Unintended Detours Into the Past
In Episode 33 of Flower in the River Podcast, I explore the changing seasons in Minnesota, from the scorching heat of summer, marked by wildfires, to the serene arrival of winter.
I take you through my creative process in crafting podcast artwork and continue discussing Chapter Six, “Sketching an Unlived Life.” This chapter centers on Zara who is tasked with unraveling her tragic family history. Throughout, I emphasize the intricate dynamics of family support and the significant roles played by friends and acquaintances.
Unintended Detour Time
In this segment of the podcast, I share a humorous incident where I unexpectedly found myself trapped in my old neighborhood, St. Anthony Park, because of good old Minnesota road construction. This unexpected detour led me down memory lane, allowing me to revisit the places of my past. I discuss the challenges and highlights of that period of my life and emphasize the significance of my chosen family of friends during that phase. For a fleeting moment, my mind jumped to one of my all-time favorite Twilight Zone episodes, "Walking Distance." I found myself half-expecting to get whisked back 20+ years, right to the time when I was a local in this very neighborhood. But nope, the universe had other plans—no time-space continuum adventures for me this time!
Shifting gears, I examine the intricacies of crafting podcast episode artwork, with a focus on the episode titled “Sketching an Unlived Life.” I include a poignant photo featuring my Aunt Martha’s handwriting, a detail that carries a double meaning.
I reflect on the guidance and subtle supernatural elements that have influenced my project, highlighting the importance of discerning relevance in storytelling. Last, I venture into the progression of the story, where the character Zara seeks her friend Elly’s assistance in overcoming the fear of moving forward.
Fun Fact Alert 🚨: That collage featuring the detour signs? It's got a personal Easter egg—snippets of the apartment I used to call home are hidden in there! Stumbled upon it on Zillow recently and, man, it's got a new coat of fancy! Back in my day, friends would walk in, scan the minimalist décor, and practically offer to start a GoFundMe for furniture. Ha! My lean setup sure had some folks on edge!
And another sidebar: I discuss the intriguing legend of Resurrection Mary, a renowned ghost story originating from Chicago. Resurrection Mary is described as a captivating young woman donning a white gown or party dress, often spotted hitchhiking along Archer Avenue or gracefully dancing at local dance halls. These encounters typically involve drivers offering her a ride, only for her to mysteriously vanish when they approach Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois—coincidentally, the same location as Bethania Cemetery.
Collage from “Unintended Detours into the Past” Ep. 33 of Flower in the River Podcast.
A Resurrection Mary Tribute Collage
