Johnston - Making ends meet: for better or for worse, 3rd treasury

Having a syndicated comic strip into which I could pour my frustration saved my sanity. In fact, this was a commonoccurrence with my kids this simple situation was enough to drive a parent crazy. I got a huge amount of satisfactionfrom drawing screaming kids with their mouths wide open and tears flying from their eyes. Exaggeration is the key tomaking art come to life; to be able to turn life into art was a godsendand thats no exaggeration!

This strip was done for Loretta Clarke, who was one of my dearest Lynn Lake friends and continues to be so. The two ofus worked together on boards, events, and charities. We could always count on the other to show up, work hard, and cleanup when the party was over. Talented, intelligent, honest, and fair, she is one of my favourite people in the world. Havingsaid that we were always so busy that we rarely took the time to really sit down and enjoy each others company (I hadmy family and the strip; she had four daughters of her own and a career). One day, in the Hudsons Bay store, we ran intoeach other. It was a rare opportunity. We had a few moments to spare and tried to have a conversation around the demandsof my son, who kept interrupting. I did this strip as a sort of apology and to let her know that I care for her and truly enjoyher company!

A couple of years ago, we took a three-week trip to Mexico together. We never tired of each others company for a minute it took all that time just to catch up!

Loretta and me in Mexico.

I swore I wouldnt raise my children in front of a television. I said daytime t.v. was a bad influence and a waste of time.Then I bore children and I blessed the channels that brought us the likes of Mr. Rogers, Polka Dot Door, and SesameStreet. I knew when these shows were coming on, I memorized their theme songs, and I encouraged my offspring to partake.I learned that the media sometimes does have a message: Moms, take a break when you can and dont feel guilty about it!

I used cloth diapers for my first child and was proud of myself for doing so. I breastfed, made my own baby food, andsterilized everything. I followed guidelines and kept a diary of how much Aaron ate, when he slept, and for how long. I wasgoing to be the perfect mom! Then when Katie was born, I relaxed I did what felt right and was safe and made sense. Ilearned that theres no such thing as the perfect mom, or the perfect kid you just have to do what works for both of you.

I loved making up names. When I thought up the word Grubberware, it immediately conjured up the idea of a party wheretoilet brushes, rubber gloves, plungers, and other unattractive bathroom cleaning stuff would be displayed and sold. Thismeant I could draw toilet-related stuff (which was rather discouraged) and possibly get away with it. I guess theres a part ofme that will always want to bug the guy in charge.