1. CHOOSE A REPUTABLE BODY PIERCER As someone who struggles with mental health issues — specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — I experience frequent anxiety prior to piercing procedures. OCD is a mental illness that causes unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to do something repeatedly (compulsions). I’ve concluded that choosing a reputable body […]
Illustrated by Laura Bergelli, A Letter From Mimi
Talent vs. showmanship: the artistry of Walt Lafty
…From hair-raising rock and roll to no-frills fingerstyle It’s an era where technology governs the world. Music videos get fancier and fancier. Studio equipment can morph a mediocre singer into the next Madonna wannabe. Concerts are filled with colorful strobe lights as artists bounce around on stage in lavish costumes. The spotlight becomes less […]
Dirty Honey debuts dangerous rock and roll
… Unsigned, unsafe, unusually well-mannered Lead singer Marc LaBelle isn’t screaming just because he can. On the band’s self-titled debut LP, LaBelle’s artistry ebbs and flows. His delicate falsetto is sensitive and his dark, harrowing accents are torturous in a first-rate way. Perfection may be last on LaBelle’s list leaving the irony of it all, […]
Edgy or over the edge?
…Dress appropriately without compromising your personal style aesthetic Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Meagan, a 35-year-old, self-proclaimed “punk-rock princess.” I mirror Franny, the protagonist in my children’s literature series, who is heavily into rock and roll and blues music. I’m not afraid to be myself, even if that means experimenting with a […]
New school or old school?
…Recent trends in education are changing the way classrooms look and core subjects are taught Consider this. An architect draws plans for a remodel of a commercial shopping center. On paper, everything looks great. But what looks great on paper, doesn’t always equal success when the plans are brought to life. The same is true […]
Teaching: a love-hate relationship
…how I came to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue writing as the dominant career path in my life Teaching is a profession that I love. It is also a profession that I have chosen not to pursue full-time. It is a profession that I have a love-hate relationship with. Some days are good, […]
Sober today
*DISCLAIMER* As of August 30, 2021, the author of this blog continues to seek weekly guidance and counseling from a licensed, cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and bodily focused repetitive behaviors. The author remains clean and sober from any of the negative happenings documented below. My hearts races as the […]
Tyler Hilton’s western roots re-emerge
… James Dean meets Johnny Cash Far off in the Wild West, gunshots echo. Your mind paints a picture, while tuning in to just one of 13 countrified, folk/rock flames sure to set your ears alight. “City on Fire,” is musician Tyler Hilton’s first studio spark in over four years. Get ready, get set, “Get […]