Condorman - Don't Worry

It’s OK to ask for help. We don’t always have answers. Sometimes we need to seek answers and ask for help to find the solutions we need. When we ask for help it can alleviate worry and stress. There is people who will help – all we have to do is ask.

Don’t Worry

“Don’t worry…Condorman has it all figured out!” – Condorman * 

Through a series of events comic book writer and artist Woodrow “Woody” Wilson finds himself caught up in the middle of a CIA and KGB battle over a beautiful Russian defector, Natalia Rambova. Using his creative skills Woody creates a superhero persona, Condorman to protect Natalia and battle the KGB agents.   

There are a lot of things we do not know. It’s okay to ask for help. We should gather information before we make any decision. To realize we don’t know everything can offer freedom as well. There more information we gather the less we know – it can be an endless cycle. When faced with an issue we have no knowledge about it is best to ask for help. Seek help from the internet, seek advice from a friend or if needed seek a professional – the thing to remember there is always help somewhere. All we must do is ask. When we learn we gain information to help others who may have the same issue. Helping each other can become an endless cycle of peace, joy and acceptance.

Condorman
First Appearance: “Condorman”, Walt Disney Productions, Release date August 1981

Creators: Marc Stirdvant (screenplay), Robert Sheckley (novel)

* “Condorman”, Walt Disney Productions, Release date August 1981, actor, Michael Crawford

Blonde Phantom - Everybody Learns Differently

As a teacher I can see clearly that each student learns differently. From the textbooks I know there are 8 types of learners (Linguistic, Naturalist, Musical, Kinesthetic, Visual, Logical, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal). To see it first hand is amazing. To plan for these different learners is difficult. I know from experience that most students are a combination of each of these. I have learned a valuable lesson from being a teacher – it doesn’t matter how we get the correct answer as long as we get the correct answer.

Everybody Learns Differently

“Everybody learns differently, and everybody gets to a certain point from a different direction.”  – Stand Lee 

Louise Grant was a secretary to detective Mark Mason. She secretly loved him. Armed with handguns Louise created a masked heroine, Blonde Phantom, to protect Mason. The two would fight crime and solve mysteries. Eventually Mason and Louise would marry. She was one of the first costume heroines.

If each of us is different, naturally we will reach plateaus at different paces and from different directions. We all seek safety, security, stability, serenity and success. At the end we all seek rest and comfort. If we are all searching and moving toward the same humanly goals it doesn’t matter the direction we travel to reach that plateau. It doesn’t matter how fast each of us is traveling. It doesn’t matter which direction our different sign post leads us. Eventually we will all reach the same conclusion.

Blonde Phantom
First Appearance: All Select Comics #1, Timely Comics later Marvel Comics, Fall 1946

Creators: Stan Lee (writer) & Sid Shores (artist)

Mister Terrific - World's Smartest List

I struggle with comparing myself to others. I compare my art to other artists. I compare my teaching style to other teachers. I compare my apartment to another person’s home. What I have learned over the years is that all this comparing isn’t even accurate. I compare my art to another artist that not even the same style I paint. I compare my apartment to someone’s house. I can only laugh because I’m just keeping myself stuck. When I am able to let go I of the comparisons I can see just how fabulous I actually am.

World’s Smartest Lists

“Conjecture without data is guessing and as for the world’s smartest lists they’re never accurate.” – Mister Terrific * 

There has been two men to take on the mantle of Mister Terrific. First Terry Sloane, a self-made millionaire with a photographic memory and train in martial arts and other fighting skills. He became an active member of the original Justice Society of America. The second Michael Holt, is a trained 5 black belt martial artist, won an Olympic medal in the Decathlon and holds many PHDs. After his wife dies in an automobile accident Michael is contemplating suicide when the Spectre appears before him. The Spectre tells Michael about Terry Sloan and his adventures as a hero. Michael Holt is inspired to become the next Mister Terrific, to honor his wife’s memory. Michael Holt has been members of the JAS, JLA, Checkmate and the founding member of the Terrifics. He is also considered the third smartest man in the world.

Humans have one thing in common, we compare ourselves to others. We make lists of the most beautiful, the healthiest and the smartest or wealthiest. Then we set out to compare ourselves to these people. We use all this comparing to keep ourselves down in our self dug holes. We do not have the true data about these people we compare ourselves to daily. We do not know the amount of work that goes into their daily lives. Let’s not compare our lives to other people’s. let’s look ourselves kindly with acceptance. Yes, we have dreams and goals but comparing ourselves to people only prevents us from reaching our goals. Let’s look at instead the abilities we do have, the skills we have. Let’s look at the beautiful healthy people we already are in this world.

Mister Terrific
First Appearance (Terry Slone): Sensation Comics #1, DC Comics, January 1942

First Appearance (Michael Holt): Spectre (vol 3) #54, DC Comics, June 1997

Creators: Charles Reizenstein, Hal Sharp (Terry Sloane) & John Ostrander, Tom Mandrake (Michael Holt)

* "The Brain Buster”, Justice League Action, Cartoon Network, WB Animation, Air date Saturday, October 7, 2017. Actor, Hannibal Buress

Flexible - Elastigirl

I loved the Incredibles and the Incredibles 2. Helen Parr, Elastigirl, is one of my favorites along with Frozone. However, my totally favorite character is Honey, Frozone’s wife. I digress, the reason Elastigirl is so important to me is that she can stretch physically, spiritually and emotionally. Being able to remain flexible can keep us supple. It is when we are unbending and rigid that life becomes difficult and hard.

Flexible

“I think you need to be a bit more flexible.” – Elastigirl * 

Helen Parr, Elastigirl, is the wife of Robert “Bob” Parr, Mr. Incredible. The two are forced into a “normal” life when super-heroics become illegal. They have three children Violet, Dash and Jack Jack. Helen becomes the stay at home mom and dutiful wife. Secretly, Bob is continuing his vigilantism. Helen suspects Bob is seeing another woman. However, when Bob gets in trouble she and the kids are off to the rescue.

Being flexible is a good quality to have. Flexibility is needed to practice and maintaining spiritual and emotional health. Being open-minded and open-hearted are both part of flexibility. Being able to adapt, recover and change are important to a successful life. However, flexibility is also important to physical health. Stretching before and after a workout is important to protect the muscles from cramping during the exercise. Stretching is also important to keep our limbs and back in shape. As we get older keeping a flexible mind, body and spirit helps keeps us in balance (physical, spiritual and emotional).

Elastigirl
First Appearance: The Incredibles, 2004, Pixar, actress Helen Hunter

Creators: Brad Bird

* The Incredibles, 2004, Pixar, actress Helen Hunter

Hot Spot - I'm Just Warming Up!

I am always trying to move forward in my life. I am trying to be a better artist, teacher or human. I try to keep a clear vision and a positive attitude. I affirm all that is right about me. I find when I am moving forward a positive attitude will bring positive results. I don’t sit on my laurels waiting for that dream to arrive – I get up and go meet that dream along my path.

I’m Just Warming Up!

“…Sometimes I get scared. But I think a lot of people’re scared like that. They just don’t say it, ‘cause they’re trying to be something. We’re all trying to be something. But it helps, right? Knowing you got something, to say. Right? Even if you go out. At least they’ll remember you. I’m just warming up!” – Hot Spot * 

Isaiah Crockett, Hot Spot, (also known as Joto or Slagger) is human and H’San Natall. Being half alien Isaiah and other H’San Natall children are abducted. Isaiah can fly, generate heat and light and create a burning aura. Isaiah, Prysm, Argent, and Risk with the help of the Atom break free from the H’San Natall. These kids create a new Teen Titans team. Isaiah strives to make a name for himself as a protector.

We all work very hard. We all have desires and to make something of ourselves. When we are clear minded and keep our desires or goals in focus we can reach our destination. The universe hears us. The universe hears every positive and negative thought. Remaining positive helps us on our journey. “A positive attitude will bring positive results.” We all have things to say and if the universe hears everything we say why not keep it positive?

Hot Spot
First Appearance: Teen Titans #1, Vol 2, DC Comics, October 1996

Creators: Dan Jurgens

* “I’m Just Warming Up!”, Heroes In Crisis part 1 of 9, DC Comics, November 2018

Conan, the Barbarian - Success

When I dream of success I am reminded of the old colloquialism, “If you pray for potatoes grab a hoe.” Meaning you must go out and dig up the potatoes. I must work for the success, what ever my idea of success may be.  

Success

“Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”– Arnold Schwarzenegger   

During the Hyborian Age, a time of sword and sorcery, a lone Cimmerian stood out above the rest, Conan, the Barbarian. He was the son of a blacksmith, but Conan was a strong warrior by the age of fifteen. He left his home to find adventures. He encountered villainous wizards, beautiful princesses and huge monsters. Conan saw many adventures and walk both sides between right and wrong. One thing Conan is known for is his chivalry and desire to protect the innocent.

Success takes work. We dream for success but truly it takes work. We must suit-up and show up for success every day. Those highly successful people often say, “I was in the right place at the right time.” Why were they at the right place at the right time? They were doing the work that put them in that place at that time. We often think of success as huge accomplishments, but success is also daily wins. Those daily accomplishments can be just as successful. The daily successes can add up and when we’re able to look back we see were successful all along.

Conan, the Barbarian
First Appearance: Weird Tales, December 1932

Creators: Robert E Howard

The Falcon - Make Something

When I feel stressed or angry it is always best for me to leave the situation. I prefer to go for a walk or bike ride. For me the exercise takes me out of myself and I can think clearly and find the right words to say or find the right action to take.

Make Something

“Every time I get mad, I grab my hammer and make a bookshelf or something.” – Anthony Mackie 

Sam Wilson was the son of a minister and a very civic community minded social worker. When his parents were murdered 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, and other birds, Sam is now a hero protecting not just his community but all people. When Steve Rogers has the super serum removed from his body and he ages, he passes the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson. For a while, Sam became a new symbol of the America people.

When we are stressed, angry, or fearful, we are told to get up and do something. Go for a walk or exercise or even take up a hobby. Many of our fathers would go out to their shop and build stuff or make things. Some mothers go out to their gardens and grow flowers or vegetables. Many people will bake wonderful dishes to relieve stress or anger. When we take the time to do something else other than sit in anger we find peace, and answers. It’s much better to take your anger out on the egg whites for a yummy meringue.

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

First Appearance (as Captain America): All-New Captain America #1, Marvel Comics, Nov. 2014

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

Colleen Wing - Ego

I struggle with my ego daily. I think we all have the same struggle. My physical, spiritual and emotional practices help me keep my ego in check. Trying to live a life of balance helps me keep my ego down.

Ego

“Push down your ego.” – Colleen Wing * 

Colleen Wing, daughter of Professor Lee Wing, was trained to be a master of the martial arts and the katana. Colleen moved to New York. She was caught in a gun battle between criminals and the police. Police Detective Misty Knight rescued her. The two women became best friends. Eventually they would open “Knightwing Restorations” a detective agency. The two women would meet Danny Rand, Iron Fist and Luke Cage, Power Man, the Heroes for Hire. Being the weakest physically between the four friends Colleen would not let her ego get in her way. She trained and improved her skills to become an equal to her three superpowered friends.

We are told in many ways the ego gets in our way. It is true. Because of the ego our expectations become larger and hard to manage. Because of the ego we feel less than and doubt ourselves. Then because of the ego fear can arise and all forms of character defects and effect our day. How can we let go of the ego and step aside from the fear and expectations or grandiosity that can get in our way? Meditation is always a good stepping stone. Exercise is also a good release of the ego. Honest communication with friends helps the lower the ego. Volunteer work can also help. Any way we can step out of our heads and into the real world can free ourselves from ego.

Colleen Wing
First Appearance: Marvel Premiere, #19, Marvel Comics, November 1974

Creators: Doug Moench and Larry Hama

* "Under Leaf Pluck Lotus", Iron Fist, March 17, 2017, Netflix, actress Jessica Henwick

Plastic Man - Scum

I’m lucky. Being a recovering addict, I have met some interesting people that have walked all sorts of lives. One thing I have learned is that all are welcomed. All want to be accepted. I love that all these people and I have one thing in common. That one thing makes it so easy to be kind and loving to each other. I take that one little lesson and extend it into my everyday life.   

Scum

“Hey, now, listen. I won’t have you bad-mouthing Scum. Some of my best Scum are scum.” – Plastic Man * 

Patrick “The Eel” O’Brian was a slippery and hard to catch criminal. He and his gang were breaking into the Crawford Chemical Plant when a night watchman caught them. Eel O’Brian was shot and inadvertently sprayed with a chemical. O’Brian escaped into the mountains. Delirious and near-death O’Brian was found by a group of Monks and taken back to the Monastery. These “Kindly Brothers” nursed him back to health Physically Spiritually and Emotionally. In his recuperation O’Brian found the chemicals changed his body. He could bend and stretch into any form or any length. Upon leaving the monastery O’Brian was dissatisfied with a life of crime and sought to redeem himself. Taking the name “Plastic Man” and fighting crime but keeping his “Eel O’Brian” connections to secretly infiltrate the underworld. Some of Plastic Man’s best friends are those that walk the thin line between darkness and light. Some would be considered heroes, and some would be considered villainous.

Accepting people for who they are is an important aspect of making connections. The major religions speak about accepting people as your neighbor or as the larger world family. Look at all people as if they were part of that “world family”. One day everyone will need help at something does it really matter where that help comes from? If you drop your groceries on the street are you really going to complain if a person helps you pick up the groceries? The point is that we are all equal. We all have the same fears and worries. We all have the same expectations. Acceptance is behind the door, fear is the lock, and willingness is the key. To find acceptance just be willing to face the fear.

Plastic Man
First Appearance: Police Comics #1 (August 1941), DC Comics, Quality Comics

Creators: Jack Cole

* “Revenge of the Curse of the Horror of the Creature” Plastic Man, #4 of 6, November 2018