2011

It's just a few hours away from 2012, and as usual at this time, I try to think of all the things I was a part of during the past year. I have to say that it's been a great year for me. I would have to say it's one of my best years ever. I'm very happy in both my personal and my working life.

This entry for January 2006 is probably the earliest post I had about Elmer. If you asked me back then what Elmer would accomplish in 2011 I would not have believed it. I'm very glad I've proven most importantly to myself that this is something I can really do. That this is something I can be doing for the rest of my life. That I'm not just wasting my time. For the longest time I truly felt insecure whether I can really do something worthwhile in comics.

Thank you to everyone who bought, borrowed, downloaded, read and supported Elmer in whatever way you did. You guys have my gratitude. I promise I will continue to write and draw my stories, no matter what happens.

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Of interest to long time readers of Wasted… you all probably know the background of that book, and why I made it. If not, you can read my account here.

After 21 long years, I've had the opportunity to meet with the girl who had caused me to do Wasted. I hadn't seen her at all in all this time although we do correspond, albeit almost annually, via e-mail. It might sound dramatic, but the truth of it is, 21 years is a long time to carry hard feelings. I had gotten over her many many years ago, long before I even met my wife. Whatever fury and anger and drama that could have transpired had we meet soon after the break up seems to be almost laughable 21 years later.

We met, and we talked as friends, and it was great.

But I cannot deny that I would probably be a different person today without her. There would have been no Wasted, and I probably wouldn't have pursued comics as hard as I did. So I'm grateful to her for that.

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I hardly drink anymore, but I have half a bottle of champagne to finish by midnight (courtesy of my French publisher). No more firecrackers for me! Happy New Year, and Be Safe Everyone! See you all in 2012!