The Thrill of the Hunt

Crystal Bibbins

There are a million ways I could be spending my Saturday morning. I could be trying a new recipe, or finishing the Afghan I started crocheting last week. Heck, I could even be cleaning my room! A million ways to spend my Saturday morning, and literally all of them would be better than sitting at my desk with a blank slate of a mind. Instead, I glare at my computer screen, gripping the mouse tightly in my hand.

WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?

I cannot, for the LIFE of me, figure out a story to make. Writer’s block is bad enough when you’re just doing it for fun, but it is a complete pain when you have an assignment to finish.

There’s something about a crisp autumn night that just seems so peaceful. Normally, I would spend a night like this on my front porch, gazing at the stars with a hot drink in hand. But there was a poetry slam going on at my favorite coffee shop, and I’m even more of a sucker for poetry than I am for a starry sky.

That’s it. That’s all I have. Three sentences, and my creative well has run dry. I’ve never understood how creativity works, and perhaps I never will. It just doesn’t make sense to me how inspiration can be found anywhere, but sometimes it seems like looking into a void. Mankind has always been on the hunt for the ever-elusive muse, a beautiful, wispy spirit that brings life to the arts. Sometimes, they’re plentiful and can be found anywhere you look, but sometimes they can get pretty creative with their hiding places. I remember once taking inspiration from my closet because the doors were open in such a way that seemed to be shutting out the world while secretly inviting its company.

After a deep breath and a long stretch, I decide to get up and go on a hunt for this mischievous muse. It isn’t under the bed, lurking behind my pile of worn sneakers, nor is it streaming through my window and onto the carpet. I put on some music to try to lure it out before heading to the kitchen. Perhaps it’s hiding in the way the fruit bowl is perched ever so carefully in the center of the table. A few grapes are spilling off the side, so I grab them, savoring the juicy sweetness that bursts over my tongue when I bite down.

I need to do something else, this is boring, I think with a sigh. Maybe going outside will help things along. That seems like a good idea; what better place for inspiration than nature? Especially now, with all the leaves being painted bright yellows and rich shades of red. It’s not supposed to be too chilly today, so I grab a light jacket before heading out to my backyard.

“Ava! How are you?”

I turn my head towards the rather shrill voice and see my older neighbor, Kathy Thompson. Her dog, Bella, trots around her feet.

“Hi, Mrs. Thompson.” I go over and give her a warm hug, the scent of cinnamon apples wafting over

The Thrill of the Hunt

Crystal Bibbins

me. Her soft, light grey hair cushions my chin as she pulls me in closer. Bella wedges herself in between us, not wanting to be left out. I pick her up to give her some attention. She squirms with delight as my fingers comb through her dark fur.

“Aww, baby Bella,” I coo softly. “I know you miss me. I rarely get to see you guys anymore.”

“I’ll say,” Mrs. Thompson gripes. “College must be working you to the bone, huh? It’s been way too quiet at my place. A bit messy, too,” she admits sheepishly.

“I’d love to go back to helping around your house again, but unfortunately you’re right about college,” I say, setting down Bella. “In fact, I’m taking a break from a writing assignment right now.”

“Let me guess, writer’s block? Well, if there’s one thing I’d have to tell you–BELLA! BRING YOUR FUZZY BUTT BACK HERE!”

Bella must have spotted a squirrel, because she took off, heading straight towards the woods. We head after her, following the sounds of her frantic yapping. It isn’t long before Mrs. Thompson has to pause and catch her breath. “I am not about to blow my knee out again chasing after her,” she grumbles.

“It’s alright, Mrs. Thompson,” I reassure her. "You go ahead to the house, in case she comes back.”

“Okay, but she’s in a world of trouble when I see her again.”

I look around for a bit before moving forward, dead leaves and twigs crunching loudly under my feet.

“Bella! It’s time to come home now!” I call out. But I don’t even hear her barking anymore. I continue walking, making sure to check any suspicious leaf piles.

By the time I stop to take a break, the sun towers high overhead, and all I’ve managed to find are abandoned bird nests and a few puddles from yesterday’s rain. I decide to touch up my climbing skills and pick out a sturdy tree with branches lower to the ground. It’s not too long before I settle down in the crook of a branch. Looking up at the sun filtering through the fall leaves, the budding worry about Bella’s safety ebbs into a calm.

We’ll find her, I reassure myself. It’s only a matter of time. A soft breeze stirs the forest, quelling any remaining doubts and showering me with leaves. After lingering a few minutes longer, I climb back down, making sure to minimize scrapes from the rough bark.

A deep rumbling in my stomach disrupts the peace. I look around to search for something edible and notice rotted pecan shells surrounding the tree I had climbed. With a jump and a shimmy, I’m back up the tree and surprised by an abundance of ripe pecans. The shells are firm but can be crushed if placed in the crook of the branch and hit with the heel of my shoe. It’s not long before my belly is content and the rays of sun warm my face. A wave of drowsiness washes over me, so I climb back down.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Crystal Bibbins

A quick nap should be fine. I yawn and settle down against the trunk, a small pile of leaves providing some cushion. Just a few minutes, and then I’ll head back.

Well, things don’t always go as planned. A few minutes turn into an hour, which turn into a few, and, when I open my eyes, the sun is falling behind the trees. A good stretch loosens me up before I head back home. Hopefully, Mrs. Thompson isn’t too worried about me.

When I get back, she’s sitting on her back porch with a glass in her hand and Bella in her lap.

“Little heifer came back as soon as I went back inside,” she grumbled.

“Well, at least she’s safe.”

“Yep, safe and under house arrest.”

Bella looks up suddenly and licks Mrs. Thompson’s chin before lying back down.

“You know, she’s a good dog, overall; I guess I can’t be too mad at her.” She strokes Bella softly. “So, how was your little adventure? Bella wasn’t out there, but I’m sure you found something just as important.”

“I think I did, Mrs. Thompson,” I answer with a smile. With a hug and a warm goodnight, I go inside.

It doesn’t take very long to get settled in for the night, so I sit down at my laptop to see what happens. What starts off as hesitant taps on the keyboard turns into a flurry and, by the time I stop, there’s about three pages of double-spaced inspiration. A grin lights up my face as I hit submit, for the search is finally over.

At least for now...

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Nicholas Adams, Graphic Design (’20): “Emotional Blindness”: This piece represents the countless emotions one faces, and how those emotions can be overwhelming. Grace Arredondo, English (’21): As an English major and Psychology minor set to graduate this May, I am so excited and grateful to be included in this year’s Brown Lady publication. “The People on the Pedestals” is a simple, contemplative poem that reflects on the double-edged sword of success and fame by illuminating the irony in society’s incessant urges for every human to rise to the challenge of being extraordinary. The fine print of life reveals that those who acquire notoriety are doomed to spend the remainder of their lives avoiding mediocrity and mistakes, all while under the unforgiving scrutiny of others. This poem serves as a reminder that life’s fulfillment is not solely found in furthering one’s self and as a challenge to be more than a sad, disenchanted Sisyphus.

Crystal Bibbins, Integrative Studies (’22)

Kyra Cauthen, Graphic Design (’21): Kyra Cauthen is a third-year student who will graduate in December with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Fine Arts. Her artistic interests started at an early age, and she is most excited about art that tells a story. She’s focusing her current energies on subjects that speak to the viewer without words. In “Sight” (aka “Mother Nature”), we can feel the emotion and the inspiration that Kyra feels, and her piece leaves us wanting to hear more! In her second piece, Kyra takes a step outside her focus to reflect on the impact of the environment on her attitude. The calming, reflective attributes of open space help her focus. Kyra can’t wait to begin her professional career as a Graphic Designer. Michael Dylan Futrell, Psychology (’21): For “Screaming Faces,” I made it a message as to how medicine is very expensive and how jobs are faster to let those with mental problems go that could be helped via the medicine if it was not so expensive. The whole message of this story is that the main character could have been saved if anyone really cared about the medical system and how many people die due to lack of medicine due to the price. For “An Autistic Point of View,” I wrote this paper due to there being very little information about those sharing their journey with autism and how it really is and feels. I also wrote it as a farewell and thank you message to Chowan for all their help and understanding with my autism. Kayla Gates, English (’21): My name is Kayla Gates, and I am senior English major from Chesapeake, Virginia. I chose to write about justice because I wanted to dive deeper than just the denotation of this word. Justice is often used in court regarding lawfulness, but it is also referenced in times of inequality or lack of rightfulness, especially in the modern era. This inspired me to research the history and usage of the word thoroughly to really understand the true, deep meaning of the word justice. Otis Hunter, Jr., Creative Writing and Religion (’21): I am Otis Hunter, Jr., and my poetry name is Heavenly Redeemer. I am a Creative Writing and Religion double major from Baltimore, Maryland. Poetry has made a major impact on my life, and expressing truth to the masses is not only a privilege but a necessity. This is what God has intended for the rest of my life. “Why Do We Riot?”: This piece was created after the killing of George Floyd and the riots that followed afterwards. This piece was written from a perspective that rioting is a last resort for black people when peaceful protest is not an option. Although I do not condone rioting, when a message is needed to be heard and people refuse to hear it, rioting usually gets the job done. However, it just plays into the stereotypes of violent and animalistic behavior that we have been labeled by for centuries. “Universe”: “Universe” was a love piece about a close friend of mine from Chowan. I held a connection to her due to

her having similar circumstances as my other: being diagnosed as bipolar disorder. With both of us being plagued by mental illness, the title “Universe” represents what I saw her as while at the same time representing the space between us and the gap I had to fill for us to be together. Ginger Jordan, Creative Writing (Minor: Psychology) (’20): My name is Ginger Jordan. I was a Creative Writing major at Chowan University and graduated in December 2020. Before coming to Chowan, I spent seven years serving in the Marine Corps, which was a lot of work but also a lot of fun. I have twin daughters, who certainly keep me busy. I spend my free time immersed in the arts, often with my kids joining me. Since graduating, I have started grad school at Southern New Hampshire University, where I’m continuing my creative writing and professional writing studies. “Death, Chapter 1”: This work is an excerpt from a book I wrote. It’s the first book in a young adult series, and I’m hoping to one day see it on a bookshelf. I’ve always been a lover of books, the supernatural, and magic, so it only makes sense that my first book would have those elements. “Why Women Don’t Belong in the Marine Corps”: This short story is actually based on a true story I heard during Sergeant’s Course, a type of training for Sergeants in the Marine Corps. The man that told the story was another student, and he was an infantryman. He used to hate female Marines, but the event depicted in this story completely changed his view. I loved this story and how a single moment could transform a mindset that was molded over years or even a lifetime. “This is why women don’t belong in the Marine Corps” are words I’ve heard far too many times, so the title of this work is a play on that statement. “A Surprise of Color”: This work was a fun change for me. I draw a lot of portrait commissions, and they’re usually in black and white. I love color, but I don’t typically have time or customers who order them. This work was a departure from my realistic style, and I got to play around with color. It was made for my sister, whose only request was that it be colorful.

Glenn Jordan, Creative Writing (’22)

Skadi Kylander, Biology (’21): My name is Skadi Kylander, and I am a senior biology major minoring in chemistry (I expect my final semester at Chowan will be Fall 2021). “Summers with Golden Swamp Warblers” is a revised version of an article I submitted to the 2020 Alpha Chi National Scholarship competition, for which I was selected as a recipient of an Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship. Being involved in every facet of the work that has gone into the project discussed in this article, from building and installing the nest boxes to interacting with the birds, has given me some of my most enjoyable and incredible memories from my time at Chowan. Ryan Martin, Business (’21): My Major is Business with a concentration in Information Systems with a minor in History and Economics. I was in HIST 210: Introduction to Historical Investigation with Dr. Taylor, and we had to write a historical paper for the class. I wanted to challenge myself and, with heading over to the Holy Land a few months later, I thought it was perfect. Alyssia Parker, Studio Art (’21): My years at Chowan have been short, but this school and the people in it have really made a lasting impression that I will never forget. With the times we are facing, we have become even more aware of mental health and its effects on us. Furthermore, as an artist who has had troubles with mental health, I was strongly compelled to represent some of my personal struggles. I never realized how relieved and hurt I would feel after creating these, but it was a much needed therapy session. “Frustration and Consumption” and “X ” were both created at a time when I was still confused, overwhelmed with everything around me, and not knowing what my next step should be when it came to life. I thought that I was literally going to worry myself to death because I was always tired, bad migraines would occur, I felt like I was crying even after I stopped, and sometimes I just couldn’t handle my anxiety. I’m at a much better point this year, and I hope that others will continue to find the help they need in order to get through. My third art piece, “The Black Holocaust,” came about when I took my Drawing III course. We had to create a series of

artworks related to each other, and I came across the Eugenics movement. This art piece was a challenge, forcing me to be fully involved, which is something I desperately needed as an artist. The influences of the Eugenics movement were not limited to African American women, but they still were widely targeted by this cause. Being someone who extremely values her God-given right to procreate is why I decided to use this subject matter. At first glance, you might not get the message, but I am trying to depict a woman that is helpless, distant, scorned, and oppressed by something she is not fully aware of. The bruises on her body, her being restrained and violated by my personal rendition of the eugenics tree, and having this blotch of red over her face establishes that message. She is being victimized by an action that she is unaware of. Many women who were sterilized were either coerced or forced, not knowing that this happened to them. Doctors involved with this movement went as far as sterilizing women after giving birth to their first child or having it done in the midst of another operation, without telling them what happened. Just think about these women finding out years, even decades later, that their ability to create life had been violently snatched away from them. Destiny Vaughan, Graphic Design (’23): My name is Destiny Vaughan, and I am a Sophomore, majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Graphic Communications. “Serious” is a charcoal drawing of a statue that I drew during the fall semester in my freshman year at Chowan. This is one of my favorite pieces because of the reality and the details I incorporated throughout the drawing. This piece was an eye-opener that, whatever I set my mind to, I can do it!

See the Brown Lady online: www.chowan.edu/BrownLady