To all you Madi haters out there, I'd like to point out that her boots don't show even the slightest inclination to kick Greta. I don't know why so many people don't like Madi. I think she's the most believable character I've ever seen in this strip. As a father, I've seen all of this before, but since my kids are grown, I can say that it can all work out. Madi brings back so many fond memories for me of watching my children grow. I want to see her say things to Saul like, "Step back five feet," and "Talk to the hand." Ah, those were the days.
14 comments:
Wanders! You stole my thunder about kicking dogs. Sigh, Oh well....
Mason Williams' song "Them Dog Kickers", 1969
“How 'bout them dog kickers, ain't they crumbs? Kickin' them doggies in their buns.
Kickin' them [Dachshunds]. Kickin' them mutts. Kickin' them puppies poor little butts.
Lookit’ them dog kickers, ain't they cute? Some use a shower shoe. Some use a BOOT.
Them dadgum dog kickers, ain't they mean? Runnin' kickin' every day that's seen.
How to be a dog kicker, don't need a ticket. Find an old dog. Haul off and kick it!”
Today's Boldface Haiku is titled
"Scenes From Sesame Street: The Not-So-Sunny Days".
Oh dear!
My shirt!
You stupid dog!
@RobC--Mason Williams's "Them" poems are a treasure. He had a collection of them, and all of them are hilarious, from Tummy Gummers to Moose Goosers to Lunch Toters. Thanks for reminding me of them and giving me a laugh. Thank goodness for Google!
Nance, today’s BFH title gave me a big laugh - thanks!
Re today’s secret message, I’m betting this will all boil down to a Toby story. Things will continue at s glacial pace, but eventually the paths of Toby and Madi will cross. Toby will reveal that she also had a tough adolescence, including a dog eating her homework, which led to a problematic time in 8th grade, but she will tell Madi how she overcame adversity and became what she is now - a painter and sculptor renowned throughout the Charterstone condo community. She and Madi will prepare a dessert together and become fast friends. Mary will beam beatifically and somehow take the credit. Heartwarming, no?
Aside from that one eye roll, I wonder of Bratti has taken her eyes off her phone since she's been here. Is she looking at her phone right now while yelling at Greta?
-- Scottie McW.
I was thinking that it will come down to Saul having to choose between Madi and the dog. Saul will be so depressed, but is willing to give up the dog and Mary comes to the rescue with platitudes and muffins. I'm also wondering if the Toby story was something that KM thought of and decided was too boring even for her and just abandoned it.
Or a shirt story? That shirt looks alive to me!
Saul won't have to worry about Madi's clothes on the floor anymore. Greta has taken care of that, thank you very much.
Here's my own doitcherself Mason Williams "Them" poem:
Look at that Rubbish Picker
Ain't he a skunk?
Commin' down the road
And a pickin' that junk.
Pickin' that sofa,
Pickin that cup.
Takin' it home
And a fixin' it up.
Eagle-eye Rubbish Picker
Finds one glove.
Pickin' that rubbish
Are what he love.
How to be a Rubbish Picker?
Don't need a ticket:
Drive down the road,
Find some junk and pick it!
Saul might consider treating Madi the way he treated Greta when he adopted her. Madi’s recent life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Early adolescence is difficult enough, but Madi’s grandmother died and her dad foisted her off onto an old relative she doesn’t know in a place far from home. She’s a sensitive girl, Saul.
I was intending to lavish praise on Saul for being firm, direct, and clear because it's such a difference from the behavior of most MW characters, who are usually wracked with angst and self-doubt and thus unable to act.
But then I read KitKat's comment above, and she makes an excellent point about empathy and understanding. Nice work, KitKat. You gave me pause. (And upon reflecting on my original attitude, I'm now wracked with angst and self-doubt, but I'll get past it.) :-)
-- Scottie McW.
Well, Scottie McW, don’t beat yourself up. (I wonder if Confucius said something to that effect too.) I once heard that people are most in need of love when they’re unlovable, and Madi is certainly doing her best to be that. It would be heart warming if Saul had an epiphany about Madi the Terrible on his own, but I expect only the intercession of Mary will sort things out. We’re in for more days (weeks?) of Saul and Madi going nose to nose and Greta hiding God knows where until Mary shows up with muffins and platitudes.
@Scottie McW, I don't think you're off base with the comment about Saul being firm and direct. Kids need that, and giving them boundaries and expectations . Saul was angry at Madi, but not mean. I hope he stands firm.
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