I am often asked in interviews, who I consider my own hero, and I always hate the question, because I'm sure I should be saying something like Ghandi or Mother Teresa.

Truth is, my hero is Wile E Coyote. Why? Because no matter what, no matter how many times he's knocked down, blown up, hammered into the earth or otherwise maimed by his own ineptitude, he gets up and has another try. He never, ever, gives up.

Dace reminded me of this today when the Roadrunner Show came on TV and he dragged me away from painting (oh, how I sooo do not feel like painting) so I could watch it with him.

I adore the Roadrunner Show. I'd miss my own book launch for a Roadrunner marathon. I'm not sure if you're aware (or care) about this, but according to Chuck Jones, the show's creator there is actually a list of rules that had to apply to every episode:

Rule 1: Road Runner cannot harm the Coyote except by going "Beep! Beep!"

Rule 2: No outside force can harm the Coyote -- only his own ineptitude or the failure of Acme products. 

Rule 3: The Coyote could stop anytime -- IF he was not a fanatic.

Rule 4: No dialogue ever, except "Beep! Beep!"

Rule 5: Road Runner must stay on the road - for no other reason than that he's a roadrunner.

Rule 6: All action must be confined to the natural environment of the two characters -- the southwest American desert. 

Rule 7: All tools, weapons, or mechanical conveniences must be obtained from the Acme Corporation. 

Rule 8: Whenever possible, make gravity the Coyote's greatest enemy. 

Rule 9: The Coyote is always more humiliated than harmed by his failures. 

Rule 10: The audience's sympathy must remain with the Coyote.

So, there you have it. You'll sleep better tonight knowing this, I'm sure. If you want the full explanation of the rules, the Looney Tunes^TM* site is here

I now feel inspired. If poor old Wile E. Coyote can chase after that wretched Roadrunner after having an Acme cannon blow up in his face, plummeting off a cliff and being run over by a truck, then I can slap a coat of paint of a few walls with a bit of a cough.

BEEP BEEP :)

*LOONEY TUNES, and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. 2003.

Wile E. Coyote and Animal. Two of the most under-rated children's characters ever.

Yes! Jenny, you just made my day! :) I love Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner! Coyote is not so wily, though, if he keeps trusting in Acme.

I've always loved the little black duck for much the same reasons. Never gives up. Never gives in. Never surrenders. (And loves/loathes the wabbit.)

Then again, I just love Looney Tunes. I'm glad to see another adult who will admit to my guilty pleasure.