Favorite myths

The world is filled with wonderful myths and tall-tales. My personal favorites are anything regarding dragons and the journeys of Odysseus. Myths are amusing. I have no idea how accurate many of them are, though I suppose they probably have a bit of truth to them. Some are called mythology, some urban legends, and others are flat out lies. But, we face myths and legends all the time. Even one of the days of the week is a myth--Thursday ... Thor's day (yup, the god of thunder day).

Sure, I love old myths, but there are plenty of modern ones. There's the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, bumblebees can't fly, a gold pot at the end of any rainbow, and who can forget that the Moon is made of cheese? Ok, sure, I'm having fun with the idea, but all of those are myths of one kind or another. To me, there's a sense of grandeur and fantasy about them, and that's incredibly seductive. Have we forgotten to have a mixture of wonder and delight with old stories?

The famous Loch Ness picture, now know to be a hoax
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Mythology tells of how things began, how they work, creatures in the world, and nearly every aspect of life. Take whatever you want from them, the tales have lasted throughout the centuries and formed the bedrock of many societies. Modern society tends to scoff at "myths" and ignore them completely, but perhaps there's a sound reason these myths persist throughout the years. Many myths are warnings or teachings. Maybe the Loch Ness monster isn't real, maybe it is, but either way I'm not swimming in that place ... I'd rather meet Nessie from the shoreline.

- M

Diversity in stories

Current American culture loves to throw diversity into critiques. When it comes to stories (mainly movies, as they are visual), it is skin color that is most commonly examined. I'd like to shift the focus of the diversity into a totally different aspect, which is diversity of character. Have you ever heard the term, "cardboard characters?" People use the phrase when a character has no dimensions, no yearnings, and is a simple archetype or stereotype. Such characters are not enjoyable. What audiences want are characters with diverse personalities, varied interests, and overlapping needs. We want someone we can possibly relate to, empathize with, and take the story's journey alongside.

We get wrapped up in appearances too much. When I was a youth, there was a phrase girls were using, "Beauty and Brains." Woman wanted to be recognized for their inner beauty as well as outward. I have no idea how well it worked, as I wasn't actively dating during that time, but I understand the desire behind it. People don't like being thought of on a purely surface level, because it's insulting. So, why should authors be surprised when stories are treated the same way?

One of my personal beliefs is that when we find a story we adore, the story becomes a part of our personality. Think about it, if you recommend a movie that you love to someone, and they hate it, why do you feel a twang of personal insult? Because you identified with the story, and for it to be attacked hurts that connection. Stories with a diverse cast of well-drawn characters provide those connections far better than stories with simply color-coded people. Let the characters speak for themselves, not only their outward appearances.

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- M

Every creature has a purpose ...

One thing I trust and believe, is that every animal on this great planet has a purpose for being. I may not like the purpose, but I still there is one. For instance, spiders are not exactly beloved creatures, yet without them we would be swiftly inundated with literally tons of bugs. Gophers are a nightmare for cattle and gardeners, yet they till the soil and distribute earth extremely efficiently. I hate mosquitoes, and yet they are great food for fish and amphibians. Some creatures may require a bit of study to find their reason for existing, but I'm convinced they all have one.


Don't you yearn to give this spider a hug?
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It's good to know we have a purpose in life. We human beings are self-aware and generally create our own purposes, for good or ill, so we tend not to think about it much. I doubt birds consider their purpose at all--seems like all they want to do is dive bomb my car and leave their gifts on my windshield. It must be nice not to need to worry about what you should be doing and if you're doing it well.

Funny how simple and easy it is to complicate everything we do. Birds and bumblebees are beautiful, plentiful, and maintain their composure through it all. Maybe it's enough just to know our purpose exists and not to worry to much about it? If you doubt it, just watch children at play. There, you see such innocence and delight that your heart will be lifted and all doubt of human existence will fade away. Children are blessings and signs of greatness to come. Everything has a purpose.

- M

Hot and cold

People tend to talk about the weather wherever you go. Be it simple small talk, or actually a main topic, the weather affects us all. There's an old joke about farmers that goes: "What do you call a bunch of farmers hanging out in the basement? Answer: A whine cellar." (for those who don't understand, the weather is never good enough for farmers ... it's too dry ... it's too wet ... there's too little rain ... there's too much ... and on and on).

It goes to show how we will complain about anything and everything. How crazy to comment about things we have no control over and directly benefit from? I challenge everyone to find something good to say about the weather for the next week straight. Can you do it? Of course. And, I'll bet you find much positive to say about a lot of other things as well. You see, optimism is contagious. Spread it far and wide. Want to change the world? Well, start with being happy about the world you live in (but, not crazy and overboard, that's just weird).

So, while it's been cold and warm here, I am happy to say I've survived. I expect to finish out the day and look forward to another adventure tomorrow! Maybe I'll fight a dragon, or ride a rocket, or enjoy a wonderful beach ... or, I'll just sit at work and type for a while ... eh, it all works just fine. But, I'd prefer a dragon if you know any.

- M

Ode to encyclopedias.

Have encyclopedias gone extinct? What I mean is, do newly graduated high school students even know what they are, or use them at all? With the prevalence of online databases, and knowledge-bases, it seems unlikely any modern students ever use encyclopedias. If so, then that makes me sad. Some of my favorite memories are reading through multiple chapters of encyclopedia information. I love them, and still do ... however, I don't own a set either.

What made these massive tomes so wonderful? They included articles on virtually every subject, with scholarly insight and wonderful detail. I learned about the world, without setting foot outside the library. Wikipedia serves somewhat the same function, albeit to a much greater degree, however it lacks the intimacy of holding a book in your hands and flipping through until something catches your eye. Actually, that's the same reason I miss bookstores--because I can't walk through the aisles and discover new authors.

Finding new information is incredibly easy these days, but you also need to know what you're seeking. Oddly, it's harder to simply peruse and happen upon things that are interesting but unexpected. Sure, there's the "Surprise me" buttons on Google and Wikipedia, but it's not the same. There's no spontaneity to it, just randomness. Still, it's the world we live in now and I doubt it'll change. Perhaps there's still time for me to buy a set of encyclopedias ...

- M

Hearth and Home and Fireplaces.

Until we moved into our current home, we've never had a fireplace. Sure, I've been around them all my life, but only as a visitor. Now, I wish I'd had one all along. There's something very special about sitting next to a crackling fire, snuggled up with your sweetheart, and talking. It's charmingly magical. Of course, most fireplaces do generate quite a lot of heat, so they do have a great amount of usefulness. But, for us it's mainly a wonderful luxury, and I'm grateful to have it.

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I've enjoyed campfires throughout my life. I've roasted marshmallows over them, sang songs around them, and fallen in love beside them. The romantic in me wants to carry a portable fireplace wherever I go, though that's not entirely possible. I do get to cook on a grill, so that's fun, but there's no comparison to the warmth of a fireplace.

One thing I've found very interesting about the fireplace is our cats don't seem to care. They've sniffed the heat, nosed the cooling embers, but haven't basked in the warmth even a moment. I'm not sure why. Perhaps they don't like all the reflected heat? Maybe it's the dancing flames that spook them? I'm not sure. Whatever the reason, they sure have disappointed me. I was certain I'd go to the kitchen to get a cup of hot chocolate and find both cats lounging on my seat. Oh well. Life isn't always fair, is it?

- M

The importance of story

Public Storytelling

Why are stories important? I've posed this question to myself many times. As a writer of mainly fiction, it seems like pure hilarity that such stories would have any lasting importance, yet fiction stories from centuries past are still with us. And, I'll go even further and suggest stories of all kinds are worthy methods to pass on knowledge, morals, viewpoints, history, and whatever seems important to the author. I think it's fair to say the modern world understands how advertisements are very persuasive, so why not even more a story we live with through hundreds of pages?

Stories make the lessons of life easy to understand, demonstrate situations we may never face, and provide context for all of it. When we walk in the shoes of the characters, both true and fictional, we learn to see the world through their eyes. Part of the nature of their character grows within us. That's why I think characters like history's Abraham Lincoln, or Tolkien's Bilbo Baggins, are so engaging. Stories are capable of changing perceptions, opinions, the past and the future. They are a powerful tool, and should be used accordingly.

Most of all, stories are fun and should be enjoyed. I love good stories of all kinds--even bad stories can be fun if you don't take everything seriously. Children love bedtime stories, to delight, terrify, and tickle their fantasies. Plus, stories excite our brains, open new pathways, and help us in many other ways. Yup, stories are life itself. Stories will never die!

- M

Origami ... where art and fun collide.

An origami rose
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Have you ever made a paper hat, or boat, or frog, or replica of the painting "St. George and the Dragon." Origami is the art of folding paper. I pretty much stopped at making a paper gift box, so I couldn't even call myself a beginner. However, I've seen some of these works and am truly astonished at the possibilities. There are pieces of origami so complex and artful that they are considered priceless ... wow.

Do a quick search online and you'll discover galleries of origami that will challenge your definition of paper folding. How is it possible to achieve some of these designs? I doubt I could replicate these things in clay, much less paper. Absolutely incredible. And, if you've examined how they are made--using wet paper, multiple pages, alchemy and magic--then you know how fantastically impossible they are. I honestly can't imagine ever doing it, even if I was immortal and spent all my days trying.

For these reasons, I find origami fun and enjoyable, but also a form of art that's impenetrable by most human beings. I'm sure most anyone could at least paint something on canvas, or carve a thingie from wood, or even screech out a tune on an instrument, but delicately folding paper into Chinese dragons and spectacularly lifelike swans is so far beyond those others that it's hard to believe anyone can do it at all. Okay, I admit to exaggeration, however origami is definitely art and I love seeing the really good stuff. I suppose it's akin to my fascination with Bonsai trees (also an art, but it's more like a dance within nature itself), in that I love delicate treasures. Maybe someday I'll learn ... maybe.

- M

Happy surprises are still the best

As children, we love being surprised (think of the game Peek-a-Boo). Yet, we continue this love throughout young adulthood and into old age. Something about being surprised makes us electric, filled with energy, and eager to have more. I think that's why we give gifts, and why we deeply desire a specially selected item (rather than a gift card). Sure, the gift card is more practical, as we can buy whatever it is we actually need, but we want a surprise gift. It's the adult version of Peek-a-Boo.

Even animals play Peek-a-Boo
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Surprises come in many forms, such as: happy scares, prize boxes, marriage proposals, grandchildren, new foods, roller coasters, and books. What we find good and great varies by person, of course, but generally speaking they are desirable nice things. On the flip side, bad surprises are typically tragic and horrid and we label those "bad news." Sure, it's semantics, but I rarely hear surprises labelled as anything bad. Maybe it's because words do carry deep meaning for society, and we are loathe to move preferred words into other areas.

I think we never quite lose a baby's fascination with Peek-a-Boo. True surprises are frustratingly rare, and when we find them we adore the experience. I've found myself recommending various activities, solely on the idea that people will be amazed. Sure, I'm a big kid, and I believe everyone should have the joy and fun and excitement derived from great big surprises. Why do we ever stop seeking the experience? Are adults not supposed to have fun? Bah. Let your defenses down and bring back the joys of childhood wonder.

- M

The world and wonder of the writer.

I'm often asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" But, there's a far more important, yet subtle, question, "What do you hope to gain by your writing?" Sure, there's the easy answers of financial success, popularity, and renown, but every writer yearns to make a difference. Writing is simply our chosen method. I think within every writer resides such a powerful desire to affect the world, that they are willing to undertake solitude, self-flagellation, and rejection in their efforts to produce their work. Writing is, after all, a lonely profession.

I mainly write fiction, and specifically fantasy and science fiction. Can those touch the world? Well, I hope so. Stories demonstrate the values we uphold, the truths we believe, and the world we wish we might create. Fiction isn't the only place for these things, but it's what I've always focused on. To me, stories are escapist entertainment, and I want to escape to a place of heroes fighting villains, and good triumphing over evil. It's exaggerated, ridiculous, impossible, heroic, and ultimately satisfying. When I find a great story that puts goose bumps on my skin, then I dig in with both feet and hang on until the end.

So, I hope to improve my world, make people laugh and cry, provide hope and light, and to lift the spirits of anyone willing to read my work. I truly hope to gain all that, simply by writing stories of fantastical creatures, amazing heroes, terrifying villains, and goofy sidekicks. Yup. The right words, said at the right time, can change the world. Deep down, that's why writers write. Maybe, those words will resonate, and then our dreams will come true.

- M

New gadgets are like birthday presents any time of the year!

I'm a computer nerd, so I especially love electronic gadgets. Phones, automatic cat feeders, e-book readers, pencil sharpeners, and basically anything that goes "whizz" and "zoom". The oddity is my phone. I use a computer for messaging and basically everything, so getting a phone for me was never a priority. I'm happy with a flip phone. Well, my wife couldn't stand it and got me an actual smart phone (hardly a fancy one, but suitable).

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So, now I'm tickled with a new gadget to tear apart and put back together, lots of new fizbang stuff to mess with, and essentially a new toy. It's great! What's even better is how I basically can't do any real harm to the device, unless I drop it off a building or run it over with my van. Also, I am now officially part of the 21st century. Yippee!

Of course, without electricity these will all become paperweights. It's easy to take for granted the ability to plug a device into the wall and get power to it. There are plenty of other things we never consider either, but I won't make you feel bad (or me). Suffice it to say that our generation is blessed with incredibly powerful devices of luxury hardly dreamt of in years past. Imagine what H.G. Wells would think of our society? His brain would explode.

- M

I like hats. Especially work hats.

For some reason, hats have an important place in my life. I love seeing my wife wear baseball caps--she looks so cute in them--and I have a habit of wearing a cowboy hat as I write--showing my children that daddy is working and shouldn't be disturbed. I had a nifty hat that I wore at the camp where I met my wife. And, hats keep the sun off my face, so I don't get sunburned. I don't personally wear a hat a work, but there are many professions requiring them, such as construction. The phrase, "I wear many hats," describes someone who performs many varied jobs or tasks. Although, the phrase does usually get used to say the person is overworked and stressed. Well, phrases come and go.

When I was little, I loved the official firefighter hats and construction helmets. They had a kind of flair to them, and hinted at glorious adventure. As an adult, I don't see things the same way, but the hats are still interesting. What's really incredible is the amount of technology and money spent to create the hats! Particularly sports helmets are unbelievably pricey. What incredible inventions they are.

But, I think what catches my fancy about hats are how unique many are. Everyone wears hats in a different way, decorate them uniquely, and adjust them with their own flair. Like socks, hats are a statement of who you are deep inside. Or, I'm just being poetic and simply love hats ... you decide.

- M