FLASH MOLASSES in "What's that smell?"

Click on image for full stereo sound and high-def video. Actually, not. But it WILL enlarge.

Coming up...

Hello Friends, Here is what's coming up: Meeting TOMORROW 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Betty will lead a separate session for care partners. The rest of us will have "Open Microphone" sharing where we are with PD. Coming on November 18, Dr. Ro, of Swedish Hospital in Seattle, will give a talk at Alaska Regional Hospital. The topic is to be announced. If you plan to attend please RSVP to 425-433-8269

Dancing on Quicksand

So now I am "Former Daily News cartoonist" Peter Dunlap-Shohl. I knew this day was coming, and feared it. I've been cartoonist for the Daily News for so long, it was a major component of my identity. And before I became the actual Daily News cartoonist, I was an aspiring editorial cartoonist, going back as far as the fifth grade.

In the six years since my diagnosis, I have struggled to maintain my viability as a cartoonist. I've been dancing on quicksand, learning to use new programs and expanding into animation and increasing the writing I did for the paper. All the while trying to shrug off the weight of Parkinson's Disease as it dragged relentlessly at my every movement.

Then word came that our paper was looking for voluntary reductions in staff. Reductions that would be come involuntary should too few volunteers come forward.

After weighing my assets and liabilities, I decided that it was time for me to go. Time to step aboard, or maybe in front of, the Express Bus to the Future. Ironically, it is my experience with Parkinson's that helped absorb the blow.

After the initial shock and hysteria following my diagnosis, I discovered strengths, resources and skills I didn't realize I had. After surviving word that one has a debilitating progressive disease, loss of a mere job doesn't seem as momentous.

Plus I have a terrific support system of family and friends.

The upshot is that we are not brushing up on our street begging skills yet... although when we get there, we're going to have DESIGNER SIGNS, baby!

Announcing "Frozen Grin" Pete's new blog

Having ejected from the mothership into cyberspace, I have established a new cartoon and humor blog "Frozen Grin". This will be the home of my future editorial cartoons and animations. I also intend to post a variety of creative projects here and am excited about the possibilities.

The first post is the web debut of my newest animation, XT and Me, the second installment of my blockbuster space trilogy. To see the new blog, just click here.

Pete