My name is Rick London. Hi.
A little about me…okay maybe a little more than a little…a lot then. There I said it.
I founded Londons Times Cartoons & Funny Gifts on March 19th, 1997 in an abandoned tin shed outside of Hattiesburg, Ms (where I was born and raised). My main website is http://LTCartoons.com. I hope you bookmark and visit often. 8.8 million others have dropped by and most seem to return. I hope you will too.
I had a bit of a tumultuous childhood in that I was born with autism/Asperger’s and Vanus (flat feet) both of which went un-diagnosed. I won’t go into the scope of the dysfunctional nature of my family, but let’s just say they were not The Waltons.
Not being a great artist (a fair one), my vision was/is to create a cartoon that was “a bit cartoony and a bit fine art”. I was at a loss in that I didn’t have the money to take classes or buy any special equipment. My complete inventory of everything I owned was a beat-up IBM clone 386 pc, a wonderful stray dog named “Thor”, $288, a dial-up phone line to AOL and a free website with more popup ads than cartoons.
Sometimes having conditions such as autism can be advantageous. In my case, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to contact Charles Schulz, Leigh Rubin, Dave Coverly, etc. from my tin shed to get “mentoring advice”. So I did. I called a lot of other cartoonists to “learn the trade”. Ironically it was Sparky Schulz, Leigh Rubin, and Dave Coverly who were the most generous with their time. I am still in touch with Dave. If not for their knowledge and wisdom, I would not be here telling my story. The smaller-time cartoonists, and those in between mediocre to “making it big” had littlle or no time for me. Most would not even speak to me; only the ones who had made it big and then some. They taught me a valuable lesson. Never ignore someone who is working hard to try to make it….even if they are living in a tin shed sleeping on the floor. And one might be surprised just how many are. My family of birth would have nothing to do with me. Cartooning was what “crazy people did”. So was licensed cartoon merchandise. Rather ironic given that one of my siblings went to Disneyland for his honeymoon. Bet Walt got a big chuckle upstairs smiling down.
Two heart attacks and one wonderful marriage later (to my best friend), Londons Times Cartoons or LTCartoons.com has been Google’s #1 ranked offbeat cartoons and gifts since 2005 and Bing’s #1 ranked since 2008. I am married to the best woman in the world, who also happens to be the best nature/wildlife photographer and can also create artwork like nobody’s business. It looks wonderful on her own product brand line on everything from tees to ceramic tiles to home decor and more. Her name is Lee Hiller-London (Lee Hiller). If you get a chance visit her HikeOurPlanet.com or LeeHiller.com.
A percentage of all product sales (such as tees, mugs etc) benefits autism, animal, and environmental causes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. My products make great gifts (or collectibles), and tend to rise in value. Be sure to buy some for someone you love (including yourself) 🙂
Feel free to comment on my blog. All feedback is invited (positive or negative) and I’ll respond as often as time permits. 🙂
Rick London Syndication 
Thank you for your follow, which as brought me to your blog. On reading your posts i thank you for your insight to your life so far and I will be interested to hear more.
Thanks so much Chris. Have taken a sabbatical for the most from blogging (used to do it daily) but my wife and I are trying
to start back on a daily basis; some will be humorous, some about the obstacles of autism, dysfunctional families etc. and how
I’m attempting to deal cope. Hope it is helpful; or at least entertaining. Rick
Thanks for your comments. Blogging should not be a chore to hit yourself with, but a joy to help with your own life , while informing others of areas which you wish to illuminate on.
So blog within your own time and pace, for those who follow you will be pleased and welcomed when you have the opportunity.
Peace be with you.
Chris,
Appreciate the kind words and the advice seems sage.
Will be writing more soon. Look forward to yours as well.
Rick
I really enjoyed reading about you, your family and your diagnosis. I can only say how very sorry I am, that you had to grow up under those circumstances. You have opened my eyes to someone, whom I’ve been trying to diagnose for years, my mother in law. It all makes since now. It was all about ” what would they think” attitude that controlled her brain and motives. I won’t get into the cruel things she did. I just want to thank you for being so brave to open up and share with strangers and friends!! Blessings to you and your wife !!
Barb, I apologize. I didn’t see your comment until now. I am only glad that someone might be helped just from being made aware of the “narcissistic spectrum” and learning more of scapegoating, and the horrific damage it does (not just to the scapegoat but to everyone involved in the scapegoating). Nobody walks away not scarred and there are no “winners”, sadly, but their are people who don’t have to “continue losing” and it appears you are one of them. Congratulations! I am not sure I could have been brave enough to open up in the same community as the perpetrators, though I was pretty fed up by age 60 (LOL), probably I would have. Enough is enough. You are the brave one by doing so, and knowing to get support and assistance. I will send your regards to Lee as well. She has been a stalwart support system. If possible, do find a trustworthy friend, relative or someone who hasn’t been bought, bribed, threatened etc who can help you. If you’ve become disabled from the abuse, the ADA (Americans With Disability Act) will indeed help, and put a stop to the insanity (probably won’t change many of the players if any) but give you (and other victims of the abuse) a chance to recover. Many blessings and best of luck 🙂
Thank-you for dropping by and following me at staceyldehn.wordpress.com, Our Journey in Autism. You followed us and now we will be following you!
TY Stacey. I look forward to reading more on autism.
Rick, your blog will soon be added to our Actually Autistic Blogs List (anautismobserver.wordpress.com). Please click on the “How do you want your blog listed?” link at the top of that site to customize your blog’s description.
Thank you.
Judy (An Autism Observer)