a burgundy zine

Category: Reflections

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Bug’s Philosophy: Adulthood

As of today, I have legally been an adult for two years — but it wasn’t until recently that I finally began to feel like an adult.

Despite being a junior in college, working multiple jobs, paying taxes, taking public transportation into the city on my own (gasp), living with my partner, having six credit cards, and a number of other things, I still felt very much as if I was waiting for some anime-esque magical girl transformation into adulthood.

So… when was that defining moment? Was a Descartesian descent into quarantine madness and introspection?

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Bug’s Philosophy: What Makes a Truly Great Artist?

A significant portion of my adolescence was spent binge-watching speed art videos and tutorials. I gushed over Instagram artists, salivating at the idea of trading my hands for theirs — although trading brains would be more logical since creativity has a neurological basis.

Then, it finally dawned on me the other day. There’s an unspoken dichotomy between the hallmarks of a great artist and the skill level of a talented artist.

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Bug’s Philosophy: Haircuts, Identity, and Validation

As silly and as shallow as it may sound, a rockin’ haircut is more than just a confidence booster; it can validate your identity.

We all know what it’s like to emerge from under a sheen salon cape feeling rejuvenated — or completely crushed. The way 100,000 follicles that sprout from our scalp shape our face wields such overwhelming power over our self-esteem.

And yet, it’s just hair. You can shave it all off and it’ll grow back with the utmost amnesty. The beauty of a great haircut is ephemeral, the heartbreak of a botched cut is fleeting.

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Seeking Healthcare Treatment During a Pandemic

Since the dawn of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, the Centers For Disease Prevention and Control has reported a 42 percent decrease in emergency room visits for non-COVID-19 related reasons.

But, people don’t just stop having emergencies, do they? Not likely.

Even as some states inch their way towards the green phase, a recent Primary Care Collaborative survey reports face-to-face doctor’s appointments are still 50 percent below their previous volume.

So, what’s it like to be an individual pursuing healthcare, despite a global pandemic?

In all honesty, it’s been nerve-racking for me – especially since I’m being tested for autoimmune disorders. This means I’m potentially in the high-risk category for COVID-19.

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Anita Oommen on Finding Her Voice

Despite her career as a speech-language pathologist, it took her two decades in the field to realize she had yet to find her own voice.

After sharing her healing journey in “Picking Up the Shards: Healing the Pain of Mother-Wounds, Discovering the Mother-Heart of God,” author Anita Oommen inspired readers yet again with her second book earlier this year, “3-Minute Inspirational Reflections For the Soul: 50 Daily Truths and Journal Prompts.”

Recently, we spoke to Oommen via telephone to learn more about how she found her voice, began writing, and what readers can look forward to seeing next from her.

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To Walk the Sea by Sally Piper

Creative writing student Sally Piper shares an imagery-driven piece inspired by a local getaway near to her heart.

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