Thursday, November 27, 2014

Laurel & Hardy Hug!


One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving are the fun family traditions acquired over the years. Growing up, the staple in our household was watching March of the Wooden Soldiers (although you may know it as "Babes in Toyland", "Laurel and Hardy in Toyland", or one of the many other alternate names). No matter how you call it, it's a true Thanksgiving classic that I can now enjoy with my son. So here is a Laurel & Hardy hug for all those who love all things Thanksgiving! What Thanksgiving traditions do you celebrate?

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Melissa McCarthy Hug!


Since Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and kind, I was thinking of people I've met and stories I've heard that have inspired me lately. In light of the Stephen Collins and Bill Cosby scandals and other difficult news as of late, I've been extra happy when I do read about feel-good stories and celebrities who do good and kind things, such as the Tom Hanks/cab driver story that was floating around a few weeks back.

So I'm planning to start a new feature called "CELEB-rating Kindness", in which you can dedicate hugs to celebrities who continue to inspire me to be a kinder, better person. If you have your own celebrity encounter of kindness, or would like to dedicate a hug to a celebrity who has inspired you through acts of do-goodness, please do let me know and I would be more than happy to draw and share your experience.

My first Celebrity "Do-Gooder" I would like to highlight is Melissa McCarthy. She's on my mind a lot these days because I am in the middle of binge-watching the entire series of Gilmore Girls (which I had no idea she was on before I began watching it on Netflix). I had the pleasure of meeting her once, but my parents got to encounter her another couple of times. For those who are in L.A. and are lucky enough to catch a taping of the show Mike & Molly, the entire cast (except for Swoosie Kurtz) stays after the show to meet and greet EVERY...SINGLE...fan who attends the taping. I mean, the whole cast is insanely kind and nice. The reason why I chose to just draw Melissa here, is because when I met her, she had just come off an Emmy win, and was also nominated for an Oscar for her part in Bridesmaids. However, she seemed like such an incredible, kind, genuine person, who was truly thankful to meet every fan. When we thanked her for being so kind and taking the time to meet us, she responded, "Without my fans, I'm nothing."

My parents went to two other tapings of Mike & Molly. One of them was on Halloween, and Melissa came out to address the audience directly and apologize profusely that she couldn't stay to sign autographs as she normally does because she has to take her kids Trick or Treating. The third taping was best of all. My parents went with some close family-friends, one of which was my 21-year old former-bridesmaid who I love like a sister and who had just had undergone a life-saving heart transplant about 4 months prior. My dad went over to Melissa and specifically asked her to meet her and give her an autograph because of her transplant. Melissa responded, "I sign for EVERYONE here, but point her out to me and I'll go now." My dad did, and Melissa took the time to meet my friend and leave her her with the newly-Sharpied message, "I <3 you. Melissa McCarthy. --Get it?" =0)

Celebrities don't have to be kind. They will have followers and fans who love them based on their works and whatever they read in the tabloids. However, when you truly get to meet someone who you look up to and it only continues to inspire you more, that needs to make headlines more than all the scandals and sad headlines that swallow up the news. So I will try to make a conscious effort to put more of THOSE kinds of stories back into the world. Are you with me?

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Thanksgiving Hug! + Coloring Page


Thanksgiving is my absolute FAVORITE holiday of the year. I love everything about it; the bringing together of people over food, the being thankful for what we have, the excitement over watching the parade (on TV or in person if you're in NY and insane), TV marathons and specials, and the opportunity to love or hate Black Friday shopping. For my family it was always about which movie we would get to go out and see that evening (the newest James Bond film trumped anything else that was out in theaters), and if we were lucky we'd catch a second movie later that weekend.

So that's why I'm posting the Turkey hug a couple of days early; I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of my favorite day! Also, for all the kiddies out there, I've included a coloring page version of today's hug (link for hi-res file to download included below). Enjoy, be happy, and of course, be Thankful!


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3PrYQoro9CEb2toSThDUHVWMWc/view?usp=sharing

Monday, November 24, 2014

Batty Hug!


I've done a Batman Hug, and now it's time for a Battier hug - a real bat hug! As requested by Lara Taylor for Nina Kester! <3

Friday, November 21, 2014

Mockingjay Hug!


Have you been eagerly anticipating the return of Katniss to the big screen? If so, here's a hug for all the Hunger Game fans out there! Today is the release of Mockingjay, Part 1! May the hugs be ever in your favor...

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Pumpkin Hug!


If you're like me, then your favorite thing about fall is not the changing of the leaves, but the fact that Fall = Pumpkin season! It's time to stock up on all things nice, yummy, and pumpkin-y. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bagels, and pumpkin specialty drinks at your local coffee & tea shops - all ripe for the eating! So let's rejoice this fall and enjoy all things Pumpkin - including this Pumpkin hug! ^_^

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Hot Cocoa Hug!


As the weather gets colder, I'll continue to draw warm weather food/drink hugs for another couple of days! Today is my most favorite drink, Hot Cocoa Hug! What's your favorite warm weather fare?

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Hot Tea Hug!


After yesterday's Matzo Ball Soup Hug, I decided that having a Hot Tea & Lemon hug would be a good follow-up. I personally prefer Peppermint tea. ^_^ What's your favorite tea or warm beverage for cold days?

Monday, November 17, 2014

Matzo Ball Soup Hug!


With the weather turning, lots of people are beginning to feel under the weather. Since you may not want to physically hug anyone feeling particularly yucky, feel free to send them a matzo ball soup hug! (Or if you're a REALLY good friend, give them matzo ball soup in real life! The ultimate hug for the throat).

Friday, November 14, 2014

Shazam Hug!


In the mood for a hug? Shazam! Here you go - a hug from the former Captain Marvel himself! As requested by Shlomo Zachary Snyder.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

World Kindness Day Hug!


Today is World Kindness Day. Let's celebrate the day today by being exceptionally kind; do random acts of kindness - whether it's holding a door for a stranger or giving an extra hug to someone in need! <3

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Tardis Hug!


Here's a hug for all you Dr. Who fans out there! So, who's interested in a Tardis hug?

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Anna Frozen Hug!


Of course, upon the release of the Elsa hug, I immediately received a swarm of requests from parents for an Anna hug for their little Frozen fans! So here's an Anna hug (my personal favorite Frozen character). The first request for this was from Naomi Burgher for her daughter Katie.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Buzz Lightyear Hug!


Last week, Disney announced that Toy Story 4 is coming to theaters in June 2017. In celebration of this news, here's a Buzz Lightyear hug! It's also quite befitting, as our home is brimming with all-things Buzz Lightyear, as Buzz is currently my toddler's hero obsession. So three hugs for Buzz Lightyear!



Friday, November 7, 2014

The Little Prince Hug!


Here's a hug for The Little Prince (or Princess) in you! As requested by Chagit Moriah-Gibor.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Baymax Hug!


Tomorrow is the opening for Disney's new movie Big Hero 6! Here's a hug from the lovable character Baymax, dedicated to my friend Norman Moses Joseph, who worked on the film. Very excited to check it out - and who wouldn't want a hug from this cute big white fluffy guy?

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Guy Fawkes Hug!


Remember, remember, to hug on the 5th of November! Happy Guy Fawkes day! (Or, as we comic book nerds and film fans fondly refer to it, Happy V for Vendetta Day!)

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Election Day Hug!


Today is Election Day! So no matter which donkey or elephant you have in the race, be sure to go out and VOTE!