The smell of fresh wax and candles.

We latch onto many things throughout our lives, and a great number of them are smells we associate with memories. Good or bad, these smells are powerful. For husbands, the fragrances our wives wear are intimately tied together with our love for them. The smells of childhood imprint on us so powerfully that we can be sent back to our youth with just a whiff. And then there are the smells we just like to have around: candles, cedar, evergreen needles, and many more.

I find it interesting how we build huge industries around fragrances of all kinds. How much money do we spend just to smell nice? What about candles for our homes? Our cars? It seems nearly every activity and location in our lives is filled with good smells. That means it's not just important, but essential to who we are as people. In fact, we even bury our loved ones with beautiful things surrounding them.

Knowing this, I think it's important to pay attention to what things are cherished by the people we care about. Scents make wonderful birthday presents, unexpected gifts, and sensational house warming presents. I prefer candles, because they come in a huge variety and are easy to turn on and off (fire is great for that you know). It's a fine fabulous feeling to give something special to friends and family. I promise.

- M

Words of Power

One of the reasons I originally became fascinated with language is the capacity to bring hope and comfort to those hurting. Stories are especially potent in this regard, because we insert ourselves into the characters and live out their adventures. Sure, I was with Bilbo when he found the One Ring in The Hobbit, and I scurried with Frodo and Sam in the Lord of the Rings. I haven't found any other medium with such power and majesty, and I doubt I ever will. There's something very special about living through a good story; the characters become part of our lives.

A well crafted story is capable of developing truly astonishing levels of emotion in the audience. Whatever the genre, stories burrow into the heart and draw forth the power of our feelings. But, it's not just the language doing it, there is the journey to take into account. Truthfully, if there is no journey, there's no emotion. If you were told the ending, without everything before it, the story would fall on its face and bear no power at all. We all require a process of growing to reach maturity, so should it be any different with a story?

The power of words is undeniable. The right words, at the right time and place, can change the universe. I my estimation, language is the greatest power of humankind. With it, we build cities, form societies, and develop future generations. Words are the future, the past, and the present. The old phrase of, "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me," is true only in the sense that words don't physically injure. However, words have massive impact on our spirit. Use them with care.

- M

Real champions don't hear the crowd.

People watching champions assume that one of the motivations to win is the applause of the crowd. No, it's not. True champions don't notice adulation, and are so focused on their goals that they probably won't become aware of anything but their own efforts anyway. All focus is on their goal. Their prize. Years are spent getting to the point where they can try. If they fail, the weight is crushing, but they shrug it off and train harder. It's difficult to imagine the single-minded focus these champions maintain for such long periods. That's heroic by itself.

Why do we frequently idolize champions? It's easy to see why. Champions accomplish what we dream of doing, battle incredible odds, endure unbelievable pains, and wade through it all with grim determination. Watching these people perform is inspirational, as it should be. I think deep down we all want to be champions, even if it's only in the realm of paper folding. It feels good to succeed, but especially good when it's not easy. In fact, make things too easy and the reward is worthless. It's only through struggle that we bloom and grow.

True champions aren't in it for the glory, they are competing because they have a deep need to prove to themselves that they are capable and worthy. None expect to lose. All anticipate their own victory. Sure, there can only be a single victor in a contest, but that doesn't stop champions from thinking that they alone will stand at the place of honor. I think this is what we really admire in champions: their ability to enter competition with the faith that they have prepared wisely, trained vigorously, and will see their efforts lead them to win.

Champions don't hear the crowd, because their own dreams are shouting too loudly.

- M

If you hear the story of the song, before the song, then how can you not be moved?

Have you ever seen a competition where the contestant tells an incredibly heartfelt story about how they got to the point where they are? I find it particularly poignant when a televised singing competition does this, because the story influences the song in a significant manner. The song wouldn't be nearly as effective without the story behind it, and it impacts the singing as well. The power of connection between singer and audience is mesmerizing. If I were a judge, it'd be incredibly hard not to praise anyone who drags themselves up from the muck and grime of a hard life.

There's a story behind this, I promise...

That's why I'm so passionate about stories, in any form. Stories forge connections faster than anything else. Why else do we beg our grandfathers to tell us stories of olden days and times they've experienced. We want to hear them, to hear the emotions and the depth. The funny thing is, the story doesn't even need to be all that significant, like how kicking a stone back and forth lead to the love of your life. We need stories as much as we need air to breathe. Life is held within stories.

It's no surprise that contestants with a powerfully emotional story to tell are commonly passed on to the next stage. Audiences adore a rags-to-riches tale. We have a deep desire to see people succeed in the most improbable ways, because in some way we hope to attain the same notoriety. There's a hidden need to do something great in our lifetimes. So, in the lack of that moment, we tell stories to create those dynamics anyway. And, so, we change the world one story at a time, and I'm glad to say it works.

- M

I despise endings and goodbyes

Have you ever gotten to the end of a book and immediately looked for the next part? If you love a story, then you don't want it to end. You want to see more of the world, hear the next adventure of the heroes, or simply want to hang out with them some more. It's awful to reach the end and know there's nothing more. I well remember when "Return of the Jedi" ended, I was satisfied and torn and wanted to keep experiencing the Star Wars universe. Because of that, I read many of the novels and comics that came out, simply to extend my time in their world. Love is like that.

The final part of a story is typically called the anti-climax--because it's the bit immediately following the exciting climax--and is where plot threads get wrapped up and characters are set free to go on their way. Mostly these segments are short and to the point, to lessen the pain of saying goodbye. There are types of stories that never fully say goodbye (any series with a recurring character is a good example). I think this may be the reason for the incredible surge of long-running movie franchises. I can't imagine any other reason why we've seen the continuing success of the Marvel movies (aside from having some really fun stories).

Audiences enjoy falling in love with characters who last more than a single story, who can influence their worlds, and who matter for the long term. My first love is certainly the hobbits from the Lord of the Rings books, particularly Sam and Frodo. It's refreshing to see a greater acceptance for extended stories, even ones that last for over 10 years (such as the Marvel movies). Maybe this means that people's attention spans are finally growing? I hope so.

- M

The blindness of spectacle

A trend in many modern stories is for spectacle. What I mean is it's not the story as a whole that's the big draw, but certain portions and even little set pieces. Movies are of particular note, since everything is visual enticement. Movie previews love to show "money shots" where something impressive is happening, but these spectacles don't make a story--frequently they totally detract from the plot, in the vain search for heightened emotions. The problem is that spectacle can blind the audience to the otherwise lack of depth in the story. Sure, an audience is dazzled by what's happening, but when they reflect on their experience they'll discover a profound lack of substance. That's the danger.

Stories are a series of events strung together in meaningful ways. Memorable scenes are touchstones for a good story, but shouldn't be based upon them. Stich them together and let the audience decide what should be the spectacles. Of course, it's hard not to make a spectacle out of something like the Battle of Helms Deep (Lord of the Rings), or the sinking of the Titanic, or the sunset of twin suns in Star Wars. It's magical when these things happen naturally and I'm dazzled by authors who manage the trick.

My favorite stories roll along like unstoppable juggernauts, where the heroes are barely keeping up and the villain is pulling all the strings. Well, the other way around is fun too, I fully admit. All that really matters is having a good time and being entertained. We search out stories to step away from life for a little while. It's escapism. So, like beauty, a story is in the eye of the beholder. If it works, then who cares if it follows the rules.

- M

The value of opinion

In my opinion, the most beautiful castle in the world (Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany)
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Why do we value the opinions of others? Well, when those opinions are from people we know and trust, it makes those expressions very important to us. You don't even necessarily need to personally know them. For instance, newscasters enjoy wide support, celebrities are given points for their fame, and if your best friend tells you to listen to someone's opinion then I'll bet you will. On the other hand, I sure wouldn't care what the fellow down the street thinks about my favorite restaurant, or a passing pedestrian says regarding a new movie.

The fascinating thing about all this, is opinion is a mercilessly personal aspect of life. A food critic may have decades of experience, yet it's still a personal opinion (though based on wide experience). This makes opinion a very dicey proposition. Why do we care so much about what other people think? Well, I believe it's because it's part of the many intricate connections that bind us all together. We deeply want to strengthen those ties, so we let people we know influence our own choices. So, when people grow more important to you, so do their opinions; it's only natural.

This also creates the strange realm of the professional reviewer. Usually, these people have wide experience in their chosen field, and so speak from that background. The rest of us seek out these opinions, in the idea that the reviewer knows what they're talking about. But, it's still just an objective opinion, so isn't something you can measure--kind of like how ice skating and gymnastics are judged. So, it's also an opinion if an opinion is an opinion to be trusted. And, that's my opinion on the matter ...

- M

Tough choices

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Have you ever faced decisions where there's no obvious right answer? How about times where no matter what you choose, it all goes wrong? Sometimes, life drops you in the dustbin and doesn't seem to care one bit about what happens. We all face tough choices, impossible situations, and moments of utter despair. What do you do?

Family, friends, and faith do a great deal to help, but in the end you still have to bear the burdens of life personally. Isn't it interesting how often people will say, "I know how you feel," and you think to yourself, "How could you possibly understand? You're not me." People want to empathize, to show their support, and usually don't know how to express it. I think life would be impossible without them and their shoulders to cry on. And, faith can give you wings even when you are defeated and crushed. Again, I can't imagine life without faith.

Tough choices are inevitable. I wish life had a specific instruction book for everything; put Tab A in Slot B. Wouldn't that make things easy? We wouldn't have to fret and suffer under the knowledge that we don't know everything. However, then we'd be only automatons grinding along the tracks of determined, with no self-determination at all. I guess it's the tradeoff we make for having freedom. Liberty is both a privilege and an enormous pain in the hind quarters, but I'd never give it up. But, at least we don't have to face tough choices alone.

- M

The best smells in the world

Are there some scents that you prefer over any others? For instance, many people love the smell of roses, or flowers in general. I adore the smell of the wax I use to protect my swords--yeah, I'm weird--the scent of rain in the air, and I love snuggling with my wife and smelling her hair. Smells run wild through our lives, and provide huge signposts for our memories. Massive industrial complexes exist solely to provide fragrances and other stuff that smells good. Have you ever taken a look at all the buyable things with artificially enhanced or provided smells? It's incredible.


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Love the new car smell? No problem, just go out and buy a bottle of the fragrance. Enjoy the wispy tanginess of a tropical beach? Here you go, beach-in-a-jar candles. I suspect there is no natural smell without a candle dedicated to it (okay, probably not an outhouse). Clearly, we value the smells around us, to the extent we even spray pleasing aromas onto our own skin with cologne and perfume. In the future we'll likely have the ability to exude these fragrances with a phone app controlled bracelet, or necklace.

Imagine taking a photograph that not only captures the image, but all the scents associated with it. How about sampling a cake just by pulling up an example on the internet and touching a probe to your tongue. Will it be possible to change the flavor of a simple sirloin steak into the finest Kobe beef in the world? Are we approaching a time when our very perceptions will be as virtual as the images we examine? Hmm, maybe, but I still will prefer the real thing. Nothing can ever replace the reality of leaning over and smelling a freshly blooming rose.

- M

Anticipation is hard to contain, especially pertaining to Star Wars.

I love the Star Wars movies, having watched them since they came out, and even have the ones people would rather forget. The new Episode 8 is coming out this week, and I can hardly wait. I've noticed reviews coming out already, though I've studiously ignored them completely. What really astounds me is how many contain full spoilers of the movie. Why do that? After all, the idea of a review is to educate, not spoil, the movie.

My hopes are that the story will continue in a good way. I don't mind old plot points being reused, or even seeing the old cast. What I hope is to experience a fun and engaging story, with space action and space guns and space twists. It's an adventure, but with laser swords. I try not to push my expectations overly high, because no story can possibly achieve legendary status on demand. Let it be fun and I'll be happy.

Disney has enormous plans for the Star Wars universe, including many spin-off movies and possibly another trilogy. Well, if the public wants it, then sure. My fear is that the story will lose its central position, and fan-service will take its place. Yes, fans love seeing their favorites on screen, but if there's no reason for it then the display falls empty in its own stewing juices. Create new worlds for us to experience, new characters to love, and especially new villains to make us quake in fear. Keep moving forward ... we'll hurry to catch up.

- M

Comfortable settings and sighing halls.

Have you ever read a book, or watched a movie, where the setting is instantly familiar? The movie "Ever After" is like that with me, with the music and castle joining into a comfortable setting I would gladly step right into. Of course, the idea of what's comfortable and what isn't is totally subjective--so you can't count on it--but there's still times when the sensation is so overwhelming, it's impossible to ignore. How do you create it? Well, I think that's like asking a sculptor how they make their depictions so life-like. Sure, there are certain techniques to master, but there's also a knack to it that some people are particularly good at.

Cozy, isn't it?
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However you accomplish the trick, making settings feel right is a big aspect of your story. If your creation is fiction, then it's even more so, because suspension of disbelief has a hard time with bad settings. Make sure to maintain the internal logic of the settings, and you shouldn't have much trouble. In the end, if you believe the setting yourself, then it's likely others will as well. The concept of writing what you know is well applied here, for instance if you really enjoy old leather chairs then by all means include one in your story.

For me, sliding into a place that is strange, yet comfortable, is one of the most rewarding parts of storytelling. I love disappearing into another world, hiding inside for a few hours, and only returning to real life later on and with a huge sigh. That's the power of stories in a nutshell. Where else can you fly with dragons, enter deep space, or travel into the distance past?

- M

I'd do anything for a smile.

Women often ask, "Why'd he do that?" Sure, men will show off for accolades, but a lot of the time it's because they want to get a smile--particularly from their special love interests. Smiles are more than beautiful; smiles are floodlights of magical radiance. When someone smiles directly at you, there's delight and surprise in equal measure. Once you've experienced it, you'll want more and more.

It's been said that any face sporting a smile is beautiful. I heartily agree. Sure, some people are better at smiling, but each smile is worthy. I don't understand people who refuse to smile. It's like they're angry at the world or trying to impress with their solidity. Smiling is friendly, happy, social chocolate. The ability to smile demonstrates more than simple ease, but a willingness to enjoy the company of others.

Why do we smirk at something funny? Why do we smile when we see friends from our childhood? Why do we smile? I submit it's a hearty mix of emotion, fun, care, and enjoyment. Sure, some smile are fake--"wolf smiles"--but, we know the difference. True smiles beam with powerful joy. In many cases, a smile is all the payment people want. So, do your part today, give a smile.

- M

Words have power almost beyond comprehension

In the excellent story "The Book Thief," which is also an equally wonderful movie, the point is made that words are life. Sure, why not? Words have power which is difficult to calculate. Words can cause terror or inspire hope, teach or mystify, grant wonder or steal dreams. Words build societies and tear them down. Can we really limit what words are capable of? Should we?

With all that power, it's possibly that wordsmiths are the most influential people in the world. However, life doesn't follow the same logic. Pity. I'd love to see how the world would be if the most powerful people were science fiction writers. Fun thought, isn't it? We'd finally have real hoverboards, teleporters, and flying cars!

Yes, words are useful and powerful. Becoming proficient with words is a great idea for anyone, particularly since being well-spoken is regarded as a fairly good sign of intelligence (rightfully or not, it's the way the world works). To me, though, words are the givers of wonderful stories and dreamy adventures. Because of words, we have the worlds of Middle Earth and Narnia, the universes of Star Trek and Star Wars. Philosophy wouldn't get far if there weren't people to set it all down with words that made some kind of sense.

So, for my first act as total world dictator, I decree ...

- M

Patience, patience, you will arrive in time...

There are a breed of sayings I like to place under the heading of: "Pithy." They don't mean a whole lot, though they could I suppose, but mainly they are said to make the speaker sound wise. Stuff like that drives me crazy, especially in books and movies. The words typically seem good enough, but once you take a moment to consider they are only swollen cotton candy.

"Get out there and win!" is a personal favorite from sports stories. Usually pronounced by a couch, with great seriousness, and I have to wonder why they say this? As though the team were to aim to lose? Naturally, someone wins and someone loses, but why point out the obvious? Much better would be to say, "I believe in you. Now get out there and prove it!" It's the empty platitudes I dislike, not the sentiments behind them.

Writers are always cautioned to avoid clichés, and this is probably the reason. Using common sayings like these doesn't really do much, other than be instantly recognizable hogwash. It takes effort to come up with something new, but the effort is worthwhile. Having a wise man saying fluff doesn't make them wise, but having them give actually intelligent insight is wonderful. For example, Yoda's wonderful phrase in response to Luke Skywalker saying it was impossible said, "That is why you fail." Impressive insight, that because you don't believe it's even possible prevents your attempting it anyway. Providing actual wisdom is well worth the effort, and the audience, I believe, appreciates it.

- M

Pets know when you hurt

Have you ever seen a family pet curl up with someone who isn't feeling well, apparently knowing the person is hurting? I never believed it myself, at least until we got a cat. This cat knows! I swear. Before I had my knees replaced, she would curl up beside me while I struggled with the pain. It happened often enough that I couldn't ignore the connection. Now, the cat is sitting at my shoulder, purring contentedly, just to give me company. It's uncanny.


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My question doesn't really need an answer, but it's this, "Why do pets form such deep relationships with us?" I'm sure there's many reasons, and probably quite a few books written about the subject. To me, pets connect with us in a way no human can. There's a bond which goes beyond life itself. It's so special that I would wish all children could have pets, but I know sometimes it's just not practical or possible. A pet gives children something smaller than themselves to take care of, and the bonds between them develop almost instantly--it's a privilege to witness the process.

Being on the receiving end of that love and attention is comforting and disturbing. How can such grand emotion cross between such completely different beings? Yet, it does. Our pets become as much a part of our hearts as any other segment of our own bodies. So, yes, pets do know we hurt. How could they not? They're a part of us.

- M

Memories of home

There are sounds that instantly bring to mind your home, or smells which trigger memories of your mother's cooking, and photos you will never get rid of because they are simply too precious. There's a saying, "Home is where the heart is," but I think we place far more importance on home than leaving it as a trite concept. We remember our childhood homes with fondness exceeding any actuality and push them firmly into happy fantasy. In some ways we spend the rest of our lives searching for a way to return to those long-gone days.

Having been born in another country, and living my first seven and a half years there, I remember pretty well a few things (not as much as I'd like though). I keep a flower from there, and if I allow myself to dwell on memory it won't take long before tears are flowing. Incredible how powerful the memory of childhood is! I wish I had kept some trinkets from then, but children aren't the best at keeping memories.

Throughout our lives, we might have many homes, and all of them affect us deeply. On some level, we sink down roots and are reluctant to leave. Sure, there are places we are happy to leave, yet we still remember them. It's a funny quality. Nostalgia could explain it, I guess. I'm not sure though. We leave a piece of ourselves in the places we live. When we leave, a part of us feels distant and lost.

Here's hoping your memories of home are sweet and well remembered.

- M

Utmost joys of completion

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There are few things that can possibly compete with the incredible joy of finishing writing a book. It's mind boggling the giddiness and light-headedness you feel. Sure, there's the upcoming editing--a joy all it's own, depending on how much you like it--and then publication, but the pure thrill of finishing is pure happiness. I can't imagine it ever gets old, even after hundreds of books. Well, maybe I don't want it to stop, because that means it's turned into a typical event and it's far too special to be typical.

We do a lot of things that take tons of work to complete. My wife makes quilts (often takes years), other people paint portraits and landscapes, some do gardening, sculpting, architecture. Whatever your passion, chances are it isn't immediately finished. So, why do we put so much effort into these things? How important are books and sculptures really? For me, the importance is incalculable.

We spend our lives creating, be it for work or pleasure. Many things get left undone, which is maybe why we find regret such a heartbreaking feeling, and do our very best to avoid it. Right now it's popular to make a "bucket list" of things you want to accomplish. Mostly it's stuff like climbing Mount Everest, or skydiving ... activities that are unusual, or extreme. It's clear we won't stop reaching to accomplish. So, what's on your list? Anything undone that you need to finish? What's stopping you? Get going and feel that thrill of completion!

- M

Taking down memories

It's time to take down our Christmas tree. Sigh. It's a testimony to the power of symbols that a decorated fake tree can mean so very much. There's quite a few ornaments we've collected through the years, and it's neat to see them out once a year. We place our memories for all to see, and for us to enjoy. In what other ways do we do the same thing? Pictures? Paintings? Stories? Keepsakes?

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We spend a big part of our lives on memories. To my mind they're one of the few things we can take with us anywhere. And, when our personal memories jump the tracks, we have baubles and photos to guide us back. So, are we afraid to lose them? No, we want to share. I've often spoken about our human desires for connections between each other. Physical memories are another way of creating those connections. I have a memory box on my desk, which has all kinds of little things with huge memories attached to them. I can easily talk for a long time about every object inside my little box, and often enjoy simply reminiscing.

 

So, yes, I'll pack up our tree and store it until the end of the year. Then, we'll put it back up and hang the ornaments and relive a few welcome memories. It's a tradition, but it's also fun. True, there are memories I don't want to relive, but hopefully those are few and far between. I pray that you all have plenty of good memories and happy thoughts. And may you all have a wonderful year.

 

- M

The incredible heights of joy

Joy is often times an overwhelming emotion. People will cry and howl and fall to their knees due to incredible joy. Joyful relief is especially strong, as it's a catharsis for bottled-up emotions. I've noticed that within the bounds of a story, true joy is particularly difficult to create. I think back on my youth and the scene from the original Star Wars, where Luke destroys the Death Star. The entire story builds up to it, and I was very happy for the characters. Yet, my joy was in seeing the bad guys lose and the good guys come together in victory. Yes, overwhelming joy. Had I been in theaters at the time, I'm sure they were whooping and hollering and clapping each other on the backs.

 

In life, we can easily get caught up in finding joy over any other thing. People waste vast fortunes in pursuit of pleasure, others spend huge chunks of time doing things that only provide joy for a moment before blowing away. Because of this, stories provide a great opportunity to seek joy in a safe environment--after all, the story won't come through the pages and slap you for getting it wrong will it? One of my favorite joyful moments comes from the Heinlein book, "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel." When the hero of the story (a boy who fixed up a used spacesuit and goes on adventures) finally gains his courage and fights to succeed, I was practically dancing in my room. I loved that moment, and actually closed the book to treasure it--I finished the book the next day.

 

Our emotions do define us, just as much as our logic defines us. They can't be removed without tearing apart who we are. It's why we love roller coasters, complicated puzzles, romances, and mysteries. We thrill at having our emotions jostled and sprung. Stories are emotional hurricanes. The funny thing is, we know what we're getting into with a story, because there's always a tease about what the story is about.

 

Joy is the emotion we likely crave the most. We want a happy ending. We want to feel good afterwards. We hope everything turns out, and when it does we still find ourselves elated. Treat yourself to a good story, and find a bit of joy today!

 

- M

The heavy weight of loss

It's a neat trick when a story causes the audience to feel the burdens of loss. Perhaps because a seriously bad event happened, something treasured was destroyed, or a beloved character died. Whatever the reason, the feeling of loss is powerful. Ever since we lost our first toy, we've been taught the agony of loss. It comes in a myriad of forms, yet it's always new agony. Perhaps we feel loss in a deeper way than other emotions? I don't know, but grief is a form of loss and when someone is grieving, all I want to do is take the pain away.

"Angel of Grief" by American sculptor, art critic and poet William Wetmore Story (1819-1895).

Of course, stories are either fiction or happened in the past. So, we know the losses we feel are not our own, though many times they sure feel real. We can turn off the television, or close the book, and return to reality. I believe that's one very big reason why stories are always desired. We can run through all human emotions within the safe confines of a story, then turn away and go on with our lives. It's escapism, happy relief, and fantasy.

 

So, if a story captures our interests so thoroughly that we feel a sense of loss, then that story was a good one. Connections are what binds us together, even connections to imagination. I never tire of sharing stories with friends, talking about things we did or read or watched. Common stories increase the bonds. Have you ever wanted a parent or uncle to tell an old much-heard story again? Why do we do that? Because we enjoy the emotions that come from it. It's like reliving the adventures all over, one more time. And, with the telling, a new generation of listeners enjoy the new connections.

 

- M