Chato’s Wife
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Hi! I feel so privileged and honored to be included, however, I am no hero…just an ordinary woman relying on her faith to help her cope with extraordinary family circumstances.

My thoughts, prayers and “respect” go to all True Heroes–those living with the day-to-day, moment-to-moment challenges of chronic illness, pain of any kind and to their caregivers and loved ones!!

I’m thankful for the courageous example of the hero in my life, you know him as Chato Stewart. My husband has been a mentor of mine for 20 plus years now. The lessons he teaches have not always been funny or easy, but necessary for my personal growth as an individual. I am still a work in progress, but hope to reach my full potential some day…

I’ve learned the importance of distinguishing the “real” person from the symptoms of his illness. I’ve learned the value of patience, endurance, forgiveness and compassion when dealing with unexpected, unforeseen chaos. I’ve learned a family can survive many emotional tsunamis with God’s help and with support of true friends. Most of all, I’ve learned LOVE….”bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things….because Love never fails.”

Cartoon-A-Thon: Humble Beginnings

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you probably know about my annual Cartoon-A-thon for Mental Health Awareness month.  Here in short is the history of the Cartoon-A-thon:

In 2008 when I started blogging, I decided to do something special for the month of mental illness awareness in May. (Will you?)  I decided I would draw a cartoon for each day of May. In 2008 and 2009, I drew just cartoons.  That was a success, but something was missing.  I felt I was being a little too self-deluded in my own cartoons. Then, I drew two of my readers into cartoon characters.

My peers were so elated that I drew them into the cartoons. Which gave me an idea -  but I didn’t think I had the skill set to even attempt this idea.

From Chato Stewart – A Gift for You 50% off BP Hope -limited time

SPOILER ALERT!  Total moment of euphoria and grandiosity to follow!

Just for you, my loyal and awesome readers!… I worked my butt off reading BP Hope’s newsletter today to get you a GREAT deal…  Yes, it’s from me, Chato Stewart and I convinced  BP Hope to give everyone a 50% deal for their subscription from November 22nd to 28th… Umm, yes, okay,that is totally a made up grandiose, euphoric and a bit delusional statement…  Can you tell I stopped one of my meds this week for a few days?  hmmm, no, not at all!

The special has nothing to do with me. It’s all from BP Hope and I’m just the messenger. It’s a great deal and gift for anyone living with Bipolar Disorder.  Here the link: https://www.bphope.com/Subscription On the sign up page under the  “How did you hear about us? (select at least one)” check the “Other (please specify)“.  Right now you can only check it, there is no line to type anything (must be a webmaster oversight).  If and when they fix it, type in “Psych Central”.

NOTE: I am not getting any compensation from BP Hope for sharing this. Well other then, the joy that I can give you an opportunity to check out the ONLY Bipolar Magazine on the market today that focuses on mental health recovery.  Also, I’m hoping to get one on my cartoons published by them this year! Hint, hint BP Editors…

On that note, does some one want to write a flattering article about me that I can submit to them?   This way I don’t have to fill it with my smug ego of grandiosity.  Let me know…

———— National -Health- Blog Post Month!

This post was written as part of #NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 …

My Latest Cartoon!

News Reporter: Mr. Great Pumpkin how do you reply to reports that you advocate cutting and Self-injury???

Caption: News Flash: Pumpkin Cutting on the Rise

Answer this for BP Hope – How do you navigate the dating scene with bipolar?

As some may know, (look out I’m about to toot my own horn), on Wednesdays I’m an ambassador blogger at BP Hope Magazine.  This week I gave my own little twist on Dating with Bipolar. BP Hope is looking for your dating experiences.  Just answer “THE Question” and submit it to the editor and you may be included in the magazine’s SOUND OFF section in the upcoming issue.  There is a deadline, so hurry up and make up a fake boyfriend or girlfriend, no… I mean share your real dating stories.

Joe: Yo… Franky… Looky here, BP Hope Magazine says prolonged use of you “MIGHT’ stunt your growth!!!

Originally Post http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor ©2011BP Hope Magazine launched in the Fall of 2004 and is a “healthy living magazine.”  They have been Keeping You Above the Curve by bringing cutting edge Bipolar disorder news. Published quarterly (4 issues per year) filled with interviews of peers “famous and ordinary.”  Yet, I’ve never met an “ordinary” peer… they are all extraordinary!