Heroes change the world

Why do we need heroes? Is it important to have people who pass beyond role models and into the stratosphere of living legends? If so, what purpose do they serve? Can one person change the world?

Yes, we want heroes. Without heroes, our world fades into darkness and despair. I believe heroes give us hope. Hope we can be better than we are. Hope we have bright futures ahead of us. Hope that the world isn't such a scary place after all. And, with such hope, we strive harder and better. Heroes are inspirations. Consider the upsurge of interest in athletes whenever the Olympics swing into worldwide attention. Or, the incredible power of heroism during a tragedy and how we instantly gravitate toward the courageous few.

I want to live in a world with heroes. There's plenty of villains, far too many indeed, and who will fight them? Who will slay the dragons? Who will tame the wilderness? Who will save us? Sure, real heroes aren't knights in shining armor, bearing huge swords. Heroes can be meek, unsure of themselves, or cringing with fear, yet they don't allow circumstances to dictate their actions. Case in point is the Clint Eastwood movie, "Hacksaw Ridge," where an ordinary bloke rises far beyond expectation to perform almost superhuman feats. His actions inspire everyone around him to be greater that they previously believed possible.

Heroes are the best of us. Actually, they're paragons--the absolutely finest human beings possible to be. Sure, their heroism may be momentary, their lives otherwise uninspired, and future actions aren't tied to those temporary moments ... however, those actions move into popular thought. Heroes grow beyond themselves, becoming ideas and ideals. Without heroes, such positive movements won't happen. I need heroes; I think we all do.

- M

Crafting heirlooms to last generations

My wife creates beautiful quilts and cross-stich projects. We have a home decorated with many examples, and new ones all the time. I'm dazzled by her art. What makes me love them even more, is how they are sure to be cherished by our grandchildren. I know my wife will make more for every one of them, it's part of the fun for her. Crafting something that lasts is a real pleasure.

A marvelous quilt my wife made for a music teacher friend.

We humans create incredible art from the most insignificant objects, even objects which melt within a few hours, and only get better at the crafts with time. How much would a sketch Da Vinci drew on a napkin be worth today? Yet it perhaps took the master only a few quick minutes of doodling to fashion. Then, move to heirlooms--many taking years to complete--and watch the value skyrocket! Sentimental value is frequently far greater than any actual monetary value.

Heirlooms are passed on to the next generations, as treasures to keep within the family. Isn't it interesting how things with such high value aren't spent? Yes, we do value memories much more than money, despite what popular culture may say about it. I have my grandfather's old Bible, and I'll never part with it simply because it's a connection with him--a physical heirloom I can hold and remember. I'll bet that years down the line, our children will cuddle up underneath one of my wife's quilts and smile with warm memories. Ah, it's good to have heirlooms!

- M

Time keeps slipping past ...

Another year has breezed past my grasping fingers, leaving me another year older and hopefully wiser. I do feel proud that this year I at least noticed it was my birthday. If you've ever seen the movie, "Groundhog Day," you'll understand how fun it would be to rewind the days and maintain your own learning ... I could learn languages, teach myself to paint, read all the books on my shelves, and loads of other things! However, since reality constantly slaps me across the jaw, I will trudge along and cram as much into my brain as possible.

Thinking about time naturally brings me to time travel. Would I want to use it, if time travel were available? Absolutely, yes! I think it would be fun, exciting, and every bit as crazy as Doctor Who would suggest. But, there's the inevitable issue of someone messing up the time stream. Well, there's lots of theory about what would actually happen, and I have my own favorites too. Safe to say, I doubt time travel will ever happen to the extent science fiction has shown. Pity. I'd love having my own pet triceratops.

The real question becomes, "what are you doing with the time available to you?" Not to get too philosophical here, but it's hard not to be. Time is a resource we'll never have any more of, nor any less of. Love the moment. Try to live with few regrets. Work hard and play hard. Use suntan lotion...

- M

What starts at the beginning gets things moving.

Many stories (especially the visual kinds, such as movies and television) get things moving with a short vignette that sets the mood. Consider "Raiders of the Lost Ark," where Indiana Jones demonstrates his skill not only as an archaeologist but as a tomb raider. This is known as a "cold open" and serves to get the audience ready for the main story. This opening doesn't need to connect with the overall story, but provides the rules of the universe and how characters behave.


"Policeman Being Tripped" by Tom Frantzen (Brussels, Belgium)

By using this method, you can avoid delivering backstory through exposition and narration. Audiences don't tolerate loads of narration, so by using a cold open you demonstrate character qualities, motivations, and even possible backstory without interrupting the burgeoning pace of the story--the James Bond movie "Goldeneye" shows this very well. Naturally, there's plenty of room for improvisation and creativity, which makes this technique so much fun.

What I find most fun about storytelling is there's no wrong way to go about it. If your audience is following along, then how can it be a problem? Sure, there may be better ways to do it, but the essence is the story. As I've grown, I've realized this more and more. Focus on telling a good story. Let the story dictate how it's told, then adjust from there. The most enjoyable books I've read are the ones where the narrator disappears right into the background, and the story comes through naturally. Whatever method you choose, use it with gusto!

- M

Birthdays ... strangely accepted.

What is it about birthdays that makes people either celebrate or ignore them? At the beginnings of life, birthdays are pure celebration and joy. Then, birthdays are celebrations of growth and swiftly turn to graduations of strength. At some point in the process, people may begin resenting the celebrations entirely--I'm not entirely sure why. Finally, at the ends of our lifetimes, birthdays become victory celebrations and are triumphs once again.

Sometimes, it's best not to overdue the candles ...
image credit

This reminds me of the ancient sphinx riddle: What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs at night? The answer is a man (crawling as a baby, walking as an adult, and using a cane as an elder). Life is all about changes. We grow, learn, and move on. The trouble is when we stop. We human beings are not meant to sit and gather moss. We are designed to constantly grow, to adapt, and to learn. Birthdays are like milestones, giving us an easy measure of hopeful growth. It's a simple gauge of maturity--usually fairly accurate.

Birthdays are our way of honoring such growth. It's a good thing. I just don't understand why some people are squeamish about their age, or celebrating another year of life. In many cultures it's inappropriate to discuss age at all. That's sad, as I find great value in advancing age. The virility of youth is wonderful, but the wisdom of age is treasured.

So, in honor of everyone else's birthday, I won't be noticing my own this year ... just kidding. I'm sure I have a birthday sometime this year--I just need to check my driver's license to find out when it is.

- M

They never really grow up, do they?

We have three marvelous children who are growing up far too quickly. I've often told them I won't allow it any more, and they must immediately stop growing up, but they haven't listened. I'm growing concerned that they actually have no intention of stopping, and want to become adults whether I approve or not. Maybe I should ground them?

At the same time, I do understand that my children will remain my children no matter how old they become. It's the tragedy of parents. We want our children to become fine men and women, yet hate to see them leave. We love their childish innocence, yet hope to see maturity and wisdom. We yearn for them to strike out on their own, yet fear for their safety. It's like being a parent is an exercise in contained terror, mixed with overwhelming emotions of love and laughter. Or, maybe I'm just going insane?

We all know the story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up. Throughout the story, Peter refuses to change, while the Darling children mature. It's a great story because the audience is faced with the inevitability of growing up, yet can still pretend to fight it. Sure, I joke about banning my children from getting older, but I sure don't mean it for real. My deepest desire is to watch with pride as they face the world, prepared and confident in their decisions.

Although ... maybe they could stay children for a little longer ...

- M

The impressive power of legends

Why do the construction of the Pyramids in Giza still capture worldwide interest? Why does the story of the Titanic sinking make us hold our breath? Do dragons set your mind ablaze? All these things are legends, which means they are based on fact but may not be entirely true. Yes, the Pyramids are obviously true constructions, but how were they made? The Titanic was a real ship and definitely sank, yet how did it all happen? King Arthur is a real historical figure, but are all the tales accurate?

The Great Pyramids

I think the reason these legends have such appeal is due to their inherent mysteries. Legends generally aren't solved beyond all doubt, leaving plenty of room for theories and wild speculations. This makes people want more, whatever the reliability, to gain a better understanding. And so, the legends grow greater and more grand. After a while it's difficult to separate legend from outright myth. What wonderful resources for aspiring authors!

I collect all sorts of reference materials, but particular anything regarding folktales and old stories. You never know when something will jump out at you and demand to be told. The more you pay attention, the greater your ability to draw from experience to fashion your own legends. Plus, you will educate yourself in the process ... it's a win-win scenario!

- M