Questions I’ve Asked Writers to Answer

Chances are you’ve known a writer who you appreciate, a writer who, if you could, you’d like to ask about their writing. Fortunately, I have a friend who is a published poet, a fine writer who teaches doctoral students in creative writing at the Union Institute and University. For too brief a time, Dr. Carol... Read More

Writers' Page

June 20, 2023

Can Cheddar be Even Better?

Yes, it can, when paired with the right wine. Choosing the right wine depends on the type of cheddar cheese. For example, mild Cheddar is aged from 1 to 3 months. This style of Cheddar is creamy, slightly sweet, and mellow with subtle hints of butter and salt, according to www.darkcheese.com. They say, “The idea is... Read More

The Wine Spot

June 16, 2023

Movies You Missed From 20 Years Ago: 28 Days Later

28 Days Later (7/10 Rating) Released June 27, 2003 (US) For rent on Amazon Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi R: Strong Violence and Gore, Language, and Nudity 1h 53m 28 Days Later…20 years later…holds up really well. This film is one of the first responsible for bringing back public interest in zombies since the late 1970s.... Read More

Movies You Missed

June 14, 2023

Inside the Method of Acting with Steve Harders

Graduating in 1990 from Blackburn College with a degree in chemistry, Steven Harders may be a chemist by day, but is an actor by night. Harders has performed in over 30 shows between his home state of Illinois and here in Virginia. Though he acted throughout childhood and college, Harders had taken a long hiatus... Read More

Action

June 9, 2023

Dine-In

I recently went straight from one grocery store to another one in order to complete my shopping. This, of course, is not unusual; as many shoppers include the food “bargains” available at the “dollar” stores in order to save some money. But in this case, it was the sight of only one item which made... Read More

Essays

June 7, 2023

Plant VIII: Father Figure

(Scene: Linda is hauling Plant, swaddled in blankets in a child’s red wagon, on a scenic tour around the block.) Linda: Plant, you’re heavy enough that hauling you up this hill in this wagon is running me subterranean. Plant (leaves quivering like a dog leg vibrating ecstatically): Oh, joy; so warm is the sunshine. L... Read More

Fiction

June 2, 2023

Art Requires Us to Live Life and Respond Accordingly

Vantage Art Flats has a new resident artist. Perrin Marie recently took on the role. She said, “When applying for the artist residency with Vantage Art, I was concerned it was too good to be true. But, the founder, Rick Barker, is the real deal. I am fortunate he selected me for the interview process... Read More

Cover Features

May 24, 2023

How Often Have I Heard, “I Want to Write a Poem but…”?

If you’re someone who won’t try to write a poem when you feel like you want to, you’re not alone. Among the many reasons that block you from becoming even a novice poet, the most common is that you don’t know how to begin. You’re frustrated because, although you’ve mentally gathered all your thoughts and... Read More

Writers' Page

May 18, 2023

Wine and Cheese: They Were Meant for Each Other

I have heard it said that wine and cheese are the ultimate power couple in the food and wine world. For many, including me, it is true. Let’s consider classic Brie cheese. Brie, usually made from cow’s milk, originated in Seine-et-Marne, France. As you probably know, it is a soft cheese with a rich, buttery... Read More

The Wine Spot

May 16, 2023

Movies You Missed from Twenty Years Ago: Wrong Turn

Wrong Turn (6/10 Rating) Released May 30, 2003 For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Horror, Thriller R: Strong Violence and Gore, Some Language and Drug Use 1h 24m Wrong Turn (2003) is strictly horror and within its own genre probably more of a 7/10 rating. Chris is headed to Raleigh for a job interview... Read More