Taking a Stand

Stars the Mighty noted that Rat Child and Ranger came to town recently to help me fight the forces of evil.  And though it made him lonely, I needed the help.  Thanks Stars the Mighty!  Often, being a hero can feel like a very hard thing to be.  Sure there are the perks (good capes, cool names, always something to do on a Friday night) but there's always a trade-off.  In the case of heroes, you trade a life of service to others for a life that can be lonely because you are always rushing off to face an evil squirrel or help defend someone.  And not everyone wants to be rescued!  Today though, I want to talk about what it means to be a hero and take a stand against something you know is wrong--whether that is someone's actions or comments.  It isn't easy.  Sometimes you are the only one in the group to realize that what they are doing or saying isn't right.  If you take a stand, it's possible they will make fun of you or turn on you.  And that can be scary.  The thing to remember is that when you face that moment, you are not alone.  When you take a stand for what is right, you stand with all the Heroes in the Before Time, those heroes that fought the good fight against the forces of evil and chaos all their days.  When at last they leave Planet Earth, they go on to Hero Paradise.  Yet they often are allowed to return to earth to stand with those who would be like them.  They are bound by one rule however and that is the rule of invisibility.  In this way, each would-be hero has the opportunity to make the choice for themselves.  That would-be hero must face their own fear and decide what is most important, popularity and security or goodness and honour.  The Heroes in the Before Time wait, silently, by your side while you deliberate.  They can help you, but the ultimate decision must be yours.  Sometimes your circle of friends changes with that decision.  Just remember though, to stand with Heroes is to stand tall.  And with that courageous choice, you will gain wisdom and begin your training to become a True Hero. 

Stand Tall--We Stand Together

Girl America

And thank you for Herman, he has been a true joy!

Strawberry Pop Tarts

You know, superheroes like Girl America and Stars the Mighty aren't the only ones who like strawberry pop tarts.  Those of us stuck in cubicles with only florescent lighting to guide our days and nights like them too.  Why I can't even tell you how long it's been since I had a good strawberry or cherry pop tart, heated in a real toaster.  Sigh.  The thing about Superheroes...they get all the adventure, all the cool costumes, the great names, the gadgets, the dreamy boyfriends, the fans, cheese.  Heck, even the attention of a SuperVillain or an evil squirrel would almost be worth it compared to walking through life as a practical non-existent.  Who ever notices the woman in the suit?  No one.  And that's okay I guess.  I mean, honestly, I'm much too busy filing paperwork and meeting deadlines.  But you know, every now and again, it's nice to imagine you could be as cool as someone like Girl America and be on first name basis with Stars the Mighty.  But I guess some are destined to be Superheroes, some Sidekicks, some Team Members or Scientists, some Villians, and some of us the Rescueds or Nonexists Until Needed for Plot Advancement or Flashy Hero Action. 

Still, on a positive note, at least maybe I'd get to meet Girl America or Stars the Mighty and get an autograph.  I am starting a collection to see how many heroes I can get autographs from after getting rescued.  So far I've only managed to get some minor Sidekick pics like Boy Amazing or Blue Ring or Taffy Man, but I've got goals.  Some day, I will meet Stars the Mighty.  How amazingly cool will that be?

Flynn Brightwing

Sidekicks Wanted

Girl America here, stopping by after saving a small kitten from almost certain disaster involving prickly pears and a chocolate popsicle.  (Don't ask.)  Stars the Mighty is a hero I admire because, not only does he use his heart and extraordinary powers, he uses his brains.  He has a team.  Teams are important.  Evil villains usually tend to focus their diabolical schemes on destroying the hero.  In the meantime, the team members (I tend to prefer sidekicks as they draw less attention) can sneak in and save the day.  Why do you think Heroes have such flashy constumes?  Trick of the eye and a distraction.  Now, what makes a good sidekick?  The same things that make good team members:  wisdom, loyalty, integrity, courage, and a talent (some would also argue for good snacks).  Everyone has these somewhere inside them, like small seeds.  They grow if you give them Light (i.e., the Forces of Good).  Some choose to develop their gifts for evil.  Squirrels do that.  They look sweet and cuddly, that's their costume.  It lets them live longer and do more damage.  Very clever.  If they appeared as a hurking 200 story tall green monster with claws and teeth, well, we all know how that turns out.  Instant targets.  But if evil seems glamorous or (worse yet because it induces apathy) harmless, then good people, Sidekicks, and even Heroes, sometimes miss the fact that they are indeed evil.  They let them live and sometimes even feed them peanuts.  Dastardly plot!!!  So remember, as Stars the Mighty said, you know heroes (and by extension sidekicks, teammembers, and all good) by  their smell and taste.  Thanks again Stars the Mighty!  You do amazing work out there in the West.  Always proud to know you and share the same skies.