Nonfiction
Memoir | Saintly Matriarchs | Part I of VI
In my formative years, I witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of the saintly matriarchs in the projects gathering for Friday night prayer services at Sister Ella’s house. This spectacle left a profound impact on me and ultimately led to my decision to embrace Christianity at the age of 26.
By Mia Z. Edwards7 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | The Housing Projects | Part I of VI
The Whispers Whispers of doubt echo through the streets of Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.), casting skepticism on whether anything positive can emerge from the section of the city Southeast (S.E.), the urban housing projects predominantly populated by low-income African Americans, which is often underestimated and overlooked. These speculations, though harsh, persisted. Like the biblical scripture that questions the possibility of anything good coming out of the City of Nazareth, the response to these doubts is an invitation to witness the truth for oneself. Just as Nazareth was deemed a place from which nothing good could emerge, the Southeast section of the city in Washington, DC faced similar misconceptions.
By Mia Z. Edwards7 months ago in Chapters
Not That Woman
I was always enamored by Mary Kay ladies and the women at church potlucks. They were always pressed and perfumed, powdered and primped- like Lucy & Desi’s neighbors had walked out of the screen. Even then, they were a bit old-fashioned. But that Doris Day, Barbie aesthetic was powerful. It was reinforced by the Girl Scout Den Mother, who smelled like Aqua Net and Pine-Sol. The tidiest, prettiest ladies were the most listened to. They could walk for days in high heels and A-line skirts, then wash dishes in frilly aprons without breaking stride.
By Danielle Katsouros7 months ago in Chapters
Real Love vs. Infatuation: 6 Psychological Signs You've Found The Real Deal
You can’t sleep. You can’t eat. Your phone lighting up with their name sends a jolt of electricity straight to your heart. It feels like love—it really does. But is it the real deal, or just a spectacular case of infatuation?
By Epic Vibes7 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 2
In a previous incarnation, I worked as a hotel concierge. Although it’s a divisive topic in Australia, tipping is definitely part of this industry. Armed with the inside knowledge, through years of personal experience, I understand and often embrace the power of tipping when travelling. Unlike an exploitative bribe, it is best viewed as an exchange for above average service. If executed right, tipping is mutually beneficial for both the customer and worker. In saying that, it is more of an art than a strict set of guidelines. Our trip to Pakistan was a great real-world example of this craft in action.
By S. J. Leahy7 months ago in Chapters
Podunk
I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. I wanted to lie on my side, knees curled up in the fetal position, and watch made-for-TV movies with the bedroom lit up through the blinds. My body wanted the rest, but my brain fought suffocating thoughts, so I went for a walk.
By Jeremiah Gardner7 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 1
Years ago, returning from Europe, I was stopping over in Dubai airport. Exploring the cavernous terminal, I found myself needlessly gliding along a travelator, when something abruptly commanded my attention. Drifting across my field of vision, like a cloud blocking the sun in an otherwise vacant sky, was a group of guys draped in flowing white robes. Clad in black and sporting a large, messy afro, I was the shade behind the cloud. On the outside, we shared no resemblance.
By S. J. Leahy7 months ago in Chapters
