Escape Adulthood

Live with Less Stress & More Fun

Archives for December 2017

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Listen In For Ideas on Creativity, Finding Inspiration, and Tinkering

I was recently interviewed on two great podcasts that are definitely worth a listen: In an episode of The Idea Medic Podcast by Tara Roskell, we explore a bit of my journey from cartoonist to speaker and author, and talk about my artistic style and where I find inspiration. We also discuss ways to escape adulthood and the benefits of bringing fun to business. Meanwhile, my friend Neil Mathweg has started a podcast for people who live in (an especially recently moved to) Madison Wisconsin. I was honored to be the first guest on the I Love Madison Show, where we talked about finding your tribe and the powerful concept of Tinker Projects. Neil is a great host and produces an entertaining show! …

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Wondernite 2017

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit some art galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona. Although much of the art was truly impressive, I was taken aback by the extreme levels of Adultitis that permeated everything. Everyone was so serious and stuffy. Making art is a joyful experience for me – as I’m sure it is for many of the artists who had their work on display – but in those galleries, that joy was missing. Big time. Kim and I have worked hard to marry my art into my speaking programs in a meaningful way. This past year, we spent hours and hours brainstorming the idea of creating some sort of "art show" for our tribe. We wanted something fun and different that incorporated my storytelling abilities, but was free of the Adultitis that dominates so many traditional galleries and art shows. What finally emerged was Wondernite, a VIP art collecting event where I premiered never-before-seen originals. It was billed as inspiring evening of art, food, and storytelling. One …

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Believing in Miracles

"Cupcakes Are Miracles" by Jason Kotecki. Oil on canvas. Original is SOLD. Prints and canvas reproductions available here. I’ve wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. Especially after I found out that the roles of being George Lucas or Superman were already taken. Like most artists, I started out making “copies." I drew Simpsons characters and portraits of athletes and celebrities. It was how I learned my craft. As Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, "Everybody imitates before they can innovate. My first real attempt at saying something original was through comics. First a sports panel cartoon I did in college called Obstructed View, then a comic strip called Kim & Jason. I became inspired by people like Charles Schulz (Peanuts) and Sam Butcher (Precious Moments), and I decided that I wanted to use my art to make a difference. I was convinced that Kim & Jason was the way I was destined to do that. I had big dreams and we worked really hard to make it successful. …

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Jackie Ward, December 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month

An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. Jackie Ward's passion for life is a genuine gift to all who have the opportunity to know her. She’s spunky, sincere and magnetic and she draws out the best in those around her! Jackie is a leader with loyal followers and the successful business owner of an amazing child care center who remains true to her core values and origins of starting something remarkable, and boy, has she done just that! Jackie's personality is one of fireworks and gratitude, inspiring others to reignite their passions and be grateful for each moment. She is a planner of fun. She is a protector of childhood. And she is a …

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Whoop There He Is

[ This is a guest post about some rules that don't exist from our good friend and professional speaker, Laurie Guest. ] Kim and Jason have coined a phrase that speaks directly to my heart. The phrase is #notarule, and it challenges adults to look for ways to fight Adultitis, a disease that causes stress and decreases fun. Jason wrote a book called Penguins Can’t Fly +39 Other Rules That Don’t Exist. He invited others to submit suggestions for #notarule, and I had been on the lookout for a good example. I wanted to be included in the book, but unfortunately, I never found a worthy submission and lost my chance. So imagine my surprise last month when a most unique #notarule presented itself to me. While waiting to meet a friend for lunch, I was sitting in my car with the windows rolled down, the sun shining on my face, and a cool breeze flowing through the vehicle. A light gray Ford pulled up next to me facing in the opposite direction so our driver sides were next to each …

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