I always look for heroes to admire.

Helen Keller, and those who cared for Helen, especially Anne Sullivan are people worthy of admiration.

Helen Keller was not born blind and deaf; it was not until she was 19 months old that she contracted an illness which left her deaf and blind.

I read this quote from Helen Keller and felt inspired.

I want to say to those who are trying to learn to speak and those who are teaching them: Be of good cheer.

Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow.

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just five days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

When I was little my favorite color was green.

Green? 

Not green, as in the color of money.

Green was the color of my Uncle Bill’s uniform (pictured on the left).

Green was the color of the hat I’m wearing in this picture.

Green was the color of my plastic soldiers.

The Dark Knight Rises opened last night. He’s a brave risk-taker.
But, I’m not a multimillionaire, so I’ll never be like Bruce Wayne.

The Amazing Spiderman opened a few weeks ago. He’s a brave risk-taker.
But, I’m not going to be bit by a radioactive spider, so I’ll never be like Peter Parker.

What kind of hero — what kind of bold, heroic, risk-taker — might you and I become?

Real World Heroes = Risk-Takers

Yesterday I had an hour-long conversation with a university professor who teaches potential risk-takers; she teaches entrepreneurship. It was a fascinating discussion about the challenges of taking great ideas and creating great opportunities.

I woke up early. Snow, huh? It’s simply a series of atmospheric factors that create snow, but it’s a loving God that makes us see the beauty! There is no science of beauty. Thanks God! It’s BEAUTIFUL outside!

I kissed Amy, showered, dressed and left.

I drove to Caribou to write.  As I drove I had an unusual appreciation for how beautiful the world can be.

Sometimes It’s A Matter Of Perspective

Here it’s beautiful, elsewhere. It’s not so beautiful.

This picture is from Haiti.  It’s not beautiful, unless you looks past the rubble, and behind the camera.

Rioting in Egypt and now Libya fill news reports. “Gunfire raged” and “blood flowed through the streets” while Libyan Muammar al-Qaddafi vows that “We can crush any enemy”.

Terror and injustice is not the only news.  I’ve read several accounts of heroes who have arisen from the smoke and rubble of injustice.

Heroes Stand Up and Stand Out

National Review reported “A terrible drama is unfolding in Afghanistan: There are reports that Said Musa … will soon be executed for the ‘crime’ of choosing to become a Christian.”

Today is a U.S. federal holiday known as President’s Day.

A USA Today/Gallup Poll conducted Feb. 2-5, 2011 asked “Who do you consider the greatest United States President?”

There has never been a perfect U.S. president, but here are three admirable U.S. Presidents who have passed away that you might want to know more about.

Theodore Roosevelt

Why should you care?