In March, I hosted a contest. The grand (and only) prize was an official, original, custom-made Mike Allegra doodle.
Despite my doodling ability, the number of people who entered this contest was pretty large. This surprised me.
What also surprised me was that some of you reeeeally wanted that ding-dang doodle. In fact, a few people threatened to sic their cats on me if I didn’t do another doodle contest post haste.
To these people I say settle down because here’s another chance to win a doodle!
IF YOU WIN, I WILL DRAW WHATEVER YOU WANT!
Don’t believe me? Here’s proof:
Jenion (the winner of the March contest) wanted a drawing of a bicycle racer. So I drew her a bicycle racer.
Then Jilanne Hoffmann’s punk kid asked for a drawing of a kitten. So I drew him a kitten.
Did I mention that Jilanne Hoffmann’s kid is a punk? Well, he is.
So, yes, I will doodle whatever you want.
Well there is one caveat: I will not draw whatever you want if your wanted whatever is perverted. I am a children’s book author; behave yourself!
HOW TO WIN
The winning name will be drawn from a hat. The fellow drawing the name will be this guy.
He is fair, impartial, and looks like a 19th century bare-knuckled pugilist.
HOW TO ENTER
To get your name in the hat, all you need to do is leave a comment with some Words of Wisdom.
To get the ball rolling, here are some actual Words of Wisdom from my parents:
Mom: “Don’t be a candy ass.”
Dad: “The ox is slow but the Earth is patient.”
Mom’s wisdom usually came in the form of vague threats.
Dad’s wisdom usually sounded like its was written by a Confucius in need of a designated driver.
You can do better than this. I know you can. I’m counting on you.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING
I’ll add two more ballots to the hat if you announce this contest on your blog and link back to this page. So, yes, you can get three chances to win!
Don’t have a blog? OK, then you can get one extra ballot if you announce this contest (and link back to this page) on your Facebook page or Twitter feed.
DEADLINES, ETC.
Your Words of Wisdom are due on or before Monday, July 21.
The winner of the drawing will be announced on July 22.
The completed doodle will be posted on my blog. The original drawing (suitable for framing) will be mailed to the winner.
Also, cheaters will be stabbed.
So get going! I need all the Words of Wisdom I can get!
GOOD LUCK!
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 
The Wesson Family motto is: “No one should ever have to do something for the first time.”
Traditionally, the recitation of this motto is followed by a deep sigh and getting on with it.
If I win, I want a Muscovy duck wearing a fedora.
I am going to argue that that your motto does not exactly express Words of Wisdom. It feels a bit more like a lamentation.
Care to give it another go, my friend?
“Don’t play leapfrog with a unicorn.”
Not very applicable to day-to-day life, but wise nonetheless.
OK. You’re in the hat.
😀
As a previous winner of a Mike Allegra doodle, it wouldn’t be fair for me to win again, so exclude me from the contest, but I shall still share some wise words…
“Trust people to be who they are, not who you want them to be.”
Very wise indeed.
And I’ll give you another entry, if you would like one, Vanessa — as I consider the doodle I gave you straight-up lousy.
Oh well of course I would like another entry if you don’t feel it’s unfair on the others. The doodle you gave me wasn’t lousy by any standards, it’s just that you felt you cheated a little on the brief, but nobody would have known that! And I was very happy with it!
I’m glad you feel that way.
And you’re in the hat!
A movie line that our family adopted and is applicable to many situations ranging from first day of school to Saturday night entertainment options:
“Make wise choices!”
Ahem: requesting a cow on a pogo stick.
And admit it, Mike, you know you’re itching to doodle this request, even if I don’t win.
Your wisdom feels a bit too general and common sensical to be defined as “wise.”
Wanna give me another one, Cricket? I know you got it in you!
And I would like to draw a cow on a pogo stick. So reblog! Get more ballots! Go!
But, but “making wise choices” IS wise.
Fine. Here’s another one:
“When ordering dessert never order anything larger than your head.”
And your plug comes on the morrow. Think cow. Think cow.
There you go! Wisdom!
As of tomorrow you shall have three ballots in the hat!
Oh, and, yes, I am thinking about cows.
Oh good. Here’s some inspiration:
What do you call a pregnant cow who frequents Starbucks?
*ba dum*
Calfenated
What do you call a cow who just delivered twin calves?
(No, not relieved)–Decalfenated
You should consider an entire standup set devoted to cow jokes.
Alas, my poor students must suffer my proclivity for bovine frivolity. I do hand out Milk Duds and Cow Tails if they get the correct punchline.
You, Cricket, are a fine teacher.
Being a teacher has perfected a fine madness. Mwahhaha
My favorite words of wisdom come from Dr. Phil (and Eleanor Roosevelt who originally said them): “You wouldn’t worry so much about what people thought of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Tis true. Everybody’s too busy worrying about themselves. 🙂
Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Phil should never be used in the same sentence.
But I loooove your Words of Wisodom. You’re in the Hat!
I’m not sure it’s really wisdom, but here goes: reading is exercise for your brain.
True, indeed, but wise? What else you got?
If I could doodle like that, I’d be an illustrator, not a writer. 🙂
My family was big on fart humor and low on wisdom, but here goes: Only boring people are bored.
And the cook doesn’t do the dishes, too.
Well done. You ‘re in! Three ballots for you!
Reblogged this on Rear in Gear and commented:
Mike’s doodling ability is pretty amazing. My doodles look like a drunk using a Spirograph.
See? I KNEW the laughs would just keep rolling in! lol Thanks for that one, Leslie!
My dad used to say “Pull your pants up, you look like an idiot.” Now I know what he meant. My dream doodle would be a penguin riding a bicycle in a snowstorm. Thanks.
Sage advice! If only more kids followed it…
And you’re name goes in the hat! Good luck!
From my Mom: “Sweat the small stuff. Someone has to look out for the details.”
And yes, that explains a significant portion of my personality and superior-anal-micromanaging-disorder. 🙂
Your Mom is brilliant. I never understood those “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” books. It’s the details that always trip people up.
And don’t you go changing that micromanagerial personality of yours, my friend. It’s gonna lead you to fame and fortune.
My aunt Peggy on my high school graduation card wrote, “Works reward is work.” Somehow that phrase has always stuck with me.
Oh, if only work’s reward was play.
OK. You’re in the hat!
I’ll leave these words of wisdom from the fortune cookie I just ate. “Journey of thousand miles begin with one step.”
Oh, come on. If I wanted fortune cookie wisdom, I’d listen to my Dad more often. What else ya got?
You know the person you meet up with at a class reunion who tells you how over-the-top fantastic he/she is doing, somehow making you feel not so great? To that sort of situation, family friend Mildred used to simply smile–just a hint of a smile–and say “Faraway cows have long horns.” Whether or not it makes you feel better, it’s fun to say.
Ooh, I like that one.
And I like cows, so it’s kind of a two-fer.
Well done, Amy. Well done.
I want a doodle for myself, not my punk son! How about “Good things come to those who steal them.” Hhmmmm. “Two birds in the bush is better than one pooping in your hand.” Um, “Don’t hitch your wagon to a star. Hitch it to a horse that’s headed for the barn.” How about, “Fish don’t get in trouble if they keep their mouths shut.” Or maybe, “He who laughs last is slow on the uptake.” Or “Living is like licking honey off the rear end of a bee.” My mother’s favorite: “It’s better to wear out than to rust out.” I’m sure I could come up with more…. 😀
I would be honored to give you a doodle of your very own, Jilanne! Considering the sheer volume of wisdom you have bestowed upon me, it would be well deserved!
Do give that punk kid of yours my warmest wishes, won’t you?
I will! Got any rubber chicken doodles percolating? 😀 If you don’t I’ll understand. Thanks!
Oh, yes, I can do rubber chickens.
You should get an extra in the hat just for having so many wise words! 🙂
I’m not sure how wise they are, but maybe they’ll win me a rubber chicken doodle. 😀
Well, all the good ones were taken by Jilanne, so I’ll have to go with an old standard: “Waste not, want not.” Since you are no fan of cats how about a cat wisdom: “Curiosity killed the cat.” Will reblog.
You know I think the world of you, Kidlit. But won’tcha consider delving for wisdom that’s a bit less well known?
I know you got it in ya.
Cat wisdom! Good one, Erik! That’s sure to get you a doodle! 😀
Reblogged this on Kid Lit Reviews and commented:
Join Mike’s contest for a doodle of anything you want. A real doodle from a real writer
Yer awesome.
Before I say ANYthing—I have been totally cracking up working my way through this post and down the comments and I’m SURE what is still to come will be brightening up my days ’til the contest! Thanks everyone! LOL Now, down to some VERY serious business here…
Mike, I SOOOOooooo want one of your doodles!!! Say what you will, Oh, Mighty Doodler, but you ARE an artiste of the cartoonish variety supreme! 😀
To comply with these rigorous contest rules, I’m playing it safe. Here are my words of wisdom:
Words…of…Wisdom.
Good? No? *sigh* You are just SO difficult *sigh* VERY hard to please. OK, let me think….*scratches head…and chin…and belly…and…*
How about: Don’t eat spinach on a first date.
Still no good? *sigh*
OK, this is tough. I happen to collect quotes, have books of quotes, am in LOVE with quotes and MANY are “wise,” so, much like Lays potato chips, I can’t pick just one:
The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.
– Chinese proverb
Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
Don’t cut your conscience to fit this year’s fashions.
-Lillian Hellman
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
-Abraham Lincoln
If you are going through hell…keep going.
-Winston Churchill
Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.
-Albert Einstein
I gave my life to be the person I am. Was it worth it?
-Richard Bach
Do or do not. There is no try.
-Yoda, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’
One of the secrets of life is to make stepping-stones out of stumbling blocks.
-Jack Penn
You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
-Christopher Robin to Pooh
Allen Saunders: Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.
—Publishers Syndicate
And a new one I got today from Marion Dane Bauer’s blog (http://tinyurl.com/qc4t9k6):
“Good children’s literature appeals not only to the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.”
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
OK, I have WAY more than this, but after a while—if you haven’t already—you’ll get overwhelmed OR bored! lol And if happen to be the one picked, of the countless thousands who will be vying for the prize, I have absolutely NO idea what I’d like other than maybe a color version of the doodle heading this post 😀 Or maybe a pic of an author getting “the call”! 😉
OK, settle down, Donna. You’re in the hat!
Settle down? SETTLE DOWN? I couldn’t take any chances so was compelled to go the extra mile (or ten!). I NEED to be in that hat! This is kind of like a “bucket list” thing now! 😉
Words of Wisdom from your father: “If you keep drinking that many bottles of beer, you’re going to end up with the lips of a trumpet player.” True dat.
Oh, I like that one a lot more than his ox/earth one. I guess there is a bit of wisdom in that old dog!
You’re in!
OK, Mike, how would you know when I tweeted since there are about 3—no, make that 4 zillion Mike Allegras on Twitter. Are you on there?!
And none of those four zillion Mike Allegras are me. I’m not on Twitter.
Just leave me a comment with a link back to your Twitter post and you’ll get your extra ballot. Good luck!
😛 Not on Twitter *sigh* Once I finally got on it and “got” it, I fell in love, mostly with a few chats and the ability to connect with people I never would’ve otherwise. You would LOVE #kidlitchat on Tues. nights at 9pm EST 😀
Oh, and just so you know, oh Dashing Doodler, I would’ve tweeted about this even if it didn’t get me an extra lottery ticket. This is WAY too good not to share, even if it DOES decrease my odds of winning 😀
https ://twitter. com/WriterSideUp/status/489189536422166528
You’re too kind. An extra vote for you!
Hi, Mike! We came here via her tweet…! This is such a fun post… now to think of some good advice…. but I nee the youngin’ for that. ~Cool Mom for the Stanley & Katrina Gang
I can’t compete with all of the above. I just can’t. I’m not clever enough, or witty enough, or fast enough, or…oh, here’s my words of wisdom:
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Just BE who YOU are, and enjoy the lifelong ride.”
You just did compete with the above and you did fine! You’re in the hat!
On an unrelated note, I was thinking of you yesterday, Pam. Can you guess which book just made it to the top of my To Read Pile?
If I guess right (not wrong, as in the right wrong.., oh never mind), do I get extra points?
And, I just tweeted this post. Even though I didn’t want to, because I don’t want more competition in the hat. Sooo, that should give me extra points too, right?
(Can you tell HOW MUCH I want this doodle????)
Ok, this sounds like too much fun to pass up. Words of wisdom…. my father always says this : Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. As for a doodle, I’d love to have a gorilla in a party hat, sitting in a rocking chair, playing with a yoyo.
A fine, wise sentiment and a fun doodling challenge.
You’re in the hat!
Okay…my words of wisdom…
Well words of wisdom are sort of like giving someone advice, right?
The problem with giving advice is that smart people don’t need it and foolish people won’t use it. so my wise words would be don’t give people advice because you’d be talking to yourself and once you start talking to yourself…it all goes downhill from there…if you take my advice.
Ooh, a tricky one. Well played, Mrs. P. Well played.
Oh, I do pretty good when I talk to myself – I find it’s one way to have an intelligent conversation if all else fails…
Psst – I found this site thru Mrs P. Looks like it could be fun! 🙄
I agree. Talking to yourself should not be an activity restricted to the crazy.
You’re in the hat!
But you must remember – ONLY the SANE are locked up – for safe keeping! They would never survive out here!!
Ha ha…as long as you don’t start arguing with yourself, you’ll be okay! 😀
If you overhear your children say, “Where’s Mom?” “Dunno.” “Good. Watch this.” run. Quickly.
This is perhaps the wisest advice I’ve heard so far. Well done, Lyra.
Hmmm, I think mine is more in the nature of a reminder: simple does NOT mean easy! xoxoxoM
It’s not advice, but it’s surely wise. Good job.
Oh, in terms of rejections–how about fastest? I lovingly and professionally pull together a proposal following the exact requirements posted on the publisher’s website, push the send button and ta dah, I received a reply in less than 24 hours:
Sorry, I’m going to pass on this.
Sigh. At least I was spared that twitchy waiting time of “is it being actually considered” or “did it fall into the lost hole of No Response.” I guess electronic submissions have their upside.
I will always disagree and resent the “we won’t respond unless we’re interested” approach to submissions, especially when it’s done online. A form rejection can be “at the ready” and only four clicks away (reply>copy>paste>send), sparing we authors and illustrators the “limbo” we seem destined to wallow in unnecessarily.
Yes, a quick stab is better than the lingering torture. I would much rather get the “no thanks” up front so I can move on to the next possible publisher.
A horrible trend with publishers these days is the “We won’t reply to your query unless we’re interested.” Oh, how I hate those. You don’t even know if anyone is even opening the envelope.
It’s rather hypocritical of said industry to not expect writers to practice multiple submission. Tying up a manuscript for three to six months in hopes someone is reading it?
EXACTLY! Life is too short for “limbo” when it really is unjustified. If we take the time to do the research (for our own good, too) so we don’t waste time—whether theirs or ours—to not submit to the wrong people, it should be reciprocal. A “one hand washes the other” situation, by taking a relatively very minimal amount of effort to respond, even if it’s a simple “form” rejection. It’s MUCH worse than a waiting room in a doctor’s office : /
OK, Mike, here’s my fave — from my mom: “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
(Don’t think about this one too long. . . .)
Now, David. I think the world of you, but I know you have more profound wisdom than that. Give it another go.
Mom’s advice when one feels overwhelmed: “dig a hole and take a nap.” I don’t think she knew how seriously I’d take the napping portion of this!
Mike on Twitter! Oh, yes please!!
I like this. And I could go for a nap myself.
You’re in. Three votes for you!
Reblogged this on Nancy Tandon and commented:
If you’re interested in kidlit, writing, and/or like to laugh, my friend Mike Allegra has you covered! He’s also a talented doodler. Check it out!
Growing up, whenever we proclaimed our boredom, Mom would say, “You could do a load of dishes.”
Our bouts of boredom were quickly cured.
So, to put that in words of wisdom… He who is bored could always do chores.
I dig it. Well done.
I dont get this contest. :I
No problemo.
If you give me some Words of Wisdom, I will put your name in a hat. Next week a name will be drawn from the hat. If your name is picked, I will doodle a picture of whatever you want.
See? Easy peasy mac ‘n’ cheesy!
Ok. There is more to life than increasing its speed.
There ya go. You’re in the hat.
Also on your comment earlier, I believe it is easy peasy lemon squeezy.
You may squeeze lemons at your house, but we’re a mac ‘n’ cheese family.
Cool
Aw!!! I SOOOO want a doodle! I don’t know any wisdom though, ummm……
I feel the need to quote Dune: “Fear is the mind killer.”
That’s seriously the only thing I thought of. Apparently I am a very fearful person because my mind is dead.
Your Words of Wisdom are fine, I suppose. But I must admit that I’m disappointed in you. Considering all that you have experienced, I just KNOW you have far more wisdom in you.
Maybe something about traveling overseas?
Or handling yourself in court?
Or tracking down evidence?
Or functioning in a dysfunctional family?
Or coping with the insane?
Or being a crazy popular blogger?
I mean come ON!
Let me steal something from Pinterest…
No! Life experience!
As I recline here, thinking on this once again with wet hair and strange music streaming from Pandora, I think that the only bit of wisdom that I can really say I have learned, tested, tried to defy, and yet had to come to accept is that “there is always another side.” To adversity, depression, a disgusting opinion, etc. Not sure that makes sense but there you go 🙂
It works for me. You’re in the hat!
*whew* You certainly made me work for it!
These doodles don’t come cheap, ya know.
Ha! Great “advice”, everyone! 😀
A thing my parents always say to me – Don’t take more than you can handle – whether it is books to review/read, or food to eat. 😉
And, to quote Star Wars (for no reason, but Yoda was already taken): “POWER!!! ABSOLUTE POWER!!!!!!” ~Darth Sidious [Episode III]
If I happen to win, I either want a huge, buff, “manly” superhero – riding on a pink pony OR a Cowboy shooting candy bars out of his eyes, and chocolate milk out of his guns! 😉
You’re in, Erik. But, man, that is one tall doodling order! I like it.
It doesn’t have to be BOTH… You can choose which one you want to do. But if you do the superhero, can you put a bit of purple on the pony, too? And sparkles? 😉
First you gotta win. Then’ we’ll talk.
Good luck, buddy!
Thank ye, thy fair sir! 😉
Heres one:
All you need in life are hugs and sunrises.
Well, and water or you’ll be dead in three days.
I kid, I kid.
I don’t know who said it first, but I’ve always liked: perfection is the enemy of good.
So should you strive for perfection because good can always be better? Or are your saying that the singleminded quest for perfection undermines inherent goodness?
Your wisdom confuses me! Please explain!
Well, why was this harder than I thought it was going to be? All of the advice above was so much fun… let’s see if any of these work..
Neighbor Girl shares advice from a cow: “Moo.”
Stanley says: “Don’t make a cat mad.”
Katrina says: “Tutus are itchy.”
Cool Dad: “You can’t get a sweater from a bald sheep.”
Cool Mom, advice from her mother: “You have to marry a prince b/c they all turn into frogs eventually.” Yeah, not sure about that one (Cool Dad isn’t a frog) but it always stuck with me. Ha!
~Cool Mom for the Stanley & Katrina Gang
I appreciate your fine effort but I fear that none of these qualify as wisdom. Here’s how I see it:
Cool Mom: a catchphrase
Cool Dad: an adage
Katrina: an observation
Stanley: a statement of fact
Neighbor girl: a cow noise
I think you’re overthinking this S&K.
Just give me the best advice your have ever heard.
Ha! Well, we read everyone else’s and was trying to not be common, as you requested of others…the best advice I have and pretty much live by is
“Try it. at least you’ll have no regrets.”
Of course, this is usually in context of something big that someone wants to try or a new hobby/career/etc.. Oh, how about
“Get off your smart/cell phone, life is in front of you.”
That is just advice I have in my head that I probably should speak out loud when everyone around me is on their tiny tech device. Ha!
~Cool Mom for The Gang
There you go Cool Mom. I knew you had it in you. You’re in the hat.
You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
I like this!
Even if you only find one small thing that is beautiful in life, take the time to recognize its beauty and appreciate what it represents.
Am I in the hat??? Am I??? 😀
Indeed you are!
I like this one even more.
🙂 It’s the simple things that mean more.
Reblogged this on Undercurrents and commented:
All you need are hugs and sunrises.
What are your words of wisdom? Share and enter a chance to win a doodle!
It took me like 5 days to scroll to the bottom of the comments! Okay, okay, words of wisdom: Do not search for pictures on the internet, ever. Of anything. Because there will always be THAT ONE. Now, from my dad, “It is better to remain silent and be thought an idiot than to speak and remove all doubt.” And another thing he says all the time is “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, and you will…” That was always said before some horrid chore that we kids would hate, usually involving chickens. Pick me, pick me!
Steph…I LOVE your father! 😀
Lol! I do too!
Your dad stole from Twain, but I’m giving it to ya, because if you’re gonna steal wisdom you should steal from the best.
Woooowww!!! I’m sooooo excited!!! I was majorly gutted to have missed out on the last opportunity to win one of your fabulous doodles. Had loadsa fun reading the other WOW but now, ok, what’s my wise words offering? Mmmmm…have faith that life never throws at you more than you can handle, and you’ll rise to every challenge….or….if you know you’re wrong or you made a mistake, admit it quickly and humbly, but when you know you’re right and it feels right in every cell of your body then don’t let anyone convince you otherwise…or…take time to get to know yourself, you’re the only company you’re going to be keeping for the rest of your life…AND? Am I in the box?!?! H xxx
Dang! I was wondering where you were hiding!
YES! You’re in the hat! Good luck, my friend!
Yes! 🙂
I’ve always been a fan of, “We need a bigger boat.”
My Grandmother alway told me, “Never trust a man who’s facial hair is a different colour from his head of hair.”
An old boyfriend always said, “Many a serious thing has been said in jest.”
All three of these things make me nervous.
Hm… Did your old boyfriend say some things “in jest” that made you want to break it off? 🙂
Great wisdom. You’re in the hat!
I don’t think he appreciated my sense of humour.
🙂
My only words of wisdom are for your readers – get in on this contest! I LOVE my doodle. –Jenion
You heard it, folks! A testimonial!
Glad you like your doodle, Jenion!
Your drawings are fabulous! Love the training wheels and the kitten with the grenade. I spit out my tea, I’m not gonna lie. : )