, and guys at another table made suggestive comments and lewd gestures the whole time we were there. I remember thinking, "I make smart-*** comments for a living, but I can't think of one clever put-down to fling at these Neanderthals." It was frustrating!!!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Lynn's Comments: My brother and I fought over trivia; my kids fought over stupid things, too. Whether it’s caused by boredom or the need to establish territory, fighting between siblings seems to be unavoidable. My mother would say, “You two are LOOKING for an excuse to fight!” And we were.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Lynn's Comments: I confess; when I went on business trips to cities where relatives were accessible, I would often "forget" to tell them I'd be there. I had so little time--most of which was taken up with meetings, interviews and book signings. I had little time to adjust before packing up and moving on. Sometimes folks were offended, but my philosophy was: If you can't have a really good visit, then don't visit at all! Later on, I made up for these fast take-offs and landings.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Lynn's Comments: I often left things in hotel closets and I usually got them back. The only thing I knew would disappear was my little magnifying make-up mirror, which I suction-cupped to the window for maximum light. These are readily available at most pharmacies--but housekeepers, it seems, really like to take them home!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Lynn's Comments: I think moms should go away once in awhile, just so the family left at home can discover for themselves what we REALLY do all day!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Lynn's Comments: I went away on business several times a year. The most exhausting trips were the book tours. Authors, at the time, were routinely sent from city to city to do as much publicity as possible. At first it's exciting and rewarding--and dangerously ego boosting as well. By the end of the tour I was tired of talking, tired of signing, and just tired of ME! Still, I was a ham--eager to please, and by the time the next book was due, I would be looking forward to the next tour.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Lynn's Comments: When I look at these drawings again, it's always from a new perspective. In this case, I wish I had drawn Elly with a happier expression. After all--a clean house is the perfect gift, no matter how it's announced!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Lynn's Comments: My mom was a talented gardener. You might think it takes little know-how to plant something and watch it grow, but coaxing a seed or a bulb to its full potential takes knowledge, experience and skill. My mother had the ability to create a productive garden--and the patience and foresight to pass it on.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Lynn's Comments: A question like this would have made my parents get out the encyclopedia and look up the answer. My mother especially enjoyed teaching us stuff about plants and animals and would easily pick up a snake or a spider to show us it was something to admire. She was responsible I'm sure for my brother's degree in biology and my years working as a medical artist!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Lynn's Comments: The towels in our family bathroom were often filthy. Alan and I would "wash" our hands but were always in too much of a hurry to use soap!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Lynn's Comments: The quote "home bought" came from my childhood. My mom was always making bread and cookies, so for us, the ones that came in a package were a treat. My faves were "Dad's" Oatmeal cookies and "Wonder Bread." Every so often, instead of having homemade cookies, I begged for "home bought!"

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Lynn's Comments: This was true. My house and my yard were always full of kids, and though it sometimes became a chore, I always knew where my children were!

Monday, April 28, 2014

Lynn's Comments: The library where Elly volunteered was based on the library in Dundas, Ontario, where I went with Aaron to borrow toys and books and to take in the free events put on for kids. There were readings, films, children's shows, and an annual yard sale--the profits from which went to buy the toys we all borrowed and appreciated so much. That library was a resource and a refuge, and even though these images were sparse in detail, I felt I was "there" when I drew them!