Ant Man - Helping

I learned a very long time ago that helping others gets my mind off my troubles or worries. Helping my older neighbor get out of a taxi clears my mind for a few moments. That may be all I need to come up with an idea. I talk about cleaning the lint filters in the laundry room often. That little action always makes me feel good because no one in my building knows I do it. It’s my little secret (well not anymore). For that little silly moment, I am not selfish, needy or trying to control the world.

Helping

“…Each class of insect has a trait you can pick out. Spiders are self-centered, Honeybees extremely competitive, but ants…Ants are always more concerned with everyone else around them. They’ll do whatever they can to help. No matter how tough the job is.” - Ant Man * 

Scott Lang – Ant Man has a great need to help. He was once a thief stealing only because he could not find a job as a scientist to support his ill daughter, Cassie. Eventually he stole the technology created by Hank Pym the original Ant Man. This technology allowed Scott to shrink and communicate with insects. It took the combined efforts of Iron Man and Hank Pym to turn the villain to a hero. He learned that if he truly wanted to help his daughter, it would be wise to become a force of good rather than a force for evil. Now Ant Man will answer the call of “help” from the Fantastic Four, Avengers, or any other person in need.  

Helping others takes our minds off our troubles. When we help someone no matter how little (holding the door for an elderly woman, cleaning lint filters in the laundry room) warms the heart and opens the door for goodness. When we help out we may not get accolades but inside we notice and feel good about ourselves. Heroes go unnoticed like the little ants but a true hero no matter what is willing to help.

Ant-Man  
First Appearance: Scott Lang, Avengers #187, Sept.  1979

Second Appearance: Ant Man, Marvel Premiere #47, 1979

Creators: Michelinie, Greunwald, Grant (writers), Byrne (art)

 * “World Trust” The Avengers #58 Vol.3, Nov. 2002

Falcon - Community

I’ve been very lucky, in my youth I found groups of people to build a sense of community. I have been part of artist groups, activist groups, gay groups and recovery groups. The thing I got from most of these groups are friends. The best way to build a sense of community is to go out and make some friends – do things with your friends.

Community

“… About how the people with power in this world are like a rock… and how the rest of us, all our voices and protests are nothing but raindrops beating on that big old boulder! But give us time, brothers and sisters, and we’ll wear down that rock just as sure as the river turns a stone to sand! And that’s our power!” - The Falcon *

Sam Wilson was the son of a minister and a very civic community minded social worker. When his parents were murdered however Sam became a selfish racketeer. But through the influences of Captain America and the Black Panther, Sam Wilson regained his senses and became the Falcon. Using a cybernetic suit and his mutant ability to communicate with his pet falcon, Redwing, Sam is now a hero protecting not just his community but all people. 

A sense of community and home is important to all people. We all need to know that we belong somewhere and with someone. We can build community without being part of an organization. We can have a sense of belonging without doing volunteer work. How? By saying “Hello,” to your neighbors. By picking up the trash in front of the apartment building. Building community is easy; belonging is easy all we should do is act as if we belong. For some of us, it may be time to join the volunteer groups, tutoring kids with reading disabilities, helping the older generations go shopping, or giving time to the homeless shelter. A sense of community is just a simple action.

The Falcon
First Appearance: “The Coming of the Flacon” Captain America #117, Sept. 1969

Creators: Stan Lee (plot), Gene Colan (art)

 * “Scattered Lives” Solo Avengers Starring Hawkeye and the Falcon #6, May 1988  

Bluebird - Nerve

When we have big events, or interviews it takes nerve to suit up and show up. Even when we should do a big spring cleaning and through away all the junk we collected. It takes nerve to get the job done. It may seem foolish but I remember to take a deep breath, focus my attention on what’s important – LOVE. Then I can find the nerve.  

Nerve

“Okay, Okay… so I’ve got a few things to learn.” - Bluebird*

To be a superhero requires skill but it also requires nerve. For example, Sally Avril only wanted to be Spiderman’s partner. So, creating a stylish outfit, using her gymnastic abilities and “ether eggs” (an egg bomb filled with ether). Sally created the persona, Bluebird. Helping Spiderman defeat Electro, the Eel and the Scarlet Beetle. She did demonstrate her nerve becoming Bluebird and facing villains that are dangerous. It would take chutzpa to attack a villain made of pure electricity like Electro with “ether eggs”. In the end, Bluebird used the information and the materials she had at hand and she was victorious.

Today we all have fears to face. It seems there is always some obstacle to overcome or some person, place or thing blocking our path. Should we stop and give up? No, pull the nerve up by the bootstraps and face the obstacle. We use our collected information and materials at our fingertips. True nerve is realizing that every situation is a learning experience and the obstacle blocking our path is the teacher. We have gain wisdom from past experiences to fall upon. We have not been brought this far to fail; we will always be cared for in unexpected ways. Just remember Ether Eggs won’t work on Electro.

Bluebird
First Appearance: Sally Avril -- Amazing Fantasy #15 Aug. 1962, Marvel Comics

Heroic Appearance: Bluebird – Untold Tales of Spiderman #11 1996, Marvel Comics

Last Appearance: Untold Tales of Spiderman #13 1996

Creators: Stan Lee, Kurt Busiek (writers) , Steve Ditko, Pat Olliffe 

* Untold Tales of Spiderman #13 1996 

Starfire - Degree of Education

I often think what’s the most important thing I can teach my students. As an art teacher, I’m lucky. I get to teach children how to be open to their creativity and see it as a gift. To be aware of the form their creativity may take. Truly this is important but not the most important. The best lessons are those where I can teach children how to treat others, how all people are welcomed into the classroom and that we are all the same and should be treated with respect and love.

Degree of Education

“You know, there are times I really prefer my world, where LOVE is what’s important – Not your degree of education.” - Starfire*

Koriand’r is from the distant planet Tamaran. On Tamaran people live by their emotions and they have no problem expressing themselves. The royalty of Tamaran can harness the power of the Sun with superhuman strength, flight and energy projection. Koriand’r was next in line to be Queen. She and her jealous sister Komand’r (the villainous Blackfire) was sent to the Citadel to train as warriors. Komand’r defeated Koriand’r and gained control of all Tamaran forcing Koriand’r into a life of slavery. Koriand’r stole a space ship and fled to Earth. She met and joined the Teen Titans taking the name Starfire. Soon Starfire found friends and a family of choice in the Teen Titans. Years later she and the Titans would free Tamaran from the control of Komand’r, Blackfire. The one thing Koriand’r can do best is express her feelings openly and honestly.

Love is important. Helping the little old lady across the hall is an expression of Love. Giving the homeless guy, a sandwich is Love. Telling a friend thank you for dinner is Love. Expressing true Love is how we treat our fellow man. In his poem, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, Robert Fulghum writes, “Share everything.  Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess.  Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat…Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some…When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder.” Education and degrees are important. The best way to stop prejudice and bullying behaviors is through education. Which raises the question, can Love be taught?

Starfire  
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26, October 1980

Creators: Marv Wolfman (writer) and George Perez (art)

 * “Who Killed Trident?” The New Teen Titans volume 4 #33 July 1983

Scarlet Witch - Souls

The power in my life is LOVE. When I was going to some hard times and needed help it wasn’t religion or prayers that came to my rescue. It was people. It was a group of people that said, “Richard you are in trouble and we will love you until you can stand on your own.” It was never their prayers that helped - it was their actions. It was how they treated me. It was how they walked with me. It was how they loved me. These very same people love me today. Through their love I found my LOVE. I learned how to share my LOVE and help others. When I am in trouble it is not my prayers and mantras or meditations that save me. It is the LOVE in my life. I find someone that loves me – I share with them what’s going on in my life and I listen to them about their life. We walk together. Actions speak louder than words. Just don’t speak LOVE get up and show LOVE.

Souls

“Don’t you see love is for souls, not bodies?” - Scarlet Witch*

Wanda Maximoff and her brother Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver) are the children of the mutant terrorist Magneto. Wanda and Pietro was raised by a bovine woman, Bova, on mount Wundagore. Being a mutant Wanda naturally looks at people as separate beings without judgment. Wanda learned to accept people no matter their race, greed, color, human, mutant or alien. They have had a hard time living with their father’s terrorist acts. At one time they helped in his terrorism. Eventually the two reformed and became heroes with the Avengers. Wanda’s ability as the Scarlet Witch can affect probability. This power appears to be magic based but it is within her mind. If she can think it then it will happen. Wanda met and fell in love with the synthezoid and long standing Avengers member, Vision. Vision always worried if she could love a “robot” or “android”. She quelled his suspicions by returning his love.

“Love is for souls not bodies.” Wanda Maximoff is so wise. She takes a simple statement and uses it as a sword. Cutting away everything to just the bare essentials.  Now we are asked to define Love. There is no need for a Webster Dictionary definition. Love is a feeling. Love is an energy that can be felt, seen heard, smelt and tasted. No matter what our definition of “love” is we can agree that the deep feeling of love is not for bodies to express. We are more than just bodies we have a life force, a living force. We have a loving force. We are all spiritual beings – we have a spirit. Could that force, spirit or spark of magic be LOVE? The true power is LOVE.

Scarlet Witch
First Appearance: X-Men #4 (March, 1964)

Creators: Stan Lee (plot & script), and Jack Kirby (art)

* “Let All Men Bring Together”, Giant-Size Avengers, #4, May 1975, Marvel Comics

Wasp - Be Yourself

In the past, I struggled with being myself. I was so caught up with what people thought of me. Then I realized that if I took care of myself – did nice things for myself it made me stronger (physically, spiritually and emotionally). I began to care less what others thought. I began to be my truer self. Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong. I’ve taken myself out on dates. I have given myself long bubble baths. In treating myself nicely I am my authentic self. Who’s my best Good Judy? Myself!

Be Yourself

“…I’m dangerous in my own winsome way.” - Wasp*

Some superheroes find fun in everything they do, and they love to banter back and forth in their comic way. One of the most wonderful Superheroes is the “winsome” Wasp – Janet (Jan) Van Dyne-Pym, the wife of Dr. Henry (Hank) Pym. Janet is a wealthy socialite and successful fashion designer. She and Hank met and became superheroes shrinking and growing to varying sizes as the Superheroes Giant Man (AKA Ant-Man, Yellow Jacket) and the Wasp. One thing to remember no matter if she is leading the Avengers into dark and perilous situations, we can always depend on a flawless outfit and a quick wit. Janet Van Dyne – Pym is always herself. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be ourselves? Why hide who we are? Why sit in the closet waiting for life? We can better understand ourselves if we take time to reflect and connect with ourselves. One thing we can do to enjoy life is to treat ourselves kindly. Do nice things for ourselves. Treating ourselves like precious objects will make us strong. Taking bubble baths, taking time to fix a nice meal or just staying in bed an extra 30 minutes will do wonders for the body, spirit, and emotions. On a weekly basis doing nice things for the body, heart and soul will make us stronger. In this way, we will find a light shinning and winsome banter that will invite more people into our lives. Thus, filling our days with joy and happiness.

Wasp
First Appearance: Tales to Astonish #44, 1963 Marvel Comics
Creators: Stan Lee (plot), Larry Lieber (script), and Jack Kirby (art)

* Wasp, Spectacular Spiderman #106 Marvel Comics

Arsenal - Release

I’ve been having some computer problems and I think it’s time to get a new computer. Whatever the issue is for me I think this is an important project. I teach the children in my art classes that if we create art it needs to be seen – it needs to be released onto the world. check out some of my art on this website. This little blog project is on the same level as my art and so I want to release it onto the world.

Release

“You’re not just about to release an arrow, you’re about to release yourself. Release everything.” - Arsenal*

The young sidekicks often grow up to become the full-fledged heroes. Roy Harper, Speedy, Green Arrow’s longtime sidekick grew up and became Arsenal. He has an uncanny ability to hit any target and make any object a weapon. Roy as a child was abandoned and raised by the Navajo people, then befriended by Green Arrow and joining the Teen Titans. Later becoming a heroin addict and finding recovering. Falling in love and having a child, Lian, with Cheshire (the assassin). Roy Harper has a lot to release from and move forward. Arsenal’s most precious ability is being himself. He not only releases arrows toward a target, he releases himself and his worries.

Releasing our burdens is very important to our stability and growth. When we release stress, and worries we are opening ourselves up for more goodness and joy.  One way we can release stress is to do that one thing we do well. If we like to sing, join a choir. If we like to dance, go dancing with friends. If we like to run, go running. If we like to play chess, go to the park and challenge one of the chess players. When we release our talent only joy, happiness, and serenity comes back. Those talented arrows only open doors but we still must walk throw to find the answers we seek. 

Arsenal
First Appearance: As Speedy, More Fun Comics March 1943     

Second Appearance: As Arsenal, “The New Titans,” #99, DC Comics, July 1993

Creators: (Speedy) Mort Weisinger (plot), George Papp (art),

(Arsenal) Marv Wolfman (plot) Grummett (art)

 * Titans #3, DC Comics, May 1999 

Blue Beetle - Loosen Up

My true laugh is loud and obnoxious. I don’t care, I love my laugh. I love laughing. I love having a rip roaring kiki with my Good Judys. People comment on my good health – I attribute that to how often I laugh loudly.

Loosen Up

“Spare us the humor, Beetle. This is serious business.” – Batman

“Isn’t it always? Just once, I’d like to rush off to save the world – and have it be a Gay, Madcap, Escapade!” – Blue Beetle *

Superheroes carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Saddled with saving the world every single day. Don’t they ever get to have fun? Well, Ted Kord has fun as the Blue Beetle. Ted was an archeology student on assignment in Egypt. Through a series of events he met the original Blue Beetle – Dan Garret, and was given the magical “Blue Scarab” to carry on the mantle and heroism of the Blue Beetle. Ted Kord uses his brilliant mind to create wonderful inventions, and superpower vehicles to get his job done. No matter how serious the situation when appropriate the Blue Beetle will find a moment to laugh and loosen up. With friends like Booster Gold, Batman, Guy Gardner, and Mr. Miracle it’s easy to find things to laugh at – on occasion.

Just once it would be fun to have a gay madcap escapade. To not be burdened or have the world heavy on our shoulders. We can be free for just a moment all we must do is laugh. Laughter loosens the stress, frees the mind and rests the shoulders. We as humans tend to become stressed and obsessed with work or events. We get sick, emotional, sore and constipated because of stress. Our grandmothers used to say, “Laughter heals.” It’s true. Laughter will relax muscles, release the emotions and soften the bowels. Go ahead let go loosen up and – LAUGH!  

The Blue Beetle
Original Appearance: Dan Garret, Fox Feature Syndicate 1939  

Second Appearance: Ted Kord, Captain Atom #83 Charlatan Comics 1966 

Creators: Charles Nicholas 

 * “Meltdown” Justice League #3, July. 1987

Icon - Flexible

As a teacher, I find my lessons are more productive if I am flexible. The more I can change to the students’ needs the more they will learn and retain the information. Just a few years ago it was interesting watching technology move into the classrooms. Many older teachers fought the technology while the younger teachers embraced the technology. I always want to remain flexible. That is why I exercise, meditate and keep an open-mind and heart. As my acceptance grows so does my flexibility and teaching ability. 

Flexible

"The characters are so flexible you can’t break them.” - Dwayne McDuffie*

In the year 1839 a space-pod crashes into a cotton field. A slave woman Miriam finds the pod. In the pod is an alien named Arnus, from the planet Terminus. Decades later Arnus does not age and is living as Augustus Freeman IV, a high society and wealthy lawyer.  When Freeman’s house is broken into he uses his powers to defend his home. One of the intruders, Raquel Ervin, witnesses the powers. She persuades Freeman to become a superhero and defend the weak as the hero Icon. Raquel joins the fight using Terminus Technology as Icon’s sidekick, Rocket. Being an alien that ages slowly and waiting for our technology to catch up to his Icon must be flexible changing with what is around him.

The Taoists speak of flexibility. Young trees are flexible and bend in the wind. The older trees, dry and brittle break in the wind. In this example, we learn it is better to stay flexible. That is impossible! Even the youngest of trees will one day be dry and brittle. But our spirits and minds can stay flexible. Strive to keep an opened-mind and opened-heart. An opened-mind is always flexible to new ideas and interesting uses for old ideas. An opened-heart is always willing to speak from the heart and follow the heart’s desire. When we strive for flexibility we find we think more clearly and the ideas flow easily. New ideas are not difficult to grasp. We find our will and spirit grow stronger. We find our patience grows with no breakage in the wind.

Icon
First Appearances: Icon #1, May 1993; Milestone, DC Comics

Creators: Dwayne McDuffie (writer) and M.D. Bright (art)

* “Secret Origin: the Story of DC Comics, Warner Bros, release date November 09, 2010

Zatanna - A Little Dazzle

Sometimes when things just aren’t going my way or I’m just tired I need to throw in a little pizzazz. Break up the monotony by throwing the bright flamboyant tie or those colorful happy socks. Makes me feel a little better. Plus, people may compliment me on my flair. A little dazzle never hurts anybody.

A Little Dazzle

“It’s called sorcery Bruce. Usually I play it straight but for the big closer I throw in a little dazzle.” - Zatanna*

The golden age hero and powerful magician Giovanni Zatara is missing and his daughter Zatanna Zatara uses her skill and her connections as a stage performer to search for him. In the process she finds that he is a well respected superhero. She receives assistance from the Justice League of America. Eventually she finds that she herself is a powerful sorceress. Zatanna soon becomes the Justice League’s top Magical Member. She casts her spells backwards - if it can be said backwards it can happen. She continues to live in her family home Shadowcrest and she is one of the world’s foremost Stage Performers.

So what’s wrong with being dazzling? Nothing is wrong with it and it is perfectly alright to look your best and do your best. Now with dazzling magic there is always a price – you can’t use your magic to manipulate or control. Buddha’s advice from his deathbed – “Make of yourself a light.” Use your dazzling personality to attract. Just be your magnetic self and people will be attracted by the dazzle. Ask the question, why am I attracted to them? In the answer the “Dazzle” will be found. A positive attitude will bring positive results. Just remember, “gnilzzad eb syawla” it’s magic!

Zatanna

First Appearance: Hawkman, vol. 1 #4 (October–November, 1964)  

Creator: Gardner Fox (writer) and Murphy Anderson (artist)  

*“This Little Piggy”, Justice League: Unlimited, Season 3 Episode 6 Airdate August 28, 2004

White Witch - Bless The Teachers

Today is the first day of school. I’m excited and a little nervous but I’ve done these many times. Today I want to remember some of my teachers. Remember what I’ve learned from them (the good and bad). I want to give to my students exactly what they need even if that means its uncomfortable to me. I try to make all my students feel appreciated and cared for while under my tutelage.

Bless The Teachers

“Bless the teachers for their constant reminders…” - White Witch*                                             

In the 30th Century there will be a group of heroes known as the Legion of Superheroes, they were influenced by Superman and his fellow heroes of the 20th Century. The Legion is a group of young people from planets across the galaxy gathered together to be a positive influence in the universe. On the planet Naltor all Naltorians have the ability to see the future. Nura Nal, Dream Girl is a member of the Legion. However her sister Mysa Nal never developed the ability to see into the future and was out casted by the Naltorians. To compensate for lack of abilities Mysa learned the mystic arts on the planet Xerox, the Sorcerers World. Mysa trained to become a powerful mystic and sorceress. After helping the Legion defeat the villainous Darkseid, Mysa’s sister Nura, Dream Girl offered Mysa full membership as the White Witch.  

“Bless the teachers for their constant reminders…” In school, we learned so much from our teachers and it seemed they were always repeating themselves. Our teachers were trying to get important information into our brains. The Tao Te Ching suggests in chapter 27, “What is a good man? He is a teacher of a bad man. What is a bad man? He is a good man's charge.” We should respect our teachers – they have done their best into turning us into the good people we are today. What happens when we leave school and become adults? Do our lessons stop? No! We are always learning. We have learned from our parents, siblings, friends and even strangers. If there is a lesson to be learned we will need a teacher. There is a cliché often used, “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”  In some cases the “teacher” the kindest person or they may be the most rude and unruly person. Whatever the situation after the lesson it is best to show respect for that particular teacher, even if we recognize them as a teacher only to ourselves. Today name some of the teachers.

White Witch
First Appearance: Adventure Comics, #350, (November 1966)

Creators: E. Nelson Bridwell (writer) Curt Swan (art)

* “Darkseid”, The Legion of Superheroes, Volume 34, #294, December 1982

Misty Knight - Really Real

A new school year starts this week. I do feel a little nervous at the beginning but I also feel Hope. I also think about the children I have taught over the years and their stories. The truth is children are powerful little creatures. Sometimes, I wish I could retain their spiritual outlook.

Really Real

“I know you. You’re the hope that went away. You’re the idea of a child. And you’re the only thing I have that’s REALLY REAL.” - Misty Knight*

NYPD Police Officer, Misty Knight, was severely wounded in a bomb attack in which her right arm needed to be amputated. After resigning from the NYPD (Misty refused to take a desk job) Tony Stark approached Misty Knight to receive a bionic arm. This arm has superhuman strength and can connect to any type of technology giving her “technopathic” abilities. Misty soon met the “Heroes for Hire” Daniel Rand (Iron Fist) and Luke Cage (Power Man). Misty and Daniel fell in love. He helped her start her own detective agency, “Nightwing Restorations Ltd,” with her partner Colleen Wing. Over the years she has worked with many heroes and has come up against many dangerous villains. The one thing that helps Misty the most is her determination. The one thing she finds real is her inner Hope.

Many spiritual and emotional practices will have the sitter seek the “inner child.” The Taoist believes that the faith of the child is the strongest of faiths. The Tarot card, the Sun, the card of power is often depicted as a happy smiling child. Think about it – young children are resilient and forgiving. Young children can find joy in anything. During times of stress children have no problem asking for help. They know everything will work out just fine. Young children keep a positive attitude. This is Hope. “Hope” is powerful and important to our well being. Hope is the one thing we have that is “real”. We never lose hope all we have to do is look for hope. No matter the situation if you look for hope you will find hope. An 8 year old once said, “I used to be a design but now I’m a tree.” What could be more real and hopeful than an 8 year old?

Misty Knight
First Appearance: Misty Knight, “Marvel Premiere” #21 January, 1975 

Creator: Tony Isabella (plot), Arvell Jones (art) 

 * “Heroes for Hire” #4, May 2011 

Mon-El - Explanation

Hope is very important to me. Trying to explain it is difficult. All I can say is when I was at my lowest point it was Hope that lead me to LOVE and I was raised up. The explanation for the low point isn’t important. The thing to remember was I found Hope and pulled myself up. For me it was all a learning and growing process.

Explanation

“Don’t give up hope…there has to be an explanation somewhere…” - Mon-El*

The young explorer Lar Gand from the planet Daxam visited Krypton. Jor-El warned Lar of the imminent destruction of the planet and sent him to Earth. Upon crashing on Earth Lar Gand suffered amnesia and met Superboy (Clark Kent). Lar Gand developed the same powers as Superboy. Clark decided that Lar was his brother and named him Mon-El, because Lar arrived on Monday and the family name is El. Mon-El took the earth name Bob Cobb. Mon-El is allergic to lead. To save his brother Clark sends Mon-El to the Phantom Zone. When Superboy joins the Legion of Superheroes, Brainiac 5 develops a serum for Mon-El. Retrieving Mon-El from the Phantom Zone and administering the serum the Legion gains another hero as strong and powerful as Superboy. 

The message here is “Never Give Up Hope”. There is always an explanation when things happen – even the tragic things. The Tornado struck because of the weather. The Tsunami is because of the deep ocean volcanic eruption. These things NOT sent to hurt people. People just happen to be present at the time. The lesson is to never give up Hope there is always a way out. Just remember in any situation you may be the Hope that someone needs.

Mon-El
Based Upon: Halk Kar, by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman #80, Jan.–Feb. 1953

Second Appearance: As Lar Gand, Superboy #89 June 1961

Creators: Robert Bernstein (writer) & George Papp (artist)

*“The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time!” Superboy & the Legion of Superheroes #198, DC Comics (Oct 1973)

Moondragon - KISS

I was recently reminded to “Keep It Simple Sweetheart.” Some people say “keep it simple stupid but I’m not stupid. I’m in the process of simplifying my life and my home. I’m throwing away the clutter and sweeping away the unneeded. My life is becoming simpler and more manageable. I’m finding my anxiety is loosening its grip and I can move freely throw the day. Keeping things simple can make the day easier.

Keep It Simple Sweetheart

“A simple matter, really – A reshuffling of his intraform molecular migration.” - Moondragon*

Sometimes superheroes do not have simple lives. Heather Douglas is one of those heroes.  As a child Heather was on a family vacation and the evil cosmic villain Thanos killed her family. She was teleported to Saturn’s 7th moon, Titan and was given mental, athletic and scientific powers. Heather trained and gained control over the “Dragon of the Moon”. Heather changed her name to Moondragon. Thinking she was a goddess Moondragon shaved her head and became quite arrogant alienating everyone around her? She made a failed attempt at becoming a "Celestial Madonna." And she has had many failed relationships. When Titan was destroyed Moondragon returned to earth to find allies to help destroy Thanos. Moondragon soon join the “Avengers”, and the “Defenders.”  The “Dragon of the Moon” corrupted her body and Moondragon died, but as luck would have it she was resurrected in a clone of her cousin. When Adam Warlock gave Moondragon the Mind Gem (one of the Infinity Gems) she joined his “Infinity Watch.”    

Artists say, “Less is more. More is less.” The simple design is pleasing to look at and understand. As the images become more complicated the work loses information and importance. There are some very busy complicated works of art but if we break the design down to the basic elements and principles (Line, Color, Shape, Mood, Movement, Emphasis, Unity, Balance) the designs are actually very simple and easily followed. We can apply these lessons to life. Keep our designs for living simple. We don’t have to clutter our lives with this or that. Pearl S Buck wrote in her book The Good Earth, “There is never enough to do more than feed us today.” If we only have enough for our needs today then why complicate matters? Making things simpler can be difficult at times and will take some thought but with practice it becomes easier. We might throw the junk in the closet away or we may just need to take a walk at lunch. Sometimes it can be as easy as waking up and going to work smiling. Just remember to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart).       

Moondragon
First Appearance: Iron Man, vol. 1 #54, Jan. 1973

Creators: Bill Everett (plot), Mike Friedrich (script), and George Tuska (art)

 * “LIFE Be Not Proud!” DareDevil (& the Black Widow) #106, Dec. 1973

Shrinking Violet - Confidence

Tonight, is Back to School Night, I will be meeting my new Fifth Grade parents. Being the art teacher in the school I’ve known most of these parents for a few years. I still get a little nervous speaking to incoming fifth grade parents because my role changes. I think nervousness is a natural experience. I know I am a successful homeroom teacher with the skills and experience under my belt. I am confident tonight will be successful.

Confidence

“…No matter how small you are, if you’ve got confidence in yourself, you’re 10 feet tall!” - Shrinking Violet*

In the 30th Century there will be the United Planets and citizens of many planets will have very special powers. These planets will send representatives to earth to become a member of the Legion of Superheroes. This is the case of the planet Imsk. All Imskians have the power to shrink from normal size to atomic size. Salu Digby, better known as “Shrinking Violet” represents Imsk. Shrinking Violet is a member of the Legion’s Espionage Squad and has picked many locks and disabled many robots. Through it all she has been one of the first and admired members. Never has this little lady felt less than or unconfident.

Confidence is an important aspect of success. When we are confident our fear and shyness does not affect us. We feel equal to others. So what is confidence? Confidence knows that everything will work out just fine. Confidence knows nothing is to be feared. Every situation is a stepping stone, every situation has a bit of doubt but every situation is a learning experience. And if we are to have learning experiences then confidence can be practiced and grasped. Every situation that we are in happens for that learning life experience. Why feel fear, worry or less than? When we fail, we only need to pick ourselves up and learn some more. Go into every situation knowing that learning will take place and confidence will be very close. Go into every lesson confident and success is just behind. Go into experiences knowing every thing will work out and we will be successful. When we are confident we stand “10 feet tall” and we know success.

Shrinking Violet
First Appearance: Action Comics #276, May 1961

Creators: Jerry Siegel (script), and Jim Mooney (art)

 * “Stay Small or Die!” Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes, #214 Jan. 1976

Duplicate Boy - Vacation

Summer is coming to an end. I am thinking about the vacation I went on this Summer. It was the best gift for myself. I need to remember during the crazy times of the school year that I can take a vacation anytime. All I need to do is relax and forget. On those days, I have off it’s a vacation- I do not have to do work. Take time to relax and forget the alarm, the emails, and the papers to grade. It’s OK on Saturday morning to have coffee and read in bed.

Vacation

"You’re on vacation, remember? Can’t you relax and forget you’re a Legionnaire for once?” - Duplicate Boy*                                                                                

In the 30th Century one of the greatest heroes will be Duplicate Boy, Qued Orlu, from the planet Lallor. Duplicate Boy is a member of the Heroes of Lallor and has often worked with the Legion of Superheroes. Qued dated the Legionnaire, Salu Digby, Shrinking Violet. He has the power to duplicate any super power he meets and then his body remembers that ability and he can then duplicate the power at will. Lallor is in a busy sector of space with villainous activity. Duplicate Boy and his team, Beast Boy (no relation to 20th Century Beast Boy), Gas Girl, Life Lass and Evolvo Lad, are very busy in their pursuits for justice and protecting the innocent.

“Vacation, All I ever wanted, Vacation, Had to get away…” (Vacation by The Go-Go’s) We all need a vacation from time to time. Our lives get busy and hectic. We need the time to relax and forget. When you are on vacation it is OK to forget our jobs our diets our schedules – it’s OK to leave the alarm off. It’s OK to have a good book on the couch with a glass of lemonade. It’s OK to watch old black and white movies all day. We can take a vacation whenever we need one. Saturday morning is a great vacation time. There’s no alarm, coffee in bed with a good book or even Saturday Morning Cartoons. Take the time you need and forget for just a little all the hectic chaos schedules.

Duplicate Boy
First Appearances: Adventure Comics, #324 (September 1964)

Creators:  Edmond Hamilton (writer) & John Forte (art)

*Superboy & the Legion of Superheroes, #219, Dc Comics (September 1976)