Good Friday and Other Misconceptions

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 […]

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 […]

On Cigars, Sacraments, and Simple Pleasures

(This is a short excerpt from my forthcoming novel, That’s Me in the Corner, spoken in the voice of the book’s protagonist, Brody Graham.) *** “So Brody, what is it with you and all your little rituals?” Caleb asked. “You prepare your coffee and smoke your cigar like you’re a priest presiding over some kind of […]