“I thought my life would seem more interesting with a musical score and a laugh track.” Bill Watterson
As most of you know, I’m only in this for the money. And of course the fame. And the accolades. And the….
Did you know that Comments cure depression? Well, that’s not really true, but they can lift it temporarily. Nothing brightens my day more than seeing a number or two lit up in the “comments” section. No matter how old the post is, or how inconsequential you think your comment might be, leave it anyway. Some days that’s my only reason for living. Well, maybe not the only reason, but you know what I mean.
I’ve decided to keep it light today. I’m still in a New York state of mind. Still reeling from the culture and the cuisine, the noise and the theater, the museums and the cab rides. I am operating on sensory over-load and loving it.
I thought that I would share a few more of the Calvin and Hobbes pieces that I love so much.
I adore his honesty, his self-centeredness, his unwillingness to change to suit other people’s expectations.
BUT, he’s also a good reminder of how we SHOULD be. I like to think that I’m a good person. I like to think that I do nice things. And while I am and I do, is it really enough? Being a good person means more than being moral and conscientious. It means actually going out and doing something to make the world a better place. I recycle, I’m kind to animals, I contribute to food banks and occasionally to pan-handlers. But what am I REALLY doing to make the world a better place?
Okay, I promised I was going to keep this light. Must be all of those New Year’s resolutions creeping into my subconscious.
Like it or not, Calvin is a child of our times, raised on the cusp of Twitter and Reality TV. And he makes no excuses for it.
I like an audience as much as the next person. Not as much as John or Kate or any of the newest of the string of celebrities for celebrity sake (e.g., Tiger’s female entourage climbing out of the swamp to get their 15 minutes.) But I can also BE a good audience. And that brings me to the Special Gift portion of our show. My fellow blogger and mood-swinger, Sarcastic Bastard has given me many chuckles over the past year, and I am hoping to return the favor with, “The Ladies Who Brunch.” It is a photograph I found years ago. I have no idea who these women are, but it makes me smile every time I look at it. And it reminds me not to take life so seriously. I hope she, and YOU, enjoy it, that it puts a smile on your face as well, and that it encourages you to kick up your heels a bit more in the New Year.
And remember: YOU MATTER. Well, maybe not to me, but to someone, somewhere…..
Thanks for playing.
Love, Marco
P.S. CALVIN & HOBBES FANS: See more at: There Must Be More to Life!
I’m leaving a comment…probably more for myself than for you. I need to feel acknowledged, in some form, and if in doing so I am killing two birds with one stone (re:comments make me smile), then all the better.
As I sit here, in all my state of absolute degeneracy, I feel hopeless. Resignation feels painfully empty, but I am still here. And I am reading your blog. And time passes. And tomorrow will come.
Yes, time passes. And so does the depression. It is so much worse when I fight it. I am a lot more miserable when I TRY to be happy, productive. You know what? I do what I can, and that’s all I can do. I have often heard (and read) that depression is “anger turned inwards.” But I don’t believe that. I believe that more than anything it is the loss of hope. I LOVE to be angry. Not irritable, which is something I hate, but ANGRY. It feels good. It can make you feel alive. I’d rather feel joy, certainly, but if the choice is between anger and hopelessness, I’ll take anger any day. And you do matter. That you took the time to read my words and to make a comment, made a difference for me today. For a brief moment at least I was aware that I touched someone else in some way. Aware that my words and my thoughts, while floating around out there digitally, occasionally find someone who can relate to them. Your comments reminded me that it really is the small things in life that matter. A smile, a kind word, a comment…. That’s what makes life worth living. Be well, Marco.
and am glad i found this blog !! :)) my fellow bipolar.. we seem to be invading the world 😛
be good and ok .. loving the cartoon strips..
Thanks for reading. Yes, it seems like everyone has a mental disorder these days. Especially bipolar. Glad you appreciate the cartoons.
Be well, Marco
“So from now on, I simply won’t think about anything I don’t like, and I’ll be happy all the time!” — you know what? It freaking works, and I try to practice that as much as I can. Or still better: Choose to think about things that make me happy. Nice C & H selections– and thanks for your thoughtful writing here. It’s helpful to read others’ experiences w/ bipolar and I appreciate those who are courageous enough to share.
Kristin,
Thank you for reading and for taking the time to make such a kind and generous comment.
Yes, I agree. What you focus on affects how you feel. Some days it works (focusing on something positive) and some days it doesn’t.
Hope your holiday season is going well.
Best wishes for a positive and productive New Year!
Marco
Hi! I stumbled across your website which I must say I have found motivational and interesting! You provide some great info in your blog. http://www.bipolarmedicationguide.com
Stef,
Thanks for reading and for the nice comment. It’s always nice to know that these words are finding their place in the world. I have added a link to your blog as well. One can never have too much information.
Be well, and Happy New Year.
Marco
I LOVE the one you posted for SB! Your right we need to just kick up our heels and say fuck it.
Well I say it most of the time anyways so its all good.
Happy holidays…
Stay Up!
Thanks. That’s one of my all time favorite photos.
And as SB says, “Those broads look like a lot of damn fun.”
Happy Holidays to you as well.
Hope your New Year is filled with FUN.
Marco
the ubiquitously fab sb also sent me and i know what you mean about the comments.
after being unheard for so long, it’s like digital validation that my voice is being heard.
ps love the calvin and hobbes!
xxmiss alaineusxx
miss alaineus,
SB is always good for a chuckle and an interesting spin on things.
I write the blog for myself. What else can you do?
But it is nice to know that even though we write in a vacuum, what we do occasionally touches someone else in some way.
Glad you like the Calvin & Hobbes. I also like the fact that Bill Watterson hasn’t “sold out” with coffee mugs and Christmas specials.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
Marco
I’m here from Ms. Bastard’s and thank-you for posting that picture. I want to be in it desperately.
Thanks for stopping by.
They do look like they know how to have a good time, don’t they?
Here’s to all of us incorporating more fun into the New Year.
Marco
My Dear Marco,
Thanks for the gift. I love the photo! Those broads look like a lot of damn fun. I’d join them in a heartbeat.
I know that this is often a tricky time of year for those of us who struggle with depression. Just remember you have friends and you are loved. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and an especially great new year.
Love,
SB
Thanks Sb,
Yeah, they do look like fun. Makes me want to have a cocktail.
Wishing you a happy holiday and a safe and prosperous new year as well!
Love, Marco
I totally agree about comments helping. Actually just wrote a rambling blog entry about it. Love the Calvin & Hobbes.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting. You made my night. Marco