By Ryan Larson Buddhist monks have a unique ritual of creating, I think, the most vibrant and visually stunning work of art ever. They place sand of many colors on a table together in a design that looks like what you would see on a Persian rug. The accuracy can be measured by millimeters, and … Continue reading My Sand Mandala
Retail Therapist
By Kit Stookey I stood facing my bathroom mirror, putting on my face for work. I blended my foundation into my neckline, my blush into my foundation, my emotions into dust. My manicured eyebrows were bold enough to keep with the trends, but not so bold to look “mannish.” My mom marveled at how closely … Continue reading Retail Therapist
The Unjoy of Cooking
By Ashton Cynthia Clarke I don’t remember why Daddy suddenly told me to fix dinner. Making our beds and polishing the wood veneer furniture with Pledge were the only household chores assigned to me and my little brother. Preparing food was strictly Mommy’s job. But where she was, I don’t remember. There was a period … Continue reading The Unjoy of Cooking
The Faraway Hill
By Betsy Selvam Wildflowers and weeds grow in abundance here. They are brightly redolent of evenings that I spent roaming outside home barefoot, content by myself, plucking leaves and flower buds; bunching them into finger-sized bouquets. Lantana shrubs pepper the landscape around me. Their tiny clusters of pink and orange flowers add an undertone of … Continue reading The Faraway Hill
All the World’s a Stage or a Film Set?
By Kat Merrigan This is the true and somewhat unbelievable story of how I went from behind the scenes to a leading role in an upcoming, independent, feature film. I’ve always had a passion for movies and theater. If I had to choose one over the other, I’d pick theater. I’ve been in local productions … Continue reading All the World’s a Stage or a Film Set?
The Most Memorable Day of My Life
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
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
Academy of the Heart And Mind 