In my recently released book, King Perry, I share a mythology of “The Lost and Founds,” two tribes composed of the Lost Kings/Queens and the Found Kings/Queens. Since the book came out in late February, several curious folks emailed me to ask, where did you get the idea for this? Are they real? Where are these Found Kings?
Well, they’re everywhere.
I keep running into them all over the internet.
I’m not sure if I can name the exact qualifications for calling yourself a Found King or Found Queen…it’s a theme explored in the six books of the series I’m creating, The Lost and Founds. But much like that famous supreme court description of hard core pornography: I may not be able to define it, but I know it when I see it.
Today, dear Coffee and Porn aficionados, I’m delighted to present a few links to Found King and Found Queen stories. These folks might be inspirational. (Or not.) These people might be whack jobs. (Or not.) But they do make me ask myself, “What makes a Found Queen and would I recognize one if I saw her?”
#1. Everyone wants to leave their mark on the world. We want to be amazing. But what if you only had sixteen years?
#2. You know Ray Bradbury as the author of The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451. But listen to this: “I love all people. I love the world. I love creating. … Everything in our life should be based on love.” Who is this fascinating king?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/02/Bradbury/index.html?hpt=Sbin
#3. Okay, maybe this isn’t so inspirational…but it’s definitely kingly. Meet Dale Lazarov’s interpretation of the King of Autumn. (Definitely not safe for work).
http://dalelazarov.tumblr.com/post/438513397/xxxveebee-my-king-of-autumn
#4. If you doubt the power of men to love their children, to delight in the very essence of childhood, visit this Found King’s delightful parenting blog: Single Dad Laughing.
http://www.danoah.com/
You may have heard of this guy or seen links on Facebook to his controversial stance regarding Christians and homosexuality, a position which has generated thousands of emails to him, both hating his guts and blessing him for his gifts. He’s glowing with life.
http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html
#5. This police officer did not know he had minutes left to live. But one of his last actions on this planet was to buy some cookies for a kid who didn’t have enough money.
#6. This list would be incomplete with no mention of a Found King who discussed his vision of radiant love and abundance with millions on the Oprah Winfrey show: Eckhart Tolle. Who is this guy? How is it that we know so little about his background and childhood? He is a spiritual guru on par with the big ones: Jesus, Buddha, or Mohammad and because he’s not on Dancing With the Stars, we barely notice his presence in our world, one of the fascinating mysteries walking the earth right now.
http://www.eckharttolle.com/books/newearth/
#7. Take a few moments to enjoy this powerful and joyful song (One Day) and think about how others, strangers even, somehow make your every day better in small and wonderful ways. I can’t watch this without getting tears in my eyes. What can I do *today* to be a Found King?
#8. C’mon. Who else in the world uses their money, talent, and time like this? Nobody.
http://www.oprah.com/pressroom/Oprah-Winfreys-Official-Biography
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If you enjoy contemplating the wonderful miracles embedded in everyday life, you might enjoy King Perry by Edmond Manning.
Heidi Cullinan
Evaine
Marie Sexton
Shawny
Edmond, that was a lovely post. I am very tired at the mo, which makes me cry a million times more easily, but the video about the police officer made me cry anc cry.
Isn’t it amazing. The thing that I love is that he had no idea that this was one of his last acts in the world. This was just an ordinary day. I wonder if my last hours are going to be filled with kindness to others. This guy inspires me.
Ah, a very good reminder to look for the miraculous in those around us. Thank you.
Thanks for checking out the links. And thanks to my Coffee and Porn hosts for having me today. If they invite me back, I promise to do something less tear-inducing and more smexy.
Beautiful post, and it made me teary too. You seem to have that effect on me, which makes me think I better stock up on tissues before I read King Perry!
The police officer is definitely an inspiration, and a wonderful reminder to generate random acts of kindness. As is the One Day song and video, though couldn’t help wondering where the kid’s skateboard disappeared to (among other inconsistencies).
jeayci, perhaps a box of tissues would be a good investment. I don’t always make things easy on characters. I do love the One Day song…and yeah, can’t help but notice some of the inconsistencies. I love the actors they found – some of them look downright unfriendly until suddenly their faces light up.