As a young adult, when I was finally able to afford, at least some of the things I wanted and/or needed, I became a big fan of frivolous spending. I had to have that new issue of Esquire, that personal trainer at the gym (not just the gym), an office in a better location, a more trendy breed of dog or cat, live in a nicer neighborhood, and, of course, later, “My morning Starbuck’s”. I “had arrived”. The “American Dream” or at least for a short time it appeared that way. And what a letdown that was.

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Around 992, I was just another “corporate policy wonk” in Washington, D.C. I had been working in media and corporate relations for over a decade before I decided to strike out on my own and “build my own empire”. It was more like “The Empire Strikes My Back Side”. I was quickly becoming, or had become, a workaholic, which would serve me well later when becoming a cartoonist and e-tailer; purveyor of funny gifts and collectibles online, the business I am in now, but I would “pay some dues” before affording that luxury.

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What motivates you to buy? Whether it is a vacation to Fiji, or even Peoria, a brand new Mercedes, or perhaps a used VW Beetle, or a Gucci bag or a nice slightly used but gently worn sweater from the local Goodwill, it had to do with yours (and my) emotions.

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Since I launched my cartoon business a decade ago, many have asked me how to get into cartooning, or some similar artistic endeavor, especially if, like me, art is not their strongest skill. Before I entered “the trade”, I too, was curious about how a number seemed to “sneak in” these so called “glamour-fields” and many were no better artists than me, and I am no Picasso.

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In childhood, most likely, we heard the mantra, ” ‘Tis better to give than to receive”. Of course we didn’t quite buy into that theory in our youth, as nothing felt better than that new bike, G.I. Joe, Nintendo, Ipod, Barbie set, or, you name it (depending on if you are boy or a girl, and whether you are from The Woodstock Generation or Gen. Y).

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“Would you consider buying my goods?”, was the business mantra of Wal-mart founder Sam Walton and I walk together. Not literally but geographically and in spirit. No, I’m not in Sam’s league by any means, but I, geographically walk down the same streets, paths, fish in the same fishing spots, and other activities. You see, Sam Walton and his family grew up down the road from where I now live, in the Ouchata Mountains of Arkansas. There may not be a more beautiful place to live and work.

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Our dogs and cat’s can’t afford lawyers so we have to be their advocates. Much has been discussed regarding the B.A.R.F. diet for pets, but still very little research behind it. I happen to know it works as I almost had my 12 year old stray mutt put to sleep in 1996, at age 12, at the veterinarian’s suggestion, but decided to research a bit more myself before making such an important decision. He lived another 10 years (to age 22), vet-free, except to the very last six months of his life.

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My name is Truman Cowpoke and I write mooooder mysteries. I write about the life of cows, violence, and yes, even bovine death. Words cannot express the horror I feel, as a mystery writer of true cow crime while researching the death and destruction that can occur in “greener pastures”. Of course there are no cowincidences and anyone who says there are may just be full of bull, surely udderly ridiculous.

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Our dogs and cat’s can’t afford lawyers so we have to be their advocates. Much has been discussed regarding the B.A.R.F. diet for pets, but still very little research behind it. I happen to know it works as I almost had my 12 year old stray mutt put to sleep in 1996, at age 12, at the veterinarian’s suggestion, but decided to research a bit more myself before making such an important decision. He lived another 10 years (to age 22), vet-free, except to the very last six months of his life.

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If I told you looking at newspaper or Internet cartoons might save your life or build your immune system, you might be looking for me a good doctor. Ironically it is good doctors who agree with this philosophy.

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