Here’s a sketch I did of a kid in charcoal & chalk on brown butcher paper. Still waiting on that Moose Riders guest art I’ve been promising. Hopefully next week.

I’ve talked a bit about my daughter’s medical drama in the blog here. Her school does the whole Jump Rope for Heart thing every year to raise money for the American Heart Association, and she LOVES it. Last year she was the top fundraiser at her school. So, if you would like to help the inspiration for Lola raise money for other kids with heart problems like hers, go here and click the “Give Now” button on the right. Thanks!

I know I promised some special exciting guest art, but I’m still waiting on that. I’ve got another page of sketches up there, including kind of a self-portrait thing in the bottom-right corner. I think I’ll go get a haircut today.

My father-in-law passed away last weekend, which is why this post is late. He was a crazy-smart man with a dry wit and I feel privileged to have known him. I would always call him for advice on auto repair, and my trivia team’s success is owed in large part to his knowledge. No one would ever describe him as “cheery,” but as Hemingway said, “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” I miss you Charles–your loss is deeply felt by your family and friends, and I’m lucky to have considered you both.

My mother-in-law wrote this obituary:

Charles Benjamin Holland, 68, died at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on March 10, 2013, after a lengthy illness.

Charles was born on Sept. 8, 1944 to Harvey and Mabel, nee Swagler, Holland of Shattuc, Ill., and it was there that Charles grew up. Charles graduated from Carlyle High School in 1962, and matriculated at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was married to Marsha Worden on Sept. 17, 1965, and lived in Carlyle, Ill., from 1965 to 1979, where Charles worked initially as a reporter on the Carlyle Union Banner and eventually as the parts manager at Mount Motor Sales. In 1979, Charles moved his family to Centralia, Ill., where he worked as Parts Manager for Seeburger Olds. Charles was divorced in 1991, retired in 2002, and remained a resident of Centralia, Ill.

“It is not often someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.”-E. B. White

Charles studied writing and literature, but had life-long interests in fine art photography, wildlife, and fine firearms. Always the most informed person in the room, he enjoyed trivia, and spent the years since his retirement pursuing the avocation of photography. Charles exhibited his award-winning and compelling photos of the wildlife, landscapes, and people of Southern Illinois in photographic competitions throughout the state. He was published in many Illinois Wildlife publications and brochures. Recently, Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon, Ill., acquired one of his photographs for its permanent collection. Charles loved to hunt, read, and engage in intelligent discussion. He was a crack shot, a genius, a man of ideals, strong work ethic, and a dead-eye with a camera. He had true grit.

He had been a member of Ducks Unlimited, the KVS and Centralia Trap Clubs, Light and Lens, a board member of Centralia Cultural Society, and a Clinton County Election Judge. Charles was a mentor to the photo clubs at Carlyle Jr. High and High School. He inspired students to do their best and see the art in their everyday lives. Charles was a life-long blood donor.

Charles is survived by his family: daughters, Heather Holland-Daly, husband Tim, grandson Myles Daly of Belleville, Ill., and Sarah James, husband Charlie, grandchildren Truman and Winifred James, also of Belleville. Also bereaved are ex-wife, Marsha Holland of Swansea, Ill.; siblings, Harvey Holland and wife Janet of Shattuc, Ill., Mark Holland and wife Jean of Medina, Ohio, LuAlice Kampwerth and husband Kevin of Carlyle, Ill. Charles also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousin Terry Swagler, and aunts Bonnell and Martha Swagler of Shattuc, Ill.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Mo., or Carlyle Photo Club. On-line condolences may be sent to www.daymaczfuneralhomes.com

Just a few scribbles up there from my sketchbook–including a guy that I think of as Jemaine from Flight of the Gorillaz. 🙂

Almost have Chapter 3 ready for the printer and for digital download–just waiting for a piece of guest art from a really talented artist. I’ll give you a peak at it next week, and I think you’ll dig it. Keep checking back here weekly in the lead up to the launch of Chapter 4!