bUneke Magazine Issue 23 by bUnekeMagazine

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An Artist & Philanthropist This issue is AUDIBLE!

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Vol 5 • No.1 • Issue 23

b i n s pi re d | b en l i g hten e d | b aut hbenti c Uneke.org M

Editor in Chief Mary Brotherton mary@buneke.org

Creative Director Jennifer East jennifer@buneke.org

Contributors Amel Okoye - USA Anirban Das & Sayandeep Biswas - IN Brandy Curry - USA Chris Reed - USA Danielle Dilks - USA Dorothy L. Harrise - USA Gary Mauldin - USA Gwyn Fassnacht - USA Ian Bush - USA Jennifer Alexander - USA Maiko Anzai - JP Manish Kumar Arora - IN Marilyn Briant - USA Marion Hazzard - USA Martha Watts - USA Michela Gerratana - USA Ran - JP

Happy Springtime! At bUneke, we’re ready to celebrate, because four years ago, in March, we founded bUneke.org. That’s four years of giving a voice to those who are still struggling to find theirs and four years of helping writers find their unique voices. Since 2018, through our magazine, podcast, and films, bUneke has promoted 300+ nonprofit organizations, artists, writers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and corporate businesses who all want to make our world better. In this issue, we introduce eight new voices to bUneke Magazine, along with some familiar ones and while we’re bringing new voices to you, bUneke Magazine has returned to a smaller format. This means we will rotate our 55+ talented writers throughout the issues while continuing to bring you the positive content you want. We’re also implementing a cool subscription plan. Your donation of just $4.99 a month guarantees you will receive four printed issues throughout the year, with occasional surprises. The next time you visit buneke.org, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for our free newsletter. You’ll get insider information about bUneke before anyone else!

Samantha Young - USA Timothy Foxx - USA

Tony Taylor - USA

Yvonne Mason – USA

connect@bUneke.org

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I always look forward to hearing from you, so don’t be a stranger!

Mary Don’t have time to read? We HEAR you! bUneke Magazine is now audible! Click the icon now or visit buneke.org to hear more!

Let Us Hear Your Voice!

Cover | Darrell Troppy ••• TABLE OF CONTENTS •••

One Woman’s Mission

Foster Your Growth and Recovery

Darrell Troppy Artist and Philanthropist

The Power of the Horse

Socca

Regenerative Living

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No Border

Moxie Hero

Mental Health in 500 Words

Finding Our Voice

Kintsugi

bUneke Places in Film Festivals

Thoughts of an Indigo

Life is Impossibly Hard

Finding my Voice

Finding Peace in Passing Part 2:

Book Reviews

Nature Nerd

Product Reviews

Zero Waste Japan

Zodiac

This digital issue is interactive! Have fun exploring! Live links everywhere! Just try it! Click the play symbol to view the featured videos! Click the listen symbol to HEAR the stories!

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One Woman’s Mission to Empower other Women

By Martha Joseph Watts

Often, we encounter people who yearn to make an impact but allow the restraints of their geographical location to hinder their desire to start. Why avoid delay because we fear acceptance or failure? Instead, delay to sharpen skills, hone talent, and build relationships that lead to success. Ms. Muriel Baptiste, a native of the Caribbean Island of Dominica, can be characterized as an individual who delayed action to develop the skills required to positively impact a community she adopted as an adult. Muriel serves as executive director of Utopia Connect Foundation (UCF), a nonprofit organization on the West Side of Chicago. The Foundation aims to improve the quality of living standards by investing in women and girls through projects, mentorship programs, and community engagements. I asked Muriel why she chose a foundation for women and girls. With confidence, she shared her journey.

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A bird’s eye view of her Community Muriel obtained a bird’s eye view of the problems that permeated her community while working at an educational nonprofit organization, and serving on a variety of committees in Austin, one of 77 communities in Chicago, Illinois. These experiences sharpened her skills and talent, and she fostered relationships that propelled her desire to help marginalized women and girls. According to her, those moments of relationship building moved her to act, and in 2014, she started Utopia Connect Foundation with the sole purpose of adding value to her community. Passion saturated Muriel’s response as she expressed her reason for choosing to impact rather than watching from the sideline. “Until you walk the streets and build relations with real people with names, hear their stories, feel their pain, and see their potential, they are just a number or another sad story. After experiencing, first-hand, the struggles of women and children in Austin, I knew I had to act.”

Marginalized women have potential.

UCF is built on the notion that if marginalized women recognize that they have potential, and they can develop skills that lead to independent and sustainable lifestyles, then they will develop a confidence that will lead to more accomplished lives and this transformation will, in turn, strengthen their community.

In addition to skill development, UCF organizes projects that give back. UCF noticed that when community members engaged in projects that build or uplift their environment, they developed a sense of pride. Therefore, they plant trees, release butterflies, feed, and clothe those in need. Muriel encourages readers to bloom where they are planted.

Volunteer

She said, “If you can’t organize programs, support those who do. Teach a skill, volunteer your time, or donate your money.”

Dr. Martha Joseph Watts, a former elementary educator in Dominica and former English teacher in the U.S. Virgin Islands, she now serves as an educator with Brevard Public Schools and has authored fiction and educational resources.

According to Muriel, the foundation’s greatest need is to own a facility in a strategic location in the community of Austin. It would provide a place for volunteers to teach skills such as baking, coding, sewing, and any educational program that contributes to the advancement of individuals and the community. Learn more. Visit utopiaconnectfoundation.org ,

Partner with us to reach students and schools in disadvantaged settings.

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Foster Your Growth and RECOVERY By Samantha Young of anxiety and restlessness.

Recovery, whether it’s from trauma, addiction, or abuse, is never easy. It takes an extraordinary amount of willpower and strength to not only make the resolution to change your life but to put in the work necessary to see improvements. The healing process within itself is overwhelming and will often leave you feeling open and exposed, and that’s fine. Feelings of vulnerability are completely natural and even necessary. However, it can drive you to seek out the comfort of familiar people and places that may not be conducive to your healing. Understanding how your surroundings influence your thoughts and actions will be the first step to choosing the best space for you. Your growth is often dependent on the internal and external environments that you choose to put yourself in. Recognizing that this choice is your responsibility will be your greatest advantage. You have the power to create the life that you want to live. It may be difficult to organize a peaceful environment within yourself, but it’s not impossible.

Cultivate an internal sanctuary Avoid your triggers. These are anything that may cause you to have an intensely negative emotional reaction. They may be certain people, places, or events. Avoiding your triggers will help to lower your defense mechanisms and allow your nervous system to rest and heal.

Develop a routine. Consistency is key to recovery. Establishing a steady routine will give your body and mind the structure that it needs. Start by setting your alarm clock to a specified time that allows rest. Then divide your day according to your planned activities. This will give you a sense of stability and ease feelings

Invest in your external environment. Rehabilitating yourself is an extremely vulnerable phase, so surround yourself with the kind of people who align with your long-term goals. The right support system will offer compassion and patience. Remember, on your darkest days, you want to be around those who will pull you back into the light. Take advantage of counselors, therapists, and support groups. Getting professional counsel is a wise decision and has many benefits. Therapists and support groups help by giving unbiased critique and reassurance. Also, they may provide necessary feedback and highlight behavioral patterns. Don’t forget your family. Family and friends often serve as a pillar of love and strength on the road to recovery. Surround yourself with the people you trust the most, and who only want the best for you. The right support system will bolster your willpower while holding you accountable for your actions. Your journey will not be easy. There will be days of turmoil and confusion. However, if you remain steadfast and committed, you will make it through. ,

Samantha Young is a voracious reader whose favorite authors include Toni Morrison, Jamaica Kincaid, and Edwidge Danticat. Her hobbies include writing, painting, and observing her cat Yuzu. b Uneke M

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Darrell Troppy

An artist creates for an audience: himself, family, friends, for joy. Often tucked away in his studio sculpting, blending, reshaping, Darrell Troppy was known as the neighborhood artist, with his studio in downtown Beaumont, Texas. Darrell created electrifying works on canvas. Bright, colorful designs, mixed in hues to create light and shadow intensity made the shapes of his works come to life. His vivid works, with graceful lines of ballerinas en pointe, posing them in a cecchetti attitude: arms in a grand port de bras or arching in cambré forward. He painted wild flora: zinnia, echinacea, coneflower, outlining them in superimposed paint strokes using neon colors, as though the flowers were dancing, what street artists call neonic. His art, consistently captivating and warm, is a description of the man himself. Darrell, who died in December 2021, on Christmas Eve, in his studio, is an artist who will truly be missed. He was the sort of artist connected to philanthropy and community. His enchanting and brilliantly muraled utility boxes, lining the streets of Beaumont, are his legacy.

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Meet the Artist

An Artist of Experimental Design

By Brandy Curry

See His Work

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Darrell was raised on a farm in Lasara, a small town in South Texas, and knew from an early age, that he would be a student of the arts. At Southwest Texas State University, he studied sculpture, painting, art history, and photography to give him the backbone to much of his success in various genres.

The color palette of his works led to his international recognition, a celebrated prize-winner featured at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Darrell had mastered every art medium, showing his own, unique style, color choice, and brush manipulation. His artistic reach was far, as Darrell’s compositions and pieces have been sold to hotels, art galleries around the world, and in homes.

A masterful contributor to the works of figurative drawing, Darrell first landed notoriety in the Paris art scene in 2014, after he entered a contest hosted by the Eureka Global Arts and the Canadian Chinese Cultural Development of Arts Association. The contest was an on-the-spot, live, one-time special figurative piece using a nude, male model of the contest hosts’ choice. Darrell did very well in the competition, receiving accolades for the Most Creative Artist and several certificates for Outstanding Accomplishment.

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He developed life-long friendships with artists all over the world, but would find joy and comfort at home in Beaumont, where he built his life with his partner, Eddie Bates. His energy towards the artistic process never waned and he continued to grow through the exercise of creation through exquisite choice and taste. About his process, Darrell said, “It’s the one thing that I know that has never left me. If you locked me up, I would find a way to do something artistic, perhaps paint on the floor. It never leaves you. You’d become less whole. I think every artist experiences this feeling more than once in their life. You pray, you wish, and you hope that feeling never leaves you - the passion that wakes you, the driving force and the reason you exist.” Facebook: /coatofpaint ,

Brandy Curry received a BA in Creative Writing, University of Redlands; MS from USC. Writing for Global Newswire, Dance Spirit Magazine and other digital syndicates–Brandy brings joy and beauty to her writing. IG: @rukiyapalmetto

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What’s the Difference? Equine-assisted therapy focuses on addressing mental health, with patients caring for horses in a stable setting. Hippotherapy is a physical therapy approach where patients ride horses to address physical health issues.

Photo by: Anne Eberhart

Though there are numerous options for people looking for therapeutic aid, sometimes there is a solution that doesn’t involve a human therapist, but rather, one with four legs. Thanks to a nonprofit organization called BraveHearts, people now have the opportunity to take healing and mental health to a whole new level, by receiving help from horses. Established in 2002 in Harvard and Poplar Grove, Illinois, BraveHearts has maintained its mission by bringing hope, joy, and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse.

Healing by horsemanship and grace

They provide services for children, adults, and veterans who gain therapeutic guidance through horses at recreational and clinical centers. At BraveHearts, everyone has the opportunity to

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Photo by: NYCHA Shootout

The POWER of the Horse By Michela Gerratana

BraveHearts also supports former military participants by providing services to them at no cost. This is to honor those who served and supply emotional, cognitive, social, and physical benefits for veterans. Veterans at BraveHearts have reported benefits such as increased self-esteem, self-worth, decreased depression and anxiety, and a decrease in selfharm thoughts. As veterans increase their horsemanship and involvement with BraveHearts, there are additional benefits and opportunities for them that include clinics with worldrenowned equestrians.

Largest in the nation Since 2007, BraveHearts has been recognized for providing equine-assisted services to veterans from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. They also have the largest equinebased program in the nation for military veterans consisting of riding, ground activities, and gentling wild mustangs. Photo by: Anne Eberhart

discover healing by horsemanship and grace. BraveHearts offers a few medical services for adults and children with various diagnoses. The medical services provided include equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and physical, occupational, and speech therapy using hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. These medical services are specifically designed to help participants explore their lives and process thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and healing. There are even therapeutic riding services that provide emotional, cognitive, social, and physical benefits.

According to Meggan Hill-McQueeney, representative of BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, giving horses a try is the best thing you could ever hope to do and grow from. After spending a lot of time on a horse or near a horse, Meggan said, “I still have a lot to learn but I definitely try to learn from horses when I am near them. They are my favorite place to be. The first time Dr. Gunnar told me to go teach a group of veterans I felt at home. I love that at BraveHearts, we get to share that with others in various situations. I just love being around horses. I always wanted a career near them, and getting to see how they help people is an amazing view.” BraveHearts is able to provide services to veterans at no cost from donations and grants. Donate and learn more! braveheartsriding.org ,

Michela Gerratana is a creative writer with a passion for the arts who is actively involved in the theatre community. With the power of creativity, she hopes to touch the lives of many.

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Socca By Ariane Resnick, C.N.C.

This article is not meant to diagnose or provide medical advice.

Socca, a quick and easy gluten-free flatbread, can be served as a crispy cracker for dips and spreads or as crust for pizza. Also known as farinata and panisse, it is made throughout the world. Socca has four ingredients: chickpea flour, salt, oil, and water, and requires just a bowl and a whisk. It can be cooked over the stovetop in a pan or in the oven using a baking sheet, which makes it an easy option for weeknight dinners. Its presentation, once topped or paired with dips, is elegant enough for entertaining. The flavor is very mild. You might not know it was made from chickpeas if no one told you. The flavor of the olive oil will be prominent here, so use a good quality olive oil. Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, is a whole food flour. Garbanzo beans are ground into a fine powder and packaged as a shelf-stable product. Chickpea flour has a light yellow/beige color, and a fine, smooth feel.

While this is an easy recipe to make, following a few guidelines

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will help prevent mishaps. Chickpea flour has no gluten and no binding ability at all. It isn’t interchangeable with wheat flour and it is less absorbent than other gluten-free flours. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes before cooking, so the chickpea flour can absorb the water. Season the socca batter aggressively. Too little salt will result in a bland flatbread.

Stovetop Socca is soft and can be used for sandwiches or the base for a pizza. Your socca will be delicious if made in a cast iron pan, although it is not a necessity. Using a non-stick pan to make your socca works just fine. You’ll want to avoid using a pan that isn’t non-stick, as the batter would be likely to stick to the pan.

If you flip the socca over on the stovetop before it has the dark golden spots, you can cook it further on that first side again after the second side has cooked. The dark golden spots yield the best flavor. In terms of thickness, your socca should be thinner than a pancake but thicker than a crepe. The amount of water will dictate how thick or thin your socca will come out: more water will yield a thinner and crispier flatbread, more crepe or cracker-like, while less water will create a thicker, bread or pancake-like product.

The recipe

1 cup chickpea flour 1 cup water 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt Whisk the flour, water, olive oil, and salt together in a medium bowl until smooth. Let rest for 30 minutes to give the flour time to absorb the water.

Oven Socca will be much crisper and should be used more as a cracker. It is generally made on a flat baking sheet, which should either be greased well or lined with parchment. You can also use a large cast iron pan that is well seasoned. It is baked at 425 for 15 minutes. This version does not need to be flipped or covered during baking. Socca is best eaten the day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat before eating. Reheat for 10 minutes on a baking sheet in a 325 degree oven, or on the stovetop with a teaspoon of water added, on low, with a lid, rewarming for two minutes per side.

First published on Simply Recipes simplyrecipes.com/socca-recipe-5186456

Ariane Resnick, special-diet chef to celebrities and certified nutritionist, is also a best-selling author. Now, Ariane shares her secrets with bUneke readers. arianeresnick.com

By Anirban Das and Sayandeep Biswas

Regenerative Livelihood

The development of human society has been based on the destruction and extraction of natural resources and ultimately, we are at the edge of our natural resource utilization to keep humanity safe and resilient. During the last century, our focus of development was predominantly based on manufacturable technology and the effects on the ecology have been ignored. Hence, terms have popped up like 6th mass extinction, biodiversity loss, and ecological collapse. After the United Nations Climate Change Conference we are convinced that policymakers have not realized that the current detrimental development will leave no place habitable on earth for us. The process of life on earth has evolved, developed, and continues with natural services. If we narrowly consider the continuum of humanity alone, we can never find any chance of survival.

There is a silver lining of hope on the horizon. We, the youth, have to be directly involved to regenerate our lost habitat within planetary boundaries and we have to introduce a circular ecological

economy for our resilience and better livelihoods.

the required biodiversity load is the core of our existence. All of our required commodities used

All of our communities need every essential element of life starting from the air, to water and food. We need this full form of biodiversity at every moment. Regenerative livelihood assures proportionately to all individuals of our social structure in an eversustainable manner, contrary to the limited large-scale industrial options. At present, we have selected options for livelihood maintenance, predominantly downstream of the large industrial process.

by each individual are available in usable or raw form within our surrounding live environments. Our innovativeness, new ideas, and modifications of the existing ideas are the key drivers for a regenerative livelihood system within an ecological boundary in a self-reliant manner. It’s up to us, the youth of today, to protect and preserve our planet for the youth of tomorrow. We must create and protect our regenerative livelihood.

The land surrounding us, its fertility status, and the ability of that land to bear and maintain

Anirban Das is a youth environmental and climate activist. The founder of Ecological Recovery Network, he rallies his youth community to solve the climate crisis without industrial technology.

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No Border Betw Receiv The panel truck makes its way past the abandoned apartment buildings imprisoned by chain link, every By Sharon Black

window broken. Desolate. The road winds, designed, long ago, to meander. It leads into the newer section of the neighborhood where life abounds. Cars are parked haphazardly along both sides of the road, conceding barely more than a single lane for traffic, making navigating these winding roads difficult for the big truck that rises to the crest of a hill. Fortunately, there is parking directly across from the Baptist Center in Western Heights, leaving space for the Second Harvest Food Bank truck to park on the road in front.

Javan Schiferl places the truck in the usual spot and we climb out. Despite the cold, several people mill about in front of the Baptist Center, a long, low, brown brick building, identical to all the houses here, save for its size.

A couple cross the road. He carries a mattress. She carries bed rails. They discuss how they will get things home using the car. A man in a motorized

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wheelchair reverses direction, turns toward the road, and proceeds forward to witness the arrival of the truck.

The center of attention The truck, outsized among the stark housing, is the center of attention. Jackie Young, food ministry director, had seen or heard us coming, and he meets Javan at the rear of the truck. They greet each other warmly. As Javan prepares to unload, Jack operates the lift,

and they talk like two friends who had not seen each other for too long. The pallet jack perches precariously on the truck’s lift, but is solid in Javan’s hands. Jack lowers the lift and the unloading begins, pallet after pallet, stacked head-high with food collected during the day’s route. Javan lays the pallets, one by one, to the side of the entryway.

That is the way. Others join the people waiting outside as they gather around the stacks of

ween Giving and ving By Gary Mauldin

21 Million Pounds of Food Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to compassionately feed the hungry since 1982. In 2020, Second Harvest distributed 21 million pounds of food across 18 East Tennessee counties. Through programs and nonprofit partners, this organization provides food to more than 142,000 children, adults and seniors monthly. Learn more! www. secondharvestetn.org.

boxes filled with food. Silently, without orders, they move the food into the kitchen inside the center. These people have come here seeking assistance. Now, they provide assistance, helping us unload. There is no border between those things, giving and receiving, in this place. They will eat the food that is given, after they help unload it, sort it, and ready it to feed the scores of others that need help. That is the way here.

The boxes slowly disappear from the entrance. Jack speaks of his appreciation. Their previous delivery was light, provisions tight. Distribution day is tomorrow so this bounty is a blessing.

Child’s Play Children play below, inside a fenced playground. They chase a ball and it is impossible to know if they are playing basketball or soccer or something else. They run after

the ball and kick it and then throw it toward the hoop. They know when a good play is made, for they raise their arms and shout with joy. A child’s game with a child’s rules. They know nothing of Second Harvest or this delivery or the donors that are necessary to make all this happen. Later today, they will get a hot, nutritious meal.

Gary Mauldin lives, writes, and photographs in his native East Tennessee. He has worked as a professional photographer and an engineer. Gary is now retired and volunteers for various organizations.

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California Teacher Recognized as a

Moxie Hero By Jennifer Alexander

I met Stacey Dulbecco through a California Arts Project event, where educators came together, from across the state, to create professional development opportunities for teachers to comfortably align the arts within the curriculum. I was immediately impressed by her thoroughness and consideration. A few years later, I was excited to learn that she was the art teacher at Maywood Middle School in Corning, where I had just been hired. Over the years, Stacey provided students and staff with exceptional art experiences with enthusiasm. Her structure brings a necessary sense of importance and emphasis to the arts in our school community. Stacey’s lessons are dynamic and engaging and students grow into conscientious and thoughtful artists. She has a spark that reaches our school community.

Fire destroyed everything.

Stacey’s family lost everything in the California Camp fire, including their custom-built home, all of the art she and her husband collaborated on that acted as mementos of their years together, photographs, and memories. Even though Stacey said, “It’s just stuff. We still have each other,” her family had lost artifacts that marked

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the Dixie fire blew through Lake Almanor, devouring the cabin she and her extended family had spent their childhood and adult summers in. Once again, her family faced devastation and the momentous task of agencies and insurance companies in a massive clean-up.

She is a superhero.

their personal histories and grounding. Despite her extraordinary loss, Stacey managed each day with grace and quiet determination. Staff members tried to support her, without truly understanding the layers of grief, the task rebuilding, or the long-term traumatic effects. When Covid hit, teachers everywhere faced new realities.

She rose to the challenge.

Stacey became a valuable resource for many of our teachers because of her willingness to dive into these new platforms. She researched how to continue to develop her students’ creativity and expressions, and brought cutting-edge lessons to her digital classroom. Once again, Stacey rose to the challenge and facilitated a community of support, inclusiveness, understanding, and learning.

As Stacey was rebuilding her life,

I need Stacey to know, without a doubt, that she is a superhero. Her contributions to our community and classrooms are seen, appreciated, even celebrated. A side-effect she may not be aware of in her own lesson planning, is the inspiration and spark those thoughtfully planned lessons cause in adults who are supporting the students we all teach. Her approach and perspective elevate our own thinking and offer new perspectives within our own artistic experiences. She is amazing, and fully worthy of this award. MoxieBox Art gave Stacey with a certificate from MoxieBox Art, three MoxieBoxes for her daughter, and $1,000 in art supplies from Blick Art Materials. bUneke Magazine offered to share her story! MoxieBox CEO Jim Warner said, “Our next hero just might surprise you. Nominations are not reserved for teachers. They can be for anyone in any field. It’s okay to nominate yourself, too.” Learn more! moxieboxart.com

Jennifer Alexander is a Special Education teacher who is currently teaching middle school students in grades 6-8 in Corning, CA. Her interest in education includes incorporating the arts to further student engagement and understanding.

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Mental Health in 500 Words By Ian Bush

“How am I supposed to write about mental health in just 500 words?”

something even I do not want to be around. People think I enjoy this way of life, but truly the person who gets the most misery out of this is me. I have

Welcome to the arena. Anxiety! “I really do not think I know what to say. Who is going to listen?”

lost countless opportunities, relationships, and moments of life because of my mental health problems. These problems did not develop overnight, and neither did the

Welcome to the Arena. Negative

solutions. I spent a majority of

self-talk!

my life in disbelief that the way I thought and acted was not a

“Maybe if I cannot even put pen

deviation of normal thought and

to paper, I cannot do anything

actions. The unfortunate thing

else right and I should just stay

is, in 2017, when my mental

home.”

health was overwhelming, I met the worst examples of therapists

Welcome to the arena. Depression. “I wish I could die because I am unhappy if I am writing and I

and hospital staff. In 2019, I met my first decent therapist. I went two years thinking I was stuck with what I had and I couldn’t find someone who

am unhappy if I am not. This is a

better complimented the way I

miserable way to live.”

viewed the world and learned. In 2021, I met the therapist that

out there and advocate for our brothers and sisters who cannot advocate the way we can. When people say we are using our struggle as a selling pitch, remind them that every person we help also helps us. When they do not believe us, because they think we are too successful to have mental health issues, remind them of the greats before us and after us who dealt with what we deal with. When your mental health challenges relationships in your life, take ownership and accountability and have enough humility to repair or move on from that relationship.

Welcome the star of the arena,

I finally jived with and, quite

suicidal ideations!

frankly, pushed me back on the

The biggest thing to remember,

right path.

as cheesy as it sounds, is do not

How fast my brain takes me Okay, serious topic, serious

Too successful to have mental health issues

tone. In the time it took for you

to read that is how fast my brain

So what does my story have to

will sometimes take the happy,

do with you? If you are a fellow

loving, wanting to be funny

high-functioning mental health

and laugh Ian and turn him into

mess, I challenge you to get

give up. Remember to celebrate good days and remind yourself that bad days do not mean bad months or years. They certainly don’t mean you are a bad person, because no matter how you feel inside, you are awesome!

Ian Bush has authored 14 pieces ranging from fiction to college success support, memoirs, and mental health. You can email him at Iancbush@gmail.com and keep the conversation going! He would love your feedback.

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Finding Our Voice By Marilyn Briant

I have enjoyed being a member of a writing group for years. We meet twice a month, and over time, it has become apparent that each one of us has our voice that can be clearly heard through the unique way we express ourselves in our writing. Containing the essence of who we are, it is our voice that speaks of our life experiences, beliefs, and values. But for some of us, it is hard to find, and I admit it took me ages to uncover mine. The truth is, I can barely sing a note in tune so I wasn’t ready to believe it years ago, when someone told me she could hear my beautiful voice.

Continuing on my inward journey, I realized that what was happening outside of me was pushing me in the right direction. The difficult people, trying circumstances, and harsh decisions I had to deal with were all exercises in expanding and strengthening my voice.

They encouraged me. They were leading me to identify what I needed to work on, how to heal, and showing me how to develop a silvery, loving voice of my own. They encouraged me to know and use my voice as an expression of who I am.

No one else can hear it. “It is there, but no one else can hear it,” she said. I had no idea what she meant, although I knew she wasn’t talking about my musical ability! Now I understand. My voice was hidden beneath layers of hurt and pain. It was difficult to perceive because it was timid, unsure of itself, and sadly quiet. When I communicated, it was indistinct, a blend of other people’s voices. Even I didn’t recognize it as mine.

Being kind and loving to myself helped. It was important to pay attention and hear the notes before I accepted that I was being guided by my intuition. I had to keep practicing, even though my voice didn’t sound so good at first and I missed a lot of notes. But eventually I found I loved the music, was overjoyed that I was able to express it through my voice. That is when I discovered we are all part of the same

Eventually though, when I had exhausted all external possibilities—other people and things that might have contributed to using or improving my voice, but didn’t, I began to look inside. I got to know myself, started paying attention to my intuition and finally I found my voice. Still, it was a very small voice for a long time. I had to get used to it, to trust it. I had to become comfortable with hearing and using it.

choir, but each one of us is unique. We have lovely, powerful voices that, when joined with others, produce the most amazing song. A song that reaches out to those who also want to sing, but don’t know how. A song that honors our voice, that touches people’s hearts and souls and inspires them to find

and develop their own magnificent voice.

Marilyn Briant is the author of two children’s books: “The Leopard and The Mouse,” and “Arms Out.” Her third book: “The Pax Principles,” is a Red Ribbon Winner The Wishing Shelf Book Awards (UK). b Uneke.org M

Kintsugi By Maiko Anzai

In Japan, there is a restoration technique called Kintsugi, which is the art of fixing broken pottery or cracked bowls with a lacquer resin infused with powdered gold. When you say, "repair a broken item," you can fix it so that you don't know where it was broken, or "completely restore." However, contrary to the restoration, the kintsugi makes the crack more noticeable. Kintsugi, spliced with the gold, makes it easy to see how the cracks were broken. Instead of fixing it back to its original state, it stands out and gives another value.

FILM FESTIVALS b Uneke Feature

Films

It was an honor and privilege to get to know Daisy and tell her amazing story in five minutes or less. This was a 72hour film challenge. View the 2022 Official Selection here: indiefilmopolis.com/officialselection2022

Maiko Anzai is a high school student in Osaka Japan who is passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle. She reached out to bUneke on Instagram. You can too!

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Thank you @latestvisions nvtv for including our film in your lineup! It is an honor to be a part of the Women’s Day Film Festival! Congratulations to all involved! We Know You’re There will be viewed on 5 channels in the UK and Ireland! nvtv.co.uk

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Thoughts of an Indigo By Amel Okoye

Staring at the stars. Envisioning our travels to Mars. We believe that the universe is nothing but a conception. And society’s skewed perception is used as a weapon. We gaze at the sun and read the stars for fun. Our artistry is bound to us like DNA. Oftentimes, we speak of realms and dimensions in a sacred spiritual space. Our thoughts get caught up in the atmosphere. We speak through merges of souls and spirits as they dwell. We spend our days deciphering between the concepts of heaven and hell. Only to come to the reality of a looming spring. Valuing our freedom of expression. The simplicity that is key. We’re awakened by destiny. Set the indigos free!

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, Amel Okoye was born in San Diego, California and has considered herself a poet since she was 12, as a way to share her outlook of the world. @amelokoye IG

Life is Impossibly Hard By Chris Reed

Life is impossibly hard, but somehow, we persevere. Opposition and hurdles come at us from the most unexpected of places, but we manage our way through them, over them, under them, and around them. At times, we’re bloody, bruised, beaten, and demeaned, but we make it out alive. Sometimes embarrassed, tail between our legs, but usually, humbled. It’s certainly not always pretty. I wish there was a secret to it. A recipe to survival. I wish there were specifics we could count on every time, but we are forever evolving and adapting so everything is in a constant state of flow.

All change is good. The only guarantee is change. I wholeheartedly believe all change is good. No matter how tragic the changes may be. The loss of my one and only brother when I was 11 was tragic. Unimaginable. For me and all who knew him. But, had that not happened, I might not have moved homes, switched schools, met a neighbor and friend from my new school—who later introduced me to my best friend, who later introduced me to the girl of my dreams. Since that moment, she was the love of my life and eventually became the mother to our two daughters. Now, we’ve been together for 20+ years. As much as I wish my brother had not died and I would give anything to have him back, I have to have the realistic perspective that, had anything been different, My daughters might not exist and that is just too much to bear.

So, when I say all change is good, it’s because it is. In the end, no matter how difficult the changes thrust upon us are, eventually, there is growth, and good that comes directly, or in-spite of.

Good & bad things happen. Life moves forward, whether we like it or not. Good things happen and bad things happen. I don’t say it lightly or without careful consideration. I absolutely regret many things I have done and do on a regular basis. But, no matter how cringy or how much I despise myself for them, they make me who I am. They are part of my growth. Part of what makes me who I am and why I make the decisions I do, which lead to a constant state of change which is my life and the life of my family. I don’t know what the heck I am doing, but I can’t take back the bad choices or poor decisions because they’re all lessons and part of the process of building my character.

Kindness is crucial. I believe kindness is crucial in life, specifically to oneself. I choose to be grateful for the mistakes and missteps, because they’ve led me to who and where I am today. Is there consistent remorse when I misstep? Absolutely, but these are the lessons. I urge you to treat yourself with kindness and not regret. It will always be better to regret doing something than to regret not having done it all. Maybe not right away, but in the end.

Chris Reed, native Californian, father, husband, and multiple-award receiving member of the Recording Academy, is CEO and Director of Education and Programming for Modern Minded and Arts Initiative, two organizations touching thousands of lives. Chris has released many singles, Eps and albums. Instagram

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Finding My

Voice

How many of us have heard this expression over and over? “You need to find your voice.” For many of us, like myself, it came very late in life. And when I say late in life, I mean like my 50’s. I lived most of my life in fear. I was afraid of just about everything. I was afraid to speak up, stand by my convictions, voice my own opinion or even be comfortable enough to be competitive. I allowed people to use me, and even abuse me because I lived in fear. Until I didn’t. Until I realized that if I did not speak up, did not find my voice and did not use it, no one would ever know I had been here. I would become just another sad, pitiful, unsuccessful person who faded off into obscurity after my journey here was completed.

By Yvonne Mason

It is more than okay. Finding one’s voice is freeing. It is like a rebirth of sorts. One understands that it is okay to disagree, it is okay to be different. It is more than okay to stand out from the crowd instead of being lost in the crowd. Finding one’s voice is a way of leading instead of following. It is a way of sharing success and failures. It is the way to inspire, aspire, and teach. Is it easy? Oh no. Is it worth the risk? Absolutely. Will you sometimes have to fly alone? Oh, indeed. But the view is breathtaking. Will finding your voice take you places you never thought you would travel? Without a doubt. The key to all of the above is simple, once you find that voice. Speak softly, yet firmly. Learn

When the desire to use my voice became stronger than my fear of speaking, things happened. Was it always pleasant? No, it was not and some days it still isn’t. Do I have haters? Of course, I do. Do I have people in my life who are jealous? You bet I do. But on the other hand, there are those who I impact in a different way. Those who learn to have their voice. To speak up and be heard, to stand their ground. To hold fast to their convictions, to sometimes stand alone because others will not stand with them, due to fear of reprisal.

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that sometimes silence speaks volumes. Yes, surprisingly enough, that is part of finding one’s voice. Learn to think through the words before they are spoken out loud. Use fewer words but use words that are impactful, words that stay with another person even if they disagree. Make people lean in, to not only hear you, but to listen. In finding your voice, you have given a voice to so many who no longer have one.

Yvonne Mason Sewell is the author of 17 books including three true crimes and she is the National Photographer for the U.S. JCI Senate. Twitter.com/yvonnemason

Finding Peace in Passing – Part 2

Honesty is the Painful Policy By Tony Taylor

There is no resolution as the title would indicate. At my lowest in 2002, when I knew that I needed a counselor to help slash through the overwhelming depression, total honesty with my counselor was the mandate. Without honesty, help would be hopeless, and there would be no ability to counter depression and all of its cruelty. At this moment, the pain of losing my sister is the state I live in daily. As I write, I am now at 11 months, and I’ll be honest with you. I am not living, but I’m existing with pain. Finding peace with trauma is an open-ended statement and does not mean what the surface implies. Every goal is reachable. How you get there is what transforms your struggle to reach it. I haven’t found peace. I have numbed its daily clawing that rips me apart, leaving pieces of myself behind. It’s brought peace through destructive means.

Acceptance is our choice. Mental pain, unlike physical pain, can’t be healed. Its cure can only be found through a choice of prescriptions within the

consciousness. Acceptance of the kind of scripts chosen is ours alone to make. Our brains create desire. Controlling our reality, our minds know only that it needs what it needs, never considering how to get there. The guiding spirit of our faith - good or bad - controls the method. If the spirit is broken, all that is left is unrestricted desire. My spirit is broken. All of those roads I have chosen have no signposts up ahead. My creativity, my loves, and my meaning have no direction. All that matters is just reaching the destination, the place of no pain. With no direction, I don’t care how I get there, but what I know at this moment is that the pain has to end. I am lost at the moment because my spirit is gone.

I chose. I have consciously applied the quick fix to the unimaginable and unthinkable. I chose, and now face the demons which latch on to you when you self-medicate. During these past 11months, my decision to drink, smoke, and ignore those around me have helped numb the pain. I know nothing else but to end this pain. I also know from past experiences with friends and family what the outcome will lead to, but I now understand why they chose to put that loaded gun to their head. I’m sorry. There is no happy ending here at the moment.

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Tony Taylor is a writer/filmmaker who has been a member of the Florida film community since 1994. He writes for bUneke Magazine and hosts bUneke UnScripted as he continues creating groundbreaking films.

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Spring Book Reviews Chemical Valley By David Huebert My favorite part in the book is actually in the first story when they talk of being buried in a tree in order to compost the forest. While some may find this unusual, I find it to be a viable albeit unique place to begin. Committed: Finding Love and Loyalty Through the Seven Archetypes By Carmen Harra and Alexandra Harra As a theater teacher, I have long used the “archetypes” to help students examine and build believable characters. Thus, when I saw this title, I was intrigued. It greatly appealed to my sense of logic. That the Harras (mother and daughter) are relationship experts is evident in their writing and all is fair in love and the quest to find it! Fighting Chance: How Unexpected Observations and Unintended Outcomes Shape the Science and Treatment of Depression

By Sarah Zabel While there are parts of the book that may seem dry or clinical, feeling more at home on a psychiatrist’s bookshelf, there is a heart to the story in the form of the author’s friend Carolyn and the trials and treatments that Theresa went through. Anyone interested in the science behind mental illness and the advancements made in treatment and medications will enjoy this book. Life in the Grocery Line By Adam Jonathan Kaat Lindas, Daves, and Normans— these are the stereotypes that Daniel expects to encounter when he takes a job at an upscale store: Dream Grocers. Then there’s the pandemic and

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almost instantly the dream becomes a nightmare. The book is sometimes humorous and always forthright as Daniel comes to terms with what he learns about the people he meets and the essential person he has become during the crisis. I’d like to see this book adapted for the stage. It would make a great play! The Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison Morrison’s approach to beauty leads us to question not only the standards that are set by the media and the cosmetic industry but also the standards that we’ve set within our own community. The Bluest Eye is a profound and powerful novel that forces the reader to examine the consequences of vulnerability in a world consumed with prejudice, viciousness, and selfloathing. The Deceptive Brain By Dr. Robert L. Taylor Are we truly blessed with a free will? In his book, The Deceptive Brain, Dr. Robert L. Taylor postulates that we are not. I found much of what Dr. Taylor says a bit disconcerting and perhaps a bit creepy. Can we reprogram others and ourselves to dig into and re-wire the plot line our extraordinary brain provides? Readers of Dr. Taylor’s book will certainly find the questions that he imparts intriguing. Up To Heaven And Down To Hell: Fracking, Freedom, and Community in an American Town

By Colin Jerolmack This book brings the personal element missing in many fracking conversations. Jerolmack demonstrates why we can’t fully understand the fracking controversy without considering how it complicates people’s personal lives and their relations to the land. He sits at their dining room

We offer the teasers here but for the full reviews always visit bUneke.org/blog Our Reviewers: Danielle Dilks, Timothy Foxx, and Samantha Young tables and hears their stories about how this breakthrough affects them, how the laws affect them and begs the question, “Is there a right answer?” When the Whirlwind Passes By Alexander Nderitu What a twist! This story of love and betrayal will have you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns it takes. Fair notice, this isn’t your average love story. This adventure contains graphic adult language. The writer’s creative, colorful use of words and imagery to tell the story brings much deserved recognition to the beauty that is Africa. You are in for the ride of your life! Practical Happiness By Pamela Gail Johnson Who would know better about finding true happiness but the founder of Society of Happy People? This little yellow book might change your life. This will be my go-to for gifts to my children, family and friends. If you are tired of positive thinking, todo lists or science based books about happiness, you’ll LOVE the simple and realistic approach this little book take for you to improve your life. It should come with a warning label: CAUTION You will feel happier. The title, Planting a Seed: 3 Simple Steps to Sustainable Living, By Kate Gaertner, is exactly what this book is about. Have you ever thought about the world around you and how you can live with harmony? This wonderful, easyto-read book is just the key! I read about so many great ideas and now I have a plan on how I can make a difference in our world and you can too!

For the younger crowd Mr. Sunnyside By C. K. Gregory and illustrated by Stephanie Richoll C. K. Gregory tells a cute, little story in his first book about a bored, little boy who meets an imagination eggspert. Every egg word I can think of is crammed into this little paperback, eliciting some silly giggles at my house. Now What By Brenda Faatz, illustrated by Peter Trimarco I was charmed and I knew my boys would be, too. The story revolves around Lizzy and what starts out as a bleh kind of day. I loved it!

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N atureN erd By Dorothy L. Harris

The

Powerful

Pileated Woodpecker

This impressive avian, at 17 inches tall, is impossible to miss. Zooming in with the undulating flight common to Picidae

Their tongue, longer than can be believed, is also barbed to more readily grasp squirming invertebrates, which might attempt to wiggle away.

family, close contact usually results in an abrupt flutter of starkly marked black and white wings. One of our largest woodpeckers, it is dwarfed only by the presumed extinct Ivory-billed. Its fluffy, erect grouping of head feathers resembles a gelled crimson mohawk standing at attention. In addition to this red cap or head crest, males also have a red facial stripe. Females sport only solid black facial lines. Jet black above, those clean, white underwing feathers can be seen while flying or at the very edge of their folded wings. Excavating squarish, oblong holes in trees with its chisel-like bill, these woodpeckers excavate carpenter ants or beetle grubs just under the bark. Watch for them knocking with their long, strong bill in a slow methodical fashion followed by erratic lapping up of fleeing ants.

Nest cavity construction takes up to six weeks to complete with both birds chipping in. During this arduous work, they use their stiff tail feathers as bracing and their long, clawed toes to safely lock into the tree. Eggs are laid in the bare space with only wood chips as nesting material. Note their presence by the sound of their loud, continuous drumming, or their laughter-like calls. Preferring mature forests, large, dying trees provide their preferred food sources and shelter.

Did you know? The peculiar name of this bird is linked to its stunning red feather crest which reminds of a pileus (in Latin), which is a round-shaped brimless cap.

Dorothy L. Harris, a long-time newspaper columnist in central Florida, produces her peculiar lifestyles and humor column, Harris & Co., at http://bit.ly/HighlandsNews. This former Florida State park ranger and self-professed nature nerd blogs www. DorothyLHarris.com and posts creature photos @FlaNatureNerd. Facebook: DorothyLHarris-FreelanceWriter

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b Uneke Don’t discard me!

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is AUDIBLE

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Please, pass me

World. see page

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The best score is 10 out of 10 Earth-friendly product Earth-friendly packaging Budget-friendly Uneke Lives up to the hype Stylish Philanthropic outlook Easy to understand/use I would buy it. Contact us today at bUneke.reviews@gmail.com for information about where to send your product(s) or suggestions for places or products to review.

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www.neftvodkaus.com

This ultra premium vodka is unlike any vodka we’ve ever reviewed. It arrived in a beautiful keepsake box, with minimal packaging. The instructions about how to sip it were as refreshing as the spirits. It is made from non-GMO rye and naturally pure water from the Austrian Alps, with no additional ingredients. The unbreakable barrel is a nice change from alcohol dispensed in glass bottles. We loved the Pride design, which is a contrast to the usual black and white barrels. At $36.99, NEFT is comparable to other top-shelf vodkas, with a delightful nose bouquet and no burn, even as a shooter. We prefer to sip it, though. • 10,

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Nostalgia Coffee

https://nostalgiacoffeeroasters.com/collections/brew-bags OMG - Can I let you in on a little secret? We LOVE Nostalgia’s Instantly Better Coffee! It is coffee in a brew bag, similar to a tea bag. It is now my husband’s go to in the morning! We love that you can adjust the strength by the number of dunks in hot water, after you let it brew for four minutes! I like five dunks and my husband like the 15+ dunks! With 5% of the purchase price going back to coffee growers and producers, they can upgrade their facilities and pay higher wages. They can then upgrade their facilities and pay higher wages. We think its worth paying a little more to help out where we can. • 10,

La Borinqueña Box

https://chocolatecortes.com/producto/la-borinquena-box/ We were sent this magical box from Chocolate Cortés, filled with four big blocks of delectable hot chocolate, a mug, and some love! It is an awesome gift for anyone who loves authentic, flavorful chocolate - this is no ordinary chocolate, but amazingly rich chocolate that melts into delicious hot cocoa. Cortés supports the Fundación Cortés, a private nonprofit organization that, through art and humanities, seeks to promote the strengthening of the values of the people. • 10,

The Friendly Patch

https://thefriendlypatch.com This is pretty cool – a skin-friendly patch that delivers all your vitamins or a muchneeded boost of energy without another cup of coffee! Here’s how I reviewed it. I stopped taking my normal vitamins and used the patch for two weeks, used my regular routine for two weeks, then used up the remaining patches. I honestly felt the difference! I think the continuous flow of nutrients feeding through the skin is the key. The Boost patch lived up to its name, too! I just slapped them on when I needed to meet a deadline and I felt energized without the coffee-jitters. There are 28 in a bag and they are gentler than a bandage. Without any kind of philanthropic connection that I could find, we have to lower the score a bit. • 9.5,

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A.D.D. in Poetry, One Family’s Journey with Attention Deficit Disorder, is a collection of uplifting and meaningful poetry paired with delightful color illustrations, that will warm the hearts of its readers and will remind them that there is life after the ADD/ADHD diagnosis. To learn more click here.

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Easy Zero Waste Swap No.8

By Ran

Before I made liberal use of single use disposable cutlery.

Now I love having the bamboo utensils around. It’s convenient, especially when I dine and the dining place serves with single use disposable utensils. , Ran lives a zero-waste lifestyle in Japan, trying to produce as little trash as possible. We can all do something to make the world a little greener. Let’s exchange ideas between countries and make a global change together! IG: zerowaste.japan

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zodiac PREDICTIONS By M a n i s h

March • April • May 2022 Aries (21 March – 19 April) Investment opportunities will be favorable as long as you go it alone and don’t partake in joint ventures. New duties and plum assignments in job are likely in this period. Be cheerful, on time and keep sensitive information to yourself if coworkers around you have a history of jealousy or thunder stealing. You will expend more energy in March improving your status at work than enriching your love-life, which could temporarily be relegated to second place. Mars will be pushing you to open up the future and use your authority to impose your plans. Favorable Dates: March 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27 April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 May 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 26 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Red Taurus (20 April – 20 May) Your charm will have an effect on everyone and enable you to hit the right note, make an impression and score points. Advantages, a rise, promotion and welcome financial returns will be in sight and fortune will smile on you! There would be some wonderful opportunities to be seized. The stars will endow you with stronger charisma, which will be ideal for the progress of your social life. Listening to friends may not be the wisest thing when it comes to romantic matters. Follow your heart instead of allowing even well-meaning pals to direct you. Favorable Dates: March 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27 April 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26, 29 May 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 • Favorable Colors: Yellow & Red

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Gemini (21 May – 20 June) Stay away from those risky financial ventures that you find so tempting. Try to pick up valuable resource information to aid you in your business deals. Your financial situation will suffer if you try to expand your interests too quickly. Your tendency to exaggerate could get you into trouble. Take your time, be patient. Unexpected visitors will be a welcome sight. Romance holds excellent progress in April with long talks and upgrades to next level and commitments. Friends will extend invitations too and it may provide a holiday celebration with hot romantic connections. Favorable Dates: March 6, 9, 15, 18, 24 & 27 April 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20, 29 May 2, 7, 11, 16, 22, 27 • Favorable Colors: Yellow & Red Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You will know how to defend your gains and be in amazing form. Negotiations in high places will bear fruit and guarantee you some positive changes. With your exceptional life force and unshakable determination, you will be able to score points and turn things in your favor. You will be united by a strong sense of togetherness with the one you love and more generally with those around you, who are very important to you. You will have the necessary means and inspiration to calm tensions and strengthen your relationship. Favorable Dates: March 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 April 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 May 3, 7, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favorable Colors: Green & Red

Leo (23 July – 22 Aug) You will make an impression on hearts and minds and score points in all areas. Good news appears to be sprinkled throughout this period. Finance and power people are prone to giving you the nod bringing a note of warmth and natural sensuality to all emotions, plus a touch of possessiveness. Romance does supper well if you are willing to talk with tactful honesty and deal with deep emotions bravely. Doing something you really enjoy could lead to a chance to boost your cash reserves; just keep your eyes open for the opportunities. Favorable Dates: March 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 April 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26, 2 May 5, 8, 14, 18, 23, 28 • Favorable Colors: White & Blue Virgo (23 Aug – 22 Sept) The month of March could start with some inspired notions about exotic places and ideas of travel that haven’t been carefully worked out. However, these dreams could become a reality if you’re prepared to take time and care with your plans. Some creative thinking will help you get closer to achieving your ambitions. April will bring a whole new set of challenges, which will give you the energy to forge ahead and achieve a respectable degree of success. Getting the nod on loans, finances, territory expansion and investments is likely. Favorable Dates: March 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21, 30 May 1, 9, 14, 18, 23, 28 • Favorable Colors: Red & Green

Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He renders professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of ‘Jyotish Varahamihir’ and ‘Jyotish Aryabhatt.’ He writes monthly astrological columns for 40 international magazines. For personalised predictions, contact manish@manishastrologer.com

Libra (23 Sept – 22 Oct) There would be a welcome emphasis on trips and journeys, but you’re likely to find the financial arrangements quite stressful, unless you take the sensible approach and stash your cash away. Watch out for mis-communication with a family member in March and guard against being a little too idealistic when it comes to romance in April. Past efforts will be finally recognized. But don’t rest on your laurels, because this period hints at some spectacular breakthrough or development. An unexpected connection could heat things up in your romantic life. Get ready for an adventure. Favorable Dates: Mar 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 April 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22, 28 May 4, 8, 13, 19, 22, 25 • Favorable Colors: Yellow & Purple

Sagittarius (22 Nov -21 Dec) You enter a period of ambition, status and prestige, pressures and tests. Closed-door meetings, research, government links or quiet alliances could trigger opportunities in career, sales territory, real estate or family arenas. Love, romance, a creative venture or gamble could be your doorway to stable success. Early April will bring such a sweet social streak, easy conversation and flirtation. You’ll be deeply intrigued by one or more of the following: a sexual temptation, a romance turning deeply intimate, a speculative, inventive investment, or a pleasurable streak of secrecy. Favorable Dates: Mar 1, 2, 10, 11, 19 20 April 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23, 29 May 2, 5, 11, 19, 20, 23 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Purple

Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb) Mysteries, secrets, the depths of life concern you now. Your subconscious bursts to the surface. Intuition, hunches, dreams emerge. Sexual, financial, and nesting urges arise strongly. This influence usually will prod you to make a commitment and to welcome consequences. Work and career, business and prestige issues will soon resume their forward motion - but don’t start new projects in these areas until the end of March. Until then, continue to catch up on old tasks. Your energy and charisma rise mildly during mid-April, but you don’t quite escape drudgery or routine. Favorable Dates: March 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 April 6, 7, 15, 16, 24, 25 May 5, 11, 16, 21, 24, 28 Favorable Colors: Red & Blue

Scorpio (23 Oct – 21 Nov) The accent would be on work, health, machinery and dependents - slog away at a steady pace. You’ve been excited about a financial or sexual opportunity lately. You might make an investment, begin an intimate affair, or instigate a lifestyle change in the mid of March. After 23rd March, you’ll sink more deeply into yourself. You’ll contemplate new horizons and plan for the future. Your income looks great now but you might also go on a spending binge - practice restraint, or you’ll be worse off. New opportunities for travel open in April. Favorable Dates: March 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21, 29 May 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27 • Favorable Color: Red & Blue

Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan) You’re ready for new times, even a new world, in almost every relationship - marriage, business associations, dealings with your public, etc. This new luck cycle will bring beneficial changes to your personal involvements, commitments and loyalties, changes that in a deep, almost unconscious way, set off a period of transformation. This period brings great sexual luck pregnancy to hopeful couples, sensual opportunities to yearning singles, etc. Expect abundance of opportunities in finances, investments, health, lifestyle changes, occultism - and anything that might change your life in major ways. Favorable Dates: March 3, 5, 12, 14, 21 23 April 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 May 3, 6, 12, 19, 21, 25 Favorable Colors: Red & Blue

Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar) You’ll be feeling your spirits soar. If you’ve been listening to your heart and your conscience in previous months, some promising doors will be opening for you now. The worst action you can take is inaction, but if you’ve already laid your ground work this won’t be an option anyway. At work, this will all be self-explanatory, but at home it will be a little more complicated. You’ll feel like some situations are beyond your control, but roll with it and you might find that this period offers you some moments you’ll never forget. Favorable Dates: March 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 April 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20, 28 May 2, 7, 11, 18, 20, 25 • Favorable Colors: Red & White

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bUneke Magazine Issue 23

Articles inside

Finding My Voice

One Woman’s Mission

MoxieBox Hero

Foster Your Growth and Recovery

Darrell Troppy Artist and Philanthropist