A Message To My Readers...

I hope all is well and that everyone's 2021 has started off in a positive way :)) If you are new to this site, I am taking a break from cartooning, but I update this top post periodically and content in general. Check back when you can because you never know what you may find. As of now, I primarily use this site to display cartoons for marketing purposes and for anyone who wants to scroll through the pages to get a laugh. I have connected with many people over the years which has made my journey enjoyable and rewarding. With that said, feel free to contact me with your thoughts. I always like receiving feedback so I can  continually improve on Dust Specks. There are four ways you can contact me: message me under my pic, tgiordan@comcast.net, dust-specks@hotmail.com, or text/call (but not late at night!): +1 (203) 952-5977.  Thanks for all your support and keep smiling! -Tom

Bunny's So Humble...

An oldie, but goodie :)) -Tom

Here It Is!

I just got the above tattoo on my chest (if you look close, you can see it's still swollen...ouch!). For an explanation of its significance, read my last post :-) -Tom

A Message To My Readers...(Updated 6/17/20...See Below)

Although I am taking a break from cartooning, I still add content to my site. I even post commentary when I have something to say...like now. Next week, I am getting a tattoo on my chest (by my heart). What's cool is my daughter, Armani, is getting the same tattoo on her arm! Armani came into my life when she was two and years later, I adopted her. We have always had a special bond. On the adoption day, I gave her an infinity ring. With this in mind, we are getting an infinity tattoo, with the adoption date in it, as an expression of the bond we share. Armani doesn't live in my area, so we are going to FaceTime while the tattoo is being designed. Once we agree upon the artwork, I'm getting it inked! Next time Armani comes to visit, she is going to get it inked as well. We're stoked! 6/17/20 Update! Armani visited and got her tattoo today :))

Always Remember!

Attitude is everything! No matter what life throws at you, try to maintain a healthy mindset. I realize this is easier said than done, but practice makes perfect! Just a quick message before I leave for work. Have an awesome (and positive) day! -Tom

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you have the best Mother's Day ever, mom! You've done so much for me in my life, I am fortunate to be your son. Have a wonderful day :)) Love you lots!  xoxoxo -Tom

A Message To My Readers....Happy Easter!

I hope everyone who celebrates Easter has an enjoyable day. It's a little different this year for me (and I am sure for you too) with the virus hanging over our heads, but I'm making the best of it.  I stopped by my mom's house, gave her some flowers, talked to her and my brother outside, was given some Easter food to take home (yum!), and left after a relatively short stay. On my way back to my house, I visited my dad's grave to reflect for a bit. This is the first Easter after his passing, so it feels strange not only because of the virus, but because he isn't around. Finally, Armani and I exchanged texts and we will FaceTime later like we always do. All and all a good day and I hope yours is going well too. -Tom

Ugh! Barney!

Barney was one of the most annoying children's cartoons ever. He drove parents nuts because kids had to repeatedly watch him and his voice made you want to pull your hair out.  There was no escaping him. By the looks of this cartoon, it appears he couldn't escape from himself either.

I'm Going To Costa Rica! (Updated 3/12/20...See Below)

I mentioned in an earlier post how the owner of the firm where I work (his name is Dan) bought a condo in Costa Rica and said I can go there to vacation. Well, the time has come! In March, I am going with Dan and an associate of ours to his place to have some fun in the sun :)) I can't wait! Looks like a beautiful destination with lots to do. Maybe the trip will inspire me to write more cartoons! I will let you know all about it. Stay tuned...-Tom  3/12/20 Update!  Trip Cancelled!  Will go once COVID-19 settles down. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Either Dusty is in denial or he's one dumb speck! I hope your Valentine's Day is going smoother than his.  Although, maybe he is better off. If Bunny isn't going to reciprocate, Dusty needs to face reality and move on. I know, that's easier said than done. Love sometimes finds a way. -Tom

Another Old Cartoon...

I've been reading about Aerosmith's drummer and a lawsuit he filed against his band members. The band doesn't want him performing with them at the Grammy's because they feel he has limitations due to an injury he sustained. I thought of re-posting the above cartoon while reading about this ongoing saga. Dream On...great tune. Here's a link to the song with lyrics:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9srmft6STc

Here's An Old Cartoon...

Just chillin' tonight and decided to post an old cartoon. I hope all is well :)) -Tom

Armani's Tattoo....

As a follow-up to my post on December 26th, I uploaded a pic of Armani's tattoo above the photo of Dakota on the left side. Scroll down and check it out! -Tom

Happy 2020!

A new decade has begun! Let's make it the best ever :)) My cartooning remains on hold, but I will continue to update this site when the mood hits (take a look around). As always, don't hesitate to reach out to me with your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. All the best! -Tom

Armani's First Tattoo!

One of the Christmas gifts I gave Armani was her first tattoo. I am sharing this with you because she got a tribute to Dakota; her dog who passed and who is mentioned on this site. The tattoo came out awesome and I'm happy I was there when she got it done :)) Merry Christmas, Armani! Love, -Papa

To My Readers....

May your holidays be filled with family, friends, good food, and lots of laughter :)) Enjoy! -Tom

Ready For The Holidays?!

I took this pic today of the lobby where I work. The holiday season is officially upon us! I hope you are looking forward to this year's festivities. As always, don't forget those in need. Nothing better than putting a smile on someone's face who could use a hand :)) -Tom

Unbelievable!

I had to post this old cartoon today. Last night, I fell asleep watching the Yankees lose the ALCS (boooo!). I awoke around 3:00am and set my alarm for 6:00am (the time I get up for work). My alarm went off and I did my usual workday routine (shaved, showered, brushed my teeth, went to the beach for breakfast, etc). As I began driving to my office, I noticed there were hardly any cars on the road.  I also didn't see kids at the bus stops waiting to get picked-up for school. I thought to myself, "is today a holiday?" I then checked my cellphone calendar. DOH! It's Sunday! At least I have a story to tell. :-)

I'm Back To Say "Hi"...

Just a quick note to say all is well and I hope the same goes for you :)) I am still giving cartooning a rest  because I have been busy with other things (mostly work) and my artist has been tied-up too. In the meantime, enjoy my older posts and feel free to contact me from this site (under my pic) or via email. Regarding the above photo, that's me in the car I rented in North Carolina  when I visited Armani in July. We loved driving around in a convertible and the car was super FAST! There were  drawbacks cruising with the top down though. For one, Armani and her boyfriend's bushy hair blew all over the place as we drove (it was hilarious...lol). I, however, buzz my hair short, so I didn't have that problem. Instead, I got sunburn....ouch!  Talk to you soon. -Tom

Unconditional Love :-)

Unconditional love is the best. Accepting someone for who they are and loving them no matter what is priceless :))

Oh-boy!

You did the right thing, Bitsy. Sometimes it's best to just walk away.....

In Color!

This is the final version of the black & white cartoon posted on June 7th. Even with the color dropped-in, the dude in the first scene is still pathetic. Slow down and take human bites! -Tom

The Seagulls Are Gone....Except One!

I would like to share this with you. As you may know, I go to the local beach each morning and, starting last winter, began feeding the seagulls that frequent the area. In the winter, a large flock would fly off the water when they saw my car pull-up to get their meal. Now that summer is here and food is plentiful, the flock is gone, except for one bird with distinctive markings who I call "Peg."  The reason I call the bird Peg is because when she was a part of the flock that disappeared, she had a fishing line wrapped around both legs. In fact, the line was wrapped tightly around one of her feet as well, causing her to limp (like she had a peg leg). I tried coaxing Peg with food to get close to me so I could free her from her binds, but she would have none of it.  Over the months, I would continually see Peg and, luckily, the fishing line eventually was gone (I'm assuming she ripped it off).  This made me relieved, but the foot that was wrapped tightly was obviously damaged. Fast forward to the present. Out of all the birds in the flock I was feeding, it's so cool the only one that still waits for me is the one I tried to rescue.  I am happy to report that Peg's foot, although slightly scarred, has completely healed and she is doing fine! I hope the food I have been feeding her helped in her recovery :))

Unreal!

Here's a black & white before it is colored. Dusty is definitely wrong on this one. Some people simply do not have self control (like the person in this cartoon). Get a grip!

Bunny!

I know some people who can't pass up a sale either, even when they have little or no use for what is being bought! I guess whatever makes you happy. -Tom

I'm Going To Visit Armani! (Updated 7/15/19...See Below)

I booked a flight in July to visit Armani in North Carolina :)))  Armani's eighteenth birthday is on July 14th and I want to celebrate it with her. I even reserved a Ford Mustang that will be waiting for me at the airport so Armani and I can cruise around in style (I once owned a Mustang and Armani loved it, so she is psyched). Dan, the owner of the firm where I work, is in Costa Rica closing on a vacation home, so he is unaware I will be  taking a few days off. I am sure he won't mind though. I have known Dan a long time and even owned a business with him.  He kinda lets me come and go as I please, especially when it involves family. When I tell Dan my plans, I am sure he will say, "go for it!" He always does :)) 7/15/19 Update: We had an awesome three days together in North Carolina :))) Time went by so fast. Love you, Armani. Always have, always will. -Papa

RIP, Dad.....

At age 87, my dad peacefully passed away yesterday. Born Salvatore Giuseppe Giordanella, he leaves behind his wife, Theresa, two sons (my brother Frank and myself), a granddaughter, Armani, and a family who thought the world of him. He was a wonderful father and person in every way. He was giving, loyal, understanding, compassionate, a great provider, and so much more. My family and I were fortunate to have such a special person in our lives and the opportunity to spend time with him over the last week when many beautiful emotions were expressed. He will truly be missed by all. Love you, dad. -Tom

Be Safe!

For those celebrating Memorial Day weekend, please be safe.  Take it from the Dust Speck's cast; drinking and driving is not smart. Enjoy! -Tom

About Dakota...

This is Dakota at roughly two years old at a local dog park. Dakota was my daughter's birthday present when she turned five. He was only weeks old when we got him and he looked like a tiny teddy bear :))  Dakota was a great dog. He had the calmest temperament, he was affectionate, loyal, and obedient. If you have the chance, look up Great Pyrenees online and read about them. They were bred to guard livestock from predators so, when you think about it, they like helping others. That's a good thing. As Dakota got older, his hips began giving him problems which is common in big dog breeds. After months of trying to improve his condition, Dakota had to be put to rest. That was one of the toughest days of my life. My daughter, to this day, gets teary eyed when she looks at a photo of him. Even though it was painful in the end, the many awesome years with Dakota made it all worthwhile :)))

In Color!

The above is the color version of the May 10th post. The last thing I would want to do is talk negatively about Rock when he's in back of me. Not good! -Tom

In Black & White...

Here's another one in black & white before it is colored. Once this cartoon is finalized, I will post it pronto! :))

How Dusty Got Grey...

The Dirt characters thought Dusty looked too much like them, so they sprayed him grey. In the end, everyone was happy :))

Here It Is....

Here's the April 20th post in color. Hey, does everyone know Rock is the one choking Hox in the second scene? Let me know. -Tom

Nice Try!

Dusty should try a different approach. Then again, if Bunny can't take a joke, she's probably not the one for him. I bet after she walked away, she laughed to herself. Come to think of it, maybe she's just playing hard to get.