Tupperware Coffin

Raoul’s Two Cents: June 21, 2024

Confessions of a Caricature Artist

WARNING: A little religious. Move on to the jokes if you’re not interested.

I volunteered to do caricatures for our church’s Children’s Summer Program for three days. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous because it’s been a few years since I did live drawing and (since then) my eyesight has waned and my drawing hands have gotten stiff. But the more faces I drew, the better I got. The rust in my fingers chipped away. The ratio and proportion calibration in my brain started to tick again. I was back! One day I know the magic will be gone but at least it isn’t today.

Usually, the organizations hiring me would dote on my comfort, provide snacks and even assign an assistant for crowd control. But this church didn’t know who I was or what to do with me. They saw my name listed under the Volunteer List as “caricaturist.” They pointed where I was to go, showed me the table I could use and that was it. As soon as I set my paraphernalia and chairs, I reeled in some people to practice with. And then the laughter came; and then the crowd started to form. Last night, past 9 pm, I was the lone volunteer still working under the dim light with a bunch of kids who were giving me instructions how to draw the baseball bat and where to place their cat. They were laughing and giggling with their parents and we had a blast. As I packed up and dragged myself to my car, I realized how very tired I was from working 3 hours straight. I felt like I had just come from a war zone.

There is a Christian song by Twila Paris that I love called “The Warrior is a Child.” It’s about a Christian who goes through a spiritual battle and conquers her enemies. It helps me put things into proper perspective.

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

CHORUS
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
‘Cuz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat, oh no
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
They don’t know … (repeat chorus twice and end)

To be honest, I don’t really know how I do what I do. “People say that I’m amazing” but they don’t realize I’m just winging it. Sometimes I surprise even myself — that’s pretty cool … did I do that?!? This is true in many things that I encounter — when I write a song, when I lead someone to Christ, when I overcome some obstacles … even when I write some of my silly ol’ TGIF articles.

Have you heard this funny expression about humility — “It’s hard to be humble when you’re great like me?” In my case, it’s more — “it’s hard to be humble ‘cuz I’ve got an amazing God watching over me.”

And you know what? I believe He is watching over ALL of us … many of us just don’t wanna believe it.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Postscript

I got this beautiful letter from the event coordinator:

Dear Raoul,

You have probably heard countless expressions of joy when you produce your creations, but I hope you know what great joy it was having you bless the patio this week. I think what is most beautiful is how you seem to capture the very essence of each person , as God created them. Many caricature artists find oddities and make fun of them, but your pieces celebrate them. So thank you for bringing joy and glorifying God this week. I am so grateful.

Love,
Jenny E.
Parent Cafe

“The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.” — George Eliot

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” — Saint Augustine

“Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.” – Billy Graham

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; “ — Psalms 91:11

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago
(useful information)

(useful information)

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, California

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

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