True Heroes A to Z: X Factor

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.

-factor: this is my eXtra cheaty post, because let's face it, no one's name starts with X. (Okay, maybe there are a few people, but admirable ones?) So, as long as I'm cheating, I'm going to rant about Leonardo Da Vinci.

Everyone knows this guy for his art: The Mona Lisa, etc. I've heard it said that if his images could be restored in full detail, we'd be blown away by the colors and detail, and I believe it.

He was so much more than a painter: an inventor, a mathematician, a sculptor, a musician, engineer, botanist, writer, teacher and more... He was a creative factory of awesomeness. An innovator.

He imagined up flying machines, a tank, solar power, an adding machine, and even theorized about plate tectonics. He had something, a raw creativity that I admire in anyone, and he pursued it. It's that kind of creativity I hope to cultivate in my own children through allowing them to pursue their interests educationally, a huge reason we home school.

Two more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural

So while we're talking about the X factor, let me introduce a character who has it (originally interviewed by Kerri Cuevas HERE): 

Bellezza takes a seat, honeydew ringlets spilling loosely over thin shoulders. No more than thirteen, she glares through chocolate eyes that bear as much gravity as a black-hole.

If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

*blinks in horror* Die. Maybe I’d have to start plotting my own death from boredom.

What are you most proud of about your life?

No man or cage can hold me. I am free. Like the wind.

Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?

My parents had no expectations, weak things that they were.

You’re saying they’re dead?

Killed old pappy myself.

Can I ask why?

*grin fades* Depends. Do you like horror stories? *brows lower* Keep on this line of questioning and your life will be one.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone?

*cocks her head grinning* I sent a woman as strong as myself to the Soulless. And may she suffer for eternity.

Why did you do that?

*grimaces* She stabbed me with gold. Do you know what that feels like? Imagine acid—liquid acid beneath your skin. Now times that by one hundred.

What are you most afraid of?

If you tell anyone this, I will dangle your innards from the nearest flagpole. Understood? *squints, pointing with a threatening finger* I am irredeemable. In the end I will be alone. But I must continue in my mission, for myself, for those who have suffered. I am a product of my circumstances, a tool no loving or respectable person can be. I am needed. 

Who is your favorite inventor? Who is your favorite artist? Do you allow your creativity to come out to play? Met any characters who really have the X factor?

True Heroes A to Z: F, For a Fabulous...

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

But first, the A to Z.

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.

ranklin, Benjamin. This is one of my favorite people in ALL OF TIME. Seriously, the guy had a sense of humor, he was brilliant, and he was a bit of a ladies man--even as common or unattractive as he may have been. What's not to love?

When paying for school proved impossible, he started a library to fuel his love for reading and education (even though he never graduated). He became the publisher of a newspaper and started as a writer under a pen name (YES, I totally love this guy,) to write controversial columns that would move the U.S. toward becoming an independent country. Not only did it sell papers (he was a brilliant business man), but it lit a spark.

I wish you and I could take a tour of his house. This guy was constantly innovating, creating little conveniences through contraptions such as bifocal glasses, the beginnings of a modern oven, an odometer, and the lightning rod. That's just the beginning of the list, but that's not what I'm going to rave about.

His biggest contribution in my mind is the service he provided in the founding of the United States. That alone would be a reason for me to love him, but his diplomatic mission to France is probably what saved this country in the middle of the War of Independence. It's because of him the French became our allies (and don't think I've forgotten the importance of that assistance my French friends).

One of the reasons I adore Franklin is because of his focus on building a strong character, and cultivating it in those around him. Here are 13 values he worked to perfect through his life:

1. "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
2. "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
3. "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
4. "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
5. "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
6. "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
7. "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
8. "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
9. "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
10. "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
11. "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
12. "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
13. "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

I would totally love to sit down to lunch one day with this guy.

Announcement time!!!

Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy will be released October 13, 2014! To help celebrate this announcement, MOONLESS (book 1) is $1.99--but only for a short time. Grab your copy now.

Who do you admire most in history? Do you like Benjamin Franklin? Who is your favorite founding father? (If you're American.)