Chapter 4, Cover Delivery

The main thrust of this chapter is going to be Mom's pregnancy and the birth of the baby. However, I thought it fair to warn you that there's also going to be a lot of stand alone strips, too.

Can you imagine 44 pages of nothing but pregnancy jokes? @.@

Chapter 3, Page 44 Happy Birthday, Jesus

We used to do this. I don't know why we don't any more. Maybe it got to be too much work. Anyway, it's a nice memory, sitting around the table singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus.

In case you can't tell, there's a little figure of baby Jesus in the manger on the table.

Chapter 3, Page 43 Waiting for Santa (Sorry for the delay)

Sorry this is late. Hopefully I'll be able to get the rest of this week's backlog up over the weekend.

(One of the downsides to the holidays. Things get crazy!)

Oh, and yes, I really did continue believe in Santa through my preteen years. I think I was thirteen or fourteen before I finally gave up.

Ah well. ^^;

Sorry for the Delay

Do to circumstances beyond my control...

Okay, so I could have controlled it. It's kinda complicated. (More like embarrassing.)

The point is that the regularly scheduled update has been delayed. Hopefully I'll have something on Friday, more likely Saturday.

Thank you for your patience. Please excuse me while I hit my head against something hard.

Chapter 3, Page 42 Such is Life

Well, that's how things go, isn't it? Just a few holiday related strips and then the next chapter starts. Hopefully I'll be able to get a more coherent plot out of it.

Chapter 3, Page 41 The Dreaded Flashback

Flashbacks are really tricky, but this story was too good to pass up. Really, even though Grandpa is running a business out of his home it's still primarily a home. What kind of idiot would antagonize a good business man?

Not that he's rich or anything (he's definitely not). What I'm getting at is that this is a prime example of a bureaucracy having a 'shazam' moment.

(Off topic, but I really hate the word bureaucracy. I can never get it spelled right and when I try to use the spell checker it never shows up.)

Chapter 3, Page 40 Marbles

Item one: Mary really shouldn't yell across the house like that. She's in the second floor 'attic' (really a spare room used for storage) while Mom and Dad are in the dining room.

Item two: Did she really think through what she just said? Possibly, but it's hard to say. Jokes tend to come to mind and leak out her mouth without her really being aware of what happened. (That happens a lot, and not just with jokes.)

Still, the whole marble thing was way too good to pass up. Mom seems to think so, too.

Chapter 3, Page 39 Really Bad Shot

In Mary's defense, the snow is really too fluffy to make good snow balls. All those 'piff's in the third-to-last panel? That was all one snow ball that broke apart.

Ruth's tactic really makes more sense in these conditions. Unfortunately, there's no way Mary could ever pin Ruth down long enough to shove snow down her coat.

Yes, it's pathetic. Mary is 12 and Ruth is 9. Ruth is just much more solidly built than Mary. Yeah. It has nothing to do with Mary spending most of her free time sitting around reading.

...

Yeah. Right.

Chapter 3, Page 38 Mom the Houseplant

Dad loves this joke. Every time Mom sits under the light he has to say something about this. Not sure what Mom thinks about it. She usually just ignores him.

Note: I'd like to thank whoever is visiting Mary Quite Contrary from Summit, New Jersey. 50 visits since October 2nd. The most hits from a single visitor I've gotten.

Chapter 3, Page 37 The Light Box

I was shameless in my youth.

Of course, I was also totally oblivious to the fact that Mom was sick. I just thought moms slept a lot.

I did wonder why Dad worried about her so much, though.

Chapter 3, Page 36 Scooter

I'm amazed no one woke up after this.

Just to note, this is at Mary's paternal grandparent's. The trips there are very short, so the next strip will have Mary and company back at home.

I just really, really wanted to show this. There's nothing quite like discovering huge glowing eyes staring at you just before getting beaned by a streak of tabby.

I had no idea cats could move so fast. 0.0

Chapter 3, Page 35 Compassion?

Mom cares, she really does. You'd probably have to also be German to tell, though. (She was born in America, but she's very stereotypically German.)

Ah yes. You are feeling tired? So work, that'll wake you up.

Chapter 3, Page 34 Downside of the Season

I really do tend to get more nightmare type dreams around the holidays. All the stress, I think. Sometimes I wonder what the point of them is since they just make me more stressed out than I was before. (Not to mention the royal mess it makes of my sleep cycle.)

Here's something that I've been wanting to ask. How many kids have nightmares involving the death of their grandparents? That includes kids younger than Mary is now. I don't remember a time when I didn't have this sort of dream.

Chapter 3, Page 33 Just a Dream

I really hate stress dreams. I don't know which is worse, the actual dream or the transition between sleeping and waking when I can't tell if what just happened was real or not.

How many kids have dreams about their grandparents dying, anyway? I don't remember a time when I didn't have dreams like this before a trip.

Chapter 3, Page 32 Too Real?

Sorry this is so late. ^^> So sorry. At least it's still Wednesday, right?

Anyway, as usual, something that actually happened. I really liked playing these games in the car with my parents. Once in a while, though, it got a little hard to tell where imagination ended and reality began.

I still have the same problem with dreams. Was that just a dream, or did it really happen? Where am I? Waking up is an uncertain affair with me.

Chapter 3, Page 31 Santa Eats Cheese

Yeah, I really got a letter from Santa. No, I can't remember if it really was postmarked Wisconsin, but it was within the continental United States.

I don't know if the post office still does this, but when I was a kid they'd take the letters to Santa that kids would put in the mail box and send replies. What the exact procedure was (is) I don't know, but it was really sweet.

Chapter 3, Page 30 Helpless

I never did like not being able to do anything about something. I don't think anyone does, but I have gotten the impression that the feeling is stronger in some people than in others.

Mary really shouldn't hit the window like that.

Chapter 3, Page 29 Anxiety Attack

Funny how everything looks like a crisis when your twelve. Of course, in Mary's case it's not so much because of her age as because of her personality. "Tightly wound" is putting it mildly. (Note to self: never feed her coffee.)

If future posts are a little late, please forgive me. I have a really bad cold. And on Thanksgiving, too. T.T

Chapter 3, Page 28 The Red Tape Returns

When will this end? Who knows. Paperwork is a terrible thing. Though one might get the impression that Mary's more affected by this than her parents.

Chapter 3, Page 27 I hate math

This is a stand alone episode, but it connects to the main plot in that it serves as a reminder of why Mary's home schooled.

Out of fairness, I should mention that the entire flashback involves a single teacher. Mary's third grade math teacher to be precise. She appeared is another short flashback here.

Why someone like this was ever allowed to teach children is beyond me. What's crazier is that Mary was apparently the only kid she picked on. At least, when Mary begged her home room teacher to take her out of that class, other students said that the math teacher wasn't as bad as Mary said.

In any case, this is the only teacher to scare the bejabbers out of Mary. (She was a little afraid of one of the sixth grade teachers, but only because he was somewhat intimidating.)

Chapter 3, Page 26 New Addition

Some people think that the one who had been the baby would resent a new baby because then the baby gets all the attention.

That may be the case sometimes, but not in Conny's case. She is about to turn six, so maybe she's simply older than these cases.

So when is the baby due? You'll have to find out later. Ha-ha.

Ah, anticipation. Gotta loath it.

Chapter 3, Page 25 Missing the Point

Wouldn't most people keep asking? So would Mary under normal circumstances. However, she tends to get a little scatter brained and doesn't notice the obvious.

Now that the license has been found, what will happen? Will Mary's family be accepted as home schoolers?

And don't forget what her parents were doing. What is that about?

Chapter 3, Page 24 The License

The license is found! Will this solve all their problems? Or is this just the beginning? And what are Mary's parents doing?

Keep reading and find out!

Ha-ha-ha!

Oh, how I love putting people in suspense.

Chapter 3, Page 23 Knowledge Too Soon

So Mary got her explanation. At least part of it. It's really some pretty nasty stuff, and she's only twelve. There's only so much she can handle right now.

Really, I still don't understand why anyone would have an abortion. There are so many alternatives if you don't want the baby or think you can't take care of him or her properly. Adoption, of course, and not getting pregnant in the first place.

Chapter 3, Page 22 Unexpected Discovery

So we're back to looking for the teaching license. It's amazing the things one finds when looking for something else. Sometimes those things aren't very pleasant.

This is only a small detour and thematically it's very important. (Though perhaps more to the next chapter than to this one.)

Chapter 3, Page 21 Acrophobia?

This was not one of my, ah, Mary's smartest ideas. Granted, it did prove that it was possible to jump from a single story roof without suffering serious injury. It also proved that Mary and heights don't get along very well.

Funny, since she loves climbing on things. It's the getting down that's the hard part.

Chapter 3, Page 20 Fly in the Ointment

Well, they don't necessarily have to break a leg jumping from the roof, but it is a possibility. Mary does seem to have a problem thinking through her plans. ^_^;

Chapter 3, Page 19 Last Minute Evacuation Plan

I sometimes wonder if Mom just made that up on the spur of the moment.

Still, it is a good plan. Though it's missing a few steps.

Chapter 3, Page 18 Overkill?

Twelve is such an impressionable age.

Actually, this was closer to being a reasonable concern when I was that age. There were a lot of stories on the news of kids being taken into foster care because some social services type felt that the parents weren't properly PC. At least, that's the impression I got. I was twelve, so it's possible I missed something. A lot of the kids seemed to have been home schooled, too, so I really freaked out.

It is true that home schooling gets a pretty bad rap from the media. I have yet to see a positive portrayal in a major TV series. Heck, *any* TV series outside EWTN.

Chapter 3, Page 17 The Cat

It's scary just how much pleasure cats express when you're petting them. They really are very sensual creatures. Perhaps that's why they have been seen as icons of lust and decadence for so long.

Mary still likes cats, mind you, she was just startled.

Chapter 3, Page 16 Privacy

Ah, the joys of having little sisters.

And a rare look inside Mary's room. The large wall scroll in the background is actually of Mary, a souvenir from the county fair.

Chapter 3, Page 15 To War!

So, Mary's Dad is declaring war against the school system. ^_^ I remember this very clearly, and how heroic he looked to me. I still think he's the greatest dad on the planet.

For some reason, though, Mom doesn't remember the incident. Ah well, what's important to one isn't so much to another.

I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had gone back to school then. Nothing good I imagine, but whatever the case I'm quite happy that my parents stopped me.

This chapter is going to be difficult to wrap up, I think, because the paperwork actually continues for a few more years as I recall. I do have an ending in mine, though. Don't worry.

Or worry for the characters. If you do then I'm doing my job as an author. (Or mangaka, I like that word as it covers the categories of artist and author.)

Chapter 3, Page 14, Revelation

Sorry about the delay. (So sorry!)

I was at home and completely forgot that it was Wednesday. Ironic, since I was home because it was Wednesday. ^^;

Anyway, the story continues. The first line is mostly Mary's imagination, the second line is more related to the central storyline. I included the first line as a way to indicate the kind of shock involved. Mary was having a very good day before overhearing this conversation.

Chapter 3, Page 13, Truth Is No Object

It is very rainy here. I'm just thankful there isn't any thunder or else I wouldn't be able to update this.

Well, this does have something to do with the larger story, but maybe not this chapter's story. So I'll get back on track on Wednesday. I promise. Really.

Chapter 3, Page 12 Meeting Lisa

Two updates on the same day? Trying to make up for lost time.

So this is where Mary meets Lisa. She'll be important later on, I promise.

Chapter 3, Page 11 Enemy Territory

Nervous much?

That's Mary for ya. Nerves out a yard and curling at the edges. It's a wonder I haven't had a stroke yet.

Sorry for the delays, this computer is a lot better than the last one, but it still has its problems.

Chapter 3, Page 10 Back to School

So my computer is still out of commision and I just realized that this is the last episode I actually have finished. (And have access to, as the main files are on my computer.)

Well, hopefully things will get straightened out by tomorrow. (Crosses fingers and toes.)

Sorry for the delay.

I'm having a little difficulty with my computer and am currently at my Grandpa's. Unfortunately, it seems Grandpa doesn't have any USB ports on his computer so I can't upload the images for the next comic. I'll see about making a double post on Monday to get things back on track.

Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience.

Again with a late post? At least it's on the right day. Still, sorry. I had a job interview this afternoon and a splitting headache this morning. Don't know if I'll get the job, but at least there's a possibility I will.

Now, about the comic. I really think sex ed should be taken out of the public schools. It certainly isn't right to go into such details with 5th graders without parental consent!

What is a good way to teach kids? I just know how my parents handled it, and it worked so I guess that's one way.

Chapter 3, Page 8 Nagging Doubt

Anyone else have moments like this? Blaming yourself for problems that aren't your fault? It's pretty much standard for me, and thus Mary.

Future updates may be a little sporadic, though I will try to keep my self-imposed schedule. I've come down with a bug, you see, and working on this story is a little difficult when all I want to do is sleep.

Chapter 3, Page 7

I still haven't been able to explore that swamp. *sigh*

Anyway, update is a bit late in the day again. I have a cold or something, though I haven't been sneezing and I don't feel congested.

Maybe it's the flu. Who knows.

Chapter 3, Page 6 Bad Timing

A little break in the storyline. This actually has more to do with the next chapter than this one.

Ever notice how guys are really terrible at compliments? Even when they do say something nice it seems to be at the wrong time.

What's amazing is that they still live longer if married. You'd think the wives would kill them.

Chapter 3, Page 5, The Big Question

Sorry this got up a little late in the day. I've been rather absorbed in the last Harry Potter book. Smashing finish to the series, so far, if I may be allowed a little use of British slang.

Granted, I haven't finished it yet, but it is quite gripping. I've been having trouble tearing myself away all day. (Even when I couldn't see the book through my tears.)

Ah, well, hope you're enjoying the mounting tension. At least I hope that's what's mounting. If it's mere frustration or a desire to lynch me I think I'd rather not know.

Right, anyway, some of you may have noticed a button somewhere to the right. I think it's under the shoutbox, actually. (Really need to work on the navigational structure of this blog.) Okay, there are several, but the one I'm referring to says 'bookmark.' It's from Add This! and is supposed to help add this page to your bookmarks (thus the name ^^; ), but I'm not entirely sure of its cross-browser compatibility.

Let me know if it work, okay?

Chapter 3, Page 4, Search for the License

And so a little seed of doubt is planted and begins to sprout.

I do have a question left unanswered from back then. *Does* it matter what state you got your teaching license from? Why would it matter if the license is out of state?

Okay, technically that's two. But they're closely related.

Chapter 3, Page 3, Red Tape Forms

And so we reach the actual plot of the third chapter. Hey! And we're only 3 pages in! I'm getting good at this. It usually takes weeks for me to introduce the central plot. ^^;

If it sound weird now, keep reading. It gets a lot weirder, and a lot more personal.

Chapter 3, page 2. The Church Booms

Don't you just love cold season?

And just to make things more interesting, Mary's Dad sings very loud. I don't know how clear that is in the comic, I tried to make it clear, but one never knows until the comic is read by others.

I do hope this new set up for the comic works. It still seems unusual for a comic to be on a blog.

P.S. Sorry about the missing image. ^^; Fixed.

Chapter 3, Page 1. Early to Rise.

Ah, the joys of school. The one problem with home schooling is that you never leave school.

Of course, the advantage is that you're always at the head of your class. ^_^

Chapter 3 starts NOW!

Hurray for new chapters!

The part of Moses will be played by a chubby, middle-aged gentile with two bum legs. ^-^;

I hope to introduce more of the neighborhood in this chapter. The last page of chapter 2 briefly introduced the swamp. You'll get to see more of it in this chapter. I hope.

The New Home of MQC

Hi, hi!

Well, a variety of things have conspired to make me move to Blogger. I could go into detail, but this isn't for my personal thoughts.

Erm. Actually, it is, but in the form of comics.

This first post is a test. Much of the archive will remain on ComicGenesis for now. This will just be new episodes starting with the new chapter.

The old site is here on ComicGenesis.