Saturday, April 5, 2014

True Heroes: E for Get Your Brain Working

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

We home school. I know that's crazy to most people, but I'm just beginning to really see the results--in character, in understanding, in individual creativity and accountability. Some days I still think we're insane and wonder why I ever agreed to this, and then I think about people like...

instein, Albert. My son freaks out about this guy--who was so brilliant he got lost when biking back to his own house, or who forgot to put on pants, or who was so invested in his work he didn't even realize his second wife was blind initially.

Besides figuring out the Theory of Relativity, a theory for the time-space continuum, and a formula for discerning the energy of any mass, he is known as one of the most brilliant minds of our time. The guy was dyslexic and came from Germany, leaving behind a country ruled by Adolf Hitler for the safety of the U.S (as a non-observant Jew). He also helped build the atomic bomb (unintentionally), which, say what you will, is evil, but has proved a power that gave this nation its standing in the world as one not to be threatened.

What do I admire about Einstein? His crazy study and personal championing of free thought. He clashed with conventional schools and their way of thought. He was always pushing the boundaries, imagining and then seeking to prove some far-fetched and impossible concept. If only we had a few more free thinkers like that in our midst, can you imagine the society we'd live in?


If you haven't heard yet, for the month of April ONLY, MOONLESS is $1.99!

Recent reviewers have said: "I was transported back in time, right beside Alexia Dumont as the fate of her future loomed in front of her. Loved the connection between Alexia and her blue-eyed, swoon-worthy rescuer, Kiren. Crystal Collier did a great job of interweaving the historical and the supernatural and she definitely left me wanting more!" --Kristin Smith

"Not my typical genre so I started it with some reservation! I was completely roped in by the end and cant wait for the sequel. Very unique and interesting story line. I am hooked." --Linda Voorhees

"This was an interesting take on fantasy, that encouraged increasing involvement as the story progressed. Was hard to put down, especially as the characters and their roles became more developed." --Kenneth Lent

 Get your copy HERE.

And in case you missed my announcement (this blogosphere has been a busy place for the last week!) I'm moving. Yay! We're building a gorgeous new house, and I'll be in transition this summer. Because of that, my publisher has been kind enough to push back the release date for
and I'll be announcing the release date on MONDAY. Wahoo!


What is your take on creativity vs common education? Do you admire Einstein? Have you ever known anyone so gifted they almost couldn't function in society?

118 comments:

  1. Einstein was a crazy Genius! And I know quite a few people who homeschool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When done right, that's definitely the best way to go.

      Delete
  2. I love to read about Albert Einstein - I wish more people had that kind of brilliant yet slightly quirky way of thinking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! If public schools weren't so structured, it might be a very different world.

      Delete
  3. I was a public school teacher who knew numerous home schooled children, mostly through athletics, and the vast majority were wonderful people and excellent learners. I completely support home schooling when the parents are capable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. Even I have met cases of homeschooling gone wrong.

      Delete
  4. "was so invested in his work he didn't even realize his second wife was blind initially."

    Now THAT is a workaholic!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I applaud you for home schooling and I'm sure you and your children will reap the benefits. Maybe you'll produce the next free thinkers of the world :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope so. We need a few of those to get us turned the right direction, eh?

      Delete
  6. Einstein--yup, a total whiz! There's really a lot to learn from him.

    ReplyDelete
  7. He was also a practicing human being. In other words, just like the rest of us only different, LOL

    ReplyDelete
  8. Einstein is definitely a hero of mine, too. What a brilliant, fascinating man.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My daughter is dyslexic. When she was growing up I had to often remind her about Albert Einstein when she was down and out. I still do sometimes when she is self loathing. Your question- Have you ever known anyone so gifted they almost couldn't function in society? I think that autistic children are geniuses!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. I've been blessed to work with one or two, and they are something extra special.

      Delete
  10. Quirkiness is a sign and symptom of genius. Love this dude! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Albert Einstein was indeed a genius. Wish we could have him today and further increase our technology. So many questions still unanswered...
    Sania @ Fragile Words

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My son is tortured by the fact that no one knows what his last words were because they were in German, and no one in the room understood German.

      Delete
  12. Einstein was amazing. Reading about him made me realize I would love to learn more about him. :).
    Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely some interesting things to know about him.

      Delete
  13. What a cutie ;) the days of the crazy inventors were awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What is so incredible about Einstein is that with ALL the advances they've made his theories keep holding. By the way, he didn't actually help build the atomic bomb, didn't even have anything to do with it directly. However, his theories did lead to it's development. It was Oppenheimer who built the bomb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Bish, I know. It was a three man team from my research, but Einstein still felt responsible for contributing when they saw the devastation of the bomb.

      Delete
  15. Home schooling your children is not crazy. I don't have kids yet, but when I do I fully intend to home school them. I also admire Einstein's craziness :P and how he stood behind what he believed even when it wasn't popular.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Stopping by on the 5th day of the #atozchallenge while looking for fellow writers. Congratulations on your blog. I know you are going to make new blogging friends this month. I'm writing about gardening and related topics and having a wonderful time. If you have time or interest, come and visit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping in! I love making new friends.

      Delete
  17. A world full of free thinkers, defying the norm and pushing beyond the standard? Sounds like pure insanity(bring it).

    The Immarcescible Word

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. I'll take some too. =) (Especially if it comes with cheese.)

      Delete
  18. I always wonder what would have happened if Da Vinci and Einstein and Machiavelli and all those other wonderful minds had more time here. All the other stuff they'd accomplish. They just seemed indefatigable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! It would be fun to get them all in the same room.

      Delete
  19. I've heard Einstein had ADD. He couldn't even learn to drive a car, because he said there were just too many things to think about.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fascinating blog about Einstein! Loved reading all about him. Interesting man.♥

    ReplyDelete
  21. Einstein is a hero of mine! I like the theme of your A-Z Challenge! Have a good weekend, Crystal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I've missed seeing your blueness around here. =)

      Delete
  22. He's one of my favorite people in all of history. I heard he was devastated when they used his atomic energy formula as a bomb. I actually ask the guys I date how much they know about the fascinaiting theory of relativity. I'm alone right now for a reason. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. Can you even imagine?

      What? Guys don't get into the theory of relativity? You must be hanging out with the wrong guys. ;)

      Delete
  23. I wonder what were his thoughts on a "normal" day (according to his standards of "normal")... like when he was just chillaxing...?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He didn't chillax. Don't you know? He was constantly working over something new. =)

      Delete
  24. He's such an interesting person. I'm glad he was different and unique, because he contributed a lot to this world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He definitely did. Some good, some bad, all definitely important.

      Delete
  25. This is a great post. I love Einstein. I find that most intelligent people are a bit eccentric. He is one that helped me be me, if that makes sense.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I got a bachelor's degree in physics, so I appreciate Einstein quite a lot. Did you know his Nobel is not for relativity?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, I didn't. Learn something new every day...

      Delete
  27. I heard that Einstein didn't like cheese.
    ;P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hah. Next you're going to tell me he didn't sleep in a bed. :P

      Delete
    2. Actually, I think he levitated.

      Delete
    3. LOL. Then he REALLY must have liked cheese. (Only someone truly enlightened could achieve that level of awesomeness.)

      Delete
  28. I love Einstein! He got a bit too lost in his work sometimes, but he really showed the kind of genius you can create when you think outside of the normal bounds. ^_^

    I wish there was a way to marry the idea of public school with the freedom of home school. Like a public school that doesn't make you sit and be bored for too many hours a day and everyone gets to move at the pace that's best from them instead of being slowed down or left behind. I don't know. Lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like a virtual school? If they could pull that off, but allow enough freedom, yes, I think that's the perfect medium.

      Delete
  29. I like inventors, especially Edison. They've made wonderful contributions to society. But there's a thin line between "free-thinking" inventors and anti-social serial killers, some of whom are very bright and charming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow. Way to find the silver lining. ;)

      Delete
    2. Lexa, I like your comment on Crystal's blog here, but what a scary thought! :-D
      Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

      Delete
  30. Einstein was beyond his years, you know what I was surprised about him as I became older was that he said so many fabulous quotes... it wasn't until I started collecting quotes that I knew this. He really was genius in so many ways.. incredible.

    Wow, you home school, that is awesome ... I don't have the patience... I wish I did though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. I don't have the patience, but I'm learning it, one day at a time. =)

      Delete
  31. Another home schooling, writing mom here! Yes, you are crazy--and so am I. But isn't it great. Thrilled to come across this blog. Love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love that picture of him! Great choice for 'E'!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I really like your topic for A-Z and will be stopping by more often. Einstein should be everyone's hero. If everyone could look at the world in an intelligent way, there would be far less stupidity prancing around us. :D Although stupidity in it's own right has its usefulness. Do you have any tips for an inspiring YA writer with the dream of being published one day? Your book sounds amazing and one I am going to have to pick up and read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! Thanks. I have TONZ of tips, most of them at the ends of pencils or pens. ;) If you shoot me an email, I'll happily pass them on.

      My husband always says, "I can fix most anything, but you can't fix stupid."

      Delete
  34. I don't have kids so haven't had to make this decision, but based on various things I've heard from friends and family members in recent years I know I would seriously consider it if I did have children. My nephew is a "free thinker" type and had a terrible experience in public school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are definitely certain personalities that don't mesh well in public schools. My dad, a doctor, always told me my oldest would be bored in school--which is true since we've gone at his pace and he's in senior courses at the age of 13. He would have hated public school.

      Delete
  35. Einstein is one of the most brilliant minds ever. Period.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Einstein is a one and only. I read once where his wife was invited to the opening of an observatory and her escort bragged that they laid out the entire universe above their head...she was unimpressed telling them her husband used to do that on backs of envelopes.

    Maybe my forgetfulness is a sign of my genius? Ha!

    And home school high fives to you. I never did it because I lack the skills, but have friends who did it. Their kids always smoked the standard on the testing, so you guys must be doing something right!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth, YES! Your forgetfulness is just a sign of your Einsteinian amazingness. =)

      Delete
  37. Crystal, I love your post--it's informative and interesting. I also love the pic with his tongue out--so perfect!
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I don't have kids either, but knowing who I am I would prefer home school also. They can and will be social on other levels, but education is a must and I would think I could give it a go at home first.
    Katy Did

    Life's Ride In Between

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, there are places to socialize like sports, clubs, church and service opportunities. I'll admit, it is a challenge measuring up to "traditional" standards while attempting to do follow our interests.

      Delete
  39. I almost broke down in tears today when my girlfriends 14-year-old daughter asked me what there was to see in Philadelphia (they may visit me this summer) and I named a list of things one of which, I told her the Liberty Bell was here. She had no clue what the Liberty Bell was. I have lost all hope in Public Education. If I had it to do over I would have home schooled.
    I wrote about Einstein in my B post. Some believe he had Bipolar disorder.
    doreenmcgettigan.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AH!!! She didn't know what there was to see in Philly? I could get lost there for a week, just stopping into all the historical sites. Holy cow! (I'm told you have to be careful driving through certain neighborhoods though.)

      Delete
  40. Wow, this is a popular post! The thought of Einstein always gave me hope when I was a kid. Not that I consider myself in any way to have a brain like his, but in my experience, intelligent, creative kids don't always do well in a traditional school setting. I was bored a lot of the time, so I acted out and was punished for it. You read my post on cubicles--I've acted out as an adult too.

    There are schools here in the city that let kids learn at their own pace and choose how to demonstrate what they've learned, and that would have made a huge difference to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's true--gifted kids often don't fare well in a cookie-cutter system. There has to be adaptations to fit them, or we lose the genius that might have been.

      Delete
  41. Einstein is an amazing person! Being married to a physicist, we hear a lot about him around here. I think one of my hubby's personal all-time highlights was visiting Einstein's house and the patent office where he originally came up with the theory of relativity :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh! I would love that--visiting his house. Wow. Now I have one more thing to add to my bucket list. =)

      Delete
  42. a good E post Crystal :) Thank you. Einstein and home schooling are good journeys. Well done and good luck to all the learners in your home.

    ReplyDelete
  43. As far as education is concerned I believe in creativity, but on top of the basics. I think the problem with many establishments is they are trying to cater for everyone and assuming they are the same. Einstein is one of the greats of our scientific age; a very brilliant man.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
    FB3X - AtoZ (Erotic Drabbles)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. You have to allow for free thinking if you want it to continue in our society, right? But at the same time, you can't have someone completely clueless about math.

      Delete
  44. @Crystal, thanks for visiting Another Caffeinated Day! I see a lot of support for home schooling in the comments, and kudos! But might I suggest that you never lead with the thought that homeschooling "[is] crazy to most people." It's not "crazy" and most people don't see it as crazy, certainly not anymore, given the state of public education today.

    Keep it up! Great blog! Happy A-to-Z 2014

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right. Back when we started 10 years ago, there was a very different attitude. It's not so prevalent now, but I'm still programmed to think that way.

      Delete
  45. Einstein was definitely a fascinating man. I had no idea of some of those things you mentioned in that first paragraph about him! See, I learn something new every day. :)

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
    Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
    The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge

    ReplyDelete
  46. I wish I could homeschool my son. But, at least we are involved in his education and do part time home schooling :)

    Einstein was an insanely genius man! But there is a fine line, right?
    Thanks for sharing this post.
    Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
    My A to Z Challenge
    Caring for My Veteran

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's the most important thing--being involved in their education. It makes a world of difference.

      Delete
  47. He was an interesting guy, that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Free thinkers go a long way, and you can spot them in crowd. Nice post!

    http://blog.shinekapoor.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. Einstein clearly had his heart in the right place too, even when he forgot to put pants on. Lots of excitement going on for you, Crystal. Hope the move goes as smoothly as possible and that your book sales soar. Congratulations on all of it!

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  50. When I taught 5th grade, we had a science night once a year. My class featured Einstein. We made a "brain in a bag" and had tons of brain games. Great post on such a unique genius of a man!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I wonder what would have happened if we didn't have Einstein in the world?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! Would we still be striving for innovation, or would we be under Japan's control?

      Delete
  52. Love Einstein's mix of bizarre and brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Einstein is a great addition to your list of heroes!

    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  54. My best friend homeschools her children and she loves it. Her kids are thriving. I love that Einstein forgot to wear pants. It makes me feel a little bit less ridiculous when I mention that last week I accidentally wore my bedroom slippers to work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. Slippers to work... Watch out. It will become a trend. =)

      Delete
  55. Einstein was most definitely brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hey Crystal! So cool to see my review! I meant every word! :)

    Albert Einstein was an amazing man with an extraordinary brain. So cool to read more about him.

    I love that you homeschool! I have several friends and family members who homeschool and I truly admire anyone who chooses to do it! Are you going to the homeschool conference at SVU in a couple weeks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so sweet, Kristin.

      I actually don't do the conferences. They take so much time away from the actual work of the day, and breaking the routine is asking for a bullet to the brain. I'm scared about doing it this weekend when we go out of town, but I suppose we'll survive.

      Delete
  57. Einstein? Brilliant choice! *chuckles*

    ReplyDelete
  58. I admire parents who homeschool their children and still have the energy to be parents (outside the education duties) and partners and have a career/run a business and do housekeeping tasks and socialise and..and... and...Just the homeschooling sounds like a fulltime job to me:-)

    sometimes I feel sorry for people who are so brilliant they are not coping well with our society's demands. Sometimes they are unappreciated or even seen as "crazy" people. That is, until we find a practical use we can understand for what they've made/what they've discovered.

    ReplyDelete
  59. He must have been seriously distracted to miss the fact that his second wife was blind! Awesome dude, though.

    ReplyDelete

Hit me with your cheese!