Silly Daddy Family

Lost in the Future or Anchored to the Ancient Book

2013-05-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

The following cartoon and article is an introductory excerpt from my latest eBook: Mighty Messianic Prophecy. It's a non-fiction, no-nonsense, non-stop study of the predictions proving Jesus as the messiah. Release date: Summer 2013.

A father and son lounge in their futuristic living room while the son opens up an old box. The father is surprised at what his son has discovered in the long-forgotten box.

Glancing up from his virtual reality goggles, the father declares, "Wow that's a real authentic book! We should read it." The father is referring to the top book in the box which his son grabs in curiosity. The title of this rare and giant book evokes a sense of respect and awe: "The Holy Bible."

The son, being only accustomed to eBooks, movies, virtual reality, and video games, has never seen an actual printed book. So he asks "Where is the start button?"

Lost in the Future or Anchored to the Ancient Book

A comic depicting the increasingly aloof attitude that the world has for the Bible has led me to a significant observation. More and more, I find that people, self included, can be easily captivated by the allure of anything new: iPhones, iPads, iWatch, Wii, the list goes on. I don't have any of these devices but I can't deny a certain fascination with the development and progress of such technology and the new content that these formats pave the way for.

While the façade of spinning everything new as supremely better remains part of our societal value system, one ancient book continues to hold up content that, despite being quite old, "is perfect, reviving the soul," as stated in Psalm 19:7. That book, of course, is The Holy Bible.

As we enjoy a sense of newness in life which God allows us to have, and as we search for the next big thing, I am reminded that what really counts is for us to meditate on God's law, day and night (Psalm 1:2). Think deeply and repeatedly about what God calls us to be and to do. Most people will scoff at this kind of talk. I know this for sure, since I was such a person for three dark decades of my life.

Nevertheless, a few faithful believers, anchored to the past that was transformed by Jesus Christ on the cross, will find excitement in God's ability to "revive the soul." No one but God can do such a thing as to revive our inner life essence--our soul. Yet for God, that is his main line of work! Luke 19:10 explains that Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost." Being a former lost soul, and completely undeserving of any sort of revival, I am so grateful that God still called me to him. I was a lost cause, drunk on the future glory of self and fellow man, without a clue as to which way was up. Yet I was revived, converted, and found--only by the grace (undeserved favor) of God.

In the future, which is here today and full of tantalizing distractions, our population will become increasingly polarized about God. The multitudes continue to abandon him in favor of the many modern-day idols, while a select few will find an anchor for their soul in the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, as highlighted in Hebrew 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..."

Therefore the following core question is left as a warning, and as a challenge; Are you lost in the future or anchored to God's word? It may be an ancient book, but the Bible is the only book that has stood the test of time. In the end, it will also be the only book to remain.

If you need help finding the start button, please let me know.

Those Cute Little Interruptions

2013-03-22T08:41:00.000-05:00

This universal mother and child moment in comics is one that all parents can likely relate with instantly.

While trying to write something of substance down on paper, a mother's train of thought is abruptly derailed by her young daughter who is pulling on her mother's arm with all the cuteness that she can muster. A common thought enters the mother's mind; "Someday I'll probably miss these frequent little interruptions."

As her child continues to tug on her arm, mom takes a good look at her dear daughter, hearts melt, and a childhood memory is cherished.

Even after over two decades of fatherhood, being a parent continues to be one of the most mind-boggling experiences of my life. I mean that in a good way, like how Disney's Space Mountain is mind-boggling the first time you go through it. Or closer to home, parenting is mind-boggling like that first visit to the beach on a warm sunny day after a long winter. There is so much more to life--wonder and amazement--unless we take it for granted. The same can be said for parenting.

I believe that God designed parenting not just to provide for the needs of the young, but also to humble the characters of the parents. Through raising children I have learned so much about the nature of life, God, humanity, and my own heart.

In my selfish nature, there is often the temptation to be laser-focused on my own interests, while ignoring the interests of others. Being a parent--at least if you want to be a good one--forces you to deal with those self-centered desires on a daily basis, because your kids always need something.

Therefore a good parent must not only accept this fact--that they must live a sacrificial lifestyle--but they must also be proactive in deciding how best to meet the needs of their family. I have now come to appreciate how God has put my three children in my life for great reasons, not the least of which has been so that I can see the depths of my sin and repent of my introverted, and often indifferent natural tendencies toward the needs of others. Parenting has changed me forever--for the better.

I thank God for setting such an irrefutable example of who a great father really is through his pattern in the Bible. God is the ultimate parent, laying down his life for me, and for my children.

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:18

Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2013 on Microsoft Surface Pro using Autodesk Sketchbook Express

If you appreciate the themes covered in this webcomic and essay, you will most certainly also enjoy my wife's eBook, Rescuing Supermom.

When Shopping with a Paratriathlete

2013-03-15T17:24:00.002-05:00

Melissa Stockwell, a US veteran and person with a prosthetic leg, gave an inspiring as well as practical speech at the 2013 Adler Abilities Symposium in Chicago, sponsored by the Adler School of Professional Psychology. This is not an exact quote but she said something to this effect;

"When I go to the store, I don't need people congratulating me for getting out of my house to buy groceries. I'm a champion paratriathlete. You can congratulate me for that!"

Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2013 drawn on Samsung Tablet PC in ArtRage program running good old Microsoft Windows XP

If Boxes Could Talk

2013-03-09T20:41:00.001-06:00

I hope you enjoy this surreal comic designed to expose the perils of pride and prejudice.

Amidst a crowd of cardboard cartons, one proud container asks another, "Do you know why us boxes are better than crates?"

Agitated, the other box replies, "Hey, my mother was a crate!"

I have been studying pride and humility lately in the Bible and in my own character. After much reflection, I have come to an essential conclusion; God is majestic and he is the only being to be raised up and exalted. Everyone else is designed to be lowly (humble), being in a state of awe and gratitude in their relationship with God on high. Therefore when it comes to rating oneself (or one's race) as better than another, this is simply foolish and ungodly--a line of thinking to be avoided.

Philippians 2:3 says it best; "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2013 on Microsoft Surface Pro using Autodesk Sketchbook Express

A Comic of Wide Appeal

2013-03-03T19:37:00.001-06:00

My daughter responded to one of my sketches with surprising alarm; "Hey, my face is not that fat!"

She is probably right but then we both agreed that the drawing was too cute to fix up.

Digital comic drawn by Joe Chiappetta 2013 on Google Nexus Tablet

Marriage Problems and Solutions all on a Date

2013-03-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

On a special night out on the town in downtown Chicago, a husband and wife who are quite active in ministry issues have an eventually helpful conversation.

"Should we stop discussing how to fix other people's marriage problems on our big date?" asks the wife.

"Great idea!" replies the husband.

Problem solved. If this sounds like a real marital discussion, that's because it's ripped from the romantic realities of a would-be actual date we have survived through.

Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2013 drawn on Microsoft Surface Pro in Autodesk Sketchbook Express program

Need People First - Not Doctors

2013-03-02T12:21:00.002-06:00

After falling off his wheelchair down a flight of inaccessible stairs, a well-intentioned fellow holds his phone out and asks, "Hey, wheelchair guy, should I call you a doctor?"

The disheveled individual on the ground replies, "I'd rather have you call me a person, first!"

While many initiatives that reword things to be politically correct can be hard to keep up with and even questionable in nature, the People First Movement can be quite helpful. This is an ongoing effort to help people consider those with disabilities as real people as opposed to thinking of them as being identified primarily by their disabilities. Disability advocates and friends in the movement for equal rights for people with disabilities understand this concept, yet the rest of the world can be somewhat oblivious to such societal goals for changing perceptions. Yet after seeing this cartoon, you now have no excuse. Everyone is a person first!

Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2013 drawn on Microsoft Surface Pro in Autodesk Sketchbook Express program

Dating and Alternate Futures

2013-02-26T22:37:00.001-06:00

A Silly Daddy Sci-Fi Teen Dating Comic Designed to Teach You Something

An oddly intense teenage young man says with confidence to a young woman, "I'm from an alternate future where you will actually want to date me!"

"That must be the same future wherein I'm really a zombie," replies the woman coldly.

Does it come as no surprise that this poor fellow might be fine with that?

When it comes to relationships, the world is entirely messed up: desperately lonely, yet too prideful to ask the right people for help. Thankfully, Jesus Christ came to show us how to have awesome relationships--ones that I would never have imagined could even be possible. The way I interact with my wife, children, friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers have all been enhanced by a continual thirst to apply the teachings of Jesus into everything that I do.

Despite the reality of falling short more often than I realize, I cannot help but notice that the more I am in tune with how Jesus says to relate to people, the more those relationships prosper. Love your enemy, love your neighbor as yourself, love always trusts, love one another as I have loved you, do not be yoked to unbelievers, forgive as the Lord forgave you... these are all radical Christian concepts that have set my path on a straight course and have reliably kept the zombies away from my future. And the church said "Amen!"

Silly Daddy and the Sound Mind

2013-01-03T20:53:00.001-06:00

My first comic of the new year is about (big surprise) the funny things that kids say.

It may be a new year, but I can't escape the wacky kid conversations. "What's that chirping from above?" asked the father to his little child while they were exploring at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago.

"I see a bird sound," replied the child with certainty.

This comic was inspired by actual conversations that happened while spending time with the Economo family. In case you don't get the joke, sound cannot be "seen" unless you have radar.

Digital drawing by Joe Chiappetta 2013, on Google Nexus Tablet using SketchBook Express for Tablets

Nevermind the Silly Daddy

2012-12-25T22:20:00.001-06:00

Step into the mind of a surprisingly spiritual seven-year old, in all its glory. On a white Christmas morning, my daughter began to pray, "God please help us drive safely to Grandma's house in the snow."

Abruptly she was corrected by my wife, who explained, "Grandma is coming to our house."

At this new bit of information, my daughter closed with, "Oh, then God, nevermind. Amen."

Sometimes it seems that comics just write themselves. Yet I also wonder if such amusing events in life may also be God having some fun with his peoples.

Silent Silly Daddy

2012-12-24T19:24:00.001-06:00

After drawing a nice sketch of my oldest daughter, I asked her what I should have her saying once I turn the artwork into a cartoon. Without much deliberation at all, she simply stated, "Sorry, I have nothing comic-worthy to say."

Disconcerted Daughter Down Under

2012-12-24T08:27:00.001-06:00

Opening up my mail one afternoon, I noted that there were Australian stamps on the envelope and I exclaimed, "Cool, I got a letter! It's from my new friend from down under."

Bewildered, my youngest daughter cried out, "Down under? Down under what?"

Facial Forecast

2012-12-22T15:38:00.001-06:00

Actual statement by my oldest daughter.

Walking to an Ethiopian restaurant for some family time on an icy Chicago evening, Maria Chiappetta said something I never imagined anyone would ever have the imagination to say, yet I do understand what she means; "Brr. If I didn't have a face, I wouldn't be so cold."

Like Father Like Daughter?

2012-12-01T11:26:00.001-06:00

"I'm so excited!" said my daughter. "I don't have to take a shower today!"

Yes, this is an actual statement of a child of mine.

Digital drawing by Joe Chiappetta 2012 on Google Nexus Tablet

Important Questions in Your Walk with God

2012-11-30T09:55:00.001-06:00

Over the past 15 years, I have seen more and more how truly vital it is to have a great prayer life. I think of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The more I become a "spiritual beggar" (poor in spirit), the more I will see my need for God. The more I see my need for God, the more I will be praying to him in humility, because I realize that I can't do anything that will endure by my own power. As such, prayer walks are just one of the many ways that we can "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

As I teach these biblical concepts to my children, an unexpected--yet warmhearted--byproduct of this pursuit is that the kids have some of the most pure and amusing thoughts imaginable.

Here is one spiritual question that is literally a life and death issue. One afternoon along the north side sidewalks of Chicago, my daughter asked me, "On a prayer walk, is it OK if I open my eyes?"

Digital comic drawn on Google Nexus Tablet by Joe Chiappetta 2012

I Dreamed a Dream of Quiet Times Gone By

2012-11-29T10:53:00.001-06:00

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, I awoke and told my wife, "I just had the most helpful dream. I was reading the Bible and praying in my sleep! Hmm, I wonder: does that count as quality time with God?"

I believe such experiences do count, but I still chose to read and pray in the conscious hours of the day as well. As Psalm 1:2 declares, "...But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."

Digital comic drawn on Google Nexus Tablet by Joe Chiappetta 2012

Silly Daddy the Techno Dinosaur

2012-11-28T13:26:00.001-06:00

In the mobile phone section of the electronics store, a pre-teen son says to his father, "Can I get a phone?"

The father replies, "I didn't get my own phone until I was 30."

With another question, the son responds, "Was it cool? I mean for the old days?"

Thanks for Keeping It Real

2012-11-27T08:30:00.001-06:00

"Thank you God for... everything!" said the little girl praying. After a moment of reflection, she amended, "Except for salad. I don't like salad, usually."

Digital comic drawn on Google Nexus Tablet by Joe Chiappetta, 2012

Lessons Learned from Receiving the 2012 Illinois Arts Council Award

2012-10-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

A Report on the Results of the Publication of the Award Winning Back Pain Avenger Book and the "Disability in Comics" Presentation

In October 2011, I applied (as I often have in years past) for a grant to the Illinois Arts Council, the state agency that supports the advancement of the arts for Illinois residents. In previous years, despite what I thought were compelling proposals about family and parenting in the arts, my bygone applications never made the final cut. For reasons I can only speculate upon, the present application was quite different; my proposal was about gripping disability issues and it was a winner to the tune of a $2,500 award in 2012!

Here is a summary of what I asked for and the outcome of the project called Back Pain Avenger / Disability in Comics. It consisted of a book with comics and a public presentation that took on a life of its own and taught me a thing or two about our fragile yet fascinating human condition.

Comics are an exciting yet non-traditional medium that can educate and inspire people to look past myths and stereotypes regarding people with disabilities and see us for who we really are: valued contributors to society. Living with a disability for decades, it remains important that my creative works not just address this issue as a sidebar--as much of my work has done in the past. Rather with the book, "Back Pain Avenger," my goal was to address disability awareness topics head-on, in a memorable format that gets people talking about issues that matter.

This non-medicated memoir of rehabilitation, "Back Pain Avenger," was promoted, printed in paperback, and also featured as part of a public reading and slide presentation called Disability in Comics. Given that 20% of the United States population has a disability, that 80% of us will experience prolonged back pain our their lifetime, and that comics are a much-loved art form, this is content that appeals to a wide audience. The print book and 60-minute presentation made their world debut at C2E2 (Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo), April 13-15, 2012 at McCormick Place.

Publicizing the Disability in Comics presentation was more time-consuming than originally anticipated, yet the effort paid off in a number of ways. The day before the event, on Saturday April 14th, Chicago Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM WBBM aired an interview with me as a preview of what would be covered in the full presentation.

The official media announcement outlines how the presentation is loaded with bold new disability research essentially relevant to our lives:

DISABILITY IN COMICS! Explore the history of characters with disabilities in cartoons and comics spanning 1,000 years! Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk, Popeye, and Civil War Veterans. What do they all have in common? They all are extraordinary characters with disabilities featured in amazing stories that we love to read about. What do 1 in 5 Americans have in common? Disability. Come to this inspiring presentation celebrating the remarkable history of characters with disabilities in comics.

This ground-breaking research invigorates those in the fields of disability studies, healthcare, comics history, as well as those in the general public. Rethink the entire history of comics. Based on portions of an award-winning book, The Back Pain Avenger, attend a slideshow that exposes myths and stereotypes about comics characters with disabilities throughout the ages. Discover the intricate connection between comics and disability, where universal truths surrounding disabilities will be revealed in all their cartoon glory.

This Disability in Comics presentation turned out to be a lively educational and inspiring event. My wife, Denise, and I did the presentation together. As we rolled through comics history, I covered the cartoons featuring disability and then she gave additional facts and statistics about each disability covered. 70 people attended including at least 5 people with apparent disabilities and two that were known to be persons with mental illness. The slideshow and talk definitely put fresh material in front of a new audience. Of the 70 attendees, I knew only 10 of them personally; the additional 60 were complete strangers. Most attendees appeared to be mainstream comics fans interested in understanding more about disability matters.

After the presentation there were a few minutes to converse with the attendees who stayed behind to chat. The majority of which expressed congratulations and their enjoyment of this material. A number of them said that the content gave them a lot to think about and that they look forward to being more aware on disability issues, going forward. In fact, we were a bit swamped with favorable comments and questions after the presentation. People seemed to leave the event with a wider appreciation and respect for disability issues--which is exactly what I was aiming for with the project.

Even though I forgot to announce this at the end of our slideshow, many attendees bought a copy of the book right on the spot just after the presentation finished because they wanted to explore these topics further. What was most encouraging is that the presentation had a great turnout despite going up against some tough competition for that time slot at the convention, with "How to Make a Giant Robot Cartoon," as well as a Star Wars costume panel complete with live Storm Troopers going on at the same time.

Other panels that were also running in the same time slot included "Drawing DC Comics" and the showing of an anime full-length movie screening of "Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker" complete with the voice actors present to discuss the movie thereafter. As if that were not enough competition, one more panel of interest that ran at the same time was "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with David Newell," who was one of the stars on the TV show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." At least one person who I spoke with right before my presentation started said that she was torn between attending Disability in Comics or the Mister Rogers' related event. I told her that she could catch Mister Rogers on reruns, but not me. Perhaps that convinced her to stay.

Due to the interest that has grown from the initial Disability in Comics presentation, a number of libraries have expressed interest in hosting this presentation for their local patrons, perhaps in the future. Moreover, the City of Chicago included the Disability in Comics presentation as part of the official programming for its Access Chicago Fair for People with Disabilities on July 19, 2012 at Navy Pier. Due to our moving from the Chicago suburbs to the north side of Chicago that same week, this presentation at Access Chicago was not heavily promoted, yet 8 people attended and 4 of those stuck around after the presentation to express their appreciation and talk further about the disability issues brought up.

Changes to the Back Pain Avenger Project

Major changes to this project seemed to fall from the sky--yet all of them made for a better final result. While the first edition of the eBook version of "Back Pain Avenger" was completed in 2011, the print version of "Back Pain Avenger" was projected to be finished at least one month prior to the April 2012 comic convention. In fact, book copies were intended to also be used to promote the Disability in Comics 60-minute presentation, since the presentation is based on material from one of the chapters of the book called "Disability in Comics." However, in finalizing material for the presentation, new findings on the history of characters with disabilities in comics were discovered and the decision was made to extensively revise the book once more.

Therefore, the paperback version of "Back Pain Avenger" was not completed, printed or shipped until just before the convention started. In fact, the books arrived the morning before I was scheduled to go to McCormick Place to set up my booth--talk about cutting it close! Despite the unforeseen delay in the book's completion, the end result led to a much better and more thorough book. Plus, a few previously unidentified errors were also corrected. The extra time allowed more refinement to be added to the main story in "Back Pain Avenger," as well as more development of the bonus features in the book. Specific enhancements to the "Back Pain Avenger" book that were a direct result of the extra time as well as the Illinois Arts Council Award include the following:

A stronger conclusion with disability industry projections and recommendations was added to the "Disability in Comics" chapter.
More amazing characters with disabilities were discovered that are over 100 years old, making the book and presentation much deeper.
The book cover was completely redrawn and revised to be more heroic in representing the rehabilitation process and its connection to family.
The amount of comics added to the book's end feature, "Silly Daddy 20th Anniversary Comics," was doubled.
The book's table of contents was reformatted into the shape of a spine.
Three amazing back-up articles were written and added to the book: one by my daughter Maria, one by my wife, and one by Jillian Moyet on mental illness.

Onsite at the C2E2 convention, for two and a half days leading up to the Disability in Comics presentation, 800 postcards were handed out to C2E2 attendees, mostly by my son, who was bold as a lion. Having a 10' x 10' corner booth well-situated toward the front of C2E2 also allowed the presentation to be discussed and promoted in conversation with hundreds of those passing by. At the booth prior to the event, two additional media interviews were conducted with Chicago's FM News 101.1 as well as with the website ComicRelated.com.

Future Impact of the Award on my Career and Professional Life

Due to the complete fascination that I have for the history of disability in comics, I have begun an even deeper artistic dive into this history and am exploring the possibility of expanding this presentation into a semester-long college or high school disability studies course. This idea would not have been possible without the Illinois Arts Council Grant, which gave me the funds and extra prestige to present this in places that normally would not have given disability issues as much attention.

Chiappetta Catalog of Available Books and eBooks

2012-08-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

Comics and books to stir the imagination and the soul.

Disability in Comics - Encore Presentation at Navy Pier, Chicago

2012-05-09T17:37:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy disability studies or comics history, this presentation is for you!

Disability in Comics

Explore the history of characters with disabilities in cartoons and comics spanning 1,000 years! Comics historians, people with disabilities, as well as those in healthcare, disability studies, and the disability services industry are getting excited about this presentation because nothing like it has ever been done before on such a comprehensive scale. Be part of this historic Disability in Comics event presented live by Joe and Denise Chiappetta.

Date: Thursday, July 19th, 2012

Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Location: Navy Pier
600 E.Grand Avenue
Room 301 (above Festival Hall A)
Chicago, IL 60611

Cost: FREE! No registration required.
This event is part of Access Chicago, which is the Midwest's premier abilities expo sponsored by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk, Popeye, and Civil War Veterans. What do they all have in common? They all are extraordinary characters with disabilities featured in amazing stories that we love to read about. What do 1 in 5 Americans have in common? Disability. Come to this inspiring 60-minute presentation celebrating the remarkable history of lead characters with disabilities in comics. This ground-breaking research will invigorate attendees to rethink the entire history of comics as well as the universal truths surrounding disabilities. While popular characters will be covered, more attention will be given to lesser known, yet no less exciting, comics from a diverse cultural background.

Based on portions of Chiappetta's award-winning book, The Back Pain Avenger, attend a slideshow that exposes myths and stereotypes about comics characters with disabilities throughout the ages. Discover the intricate connection between comics and disability.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Genesis Jam: An Anthology Inspired by the Ultimate Creator

2012-01-01T09:14:00.001-06:00

Click to order: Genesis Jam eBook for 99 cents on Amazon.

Book Description: Creative writers and artists striving to love God with all their heart embrace the powerful themes of Genesis: good and evil, brotherhood, family, trust in God, mercy, and love. God's creation, the Garden of Eden, Adam, Eve, and their sons, Cain and Abel are the subjects of this faithful anthology. Works of fiction inspired by events in Genesis as well as nonfiction poetry and essays about the first family are covered. This thought-provoking Christian book has a universal appeal for believers as well as those curious about the origins of mankind. Explore the earliest history of our human race with a fresh yet faithful look into the intrigue of our past.

The book features two biblical science fiction stories: "Star Chosen and the Discovery of Eden" by Joe Chiappetta, and "The Plan" by Dave Kreydich. Also featured are three biblical historical fiction stories: "I Create You" by Henry Carlie III, "Rushing Winds of Darkness" by Sabrina Kramer, and "The First Sacrifice" by Daanyel George. A number of faith-building poems are included: "The Pursuit of Love" by Devin Jones, "Fallen" by Ruth Etrenne, "Meditations of Eve" by Denise Chiappetta, and "I AM" by Amana Droblas.

Many soul-stirring biblical essays and articles are also included: "First Lady of Eden" by Denise Chiappetta, "Inquiring about the Garden of Eden" by Joe Chiappetta, "Clouds" by Luke Chiappetta, "Reflection on Light" by Ginger Droblas, "Giving Like Cain or Abel" by Tra Wooden, and "The Beginning" by Paul Lonzo. Comics by Joe Chiappetta are included, plus illustrations by Jillian Moyet, Victor and Amana Droblas as well as Luke and Anna Chiappetta. Contains 15,000 words plus illustrations.

Click to order: Genesis Jam eBook for 99 cents on Amazon.

Rescuing Supermom: A Collection of Essays, Poetry and Comics to Enrich a Mother's Soul

2011-12-10T13:42:00.005-06:00

eBook available for only $0.99 USD

Order Rescuing Supermom now through Amazon.
(Amazon eBooks can be read on most devices with free Kindle reading apps available here.)

Book Description: Erma Bombeck meets Mary Magdalene and the result might just be Denise Chiappetta. Women of all ages are enjoying this collection of essays, poetry, and comics to enrich a mother's soul. With animated personality, Denise shifts from the hyper-real challenges of 21st Century Americana to side-splitting humor in a matter of seconds.

Topics include a family trip to the woods to build a fort in the rain, jogging as tension relief, admiration of a new garbage can, Craigslist encounters, housewife melodrama, the joys of parenting, ice cream fever, televised parade commentary, awkward prom moments, death by cupcakes, disability rights, lost loved ones, life-changing mentoring relationships, the Garden of Eden, and God almighty. With razor-sharp wit, motherhood, sisterhood, womanhood and wife-hood come under the crosshairs of an author who strives to be her best for God and family. It's chick lit with true grit! Containing 19,000 words, the book is seasoned with 24 Silly Daddy comics and illustrations by Denise's husband Joe Chiappetta.

Here is a glimpse at the Table of Contents

Part 1: Wife
Opposites Attract: Even in a Lightning Storm
3 Miles to Closure
Woman Talks Trash
Little Jerky
Craigslist and My Self Esteem
Housewife

Part 2: Motherhood
As Fast as Your Legs Can Go
We All Scream for Ice Cream
City Sleep
Motherhood at 3 AM
Sweet Babe
Everybody Loves Some Great Big Balloons!
Promming
Death by Cupcake
Get On the Bus

Part 3: God
Matching Up Pieces of My Heart
Falling for You: Portrait of Marriage after the Fall
Create
Even When...
Him
Loss
Cool of the Day (A two-person screenplay in one-act)
Are You My Mentor?
Boboli Fish

Order Rescuing Supermom now through Amazon.

Crucified Comics

2011-11-15T19:14:00.017-06:00

Order eBook now for $2.99 USD.

Crucified Comics by Joe Chiappetta

Go beyond a cartoon view of the cross with comics and spiritual commentary aimed to inspire personal accountability for what happened to Jesus at the crucifixion. If you sense that this Christian book preaches, you're right. Buckle up for a faithful devotional. Those curious about seeking God as well as long-time church members will find much to deepen their beliefs about having a daily walk with the Lord. This mix of comic book and text narrative has plenty of practical lessons for your quiet times with God as well as memorable and original images of Christianity today. Contains 10,000 words plus 67 comics and illustrations to point you to the light of discipleship in Christ.

Order Crucified Comics now!

All eBook versions sold here are DRM-free.

Order eBook in ePub format for $2.99 USD: (ePub file can be read on iPad, Nook, Sony Reader as well as any desktop computer or laptop with a program called Calibre)

Order eBook in Mobi format for $2.99 USD: (for Amazon Kindle)

Love is a Nice Moist Necklace

2011-11-08T18:54:00.001-06:00

Ink pens and markers on 8.5" x 5.5" paper by Joe Chiappetta 2011

"This seaweed kind of smells," said the little girl to her mother, "but I still turned it into a nice necklace for you."

For more on the topic of found objects as great gifts, see my book Debt-Busters. As the title implies, the book has all sorts of ways to save money.

This seaweed family scene was a life drawing that took place at one of my favorite spots along Lake Michigan: the shore line at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion Illinois.