Perfect Date
In our 11 years and 1,400 Picture Talks, this one is my favorite. Max dictated this to me when he was 14 years old. While Max’s early picture Talks centered around his constant and consuming fears, his later Picture Talks show growth, a shift of focus, and yes, the passing of puberty.
Max likes girls.
If all Max wants is to have a date on paper, with me as both artist and moral compass, it’s a mother’s dream.
In this Picture Talk Max asked me to draw the “Toxic Girls” waiting for him as he came home from school. The Toxic Girls are the back up singers for Brittney Spears; seems like an appropriate name to me. Their first fun-filled activity is to watch King Max as he sits in his Audi seat in the middle of our living room. Then the Toxic Girls fetch another girl for Max’s ponytail harem – Sharon, who’s also a singer. Apparently Max began to wonder if he could handle so much estrogen on his own, and asks me to draw Sharon calling for reinforcements – mom. Good boy Max. But before he had me show up, the date took an interesting twist.
Like many teenage boys, Max struggles with awkward social situations.
How do you end such a perfect fantasy date?
a) Kiss the girl, or in this case, girls.
b) Shake hands.
c) Walk her to the door.
d) Ask her to fall in a manhole.
If you answered d, fall in a manhole, and you are a female singer with a blond ponytail, you are invited to our house.
But I’ll draw myself in as a chaperone.
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7 Responses to “Perfect Date”
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Hi Emily, I have been blessed over and over again by your book. I am a teacher getting my masters in ed. and would like to know if Melmark school uses picture talks, like you do? Also, I tried to find research done on the use of picture talks as a form of art therapy that is helpful for autistic children, but could not find any. Have you ever come across any websites that replicate what you have created with Max? Thanks and God bless you and Max and your family. You are an inspiration – especially as you remind us that Max is a gift from God. I am involved in 40 Days for Life, and the reminder that all children are gifts from God is very important!
hmmm…..a manhole savior – what an interesting idea. Yes Evan and I could of used one many times in the past. Do you think there are dunkin donuts down there?
Emily, I just finished reading Dancing With Max and was desperate to see pictures of him and possibly some “picture talks”. I found your blog and have enjoyed every single picture and posting. I chose to respond to this one because it made me laugh and cry at the same time. I love Max!! I could really identify with him. There are many times in awkward situations I wish a manhole would suddenly appear to temporarily swallow everyone up until the “happily ever after”. I will definitely be recommending your book to everyone I know.
Joanne, you made me laugh. Yes, a manhole could come in handy for lots of situations in life!!
Emily – just wanted you to know that after reading the book, it is really meaningful to get to see some of your pictures! Thanks for all you do – your incredible spirit and example of motherly love are blessings to many, many, many. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Love this! Made me smile!!
you’d be the best, ‘funnest’, chaperone! love your blog-you go girl
xo susie