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
Stilling the Ripples
By Earl Smith One of the core ideas of Buddhism centers on the first steps on the path to self-knowledge. Here are some thoughts that might help you start on that journey. We’ll go together. *** Let your imagination transport you to a small pond somewhere within a leafy wood. Let’s say the time is … Continue reading Stilling the Ripples
The Silence of the Wild Dogs
By Dr. Elizabeth V. Koshy We had just settled on the playground of the Amravati University in a huge circle for lunch that day, when we noticed a few dogs, standing a few feet away from us, all looking towards us. A fawn coloured dog stood a little distance away from the other dogs and … Continue reading The Silence of the Wild Dogs
The Orange Gerbera
By Ruby Pressman There was a homeless man beating out the rhythms of the songs on the radio station at my local coffeeshop the other afternoon. I am sometimes sensitive to sound, but I didn't even mind -- I felt at peace and it became just like another facet of the background noise of the … Continue reading The Orange Gerbera
Blessings Come in Many Forms
By Leslee W. Kahler My husband and I had been married for about two years when Nekko came into our lives. I was visiting friends when on the way back to my car I spotted a small black and gray cat stuck in a tree. I climbed the tree part way and managed to coax … Continue reading Blessings Come in Many Forms
SHE: An International Women’s Day Write-up
By Mehreen Ahmed Editor's Note: International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th each year. Mehreen Ahmed wrote this essay on International Women's Day 2022. When God created Eve, he had created not a companion, but a woman of power. One who would be instrumental to the creation of human history. Her act, a single … Continue reading SHE: An International Women’s Day Write-up
Finding Home in India
By Sarah Brennan Bright green fields gave way to dusty roadsides and simple buildings as the car I had hired made its way into the small town of Sargur, India. As we turned off the highway the road narrowed, and the car wove its way through town. The pavement all but disappeared and the road … Continue reading Finding Home in India
My Little Star Girl
By Lana M. Rochel Originally was written in 2018 and published in Multiply IQ in September 2018. Rochel updated the essay in 2021. More information about the essay will be posted after the essay. I'm looking at a white blank laptop page in front of me. “Hey, mum! Tell the story of your girl!" I … Continue reading My Little Star Girl
Thinking of Dad: Hank Williams, Patti Page, Roland, and Me
By Leslie Knibbs My first memory, he's standing at a jukebox in his restaurant in Echo Bay. It's the fifties. Roland's two-tone '57 Lucerne is parked in its usual spot parallel with the building safely out of harm’s way at the end of a long line of customers' cars, pick-up trucks, two Indian motorcycles, and Hog Hurley's … Continue reading Thinking of Dad: Hank Williams, Patti Page, Roland, and Me
Academy of the Heart And Mind 