Rules. Oh, why so many rules everywhere?

I can't help myself. Here's a pile of books!

It's probably safe to say nobody enjoys rules. We typically find them restrictive, boxing us in, and closing away options. After all, rules set limits, define borders, and are enforced. But, as I've grown and matured, I've learned that without rules we have chaos. So, my attitude about rules have changed a lot. It's like the old example of a train. Put it on tracks and it will run well, but let it go off into a field and it won't run at all. Certainly there are bad rules and good rules, so that example can only go so far, but it's not instantly bad that rules are in place.

We have rules for everything. Eating, sleeping, working, playing, talking, driving, walking, singing, and the list goes ever on. Some rules are obvious: don't walk down the middle of a busy street. Others aren't: "i" before "e" except after "c." The way I think about it is rules show us where the free to play zones are. In writing, there are pretty solid rules about grammar and so on. But, in imagination there's no limit. So, when doing imaginative writing, I get to merge the two into something new. That is some of the best fun to be had anywhere.

My point is that rules are there for good reasons. But, don't be afraid to challenge rules. If reasoning doesn't hold up, then the rules should change. If it does, then abide by them. Actually, challenging rules is the basis for making things better. It's part of the scientific method, critical analysis, structured thinking, and kids do it from the moment they begin talking. "Why?" It's a good question, and don't turn it aside lightly. But, also be prepared to back up what you believe.

- M

Charity, the many meanings of one simple word

Some words have extremely specific meanings, while others wander a bit. Charity isn't one of those. In fact, the various definitions really come back to a simple idea of loving action. We usually think of charity as an organization who does good things--like caring for sick children or hurt animals. In this sense, it's someone else doing the actual good deeds, but when you give you are helping. It's a great thing. But, that's not the only definition.

The main definition is actually the act of charity itself. It's any generous action to aid someone in need (typically poor, wounded, or helpless). The attitude is the important aspect, as this is done willingly and without coercion. Another aspect of this definition is being kind in judging someone; almost a type of mercy. In this sense, the world would be a very different place without charity. I can only imagine how rotten things would be.

Charity is also a religious term for showing the love of God. It's more than temporary, but eternal and giving without thought of return. It strives to demonstrate love beyond human ability. And, so, we use charity in our own lives to demonstrate greater possibilities. Hopefully we all want more such charity around us, and do whatever we can to encourage it.

- M

Avengers 2: Age of Ultron review

I finally got to see the newest Avengers movie, "Age of Ultron." So, was it good? It was great! It's a fantastic action popcorn movie where you take your brain off the hook and let it wash over you. Like any action/superhero movie, if you dwell too much on the plot details it'll all fall apart. Eh, no matter. The action is wonderful, the characters likable, and the villain is interesting and quirky. I can hardly wait to see what Marvel does next with their epic plan of all these movies. (Geek alert: I actually read the Infinity War comics way back when it first came out and am nerding out over it already, and, yes, I was one of the fools cheering at the end of the first Avengers movie because I recognized the purple dude).

One aspect that really stood out to me was the villain, Ultron. In the comics, Ultron is ranked right up at the top of all the bad guys, and is consistently returning as a massive force against the Avengers. In this movie, he is immediately doing bad things yet retains a child-like aspect in thinking everything is one way or the other. Ultron is terrifyingly violent, but has a playful side that keeps coming out. In a way, he's completely insane and does all kinds of wacky things. A villain is just as key to the story as a solid hero. Ultron is great at his job. I hate him.

Yes, I highly recommend the Avengers: Age of Ultron. It's a fun movie. Moreover, it's an easily understood story, filled with action, and all ages will enjoy it. There are wonderful little bits throughout the movie, but I think all of us nerds went crazy over Iron Man in his Hulkbuster armor going after the Hulk. I can't be the only way salivating over that scene. It was wonderful!

So, go out and see it. When it comes out on DVD get out and buy it.

- M

Laughter, pure as starlight and twice as enchanting

Why are there so many types of laughter? Have you ever counted the various laughs you encounter in your day-to-day lives? Or, maybe you aren't hearing enough. Laughter is good for the soul. It heals, comforts, shares, and enjoys. There's nothing cruel to honest laughter and the mirth can spread as infectiously as any Winter cold. I believe in the miracle of laughter. It's one of the greatest aspects of any life, and we truly don't get enough of it.

My youngest daughter is working on a laugh that she knows full well is disarmingly cute and adorable. It's somewhere between a squeak and a snort, like a surprised mouse. She knows how awesome it is, and doesn't feel in the least bit ashamed to share it at every opportunity. Yup, I do encourage those opportunities as much as I possibly can. Our family loves to laugh, tickle, play, and have fun. After all, what good is life without enjoyment? Loosen up. Laugh.

Even our pets enjoy life. I've watched a bunch of online videos showing cats and dogs pranking each other, or we humans. Penguins and otters make slides and fling themselves over the edge. I've even watched a video of a crow using a plate as a sled. The need to laugh is as primal as eating. Everything plays at some point during their youth. It's sad how we forget, or choose to stop, as we age. To me, it's like the lack of imagination for most adults. Why should we ever stop? Is there a reason? Or are we just too "mature" to have fun? It's a good question, and I encourage everyone to give it consideration.

As one of my favorite movies (Hook) says, through the lips of granny Wendy, "No growing up. Stop this very instant." Should adults be adults? Of course. But, we can still be kids inside, when we want to be.

- M

Ode to My father

My father, with one of his very odd cats.

My father was my very first hero. A man beyond any other. A superhero who could lift me to the sky and throw me among the stars, then safely drop me back to hug his neck. He taught me to be strong, what honor means, and to treat others with respect and compassion. I love my father and he remains my hero to this day. It's often said, but I wouldn't be the man I am without the patient guidance of my father.

Good role models are precious few these days. I really wonder why that is? People in this country generally look to celebrities (typically sports, movie, television, radio, or any other kind of highly visible star) and then wonder why their role models are one-dimensional. Why look to celebrity when your own father has demonstrated how to live since your birth? Choosing role models is one of life's most important tasks. After all, we tend to emulate those we admire; it's only natural.

Dad, I wanted to take this space to thank you for being a steady example, a rock I've built my life upon. You have demonstrated every quality of a mature man that I admire, and I can only hope my own life mirrors your example. Wisdom is at your back and patience in your hands. You are a true hero. You are my hero. And, you are my cherished father. I love you, dad!

- M

Reaching for the sky, flying high, soaring in the wind, and letting go of doubt.

One incredible aspect of youth is the inability to focus on the possibility of failure. It's the awesome quality of truly believing the improbable. I applaud such ability. Without it we wouldn't have most of the innovations we enjoy these days. We wouldn't have next-day shipping, or online music, or dancing violin dubstep (I do enjoy Lindsey Stirling a lot). As we age, we tend toward more caution and less wanton risk. But, those days of leaping into the foggy future with both feet and no fear are still great memories. I encourage our youth to jump for those possibilities with all the gusto and zeal at your impressive command!

Taking risk is a natural aspect of life. Sure, crazy risks are still crazy, but why should we shy away from risk so much that we lock ourselves into quiet cages of perfect security? My wife challenged me tonight to my very core and my only explanation for why is because I was afraid of the possible risk. But, that fear only goes so far. She was right to challenge me and I'm going to get my fear off my chest and go for it. Don't be afraid to be wrong! After all, we are human and our nature is to be more wrong than we ever are right. Stop doubting yourselves. Fly high!

So, yes, I believe youth do have a tremendous amount to offer. They have a hunger and drive that inspires everyone around them. People who maintain that passion do incredible things. They have legends built around them, bridges named after them, and move the world at their command. <Hey, I'm a writer, I'm allowed to exaggerate.> Anyway, I tip my hat to the youth of our world and expect great things from you all! Now, get out there and make it happen.

- M

Trial by fire; making tough choices

There are times when characters must be tested beyond all comprehension. Since we have the same thing happen during our own lives, it makes the characters very sympathetic. Experiencing someone else going through severe challenges provides a merging point, a place we share and comprehend. We have empathy toward someone not us, and that empathy drives us closer to the characters. Naturally, this works in the rest of life as well, because this is one of the ways we get to know and understand someone else. It's important to share experiences.

It seems to me that the biggest worry about big and difficult trials is about how these things change us. How can we be sure this won't bend us into something terrifying? As an audience, when a character is faced with such a test we are on pins and needles because we can't forecast the results (or, we shouldn't be able to if the author is doing their job). It's both exciting and scary. Story is about tension, and this is a great one.

Probably the hardest trials are the ones our closest friends and family face. It's only natural that we want to shield such close connections, yet nobody can take the test for anyone else. Still, we can be there for them. Drama does this a lot, as it draws from true life. Funny, but it's hard to write only about characters facing trials, without making it about people I know myself. More than likely, we have people in our lives right now who are facing very difficult circumstance and are settling on very touch choices. Watching that is grueling. But, the hopeful goal is to be better after it all washes over. We can encourage as we watch--tough to do in a crowded theater without being shouted down though.

 - M