I’ve never had a typical “girly” sense of humor. I hate “chick lit” and – other than Lynda Barry – was never particularly influenced by female cartoonists. Not that I don’t admire or read comic strips by other women. I absolutely do and I have…but I don’t necessarily seek them out over other ones.
An interesting fact: before Pajama Diaries, most of the cartoon protagonists I developed were men. They were always alter egos of myself and weren’t overtly feminine (other than displaying a few of my klutzy/neurotic tendencies). For some reason, on paper I used to feel more comfortable in the “male” mind. Obviously, this has changed. I’m glad it has; I think the world needs more women delivering the punchlines.
Still…I was happy to take a vacation from the female mindset and introduce a two-week series from Rob’s (the husband) standpoint. This series lasts until March 15th. I did it as an homage to my own long-suffering husband whose alter ego frequently plays the “straight man” in PD. In reality, he’s actually used to being more of the source of entertainment.
This was a fun series to write…as well as a much-needed break from my feminine side. Thanks for the inspiration, Honey!
(New Year’s Resolution Update: I’ve been workin’ my tailbone off and am now FIVE days ahead…on top of the regular five-week lead time for turning in strips. This is monumental, especially since my kids have had a couple of snow days recently. Yay, me!! Let’s hope this trend lasts…)
I usually love your comic, but was dismayed by this morning’s comic and how you seem to have joined the ever-increasing club of skinny bashers. I’ve never done a day of yoga or pilates, I’ve never seen the inside of a gym, and my abs are as soft as any mom’s – but I happen to be skinny. I can’t tell you how many times I have been called a “stick” or told “you need to gain weight.” Or how many times women have given me that all-too-familiar “I hate skinny women” glare, just because I happen to be thin. Now this. I am usually not this sensitive, but your comic today made me want to cry. I hope one day we can get stop all this hating on people for their weight – whether they they happen to be over OR under the “ideal” – whatever that is! Thanks for listening.
~ Amy
Hi Amy,
Making you feel bad certainly wasn’t my intention. In fact, that part of the strip wasn’t in reference to being naturally skinny — it was referring to those amazingly in-shape mothers who throw themselves into exercise (and how jealous the rest of us petty mommies can be).
See the new blog posting above. Hope that helps.
Terri