“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.”
-- Charles Schulz
***
The Story of Sparky:
For Sparky, school was arduous. He was not gifted academically, athletically, or socially. The 8th grade was especially difficult for Sparky; he failed every subject. While in high school, he flunked physics, Latin, algebra, and English. Sparky did not fare much better in sports. He appeared to his classmates as being socially awkward. It wasn’t that he was disliked by his peers; he just didn’t seem to fit in. Nobody ever went out of their way to include him. Outside of school, Sparky would be surprised if a classmate acknowledged him.
When it came to studies, sports and the social scene, Spark felt like a loser. However, there was one thing that Sparky felt particularly confident about; his drawing ability. Of course, no one else seemed to appreciate it. In his senior year of high school, he submitted some cartoons to the editors of the yearbook. The cartoons were turned down. Despite being rejected, Sparky was convinced that he had the ability to become a professional artist. Being an artist would be a great profession for Sparky. He could excel without the need for social interaction or additional schooling.
After completing high school, Sparky wrote a letter to Walt Disney Studios. Walt Disney Studios instructed him to send some samples of his artwork based upon a suggested theme for a cartoon. Sparky spent a great deal of time drawing the cartoon. Eventually, he completed it, submitted it, and waited patiently for a reply. Finally, the reply came from Disney Studios. He had been rejected once again; another loss in the long list of losses for the loser, Sparky.
Unwilling to give up on his dream of becoming a professional artist, Sparky decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. Through cartoons he described his childhood as being a chronic underachiever, socially awkward, and feeling like a loser much of the time. His cartoon character, a self-image of his childhood, would one day become famous worldwide.
Sparky, the boy who failed over and over while in school and whose artwork was repeatedly rejected, was no other than Charles Schulz. Schultz was the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. The little cartoon character whose kite would never fly, who never succeeded in kicking a football and whose mantra was “good grief” is Charlie Brown. It is no wonder where Charlie Brown got his first name.
Thanks to the work of a young artist who refused to give up on his dream, A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered 46 years ago today. At the last moment, CBS thought about nixing the premier. It was believed that the audience might have a hard time identifying with a protagonist who was a loser. The show did air and has aired virtually ever year since its premier.
Charles Schulz’s life epitomizes that “in adversity lies opportunity.” Think of the millions of children, and adults for that matter, who have been entertained by Charlie Brown and company. Charles Schulz lived a life of rejection. Yet, he did not allow rejection to define him as an artist. What might have happened if Charles Schulz would have given up on his dream?
Charles Schulz’s life depicted in a comic strip teaches us life is hard and life is full of challenges, but in the end, things always seem to work out for the good. The next time you find yourself struggling or maybe feeling like you just don’t fit in, remember Sparky, the loser, who in time became a winner worldwide.
***
From A Charlie Brown Christmas:
Linus quotes the second chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, verses 8 through 14.
”8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"
"...And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
-- Charles Schulz
***
The Story of Sparky:
For Sparky, school was arduous. He was not gifted academically, athletically, or socially. The 8th grade was especially difficult for Sparky; he failed every subject. While in high school, he flunked physics, Latin, algebra, and English. Sparky did not fare much better in sports. He appeared to his classmates as being socially awkward. It wasn’t that he was disliked by his peers; he just didn’t seem to fit in. Nobody ever went out of their way to include him. Outside of school, Sparky would be surprised if a classmate acknowledged him.
When it came to studies, sports and the social scene, Spark felt like a loser. However, there was one thing that Sparky felt particularly confident about; his drawing ability. Of course, no one else seemed to appreciate it. In his senior year of high school, he submitted some cartoons to the editors of the yearbook. The cartoons were turned down. Despite being rejected, Sparky was convinced that he had the ability to become a professional artist. Being an artist would be a great profession for Sparky. He could excel without the need for social interaction or additional schooling.
After completing high school, Sparky wrote a letter to Walt Disney Studios. Walt Disney Studios instructed him to send some samples of his artwork based upon a suggested theme for a cartoon. Sparky spent a great deal of time drawing the cartoon. Eventually, he completed it, submitted it, and waited patiently for a reply. Finally, the reply came from Disney Studios. He had been rejected once again; another loss in the long list of losses for the loser, Sparky.
Unwilling to give up on his dream of becoming a professional artist, Sparky decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. Through cartoons he described his childhood as being a chronic underachiever, socially awkward, and feeling like a loser much of the time. His cartoon character, a self-image of his childhood, would one day become famous worldwide.
Sparky, the boy who failed over and over while in school and whose artwork was repeatedly rejected, was no other than Charles Schulz. Schultz was the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. The little cartoon character whose kite would never fly, who never succeeded in kicking a football and whose mantra was “good grief” is Charlie Brown. It is no wonder where Charlie Brown got his first name.
Thanks to the work of a young artist who refused to give up on his dream, A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered 46 years ago today. At the last moment, CBS thought about nixing the premier. It was believed that the audience might have a hard time identifying with a protagonist who was a loser. The show did air and has aired virtually ever year since its premier.
Charles Schulz’s life epitomizes that “in adversity lies opportunity.” Think of the millions of children, and adults for that matter, who have been entertained by Charlie Brown and company. Charles Schulz lived a life of rejection. Yet, he did not allow rejection to define him as an artist. What might have happened if Charles Schulz would have given up on his dream?
Charles Schulz’s life depicted in a comic strip teaches us life is hard and life is full of challenges, but in the end, things always seem to work out for the good. The next time you find yourself struggling or maybe feeling like you just don’t fit in, remember Sparky, the loser, who in time became a winner worldwide.
***
From A Charlie Brown Christmas:
Linus quotes the second chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, verses 8 through 14.
”8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"
"...And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
