About

Here are a few actualities about Aaron Guile:

  • I studied Poetry Creative Writing at Florida Atlantic University.
  • I am teaching again.
  • I graduated from Utah Valley University, majoring in English Creative Writing, minoring in Religious Studies.
  • I am teaching again.
  • I am a Latter-day Saint (or Mormon, if you rather).
  • I love politics, but distrust all politicians. I am politically unaffiliated.
  • I am a 50-something geek living in Washington, UT.
  • I have four grandchildren.
  • I have been married.
  • I have three children.
  • I am an English Major with an emphasis in creative writing; poetry and a minor in religious philosophy (an oxymoron if you ask me–sorry Brian).
  • I graduated from Provo High School, but have attended many other schools in my childhood (army brat).
  • I have seven siblings: Ben, Pat, Dan (Lee), Nate, Joe, Holly and Elisha.

225 thoughts on “About”

  2. Subs have bad reputations? I don’t agree. In fact I am pretty sure naval vessels are typically held in awe by the majority of people.

    Surrounded, as they are, with a mystique derived from their ability to disappear below the horizon, most ships evoke a feeling of adventure and mystery.

    Submarines are doubly so because they can disappear right in front of you.

    Yes, I am kidding. I used to not say that, assuming everyone would know. But now, having encountered an inordinate amount of humorless people, I do not want to be confused with them.

    Reply

  3. Hey Aaron,

    Well, I studied religion and wrote on the side–I also am a teacher. All of this to say, I knew I’d like your blog, and I’m not just saying that because you’ve been kind enough to visit mine–though that didn’t hurt.

    I’m adding your thoughts to my list of interesting things to read–God help me for adding another blog. Oh well.

    Best,
    gabe
    http://www.thehistoryofthings.com

    Reply

    • Gabe:

      Thank you so much for visiting and for your comments. I really enjoyed your comic and reading some of the others.

      Cheers,
      Aaron

      Reply

  5. Thank you kindly for dropping by my blog & leaving a footprint. I added your blog to my follow list based on random reads and your list above. Enjoyed my visit, I did 🙂

    Reply

  6. Thanks for your comments on my site. I subbed for five years while I studied religious education in the seminary. I do better with the younger grades though, despite my background as a Mechanical Engineer, and all that higher math and science I know. So we have some things in common, and a few differences. I’ve always meant to write a book about my subbing experiences, your blog could inspire me to write out at least a few events.

    Reply

    • I hope you do write out a few events. There a few subbing books or books about subbing, but few have a lot of narrative or anecdotal information.

      Reply

  7. Thanks for stopping by my website. As an educator myself, I have to say that you are a brave man subbing on a regular basis. I know people who love the variety but I personally prefer knowing what I’m getting into every day. Hence, I am unemployed at the moment. Good luck. I enjoyed your work.

    Reply

    • I do enjoy subbing. I love the variety, but I also love that it is an essential job. The feeling of being needed is much more immediate as a sub than in any other job I’ve ever had. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  11. Hi Aaron. Your work is so impressive. Really Kafka-stylish. Man, your internet-comic could be huge. Some of the drawings I put on the site so far are also parts of so called “Dark wave comics”. best wishes and thanks for your feedback about my stuff. your new follower Clemens

    Reply

  13. Howdy, A the O! Thanks for the likes over here at “ursula and bernice”. Wow, I can’t believe anyone is actually seeing my crummy blog already! Anyway, dig your style of drawing (looks pretty fancy to me)… and I have always been a fan of cockroaches (Madagascar hissing kind, not the see-in-your-house-and-panic kind). Three cheers for cartoons!

    Reply

    • I actually really like the way you draw and ink. There is a lot to say for minimalism with its focus on story. Thank you so much for stoping by, I appreciate it. And indeed, three cheers for cartoons! Here here here!

      Reply

    • It’s okay. I love your writing and since I might end up going to grad school (English of course), I think your comics are hilarious.

      Reply

    • Thanks for the compliments. RE: the about me stuff, disagreement is fantastic. As long as one can talk and not scream or take vengeance, then we might just learn something. I’m glad you disagree.

      Reply

  19. Hi Aaron,

    Thank you so much for going over a couple of my posts and ‘liking’ them. I’m new to the WordPress scene, and I initially thought most ‘likes’ were from random people who simply wanted more readers on their blogs. But I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon your blog. Its nice to find a kindred spirit, if you will, who puts up his rants and sketches on the web for people to see and get a dose of something else than what the media dishes out.

    I’m a grad student at UW Madison and I barely manage to find time to put these out. And the language is tempered to be tame enough for a college newspaper. I wish I could write specifically for the blog, but between all of my commitments, this takes a back seat.

    Anyway, it was great to see some real people on the internet, and I dig your artwork a lot. I am still working on my own, but I don’t think I have a style that I can call my own yet. It keeps morphing about depending on my mood and inspirations. Good getting to know you.

    Bsebadger

    Reply

    • Hey thanks. I want to let you know I love your newest post “The Skittles Terror.” I think you have found a great voice and I really like your art and how it is often quite raw. Keep it up. You are quite skilled. BTW, I understand your grad school problems. I am so glad you do take the time to post. My sister only posts between semesters. When I finally get to grad school, I hope to be able to pst as often and intelligently as do you. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  22. I actually read your entire list this morning and, frankly, I think you are a bit funny. Thanks for the nod to parents of special ed kids…I am one of those and feeling it in full force today.

    Reply

    • I understand. I have been on a long term sub assignment at a transition center for cognitively-disabled, mentally-ill and/or brain-damaged adults (often all three) who are trying to move from special-ed to regular jobs. Most days are fine, but all of last week everyone there had at least one “behavior.”

      I love everyone of them and I am glad our center exists to relieve the strain on parents and care-takers, but I only see them for seven hours a day and I don’t have to change diapers. The parents who care for these folks day in and day our are modern-day super heroes. Especially since very few of them went out looking for this kind of pain (the pro-foster parents are the exceptions and they are amazing, too–most of the time).

      Keep it up. I am proud and awestruck by every parent of disabled children and adults.

      Reply

  23. Hey Ogre. I never know what to say in these situations so I say nothing. I am beyond tired of saying “I like your post,” without saying why. It’s the artist/writer in me. I learned to critique and be critiqued, but too often I get so caught up in what I read/see that I end up talking to myself instead of writing ’cause I move on to older posts. Then, on occasion I don’t like what I see and refuse to say that I do out of politeness. How awkward, huh? Should I lie?

    Your bio is one of the most interesting-unusual-entertaining . . . See? There are reasons why I like or not like. Write on. And Thank you.

    Reply

    • My pleasure and I feel the same way you do. I really like the marker art you have shown and posted. I am trying to learn to use markers and photoshop together. I hope it works.

      If you dislike something I’ve posted or have advise, I will listen and respond maturely. I publish poetry and am a part of a workshop group. Sometimes, the criticism is very heavy handed and often personal. But, these other poets are my friends and I do not take offense. This is how artists should behave.

      Reply

  26. just discovered your blog and love it. happy to be a follower. your insights/details are amazing. hoping that the law doesnt slow down your stories. i enjoy reading them.
    thank you for sharing,
    odie mama.

    Reply

    • No problem. I’m glad you are along for the ride. I’m with you. I’m going to talk to my brother (a lawyer) about my plan to do a graphic short-story about an autistic young man I met. I hope I will be able to draw a fictional account at least based on something I fell in love with.

      Reply

  29. Hey there Aaron, thanks very much for liking Oido Del Mundo! You’ve got a wonderful grab bag of a site here mate, all sorts of goodies available! Oh, and any friend of Kafka is a friend of mine!
    Kevin

    Reply

  30. Read your list lying in bed this morning in Bucharest, saw the muddy photo and thought: “Yikes, was this kid an extra in ‘Deliverance’? Interesting thoughts, well expressed, striking cartoons, well done. I worked as a supply teacher for 1 week @ American School in Khartoum, hard work but I enjoyed it. Thanks for dropping by, glad you liked the-cat-who-sold-the-dog : ) Mike

    Reply

    • My pleasure of course, Mike. Bing a sub/supply teacher is hard as hell, but worth far more than the terrible salary they pay the subs. I love it.

      Reply

  31. Dear Mr. the Ogre,
    I’ve been checking out your site, and your work is really cool. I’m honored that such a skilled artist as yourself would frequent my site. Keep up the great work and thanks for your support!

    Pete/apeface/delicate adventures

    Reply

    • My pleasure M. Apeface. I enjoy your egg work very much. You ink work and consistent attention to detail is fantastic.

      Reply

  32. Thanks for the like! You have a really interesting blog that covers a TON of topics. I’ll have to come back and check it out thoroughly when I have more time to absorb it all.

    Reply

    • Hey, Thank you so much for stopping by. I love a lot of your posts. I’ve been trying to advocate a whole foods diet to my roommate who has type II diabetes, but his doctor has him convinced otherwise (all medication, minimal reeducation, exercise and diet changes). It really sucks and it bothers me that people who have alternative beliefs about diet are being punished by the law.

      Reply

      • Super-glad I found your blog. =0)

        Too true. There really is no money in being healthy tho, so we are feared into believing we have no choice. Fear breeds dependency, so it’s a Catch-22 for people who know deep-down there is a better way. Good luck to your Roomie.

  37. Hello Aaron, just wanted to say thank you for stopping by and liking my blog – your illustration work is amazing, I’m looking forward to seeing more of it! Also I’d like to add, best of luck with your work at the transition centre – my younger brother is severely autistic so I’ve a great amount of admiration for anyone willing to help people in the way that you do 🙂
    All the best, Liz

    Reply

    • Thanks, Liz. I love working with them. They are great people and generally are trying to do the best with what they have. I wish I could write about them and their lives, unfortunately that is not possible.

      Reply

    • Thanks, Liz. I love working with them. They are great people and generally are trying to do the best with what they have. I wish I could write about them and their lives, unfortunately that is not possible.

      Reply

  39. Firstly, thanks for stopping by my new cartoon blog. It was good to spend some time this morning looking around yours and like others I enjoyed your bio and I might steal the idea! Your cartoons are very good and for me they work best, to a professional level, when the overall design and structure is very tight and bold. Have you any work for your Franz Kafka comic available online? BTW on first reading I thought you said you like Frank Zappa. Could be interesting. I will keep in touch and enjoy your progress. Warmest regards from Philip in South Wales UK.

    Reply

    • Philip, I do like Frank Zappa. He is one of the most perversely creative persons in pop-culture. I just have not posted anything regarding him or any of his projects.

      Regarding Kafka: Unfortunately, my more obvious Kafka comics have been discarded, but like today’s pic (The Stranger & A.), many images have been influenced by Franz Kafka’s The Trial.

      I’m glad you enjoyed my posts. I hope to continue for a great more time to come. a.

      Reply

  40. Thanks for the like, Aaron, always great to see other drawing-based blogs! Love the list-format bio, too – an excellent idea. Share your affection for the Brooklyn Bridge; walked across it in sub-zero temperatures back in February – one of the world’s great views. Ditto coleslaw!

    All the best from Brighton, UK. Keep it up, man!

    Reply

    • I agree, there are not that many artists blogging their drawings. Their CG stuff? Oh, sure. One of the things you’ve done, I just time to go to: models. I’m too busy to log studio time. At least not since college when I was a freshman trying to determine if I wanted to study Physics, English or Art, my three passions at the time.

      I am jealous that you’ve had the chance to get out and see the world. I haven’t traded outside the US in over a decade. I hope I get the chance soon. Have a good one man. Cheers!

      Reply

    • Thanks man, I appreciate it. I love your pictures of Seoul. I lived there for eight years and I don’t think I recall many empty streets even late at night.

      Thanks for stopping by. Cheers! 😉

      Reply

  42. Wowee that’s a long post. And even more comments. I started reading the top comments, but then got too impatient to leave my own message. I did read to the full bullet list though, because I think I agree with a lot of your points. And I like your drawing style, bold.

    Reply

    • Thank you very much. There is a lot of stuff there. I’ve thought about editing some of it and maybe I will, but it’s been a lot of fun so far. There are tons of comments, but I have been very happy to hear from everyone and comment back.

      However, I agree with you completely about shortbread. I love the stuff unless it is like eating a lego piece.

      Thanks for stopping by Lilian, I appreciate it.

      Reply

    • Thanks, I appreciate that. My kids tell me I am too self critical. I think once you’ve been working on the same joke for an hour or so, its no longer any fun. Thanks for the encouragement, though, Have a good one and thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  45. You are an artist and a Kafka fan so I hope you have seen Robt. Crumbs’ illustrated “Metamorphosis”. Thanks for liking my stuff. Is that a self-portrait up above? It’s good. When I read some of your trials and tribulations of substitute teaching I visualized a younger guy, but then again anyone under 50 seems young to me these days. You have a unique and appealing perspective.

    Reply

    • Michael, I love your comics. You have a very fine, confident style of drawing and writing. I look forward to everyone of your comic updates. I really identified with your last one where you are a complete technophile except you still don’t have a cell phone. My kids complain about the same stuff. I hate cell phone. Re Crumb’s Metamorphosis: no I have not seen it. I have a graphic novel of The Trial. I disagree with it. Which is why I seem to be inching closer and closer to Kafka every time I draw.

      Thanks for stopping by Michael, I appreciate it and I love your art!

      Reply

  46. I think many Republicans are no better [or worse] than Democrats. They just have different ideas about what works. Good ideas should be able to stand on their own, without the rancor and ad-hominem [sp] ugliness. I’m not saying that YOU do it. Just that we all could do a little better at trying to understand each other.

    TD

    Reply

    • I agree, the only problem I have is that when the partisans from both sides hear about an idea coming from the opposite side, then they automatically oppose it without thinking through what the opposition is saying. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.

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    • Sofi, You are awesome! I appreciate the nomination. You of course deserve the recognition as well. I love your posts for their fun and genuineness.

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    • My pleasure. I love your art. Your most recent one with the bunnies sewing the dress is fantastic! I’m glad you stopped by, thank you!

      Reply

  49. Thanks for the like Aaron! I think your blog is quite intriguing and I haven’t come across anything like it before, I’ll definitely be checking it out more 🙂

    Reply

    • Thank you very much. I don’t think I’ve gotten a complement like that and I love it. Thank for stopping by, you are appreciated.

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    • Thank you. I really like what’s happening with your design. The symbols work very well in representing a personal mandala/talisman of identity.

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  53. Ogre, I wanted to say your I enjoyed your bio but I think first of all enjoy is not enough to say and your bio was not just a bio…. I mean…. Hey! I love to come back here… I love your stand point, your art and the way you write… 🙂

    Reply

    • Azi, thank you very much. I have enjoyed every one of your subway pictures. They are clever and catch the essence of the New York Subway and urban life better than many other attempts at urban art. Thank you for stopping by and suffering through my gigantic bio. Keep up the great work and originality.

      Reply

      • Wow! Thank you for such an encouraging comment. I am very happy to hear it from a someone like you. Thank you 🙂

  55. Hi Aarron the Ogre,

    I love the illustrations. Thank you for dropping by my blog and thank you for the like. We all need a bit of encouragement. Keep up the great work!

    Reply

    • My pleasure and keep up with the oncology books. If anything, they will give you a good workout lugging them about.

      Reply

    • Thank you very much! I appreciate it.

      Tinnitis sucks. I had persistent ringing in my ears after a Golden Earring concert. I can’t imagine having that for my entire life.

      Thanks again for the nomination!

      Reply

  59. Dear Mr. Ogre, thanks so much for visiting my blog and liking stuff. I’m new to this put-yourself-out-there digital world and am as novice as you can get. Your encouragement helps a lot! I suspect you’re not an ogre at all, despite your ogre origin story. Cheers!

    Reply

  60. You majored in English – was it because you wanted to be a writer/journalist/some other type of pen-holder?
    I’m considering English for my masters (after majoring in Economics) and have been told I’m an idiot for considering it because it adds nothing to ones appreciation of english and doesn’t improve your writing either.
    Just thought I would ask you – what do you think?
    essentially I don’t know what I want to do, but I love writing stories, reading fiction and (recently) sketching characters. I loved the nuns on the cycle, by the way.
    Thanks for liking my Common Man.

    Reply

    • My pleasure on the ‘like’.

      Re English: The story is long and convoluted. It starts with Physics and ends in English and a love of optics. The story involves love, loss, divorce, children, hate, institutional bulls–t and the kind of stuff one only sees in the movies. In the end though, I decided on English because I love to write poetry and I like philosophy.

      Huh? Yeah, my kids who are the most familiar with my reasons think I’m nuts, too. However, I love rhetoric and most of my favorite philosophers base most of their arguments in rhetoric. So: English. If and when I go to grad school, I will pursue Rhetoric and Composition with an interest in being a lecturer as opposed to a researcher and then spend all my none teaching time writing poetry and comics.

      Right now I’m stuck in an odd limbo zone, that is inexplicable but means I can’t continue on the hunt for a few more years. I’m fine with that. I enjoy what I’m doing now and English & Physics got me here.

      Reply

  62. Good to see someone who doesn’t follow the other sheeps in this world :-)))
    Nice to meet you Ogre.

    Regards

    Nico

    Reply

  63. Hello, Love your ideals and your humor. We have quite a few things in common. I hear you about the “religion” thing. I am so tired of ppl “Christians” not accepting me for who I am, but that I must be a clone to their way of thinking. It is really a turn-off. I respect the rights and ways of others as long as no one is harmed. I am an advocate for the underdog (poor). I am a huge animal lover and animal welfare advocate and believe we are all connected, ppl, plants, animals. I believe in God, but not in the ‘christian” or traditional western way. I love to laugh!

    Reply

  68. Hi Aaron. Thanks for visiting ‘Politics For Dogs’. I was a substitute teacher. Then I was a teacher. Now I’m a pirate. I’ll be keeping an eye on your blog. You have some great stuff here.

    Reply

  69. Hello there, thanks for visiting! I’m new to this whole blogging scene, so it’s nice to see a stranger look at my site with its grand total of 7 poorly scanned drawings and 3 rambling posts. Your like is appreciated!
    Great ‘about’ page. And impressive drawings! Very cool. Will definitely keep checking back.
    Thanks again. And keep up they great work. 🙂

    Reply

  71. Hey, Ogre. Really appreciate you frequenting my blog. You have a wicked style with the pen and your words. I have no style, and gave up years ago trying to find it. LOVE your “About” and we are on the same page regarding Lenny Brisco! Best to you.

    Reply

    • My pleasure Mary, but I beg to differ. I love the style you show in your work. I particularly like the fishing lure and the great fish that in fact looks like a spinner lure itself. Fantastic. I like what your doing very much.

      I miss Lenny Briscoe. I listen to Law and Order while I draw all the time (not now, I listening to Deep Purple).

      Mary, I’m glad you stopped by and had a gander, I appreciate it!

      Reply

  76. Hey! Thank you so much for the like and stopping by The Right Side of the Brain!
    I love your blog, and it’s always a pleasure to meet a fellow artist and writer. Your art has such a unique and fun style! I can’t wait to see more!

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  78. Hi Mr Ogre. Did you leave anything out above? Lol. I love your honesty. You would never be a good politician! Thanks for checking my blog as I’ve just started posting drawings and you have shown me the potential of pens, highlighters and Photoshop! Keep up the great work.

    Reply

    • Thank you very much, especially the bit about being a politician. I would never make it as one. I really like your drawing on the Tour de France. I’m not following it as closely as I usually do since I don’t have a tv. I am excited that Wiggins is leading this year, however. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

      Reply

    • I agree 100%, we all were born with capacity for free will to make choices in our lives, the problem it seems is that many people have skipped that option and have picked to do nothing.

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  81. Thank you for liking a post of my work, and being my first blog viewer! Your work is lovely; I’m digging the style and especially the colour combinations in your pieces. Also, anyone with spaceship art gets +10 points in my book any day 🙂

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  82. Hey Mr Ogre, just thought – having been incredibly lax with my internettiquette – I’d swing by and say cheers for checking out my own wee page now and again.
    Nice to read and look at something with teeth! (says the decidedly PG rated kids book writer…)

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  89. Hiya Aaron, just thought I’d send a quick note to let you know I bought the App you use (Procreate). It’s really powerful and I like the brush translation ( annoyingly it is a bit slow when it comes to things like adding layers, undoing your last stroke, but I can forgive it ).
    Cheers! Marti

    Reply

    • Marti (BTW: that’s my daughter’s name): I don’t use Procreate. I use PhotoShop Elements and scan drawings in. I wish I could afford to buy a Wacom and regular PhotoShop, but I’m poor and had to buy cheap stuff. Eventually I’ll buy some neater stuff. But right now it is still sharpies, felt tips and a trac-ball.

      Thanks though, Marti.

      I do gotta let you know, I love your cartoons. You are one of the best WordPress cartoonists. I think you are fantastic!

      Reply

  91. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed this week!

    We love your great drawings and posts so we’ve decided to award you The Diamond Star Award.
    This is the highest award that is possible at BlOgcean, so well done and be proud! To find out more about it, visit: http://blogceanawardsofficial.wordpress.com/
    If you agree to receiving this, we will need your permission to publish a post on our Blog congratulating you on your fabulous achievement. The Diamond Star Award is only given out once a month and sometimes once every two months, so many people are interested in it, and it will make your Blog have a higher profile.
    Thanks so much and congrats!
    BlOgcean Awards Official

    Reply

  94. Hi. Thanks for liking my drawing. 🙂
    Um, it’s kind of late right now and I don’t really have anything to say… Well, I quite like your drawing stile, to me it looks slightly ‘abstract’. And by saying that I meant it as a compliment, I like abstract. :)) Anyhow, thanks and good night (at least in my time right now).

    Reply

  96. Hey thank you for liking my post on the connection between One Piece and Frankenstein. Are the comics posted here drawn by you? They are very unique in style, and I think that they have a good balance between exaggeration and reality capturing. I also especially like the about page, quite hilarious.

    Reply

    • Yes, I do draw the comics myself (I digitally edit, however). Thank you for the compliments on style and my about page, I appreciate them. I also like your inks. Good pen and ink is hard to find.

      Reply

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