A split second in a high school basketball in a small town during the late 1980s hides a deeper history (and future). Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com

In time for Emerald City Comicon, this essay recounts the first family Comicon in 2010 and a meeting with Stan Lee. Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com

[/audio] Chapters 18 and 19 (previous readings in Episode 11): “The winter was cold and long. It was dark when you went to school and dark when you got home.” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com

“The Cascade Mountains divide Washington and enforce peace between desert and forest, liberal and conservative, Cougar and Husky.” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“John drew in the bathroom air, humid air laced with deodorant and soap. It was filling, cleansing.” “Persona or: All Sanctuaries Smell Like Stockholm” was originally published by Santa Clara Review. Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“She / nested in / an attic intake vent,” “Last night, I auditioned / seven pillows to play / the part of you.” “Nesting” was originally published by Heron Tree. Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“Miriam rubbed her thumb against the frame as if it held magic.” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“Once upon a time there was a young girl named Elaina who lived with her family in a small town called Yakima.” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“When January comes / the publication date drives / the currency of words / toward anthology or oblivion” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.

“Preaching is not about the act of creating ex nihilo—’out of nothing.’ It’s more like shaping what already exists.” Theme music is “Holiday Gift” by Kai Engel, via Creative Commons. For artist information, see http://www.kai-engel.com.