By Bill Eckel A-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah. The sirens wailed. No longer a watch or a forecast. The tornado was on the ground. It was ten minutes to six, April tenth, nineteen seventy-nine and I was about to experience the most memorable day of my life. At the time, I had lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, for thirteen … Continue reading The Most Memorable Day of My Life
Why I Am a Night Owl
By Rachel Troyer Night begins when I wearily climb the stairs to my flat and kick off my heels and change into a little knit dress that feels like wearing PJs. I drop my bag and keys, and head to the kitchen to make something simple for dinner. Maybe a couple of eggs, or a … Continue reading Why I Am a Night Owl
The Last Leaf
By Donald Guadagni The dog days of summer linger, hot languid air settles one more time. When a breeze arrives the leaves on the trees sluggishly wave as their colors become less vivid with each passing day. The equinox approaches and all of nature prepares for the transitions of the seasons, soon it will be … Continue reading The Last Leaf
Death: The Unsung Hero
By Gbenga Kajopaye I lost my mum when I was ten, barely four months from being eleven. I can still hear the spine-chilling, visceral scream when my dad found her body just outside the bathroom. It was a rude awakening for my brother and I as we both scampered out of bed, still half asleep. … Continue reading Death: The Unsung Hero
Sun Tzu and Entertainment: Koihime Musō’s Fall of Ukitsu and Chojo
By Andrew Nickerson There have been many great leaders that have put their thoughts/theories about combat on paper for future generations to study. Depending on the source, they emphasize any number of tactics or strategies for victory. The use of frontal assault, piercing the enemy lines with tanks, sitting behind defenses, wielding air power alone … Continue reading Sun Tzu and Entertainment: Koihime Musō’s Fall of Ukitsu and Chojo
Soulmate
By Allen Wittenborn Another day, another tour group arriving in China from the US to experience the “oldest civilization on earth.” I had left my room at Hong Kong’s plush Mandarin Hotel for three weeks of the grime and grunge of China travel. Now, I stood in the cavernous waiting room at Beijing’s Capital Airport, … Continue reading Soulmate
Meaning and Moment
By Earl Smith Meaning and Moment Earl Smith As it happened, Raven was visiting Pond on a warm summer’s afternoon. Soft Breeze was gently wandering among the green leaves and pine needles along Pond’s edges. There was the murmur of things past, and things to come, in the sound of her passing. Afternoon Summer Sun … Continue reading Meaning and Moment
A Letter to My Mother
By Amber Josfin Pineda Dear Philippines, I’ve decided it’s finally time that I start thinking about the future I want to build for you. Granted, I should’ve considered doing this long ago, but I wrongfully assumed that others would’ve taken initiative to do so before me. I suppose deflecting the blame, however, was a karmic … Continue reading A Letter to My Mother
If You Leave, Where Will You Go?
By Lisa Hoelzer I recently left the strict high-demand religion I belonged to for the past thirty years. The values and practices associated with my faith shaped every part of my life: family priorities, Sunday behaviors, clothing, friendships, political attitudes, and more. A few years ago, I began to be disillusioned not only with my … Continue reading If You Leave, Where Will You Go?
The Science of Ant-Keeping
By Adrian So Many people view ants as pests, the obnoxious beasts that invade homes and causes damage to structures. But in reverse, known as ant-keepers, a small amount of people keep ants as pets. Ants make great pets because they are low-maintenance, budget-efficient, easy to find, and rewarding. For low-maintenance, you will not have to give your … Continue reading The Science of Ant-Keeping
Academy of the Heart And Mind 