I took this lovely photo of my parrot Albus… only to realize the drawing on my computer was quite “racy” out of context. Now you have a sneak preview of Monday’s comic. So, I apologize for the “content” – but it was so darned funny!
Albus kicking back and reading paranormal “porn”… Using the term loosely, since this is a family comic! -photo by T.j. Garofalo
Enjoy!
Tj
Many people recount experiences of smelling specific flowers before a relative passes, or while remembering a lost loved one. Some experience the smell of cooking, perfume, or cigar wafting through an enclosed space where those scents should not be. Personally, I experienced pipe smoke off and on at a home I lived in. I was fortunate to pick up an EVP (electronic voice phenomena) of a spirit answering positive to being the source of the scent.
But what happens when the smells get nasty?… Inhuman entities are said to give off foul smells, like rotting flesh. Of course the culprit might be screwy food in your fridge or a deceased raccoon in the wall. I would definitely look into that first. All spirits have the capacity for tweaking our olfactory senses. Most choose scents they enjoyed in life. Some like to be antisocial with favorite bodily emissions. Truly awful stench is routinely associated with demonic hauntings.
Before you run off screaming “DEMON!,” do the research. Chances are there is a logical explanation. Also, a ghost who wants to pester you can make lousy smells too. If you suspect evil, it is important to call in professional to uncover the truth. Be careful who you chose to do this. Some paranormal investigators are great for the job, others can aggravate the situation. Provoking is not the best way to dispose of a demonic. A proper cleansing of the home and those who live in it may be necessary. This needs to be done by a seasoned professional. As they say, “DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME.”
There can be other reasons for phantom smells. It could also be a medical condition known as Phantosmia. Medical science considers the perception of a odor with no apparent cause a disorder. Whether it is a malfunction of the olfactory neurons or a symptom of a psychological issue, such as schizophrenia, only a doctor can tell you. This, of course, leaves no room for the paranormal possibilities. It would be prudent to rule out health problems, but more effectual to ask your cohort, “YO, can you smell it too?” If more than one of you notice it, then it may be paranormal… or you’re both headed for mental help.
If you are suspecting paranormal odor, do the research. Rule out the physical explanations first. When your a left with nothing normal, then it must para. I always consider it an honor to experience spirit activity. It makes one realize how close they really are. Which means, they never truly leave us.
Eat Cookies, Hunt Ghosts!
Tj
Resource:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantosmia
This week I banned myself from the computer. Therefore, you have not had a new comic until today. Sorry about that. But, I needed respite. This week one of our designers was sent packing. I was forced to assume the workload. So, yadda, yadda, yadda, I’m really tired.
But, today we have Thor discussing his “tan” with Carl. This idea materialized on Thor’s Facebook page. Writing for this often leads to new comics. This just goes to show, if you keep writing, ideas will just show up.
There are times, however, when an artist needs to become dormant. A break from creating helps incubate ideas. I observe this in myself. It’s important to recharge. This can apply to all of us in regards to work or other efforting. When we honor the ebb and flow of energy, we are more productive.
We need to apply this idea to the workplace. Employees would be more effective if they were allowed to work within their own energy cycles. The morale would improve, and a company would be more likely to find and keep great talent.
People need to be nurtured. We are learning coercion does not work long term. Heavy-handed management may be effective at first, but it will discourage innovation and the desire to perform at peak. I have worked for many companies. I have witnessed many styles of management. Kindness always wins. I use this when I manage. It has served me well. It is an honor to see someone enjoy working under you enough to rise to new levels of innovation, because you have allowed them to. So, it’s about encouraging people to work within their rhythms and be who they need to be.
Food for thought…
Enjoy!
Tj
It was dutifully pointed out by a fan that sea monsters do not live in lakes. Honestly, I do know this, but the word sea monsters is so much funnier than lake monster, so I went with it. And thus, life spawns another comic.
Humans name EVERYTHING in our attempt to define our surroundings. We make distinctions between the forms we see in our surroundings in order to compare notes with our fellows. Language is our vehicle to describe our perceptions. These are merely words that serve as pointers. Ultimately the lake monster is a part of the lake, the earth, the universe and us. So, it’s all connected. It’s all energy.
Now that’s a pretty cool lesson disguised as a comic strip.
Eat Cookies, Hunt Ghosts, Connect!
Tj
I am back from my brief respite with the family. We managed to pull off two gatherings, one with each side. I am still recuperating from the annual, or semi-annual madcap badminton match. We battled in 90 plus temperature. Needless to say, we were all down a quart when we finished. The only way to make us quit before we dropped dead of heat exhaustion was to be placated by Mom’s rhubarb pie. It is wasn’t for pie, I’d be in the hospital with dehydration and smelling something awful from all the sweat and grass stains. After a match like that, there is no guilt about eating ANYTHING.
So, I’m home now. Lake Skatutakee has been well swum. Loads of photos were taken… some purposed for today’s comic. I am continuing with sea monster theme for a bit. I still enjoy throwing in photos as a backdrop for a cartoon. This being a freshwater lake, and thus nearly impossible for a sea monster to appear adds an amusing ingredient. I did worry one of my cousins with the possibility of freshwater sea monsters. You know I had a great time with that… I nearly had her convinced! (Actually, she was humoring me.)
It’s great to settle into some cartooning after all the excitement. Between cartoons and my horse, I get a fair amount of “zen” time. Art and horses are a great way to enjoy the present moment. The process of drawing is conducive to being aware of form and activity. Horses, for some strange reason, command your attention. For the time you are with them, nothing else exists. You are totally focused on the entity of horse. It is active stillness… sometimes too active when the horse has a meltdown. But, being relaxed and present calms the horse and allows stillness to creep in again. It is just wonderful, healthy energy. I recommend it!
I also recommend cartoons! These little jewels awaken healing laughter! It works on me! AND, it works on Entities-R-Us fans. There are many testimonies of those overturning a lousy day with a good chuckle. Alas, this must be why I draw them.
Enuff philosophizing!
Eat Cookies! Hunt Ghosts, Read Comics!
Tj
