Author Archives: mathdreads
Amazon Gender
Some say the word “Amazon” derived from Greek, meaning “without breasts.” Others prefer to derive “Amazon” from Armenian, meaning “moon-women.” Of course, I didn’t know any of that when I was six and wanted to be an Amazon when I grew up. I was fascinated by their strength and fighting skills. A few years later … Continue reading
Bloody Mary Research Addendum
After “concluding” my Bloody Mary research at a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar with a group of friends a few months ago, rumors had it that I’d missed a good spot on 6th Street. I wanted to pick a time to invite friends to hit this dive burger bar when all of our schedules coincided. Turns … Continue reading
Bad Saturday Night
When opportunity lands on my doorstep, I have to seize the moment. In this case, I went out onto my balcony to retrieve something from the storage closet and saw this intriguing scene in the parking lot. How could the fiction writer in me resist? Everyone has a history, comprised of many “remember when moments.” The key … Continue reading
The Forgotten Queen
You all know the fairy tales about the good or evil queen, the good or wicked witch, the evil stepmother, the poor mother, the absent mother, the good daughter, the fair maiden, the bewitched maiden…but what about the forgotten queen? You may not have noticed her since she never sat on an official throne. Yet … Continue reading
Steampunk Vampire Slayer
All I need is the opportunity to dress up and I dive in. The latest cosplay inspiration was for a fundraiser at work. Although the theme was “steampunk,” I find any excuse to carry my sword; hence my vampire slayer character. I searched two Goodwill stores before I found something that looked like a corset. … Continue reading
Art & Eeyore
For the third year in a row, I volunteered at the biggest art festival held in Austin. Unlike last year, I had the second shift in the “Artist Hospitality” tent, which meant I didn’t have to do a lot of heavy lifting nor any set up. I just strolled into the tent, located much closer … Continue reading
Adult Fairy Tales
I’ve been struggling with my second novel, The Adventures of Infinity and Negativa, for the past five years. Along the way, I’ve experienced some powerful insights. The first came when I concluded that I didn’t have the means to pay a graphic artist. My solution? Paint the beginning of each chapter, which always began with the title … Continue reading
Fools’ Paradise
Welcome to the Land of Milk and Honey. Home of the Brave. Land of the Free. Where the streets are paved in gold. The sun’s always shining unless we’re dancing in the rain. So turn that frown upside down. This is no place for any Ned Negatives or Debbie Downers. This is Par-a-dise, baby! Unlike … Continue reading
1st Year Freelancing Anniversary
The beautiful thing about trying something new is opening myself up to new experiences. As a highly analytical person, I strategize to maneuver through life as best I can. So, just before resigning from teaching science at a public school, I’d paid off all debt, made a budget and tested the freelance waters. I found a couple … Continue reading
Good Morning Kiss
For the second year in a row, I contributed to a museum art fundraiser, where a local art supply store donated a 11 x 14″ canvas, 3 tubes of acrylic paint and two paint brushes. Anyone interested in participating, picked up the supplies at the museum and returned a decorated canvas a week before the opening … Continue reading