By Amanda They (whoever “they” are) say that writing a book is a labor of love. Well, it’s labor. Having birthed two kids, there’s really no part of labor that I enjoyed. I know women who refuse drugs because they want to experience “the most quintessential female experience.” Ummm, I’ll take the drugs. On April […]
Category: Amanda
The Art of Asking
By Amanda I have a special place in my heart for heretics and oddballs, misfits and malcontents. Always have. I remember the first time I saw the movie Joan of Arc, I thought she was amazing, not necessarily because I thought she was right, but because she thought she was right and at the very […]
Lessons in Humanity from My Hippie Uncle
Words and Art by Amanda I credit my uncle with giving me a conscience regarding social issues. Before becoming Fundamentalists, my parents named him, my father’s brother and the only Democrat, hippie, vegetarian, nature loving, travel the world on foot, humanitarian, please-donate-to-Unicef-as-my-Christmas-present male in the family, as my godfather. I am eternally grateful for this […]
Bullying and Body Dysmorphia
By Amanda Tonight my daughter came into the family room and announced, “I just saw myself in the mirror and I look so cute!!” Her confidence (arrogance?) used to worry me, but I remember talking with my sister-in-law about it once and she advised me to let it be, “Life,” she said, “will wear her […]
Art, Church and the Beauty of God
Words and Art by Amanda I always tell people that the church never taught me how beautiful God is. Growing up, I sat at the table of a very strict God who rationed out food based upon my performance. His grace was dished out in careful moderation, so as not to be abused, but earned. […]
Objectification and the Lost Art of Women
(Words and Art by Amanda) When my son was about five, we were in an outdoor pottery store, one of those places that is a maze with thousands of items, plants, fountains, statues, forgotten treasures. I came around the corner and found him entranced, staring at a figurine of a primitive fertility goddess. It being more abstract […]