As an artist I’ve assigned myself the job of reflecting what it is to be human. Then for years I’ve quizzed acquaintances as to why they enjoyed certain television programs and movies. I needed to know what it was in those shows that “feeds” the people. At the time I asked, the programs most loved were The Godfather movies, very well made, Cheers and Starsky and Hutch, both mediocre.

People recognized the two television programs were not well made but they didn’t care a bit. They loved the shows and envied the fictional characters for having a place where they belonged, a place where they were known and a place where they were valued.

“Yea,” I’d say, “but in the case of the Godfather most peoples’ “place” was that of being a servant, and that the place they filled got them horribly killed. “Every single person said,”Oh yes, I know but it was worth it; they had their place in the family.”

Here’s a thought, and not mine, a strong family. Make one yourself, one heading in a good direction. I hope to show this in the books write and illustration. I like to offer readers ideas like; such as invented holidays every month; weekly family nights, prayer if your so inclined, dealing with problems together, and sharing insights and treasures together, traditions, play, work, and spending a lot of time together. My books are laugh out loud funny unlike the unfortunate person below who is desperately searching for something she can’t name.  nancymauerman.com