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Here’s to Doing Nothing on the Upper West Side

July 12, 2026 | 7:15 AM
in ABSURDITY, ART, COLUMNS
32

By Gary Martin

Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more than 30 years. His illustrations appear in the Rag on Sundays, chronicling life in the neighborhood, New York City, and the Universe. See them all here. For a broader range of Gary’s work, including animations and other motion graphics, please visit www.martoons.com

Listen to Rag Radio’s interview with Gary Martin — HERE.

Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.

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32 Comments
Howie
Howie
3 months ago

Amen

5
Reply
Nina
Nina
3 months ago

Come to the pool!

2
Reply
Ellen Freeman
Ellen Freeman
3 months ago

I have my best thoughts and ideas when I am “doing nothing”!

4
Reply
Floria
Floria
3 months ago

Doing nothing is something!

6
Reply
Gena
Gena
3 months ago

Years ago at a restaurant downtown near jury duty, I overheard a conversation between a young (20s) couple: the woman said that her friend was moving to the UWS, and the man groaned “Oh no! There’s nothing there.” As a longtime resident and huge fan of the UWS, I turned to them and asked, “What would be something?” The man replied, “nightlife.” Oh.

4
Reply
More busyness
More busyness
3 months ago

It means I am writing comments in the West Side Rag comments section.

5
Reply
Pat Hogan
Pat Hogan
3 months ago

Always a suspicious question!! Begins w a question and always ends with a house full of hungry people!

4
Reply
Ann
Ann
3 months ago

This is my favorite Martoon so far

Perfect setting too 🍃

5
Reply
Judy Orich
Judy Orich
3 months ago

Thanks for that Gary….now I have the tools needed for turning down my overextended summer social schedule !

2
Reply
Neal
Neal
3 months ago

I feel seen!

3
Reply
Susan
Susan
3 months ago

Excellent idea!

3
Reply
Boilson
Boilson
3 months ago

So true

2
Reply
Rick
Rick
3 months ago

Exactly! Peace and Love…

2
Reply
Joanna
Joanna
3 months ago

Same!

2
Reply
Paula
Paula
3 months ago

My favorite time to think, rethink and start over.

2
Reply
Sharon
Sharon
3 months ago

I’m really quite good at doing nothing. We must be related 😉

3
Reply
Rosie
Rosie
3 months ago

You are a lucky man.

2
Reply
Debfrombrooklyn
Debfrombrooklyn
3 months ago

Sometimes nothing is everything! Good message Gary!

2
Reply
Miriam
Miriam
3 months ago

Exactly! I get it🤣

1
Reply
Nancy Christie
Nancy Christie
3 months ago

Nothing is the something you are definitely doing

1
Reply
Jane
Jane
3 months ago

Nada. No hay problema!

1
Reply
Corcoran
Corcoran
3 months ago

Love the sweet juxtaposition of your serenity with the distant image of Joan of Arc in full battle regalia on horseback. There’s more than one path to sainthood.

4
Reply
Laurie K
Laurie K
3 months ago

HAHAHAHAHAHA – I love that!!!!!!

1
Reply
Eljay
Eljay
3 months ago

Doing nothing is everything! Love this.

1
Reply
Doug
Doug
3 months ago
Reply to  Eljay

i am terrible at doing nothing. I cannot sit quietly and drift. I always think of something to do. My loss, of course.

1
Reply
Jules
Jules
3 months ago

When I have nada to do I’ll go and check out the bargains at Housing Works on the UWS .. Often end up with new and wonderful clothing that I have no reason to buy since I already have way too much already!!

2
Reply
Andy
Andy
3 months ago

Amen!

1
Reply
Tuna Jack
Tuna Jack
3 months ago

Nothing like sweet solicitude in the summer

1
Reply
Joe Chiplock
Joe Chiplock
3 months ago

Ahhh…my new personal philosophy…

1
Reply
Mark
Mark
3 months ago

What a beautiful feeling it is to have nothing to do…and to do exactly that.

1
Reply
Phoebe
Phoebe
3 months ago

When somebody asks me: “What are you doing?” I never say: “Nothing” bc otherwise they’ll suggest something.

1
Reply
Monica
Monica
3 months ago

Best one yet!

0
Reply

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