[BITList] Maxine and her creator

[michael J Feltham]

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> G'day Folks,
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> John Wagner, Hallmark artist since 1970, says Maxine was inspired by his mother, his maiden aunts and his grandmother, the woman who bought him art lessons when 'fill in the pumpkins' was about the extent of his art classes at St. John's Catholic School in Leonia, N.J.
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> John remembers doodling as a preschooler and says both his grandmother and his mother encouraged his artistic interests. He eventually attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and landed at Hallmark as part of a new artists group. But it was the birth of the humorous Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) in 1986 that added a new dimension to John's professional life. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed his talents and he created Maxine.
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> Why the name 'Maxine'?  'People at Shoebox started referring to the character as 'John Wagner's old lady,' and I knew that would get me into trouble with my wife,' John says. The Shoebox team had a contest among themselves to name the character and three of the  approximately 30 entries suggested 'Maxine'. John says the name is perfect. 
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> John, who says he's humbled by such acceptance of Maxine, admits he's proud of her. 
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> Now you know the story of how Maxine came to be. 
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> Time Gets  Better :With Age 
> Read it through to the end, it gets better as you go! 
> * 
> I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night." Age 5 
> * 
> I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7 
> * 
> I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9 
> * 
> I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12 
> * 
> I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14 
> * 
> I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15 
> * 
> I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24 
> * 
> I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. Age 26 
> * 
> I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29 
> * 
> I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30 
> * 
> I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. Age 42 
> * 
> I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44 
> * 
> I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46 
> * 
> I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47 
> * 
> I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48 
> * 
> I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49 
> * 
> I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50 
> * 
> I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 51 
> * 
> I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52 
> * 
> I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53 
> * 
> I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58 
> * 
> I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62 
> * 
> I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64 
> * 
> I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people,
> And doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
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> I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66 
> * 
> I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72 
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> I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 74 
> * 
> I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, 
> Or just a friendly pat on the back.  Age 76 
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> I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 78 
> *I've learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile. 
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> If Things Get Better With Age Then I'm Approaching Excellent.
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