Your Heroic Heart # 5, Electric Danger
That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. – William Wordsworth When steel magnate Andrew Carnegie sold his company to banker J. P. Morgan, that transaction created the first billion-dollar corporation. With his wealth, Carnegie sponsored free, public libraries. Over 2,500 were built during his lifetime. He funded the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. In 1889, he wrote The Gospel of Wealth, stating fortunes should be considered a public trust that should benefit others. Carnegie’s 5’3” body housed giant ideas. He believed heroic acts must be recognized. His Deed of Trust said, “A medal shall be given to the hero, or widow, or next of kin, which shall recite the heroic deed it commemorates, that descendants may know and be proud of their descent. The medal shall be given for the heroic act, even if the doer be uninjured, and also a sum of money.” In 1930, three earned Carnegie Medal by risking electrocution. On July 12, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, 22-year-old Harry M. Snyder tried to save an electrician who’d picked up a broken wire. In a heavy rain, Snyder grabbed the man’s protective glove. Both men fell and lay unconscious as 2,300-volts flashed. When the current was shut off, Snyder suffered severe burns but recovered. The electrician, could not be revived. Read more. One month later, in Painesville, Ohio, Sheldon Joseph Harris tried to knock a fellow electrician free from a steel crossarm charged with 2,300 volts. Both fell ten feet, with 20-year-old Harris landing on a charged wire. Neither survived. Read more. On December 4, 1930, in Emory Georgia, Arthur W. McKinney climbed to the top of a transformer, leapt to a beam and tugged an unconscious co-worker’s leg. Fred Maxwell hadn’t realized the wires and switches on the steel structure were live, carrying 19,000 volts. Both lived. Read more. NOTE: Because the human body conducts electricity, a person in contact with electrical current should never be touched with bare hands. Read more. Myths tell of ancient gods placing heroes among the stars. Some stories tell of heroes’ eyes becoming stars to watch over their children. ‘Hero’ comes from ancient words meaning demi [half, unfinished, almost]-god and to watch over, to protect. Imagine a world where everyone goes to bed a hero. Nominate a Hero. Succeed and Soar! A Kindness Curriculum Click Here to View [3 minutes, 50 seconds] Radiant Tree Books presents Succeed & Soar’s “Wise Ways” Collection Wise Ways shares meditations on making the most of each moment. Some were presented in Sandra’s first, blog, SoulSongz [at WordPress.com]. It still exists. After 2019, these notes were updated at Succeed and Soar.com. 36-page, beautifully illustrated book with flexible, laminated, high-gloss cover and high-quality printing. Preview and Purchase. $12 60-page, Economy Sketch Journal contains guided meditations and inspiring prompts that allow enriching, personal reflections. Preview and Purchase. $19. 60-Page, High Quality Sketch Journal. Preview and Purchase. $32 Thanks !
Hug Power
Don’t forget, you are the hero of your own story. -Greg Boyle When steel magnate Andrew Carnegie set aside over $175 million [in 2024 dollars] to support those who’d performed heroic acts, his criteria included: The life of a human victim must be in imminent danger of being lost without intervention; this must be believed by the rescuer. The rescuer must be a civilian who knowingly and voluntarily risks death or serious physical injury to an extraordinary degree. The rescuer must have rescued or attempted the rescue of another person. Since 1904, 10,422 people from the United States and Canada have been honored. Here’s the nomination form Ages can range from teenager to elderly. Adding this year’s honorees, 10,422 have received the award since 1904. Among those recognized this year were: Junyi Liu, A Fiery Escape On May 20, 2023, Junyi Liu was working as co-owner of a Comox, British Columbia gas station a woman’s car struck a gas pump. As Lin turned off the pumps’ electrical breakers, flames erupted from the car’s front end and a gallon of gas caught fire. Then propane spilled onto the woman’s vehicle, flowing from burned rubber nozzles on a nearby dispenser. Flames flared ten feet high as Liu tried to release a fire extinguisher’s pin, but it was too tight. After trying to reach the woman from the passenger door, he ran to the driver’s side. By the time Liu pulled the woman to safety, flames filled the entire carport. The woman was in shock, with burns to her face. Liu’s hand and arm were also burned. Read More. Robyn Handley, Savage Dogs On Dec. 22, 2020, Robyn Handley heard screams. She ran barefoot from her Florissant, Missouri home, waving and shouting at four pit bulls that were biting into a woman’s body, limbs and had torn off parts of the woman’s scalp. While the dogs circled in a nearby yard, Robyn’s calls for help drew another woman. The dogs also attached her. By the time Robyn again chased the dogs, another neighbor arrived. He loaded the first woman into his car to await medics. She continues to recover from scalp and leg wounds, plus severe eye and facial damage. The second woman was treated for bites to her legs. The dogs later attacked two more people. One was hit by a car. The other three were caught and euthanized. All three women were in their mid sixties. Read More. Myths tell of ancient gods placing heroes among the stars. Some stories tell of heroes’ eyes becoming stars to watch over their children. ‘Hero’ comes from ancient words meaning demi [half, unfinished, almost]-god and to watch over, to protect. A “Random Act of Kindness” qualifies, as in this post’s video. Imagine a world where everyone goes to bed a hero. Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire.COMMENT. A Bond for the Ages Click Here to View [5 minutes, 19 seconds] Heroes can come at all ages. Here, a 4-year-old opens an elderly widower to a love he didn’t know existed. First aired November 18, 2016. This Month, Shop Inspiring Succeed & Soar Weekenders Details: Chic tote perfect for a day on the town, staycation or weekend Soft, spun poly-poplin fabric Double-stitched seams for added durability Size: 24”x16” 1” thick rope, color choices: White or Natural Cleaning: spot clean or dry clean Shop All Weekenders Thanks!
Your Heroic Heart – Caring Rides
Heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Anonymous When Andrew Carnegie created his Hero Commission, the steel magnate’s first intent was,To place those following peaceful vocations, who have been injured in heroic effort to save human life, in somewhat better positions pecuniarily than before, until again able to work. In the case of death, the widow and children, or other dependents, to be provided for until she remarries, and the children until they reach a self-supporting age. For exceptional children exceptional grants may be made for exceptional education. So far, six people have received the Carnegie Medal twice. In 1958, Ruddell Stitch was a 26-year-old boxer who rescued a dam operator who fell into the Ohio, fractured his leg and could not swim. While drifting downstream, Ruddell kept the man afloat until help arrived. Eighteen months later, Ruddell was helping a friend across the sill of the same dam when his buddy slipped, pulling Ruddell with him. Ruddell swam over 100 feet and kept diving, trying to find his friend. Ruddell left a wife and six children. When his widow died two years later, the Hero Fund provided a monthly stipend to the children’s grandmother for 16 years. On May 12, 1963, 20-year-old Daniel Stockwell ran 150 feet to a small beach where two men had fallen into the Atlantic Ocean. He then swam 35 feet to support one unconscious man until help arrived. On October 15, 1991, Daniel was a school principal who offered himself as a substitute hostage for fifteen students being held at gunpoint. For 40 minutes, Daniel talked with the assailant until police subdued the gunman. Research and Photos Source: Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Wouldn’t more monuments and statues honoring these kinds of heroes be great? ‘Hero’ comes from ancient words meaning demi [half, unfinished, almost]-god and to watch over, to protect. A “Random Act of Kindness” qualifies, as in this post’s video. Imagine a world where everyone goes to bed a hero. Random Acts of Kindness:Mr. Bill’s Village Click Here to View [2 minutes, 37 seconds] A Great Gift Through midnight EST, May 11, Succeed and Soar’s “Beyond The Sky’s Limits” series is 25% off. The 72-page books are sketch journals that offer space for “Illustrated Wisdoms,” a Contemplative Art guided by the heart. This doodling and drawing can open peaceful and inspiring spaces while: * Clarifying choices * Offering important insights * Relaxing body, mind and spirit All books have high-gloss, laminated covers. Three versions of Beyond the Sky’s Limits can be previewed here: 6×9, Standard color, 72 page sketch journal. Regular $33. This week $25. View. 5×8, Economy color, 72-page sketch journal. Regular $16. This week $12. View 5×8 Standard color, 36-page book of visual inspirations. Regular $18. This week, $13.50. View. Shop All Books Thanks for your support!
Generous Success
For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others. — Eleanor Roosevelt In Invisible Acts of Power, Caroline Myss, Ph.D. says there is a fundamental aspect of human nature that needs to reach out to others. Documentaries on BBC’s Planet Earth and National Geographic Wild show that other mammals have the same capacity. [Perhaps some aves, feathered creatures, and aquatic vertebrates too.] The ways humans choose to be generous [now that we’re building skyscrapers and space ships] sets us apart. We can give for many reasons, which could — let’s face the truth — be selfish, ego boosting acts. We achieve magnificence when, as Myss wrote, “The warm glow we get from helping others is not just a good physical feeling – it is the energy of a healing grace that moves between the giver and the receiver and blesses both.” Bless means to ‘invoke divine favor.’ Bless involves a mutually and spiritually elevating sharing. In the success realm, Forbes offers “10 Ways to Help Others That Will Lead to Your Success,” including: Share knowledge [while advancing your personal education] Introductions [providing beneficial connections and contacts] Read more Succeed and Soar’s “Your Heroic Heart” post suggested: Imagine a world where gradually, one-by-one, more people become heroes? The process is simple: Random acts of kindness qualify. I think the fear-driven stinginess and meanness that has surfaced lately opens opportunities to see those niggardly behaviors for what they are. [Did you know there’s a movement to declare Greed a mental disorder?] That understood, we can choose healthier, more magnificent and noble ways of being. DivineSparks, a blog that collects, “words, pictures and other forms of media that remind me I’m a spiritual being having a human experience,” offered this Invisible Acts of Power insight, Anything you do for others, as well as the support you receive in your own life, has healing consequences for the whole human community. Succeed and Soar! Support Succeed and Soar this Month. Keep these inspirations glowing and growing. Shopping at Sandra’s Gifts and/or Sandra’s Galleries also helps. Invest Here. Thanks! Mark your calendar Let’s chat first Thursday, 7pm Pittsburgh [Eastern US] time. Succeed and Soar‘s first Zoom Chat touched on the Big Bang, Critical Race Theory, how thought becomes physical matter and more. Goal: Build community by sharing uplifting, enlightening conversations. See you December 2nd when we can also discuss Ivan Doig’s uplifting and fun novel, Last Bus to Wisdom. Eleanor’s Insights Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Einstein #4: Fun
Creativity is intelligence having fun. – Albert Einstein Because intelligence is how our minds gather and use information, consider: Vertical thinking is when we solve problems logically, like deciding to have more money by working longer and harder. Lateral thinking finds novel solutions to straightforward problems. For wanting more money, a lateral approach could start with deciding why a bigger bank account is desired. Perhaps a fun, satisfying life can be enjoyed without extra jobs. Bilateral thinking involves seeing two sides to situations [the light and the shadow] and balancing logical problem solving with imaginative possibilities. Bilateral thinking has been called a way of drawing, “from both sides of the brain in such a way that creativity is enhanced with one foot in Wonderland and the other solidly standing in the real world.” Read more. So, have fun today [tomorrow and forever]. Here are 17 ways to develop your creativity. Remember: February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Enjoy! ***** Fingernails are flattened claws. Men have nipples because all people start life as females. Nipples are remnant-reminders. People produce enough spit during a lifetime to fill two swimming pools, which is part of the uvula’s job. [The uvula is that pink bulb dangling at back of throat.] Source for these Shocking Truths. These pink dahlia petals are the original photograph from which this post’s Featured Art was adapted. For a limited time, receive special discounts. Save 10% on purchases over $50 with code winter2110. Save 15% on purchases over $100 with code winter2115. Save 20% on purchases over $150 with code winter 2120. Shop my ImageKind galleries. Experiencing awe could be another way of exercising the mind. I felt my brain doing calisthenics while watching this wonderful video. [4:30] Click to view.
Path to Joy: 5th of 12 – Generosity
The heart that gives, gathers. – Tao Te Ching Science has found that generosity of mind and spirit as well as time and money does gift givers a lot of good. Scientific American reported an experiment that studied stinginess. Result: Those who held back experienced heightened shame and cortisol levels. We can also live longer. Read more in The 7 Science-Backed Reasons Why Generosity is Good for Your Health. Research also shows that those who give time and resources with kind intentions are rewarded with dopamine and endorphin surges, the body’s feel-good and happiness chemicals. Read more in The Benefits of Giving Things Away. In 1982, as an antidote for the phrase “random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty,” Anne Herbert suggested, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Here are 103 possibilities, which include: Share an overheard compliment. Send people you know notes about why they’re awesome. Leave a big tip. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Keep in mind, The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self. — Fred Rogers * Face Masks Keep glasses from fogging when wearing face masks.Make a no-sew face mask in five minutes. [NOTE: Instead of a scarf, I cut a fabric square from my quilt stash and sewed down the flaps. Total time: 10 minutes.] Fun! This Post’s Featured Art, “Generosity,” A Visual Meditation What I like best about the picture: The dots. Why: The gold and yellow dots are like gentle sunbeams and rain that shower us freely. The red and white, orange and blue dots are flowers that the rain and sunlight nourish, making life both possible and beautiful. What the picture teaches: Nature is a cycle, a circle of giving and receiving. Both are needed for life to flourish. The insights gained: Rain and sunlight are price-less. From that generosity, freely given, earth can sprout meadows full of flowers so that life is refreshed, beautiful, bountiful and joy is possible. * Take this six-minute trip to Ireland and see how one act of kindness a day can change your life. View video. Generosity, kindness, honesty, humor – makes us truly rich. Waylon Lewis NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Visit my On-Line Galleries to see more of my art.